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Saturday, July 11, 2026

Creative time this week adding to new blocks, finishing a flimsy, and finishing a needlebook

 

I've been working on two quilts this week. My watercolor summer piece which is now bordered and ready to quilt, and my new block, goody goody gumdrops which is addictive and a fun way to use scraps

While I've been going through my scraps for components for that block, I've been pulling out pieces that are square or able to be turned into small squares for my growing collection

usually I keep scraps by color no matter size or shape,

this is the aqua scrap bin plus yardage from my stash
but I decided it could be really useful to keep 2.5"   3"   3.5"  squares together by size and I have kept 2" squares together to make water color quilts for years. 

I decided to put larger watercolor style fabrics around for a border without a spacer...

and in the quilting I'll couch down a satin cream piping between center and border... 
It's so pretty and delicate! How will I quilt it? 

bunny butterfly  fairy

big flower, birdhouses 

I am loving it ! I think a soft backing of nature print  maybe concentric lines?  sweeping long lines? 


for now my obsession with the GGG  blocks continues. 
It's amazing how many pretty scraps I'm finding. I do not start with 5" squares like the pattern. 

I start with a piece at least 2.5" from which I cut a 5" piece, and two 1.5 X 2.5" pieces, for the outside

and use one of my newly cut 2.5" squares for the centers of the blocks. 
right now I'm focusing on Aqua/turquoise,  pink, blue, lime as colors to pull from for this.. 
it's hard to leave off in the evenings, "JUST ONE MORE"  my snoopervisor has fallen asleep despite the thunderstorm going on outside
When I left last night I had 89 blocks done,, and two more cut and waiting to start again the next day


I betcha I will rearrange them before sewing together! Aren't they a bright happy set of colors? 

I finished hand stitching my needlebook from last week, and machine sewed it into a usable form
those are mermaid arms from one of my "sea" quilts, and I thought to bead it but... it's good 
the insides all scraps!
no painting except for painting videos. 
Creativity used in baking and cooking this week. I'll leave you with one of our pretty skies

it's about 100F here in the sun...too hot for me! On one slightly cooler morning we made fresh cherry scones... so good. And a ruby red watermelon was summer delish but didn't last cut up in the fridge this time... we are enjoying fruit this summer
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16 comments:

  1. Tigger's MumJuly 11, 2026 at 2:17 PM

    GGG blocks are delightful. I understand why the 'just one more' kicks in. Have you tried gazpacho my Spanish friend puts watermelon in her (otherwise) traditional gazpacho. It's ideal for hot weather.

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  2. DVArtistJuly 11, 2026 at 6:30 PM

    Wow! So many beautiful colors.

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  3. KateJuly 12, 2026 at 7:37 AM

    Your water color quilt turned out beautifully. It reminds me of a watercolor painting, very delicate.

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  4. MarieJuly 12, 2026 at 9:26 AM

    Those GGG blocks look like lots of fun!

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  5. DukeJuly 13, 2026 at 2:33 AM

    Your color choice is always spot on and sky is gorgeous and we agree - there is nothing like cold watermelon out of the frig to make you smile!

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  6. SaraJuly 13, 2026 at 5:22 AM

    I totally understand how addictive those GGG blocks are. So cute, and of course I love the color you are working with. Did that thunderstorm bring a decent rain? Much needed I'm sure.

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  7. NannJuly 13, 2026 at 8:38 AM

    Oh, yes —GGG is a terrific unit, esp. in batiks.

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  8. The Joyful QuilterJuly 14, 2026 at 6:20 AM

    Your GGG blocks are SEW gorgeous, LeeAnna, and that needle book turned out super sweet!

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  9. KathleenJuly 14, 2026 at 1:39 PM

    The quilts are looking so great, and I love seeing your sky. Agree 100 is just.too.hot.

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  10. Jennifer Fulton Inquiring QuilterJuly 15, 2026 at 8:18 AM

    Love those GGG blocks! So pretty and scrappy. Exciting that your watercolor is coming along. So beautiful! Thanks for sharing on my weekly show and tell, Wednesday Wait Loss.
    https://www.inquiringquilter.com/questions/2026/07/15/wednesday-wait-loss-493

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  11. Gillena CoxJuly 17, 2026 at 7:58 AM

    Your patch fabrics are gorgeous
    Happy Friday. Thank you for linking to AFFF

    Much love

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  12. Gwyned TrefethenJuly 17, 2026 at 11:45 AM

    Nothing like stopping when there is still more to do. It helps jump start the next studio session. Love how your watercolor quilt looks like a garden in the rain.

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  13. ChristineJuly 17, 2026 at 5:56 PM

    Nice work

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  14. SnowcatcherJuly 17, 2026 at 6:29 PM

    Everything I've seen you do is addictive for me because you are so good with color!

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  15. sonjaJuly 18, 2026 at 6:38 PM

    your cool colors are yummy and help with abating the summer heat!
    Sky watching is a great way to start and end a day, especially when mountains are involved.

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  16. Frédérique - Quilting Patchwork AppliquéJuly 19, 2026 at 4:31 AM

    I love your goody goody gumdrops blocks! Colorful and happy, your design wall looks great. Pretty watercolor top too, the idea of adding a satin cream piping looks fabulous! Thank you for sharing your creative week and linking up.

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