I'm Off!

To Edmonton, that is, in a couple of hours.  Mission: deliver 3 flimsies, 2 finished quilted throws, several orphan and new blocks, several metres of new cotton fabric and (if they'll have 'em) 8 crocheted throws to the good folks at Sparrow Studioz who are collecting, assembling and delivering Quilts for Calgary (and other needy areas in Southern Alberta) in the aftermath of the flooding there a couple of weeks ago.

Thanks to my friends M and A for contributing fabric and flimsies and a throw, and to my friend and 'boss' Lori of The Crafty Lady, who bundled up the crocheted blankets in the hopes they'll be taken in too.

One of A's flimsies -- wild, warm colour sure to bring a smile!

A's other flimsy and her finished throw -- cool and calming!

My flimsy was made of rectangles, found in this tutorial from Freda's Hive.  I can't rightly remember how I found her, but I used the pattern for a leaders-and-enders project -- and ended up with a stack of colourful rectangles that I had yet to put together.  The flooding called for ACTION so I got busy and assembled them.  I call this top "My Scrap Bag Exploded"; it measures 48" x 60".

My Scrap Bag Exploded!

In addition to the flimsies and throws I mentioned I'd be taking some orphan blocks and some new ones.  I dug through my charm packs and came up with a Benartex collection entitled "Victory Garden", which I deemed appropriate, given the reason quilts were being made and collected.   I knew I wanted to make "Disappearing 4-Patches" with them, but decided it would be more fun if they were a bit off-centre.  Here's the result -- twelve 8 1/2" blocks that I believe are also referred to as "4-patch to 9-patch".

Left: 4-patches.  Right: Off-centre 9-patches.
WARNING! Making these can be habit-forming!

After I drop off the goodies, I'll be making my way to the opening reception for "Hanging by a Thread", the new exhibit at the Alberta Craft Council in the Feature Gallery, featuring SAQA Western Canada colleagues Ilse Anysas-Salkauskas and Barbara J. West.  This exhibit runs through September 28, so if you're in the Edmonton area and in need of an Artist's Date, do go by the Council and spend some time. ( If photos are permitted, I may just have another post about this...we'll see.)

Linking this late to Nina Marie's Off the Wall Friday...See you there, too!