Monday, April 23, 2012

sweet life quilt blocks

Last Friday I received some more Atsuko Matsuyama fabrics and they are the sweetest!!  One of the fabric is from Astuko's Sweet Life Collection, and it super A D O R A B L E!!  The other ones are from her 30's collection including a couple nursery prints! 


I simply had to cut into them right away as I knew they would make the cutest little baby quilt. I've been meaning to start a quilt for my little niece that is 4 1/2 months old.  What a great excuse to start...new sweet fabric!! 


My sister and I both have a love for all things vintagey so these sweet fabrics are ones I knew she would love and adore just as much as I do.  That makes it even that much more fun when you're making something for someone else.  :)



Monday...Wash Day


Sunday...Gardening Day


Sweet little Lambie


For making the blocks I did foundation paper piecing. It had been quite some time since I'd done this type of paper piecing and a YouTube tutorial helped give me some tips I didn't know, which made it even easier. For the block, Tamiko has a printable pattern, and I enlarged it to be an 8 inch block size.  This block is perfect for beginners too, or if you'd like to make a bunch for a pillow or quilt. :)

Here is the YouTube video if you'd like to learn how to foundation paper piece. It is the best I've seen on explaining it. By Karen Johnson, of Connecting Thread.



It is such a fun and simple method that makes it so you can get perfect points easily!  I first did a couple blocks the traditional way and got really frustrated.  The first one I did with a 1/4 inch seam allowance and the block below I did with a 1/4 inch scant. 


They both had the cut off points which really bugged me...so foundation paper piecing was they way to go.  And, surprisingly it didn't take any more time than the other way, but much better results that equaled happier sewing!  :)

Hope you have a lovely week!!


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28 comments:

  1. Jessie FinchamApril 23, 2012 at 12:43 PM

    Kerri your blocks are just divine!!! What perfect fussy cutting for the centre pieces! Jessie, xo

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  2. Sandra (Cherry Heart)April 23, 2012 at 12:59 PM

    So beautiful! A really lovely idea for a baby quilt too, with the lovely big middle squares - gorgeous! I wish it were easier to get Atsuko Matsuyama fabric in the UK!!!

    Sandra x

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  3. vintage greyApril 23, 2012 at 1:13 PM

    Kerri your blocks are so sweet and charming!! Love the new vintagey prints!! Too cute!! Loving the pattern, too! Thanks for sharing it!! Have a great Monday! xo Heather

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  4. trishApril 23, 2012 at 1:22 PM

    Oh so sweet!! :o) What a darling baby quilt this is and thanks so much for sharing the paper piece link with us. I am heading over there now. :o)
    Have a nice week. Sincerely, Trish

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  5. Erin @ Why Not Sew? QuiltsApril 23, 2012 at 1:32 PM

    the blocks are so sweet, Kerri! perfect for a baby girl.

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  6. UnknownApril 23, 2012 at 1:37 PM

    I adore your blog, your talent and your projects! I agree - this vintage look is absolutely A-DORABLE!

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  7. Samantha JayneApril 23, 2012 at 2:08 PM

    awhhhh the fabric used is so cute and playful!
    SamanthaJayne x

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  8. Elaine/Muddling ThroughApril 23, 2012 at 5:00 PM

    You are so right - those fabrics are just the cutest! They make me smile. Your quilt is looking so good!

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  9. Ric Rac and Polka DotsApril 23, 2012 at 5:50 PM

    Oh my goodness Kerri, I MUST have some of that fabric. I LOVE LOVE LOVE vintage things and that fabric is wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing about it because I probably never would have know about it if it wasn't in your post.
    I also wanted to tell you I really look forward to your posts and I love your quilt projects. I am sure you will find a little place in the home to make a sewing station for the little ones, and I'll bet they will love it. The smile on Hailey's face every time she comes down here makes it all worthwhile. If my husband wasn't a carpenter none of this would have been possible. I'm very lucky!
    Hugs,
    Julie

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  10. amyApril 23, 2012 at 9:12 PM

    Kerri,
    it is so SO sweet. love the blocks and can't wait to see the finished quilt! xo amy

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  11. InaApril 23, 2012 at 10:17 PM

    adorable! ;p

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  12. PaulaApril 24, 2012 at 8:00 AM

    Hello sweet Kerri! I love this beautiful quilt! The fabrics are so SWEET and your blocks are perfect! Your little niece will love and enjoy it! Thank you for showing close ups of the blocks and the link. I would love to try this! I am glad you are getting warmer days and enjoying being out of doors sweetie. I hope you are feeling good! Have a lovely week!!! xo~Paula

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  13. Nanette MerrillApril 24, 2012 at 9:39 AM

    Square in a square in a square is a favorite pattern of mine but I find after doing it the traditional way I am "off". And I hate cut off points. This video might just be what I need. Thanks so much. Love these fabrics.

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    Replies
    1. KerriApril 24, 2012 at 9:58 AM

      I did a couple blocks first the traditional way, and I also couldn't get the perfect points. So I went to foundation paper piecing. It was more enjoyable too since I wasn't worried about getting the point perfect. I just added a picture to show. :)

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  14. AnonymousApril 24, 2012 at 10:01 AM

    That is just the sweetest! Love it!

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  15. jen duncanApril 25, 2012 at 5:35 PM

    What a GREAT use for these fabrics. Can hardly wait to get mine. I may have to copy you (IF I'm able to remember seeing this. :-P )

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  16. sewa mobil jakartaApril 27, 2012 at 10:35 AM

    Very nice, thanks for sharing.

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  17. donnaApril 27, 2012 at 2:06 PM

    The fabrics are so cute. I just ordered the little lamb fabric. I also love the little girl fabric. Just love the quilt you are making.
    Hugs
    donna

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  18. ~Damita's Pretty Wrap~May 2, 2012 at 7:39 AM

    Oh what beautiful squares!! I just love them, so darling!! xo Holly

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  19. ~Damita's Pretty Wrap~May 2, 2012 at 7:39 AM

    ps. i'm your newest follower :) :)

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  20. AnonymousMay 23, 2012 at 9:11 AM

    So cute and vintage looking!
    I am making something in the same style for the new baby quilt.

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  21. Ashley J @ MommyByDayCrafterByNightJuly 10, 2012 at 12:41 PM

    I love this!! I bought his sweet life fabric from your shop and was trying to think of a way to showcase it perfectly and then I came across this post! I and going to have to do something similar! Thanks for the darling idea and link to he paper piecing video! I am going to have to try it out!! Love your blog!!

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  22. Ashley J @ MommyByDayCrafterByNightJuly 11, 2012 at 10:47 AM

    Hey Kerry... I tired leaving a comment earlier, but for some reason it didn't show up! (not sure why) but I just had to tell you how much I love this quilt. I bought this same fabric (from your shop) and was trying to think of a way to use it to showcase each of the prints in a quilt for my daughter's new bed and then I came across this post! I love it so much that I am going to incorporate a handful of blocks like these into her quilt. Hoping you don't mind that I am being a total copycat!! Love your blog and love your shop!! So glad that I found you!! Have a great day!! xoxo, Ashley

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  23. KerriJuly 12, 2012 at 10:01 AM

    Hi Ashely,

    Thanks so much for your sweet comments! I'd be happy to you made some quilt blocks like mine. I'd love to see them when you're finished too. :)

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  24. Ashley J @ MommyByDayCrafterByNightJuly 13, 2012 at 5:52 AM

    Hey Kerry.. Just realized that you approve your comments before they show up, sorry to leave two that are pretty much the same! ha ha
    I started making some of the blocks and only have a few done... I posted them here: http://www.mommybydaycrafterbynight.com/2012/07/work-in-progress-wednesday.html. :) I will be sure to let you know when I finish the quilt!! xoxo, Ashley

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  25. Jakarta HotelSeptember 4, 2012 at 1:47 AM

    Nice handcraft! Keep update.

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  26. Ashley J @ MommyByDayCrafterByNightOctober 10, 2012 at 10:24 AM

    Hi Kerri- I finally finished my sweet life quilt that was inspired by yours! http://www.mommybydaycrafterbynight.com/2012/10/work-in-progress-finished-well-almost.html.
    I love your blog and shop and can always count on you when I need some inspiration! Hope you are having a fabulous fall! xoxo, Ashley

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  27. gibbygoo56January 15, 2015 at 2:30 AM

    I love everything I see! Love your style!

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Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting my blog!! Your sweet comments are always cherished, and truly make my days brighter! I ♥ reading each and every one!! Hugs!