Problem Solved

I could not figure out how to cut down the Vintage Valentine blocks and have the design remain in the center. My friend Dotti suggested that I have a piece of acrylic cut to the size I needed but frankly all my local shop wanted a small fortune to do it.


I already have a square ruler that measures 16 1/2 x 16 1/2. What I bought it for I have not idea as I don't usually make blocks that big, but would work for this project. I taped off 2 sides making the ruler 15 inches square, the required cut size for the blocks and marked the center of 15 inches with some itty bitty dots that I have. Voila! Problem solved. Cut two sides, turn and cut the other two sides.

Vintage Valentines Block Three

After a considerable amount of debate (with myself) I decided to finish the block using the machine applique method. The block is now half hand and half machine applique but I don't think it looks all that bad. Besides, it will sit on my bed and the only people who will ever see it will be me and my husband.

New in the shop

Taking a break from the Vintage Valentines and making some new postcards. All my postcards are in the shop.

Vintage Valentine Central Block

It took a few days, but the central block is finished. It will measure 27 1/2" square when trimmed down and it has 104 pieces. I am happy with the results.

I still have a way to go before it ends up on my bed. I have got to make a decision on how to finish block three. All the blocks need to be trimmed down and I haven't figured out how to do that yet. They need to be sewn together. The borders are striped fabrics and the photo shows the stripes going lengthwise. The stripes on the fabric go from cut end to cut end and I cannot figure out how I'm going to get the stripes to go in the direction I want them to.
Then there is the question of finding a long arm quilter who will do the job.
So many decisions.

Postcards for Christmas

I've been working steadily on my Vintage Valentines for the past week or so. The last block is a central medallion and has over 100 pieces. I needed a break (and some instant gratification) so I made a new postcard for the shop. Sunbonnet Sue gets dressed for Christmas.

Vintage Valentine Block Twelve

I kind of like this one a bunch, because it has a whole lot of hearts.

No, it's not over yet, there is still the large central medallion to complete. It is much larger than the other blocks and has a lot more pieces. Stay tuned.

Vintage Valentine Block Eleven

You would think I was close to the end, but there is still a long way to go.

Vintage Valentines Block Ten

Although block 10 only has 38 pieces, I am not that crazy about it. For one thing, it doesn't have any lovebirds. My second objection is some of the color choices. The flower centers are so close in color that you can't see the little center. The ribbons are a pale tan while the flowers are pale pink. It is hard to tell them apart, even in sunlight. There is also one minor error that I made, but you'll never find it so forget I mentioned it.

Vintage Valentine Block Nine

This one was a lot easier than some of the previous ones, plus it only has 47 pieces.