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

Bygone Baskets twin

I finished getting the Bygone Baskets quilt put together.  It looks very nice and concise.

I wonder if it needs a border or if a solid colored binding will be enough.

I got online because I thought surely someone else has finished their BOM and posted picutres.  I found the photo below and laughed as I thought, "We had the same idea!"

https://gramho.com/media/2308472648383819549

She made the quilt in different colors, of course, but she made an extra block (like I did) and put it on point (like I did).  Isn't the blue sashing pretty.  It's so fun to see it made up in different fabrics.

My hibiscus has bloomed.  I can see it from my backdoor.  Wasn't it nice that the first bloom  was pointed toward the door so I wouldn't miss it?

I bottled a batch of green beans today.  I spend over an hour just snipping off the ends.  But, I have 7 hearty quarts to put in the fruit room.  Well worth the effort.

Robin

A quilter's work is never done

I'm finally getting this quilt top layered and ready to quilt.  I think I'm going to use the floor hoop where I can turn it around as I quilt around the circles.

I'm having a hard time naming this quilt because I've come up with so many name I like.  The first one was "Absence of Heat"  but that doesn't sound right anymore.  The other names that have come to mind are  "Solace", "Stardust", and "Mellow".  Hmmmmmmm

This was a fun quilt to put together because it was so simple.  I hand appliqued the circles which was a relaxing hand project.

I used some of my favorite old 3 Sisters fabrics.  They are always so sweet - 

From Gingham Rose to Seaside Rose to  Aviary and other lines I've forgotten.  

This is the backing for the quilt.  Both of these fabrics are from the Seaside Rose line in 2002 or something.  I absolute love the one with the big roses.  I've saved it for a long time.  I didn't have enough for the whole back so I teamed up these two fabrics.  It was supposed to just be four big pieces but I accidentally cut one of them in 1/2.  I like this placement much better than my original plan.

I finished my Alletaire quilt.  It was a mystery quilt-a-long by Bonnie Hunter in 2016.  I know you've seen dozens of these online but that doesn't detract from the fact that it is a really pretty quilt  I think it's Bonnie's BEST one.

I used DMC size 8 in gold and a big stitch.  I thought it would show up a lot more than it does.

And it didn't take as much thread as I thought it would so I've got 5 more balls of gold that I need to figure out a use for.

I call it "Manistique" after a little town in the UP of Michigan.

Robin

I made another block

I haven't sewn the center of the flower down.

Well, I made another block for the Beyond Baskets quilt (see previous post.  It certainly isn't the most glamorous block I've ever made but it's done.  It took me all day.  I had to figure out what fabrics I had big enough pieces of and then I had to figure out which fabrics to use in which position and what fabrics had already been used in the blocks that would be surrounding it.  

Have I totally confused you?

It probably took me 2 hours to just figure all that out because I kept going back and forth on placement.

The fabrics are from a line by Paula Barnes called Hill Country Heritage.  I was able to find a green piece of fabric for the grass in the basket in my stash by Paula Barnes so it's different than the rest but it goes just fine and doesn't detract.

Above are all the blocks with sashing  between.  The new block is left on the second row from the top.

This shows using the black stripe at the top as side setting triangles.  It looks too dark to me.  (And my carpet makes everything look weird)

This picture shows light side setting triangles (which I like much better ) and extending the sashing out next to the triangles. This will give me some light spaces to do some nice quilting.   I haven't sewn anything down, I'm just trying to get an idea of what the differences are and what I prefer.

And this picture shows another option with colorful cornerstones between the sashing.  I actually think the cornerstones are too distracting.  I wish my pictures were brighter but I was taking them in the basement (which is delightfully cool in spite of the heat).

Well, what do you think?  I enjoyed your input so much from my last post and it motivated me to get busy.

I don't think I would have regretted not making another block and just finishing this quilt off like the pattern.  But, I really do think this on point setting is a better choice.  It will measure approx. 72" sq.

I just realized I have the two multi-colored baskets next to each other - shoot!

Robin