Pages

Tuesday, June 18, 2019

International Sisters


Last winter, I was so delighted when Preeti asked me 
to test drive her African Queen block for her.
It was fun to make, 
quick, and quite simple to sew together. 




And when I didn't have any appropriate fabrics 
in my Tx stash to make more, 
she kindly sent me some of hers.  
(Thank you so much, Preeti.) 

So, I stitched up a few, kitted the rest, 
and brought them back to Canada to finish up during the summer.  
But one thing led to another, 
and I never took them out to work on them.
(You might remember that someone brought me
a bag of scraps and I got lost in them.)

Fast forward one year. 
I am so glad it worked out that way, 
because her African Queen adventure morphed into something bigger.  




If you haven't read about Preeti's International Sisters Blocks
do it now!  I'll wait!

Pretty cool, Right?  Not only does Preeti tell a good story, 
but quilters collaborating with quilters, 
even just through chatter, rock big time!  
What a wonderful idea!  I'm all in!
I can't stop making them!

I pulled my blocks out this week
because I needed to generate more neutral scraps 
to finish my scrap green 16-patch star quilt, 
shown in my last post.  
I like it when I can accomplish two things at one time.

In the meantime,
I completed my Sew Together Bag




with plenty of time to slip it into the mail.




Okay, I'll fess up.  There was no deadline.
It is a random, surprise gift for my very special Auntie.
I hope she likes it as much as I like mine.
It's unbelievable how much it will hold.
Crafty Daughter helped me pick out the fabrics.
I'm a lucky mom!

Now, if you just kept reading
and didn't check out Preeti's International Sisters post,
make sure you go there now!
Just click HERE!

We are finally having some sunny, warm weather!
Hope it hangs around.

Enjoy the rest of your week!
Thanks for stopping by for a visit.
~Karen




29 comments:

Raewyn said...

Those blocks are gorgeous! Such a great idea for a block... and I'm just off to check Preeti's post. Great fabrics on the Sew Together bag - well done on the finish.

kiwikid said...

Love the African lady block, have been to Pretti's blog to have a look, am tempted to make some..like I need something new to make!!! 😊😊 great sewing bag you have made, I have one a friend made me and I love it!!

Lin said...

What a lovely story - and a great block! Thank you for sharing. I really must make one of those bags - I've had the pattern for ages. xx

Fiona said...

How cute is that block... and I love a crowd of them.... makes for a happy dancing day … hmmm giving me ideas as I have some 'african' themed fabrics!
Love your zippy bag.... they are great
Hugz

Kate @ Smiles From Kate said...

I love your International Sisters blocks Karen, I hadn’t seen it before as I’m only recently back after my long break from blogging. I’m glad I didn’t miss out on this one, Preeti’s tutorial is excellent and it was so generous of her to share it. Lovely bag, you are so prolific.

Christine B said...

What a beautiful block and a great story! Love your bag..... someone gifted one to me recently and I love it!! Enjoy your sunshine! Christine xx

Linda said...

How cute! Love your blocks. I visited Preeti's blog for the details. My son is going to Africa so maybe he can pick me up some fabric to make some of these blocks. Your Auntie will be blown away by your surprise gift. Great fabric choices. I am enjoying the warm weather of the last few days. But its back to the rain soon.

Sheila said...

Oh what a great block and so enjoyed reading Preeti's blog post and tutorial , I may have to give these a try. Your blocks are gorgeous ! Love the sew together bag too , I'm sure it will be greatly appreciated by Auntie 😊

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

the block looks wonderful - but I really like that bag!

Needled Mom said...

They are such cute blocks. One of the gals in our Bee chose that block for her month and we did the girls with African fabrics that her parents brought her from their travels. Her quilt was beautiful.

I love your Sew Together bag. That pattern is on my bucket list.

Louise said...

Your Ladies look lovely! And that bag is great. Your Auntie will love it, I'm sure :)

Daryl @ Patchouli Moon Studio said...

I have seen that block before and wanted to make some, but never got around to it. I have made several Sew Together bags though and use one for sewing and one for knitting tools. I love it. Your Auntie will love it too!

Barb said...

What a cute little bag, she will love it. Love the blocks

Preeti said...

The sunny and warm weather has returned to blogland since you returned to blogging :-) That bag is awesome. Melanie (https://www.mell-meyer.de/) made one for me and I love it. I am sure your special aunty will love it too. Thank you for the shout-out, Karen. I recognize those fabrics although I had forgotten mailing them to you. You did me proud with the International Sister Quilt Blocks and their different complexions :-) Sending big hugs to you.

Just Ramblin' said...

You never cease to amaze me with your talent. These Africa Queen blocks are fascinating and your choice of fabrics just makes them. I did go to Preeti's blog and read about them. Very interesting. Your aunt is going to love her new bag with all those wonderful zippered pouches to hold things. Glad it has finally warmed up. Have a awesome day!

Createology said...

Those blocks are fabulous African Queen ladies. I adore them. The fabrics really add to the authenticity. Fun hold everything bag you created for your Auntie. Summer Sunshine Dear...

Maria said...

Love the African Queen block and popped over to Preeti's blog ... may Ned to make a crowd ????
Fabulous zipper bag and a great gift. For your Aunt... perfect fabrics your Crafty Daughter chose....I also have one and love it...

FlourishingPalms said...

Preeti's facing the same conundrum many of us makers face.. whether we can legitimately sell our work after being inspired by someone else. When in doubt, give it away! Seems like the right solution. Your women blocks are very cute! And that Sew Together bag is gorgeous too! I KNOW how much work they are (poor pattern instructions, I think), but they turn out so good!

Susan said...

Your little bag for your Auntie is fabulous. I can only imagine how great that is for organizing things for away-from-home projects. The African Queen blocks are gorgeous, I like every one you did.

JanineMarie said...

I love these sisters so much! When I first saw them on Preeti’s blog I thought of Precious Ramotswe from Alexander McCall Smith’s No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency book series. Your blocks are looking lovely. Somehow I missed Preeti’s tutorial, so I’m glad you included a link in your post.

Verveine&Lin said...

J'adore ces dames qui dansent avec leurs robes si jolies !

Cheryl said...

Great test blocks and I love the sew together bag. I would love to make one but the multiple zippers are very intimidating.

Carol Swift said...

The African Queen blocks are incredible and that zipper bag turned out amazing. You never cease to inspire me!

FrΓ©dΓ©rique - Quilting Patchwork AppliquΓ© said...

Pretty sister block, and your bag is beautiful too!

Jo said...

Do you have any Australian sisters made. If not, would you like some fabric to make some. Is so, email your address and the amount of fabric and I'll see what I can do..

laughing gas quilts said...

Your sew together bag is lovely- such a generous gift! And the ladies...perfect. I've been eyeing them for a while, thinking I should make some, but have kept myself out of that rabbit hole. Today may be the day I succumb.They really are charming.

verveine et lin said...

oh comme j'aime les reines Africaines de Preeti, si jolies et si rapides Γ  coudre!

Binsa said...

Enjoyed your post Karen gorgeous sew together bag

canuckquilter said...

I had seen the International Sistrers block popping up but I had not read Preeti's post. Thanks for the link! Your blocks are lovely.