Has It Really Been 52 Weeks Since Jan. 2?

The scrappy 5-patch and snowball blocks are all sewn.  I have failed the 52 week challenge miserably, as I knew I would (and apparently others have too - right, Jeanne Kaye? :))  These blocks are a sew-along with A Needle Pulling Thread quilt shop in Digby, and the challenge was to sew one block a week for 52 weeks, using scraps from your stash.

The blocks went together quickly and easily, barely making a dent in the scraps.  I did have to purchase 3 Fat Quarters of cream as I didn't have enough 8" squares for the snowball centres. 

I drew up the design in EQ8 and decided that I wanted a 5-patch in each corner.  An 11 x 11 layout makes the top 82-1/2" square, before borders. That sounded like a good size. I laid out the blocks on the bed, spacing my darker creams and pure whites across the top. Then I picked up the blocks in rows and labelled each row.

We had a bit of snow overnight, so I took it outside this morning for a picture.  I wasn't terribly successful...as the sheet of clear plastic I use under my quilts stiffened up and buckled in the cold, refusing to lay flat.

 For once, the lumps and bumps under the quilt are not Polly (her feet got cold and she went inside.)

 Those lovely plain spaces are just begging for pretty quilting.  I keep seeing feathered wreaths. :).

I will set this quilt aside for a bit and decide what it needs for borders.  I've never made a square bed quilt before, and not sure I will like it.  I may end up making two more rows of blocks, and leaving a border off all together...although a plain border would look great quilted with a big, winding feather.   

 A traditional quilt needs feathers, right? :)

Ribbon Candy

The new Christmas design is zipping along like gangbusters. (What *is* a gangbuster?)  I took the pieced top down to dayle's and tried it out on a bunch of different reds.  Even though it's a bit fussier to work with a stripe in the border, this print from Benartex's Festive Holiday collection was perfect.  I trimmed each strip so the gold will run up the centre of the outer border (that's what I meant by fussy...)

 Then it was time to layer and baste the quilt.  It is by far not my favourite thing, especially with two kitty helpers.  They went outside for a run and the task was quickly completed.  The next step was to decide what to quilt.  There is sashing between each of the "presents" and I wanted it quilted down so the boxes would pop up.  I also wanted something appropriate to the quilt, and "ribbon candy" seemed perfect. I had never quilted this shape before, but certainly am familiar with the treat from my childhood Christmases.  Robertson's Candy, made in Truro, N.S., is a Maritime staple for Christmas treats:  barley candy, humbugs, chicken bones, satin mix and ribbon candy.  You can see that the shape of the ribbon is perfect for a long, narrow sashing. 

I didn't do too badly, although a phone call broke my rhythm and for a bit my candy was more figure 8's than ribbon. (I probably wouldn't last a day at Robertson's...) 

It certainly had the desired effect as the presents are popped up like pillows.  I will add some detail to the red ribbon next and then on the border.  Almost there!

Two testers have already reported in with positive results, so once I hear back from the others the pattern will be available for purchase.