It's Great to be Back!!

I am so happy to be back to my routine again after a very busy holiday season, out of town travels and family visiting.  What better way to get back to blogging than to join in with Lee's Work in Progress link up!
If there is anything that I have learned during the last few weeks of non-sewing, it is that if I don't have my crafty fingers in a project, I get down-right crabby.  Another week, and I would have been in all out  B-mode.  That revelation prompted my New Year's resolution to be to do more of what makes me happy.  Playing with color and pattern, and creating something lovely makes me happy.  I have lots of ideas and things planned for this year and can't wait to get started!!
Up first, I belong to several bees and groups to make blocks for.  Erica is this month's quilter from the Trust Circle at do.Good Stitches and she asked for these fun blocks...

The overall blocks are 12.5" and we were asked to use medium pink, hot pink, orange and yellow.  The block pattern is called Road to Tennessee and I used this tutorial.  All those seams on the bias made these a bit fiddly, and I did have to rip out and redo some seams.  It was worth it though and I love the criss-cross effect when they are all sewn together.  This would be a great block to make with charm squares!
Next, I belong to the New-bee Quilters group at Threadbias. Angela at All Patched Up is our hive "queen" for this month and requested a scrappy log cabin block in bright colors.  That is right up my alley - I love making that block!!

I dug through my stash and chose various bright modern fabrics from some of my favorite designers. This block also measures 12.5" and is totally improv - I just try to balance out the color placement. I used this block from Faith at Fresh Lemons for inspiration.

I get a bit nervous making something for someone else -- I hope she likes it!!

I guess these blocks aren't really in progress since they are done, but I decided that I am starting the new year with a clean slate and none of my projects from last year are allowed to carry over. 

New year = new projects!!

So, what are you working on? Click on over to the Freshly Pieced blog and add your link.

 I can't wait to see!!

Happy Sewing and a belated Happy New Year!!

Tessa Marie