20 blocks to go .........

As many of you will know, I am attempting to complete the Splendid Sampler.  Every Thursday and Sunday a new block is released - from designers across the world and using a range of techniques - some of which I really don't take to but am trying to see it as a learning curve.  In total there will be 100 blocks - but every now and then a bonus block is released and so the number increases.  My aim is to complete the squares, quilt as you go, and then make up into a quilt for my guest bedroom.  So - that's the background and the plan.

The reality is that, although I started well, with illness and some blocks requiring a greater length of time (embroidery) - oh and not to mention that I sacrificed one of my embroidery blocks for the WI competition bag - I am now behind.  Now I know that this is not a race but I do like a deadline and, as it happens, the 50th block (halfway point) is on my birthday - wouldn't it be nice to be completely up to date then?  So that is my mission - only 20 blocks to do in two weeks then (cough cough).





Today, truthfully, I did cherry pick some easy ones to get me started.  First there was an appliqued flower.









Then a pieced patchwork block,












and a block using the selvedge of the fabric (the waste bits that you usually cut off).







Of course switching between stitches I forgot to change the stitch / foot - broke a needle - and needed to take the plate off the machine to recover the broken needle.  There I found this mess!  It would be bad enough if you didn't remember that this machine was cleaned and serviced only 3 weeks ago!  Yikes!


So there are now 17 blocks to go (4 of which haven't been published yet) and one bonus block.  I will report back!







Last night, you may recall, I went out to a tapas bar with the WI.  I was really pleasantly surprised.  There were 11 of us and 15 dishes on the menu so we ordered 2 of everything and I had a little bit of everything - mmm.  I loved the black pudding dish but my favourite was a poached pear, walnut and blue cheese salad.  Quite frankly I could have eaten the whole bowl myself - and I am really not a salad lover!