Stash Busting: Throw Pillow, Improv Block, Potholder & Small Quilt

*First "Work in Progress":  "Friends" Throw Pillow

I used to embroider by hand much more than I do now. I find sewing/stitching by hand a relaxing, creative activity, giving me something to do while I'm doing something else. I came across an embroidered panel that I'd finished several years ago which included seed

beading. The red beads encircle the hearts and accent the tulips. I'm inspired to make use of it...finally! Invading my stash, I found two good print candidates to border the main panel and solid blue for corner accents. Then I found another fat quarter to use for the back with an all-over leaf print to continue the top theme of leaves. 

I pieced the top and decided that I could embellish the solid blue corners with machine embroidered hearts. I just have two more to do! I'm happy with the results.

*Second "Work in Progress": Cat Quilt? Throw? Wall hanging?

I have some novelty fabric of cats. I thought they'd look nice cut apart and set with machine embroidered cats I had stitched out using a variegated thread.

I needed another fabric to offset the 3 panels, so I auditioned the panels with some other fabrics from my stash and chose the red. I don't know who this will be for nor what it will end up being, but it's a creative process!

*Third "Work in Progress": Improv Block

Block is cut down to measure 9" x 9", per her request.

A member of my Modern Quilt Guild asked some participants if they'd make improv blocks for her. She provided some fabric scraps with some general suggestions...VERY general suggestions. I did some research and decided on the "Asterisk Block" on Moda Bake Shop. I added a small scrap (the yellow strip) from my stash with her fabrics. I like it and thought you might like to try it, too, or others shown on their site.

*Fourth "Work in Progress": Paper-Pieced Potholder

Another optional monthly activity our Modern Quilt Guild sponsors is a swap. Each swap features something different to make and exchange with others who choose to participate--we never know how many will actually do the swap until we're all at the monthly meeting. I haven't participated until this month, but last month they made small clutch bags, the previous month they made wrist pincushions, etc. The chairperson suggested we make potholders this month and try our hands at paper-piecing.

I've done paper-piecing and have some blocks that are still uncommitted to any project. I am using one of the paper-pieced house blocks and will finish it for next week's meeting:

The purples in my block match the spring bouquet
from a neighbor's and my yard :)

*Projects Finished: Quilt Label & 4th Mystery Quilt Star Block

I machine embroidered and sent this label off to my sister for her latest quilt for a healing friend:

I also added the bordering triangles to my (4) fourth star blocks for Eleanor Burn's Mystery Quilt.

It's been a productive week!!

Linking up with friends like you:

   AND