Tradition!

This month has been a very traditional month. I wanted to make the above quilt as a giveaway. It is a variation on Kansas Dugout. There are four linked octogons making up the block instead of contunous interlocking octogons. Made this much easier to peice by changing the center square into quarters so there were no insets to sew. However, there lots of little triangles instead. But straight seaming is still easier and I was able to use lots of white and black fabrics. It is just fun sometimes to sit with a pile of cut out pieces and just assemble the blocks. I used lots of colorful scraps which are starting to dance about the quilt.

These were started in a moment of total insanity. I saw an antique quilt made of scrap carpenter's wheel. Since tradition was calling, I started making these. I don't know when I will stop, but the original had 20 blocks. Will be crazy for that long. Don't know, but for now they look very sweet to me. I did find out why rational people shy away from these old blocks. Lots of set in seams and bias edges.

This is more like it I have started to put these together. It is pushed aside a bit to finish the giveaway quilt top, but it won't sit for long. I have an idea of how I want to continue this when I have the blocks done, but have to wait till they are finished to commit to anything. I do like taking blocks traditional or otherwise and playing with sets and borders.