Four Patch Variation Block Completed

I’m feeling a little sheepish about the blocks I just finished today for the church quilt block swap. They’re pretty simple! I perhaps should have done something more complex. I will try to think of a way to explain my sheepishness. I am not unhappy with the blocks I made, but I know I’m capable of more difficulty. On the other hand, I have to admit that I am not a fan of complexity in projects; I’d rather be successful, efficient and satisfied. I think these blocks fit the bill, but they’re a little on the too-simple side.

I’ll try explaining it another way. I got a bunch of new books from the library to learn a new technique while making these blocks. Yesterday’s blocks I would consider doing something new since I’d never done a Fence Rail or anything like it. But I already knew how to do all the components for today’s blocks. So, I feel like I failed myself by not taking the opportunity to learn. I stayed with what was comfortable instead of branching out.

But no matter what, what’s done is done and I am fresh out of blue fabric to try anything else. I created my own quandry by changing from the block I’d originally planned to construct. Working with what fabric I had purchased, the block you see in the picture is what I ended up making. Still… I think I could have achieved more. Lesson learned?

So… Now those blocks for the church swap are all done. I had committed to making two sets. The sets are all due on August 27th. I’m a little ahead because this time when the kids are gone turned out to be the perfect occasion for me to sew my sets of blocks.

I picked up the batting for the Friendship Star Quilt last week, so now I can finish that up. It is almost ready to assemble. First I have to swap out a star since Robin sent me a Friendship Star block. I used a couple of my own extras to fill up the top, so I’ll pull one of those out and put hers in. Then I can put the backing, lining and top together with the binding and either quilt or tie the top. One of the books I got from the library shows a neat, simple way to quilt the top of a Friendship Star quilt. I have only ever quilted table runners and wall hangings before though, so I am a little scared to try quilting a quilt of this scale.