Do you want to join the fun?

Posted on December 14, 2020 by divadiversion

As I was going through my UFO lists, I thought I might share my thoughts.

It’s been a productive year.  The lists have helped keep me on track.  And as a byproduct of living during a pandemic, I was provided with a way to turn my thoughts to more pleasant things. 

Participating in the American Patchwork quilting UFO Challenge has provided a bit of social media comradery.  These folks cheer each other along, offer suggestions and tips when asked and can really provide some inspiration as you watch them finish their creations. 

I had 12 projects on my American Patchwork and Quilting UFO Challenge list and I completed 10 of them.  Yes, that’s 10 quilts from that list.  The other two just didn’t happen. 

Now I also had my FINISHALONG list.  They were not as active this year because it was a challenge getting sponsors.  Still, many of us created lists posted our challenges and our finishes.  This list had over 80 projects on it (the 12 projects from APQ were also on this list).  So that was 18 finishes off of that list.

This year I finished 19 quilts completely – one of these was not on any list.  It just creeped in there.  And I have 5 quilts at the longarmers (two of these weren’t on any list) and 2 others ready to go (these were new work also).  Now that IS progress.  Because we get distracted and new work always looks so much more interesting than a UFO, you have to expect to fall off the tracks once in a while!

How can I do this? Well, being retired helps. I go into my sewing room most mornings and come out for lunch. I might go back in for a couple of hours in the afternoon. This year with travel and visiting being minimal, I spent a lot of time in there. It is my happy place.

If you are interested in creating your list for next year – please do!  I’ll cheer you along!  Go to:  https://www.allpeoplequilt.com/how-to-qilt/finishing/2021-ufo-challenge and read all about it.  Download your PDF and create your list.  There were also monthly and organization challenges that I did not take advantage of last year.  After walking through my sewing room, I’m thinking this might need to be a priority for 2021.  Join the Facebook Group, show your work! 

I’ll share the information when it comes out about the Finishalong. 

And here is the list for 2021!

Posted in Accomplishments, American Patchwork & Quilting UFO Challenge, Challenges, Finish-A-Long, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Sunday Dinner Good

Posted on November 22, 2020 by divadiversion

Sometimes you stumble on a dish that is just so good that it elevates a weeknight. I call that “Sunday Dinner Good”. It’s the kind of dish you would be proud to serve a guest.

Now, I will confess, I’ve never been a squash lover. But this, this is just so good. Not only is it delicious, it is beautiful to look at!

Acorn Squash with Fruit and Nuts

It takes about 15 minutes to prep and cooks for about an hour depending on how big your squash is.

If you are interested in the recipe you can find it here: ORGANIC ALLSPICE ACORN SQUASH WITH FRUIT & NUTS recipe | Epicurious.com

After making this a few times I’ve made a couple of changes to the recipe.

I use a cookie sheet covered with foil for easy clean up.

I use what apples I have available, if I have 2 Granny Smiths, that’s what I use. If I have two Honeycrisp that’s what I use. If I have one of each – GREAT.

I don’t add the salt.

Pecans make a great substitute for the walnuts.

It really doesn’t need the poppy seeds.

In my humble opinion, maple syrup makes a better garnish than the honey.

Seriously, this is “GET IN MY BELLY!” GOOD.

I would be delighted to hear if you try this, and what you think.

Posted in Food, Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Fabulous Friday Finishes

Posted on August 14, 2020 by divadiversion

Yup, I’m bragging a bit.  Tooting my horn and Terry’s too!  I got this back and bound and it’s hanging in my bedroom.

Sharp Dressed Man was pieced last year.  The circles are made from neckties that have been sewn to a foundation and then pieced into the backgrounds.  Those backgrounds are shirts.  There are over 216 ties that were used in this quilt.  Each of the circles has 24 pieces.  Of course you will see smaller pieces of the same ties in another project in the works.  “Waste not want not”.  I also bound it with neckties.  Terry Burris quilted this for me and I couldn’t be more smitten.

My Smart Dressed Hubby making sure My Smart Dressed Man is hanging straight. Photo to the right is block detail. If you think you might like to make your own and need some neckties, I have bags of them for sale at VintageVaCouple on Etsy.

Aromatic is a quilt from a book I bought from Nancy’s Notions after watching an episode one Sunday morning.  It’s a lovely book and you will probably see at least one more quilt from this book in the future.   The book is Rainbow Quilts For Scrap Lovers by Judy Gauthier.  A few months ago I made Fretwork from this book.  What I loved about this pattern was the simple construction, the scrappiness without being chaotic and how generously sized each block is.  The backing is from American Quilters Society and it is perfect for this project (so perfect I wish I had bought more).  The quilting Terry Burris did on this is gorgeous without being intrusive.  I adore this quilt. 

These were not on my UFO or Finishalong list but I just had to make them.  These adorable Holiday Stars are wonderful for the tree, packages, and to decorate a wreath.  And they are not just for Christmas, think wreaths, package add ons. I’ve seen a few with some fabulous machine embroidery and they are pretty fancy. See more at Poorhouse Designs on Facebook.  If you can’t find the pattern at your local quilt shop give a shout out to Kris Poorhouse.

That’s all the progress I have for now.

What’s under your needle?

Posted in Accomplishments, American Patchwork & Quilting UFO Challenge, Finish-A-Long, Quilting, recycling, Scraps, Terry Burris Quilting, UFO's, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Book Work

Posted on December 29, 2019 by divadiversion

Some people iron as they need something to wear, I iron on Sunday morning.  And I sit while I’m pressing away with the television on.  Most Sundays I am entertained by Jane Pauley as I watch Sunday Morning.  This has been my habit for at least a decade.  Maybe two.  But if there is more pressing time than Jane time I’ll watch Sewing With Nancy or Quilting Arts.

Sewing With Nancy is entertaining and provides some simple approachable lessons, and there are retail opportunities to purchase the products that the program is focused on from Nancy’s Notions.  Of course, if your are a good note taker you don’t have to purchase, but again, the opportunity is there.  Much earlier this year I was watching and this creative quilter, Judy Gauthier, was Nancy’s guest.  She showed this adorable quilt called Packages, Boxes, and Bows.  Very colorful and a great use of scraps.  So was her Color Brick Road and Rectangles Squared quilts.  But she got me with Fretwork.

I enjoyed working on this so much that I made two tops and cut a third.  This will be a wonderful charity quilt!  This is my smaller version.

IMG_4965

The instructions are for a baby quilt that finishes at 60 1/2 x 75 1/2 which I find huge for a baby quilt.  When I finished the first top I decided that for my purposes it doesn’t need to be that big.  Mine is 45 1/2 x 60 1/2 and plenty big enough for me to quilt.  It’s also a great size to have in the vehicle or for a toddler to drag around.

You’ve got to love the simplicity of a nine patch!

IMG_4966

The “pieced” blocks are done reverse applique, and we are instructed not to overthink the process and allow the blocks to be wonky to add more whimsy and visual interest.

What I liked was I had everything I needed.  I didn’t have to go to the store as the pieces are small 5 1/2″ squares and 4 1/2″ squares.  What made me a little uncomfortable was the chance that there might be some raw edges in the corners if I didn’t pay close enough attention to that pressing.  Then again, these are not meant to be heirloom pieces, just working quilts.

And look what I had in my stash for the back!

IMG_4967

Was this perfect!?!  I’m over the moon that it’s done.

The name of the book is Rainbow Quilts for Scrap Lovers by Judy Gauthier.  You can get it at Nancy’s Notions, https://www.nancysnotions.com as well as other retailers.  The book was released in 2017 so it might even be at your local quilt shop.

There will be others to show from this book in the next couple of years.

Oh, and have a Happy New Year!

 

Posted in Accomplishments, Charity Quilts, Fabric exchange, Nine Patch, Quilting, simple, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 8 Comments

There was progress in August!

Posted on September 6, 2019 by divadiversion

One thing that got done was my one monthly goal with Quilters Corner. I quilted and put the binding on the double four patch baby quilt!

Double four patch baby quilt

This simple block is a standard beginner block and it was a joy to put together. The quilting is done in diagonal straight lines using a standard weight thread alternating red with yellow. Generally it takes me a few evenings in front of the television to get a binding finished. Looking at this, it looked like I could stitch it down by machine. And I did. Seriously, why hadn’t I thought of this earlier. Instead of taking a few evenings it took less than an hour and no one is going to notice. This is a charity quilt that I’m hoping will be well used and laundered and dragged around. Although not very babyish, it measures 36″ x 47″ and it does have color.

Well that wasn’t the only thing I got done. There was mad progress on my Kinship Fusion quilt a long!

100 blocks 100 days Kinship Fusion Quilt-a-long

I can see the light at the end of the tunnel with this one. It has been a blast to participate and such an inspiration to see how other quilters have interpreted the blocks in fabric. I’ve used what I have on hand and I’ve dubbed this “selective scrap”. The color story reminds me a bit of Froot Loops. If you would like to take a peek at how others are working their blocks out, go to Instagram and check out #100blocks100days2019. There are over 3900 posts! There are many people participating from all over the world! Check out Gnome Angel at https://www.gnomeangel.com for more inspiration about this project and others.

But wait there’s more! I finished a “two-fer”! This was a piece from several years ago that I finally sent off to Terry Burris Quilting. Well it’s back and I put a binding on it and it to is now complete!

  • Paper lanterns.

When you flip the Paper Lanterns quilt over you get a more serene look. The panel is beautifully framed by the Asian inspired prints.

The lantern block was very simple to construct and made good use of the prints I had collected over the years.

Paper Lantern Block

Although I don’t recall exactly where I found the block pattern, I suspect it was a magazine from about 10 to 12 years ago.

I also had a wonderful time with my friend Susan who came down and we had quilt camp. She was working on her pizza box project. I kind of got involved in that too.

First Audition of Susans Pizza Box Quilt

This may not be how she assembles it, but it sure did give me ideas on what to do with some of my 2 1/2″ squares. I was totally smitten!

Hope your bobbins are full and you too are making progress!

Posted in Accomplishments, Challenges, Charity Quilts, Quilting, simple, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 6 Comments

Inspiration is Everywhere and Resistance is Futile!

Posted on January 20, 2021 by divadiversion

I almost missed it! Project Quilting has begun! Although I do not participate in all of the challenges, some of them just pull me in. That “I can do this”, kicks in and the next thing I know is I’ve gone down the “rabbit hole”. It’s all good though. The way it works is there are 6 challenges in 12 weeks. You have 7 days to complete the challenge and link your project. Needless to say, with only 7 days from start to finish these are not queen size quilts! But even if you don’t participate in a challenge you can be inspired by those that do. For more information check out Kim Lapaceks blog and her project quilting site at https://kimlapacek.com/project-quilting-season-12. Also check out her blog. This lady is amazingly creative and productive. She has several scrap block challenges and is the designer of the Wonky Dresden Neighborhood. You can find her blog here: https://kimlapacek.com. This first challenge was “Illuminating & Ultimate Gray” – the second challenge is “Fussy Cuts” – oh sew tempting!

In November I signed up for the 1914 Boehm House Vintage Linens Retreat being held on Facebook. The retreat started January 1. It’s free, and if you have been collecting vintage linens you will want to check this out. There are over 700 participants and I can assure you that the inspiration is mind blowing. I’ve culled through my collection of linens and ladies vintage hankies and am delighted to have the opportunity to use them. If you are interested in working with vintage linens you can check out Rhonda Dorts blog at https://rhondadort.com shares a wealth of information on laundering, and using all or parts of those special linens that may or may not be in the best condition. Or join the Facebook group 1914 Boehm House Vintage Linens Retreat.

And then, Shelly from Prairie Moon Quilts had some year end studio challenges that I thought I needed to take part in. The first one posted on December 29 was to “Clear Off Your Main Work Surface”. Well, that was tricky. What’s my main work surface? The cutting table, the sewing table, the ironing board? Well, I decided it was the cutting table initially, and that was fine until I really got into it and then lot’s of that stuff ended up on the ironing board, and I took a good look at my sewing table. Yikes! Well, there were several participants that got this done in 1 day. I took every second to the January 7 deadline.

Before:

After:

This took longer than I thought it would but oh sew worth it! Now to keep it this way.

I am excited to report that my block count for 2020 was 636! That’s a lot of blocks! Obviously not all of them are complicated. The 100 Blocks in 100 Days challenge was the bulk of these as I did over two sets, and those blocks are now flimsy’s getting ready to go to the longarmer.

And then there are these:

I was going to participate in the Love and Stitches Quilt-A-Long, but just didn’t feel it. Well I’m feeling it now. I found some fabric that I purchased from Nine Mile Quilts on Etsy (my friend Annie Morgan) and a few other pieces to mix in and I can just see this sweet quilt coming together. The Love and Stitches Pattern is available on etsy also at MeganCollinsQuilts. There was one adaptation that I did with the pattern and instead of using one piece as the body of the heart, I made 9 patches. These hearts are bigger than any of the blocks I’ve made over the last year measuring in at a whooping 12″.

Hoping you are feeling the love and that your mojo is brewing.

Posted in Accomplishments, antiquing, Classes, Inspiration, Nine Patch, Organization, Project Quilting, Quilting, recycling, Scraps, Sewalong, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 4 Comments

I Do Declare!

Posted on January 4, 2021 by divadiversion

One of the Finish Alongs I participate in asks for a “Declaration of Intent”. This statement shares what I intend to finish during the first round of the year. The round started January 1 and ends on March 31.

The oldest project I am working on this quarter is Karens Sunflowers.

This has been hanging around for a long time. Really long time. My intent is to get the patched squares tied off and the floral squares quilted (long stitch style). Then I’m going to bind and give it to Karen who has been waiting for this…a long long time.

Then there is “Fretwork”.

I’ve made a couple of these. They are fun, but this may be the last one for a while. After all there are lots of quilts out there begging to be done. For this one, I’m going to machine quilt it with somewhat straight lines in white or grey thread approximately 3/8 to 1/2″ apart. Then I’m going to bind it.

This next project I have been looking forward to for a while. I call it Mountains Majesty, but the traditional pattern name is Delectable Mountains. This came from a Bonnie Hunter pattern and I’ve been just itching to get to it.

For this quilt I am constructing the blocks from thrifted and gifted mens shirts. I have most of the blocks completed, I just need to put them together. I have the backing for this one and I will have it quilted by a longarmer. I hadn’t noticed that the mirror in my little suitcase caught the reflection of my “graceful” foot. (I’m chuckling here!). That’s about the only part of me that has an appearance of some grace right now.

For more information about these finish-a-longs check out http://www.sunflowerstitcheries.com on the web and on instagram #ssqfal2021 and #finishalong2021. On Facebook you can find them at The Sunflower Garden and Finish-A-Long.

Now the January finish for American Patchwork and Quilting is #7. That happens to be one that I didn’t finish last year – obviously right.

This is my Crazy Patchwork Tablerunner that was made with neckties. I need to do some fancy stitching on the seams as well as quilting and binding the piece.

Well, that’s what I’m sharing for now. I do have a couple of other things to share later this month!

Keep your bobbins filled and piece!

Posted in Accomplishments, Finish-A-Long, Quilting, UFO's, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Giving Tuesday

Posted on December 2, 2020 by divadiversion

I am fortunate to have been able to retire, early. Life, for me, is good. I have a home where I can stay and be safe. My husband and I are in good health. That is such a blessing. I have a desire to help, to serve, to do good. My skills and strengths are not suitable for many types of charity, but I can sew. I love to serve through quilting.

Like you we get a phenomenal amount of mail requesting donations to several charities. It is difficult to know who has the best formula for feeding the hungry, or curing the ill, or housing the homeless. But we make our best decisions and go through our box of requests and give what we can.

The quilt guild I belong to has several charity organizations that request quilts. I love doing this. I do it cheerfully and I do my very best to create something for someone I may never meet, to bring them comfort. Truth be told, I find this far more fun than wading through the myriad of solicitations for donations. But I do digress.

This month one of the charities we are collecting for Doorways. Doorways is similar to a Ronald McDonald House for families of children (or adults) that are getting medical care from VCU Medical. Sometimes these families come from hundreds of miles away to receive special services from VCU. These procedures and services can take days. Doorways provides a place to stay for patients and their family or caretaker while they are receiving the health care they need. Many of these patients are children. With that in mind I made this.

Lap size quilt for Doorways

The yellow is so cheerful. There are two of them, this one is larger, and there is a baby quilt as well. The initial plan for this was a totally different quilt, but this is perfect.

I love the way my points came together. That had to be divine intervention. And I had the perfect fabric to make the binding sitting in my stash just waiting for an opportunity.

Sometimes I find comfort in very simple sewing. A task where my mind can wander, and I can still stay on task. The quilt I made for Christmas Mother is simple sewing.

Simple Quilt

I have no idea what to call this. It is made with scraps, yet it is cohesive. there are two simple blocks, and depending on how you orient them, you can get a collection of different quilt designs.

Basically, you start with 2 1/2″ squares, sew them together in four patches. Then you surround the four patches with a background. The alternate block reverses the process. You start with a background piece 4 1/2″ square, and surround it with 2 1/2″ squares of the scraps.

I love the way this turned out and I would be happy to have this in my home. I truly hope the recipient enjoys it. I can see several more of this in different compilations being made with love to give.

So this year, when we have been quarantined and socially distancing and missing our loved ones, let’s remember how good we really do have it, and how we can do what we can for others.

Peace. Stay safe.

Posted in Charity Quilts, Quilting, Uncategorized | Tagged | 4 Comments

Quilting Cozy on a Rainy Day

Posted on November 12, 2020 by divadiversion

As the temperatures start to fall with the leaves I think of cozy quilts.  And nothing says cozy like flannel!  The softness the warmth, the way it feels on a chilly winter night is such a comfort. 

I just happen to have two flannel quilts on my Finish-A-Long list, and another on my Wanna-do list so now is the time to make progress. 

All of my log cabin blocks are constructed and sewn together.  I’ve found my borders.  I’ve pieced my backs.  I think I’ve made enough binding.  It’s time for them to visit the quilter.  These are going to be just toasty with soft sweet wool batting in them.

And that Wanna-do quilt – well these Bulls Eye blocks are moving along nicely.  I’ve never done anything quite like this, where you just cut and sew and pay no mind to things being matched up or not.  Initially I was a bit uncomfortable with it, then it got to be rather fun.  It is nice to just DO something without overthinking it.  And it’s wonderful to see some of these flannels that I’ve held onto find a place to shine.

This pattern comes from Quilts From Aunt Amy put out by Country Threads.

Once I have completed these quilts, I will be going through my flannels and thinning the collection, as it is time to do some destashing.  If you are creating a scrappy happy flannel quilt and are looking to add to you stash, check out our Etsy store at https://www.etsy.com/shop/vintagevacouple.

Stay warm and safe and dry.

Piece!

Posted in American Patchwork & Quilting UFO Challenge, Finish-A-Long, Flannel, Quilting, Scraps, simple, Terry Burris Quilting, UFO's, Uncategorized, Wool | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Fourth Quarter Plan for the Finish-A-Long

Posted on October 17, 2020 by divadiversion

Because I try to learn from my mistakes, the list for this quarter will be shorter. The previous three quarters, I was unable to complete everything on my list. Granted, the lists were optimist at best.

The first project on my list is #17 the Flannel Log Cabins. It appears there may enough block pieces for two lap sized quilts in the box, and some of the blocks are actually together. My intent is to get the tops done, the backs pieced, the bindings made and off to the longarmer.

Flannel Log Cabin Blocks – literally

The second project, is a seasonal piece. I loved the way the first one finished so much that I just jumped back in and started another. When I packed the components in the box I labelled it “Holiday Wreath table runner or apron or…” sort of like “whatever”. A dear friend of mine saw this and just cracked up. These blocks should find their way into another beautiful table runner or apron or whatever, and well I’ll let you know. This is #59 on my Finish-A-Long list.

Holiday Wreath table runner, apron, or …

The third piece I don’t have a photo for, but it is #74 on the list and they are Tie Scarves. These are just as they sound, scarves made from scraps from my tie projects. I’m hoping they are stylish and soft. We’ll see!

I will get distracted, but I will fight it. And if I do get these projects completed, there are the dozens of other projects from the first three quarters that are awaiting my undivided attention. Yes, there is Fretwork 3. And the Antique Pineapple Wall Haning, and the Blue & Brown Pineapple Blocks, and Diamond Jubilee which I was sew looking forward to. Oh and the Australian Table Runner and Wallhanging and… you get it.

All of this year I’ve been tidying up a little. There is still a lot of work to do in the sewing room to make the space cleaner and more streamlined, and less like a hoarders paradise. There are books and fabrics that are absolutely lovely, but I no longer have any passion for the projects, or I purchased too much yardage. These things can be found in my Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/vintagevacouple. The books are in fabulous condition and the fabric is all good quality and priced to move. Later there will be precious gifts and decor. So go check it out and share with your friends!

So, whatever YOU are doing this fourth quarter, start with a sharp rotary blade and a new needle in your machine. Piece!

Posted in Challenges, Finish-A-Long, Holiday Quilting, Lists, Paper foundations, Quilting, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 2 Comments

But I’m Not Done Yet!

Posted on October 7, 2020 by divadiversion

Quarter 3 of the FINISHALONG has come to a close and I’m Not Done Yet! 

Things I did get done are Aromatic Rings which I LOVE, and the quilting by Terry Burris Quilting is beautiful.

Sharp Dressed Man which I love!

Fretwork 3 which is adorable, huge and already gifted prior to photo!

Not on the list and I have no idea how these missed my “Master List”

Eye Spy! – It’s on there now and all the spaces are checked off!

Trinkets – This was my very first Sew A Long from 2019…and it’s complete. This was also beautifully quilted by Terry Burris Quilting.

Although it was on the “Master List” but not on this quarters list I also got these done from a long languishing project challenge.

Not finished but there was progress:

Arabasque Cake Mix – change in plan for this one, but the tops are pieced.  These will be charity quilts.

EPP Hexi Table Runner – Hand quilting very slowly in front of the television, sometimes with my eyes closed.

Didn’t even touch:

Australian Wall Hanging or Blue and Brown Pineapple Blocks

Initially I was disappointed with my progress, but when I look at it in pictures and words, I feel sew much better. In another week I’ll be deciding what my last quarter plan will be. Although I am finding I get distracted an don’t always stick to the plan, I am making steady progress, and for that I am grateful.

Posted in Accomplishments, Challenges, Charity Quilts, Finish-A-Long, Lists, Quilting, simple, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Happy Mail

Posted on September 29, 2020 by divadiversion

Last week I received some “Happy Mail” from my sister Terry (Terry Burris Quilting).  I send the bulk of my “quilting” to her to do because, well, she does a great job, she can help me express what I see in a project when it is completed (think mind reader), and she’s my sister.  Over the years getting into the queue has become a bit more challenging as she has honed her craft through study and thousands of hours of practice.  She has won ribbons for her quilting and been instrumental in making the work of others shine.  Oh, and she loves me. 

So I had sent her this box maybe a month ago just so I wouldn’t lose track of it.  I was so proud of myself for getting these pieces prepped for quilting.  Nothing was to be rushed as these pieces had languished for at least 20 years.  Then low and behold there were a couple of cancellations.  The customers that had reserved spots in her que weren’t ready.  SCORE!!!  I’m IN!

The first two pieces are from my big UFO list.  These were started way back before the turn of the century (why does that tickle me so?!)  At the Fauquier Quilter when we were meeting at Quilters Confectionery, we had a strip challenge.  I made my strips into strata.  And then I moved those strip strata’s SIX different times into SIX different homes.  Finally, I got tired of looking at them every time I walked into the bathroom where they were hanging on the back of a door.  It was time.  I cut the strata and used them as components to make 9-Patch blocks.  Simple and easy yet still visual. 

When I finally packed them up and sent them to Terry, I told her I wanted them to look “woodsy” and wanted little woodsy animals in the centers of the blocks. 

She nailed it.  And I love the leafy panto she used on the rest of the quilt. 

The binding is on and I put them in the laundry for their wash before I gift them.  I’m really glad I used some Color Catchers in the wash as even though I had prewashed all of my fabrics this is what I found in the machine. 

Color Catchers are a wonderful tool to keep dyes from bleeding all over your quilt.

I love the way a quilt feels and looks when it first comes out of the dryer after its first wash; all crinkly and cozy.

Crinkly Goodness!

This other piece also has some age on it (20+ years) and comes from the same era and off the same very long list.  The “Victorian” palette on this Christmas tree skirt is so very pretty.  The pattern is from Eleanor Burns Quilt in a Day Diamond Log Cabin. 

This is quilted with a warm golden colored thread and the motif is poinsettias.  I sort of wish I had put a solid on the back of this so the quilting showed as it is gorgeous.  I can see making another, just to do this!  Truly the quilting is just as pretty as the piecing.

There are still a ridiculous amount of beautiful things I’ve begun and not completed to get back to.

I hope you are making wonderful progress on whatever is on your list or under your needle.

Piece.

Posted in Accomplishments, American Patchwork & Quilting UFO Challenge, Challenges, Finish-A-Long, Holiday Quilting, Lists, Nine Patch, Quilting, Scraps, simple, Terry Burris Quilting, UFO's, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Under the Needle on Hobby Hill

Posted on August 26, 2020 by divadiversion

It is day 55 of the 100 Days 100 Blocks Challenge.  Many of us are using the same block patterns from last year’s Kinship Fusion offered by Gnome Angel.  This year I’m doing two versions.  One is Sink or Swim using Dear Stella fabric and the other is a “vintage” Alexander Henry fabric.  It has adorable little baby animals going to bed.   The little piggy makes me smile.  But then again so do the birds and the bear with the fish.  I’m easily amused. 

Another project that I’ve had on my UFO list is Arabesque.  I had purchased a “layer cake” on sale several years ago and it was perfect for this project.  I cut the squares according to directions.  That all went along great.  Then it came to assembling the quilt.  The blocks are offset and there is a piece that moves from one block to another, but you don’t assemble the blocks first, the entire quilt is assembled row by row.  After several attempts I had to step back.  The directions, for this free pattern or my lack of understanding said directions were killing my mojo. So I decided that I could do something simpler, there was no specific plan for this quilt other than to finish it.  By moving forward with a simpler design I could experience a win, and move on.  Well, I’m moving forward.  These will be cheerful little pinwheel quilts!  And soon I will be onto something I really WANT to work on.

Working with abandoned or thrifted fabrics, has made me really happy the last few years.  I hope to do more of it.  While making samples for the Q^ retreat several years ago, we did a block exchange using Bonnie Hunters Delectable Mountains (you can find the block pattern here https://quiltville.com/delmtspf.html ).  I had many shirts left over from that and other thrift store finds, and have been cutting and sewing these blocks to build my own mountain range.  I think once the blocks start getting up on the design wall it will go quickly.

In the studio there was a bookcase fail.  You know those little thingies that hold the bookshelf into place.  Well, apparently the load was more than they could handle.  It was no surprise when I saw that they were plastic.  The first task (after picking up the books) was to replace those plastic “thingies” with metal ones. All of them, not just the failed ones.

Then it occurred to me that I hadn’t looked or touched some of those books in several years.  So in an effort to be responsible, and start a little “downsizing”, I’ve started going through all of my quilting books.  It there aren’t 3 projects in a book that I’m interested in tackling, the book doesn’t return to the shelf.  Most of these books are pristine.  So I’ve put them up for sale on Etsy.  The prices are seriously discounted.  You can find them at https://www.etsy.com/shop/vintagevacouple.  If you know of anyone that is new to quilting and trying to build their library feel free to share the shop information.  More books go up weekly.  And my WannaDo list gets longer.

Sew, what’s under your needle?

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