More Garden Pictures

 Over 20 years ago, a local nursery offered a specialty clematis.  It has given us beautiful blooms every year, but in various numbers.  I guess, like all things in nature, plants do better one year from the next, due to varying temperatures, rainfall, etc.

When the buds open, they start with the set of large petals, then continue opening more each day.  

They always seem to bloom, just when the irises are fading.

I remember DH complaining about the price of this plant when we added it to our garden, but we have had so much enjoyment every year, watching for the buds to open!

My quilting has taken a back seat lately, as the garden needed some extra TLC.  We've had unusually hot weather, with little rainfall.  Today the temperatures have dropped, and we are expecting several days of showers coming up, so the garden will be much happier.

I am stitching the binding on a small panel quilt for our grandchildren to play various games when they come for their visit in August, we hope!  We are getting our second dose of Covid-19 vaccine on Thursday, and we are looking forward to getting hugs in person soon!

MOSAIC IS COMPLETE

 

I finally managed to get a picture of Mosaic from the Quilted Twins.  I had a large bin of 2 1/2 inch strips, leftover from a lifetime of quilting.  The dark strip bin was full to bursting, but now has lots of room!  Of course, I didn't measure the intended bed until after I had the top completed, so added 2 dark borders on the sides, as it wouldn't cover our extra tall mattress!  It took a couple of movies on TV to get the binding completed.  Today my DH's friend was over to practice guitar, so I cornered them before they got started to be my stand-in quilt holders so I could take a quick picture.  Of course, the wind caught the quilt just as I snapped the picture!

 

Fabric used this week  16.75 yards

Fabric used year to date  76 yards and

Fabric added this week  11.5 yards

Fabric added  year to date  16 yards

Net used 2021  60 yards

 

I ordered some more Halloween fabrics, some with glow in the dark areas, as I have to get busy making my grandson's quilt, as I made one for his little sister last winter, but decided to give them both together.   Hopefully they will use them for at least the month of October every year, so they will have dreams of dressing up and collecting goodies.

 

I came up with a plan for my orphan blocks, so have been adding a border around each block to make each row of blocks the same width.  I have one more to complete, and then I'll figure out the plan to make the rest of the quilt top!

BLOOMS IN THE GARDEN

 DH and I have a small front garden and a small back garden.  Over the years, the iris have multiplied and my front garden is full of yellow iris that needs to be thinned after it is finished blooming.

 

Unfortunately we had strong wind, and the white iris are taller and have thinner stems, and most of them are laying down.

This one is still standing tall, with many more buds to come.

We used to have 2 garden beds surrounding our patio in the back area, but with my arthritis getting worse, making it hard for me to take care of everything, we decided to return one bed to grass, and make the other one a bit smaller.  DH removed all the plants, and we saved a few that we really liked in large pots.

We have 2 small clumps of daylilies, which bloom later, 2 different clematis that are growing up the trellis, and light purple iris blooming.

I also have chives, ready to bloom, and planted basil, parsley, thyme and sage to flavour our meals in the future.

The small purple and white iris in the pot will be transplanted into both the front an back garden beds.  These are always the earliest to bloom each year.  Since I took the pictures, a super dark purple iris is in bloom, along with one that is a deep red purple.  When we thin the yellow and white plants in the front, I plan to add some of all the other colours for more variety.

Quilting - I have been trying to decide what to use on the back of my mosaic quilt.  I was inspired by others, who have added some orphan quilt blocks to the backing, so I pulled out one of my baskets of unused blocks, and have been playing with them, trying to figure out how to use them.  I have a large stash, but currently no wide backing fabrics.  I always seem to piece backing for kids quilts and lap-size quilts, but I have some large quilts planned in the future.    When I looked at these blocks, and parts of blocks, I remember quilts that I made 20+ years ago!  Hopefully they will keep someone warm in the future!

I don't want to have a huge stash to leave behind when my quilting days are over, so I have been concentrating on creative ways to use what I have!!!!! 

STILL KEEPING BUSY!

My stash reports have been very irregular this year.  I have been sewing almost every day, but stopping to make various items for the boutique at my guild's next quilt show.  We had a "boutique workshop" on Saturday, let by one of our members.

We made iPad pouches, which are self-lined.  I used some remnants left over from my former life making draperies etc.

 

The group also made cell phone stands, but as my internet was acting up, and Zoom was freezing for the last half of the workshop, I didn't make any of these.  I found instructions on the internet, so I plan on making a couple for the boutique, as well as for some friends.

My lastest project has been cutting and sewing the top of Mosaic.  It is made from rectangles, with a few squares added in at the ends of some of the rows.  I used one of my leftover bins of scraps, and used over half of all the dark strips!  This is a free pattern found at the Quilted Twins website.

The top is currently folded and clipped to a hanger, as I go hunting for backing fabric.
 

Our previous boutique workshop, found everyone making a  zippered pouch in pouch.  Some of the participants had never installed a zipper before, but the pattern by Geta Grama, was very easy to follow.  The interior pouch divides the space into 3 areas, and is sewn into the side and bottom seams of the pouch.  I did some quilting on the exterior pouch, following the design of the fabric.  I plan on making more like this one, but I have to order some more zippers, as I have lots of short ones in my stash, but I'm running low on longer ones!

 

BACK TO QUILTING, SORT OF.......

 I can't believe it is Thursday already, and I have barely sewn a stitch!

 I spent some time cutting various size circles from Christmas fabric, to make yo-yo tree ornaments, to be donated to the boutique at my guild next year.  I was looking for some mindless hand sewing to do in the evening when DH and I watch TV for a while.  I dug through my craft supplies to find the bits and pieces that I use to piece them together when they are all completed.

I spent lots of time, catching up on email etc., and we had some appointments this week too.  DH spent some time talking to our internet provider, since our cable was cut last fall while they were adding a new line to a neighbour.  Since then, we have shared our next door neighbour's feed, as it was too late in the year to replace and bury the line, and with Zoom meetings so often, along with Skype chats to visit our grandchildren and families, our internet has been very patchy, with week signals etc.  They were supposed to drop off a new modem on Tuesday, but no one showed up.  After calling again, we are supposed to have one dropped off tomorrow (I hope).  They don't start burying lines here until mid-May, so ours probably won't be replaced until then.

I have been busy dealing with lots of mail for my guild, as I write and monitor our website.  It uses Wordpress, and since its latest update, it is taking me 3 times longer to make each post, edit the pages, on top of editing pictures etc.

Today I began cutting 2 inch strips from my scrap bin for a new quilt.  I am trying to use fabric that is "waiting in the wings" for its chance to shine.  I hope to have enough cut to spend time sewing on Saturday at our monthly Zoom sew day, taking time to chat with other members from time to time.

Our younger son and his wife are dealing with the death of her mother, with family members spread from Canada, USA and Russia.  Of course Covid 19 complicates everything, and they are dealing with their grief.  We feel helpless, as under normal circumstances, we would travel to their home, and help out with the kids, cooking, cleaning, etc.  Now that her dad is alone, he will be able to spend time with them under Ontario's covid rules, and will be included in their "bubble" when he is ready to start socializing.

Back to cutting fabric.........

ZOOM WORKSHOP DAY

 My guild members have been missing our monthly workshops.

Today was our first official boutique Zoom workshop, guided by one of our members.  Seventeen of us were ready to sew at 9:30 a.m.  We used the pattern "Twice as Nice double pouch II" by Geta.  The pattern is in PDF format, and is downloadable here.

Geta's pattern is wonderful, with 20 pages of instructions, lots of pictures, diagrams, helpful hints and includes fabric requirements for 3 different sizes.

I chose my fabric to match the available zippers I had!

I used some fusible batting on the exterior fabric, which I cut a bit larger, machine quilted, and then trimmed to the correct size.

The interior pouch, made in coordinating dots, is just made with 2 layers of fabric.  Several members of the group were worried about adding a zipper, but the instructions were clear and easy to follow.  

By noon, there was a  variety of pouches completed!

Thanks go to Mary Lou, for suggesting this pattern, and guiding us all along the journey.  It was fun to see all the completed pouches in the large variety of fabrics!

FINALLY FINISHED

 I've been working on the quilt for my granddaughter, but this past week has had many interruptions, so I only made a tiny progress each day.  Finally finished the last stitch, checked for stray threads and took a couple of pictures!

I cut apart the pages of a cloth book panel, and trimmed them all to the same size.  Each was framed in hot pink, with bright yellow corners.

I decided to add a narrow blue sashing with green corner squares.

When I found the panel, I also found a coordinating number print, so I used that for the final border.

I found the perfect stripe fabric in my stash for the binding, and I used flannel on the back, so it would be cosy.

Quilting was done by stitching in the ditch with monofilament thread, then I outlined the number and the animals in each block.

Leaves zig-zag in the pink frames, and small loops in the blue sashing.

I am looking forward to spending time with my granddaughter, finding the numbers, talking about the animals the colours in the quilt.

DH and I have our first Covid vaccine, but as we are in Canada, the second dose is being postponed for 4 months, as they are struggling to get the first dose into as many arms as possible.  We are also in a lockdown, and discouraged from leaving our own area, so trips to visit the grandkids is a while away.

COMMUNITY QUILTS

 I am a member of the Limestone Quilters Guild in Kingston Ontario.  We have a very active "Community Quilts" program, making quilts to donate to various groups and places.  Some members make quilts to donate, and others donate quilt tops, fabric, batting, backing to help our program.

Pre-Covid 19, we met once per month at our convenor's home, to work as a group.  Some were sewing, others pressing, cutting fabric, pin-basting, preparing bindings etc.  We enjoyed a pot luck lunch, and enjoyed getting together to produce fun quilts.

Since Covid 19, our guild has been holding Zoom meetings, with interesting presenters from Canada, USA, and even Australia!  We have a Zoom sew-day, where those who wish, can chat, sew, cut fabric, pin-baste etc.  We miss being together in person, but many love working in their own sewing space, with all their items are at hand!

We are hoping to hold our quilt show in 2022, and since we need items for the boutique, we are adding a Zoom workshop monthly, with each participant making the chosen item.  This month required each person to purchase the PDF pattern, and we even received a guild discount!

I recently picked up two pin-basted Community quilts, to complete the machine quilting and add the binding.  When each one is completed, it is photographed, and all the names of the various stitchers is recorded for our records, before the quilt is delivered to various nursing homes, hospitals, individuals etc. 

This quilt was our guild block-of-the-month September to December 2020.  The pattern was queen size, but some participants made it with half-size blocks.  

I quilted the centre with Baptist fans, using a stencil to mark the lines with a chalk pounce.  I marked 2 rows at a time, to make sure that the markings didn't get rubbed off.  The three borders are stitched with a wavy line, a reversing swirl, and then finally with leaves.  

 This quilt top was donated by another member, and borders were added before it was basted.  I looked at it often, trying to decide how to quilt it, and then I could see a butterfly in each of the dark purple areas.  I rarely mark my quilt designs, although I may use a pin to designate the area for each in the borders,so that the spacing is more uniform.

 Once the butterflies were fluttering in various directions, I stitched a flower in each square, and the pointed triangle-like areas received a leaf.  I added my favourite hooked feathers in the wide border and found the perfect stripe fabric in my stash for the binding.

I machine quilt using a Bernina B710, which has a deeper throat.  It has a lovely stitch, and I am able to use an assortment of different thread easily, with very little adjustment for tension etc.

Now back to the quilt that I am making for my granddaughter!

 

STASH REPORT AND NEW PROJECT

 Fabric used this week  4 yards

Fabric used year to date  48.5 yards

Fabric added this week  4.5 yards

Fabric added year to date  4.5 yards

Net fabric used 2021  44 yards

I finished the 2 sets of four place mats, doing a quick turn finish, and machine quilting each set.  These will be set aside for the boutique at my guild's next quilt show, hopefully in June 2022.

I was looking for a new project to start, and found a book panel with cute animals, and some coordinating fabric that was purchased at the same time.  I was fortunate to win a draw for a $50 shopping spree at Quilt Retreat Thyme in Kingston.  I picked up some fabric to  coordinate with the book panel, as well as some more guitar fabric to make some new masks for my husband.

I found the panel for the cloth book in my stash, along with a yard of the coordinating numbers print that I used in the final border.  The hot pink that frames the blocks/pages, and the bright yellow cornerstones was my new fabric.  The rest came from my stash.

I have been an avid collector of stripe fabrics, as they are wonderful for bindings, plus I do have an all stripe fabric quilt on my to-do list.  I liked this stripe so much, I bought a few yards of it, but most are around 1 yard cuts.  This one has all the colours in the quilt!  

Now I have to hunt for backing fabric.  Since this will go to my granddaughter, I plan on putting flannel on the back, as she loves cuddly fabrics!

MAKING BOUTIQUE ITEMS

 My quilt guild is hoping to be able to hold our show in 2022, after postponing it due to Covid 19.  We always have an extensive boutique, and have run workshops to make items in the past.

We held our first Zoom boutique sew-day on Tuesday, with everyone working on their own items.  It was fun, stitching and chatting with friends, and sharing ideas for items to be made.  We are hoping to run workshops for some of the more difficult items in the near future.

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I decided to pull out a favourite pattern, and made 2 sets of 4 placemats, tops only so far.  The pattern is called "Take Four" by Cary Flanagan.  A set of four tops requires four fat quarters, so when I find some that coordinate nicely, I set them aside for future sets.

 

 

Now I have to find suitable backing fabrics, and get these quilted and set aside in my "boutique" box.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Stash Report

Fabric used this week  35.375 yards

Fabric used year to date  44.5 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date  0 yards

Net fabric used 2021  44.5 yards 

 

As I always do, when making a quilt, I draw my project using Electric Quilt 8.  I choose colours  of fabrics, similar to the ones I use in the quilt, and then let the software calculate the actual fabric used.  Since  my Hunters star was made with string blocks, I was shocked at how much fabric I used in this project.  It certainly used most of my red and cream leftover fabric strips!

I decided a long time ago, to count the fabric as used, when the quilt was totally completed!  Sometimes it seems like I am not working, but I sew every day, if only for a few minutes.

Since finishing the last 2 quilt projects, I was asked to help out with some "community quilts" for my guild.  We have many people making blocks and quilt tops, but few volunteer to machine quilt!  I picked up 2 smallish quilts that were already pin-basted, completed the machine quilting, then added the binding and our guild label to each.  I also added labels to 2 more quilts, and will deliver them to our convenor this week.

My guild is trying to plan for a quilt show next year, after having it cancelled twice.  The topic of our boutique was discussed, and the fact that we had workshops for those wanting to make items for sale in the boutique.  Next week we are having a Zoom sew-day, and this time, everyone is to be working on an item of their choice.  We will be asking members to lead future boutique days, with a planned project to share with others each month or so.  Since the vaccine distribution is very slow here, we may be postponing the show for another year, but we are hopeful that things will progress faster soon.

I guess I better decide what I'm making for my boutique item this week!!!!

 BTW, I updated the "Quilts 2021" page with pictures and information about the projects that I have finished this year so far....

 

Two Finishes - At Last!

 I have been quietly sewing on two projects for some time.  I finally finished sewing the binding on the last one yesterday, and this morning, I was finally able to take pictures of both finished quilts!

I finished my Hunters Star quilt, the Quiltville version with string pieced blocks. I knew that this would be time consuming, but it was fun finding all the reds and neutrals to make this quilt.  I had planned to make it last winter, while down south, but my quilting group requested help with various other projects, so I brought all of the fabric back home last March.  It sat in a project bag, for a very long time, until I just had to get it started.  

Working on this was a trip down memory lane, thinking about all the other projects that I had done over the years, to create so many leftover scraps and strips!  

I quilted with simple "stitch in the ditch" around all the square units, then diagonal lines through the stars, and outlining all the star points.  The large 4 patches created by string blocks, received straight line serpentine stitches, beginning in one corner and continuing to fill each large square.  I also used Electric Quilt to draw my quilt, and used it to calculate how much fabric I used!

 Pattern is found here https://quiltville.com/shop.html#!/Digital-Patterns/c/13038426

During the same time as I was working on this project, my guild shared some Block of the Month blocks to make, during the past three months.  January was "Card Tricks", February was "Garden Path" and March was "Spring Twist".  When I made the January blocks, I found some squares of fabric that I had cut and set aside for an "I Spy" type of quilt, so I used four different fabrics in each block, and made 10 different ones.  When February rolled around, I decided to continue the theme, and used a different "I Spy" fabric in the center of the Garden Path blocks.  The Spring Twist blocks were made with two different focal fabrics in each, and I stopped at 5 blocks.

To make the quilt a bit larger, I added a strip of four different fabrics as sashing between the rows.  I finished off with a striped fabric for binding.  This will be a cuddle quilt for my two grandchildren, and I'm sure it will receive lots of use, as they both love to snuggle in a quilt, sleep under one, play on one, etc.

My family knows that quilts are to be used, not stored for posterity.  I can always make them another one or two!

FUN ZOOM WORKSHOP

 Saturday morning, 18 quilters were on Zoom, ready to start at          9 a.m.  Everyone enjoyed sewing in their own space, not carrying sewing machines, and all the extra necessary items to a different location.  It was also a good way for some of our newer members to be able to put a face to the name, a difficult task with a large group!

Of course, everyone worked at their own pace, and several needed some extra help, but everyone had a good time, including me!

By the end of our session, all the runners were just waiting for the binding.  We each shared our project before signing off, and I asked for a picture to be sent to me, so I could share all of them at our next meeting.

I chose to make mine Easter on one side, and Valentines Day on the other.  I love the binding that also matches each side!

This was a trial workshop for my guild, and everyone's opinion was asked, and although there are benefits to holding our normal workshops, I think the safety for our members in these extraordinary times outweighed the difficulties in showing the fine details, or being able to help the fastest in the room continue to the next step ahead of others, or being able to help new quilters with some of the details and terms that they may not be familiar with.    We are hoping to be able to book some workshops on Zoom in the future.

Now I'm back to my string piecing project........

ASSEMBLING BLOCKS AND UPCOMING ZOOM WORKSHOP

 I have finally begun assembling the blocks for my string pieced quilt.  There were so many parts to make, and I've been making them in groups of 10, to make it easy to keep track of how many I have finished.

While making one of the parts for the project, you end up with 320 half square triangles, so I can see more red and neutral projects in my future!

In between, I've been working on the pattern, and preparing my samples for a zoom workshop that I am holding for members of my guild  tomorrow.  We are making a table runner, and I have taught the pattern several times before to my Florida quilting group.  I sent out cutting instructions to all the members that registered a while ago, so they could find fabric during out latest lock down for Covid 19.  The final instructions were emailed yesterday, and some of the group are anxious to get started, but I asked them to wait until tomorrow morning!

I've been reading about all the people suffering from the deep freeze in the US, along with power outages.  Hopefully, the weather will cooperate, and warm up soon.  We have been lucky this winter.  We live on the north shore of Lake Ontario, near the east end, and although we have had several snow storms, the amount of snow that has accumulated so far isn't too bad.  Often the snow drifts south of us, and we just catch the edge of the storm.  I can remember years when we had almost hip-deep accumulations.  This is our first winter at home in over 20 years, and since we are spending most of our time at home, due to the virus, we choose when to go shopping, and will cancel appointments if the snow is extreme.  I had to learn how to drive in snow all over again!

BACK TO STRINGING ALONG

I have all the red string blocks completed for my project, and have spent the last few days cutting more fabric.  I searched through my cream neutral fabrics, and picked out all the shorter lengths to cut into strips, 2.5, 2, and 1.5 inches for the next round of string blocks.

 I also cut red rectangles and neutral squares, and a ton of half square triangle pieces.  Now I have to get sewing!  

I have also been busy registering guild members for my upcoming workshop on February 20th.   This is my first time teaching using Zoom, and we have to check out "camera angles", and have a run through with the two Zoom administraters from my guild, so we work out the kinks before the actual date!  Wish me luck!

Now back to string piecing....... 

WORKSHOP IN FEBRUARY

    In December, my guild had a show and tell presentation of all the quilts we had finished since the Covid 19 lockdown, all via Zoom.  One of the items I shared, was a quilt as you go, reversible table runner.  Several members asked if we could have a workshop, and I agreed!  This is the one I shared.  One side represents spring, and the other autumn.

    I have been spending time, writing the instructions, along with fabric requirements, etc.  I also had to find fabric to use in my step out samples.  Mine is going to represent Valentine's Day on one side, and Easter on the other.  I took pictures of each step to add to the instructions, as many people are "visual learners".  Every time I do this, I am surprised at how much time it takes, writing, taking photos, proofreading etc.! 

    This week was also a busy one, driving DH to appointments.  He had one with his Ear, Nose, Throat doctor on Monday, then off to drop off a prescription.  Tuesday and Wednesday he had the final tests that his cardiologist had ordered, filling in a cancellation instead of waiting for his appointments in March or April!  Tuesday was also my first driving experience in blowing snow when I went to pick  him up.  My last snowy drive was over 20 years ago!  Thank heavens for snow tires and few drivers on the road!!!!Thursday and Friday he wasn't feeling well, as he had severe vertigo, and needed help from time to time, so my time in my sewing room was very limited.  I'm hoping to get some stitching done today - probably more red string blocks!

MORE STRINGS

 I have completed 40 of my string blocks, with only 40 to go!

My string pile is slowly shrinking, but I'll wait to cut more until I no longer have long enough pieces for the centre strip.

I haven't removed the paper yet, but since we have a Zoom sew-day scheduled, I'll be able to sit and remove them, while chatting with other guild members!
 

 Our schedule is out of whack, as DH has to go to the hospital today and tomorrow for an afternoon of tests.  His cardiologist ordered them, and he had an appointment in April, but since we live close to the hospital, he called the department, as asked that he be put on the cancellation list.  He received a phone call yesterday, and was sent a list of requirements, and a schedule for both days.  Hopefully this will be the last big test as follow-up to his stroke last March.  He is doing great, with minor changes after the stroke.  We are so fortunate!

Our younger son and family are currently on a stay-at-home order, as their daughter was at daycare on Thursday, and might have been exposed to Covid, as another parent has been tested positive, along with her child, who is asymptimatic.  They have to stay home 24/7 until February 4th.  My DIL works at home right now, but my son has to stay off work, with no pay.  They are happy that my DIL went grocery shopping before they received their call from Public Health.

Off to string piecing........

STRINGING ALONG

 I had so many leftover red strips, I decided to make some red string blocks.  I have been saving leftover strips for many years, and hope that this will use up lots of them quickly!

Here are the first few blocks that I stitched and trimmed last night.

Back to work stringing again today.  I am still deciding which project to use them in first!

I found out recently that our city will be collecting fabric in our recycling.  They will be taking used clothing, not suitable for re-use, and fabric scraps.  They had planned to start before Covid 19 came along, but the roll-out has been delayed.  There are alternate sites to drop off your bags until things return to the new normal.  I know that quilters will be good recyclers!

KEEPING BUSY

 Monday evening was my quilt guild executive meeting.  We are having great success using zoom for meetings, especially since we are currently in a lock-down, due to rising Covid 19 numbers in our province.

Among other items discussed, I was asked to run a Zoom workshop for my guild.  I had showed a reversible, quilt-as-you-go table runner at the December meeting, that many members wanted to try.  I have been busy selecting fabric from my stash, and getting everything cut out and ready to go.  I chose Valentines Day for one side, and Easter for the other, using fabrics in my stash.  I have also prepared some step-out examples as I realize that many people are "visual learners".  DH and I are still figuring out the logistics of best computer locations for filming etc.

I already have 5 signed up for the workshop in February, and the official notice hasn't gone out to the members yet! Our newsletter will be out before the February meeting, and our local quilt shops are available for online shopping, and delivery and pick-up options are available for shopping.

Since I maintain the guild website, I am also receiving pictures from our members of the quilt project that was our "block of the month" from September to December 2020.  It is keeping me busy, downloading pictures of the quilts, and also some of the January BoM blocks, editing them with names and descriptions etc. and keeping track of participants for the Zoom workshop.  I have to send fabric requirements and initial cutting instructions out to each participant, so that on the workshop day, we'll be ready to get right to work."

Here are my January BoM blocks.  I made 10 of the "card trick" blocks, using leftover strips for the blocks, along with leftover white muslin.  I'm hoping to make a colourful donation quilt with all the remaining monthly blocks, with the bonus of using leftover  scraps wherever possible!

I am lucky that my DH doesn't mind preparing meals when I am super busy, and has turned into a pretty good cook over the years too!

Some Scrappy Blocks

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My guild is having a "block of the month", trying a different method to make a common block.  The January block was "Card Tricks", with the centre made with squares and rectangles, and then background corner "setting" triangles are added.  In the past, we have made as many as we like, and they are brought to the next meeting.  All the participants' names are entered into a draw, and that person receives all the blocks.  Since we are not meeting in person, this time you keep the blocks you make.

All the colour pieces were cut from leftover strips!
If you look closely, you will see that a couple of them "turn" in the opposite direction......oops!  I have decided that those are a creative decision, and the person who is gifted the future quilt, will probably never notice.  I made 10 blocks, and now I have to wait until the next Zoom meeting to see what the next block will be, and what size it will finish.....

Deciding which project to start next.......  Maybe it is time to work with red fabric for a while!

FIRST FINISH IN 2021

    Stash Report 2021

Fabric used this week  5.625 yards

Fabric used year to date 5.625 yards

Fabric added this week 0 yards

Fabric added year to date 0 yards

Net used 2021 5.625 yards

 

I had a collection of 9 orphan blocks the same size, leftover from some group projects, so I made a small lap quilt to be used by a person in a wheelchair.

I added a simple blue border, made from leftover strips, and then used a diagonal stripe print for the simple binding.

I used a neutral thread to machine quilt, stitching 2 sets of parallel lines in all the stars.

 The rail fence block was quilted with a hooked feather design in the blue and bright print areas, and leaves in the green strips.

The large split 9-patch block was quilted with a  flower design in the large squares, and more simple leaves in the strip areas.

I had a leftover piece of light blue flannel that was just the right size to make a backing too!

Our area had an additional lock-down, due to Covid 19 numbers.  Fortunately, all my family is fine, but in some of the larger cities, the number of cases is starting to overwhelm the hospitals.

My eldest brother has been fighting cancer for the past 1 1/2 years, and is quickly losing the battle.  With the rules of the current lockdown, we would still be allowed to attend a funeral with a limit of 10 people, but there was no allowance to visit a family member in palliative care.  We called our local member of parliament  on Tuesday, and the recommendation was to go to see him immediately, before the lock-down was official at midnight.

I called my other brother, and the 4 of us met for a final visit with him and his wife.  They have many friends locally, who have been helping with all that needs to be done during the pandemic, including taking him to radiation treatments, so his wife could continue working, bringing meals, helping with shopping, etc.  Several have stayed with him so his wife could have a sleep, or go out and run errands, and they have nurses, personal support workers and even a doctor that makes house calls, to help with his care.

Their decision was to not have a funeral when he passes, but to wait until all the family and friends can get together safely for a celebration of life sometime in the future.

He will be missed by many......

I have more quilts planned, so they ca be donated to people in our community,  including baby quilts, cancer shawls, quilts for project Linus, for seniors in wheelchairs and long term care homes.