Starting new projects

Since I’m stitching on the binding of the huge improv quilt (I’m going to have to come up with a good name for it!) it was time to get started on a couple of new projects!

First, I started some blocks for my mother’s quilt. 6 down, 29 more to go!

Beginnings of Mom's Quilt

I’m really enjoying making these blocks in my usual improv way, but using colors and tones I’m not prone to pick . It’s really fun to be both in my comfort zone and out of it at the same time. If that makes any sense at all…

Otherwise, I’ve officially fallen in love with spiderweb quilts. Ashley who’s in Block Party! with me asked us all to make her two blocks. Didn’t she pick amazing fabrics?!? Who doesn’t love red and aqua.

Block Party - February

After making them I was so taken with both the process and the look, that I knew I had to make a quilt of them for myself.  I actually took the time to sort through all of my scraps before starting.  This block is the perfect way to use up the tiniest bits of fabric!

Spiderwebs

It’s feeling a bit more chaotic than most of my quilts, but I just love it all the same. It takes me about an hour to make one block (I’ve only made four so far!) so this is going to be a long term project. And it’s destined to be a lap quilt I think…

I’ve been using this tutorial if any of you would care to start making some.  But look out!  It’s addictive.  Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

A little close up. I’ll never tire of fussy cutting Heather Ross fabrics.

Spiderwebs close up

Hope that you’ve all had a great weekend!

24 Responses to “Starting new projects”

  1. Stacy Says:

    Those spiderwebs are fantastic – I love them!! Great colors and overall look.

  2. Maranda Says:

    Lovely projects! I’m loving the spiderwebs.

  3. Darci Says:

    I love these spiderwebs and I am going to try them in the quilting bee that I am in, I am alittle nervous.

  4. Mags Says:

    Loving the spiderwebs. I guess it is time to make one. I’ve had the same tutorial bookmarked for months.

    The improv blocks look great!

  5. Adele Says:

    love it. this is my new scrap quilt project I think, (I’m sick to death of scrappy log cabins!)

  6. Amber Says:

    I can’t believe you finished quilting the Improv one already! Wow! And ok – I am in love with the spiderweb quilts and am going to have to make myself one…I love yours!
    Your mom’s quilt looks fantastic too!

  7. nicolette Says:

    Thanks for so much Monday-morning inspiration!
    Everything looks great!

  8. Janis Says:

    Thanks for the link to the spiderweb tutorial – what an interesting twist on string piecing. Yours look wonderful! And I am totally with you on your mom’s – those are not my colors either, but wow is it looking good!

  9. Jackie Says:

    I love your blocks, absolutely beautiful! I have been wanting to do a spiderweb myself! Hmmm…..

  10. Carrie Says:

    I like how your mom’s quilt is turning out. And the spiderwebs are great! I love making mine, too.

  11. Sarah Says:

    You don’t waste time, girlfriend. I made mine this weekend and they were SO fun! I loved the new (to me) technique!

  12. Wendy Says:

    I’ll never tire of fussy cutting Heather Ross fabrics either! I’m with ya!

  13. Ashley Says:

    Wow, you’ve been busy! Looks like you’ll have your own spiderweb quilt in no time! I love all of your scraps – it’s going to be a nice one!

  14. Trisha Says:

    Oh, that spiderweb quilt is great – I love the colors you’ve put together!

  15. jacquie Says:

    i started one too….i got hooked! i think i’m going to make a big one so it’s going to take awhile. loving yours!!

  16. katie Says:

    Yes, I looooooooooooov the spiderwebs quilt!! I’m starting one tonight I love it so much!

  17. Maria Says:

    Beautiful….you’re right I’m hooked now..got to go get some scrapes.

  18. Kristen Says:

    Alissa, they go quicker if you don’t cut the light fabric into “diamonds” and instead cut the background fabric the size of the whole triangle. Essentially, you use the background fabric as the “paper” for the paper piecing. Then, all you need to do is cut the triangles, and sew the strips to the side, and press as you go along. I hope this made sense. If not, e-mail me.

  19. Mal Says:

    The colors on that top quilt are just wonderful! Lucky recipient!

  20. Cathy Says:

    Nice work you got! Really amazing! You started to quilt not long ago but your work looked like you have been quilting for many years. Keep quilting I love to see your work on posts.

  21. amandajean Says:

    your mom’s quilt is looking great! and i so know what you mean about being in and out of your comfort zone at the same time. i’m trying to mentally gear up for making quilts for my in-laws that will totally be out of my normal colors. it should be a fun challenge.

    I LOVE the spiderweb blocks. i’m itching to get back to mine now. i’m thinking going for a king size. am i CRAZY or what? in reality i’ll probably just go for a twin size. how do you think that will be stippled???

  22. nettie Says:

    it’s going to be a beauty alissa!

    I also love your mom’s quilt. I actually like the colors, somewhat muted. Can’t wait to see it finished.

  23. Elizabeth Says:

    These are awesome! I’m working on some of my own too and, like Kristen said above, find that foundation piecing with fabric is working better for me than paper piecing. (I’m using muslin though, so I don’t have to use up quite so much of my linen.)

  24. katie Says:

    i just love this. these pictures have been giving me the push i need to try it. i have everything i need already. thanks for the inspiration!

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