QOV

I'm working on a Quilts of Valor  that Marjorie is hosting, and am making progress. There's a "GO" challenge but I'm just doing a quilt.

 Found this quick design "Crazy Nine Patch" .... love it because it's a quick, strip piecing type project.
My PFAFF was smoking through the 12 blocks.

 Each block finished at 19 inches..... I know that's a weird measurement but remember who you are dealing with...... LOL

Block sewn together.... looking pretty good to me

For some reason I decided to do piano keys... OMG, it's taking longer to make those than the whole quilt.... LOL
Please note: I used only fabrics from my stash!!

Just In Time for the 4th Part 4

Above, we have several options for backgrounds.  Some work well, other.....the eagle gets lost or the background is too busy.  The variegated background is one of my favorites, so that's a possibility.  The night sky fabric is also a great background.  It pays to audition several fabrics and if you still can't choose, leave the project up on your design wall for a couple of days to think about it.  And, of course, you can always ask your blogging friends for advice.  They often have a wealth of knowledge with a long distance viewpoint.

I decided to go with a patriotic theme.  I chose several shades of reds and tone-on-tones and a wonderful blue starry fabric.  I cut strips of the chosen fabrics into varied widths just to make things interesting, then sewed them together.  Using our great "flag" as a guide for the correct stripes, I then added the starry corner.

Now to add the eagles......perfect. 

But now I'm thinking about just using one eagle!

That's the ticket. 

News Flash!!!!!!!

Once you decide on your arrangement, iron the eagle into position.  You are almost home.

At this point, you could decide whether or not to stitch your design down.  Since this is a wall hanging and will not be used on a bed, you could choose not to stitch around your eagle.  The adhesive is very strong and can hold up to hand washing and the drip dry method.

Marine Corps Emblem

I have really enjoyed making these emblems and especially this one because I love the fabrics that I chose. I have yet to stitch any of the emblems...........waiting for a "wacky" retreat before that happens. Nor have we exchanged blocks............life got in the way.

To put the quilt that I have in mind together, I'll probably have to rely on an EQ6 design idea. Better get my manual out......LOL

The Navy

This emblem is, so far, the hardest. Those little letters measuring 3/4" tall nearly did me in. I traced and cut those babies out in two sittings. I still need to add 2 flags and then need to find a background and do the outlining on the ship's sails. (The shiny background that you see is a wonderful pressing sheet I use when working with Steam-a-Seam) I am not complaining because this has been a great learning experience as well as exercise for my fingers.

Army Emblem

The next block in my patriotic quilt is the Army emblem. I use a light box and of course, Steam-a-Seam adhesive. Notice my picture is turned face down on the light box so that I can trace the letters from that side, along with the eagle and other symbols. After choosing the fabric for the center circle, I cut and glued them in place using an adhesive ironing mat so that only the things I want will stick. It is easy to manipulate the pieces when they are in sections. Using the light box under the black fabric is a great aid in the placement of the letters and stars. And this is the outcome. This emblem is alittle pale so I used a touch of gray to give it some depth. This block took about 4 hours from start to finish. (12 1/2" X 12 1/2")

Air Force

I am so proud of this block. It's the insignia for the Air Force. It's a little on the folkart side but I really like it. This is going in my patriotic challenge quilt that the "wackies" are doing this year. Hopefully, I'm make the other 3 insignias as quickly as this one got done.

I used Steam-a-Seam, which I live by for keeping things in place. I'll be stitching the pieces down at our next retreat.

(12 1/2" X 12 1/2")

Now, I'm Happy

I made the "spinning star" blocks after I decided that I did not like the way the first blocks turned out. There was just something about the boxiness of my first try. As you all may know, the "wackies" are making Patriotic quilts for 2009. We each chose a block and are to make 8 per person to exchange sometime in February. I'll be giving 2 per person because I like the "spinning star" block better. So, now I'm happy.

Deer Season Sew-In #4

This eagle is part of my patriotic quilt. If you remember, I have already made 1 block which I posted as Uncle Sam months ago. I know I've been lax in making blocks. I have no excuse. I stitched around the edges a scant 1/16". The block measures 32 1/2" X 17". I'm sure that I will eventually put some sort of border around it. Well, I'm off to bed.