Day of the Dead Crazy Blocks

Did I say I was going to post weekly?  I always jinx myself.  We are having major internet issues at home, so blogging just hasn't happened.
My cousin requested that I make four 12" crazy blocks using a Dia de los Muertos theme.  No time limit (this is a good thing) and she brought her big ol' tub of fabrics to use.  Well, the tub sat around in my studio for a few months and I finally got tired of trailing  around it, so last week I broke down and made the blocks.  I don't know when I will get around to embroidering them, but at least the tub is gone.  I do try to straighten up occasionally, but it's pretty much a lost cause because my husband also stores coolers, camping stuff, chairs, and other junk in there.  By store I mean the door is opened and things thrown in. 
So, here are the blocks:

The fabrics are a lot wilder than what I normally use, so I think I will do the seam work in basic white.  I may add a few colors here and there, but the white should be obvious.  The tonal patch in the middle of each block will be reserved for a sugar skull motif.  One lace, one embroidered, etc.  I found some really cute crocheted skulls on etsy that I am thinking about.  I can't crochet and do not have the time to learn.

Do not expect to see these finished any time soon, but I will post them as I am done.  

Little of This, Little of That

This year I have been trying to post every week.  But this week I just couldn't find anything to post about.   It's already Friday and I am still at a loss, so I thought I would show off my new treasures.
First, my jet-setting friend Roxann just got back from a month in Hawaii and brought me a new book: 

I am as crazy about books as I am about fabric.  The history of the Hawaiian quilt in the introduction is very interesting and the block patterns are inspiring.  One of these days I will try making a block.  That is the other cool thing about this book, the blocks are designed as 18" cushions so that a beginner does not get overwhelmed.
Today I got the Kreinik Silk Mori floss that I ordered from Jewel on ebay.  Her floss is the cheapest that I've found and the customer service was awesome.  It says that your order may take two weeks or so, but I received mine in 8 days, and I live in the middle of nowhere. 
This is what I'll be playing with during spring break (I don't think I will be getting all of those little jobs around the house done this week!):

February CQJP 2013 Block

I had, of course, planned to have all of my blocks finished within the first two weeks of each month.  And, of course, I did not take into account things like life, family, and creative blocks. 

The first roadblock was the teddy bear.  I decided to use the punch needle and make an adorable teddy bear as one of the things I think of for "family" and "home."  Easy.  Except I forgot that I really don't have the hang of needle punch.  And I ran out of the brown thread and had to wait for a trip out of town to find some more, which isn't a perfect match.  Which turned out okay because if I had used just one color, the bear would have been a bigger blob than it already is.  After lots of finagling, I added more outlining, a lace bow, and a lollipop.  I think it looks more like a bear now.

After I "finished" the block the first time, I still found it lacking.  I was trying to leave a little bit of unfinished patches to give the eye a place to rest, but it just didn't work.

The first problem was with the ink pot and quill.  They needed something, so I added "love" and changed the angle of the quill. 

The bee and his path was another after thought that seemed to click.  Now I can call the whole thing done and go on to block 3. 
By the way, the picture is the only one we have of my Bohemian grandfather before his marriage to my grandmother.  He is on the right with his older brother and sister.  I am in the process of making a family memory quilt for this years family reunion.  More on that later.
When you have time, stop by Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe and leave a comment to enter the Spring Floss Giveaway.  Mention that I sent you and I will get 10 extra entries.