Another lap around town

I'm continuing to make progress on the All Around The Town quilt top.  I've got the sun and all the sunbeams pined and ready to sew down.  I had to make some alterations because 16 years ago (when I first started this project) I trimmed my first block (the whale block) too small.  So I had to cut the block opposite it longer. 

 I appliqued the longer block but it wasn't lying flat so I need to fix that.  A little more unpicking. . . 

I appliqued all 12 stars.  It was a little tricky because I had a big surface to wrestle with in order to stitch them down.  The quilt top measures about 50" square so far.  There are two borders.

The stars haven't been pressed in these pictures.  I was in a hurry.

I'm making progress on the Christmas quilt I started this week.  (Sorry, no pictures.)  I've been color testing all the red fabrics and have a lot I can't use.  One piece still kept darkly staining the 'Color Catcher' after 3 washings.  I finally gave up on that one. It was a piece of quilting fabric by SSI.  Most of the poor fabric has been the red with white pindots.  I've chosen to work on the Santa Block first and almost have his lo-o-o-ong hat finished.

And we got a hard freeze two night ago.  Snow is expected in the mountains tonight.  In order for the dahlia blossoms to survive the low temps, my husband brought them in.  They make a lovely fall bouquet.  We've never grown dahlias before.   They appear to make a long lasting cut flower, so many times the other blooms I bring in only last a day.

 Hope you're able to sew today and most importantly, I hope you can hug someone.

Robin

It's time for another Christmas Quilt

 I woke up this morning with a mission.  I decided to find all my stashes of Christmas fabric and compile them, pre-shrink them, press them, and get them in an organized container.

After I got out a big and little box, a grocery sack, and an under-the-bed box full of scraps and yardage I remembered I had a stack of Basic Grey fabric that I was saving for a Christmas project.

And then I remembered this yardage below (15 yds.) that I bought in 2002 when I first started quilting in earnest.    Whew!  I had no idea at that time how much yardage was needed to make a quilt so the more the merrier.

I sorted out all the Debbie Mumm Christmas fabric and then I sorted it into color piles of red, green, gold, and backgrounds.  I also tossed out some of the pieces with a lower thread count (there were only two) and some ugly pieces.  How do they always sneak in there?

And then I found two pieces of Whimsical snowman fabric inside a book (?).  Where else have I got it stashed?

I'm leaning toward making the 'Comfort and Joy' pattern below.  I've been hanging on to this pattern for quite a while.

It is such a cute pattern.  And, it isn't completely applique so it will go together a little faster.

I also want to work on the Cheri Payne Christmas quilt.  I only have one block made.  It looks like it needs a partridge in this pear block.  I think I'll work on one of the Santa blocks next.

I've almost completed the last block for the 'All Around Town' Quilt.  I just need to do the grass, pathway and roof.  Then I can assemble it.  I still have the sun and rays in the middle of the quilt top and 5 cars  to applique around the edge.  I hate to stop working on it to do a Christmas quilt but I won't put it away.  I'll work on it a little in- between the holiday stuff. 

I've been working on the Blitzen Stars quilt.  The full quilt is pictured at the right.  I'm almost 3/4 of the way through.  It is easy to work on.  

I've begun washing the fabric stacks.  I'm not sure how to wash this red stack and check for bleeding at the same time.  There are a lot of old fabrics here and it was bought for crafts not for quilts so I know there are pieces that are NOT colorfast.  I think I will just pick out the pieces I want for each block and test them a few at a time.  The logistics of trying to do this all at once gives me a headache.  

Also, I found the piece of fabric below in one of the boxes.  I didn't buy it, my sister did.  And, I don't think I'll ever use it.  It is called Dysfunctional Family by Michael Miller, I think.  And I was going to offer to give it away but now I can't find it.  Good Grief!

 I know I won't get a Christmas quilt done by Christmas but it will make me happy while I am working on it.  That's what it's all about, anyway.

Robin

Just random thoughts and pictures

Still working on All Around Town by Sue Garman.  It needs to be pressed but it gives an idea of what it will look like.  The next block has a blue house with 13 windows (those windows  - sigh), with a flag on top of the roof.

I going to have to change those trees at the top left that look like hearts - too weird.

My SIL, who decorates for Halloween big time, gave me this little witch.  She is fully articulated and is  only about 2" tall.  Too cute.

I made a baked chocolate cream pie last week.  The above picture shows how it came out of the oven - ha!  The picture below is after about 15 minutes.  The filling has chopped pecans in it and I expected it to be more like a brownie in a pie crust but it was smooth and silky like a pudding filling.  So delicious!

I made a batch of Chili Sauce this week.  It took all day to boil down and then I found out it was to salty.  It's going to take a while to use it.  When will I ever learn. . . (isn't that a song?)

And just for a bit of nostalgia, here is picture of my younger brother and his friend selling punch in the 1960's.  Notice the deluxe stand with all it's crepe paper.  The crepe paper was wrapped around the cardboard and then decorated with twisted streamers and fringe.  And 2 cents - what a bargain.

 My brother is the one in the front with the cheesy grin.

Enjoy your day,

Robin

sharing a little progress

I trimmed the blocks for the lower right quadrant and pieced them together.  I can't attach them to the lower left quadrant (see previous post) yet.  I need to make Block # 12 before I can fit them together.

 

I just finished Block #10.  And now it's time for company to come so I need to put things away and clean.  I have to admit, cleaning isn't my favorite thing but, I sure do like the way everything looks when I've made an effort.

The next block (#11) will need some revamping I think.  It looks too crowded with a church and a tall narrow house on the same block.  I need to remember to simplify not complicate.

Sure looking forward to some cooler temperatures.  I think it's been 80 degrees or more since April.  Well. . . if feels like it.  It is 90 degrees today.  My husband loves it, he's out on the golf course three times a week.  (He's out there now - sigh)

Robin

It's only been 16 years

 While I was whining about not finding a toile fabric I was looking for and not feeling like doing anything with a needle. . . I happened upon this project that I started in 2004.  I joined four BOMs that year.  I also had both daughters get married with two wedding dresses, four bridesmaid dresses, my dress and tablecloths to make. I finished up three of the BOMs but this one got put into the netherworld of my basement.

I finished up the lower left block (Block #8) in the last few weeks and decided since the barn block looked so easy I would continue.  

I was then in a groove.  I did the embroidery and cut to size the previous six blocks for a total of nine finished.

I prepped the 10th block and am about 1/2 way done with it.

I honestly never thought I'd get back to this project.  I wasn't interested in it any more and there was too much left to do.  I figured it would be one of those projects my kids would find when I am gone and they wouldn't have a clue what to do with it.

Well, that has changed.  Now, I'm focused on getting it done.  I might even quilt it right away.

And I still can't find any toile.

Robin

Have a happy Saturday

 I have been trying to use up scraps.  

Usually I find some fabric I really can't live without 😏 and plan a project around it.  Well, I've been doing that long enough that I have lots of scraps.  

I seldom put small cuts in a scrap bag or box.  I fold the pieces up with the fabric so the next time I get it out for something I can cut up the smallest pieces first and then cut into the yardage.

It was time to try and use up some more of those scraps

I've been wanting to make a 16 patch block out of the florals I've amassed.  I made dresses and blouses for my two daughters through the years and I've made a few for myself.  It was past time to use them up.

So I made what turned out to be a 36 patch block and finished putting the top together yesterday.

It's not fancy at all.  In fact, the blocks don't necessarily go together but it looks like a homey comfy quilt that someone could lay across and get lost in Anne of Green Gables or Nancy Drew for an afternoon.

It is just going to be a utility quilt but someone will enjoy the soft colored sashing and sweet mood of the quilt when I get it quilted.

I've been working on my low volume quilt (who's name changes weekly).  I really like how the quilting is transforming the design without over-shadowing it.

I thought I was moving right along and would be finished with the quilting soon.  I counted up the finished blocks the other night and I only have 11 out of 20 done.  

I'm still working on compiling my assorted journals.  I'm up to 2002 so while it's taking forever. . .   I am making progress.  It's been bittersweet reliving the romances and weddings of my older children, one of which is now married to someone else.  It has been really draining to recall my loved ones deaths.  

I've tried to be honest and not edit out parts of the journals that show me in an less-than- desirable light but it has happened on occasion.  There are just certain things that don't need to be passed down 😁

The garden is at it's peak.

I've already bottled green beans and pickled beets.  I'm getting busy on the tomatoes (8 quarts yesterday) and pickles. The peaches are starting to ripen.  

Quilting time will be shorter for the next few weeks.

Robin

The baton has been passed

Just wanted to share a picture of a very happy granddaughter.  It was her 10th birthday last week and her mother wanted to get her a "real" sewing machine.  My granddaughter had a child's sewing machine that was really difficult to get to work but she determinedly would make little things.  There aren't many sewing machines to choose from right now.  I'm assuming it's because not as many have been made with the Covid situation and we've also had worldwide shipping bans.

I had my mother's little Singer Featherweight downstairs, 1946 model.  It hadn't been touched in over 20 years and probably more like 40 years.  But, my daughter took it in to a local lady who services Featherweights and for $55 my granddaughter got a 'real' machine that will last her a good long time.

Although my mother has been gone for 21 years I'm sure she's pleased to know a great granddaughter is gratefully receiving this legacy.

Robin