More Spooky House Blocks and Mail

46 comments
So I've been making more spooky houses for the exchange this week. I don't know what it is about making cottages but I don't get tired of it. And I can't make myself sew any two cottages exactly alike.
I told you about the Sherri Berry fabric but I also had some Japanese Halloween fabric. See the roof above. After I started working with the fabric I realized it had a little image that disturbed me some.
Can you tell? It is also in this orange fabric. So I'm not sure I'll use those fabrics to make more cottages. And I have finished 8 cottages now so I don't have too many more to make.
I do really like using some non-Halloween themed fabric in the blocks, too. It adds some different personality to them.
This background fabric with the green night, trees, pumpkins, cats and bats is perfect . It makes it look more like the cottage is set in a spooky neighborhood.
I also had fun putting the rick rack on the roof line in some of the cottages. Making these Halloween cottages is a fussy cutter's dream.
I'm so happy I joined the swap. I got a look at Nedra's blocks this week and I got a little emotional thinking of the cute blocks like hers that would make it to my house. Her witches feet block is fabulous.
My birthday month continues with more fun things. Thanks so much to Meredith for sending me this pattern. I've been wanting to make a patchwork star quilt. See Meredith's quilt here. Isn't it funny how fabric changes a quilt so much. I have been talking about making a leaders and enders quilt and I'm determined that this Starburst quilt will be the one. Check out Meredith's quilt - just stunning.
Karin emailed me about this "orange fabric" she ran into that screamed my name. Her package came and I couldn't even wait to take a good photo. You can see I had already started tearing into it. Never in my life did I imagine it would turn out to be . . .this! First off it is a full feedsack. And in spectacular shape. Plus it is orange and a novelty fabric with this cute little pig tail girl! I've actually seen pictures of this feedsack in a few of my books but I never dreamed I would own it. Thank you so much Karin. Karin is an incredibly busy lady. You can find her here and here! Thank you Karin. I love it.You can see the frayed edge and the old stitching line of the feedsack. I can think of so many fun things to use this vintage fabric for. I was going to save this for fabric Friday but I couldn't possibly wait to show it.

My friends take such good care of me. Don't they!

-nanette
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46 comments

Mushyhed said...

I'm loving your blocks!! They're AWESOME!!!

Sherri said...

Those Halloween Cottages are the greatest...I'm completely ready to make som of my own now...thanks for the inspirations once again!

jlk said...

I looked and looked, but couldn't tell what was disturbing about the Japanese fabric.

I love the houses! Those are just so fun.

Abby and Stephanie said...

Cute houses. I love Halloween. I must be a ghoul because I don't know what image is disturbing. I saw Nedra's blocks and OH MY GOSH I love them.

Thimbleanna said...

I am constantly amazed at the variety of fabrics you manage to find Nanette. Those halloween fabrics are soooo cool!

Unknown said...

I love each and everyone of your houses, so cute! As for the disturbing image, is it the cross gravestone?? Egads! I just love that feedsack. Those little girls almost look like clothespins.

Momoo said...

The green bat fabric was just perfect for the sky in the cottage blocks. Love your cottage blocks, you could probably make them for the different seasons and holidays.

Betsy said...

Nanette your cottages are spooktacular!
you are blessed with such creativity.

alobsiger said...

Oh my goodness, Nanette! Like Thimbleanna, I am AMAZED at the variety of wonderful fabric you've used in this and other projects. I think I own maybe two Halloween fabrics and I know they're boring. None of your fabrics is boring! :-)

Dresden Quilter said...

Wow, your houses are amazing. You take such care with each one. If you don't like the fabric, then make a couple more. As you have said, you are ahead of the game and you should be happy. I have my pattern and fabric but I have yet to start. I wish I could be in everyone's group.

Glenna @ Hollyhock Quilts said...

Hi Nanette--

Wow! That feedsack is fabulous!! Very cool! Can't wait to see what you do with it. I have had it with a blue background, but the orange is amazing!

Yep, I'm guessing it's the crosses that are bugging you. It is an odd image for Halloween fabric, yes?

nettie said...

I love your spooky houses, and the orange fabric is to die for! I LOVE it.

Julie said...

Cute, cute but I couldn't see what was disturbing. Are you hitting shop hop this year? All the blocks are houses of some kind--looks so fun. I think I will hit it tomorrow. It is always so much fun. Have a nice day. Julie

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Oh How I love your Halloween houses, I think it might be the old Cross gravestone and black ghost, but it took a LONG time to guess, so I am sure you are fine, Love the blue house fabric, and love the roof fabric just below the cute stripe house, looks ornage with black sunbursts, Oh my you know I love them all, and I am so glad you are having fun!!
How sweet, to get gifts, you are so loved!!

Anonymous said...

I don't blame you for not saving that fabric for Friday. It's amazing!

Lorena said...

I love the Wednesday fabric! She looks so creepy on the orange background! and ofcourse I love the cottages! I can't wait to make one for you for your ATWQ.

Nan said...

Those house blocks are adorable! I marvel at how you put fabrics together. The pattern is really pretty - I'm excited to see your interpretation of it. What an incredible feedsack!

Annette said...

Now those are soooo fun!!

Samantha said...

Oohh, I do see what you're talking about...but it took me a minute. The cottages are really cute though and I think your swap partners are going to love them!
Speaking of love...I LOVE the bag pattern/kit I bought in your etsy. My first bag ever and it actually looks like a bag! :) Your pattern was super easy to follow...thanks!

karen @ badlandsquilts said...

I too am curious what it is that is bothering you? If it is the crosses, they really are not that far out for some cultures... Day of the Dead is November 2nd, which is an important day to remember deceased family members. I know this holiday is obvserved in Mexico.

Angela Nash said...

I love your houses - especially the end one with lots of teal. I'm so excited that I'm in your group!

Darlene said...

Adorable cottages and the fabric is definitely YOU.

MichelleB said...

Your cottage blocks are darling! And those pigtail girls - you are one lucky lady! Loved the peek at the witches shoes, too.

Asiyah said...

These are adorable although I think it's the upside down crosses that are disturbing? I don't think most folks will pay that much attention to them. I had to look for a bit before I figured out it might be an issue.

Sandi Linn Andersen said...

So, will you cut into the full feed sack or preserve it? I have two full feedsacks and am not sure I will ever cut into them. I like them just as they are and like to take them out and look at them, imagine the woman who owned them and well, this is proof positive that I am a "sentimental slob" just like my friend Joanie says! LOL! Your cottage blocks are so cute! Said it before, will say it again...you find the cutest fabrics!!!

Kaaren said...

I love it all, Nanette.

If these blocks were mixed in with a group of 100 others, I would know right away which were yours. They wouldn't even need a name or a signature. I think you've achieved what every designer hopes for...instant recognition of style.

"I just knew they were a Nanette design".

dotti white said...

Nanette...I love your halloween cottages. They are very sweet. Have a wonderful rest of the week!

Browndirtcottage said...

W-a-y cute blocks!! Yep...too bad I'm not in your group!

Calamity Jane's Cottage, Bonnie said...

Nanette, I love your halloween cottages. I think we like to makes house blocks, because we're building someone a house to live in and we want it to be sewwww cute. Looks like lots of fun.
Great gifties...
Keep Stitchen'
Bonnie

Joy said...

LOVE the house blocks, the kitties in the window are SO cute!!!
Hugs,
Joy :o)

Helen said...

I just love your work. So much fun.

Hugs

Pat said...

I love the cottages. I am thinking the crosses are what is bothering you......but I also understand what someone said about the Day of the Dead observances connected with that holiday. You have TERRIFIC fabrics....ALL the time...no matter WHAT project you do!!!

em's scrapbag said...

Your cottage blocks are spooky. Love it. Love the orange fabric with the girl in braids. Way fun.

Trisha said...

Your cottage blocks are so cute! This reminds me...I really need to finish my Christmas Cottage quilt.

Mwendas said...

absolutely beautiful fabric...

http://www.mwendas.etsy.com

*karendianne. said...

Uh yea, I totally saw the disturbing image. I do enjoy halloweenie fabrics (that aside) so this was fun!

Phyllis said...

Hey Nannette,

Your blocks are SO cute! And her witches feet is absolutley adorable!

Thanks for posting the pictures. Gee, Halloween will be here before we know it!

Micki said...

The fabrics are gorgeous and they really are perfect for the houses.
Micki

Anonymous said...

Your blocks are so fun! Now I'm a bit sad that I passed on Jane's Halloween swap - I just couldn't imagine ONE more quilting project this summer...but NOW I can!! Since I redid my workroom I've been busy getting caught up...well, sort of! Heard you've been having our weather? We went 30 days without rain and the skies finally opened up last night - so now maybe you'll get sun! xo, The Other Nanette

Meredith said...

Your houses are so cute!

Anonymous said...

V. here... Such cute little halloween houses- Thanks for the treats! Sometimes you do find uncomfortable things in very surprising places. I am always taken back when that happens to me. The little braided hair girls on orange feedsack remind me of Pocahantas. (I like her). V

Barb said...

Those wonky houses are adorable...and love the fabric below them.

Anonymous said...

I really love the way you added the ricrac to these blocks! It looks so cute. And what an amazing feed sack!!! x

Candace said...

Catching up here, Nanette! I saw that Halloween fabric in my LQS the other day and was trying to figure out what to do with it! I absolutely love the cottages with it - how fun!
Cheers!

Anonymous said...

Hi! I'm trying to get around and 'meet' all those in my halloween group. What incredible blocks your making! I'm so excited I'll have one in my quilt!

Anonymous said...

Hi! I'm trying to get around and 'meet' all those in my halloween group. What incredible blocks your making! I'm so excited I'll have one in my quilt!