Sunday, January 22, 2012

There's this
Wonky House Block Swap
going on over at

I'm sure I've mentioned in the past that I struggle with mass production, which means anything over the count of one.  As well, my to-do list is ever lengthening and this year I want to work at chipping away at all the inspiring ideas listed on it.  However, two very sweet ladies connivingly rooked me into a private block swap with them for wonky houses.  They just would not take NO! for an answer.  So I caved.  And now that I had yet another commitment hanging over my head, I decided to try tackling the first block.  For which the result is this...


I very quickly learned that I cannot WONK!  I'm a Mrs. Monk...everything has to be straight and even and balanced.  Wonky does not fit in any one of those categories.  But I think I'm doing ok in the wacky department.  Which really doesn't have much to do with a wonky house.  They are very nice ladies and they say it's ok if I do wacky rather than wonky.  I tried to wonk, I really did, but it was just killing me!

Well, there's my "one" wonky wacky house block.  But now I need another one!  Not happy now.  Don't have another idea.  Don't want to make another wonky wacky house block.  Yet I said I would...why did I let them get to me like that?!

Finally another idea came to mind.  For which the result is this...


I forced myself to wonk but I really want to straighten that bird house!  It looks like I wonked the dotted background but it is actually cut on the straight of grain.  There really isn't even much "wacky" in this block, except the house is for birds rather than people. 

At this point I thought I was done with these not-so-wonky yet wacky house blocks when I decided to try one more.  I can't believe I put myself through that...no one to blame but me!

One more resulted in this...


I think those sunflowers are so fun, I wanted to play with them again.  This tea cup just would not accept a door and window design, so I went looking for someone to live inside it.  That beauty queen moved right in.  Now I'm done.  No more wacky house blocks!


I usually work with applique by applying Wonder Under to the back of the applique pieces.  Wonder Under light weight isn't really stiff, but since these blocks might end up in someones quilt, I wanted them to be just fabric pieces.  This is the first time I've ever done applique without fusing the pieces to the background.  Except for the two birds and the beauty queen in the doorway.  It went along well enough, but it's such a breeze with a fusible.  To  keep the bird pieces as soft as possible, I only applied Wonder Under to the edges to assist me with cutting them out as well as stitching them down.



Whew!  I survived yet another commitment.  Well, almost.  The quilt blocks weren't enough for Jane.  She wants signature blocks to go with!  So you can imagine the tizzy I'm in by now!  (I hear my pillow challenge calling me!...and what was I thinking when I committed to that?!)  For the signature blocks, the result are these...


I tried to make them a little wacky too.  Not much for success there.

This commitment is all fulfilled now and I am back to my to-do list and that makes me a happy sort again. **big smiles**

I hope my two conniving cyber friends are happy with their blocks because I just would not have put myself through all that for just any ole body.


You can check out all the wonky house blocks being made in this

Have a wonky good day all,
Wacky Annie


25 comments:

beaquilter said...

all these are some COOL blocks! good job

Karen said...

Your blocks are fantastic..adore the beauty queen peeking out. :-)

Cindy Sharp said...

I am wonky challenged too. I love the wacky alternative. The fabric you chose for the bird house post and flower stems if perfect.....it looks like a spring....and the bird house listing just emphacises that.

Well done

Joanie's Trendy Quilts said...

Your story on making your wacky or wonky house blocks certainly gave me my chuckle for the day. What a good sport you are to go agree to do the swap with your friends. I love all the blocks and the signature too!

Dannelle said...

Wacky or wonky, your blocks are delightful! So glad you stuck it out! The receivers should be very grateful.

Quilt n Queen said...

Luv your wacky/wonky blocks....your group members should be delighted...I know I would be if I was in your group...just couldn't commit to Jane's swap this time....great job.

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Whoever these wonderful ladies are I am so glad the talked you into moving out of your box. These houses are sooo amazing! Such very lucky ladies!
I also love, love your siggy blocks!

Mrs.Pickles said...

Your blocks are very lovely!

Anonymous said...

I love your wacky house block. I can't do wonky. I've tried and it just turns out looking like I can't sew straight lines or match points.

Mary C said...

the blocks are all so creative and charming!

Anonymous said...

Annie, they are all delightful! And so be it wacky!

Barb said...

Your wonkies are great but I think I might have a problem with them too but I haven't tried them soooo how can I say!

sheila 77 said...

These house blocks are outstanding, I just love them, they are so creative. If you give up now it will be a great loss to wonky/wacky housedom. I also love your icon (buddy icon in flickr). Did you draw it yourself?

Cliodana said...

Hi there! Hey don't torture yourself gnose block are totally amazing. Your birdhouse inspired me and honestly i wish i'll receive one Of your block on the swap. Wonky give you a chance to be perfect because it's ont a mistake if it don't fit! Keep going That's wonderful
Nice day to you

Linda said...

What three fabulous house blocks! Why have you given yourself such a hard time? They are GORGEOUS! I do understand that you find Wonky hard. So do I, it is in our genes to be regimented, I think!
Carry on the good work, make some more Wacky Houses and create a wonderful quilt.

Loves to Quilt said...

I love your blocks! Some time soon, I will start mine! LOL

Snoodles said...

I'm a Monkette, too....always like the straight lines and nice corners! LOL Your houses may be wacky, or wonky, but I think they are awfully cute! Great job!

Sparky said...

I know I left a message...it's gone....welllllll as I was saying..I love all of these, any of them. YOUR wonkys leave us all in the closet afraid to come on to show and tell....Lucky ladies who will be the winners of any of your creativeness....is that a word in french it is lol

FabricFascination said...

I laughed at your Mrs. Monk comment. I have a bit of Monk too. I really like the wonky birdhouse. Thanks for posting to the 12 month challenge.

Judy D in WA said...

I think they are all adorable. Esp. the wonky pink house with the birds.

Dawn said...

I love both of your blocks, you are so creative.Your wonky is perfect.

InGa said...

Your Wonky blocks are wonky enough, They are beautifull. Nice fabrics.
best regards Ingrid

Lesley said...

Annie, these blocks are amazing! You are a master at creating wonderful houses. Whether wacky ior wonky, they are terrific. Your pals are lucky gals!

West Michigan Quilter said...

These are so cute. Why aren't you doing them anymore?

West Michigan Quilter said...

These are so cute. Why aren't you doing them anymore?