Need to go tanning

No, I won’t be squeezing into those funny space capsule things. I need to tan my stash. I knew when I saw this Courthouse Steps doll quilt here that I had to make one of my own. I’ve been doing a lot of piecing with color and had an urge to tone things down for a bit. When I went to the stash, I thought, with all the browns I have, I wouldn’t have any problem finding fabrics for this one. Okay, I didn’t, really. But, it is a small quilt and I definitely pinpointed a hole in the stash. Oh darn, I need more fabric. I have browns: madders, chocolate, light browns. But, I am very thin on the dark tans and who couldn’t use more of the creamy light tans? I didn’t have to rush to the quilts store and I am very pleased with the way this top captured the soft antique look I love (with that little pop of red right in the center. I am, however, back to visiting the fabric websites and will be keeping an eye out for tan reproduction fabrics when I get the chance to visit those great quilt shops that stock reproductions.

By the way, we are losing one of the great online reproduction shops…Sew Unique Creations is no longer selling fabrics. I got the email right after I placed an order. I appreciated the clearance sale prices but would rather pay full price and keep shopping. Tara, I know it was a tough decision and I will miss your great website.


If you like the Courthouse Steps block, I am listing the cutting instructions for one block below. The block is designed to be 6″ finished. I played with some photo editing software and I hope you are able to see the labels on the photo above.

A: 1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ (cut 1)
B: 1-1/8″ x 1-1/2″ (cut 2)
C: 1-1/8″ x 2-3/4″ (cut 2)
D: 1-1/8″ x 2-3/4″ (cut 2)
E: 1-1/8″ x 4″ (cut 2)
F: 1-1/8″ x 4″ (cut 2)
G: 1-1/8″ x 5-1/4″ (cut 2)
H: 1-1/8″ x 5-1/4″ (cut 2)
I: 1-1/8″ x 6-1/2″ (cut 2)


And finally, I have my first finish for 2012. I met my goal of hand quilting the little stacked bricks during the college footbal bowl game week. I just love that Jo Morton serpentine green fabric in the binding.

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21 Comments

  1. I finally managed to get my computer to let me leave you a comment, whew. I love the courthouse steps and thanks for sharing the measurements, you never know when I'm in the mood to whip up a little something. I love the brick quilt as well, I'm sure you'll miss Tara's wonderful service.

  2. I love both of your little quilts. I always like tan/muted quilts when I see them, but never seem to make them for myself. I am sooooo sad that Tara won't be selling fabric…I will probably spend a lot less money, but I sure will miss her online shop.

  3. Love the courthouse steps! I am so tempted,,,,but it will have to wait:)
    Love your first finish of the new year!!
    So sad about Tara's store:(

  4. What wonderful little quilts! Your courthouse steps quilt has perfectly captured the look of an antique quilt. Lovely handquilting on the bricks quilt.

  5. I love this quilt! YOu did such a wonderful jos with your piecing of the logs. Mine tend to get a little caddywampus when I make mine! LOL

    I love the tans you are using too.

    Your little quilt is gorgeous. I love all of those colors that just pop !! Very nice hand quilting too.

  6. Your little courthouse steps turned out wonderfully – inspiration to see what tans lurk in my stash! I have a teensy (unquilted) bricks quilt hanging on my wall thanks to your post on yours.

  7. I love the courthouse steps. I'm hand quilting a small one now. It was one of the projects from the Jo Morton class I was in last year. I rarely every buy fabric on line, but yes, always needing some shirtings & light tans. I got some good ones while taking the class, but, surprise, surprise, they are getting used up!

  8. Looks great! Pity about Sew Unique Creations. I live in Aust and have bought fabric from them. They have (had) a wonderful selection. Happy Stitching!

  9. Ya got me with this one, Taryn.

    Thanks for the measurements. Guess what I'll be pulling today?

    Too bad we have to sleep to recharge our batteries, huh?

  10. The courthouse steps blocks are truly lovely!!! Thankyou for the cutting instructions! Love the little Stacked Bricks too, just too cute!!! Sorry to hear about Sew Unique Creations closing down, it is a real shame, one less place to seek the things we love!!!

  11. OH I love, love, love your courthouse step quilt I need to make one now too! one never has enough fabric and I agree I am always on the hunt for good backgrounds and beigy tans LOL!
    ok your little stacked bricks is adorable I may have to make another one…don't you love using stripes/serpentines for bindings?
    So happy to see your sewing again….keep it up!
    ah I was sooooo sad when tara told me she was closing her shop, I am in mourning. her service and fabric choices can't be beat in mho. I will really miss her shop.
    Kathie

  12. The tan reproduction fabrics just don't seem to be very plentiful. I used to have lots of the browns but they are getting low and I need to replenish. Always a fabric need or want.

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