Thursday, April 02, 2015

big, big bear paw

Well, I'm not sure how much of a break that was, but I'm back! And I'm happy to be here! A big thank you to all of you who checked in and sent me kind notes in my absence. I appreciate it!
I've been sewing a lot, which is good! This block, a HUGE bear paw block, was made for my friend Terri for our Sew Sisters Bee. I LOVED making it and I really (really) wanted to keep it. The block will finish at 28"! Terri posted a tutorial here if you would like to make one/some of your own.

The great thing about being in a bee is that it pushes you out of your comfort zone. I pulled out all the larger scale multi-colored prints that I had on hand (I can't believe I found this many) and paired them with a hot pink solid. I need to remember to use bolder backgrounds more often...there is so much impact. The funny thing is, some of the print fabrics came from Terri several years ago. How crazy is it that they will end up in her quilt after all?! I love it!

I hope to see you all back here tomorrow for finish it up Friday! Have a fantastic day!

43 comments:

peekamoose mountain quilts said...

This is really great! I love the background color for its energy. And I love the super sized block.

Herding Grasshoppers said...

Good for you for taking a break, and I'm so glad you're back :D

Julie G

Kelly Cline said...

Such a great spin on a traditional block. Love the colors!

Lana Manis said...

Gorgeous block... love the colors!

Mari said...

Welcome back! This is a great quilt. I love that you used a bright background. It looks great!

Anonymous said...

Yay, you're back!! Know that you were missed. Hope the break was wonderful. Nice to not think about writing and posting all the time, right? A well deserved vacation.

Love this bee block. That quilt is going to be wonderful when it's all put together.

Svetlana said...

yay, great to see you back. Hope you had a lovely and relaxed break. Love the block, super fun.

Laura said...

I'm glad you're back. I always enjoy your posts.

Jacque. said...

Glad you are back. Love the pink background on the bear paw!

tink's mom said...

What a great kick off for your return. Hope you enjoyed and maximized your break time. That block is wonderful.

Brenda said...

So glad you are back and enjoyed your break! Beautiful block---maybe those hot colors are going to become the next neutrals.

Kat said...

This is great! Think I'll make one too!

Lana said...

YAY!!!! You are BACK!!!! It feels like you have been gone longer than a MONTH!
Hope you are rested and I am excited to see what you have been sewing!!!!

Teri said...

Soon glad you're back! I really missed you. Friday just hasn't been the same.

Sew Stitching Cute said...

Welcome back as it is so happy to see you back@ This is a beautiful finish and it makes me want to make one for sure! Can't wait to see all of your sewing endeavors over the past month!

molly b quilts said...

I love oversized blocks! The pink is great and I love your other fabric choices as well. What a fun and happy block!

Quilting Stories said...

Glad you are back, and with such a lovely joyful block!

Unknown said...

Glad to see you back but also glad you took a break! Love the block!

Terri said...

Great to see you back! Love that little quilt... 9 blocks for a nearly queen size...hmmm. Thanks for the inspiration.
Hugs

Live a Colorful Life said...

So pretty!! I think Terri's quilt is going to be amazing. I didn't realize Stephanie also did an orange block too, so now there will be two.

Daytona Damsel said...

I love the hot pink background. You are right, it sets off those bold prints perfectly.

Debbie

skrawek tęczy said...

Piękny i ciekawy blok. Pozdrawiam:)

Lucy | Charm About You said...

Oh I love that block! Great colours!

Pieced Brain Quilt Designs said...

Welcome back! The block looks awesome!

Unknown said...

Welcome back! Love the block. Can't wait til Finish up Friday!

CJ said...

Glad to have you back. What a wonderful and dramatic block!

Laura said...

So happy you are back! You were missed!! Love love love your big bear paw block. The pink is fabulous :)

Melissa Corry said...

So glad to have you back Amanda ;) I hope your month off was a huge relaxation for you :) Can't wait to see what you have been working on ;)

Malinda said...

I am so happy to see you back. I really wasn't expecting to see a post until after Easter. I think a small quilt made of 6 or maybe 9 of those blocks are in my future.

Patty said...

Love the block and I am so glad your back. I really miss the finish it up Fridays.

Terri said...

Hope you had a great month of March! I love love love this wonderful block you made for me! I got it in last night's mail. I can't wait to see how all of these big bold blocks look hanging together on my design wall. Thank you thank you!

Chris said...

Yay! I am pumped that you are back. Friday just wasn't the same!!!!

Carla said...

You just tickled my scrappy patchwork fancy!

Unknown said...

That's so true about bolder backgrounds. That pink really packs a punch! I love it.

Lorna McMahon said...

I am not a pink person, but that Hot Pink background sure works those scrappy paws beautifully! Nice to see you back!

SuperMomNoCape said...

Welcome back!! And what a great block... love that you went bold with it.

Pamela said...

So happy you are back! Totally love the bold colors and the modern look to a traditional block.

evaj said...

Welcome back Amanda !! Now I am waiting for you to open your finish up Friday!Hug Bambi

Mary said...

So cute! I just made a 42" bear paw for my sister's new baby!

Thimbleanna said...

YAY!!!! You're BACK!!! I missed you. LOVE that block -- you always push the limits of my quilting imagination!!!

sonia said...

Welcome back! You've been missed! Great block, even for a baby quilt. Thanks for the inspiration and the link.

Jen said...

Oh my gosh, I LOVE this! The pink background really makes the whole thing pop. Thanks for the link to the tutorial, I have been wanting to try a bear paw block and since this one is huge, I can make just one and then maybe my obsession will be cured haha!

Janet said...

The colors and prints you used are fabulous. The large block and colors gives the bear paw pattern a totally fresh appearance; it's is definitely not the bear paw block that my grandma would recognize.