Basket Blocks

I received the nicest tote from Cathi of Shakerwood Quilts for winning the Christmas Quilt Along quiz.  I love the fabric, the card, and even the mailing label, which was printed in the charming look of Cathi's website.  Thank you, Cathi.  It's going to get much used, I assure you.

The Christmas Quilt Along is so neat.  Next month I'll be better prepared.  I've been thinking of gifts to put together, and if I want to buy Christmas fabric, now is the time as there is still some available at very good prices.  I know for sure I'll have a quilt because I'm making Cathi and Sue's design. 

Now my basket blocks.  I took a series of pictures as I was making my blocks because I was so organized I was proud of myself.  It must have been all of the talk about Eleanor Burns on the SewCalGal site, and my rereading one of her books.

I cut the strips.

I cut the squares.

I matched background squares with  flower squares.

I cut the squares diagonally to make half square triangles, which is how I make them. 

Keep cutting.

Take the hst's to the sewing machine

and sew, sew, sew.

Then on to the ironing board.

Square up.

Repeat the process with the basket fabric.

Start sewing the baskets together.

And keep ironing, as well.

By Friday night I had nine blocks done.  Doesn't sound like many?  Well, there is life away from the sewing machine.  It hit the high 50's Friday, so I sat on the back stairs with my tea to enjoy.  Good thing, because there's snow tonight.

I stepped away from it all Saturday and Sunday, (the newest Charles Todd book will do it), but I played with fabric to try to arrive at the block border color.

The carpet's dark blue. Should I use the carpet?

Not pink.

Soft green is too soft.

Tan.

A different blue. Better? 

A different green.  Better?

I don't know.  I'd like to put a narrow border on the basket blocks to make them stand out, and then use white sashing and the background fabric to give them an heirloom look.  I think I have to keep it soft.  I also thought about cross stitching a center panel of roses, but now I'm getting away from that idea.  Maybe pink isn't so bad.

And guess what!  Janet Wickell announced that the next scrappy block she gives us is...a basket block! 

God Bless You.