It's been a happily productive start to the new year, for me. with the completion of two small quilts and the start of a new project...
first up, is my little scrappy houses quilt... it measures 5"x12"
and here it is hanging on a vintage doll clothes hanger, in my studio... i'm really happy with it!
Some months ago one of the members from the online SQ group that i belong to suggested (seeing we had so much with the monthly SQ challenges in 2012) why not make a 13th quilt of our own choice, in Jan 2013. We all agreed that it was a great idea, so that's the second quilt i've been having so much fun making, these past few days.
But, first...
have you heard of Moda Candy Squares?? they are similar to charm packs except they are much cuter.. they are sweet little 2 1/2" squares and come in packs of 42. i was given the French General 'Chateau Rouge' pack for my birthday (thanks, Jacquie)... i bought the other pack of Moda 'Everlastings' at L'ucello's.. aren't they yummy??!!
So, that got me thinking... i'd really like to use these little gems in my January quilt... and so i came up with the idea of making a thimble quilt.
First, i had to make a thimble template.. then, i cut the thimble shapes, all 81 of them.
here's the first three rows... they whipped up in no time.
three rows turned into nine...
and in no time nine rows turned into this cute little quilt top...
when i chose the backing fabric (a Lynette Anderson design) i had the idea that i would quilt along the wavy lines, which i've done previously on another small quilt. It's kinda weird quilting on the underside, but you quickly get the hang of it.
and just in case you're wondering what i mean.. here's a photo of it.
and here's my finished little thimble quilt which measure 5" x 10 3/4" ... i LOVE it!!
oh and btw it's been decided that we're going to continue with the monthly small quilt challenges in 2013... hey, i'm more than happy with that decision LOL!!
So, now i guess you're wondering what other 'new project' could i possibly be working on LOL??
Well... it's Pam Buda's 'pocket patchwork sew~along' a five week 'orphans & scraps' mystery project, which began last Friday. Each week Pam will include a clue along with the cutting & piecing instructions.
Week One is.. eight scrappy flying geese blocks.
which come together to form a block...
and look who decided to take a nap on top of the fabric scraps... luckily, i was quick enough to rescue the flying geese blocks from under him before he got too comfy LOL!!!
i hope you've all had a lovely few days leading into 2013 :)))

I love the little houses! You have the most wonderful color sense!
Happy New Year!
Louise
Posted by: Louise | January 07, 2013 at 04:53 AM
What great little quilts! I especially like the houses. I am on a small quilt journey, myself.
Posted by: Michelle Harrison | January 08, 2013 at 06:11 AM
Wow Marian you have been a busy girl!!! I love your idea about using wavy material for backings and quilting from the back!!! Your quilts look great! - more to add on the wall!
Posted by: Helen F | January 08, 2013 at 10:49 AM
Great little quilts! I'm doing the Orphans and Scraps sew along too. Just made my block today.
Posted by: Auntie Em | January 08, 2013 at 12:24 PM
What a great start to the year! Very cute houses.
Posted by: Jenny M | January 08, 2013 at 10:34 PM
Gorgeous, gorgeous quilts! I do love your work! That challenge looks like fun.
Posted by: Meredithe | January 09, 2013 at 10:03 PM