#stopdropmakeablock

Good morning friends!  How is your week going? We're on the downhill slide now.  Today will go quick, midday I have to head over to SFO and pick up Bret from the airport.  He's been on a not-so-whirlwind business trip that has been nothing but delayed and cancelled flights, staying over midway to a secondary location without luggage.. you name it.  Today they're talking about snow.. hope he gets home. Still too early to tell.

 

Today's topic.. do you ever get in a slump?  Maybe slump isn't the right word,  I want to sew, I just don't know what I want to make.  I see tons of great projects on social media and they're all inspiring, but maybe it's too inspiring.  I'm at the project buffet and there's too many choices to decide. Yesterday I decided that I'd just stop worrying about a project and make a block.  I stopped what I was doing, went to my Around the Block book and picked a block I was interested in making.  (The link is to the 501 Rotary Cut Blocks as it's the compilation of all three of Judy's books.) For a long time I've wanted to make a Greek Cross block, a couple of years ago it was kind of a big deal  and a lot of people were making Greek Cross Quilts (see a ton of images here).  There are lots of options with this block, those corners are perfect for making a secondary pattern alone or with sashing.

 

I tried some pressing methods I  normally don't use, and I got a nice flat block.  I'm not saying I'm a total open seam convert, I'm too old school for that, but I'm not going to lie, it made a difference.  It did take longer than pressing to the dark side, which is my normal method, but enjoyment was part of my goal, and I have to say it was a great exercise. And with a simple block like this it was quick.  And from there I went on to cut out some other blocks that need stitching up for another project and it got me back on the move.

 

So.. in the end I thought it was a fun exercise.  What it reminded me of was those #stopdropselfie challenges people make on instagram, so I'm calling it my #stopdropmakeablock challenge, which is one heck of a long hashtag but a fun idea.  Or maybe it's a lame idea, at this point who knows.  But if you want to try it, make a block and tag me and use the #stopdropmakeablock hashtag.  It could be instagram or facebook, and if you don't have either but you want to share, email me a picture of your block and I'll post it for you! 

 

Ok, better get some more coffee and get busy! Have a super day!