Works in Progress

I think I mentioned earlier that I'm participating in several block of the month (BOM) quilt-alongs this year.

The first one is the Sugar Block Club, hosted by Amy at Stitchery Dickory Dock.  This is my first year participating in the BOM and already I'm sold.  Every month we get a pattern for a, as Amy puts it: "traditionally rooted block, full of lovely vintage charm, but truly fitting with nearly every aesthetic.  In a word, timeless", as well as a yummy dessert recipe and, new this year, Beyond the Block words of wisdom from Amy designed to help you reflect throughout the year.

January's block was beautiful and the Beyond the Block challenge last month encouraged us to Be Intentional.  I've already found that I'm doing better.  You can see my post about the January block here.  February's block, Mercy, is actually a very simple design made fantastic through careful color placement.  Check out the Sugar Block Club Flickr group for more beautiful examples of the block.

Amy also shared a very personal story about Mercy that really hit a nerve with me.  There are points in life when we are not at our best and sometimes it's due to circumstances that are outside of the realm of our control.  It is at these moments, when we are at rock bottom, that we need to be shown mercy.  Maybe I snapped at you because you just asked me for the fifth time when your report would be ready, but what you didn't know is that I'm dealing with a very completed and painful family situation right now...  doesn't make my reaction right but a little understand and mercy could have gone a long way.  At the same time, its important for me to show mercy to others.  I have to admit that sometimes I am guilty of getting snippy with the lady at Dunkin' Donuts because she occasionally messes up my coffee in the morning.  But what I don't know is if that woman is raising three kids alone or if she's about to lose her house, or if her husband just got laid off from work.  I don't know.  I can't know that.  But I can smile and say, "no problem, that's alright.  I like a hot latte as much as a cold one." So I'd encourage you to maybe pause for a moment before you yell at someone or honk your horn and think what is this person dealing with today?  I'm going to try to do the same.

January (right) and February (left) Sugar Block Club blocks

Enough of the heavy stuff..... The second quilt-along I'm participating in this year is the Aurifil Block of the Month.  You can find the monthly posted FREE patterns linked to on the Aurifil Flikr Page.  February's block was actually designed by AMY of Stitchery Dickory Dock!  Check out her interview with Pat Sloan and find her block pattern here.  Amy's block design this month is called Mother's Day and was inspired by her mother.  You can find my posts about January's blocks here and here.

This was a fun block to make.  It's all half square triangles.  I think the thing that took me the longest was TRIMMING all of them (and there were only 16...)  I need to get one of those rotating cutting mats.  It would make my life immensely easier, at least when it comes to trimming HST's.

January (bottom) and February (top) Aurifil blocks

I have one more BOM quilt along to share but it will have to wait for another day!  For more pictures of what I'm working on currently be sure to check out my Flickr photstream!  I'm linking up with this weeks WIP Wednesday over at Freshly Pieced.

Happy Quilting!