How is it February already?! Between the birthday sale, moving offices and life in general I didn’t manage to get any sewing time until Sunday 2nd. I am sure y’all are familiar with that persistent “itch” when you neeed (not want, need) to get some sewing done. It took me throwing an adult tanty and storming off to the studio armed with tea and a podcast to get January knocked over.
I also completely underestimated how long it would take to join all the blocks together. Because of how I sectioned up my days, I had a handful of lose blocks that were dependent on the last week of January to be assembled. It did take me three hours, but I think waiting made overall assembly much easier. The bulk of the seams were straight lines, only one involved “going around the corner”.
Speaking of seams, I’m really happy with how much hand sewing is improving. Nowhere near perfect, but it’s not the awkward, chicken wing situation I had a month ago.
Things I am unhappy with?? Iron off marking pens. I keep forgetting to be careful and then they are gone. I’ve ordered a white chalk mechanical pencil… wish me luck. *** So, I was writing this blog in the car while waiting for my girls to finish up their activities.... seems that it published without the second half!!! So here is what I think I wrote, several hours ago*** Things to note. When designing the quilt I must have mirrored a block instead of rotating it, so it creates an "impossible block" that you can't make unless you flip your templates. I did discover this earlier in the project, but this time I remembered to flip my template and I am so happy I did. I love the extra pop of colour, especially when they are contrasting. After looking at Jenny and Shameaka's quilts I see they figured it out before me, only slightly embarrassing... I will be adding in a note about this for future patterns and letting people choose what works for them. It's also a tempting thought to flip a few of the HST as well, but I will play that one by ear.
Speaking of the other ladies, I am so thrilled that they sent through update photos for me! Jenny has celebrated two birthdays in her January blocks. They look amazing as full rectangles of colour scattered in there. Loving the pink solid and I cant wait to see the whole quilt emerge.
Shameaka has caught up on her Orbit as well, and it is looking specular! I love the bold print and vibrant colours in this version of Orbit. The pink / red / orange sections are perfection, I just love those colours so much.
Over at Cale & Ale HQ we had the one birthday, my Dad's. I've decided to make birthday blocks in only the smaller squares for this quilt. I selected a blue / fish print, with the help of my mum. All of my childhood memories of dad involve water; diving, snorkling, spear fishing, boats...
From here on out Orbit updates will be moving to monthly posts. Let's be honest no one really reads the blog, which is fine, I do it for the SEO's ;) But it will be easier to pester the others to send updates on the monthly, rather than weekly. Before I go I will leave you with a peak into the new office. It was the first time sewing in there, the light is AMAZING. Sadly my studio PC will take up a chunk of my gorgeous desk, which started it life off as a sail makers work bench. It still has the inch marks etched in on one edge!!! Thank you Facebook Marketplace (and being miles from anywhere which made it a bargain).
Clearly I am in desperate need of shelving. Cass xx
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