Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head....

...At least they were until I got myself an umbrella!

Yes, it's another paper pieced block. Yesterday I found some raindrop fabric on clearance, and today it is raining buckets, so it's clear I needed to make this block today. I've used Kristy's umbrella block and some of my Delighted scraps. The umbrella pattern comes with 3 variations. I decided on the one with points, and boy, were those some tiny pieces! I think next time I'll try the non-pointy umbrella tips.

In other news, I finally gave making hexagon blocks a try. I actually did this about 2 weeks ago when it was way too hot to stay out in the no air conditioning sewing area. I retreated to my cool bedroom and gave hexis a shot. I'm not sure if I've quite got the hang of it, but they didn't turn out too bad.

If you're wondering why I used that bright aqua colored thread, its' because I thought this would be a great way to use up some of the vintage threads I had found. I know the basting will come out, but I didn't figure that my connecting stitches would show. I will have to rethink the use of that thread when I make some more of these.

Tweet Tweet Paper Pieced Birdie

Way back when I first started quilting I tried my hand a few paper pieced blocks. They were all Christmas themed and I had hopes of turning them into a quilt. Well, that never happened. I still have them around, not too far from my reach.

In the meantime, Kristy of Quiet Play has been trying her hand at making some sweet paper pieced blocks. A little while ago she posted a really darling bird that she had made from her own pattern and I was immediately smitten.

My interest in paper piecing has been rekindled, and Kristy was kind enough to gift me with the bird pattern.
So, today I brushed up on the basics of what to do, and I made my own sweet little bird from Kristy's pattern. It didn't turn out perfectly, but that was me, not cutting my fabric pieces correctly. I'm sure I'll do better next time!

I was lucky to have found this tree bark pattern (Heidi Grace) earlier this month and now it has come in handy as the branch for my little birdie to sit upon. It was a bit slow going for me, but it did all start to come back to me after awhile. Now I'm hoping to get her other patterns and use them for a quilt idea I have...

Thanks again, Kristy!

Meljens Challenge #18 a Sketch

I've taken a break from Christmas cards to make this Sweets card for Meljens Challenge #18. This was a freebie from Meljen some time ago and I'm not sure if these are cupcakes or ice creams, either way they are cute and sweet!

For this card I did not do any coloring. I decided to to paper piece all the treats and then pop them up with foam dots. The printed papers are from the same pack of $1 papers I found at Target. I've just about used these all up, yay! The glittery blue paper is DCWV and the border punched strips are Core'dinations. The sentiment, which I'm not quite happy with, is Studio G. Buttons, heart pearls and twine from stash.