Since my self-diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome in my right hand/wrist (to be confirmed by my PCP at a regularly scheduled appointment in May), I have cut down significantly on any typing and have decreased my sewing activities. Wearing a wrist brace at night has helped immensely with the hand numbness. With the minimal sewing that I’m allowing myself to do, I am prioritizing making a quilt for my friend, James, as a birthday gift. When I visited him in Albuquerque in early March, I was so impressed with his Mid Century Modern home, especially with the tile in his guest bathroom. I decided that I wanted to make a Mid Century Modern quilt for him in grey and mustard fabrics for his 50th birthday in August. I took several photos of his bathroom tile that included many line drawings that could be made into quilt blocks. Here is one of the photos I took:
Below are eight of the 12″ blocks that I’ve drafted in Electric Quilt Version 8 (EQ8) with a close-up of the line drawing on the left and the sewn block on the right. I’m feeling much more comfortable using EQ8 after designing more than 20 blocks in this computerized quilt design program. I’ve decided to stick with the simpler designs that can be made into blocks with rotary cut and/or basic paper piecing units (and NO dreaded Y-seams!). The blocks below are photographed on Alison Glass Kaleidoscope black fabric which will be used for the sashing and outer borders. The fabrics I’m using for the blocks are Free Spirit Designer Solid Spark Gold, Moutarde Grunge by Basic Grey (thanks Linda and Wendy for the recommendation), Kona Curry, Alison Glass Kaleidoscope Raven, Alison Glass Kaleidoscope Charcoal, and Cloud 9 Cirrus Solid in Shadow.
On Tuesday, I will be linking up to Quilt Schmilt: To-Do Tuesday to share this update with my quilting peeps who participate in this linky party.
Quilting is in my Blood 
This is such a cool idea and I love how it’s coming together 😍
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Those are fabulous blocks!! Sorry to hear about the decrease in sewing due to the pain you’re in 😦
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I’m glad your hand/wrist are improving with the rest and brace. Your MCM blocks are looking great!
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I could tell your blocks were inspired by the tile work, but seeing them side by side with the inspired tile is really fantastic. You are doing a beautiful job. I hope the resting is easing your pain and discomfort.
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I’m in awe of first the tiles in the bathroom. I’m assuming he designed those tiles or were they commercially produced? And I’m also in awe over your quilt blocks made with the tiles inspiration. They are absolutely fabulous. The color choices really work too. I hope your hand continues to improve with your limiting it’s use. It’s no fun to deny your enjoyment from stitching but sometimes we have to look at the long term.
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I’m sorry to hear about the carpal tunnel, Mary! It’s good that you’ve found a way to get some relief, but too bad that means less sewing time. I love your latest project! Fun inspiration and beautiful blocks!
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Mary we are lucky that we live in an age where the carpal tunnel fix isn’t major surgery. I had both of my wrists done in 2002 and haven’t looked back since. I am really enjoying seeing your special quilt and block designs come together. James will be thrilled, but sadly never know how much effort and love actually goes in to designing a project from scratch. I’m sure he will know how loved he is though. Great job this week. Thank you for linking with To Do Tuesday. I look forward to seeing what you get done this week, but can only hope you will be pain free enough to do some sewing.
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Your friend’s tile is incredible! Does he know you are making the quilt? Your designs look amazing.
Glad your wrist is getting better!
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Hi Mary! This is such a COOL PROJECT. How brilliant to take his tiles and turn them into quilt blocks. I know he will just adore this when it’s finished. I’m so glad to hear that resting your hand/wrist and wearing the brace is helping. Anything to avoid surgery. Happy Friday to you, my friend. {{Hugs}} ~smile~ Roseanne
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I’m reading backwards, LOL. Good to see the origin of the project. I’m stunned by the effectiveness of color choice as you move from the line drawing to working with shapes.
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