Saturday, May 27, 2017

Another Squirrel!

If you read my blog regularly, you'll know that I have been slowly, slowly working on a challenging (to me, anyway) improv quilt. I'm having fun with it, but this week a little squirrel kept jumping up for attention, and I couldn't resist it. It was time to take a break from the quilt and make something quick. I had some Moda Grunge and grunge-like fabrics left over from other projects and a block in my mind that wouldn't let me go: Blackford's Beauty. 

Here's what happened:

A little mug rug. I think it's about 6 1/2 inches square, but I forgot to measure it before popping it in the mail to a friend. (More about in a later post.) It was so satisfying to use these little scraps and another on the back:


After zipping around back and forth with my walking foot, I found that my tension wasn't perfect on the back, but I think it will be okay. I put little triangle hangers in the corners so it can be hung up, but I really picture it more with a glass of icy lemonade on it on a hot summer's day. 

I made this same block in giant size (I think about 36 or 40 inches square) years ago. I enjoyed the challenge, but it was dark and fussy cut with striped fabrics. I came across a photo of that quilt a few weeks ago while cleaning out a drawer. It was a happy surprise, as I didn't realize I had any photos of that quilt. But now I've misplaced the photo. How did that happen? If I find it again, I'll post it sometime. It's probably what prompted me to make this pattern as a mini. This one was much more relaxing to make, and a really good break from my current project. I'll go back to that project, but this weekend another squirrel has popped up, so...well, you know how it goes. 

I'm linking up today with Sandra at mmm! quilts for her DrEAMi linky party (I blame Sandra for getting me into this squirrelly quilting habit). And Crazy Mom Quilts, too, for Finish it up Friday, because it's tiny, but it's a finish and it was done by Friday.

Have a great weekend (holiday weekend if you're in the US), and watch out for squirrels! 


12 comments:

Kaja said...

Sometimes it's good to follow those squirrels! Enjoy your weekend too.

Gretchen Weaver said...

Very pretty happy little quilt. Your friend is going to enjoy the gift.

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

That is definitely bright and summery, a great quick gift for a friend! I love the backing fabric, too!

Claire said...

Following squirrels is great fun and that is a great finish!

Karen said...

What a delightful mini! So glad that squirrel interrupted you so you could move to making this :) (Aren't they the cutest--when they're not eating up all the birdseed?)

Linda said...

"Squirrel" is the perfect word for what happens! :) I love your colors on this. It really is pretty. Lol on misplacing the photo of your quilt. I relate - ha!

Preeti said...

Mini Quilt Major Loveliness!!!

The Joyful Quilter said...

Mug rug or Mini quilt? Either way, it is certain to be appreciated!!

Sandra Walker said...

Oh Janine this post was a much-needed for today SMILE! It's beautiful and a block I have loved (but don't think I have ever made it hmmmm..). Those colours are gorgeous and yes it is so spring-like and sure to be a hit with the recipient! Thank you for linking up your confessions, er divergences, as they are just so wonderful!

KaHolly said...

Too cute! I had a squirrel moment yesterday. It's so good to take a break from a big project to make something small from start to finish. It's nourishing! Especially when you surprise a friend with a little gift in the mail! XO

Vicki in MN said...

I love your cute colorful mug rug, it's so fun to surprise some unsuspecting friend isn't it!

Preeti said...

Love those juicy colors and the cool pattern...must be summer :-)