Plaid Progression

Close up of some of the Plaid quilt blocks. Really, it just needs pressing, it is not as wonky as it looks!!

All the nine patches and corner stones are made, and now I am just working on plaid sting blocks. Each block takes about seven minutes to make...pretty fast, huh?

I received the most wonderful birthday present! This is from Lyn at http://www.bluebirdquilts-lyn.blogspot.com/. I was so excited to see a package on the front step yesterday!!

Then all these lovely gifts. I sure am spoiled, don't you agree??

Lookeee! What a gorgeous quilt! Thank you Lyn, so much! I just love it!

OK, I don't know how to turn the picture...but please take a look at this lovely doll stand and doll dress. So very cute, and impeccably made.

And a wonderful antique drawer (Lyn, my scissors go in here), and a wonderful Chatelaine too. A needle case, thimble holder, scissors holder and pin cushion. It is just beautiful! Thank you so much, dear Lyn!!

And below is the post I started to write with no pictures...sorry so long today! Guess I am a long winded old gal.

Good morning to you!

I have been working on the plaid quilt I have been posting about recently, and here is my progress. I can truly say that this quilt is bringing me so much pleasure and fun. Most of these fabrics are cast-offs, fabrics that have been given to me at one time or another, or deemed too direction or otherwise not up to snuff for other projects. I am loving this! I have learned a thing or two:

1. The strips, since these are small blocks, need to be fairly narrow, to better match the gauge of the cornerstone nine patches. I tried bigger strips, and the blocks just do not look as good.
2. Smaller strips of the plaids focuses the attention on the color, rather than the pattern of the plaid, and don't stretch as much.
3. A few of my plaids are not really plaids, but just plaid printed fabric. I like the woven plaids, because they are reversible.
3. I looked up Highland Tartans, to see if any of the fabrics I was working with were authentic Scottish patterns. I learned that the fabric back in the old-time Scottish days was all wool, not cotton as I am using, and that each clan had their own pattern. There are several wonderful websites with information about authentic plaids if you just look up Scottish Tartan. Does your family have a plaid pattern? Would love to hear from Scots who actually have a pattern!
I know many of you know more about real plaids than this...care to share your expertise? I would love to know more.


Gratitude's:

Re-using these old shirt and given-to-me fabrics, recycling.
Anticipation of lunch out.
Plaid progress!


JulieK