Hot As A Firecracker!

Happy Fourth of July, everyone!

We've got a projected high of 90 on the mountain today...and we usually push the "projected" forecast by a degree or two so buckle up for a hot one, baby!

It was even hotter yesterday - the thermometer in my car read 96 though I'm not sure how accurate that read is from a parked car.

At any rate - it's a good weekend to only celebrate when temps come down in the evening.

During the daytime you'll find me in the cool of the studio sewing up Romanian flag colors looking remarkably like fireworks!

These four were made yesterday -

The pile on the left is what were made previously.  I even took some time to print some more foundations.

Why am I paper piecing these? IT's just an Ohio star block with fancy corners, isn't it?

Yes...but those fancy corners have really skinny strips and the only way to get THEM right is to paper piece the corners.  And if I have to paper piece those...I may as well....

I haven't forgotten about the block that started this whole project, either.

These are also pretty straight forward -

But I am also paper piecing these because those sashing strips are REALLY skinny, and I love the accuracy paper piecing is giving me.

I've found for myself - the more rounds around a square in a square block, the more opportunity for it to go really REALLY wonky.

The older I get...I'm still dealing with macular issues...the more paper piecing appeals to me because I can see to sew on a line.

Simple strip piecing things like four-patches, nine-patches etc I can do just fine.

But that line on the paper is my comfort zone.

And this.

All of those skinny sashings for both blocks are coming out of this neutral strings bin.  No fat-quarters have been harmed in the search for the "right" neutral for each block.

There will be some more working on these today - our Fourth of July plans don't come into play until this evening when we will be attending a BBQ/Cookout and fireworks put on my our favorite auto mechanic at his place.

Yes, it will be hot.  But there will be ice cold beverages, good food, good company and the fun only a homegrown fourth can bring.

Celebrating small in a BIG BIG way.

Did you see that we released this years Leader & Ender challenge yesterday?

It's called Tulip Swirl.  I've also linked it under the Free Patterns tab.  Everything on that tab is ALPHABETICAL so you'll have to scroll past everything to get to T to find it.

I received inspiration photos by email and on Facebook shares with me yesterday including this one by Victoria Brown!

She took my Scrap Crystals block from MORE Adventures With Leaders & Enders and made hers in a cascading rainbow without sashings.  How WONDERFUL!

Xenia shared with me a couple of baby quilts she's made with this unit - great minds think alike when playing with possibilities!

So bright and fun and great for ends of Jelly Roll strips!

Another in more muted colors.

She's now playing with this one with sashings!

Truly, the ideas for this little common unit are endless.  This unit shows up in so many of our traditional blocks.

I know you will have some fun weeding out some scraps over the next year (Remember, Leader & Ender projects go for the whole YEAR. It's not a race.  There is no prize if you finish 2 weeks from now.) and I can't wait to see where your own ideas take you with this one.

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.”
– Ronald Reagan⁣

Happy fourth - enjoy your day, wherever you are and however you spend it.

Freedom is never a done deal.  It has to be continually fought for and extended to everyone around us.

Until all of us are treated equally, none of us are free.

Lots to think about this weekend.

I'll catch you Monday -