Stay At Home Robin - Step #5

This is my "Stay At Home Robin" project after step #5, which I added across the top. This addition doesn't have any circles on it, since my temper tantrum from using the Cut-A-round ruler last weekend resulted in the decision to be "circle free" for this step! I did not intend for the black fabric to be emerging from the half circle in the middle, but I kind of like how that turned out. It's a very weird looking thing, but I must say that I am enjoying how different the process is from the way I make most quilt projects. The next step will be 2 blocks added to the left side, but I must put this project in it's box until 2011, because Christmas preparations are underway. 

 I have one more project to update tomorrow and then Santa will be in full production in her quilty workshop making Christmas gifts. And here is Santa's little elf...she is beyond adorable!

Stay At Home Robin - Step #4

I don't like to be behind in any of the projects I have on the go, but sometimes it happens.  I have fallen a bit behind in my Stay At Home Robin. In September I had finished step #3 and step #6 has just been posted...yikes! So I got the project box off the shelf last night and spent some time in circle land.
Here it is after step #4 was added on the right side. To see the other robins after step #4 - click here.
I have an idea for the next step, so might be able to post that one fairly quickly...Let's see how easily the idea converts to fabric!

Stay At Home Robin - Step #3

I needed a little break from strip piecing bazillions of blocks, and got out my Stay At Home Robin project.  To read about my fabric and theme choices, and to see my first two steps - click here.

I decided to try another circle construction method recommended to me by Michelle. To see the tutorial website she sent me - click here.
I prepared a few pieces of fusible interfacing and decided to try some half circle shapes...from where do these weird ideas come?
Anyway, here is my SAHR with step #3 added.  I am enjoying the process of following any ideas that pop into my mind and not worrying about the end result.  After I finish constructing the step and add it on to the previous parts, I step back, look at the whole, and say "what the....?????" LOL

SAHR

I am so excited that I didn't get called into work today and could work on my Stay At Home Robin!
You can read about the project here and see my first block here. I enjoyed trying a new (to me) tool to make some circles to play with for step #2 and you can read about that here.

The next step was to add a 4 x 6 block to the left of the starter block. I added a B & W background block which I pieced from 2 scraps and then I had fun with the circles.

Now where are my tiny applique pins?!?

They couldn't be found,  so I struggled along with the stitching with the thread getting caught on the pins. But I really enjoyed the hand work and the edges were lovely to applique using this technique.

Here is my step #2 block. The larger circles I had made didn't want to be on this block, so I am saving them for another step.
Thanks again to the wonderful comments (left on my step #1 post) by blog readers, which gave me some great ideas for other methods of constructing circles which I plan to use in the up coming steps...I just love blogland!

And here is my project so far...

If you want to see the other participant's projects, click here.

2 Challenges

Pat Sloan recently issued 2 fun challenges...one was to post a photo of your scissors. Click here to see all the fabulous scissor photos. I put my scissors photo on my blog header. I don't have a lot of scissors compared to some of the other photographs posted, but each pair has it's own special purpose. Why not join the fun and add your photo...you could win a great prize!
And the second challenge was to try something new. Today I tried 2 new things...the first was a drink served by one of members of the "Sew 'n Sews" at today's quilting bee, during which we accomplished very little because it was too hot!  This drink is called "Pimm's" and it was a very refreshing summer time drink. Looking back on the day, perhaps it wasn't the heat at all...perhaps if we had consumed less Pimms, more sewing might have been done! LOL

The second new thing I did was to try making more circles, this time using Karen Kay Buckley's "Perfect Circles" product.  ("Circles" is the theme of my SAHR - click here to read about my  beginning block...happily my blog readers left me some comments with ideas for new methods of making circles...I plan to try as many of these as I can.)

Anyway,  this "Perfect Circles" product consists of heat resistant plastic washers. You cut a circle of fabric, stitch around the seam allowance as if you're making a yo-yo, and pull the thread tight.
Then you paint some starch around the edges, heat press and remove the washer...ta da...perfect little circles.
Now what am I going to do with these cute little circles?
I don't know yet, but they are waiting in an envelope until I have a chance to work on my second SAHR block. It is fun to try new things!

Stay At Home Robin

The wonderful world of quilt blogs can be a dangerous place sometimes. It's like a mine field of creative diversions...so many inspirations and never enough time to see everything or make everything that you truly love. Sometimes I am able to stay strong and resist jumping into a fun project with other quilt bloggers. I could make a long list of the projects and quilt-a-longs I have resisted and have watched enthusiastically while other quilters are having all the fun... I tell myself I must be content with vicariously enjoying these projects until my cupboards, drawers, cabinets and cupboards are empty of UFO's.
But not this time! This idea wouldn't leave me alone and it doesn't require much  time each month...and so I begin a new project - the "Stay At Home Robin" hosted by Kate. You can read all the details about the project on this blog post.
I had two ideas for starting themes, but I decided to go with these fabrics (sunny batik FQ's with black & white charm squares) and I'm going to make circle blocks.
I might call it "Sunny Sircles"!
I have been collecting circle making ideas and tools for a while so this will be my chance to start playing with them.  Here is the  "Cut-a-Round" ruler that I wanted to use to make my first block.
It was a disaster.

I was fighting with the fabrics and swearing and grunting...it was not a pretty sight!
A quilter at her worst!
Just look at this wavy thing that has been pressed and steamed and yelled at...it's pathetic!

So I tried again and again...this ruler was not going to get the better of me! I checked for any online resources...couldn't find anything that was helpful.
I finally got a block to come out fairly flat.
There it is...my starting block for the SAHR!
I think I might call it "Stupid Sircles"!