Monday, February 10, 2014

Quilting for Team USA

 

I love watching the Olympics on tv. It is fun to see the opening ceremonies and all the entertainment. But I find myself holding my breath for the athletes while they compete! They have worked so hard for so many years for that one moment, and I can't help but hope they are able to do their personal best. Maybe it's just the mother in me, but I do find myself really pulling for them.


I was so inspired while watching the Olympics this weekend that I started a new project. Red, white and blue of course! It all started with some half square triangles. First I cut lots of 3" strips.


Then I used my ruler to cut the triangles. I had already layered the colors facing each other.


I pre-trimmed the corners before I took the triangles to the machine.


It was so easy just to pick up the pairs of triangles and chain feed them into the machine. ( Maybe I should change the silver glitter nail polish to gold for the Olympics? )


No pinning necessary, I just keep a finger or scissor tip on the bottom corner to keep them from shifting.


These babies add up quickly!



Then the pressing is simple, lots of tv viewing and pressing simultaneously. And nothing to trim because that was done beforehand!


Then the play begins. I had seen this block in a book of antique blocks and wanted to give it a try. I knew if I made it entirely from half square triangles, there would be no need for set in seams.


It's a great way to use up some scraps too! Now I need to sew these little units together! Luckily, there is lots more Olympics viewing to be had. I wonder if I can finish the quilt before the closing ceremonies? I'm glad I not competing, I think I'll just take my time.

Go Team USA! (and all the athletes from every country!)

Enjoy every event!
Diane


10 comments:

  1. What a great patriotic project! I enjoy watching it all, too, and really like it when the athletes have a "best-ever" performance, no matter where they are from.

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    1. Thanks Joanne, it is fun to cheer for them isn't it? Enjoy watching the games!

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  2. LOVE these blocks! Great pattern and awesome fabrics. GO USA!!

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    1. Thanks, I'm having fun with it! Enjoy the games!

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  3. hooray for a team American olympic inspired quilt - wonderful!

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    1. HAHAHA, yes I am feeling inspired! Thank you. Enjoy the games!

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  4. Oh my goodness - two of my favorite quilt inspirations: red, white and blue AND stars! This looks wonderful!

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    1. Thank you so much! I am having fun with it. Have a great day!

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  5. Love it! Barbara Brackman has this block in her encyclopedia with the name Ice Crystals #3802--perfect for the Olympics!!

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    1. Thank you, that is so interesting...I'll have to go back and look to see what it's called in the book I found it in. I am having fun playing with all those hst units. Have a great day!

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