Saturday, March 2, 2013

My New Project for February -- Neutrals Challenge

According to the 2013 NewFo Challenge it's time to tell you about the new project I started in February.  I was hoping that before I started another new quilt I would be able to report at least one finish for this year, but that's not going to happen today.  I could give you all my excuses, um I mean reasons, but I don't want to sound like I might have had the February blues or anything!

The challenge for a retreat I'm going to in June is "Neutrals with a Kick" and since I need a baby quilt that month I decided to make a neutral baby quilt with stars.   








appliqued bright blue stars onto 6" neutral squares.  After I made eighteen of those I found out that this couple is not going to learn the gender of their baby, so I cut out eighteen bright pink stars for a second quilt.  

Here are some of the neutrals I pulled from my stash for the alternate blocks.







I want to point out the scissors in this photo.  They're cutwork scissors by Clover.  I especially like them for applique because they have finely serrated blades which grip the fabric,  keeping it from slipping and allowing you to cut cleanly. 







Having the right tools does make a big difference in the quality of one's work.


I am linking up to Barbara's Linky Party then I am going to look at everyone else's site to see what they started in February!



13 comments:

Gloria said...

Lovely shade of blue, and I LOVE the neutrals! (I have a strong "vanilla streak" in me!) These babies you quilt for have no idea how blessed they are! Thanks for sharing.

Marti said...

Great idea to make some pink stars too. That is going to be a pretty quilt either way. Did you do turned applique on it? I have never learned to do that, but it is on my to do list.

Sandy Panagos said...

Yes, I should have mentioned that I did do needle-turned appliqué on the stars. It's a tried and true method for me.

Anonymous said...

Those stars look great! For me, needle-turn applique is the only way to go, too. I don't think there's anything wrong with girls using blue. Especially that bright one. It's my second favorite color and I hate pink! =)

Anonymous said...

If someone gave me a hand made quilt,I would cherish it. Does not matter if it is pink or blue. I love your start on the quilt. Can not wait to see it finished. Found your blog on the FO Challenge list. XX Kathleen
https://kathysnest32.wordpress.com

Mimi said...

Are you supposed to be showing us your neutral with a kick quilt? ;D

Barbara said...

It's beautiful, Sandy. Anyone would love it. If you put pink and blue on both quilts you'll have two ready made quilts for two babies!

Cherie in St Louis said...

Hi Sandy! I can't agree more about how much nicer the quilting process goes when you have the right tools :) I love the serrated scissors I bought....no more "chasing" the fabric! The other tool I love is the point trimmer...especially for trimming the points off of bias binding because the ends line up perfectly.

Linda in Arkansas said...

Thanks for telling us about the tools - it nice to learn about new to me tools. Especially when they make things easier. Cute baby quilt, they will love it!

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

This is going to be a beautiful quilt....or maybe you should just go ahead and make a blue and a pink one!

Shirley J said...

Might have to look for those scissors in Paducah next month!

Mimi said...

tap tap tap,,,,,,

Lynette said...

Love your pretty stars. My applique scissors are getting quite dull, and I'm not sure it would cost less to send them for sharpening than to buy a new pair - so I'm glad you shared the ones you like. :)