TRYING TO FIND MY GROOVE!

I think I greatly underestimated my own well-being after being so focused on DH after his stroke.  We both had to adjust to staying at home, away from family and friends.  

During out 14 day isolation, we were both dealing with unpacking, finalizing health insurance stuff, doctor stuff,  etc.  I found it almost impossible to focus on sewing, as I couldn't even focus on getting my studio space back to normal.

As DH starting feeling more like his normal self, he became restless, and wanted to get out more.  I realized that our lives had been so different in the early years of our marriage.  He was out to work, taking courses, going away on temporary duty for weeks or months, while I was a stay-at-home Mom.  Later I did dressmaking and tailoring, and some custom drapery work from home, but my days were spent working on my own, while his were spent surrounded by people.

When he retired, it took him a year or so to get used to the new normal, and I guess that will happen again, following the covid-19 difficulties.  We both miss seeing our kids and grandchildren, but we have chosen to stay away as long as we can.  DH and I are both in the high risk category for the virus, and our grandkids are too young to understand that they can't have a hug from us!  My son works in a hospital, and has to deal with the issue of the virus every day.  He works in the locked mental health ward, and  has to deal with clients who are missing family visits, extra supplies, and unable to be accompanied outside to smoke. (2/3 of the clients are smokers)  This hospital is mostly used for outpatients, although they have opened a ward for covid-19 patients.  He also had a scare a week or so ago, when he showed up at work with a stuffy nose, (pollen related), and had reflux overnight, so his throat was sore - the screener at the hospital decided to test him for the virus, so he was sent home to wait for the results.  Fortunately, he tested negative, and was able to return to work a few days later, but he spent those day in the basement, by himself, with 2 kids who didn't understand why they couldn't have a hug from Dad, or have a bed-time story, etc.  It was difficult for the whole family.

Fortunately, after sewing some masks for us and friends, my sewing mojo has slowly returned!

 
I also started to make a version of Bonnie Hunter's Unity quilt.  I chose my colours, and gradually did more sewing each day.  My quilt top is folded loosely, so my picture is of 1/4 of the top, up to part 6.

 I also have the blocks completed for part 7, just waiting to be stitched together and added to the top.

During my spare time, I pulled out a quilt panel, that I had paired with some coordinating prints, and completed a quilt top too!

The border stripe was in my stash, and had all the colours in the panel!   I'll be adding red binding after I get this layered and quilted.

Playing with Fabric

I've been working my way through some quilt panels that have been waiting too long to become quilts.
Before heading south in the fall, I gathered some panels, and chose a few pieces of coordinating fabric for each.  The one I have been working on lately has a garden theme.
I began by adding a small border on each side of the panel, to make the width to height proportions more pleasing.

This just shows part of the panel.  I added pink on either side. 



Using leftover fabric from a past project, I made hourglass blocks, using a floral print and a variety of neutrals.  The next border was the yellow floral print, to coordinate with the narrow yellow frames in the panel.  For the final border, I used a border stripe fabric, to finish the quilt top.

I am mitering the final border, and will use the top to give a demonstration with my quilting group this week.  

DH and I attended the AQS show in Daytona Beach this week - the quilts were wonderful!  Since I'm trying to get my stash under control, I only picked up thread and needles to add some new colours for quilting!  I also picked up a cute yellow flannel for the backing of this lap quilt - it has flowers on it to continue the garden theme.  I need to wash it before I can pin-baste the quilt, ready for machine quilting.

Friends are arriving on Tuesday to spend 10 days with us in the sunshine.  Their 2 granddaughters, 9 and 11, are coming too, so we'll have fun at the pool, and plan a couple of days at Disney World too!

A FINISH AND STASH REPORT

Fabric used this week  17.75 yards

Fabric used year to date  31.25 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date  6 yards

Net used 2019   25.25 yards

This week I completed the mystery quilt, and then worked on another panel that has been in my stash for quite a while!

This is another 24 inch panel, and needed to be made wider.  I used some 6 inch finished pinwheel blocks in light green and blue with a red center, and white with red hearts neutral fabric.  I outlined all the printed details, and then had fun with the remaining quilting.  This will become another donation to my guild's community quilts program, that provides quilts to many places in our city and area.

 

WEEKEND FUN

I spent some time over the weekend piecing batting.  I had used parts of 3 queen batts over the past couple of months, and decided to make some "Franken-batts".  I needed one for my second mystery quilt, as I had pieced the backing fabric, and pressed the backing and the quilt top, using a bit of spray starch, ready for pin basting.
First, I used all the smaller pieces of batting to make one the correct size for a panel quilt that I had planned to finish for donation.  I managed to pin baste the quilt top on my cutting table, and I began with all the "stitch in the ditch" quilting on Sunday.
Monday, I completed all the quilting, and added the binding, trimming the back and batting to make sure that my binding will be full to the edge.
Next, I pieced two larger pieces of batting to make one the correct size for my mystery quilt.  I took some time this afternoon to watch an episode of "Vera", a British police investigation series, while I hand stitched the binding on the panel quilt.

Tomorrow is my weekly quilting group, so I have to get my bags packed ready to go!  We are having a pillowcase sewing day in 2 weeks, and I have some samples of the finished products, along with some step-out samples to show everyone.  I posted in our community newsletter, looking for volunteers, those that can sew, and some to just pin, press, fold etc., and we try to show them what to expect before the actual date.  I'm sure we'll have fun, and Cases for Smiles will appreciate the finished pillowcases to give to children in area hospitals.

SOME QUICK PROJECTS

I made a few quick projects recently, just to get my quilting muscles exercised!

The first project was a baby quilt, made from a printed panel.  This will belong to my new grandchild, who will be making an appearance near the end of September.
I know this will get lots of wear, and washing, so I'll be making another for birthday #1.
Every year, my guild makes placemats for "Meals on Wheels" recipients.  They are distributed by the Victorian Order of Nurses in our community.  I use this quick pattern, that takes 4 fat quarters, and backing, with no binding.  I was gifted a stack of fat quarters, so I organized them in sets of 4, ready to make placemats whenever required.

 The final project is a dinosaur quilt for my grandson's new room.  The panel and coordinating print was made by Northcott several years ago.  DH insisted that we buy it to make "in the future".  I guess the time is now!
I stitched simple outlines of all the dinosaurs, and a bit of the landscape, as this will hang on his wall.

If you look closely, you can see the stitched dinosaur tracks in the border.  DH  provided the design, and and stitched them roaming around the border.  I used Superior's NiteLite thread, and it has a lovely glow in a dark room!  I can't wait to see his reaction......

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  2.875 yards

Fabric used year to date  69.625 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date  51 yards

Net used 2017  18.625 yards

I completed another baby quilt made from a printed panel.  The backing is flannel with a train print - I've had it for a while, just waiting for the right project.

This will be my last report for a couple of weeks.  We'll be on the road north next week, then I'll be unpacking, restocking the larder, and hope to visit our grandson (and his parents) shortly after.  I wish we lived closer, but we don't want to move, and this allows them more time with my daughter-in-law's parents.  We'll make a few trips after we arrive home, then fewer over the summer, then a few more in the fall.  They may visit us when they take their holidays, and we hope to have our grandson stay for a week without the parental units!

DH and I managed two evening visits to Disney World this week.  Attended Fantasmic at the Studios, and Illuminations at Epcot.  That will be our final visit until the autumn.

My Wednesday quilting group shared several quilts this week, and were bringing all their questions to be answered, and problems to be solved.  For some it was the last quilting get-together of the season, and for others, there will be one more week.  I took lots of pictures, and shared them with the members.

We are getting together today, to share lunch with 3 other Canadian couples who were all posted to Tyndall AFB in Panama City FL at the same time.  My friend and neighbour is hosting the group.  She is cooking a turkey today, to serve cold for lunch tomorrow.  I made potato salad, 2 loaves of French bread, a chocolate coconut bundt cake, and raspberry coconut bars for dessert. Another friend is providing a salad, and the fourth will be making salmon dip to have with drinks before lunch.  We're all looking forward to catching up on all the news.

Check out all the progress shared at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Used this week 7.25 yards
Used year to date  28.625 yards
Added this week  13.5 yards
Added year to date  25.5 yards
Net used 2017  3.125

I finished another baby quilt, made from a cloth book panel, yesterday, so I didn't have to go back into the "red" again!  My fabric order from Connecting Threads arrived, with backing fabric for 2 more scrap quilts that I have waiting to be quilted, and a couple of sets of 2 1/2 inch strips for another project.

Yesterday morning, I managed to get both backs pieced, pressed and starched, ready to pin baste.  Now I just have to find time when DH isn't off entertaining at the local nursing homes, and when there is a quiet time at the clubhouse, so I can use the large tables.

Saturday morning, DH and friends entertained at a fund-raiser for a local charity at their walk-a-thon.  Thomas Promise is a local charity the provides food to homeless students on the weekends, when the school meals are not available.  They receive a backpack full of ready to eat food.  The charity is currently providing 1000 to 1600 bags of food to students in our county, each week. 

Check out all the progress at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

 

ANOTHER SMALL FINISH

I finished the quilting and binding on Wednesday.  I used a cloth book panel, cut out the individual pages and added sashing and cornerstones.  When using a book panel, I look for one that doesn't have a very obvious beginning and ending.  This one worked really well, as did a book of opposites that I used last year.

The bad news is that my backing fabric for 2 more quilts arrived this week, so I'll be back in the red again on Sunday!

I have a second baby quilt almost completed, but 2 days at Disney World, and my quilting group on Wednesday used lots of my time this week - all things I enjoy.  DH and I go to Disney often, enjoy the fresh air, the stroll, the people and the entertainment.  I dislike walking, as I prefer to ride my bike, but I get lots of exercise on our Disney days.  I should get a step counter to see how many steps we take!

Back to quilting as soon as my cakes come out of the oven.  My neighbour gave me a starter for Amish friendship bread, and mine was ready to go today.  I discovered that you could freeze the starter, so I put it in cup size containers and save to use later.  This way my neighbours don't run when they see me coming!

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  13.25 yards

Fabric used year to date  13.25 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date 12 yards

Net used 2017  1.25  yards 

I'm in the black this week, but I just squeeked in!  Since I hadn't done any machine quilting for a while, DH and I pin-basted a baby quilt panel when we were pinning the other 2 quilts.  I use it to "warm up" my quilting muscles, including my brain......

I outlined many of the elements in this cute panel, then stitched loops and swirls in the pink gingham-look border.  The quilt has pink gingham-look flannel on the back to make it cozy for a new baby.  It will be donated to my guild for the Hugs program at our local hospital.

 For the pinwheel quilt, I stitched double circles looping back and forth in each block.  I used a neutral thread in the light blocks and a variegated thread in the dark blocks.

The plain border was stitched with simple leaves, forming a zig-zag pattern, and then large swirls in each of the outer border blocks.

 I finally have my first two finished for 2017.  The top and binding of this quilt was made entirely from my stash of pre-cut charm squares (5 "), while the border and binding was made from leftover backing fabric from a previous quilt.  The backing fabric was part of the order that arrived last week.

Check out all the progress shared at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

ANOTHER BABY QUILT FINISHED

Just another quilt made from a panel....the larger (yard by width of fabric) are almost impossible to find lately.  I've been working on the ones in my stash, as our hospital gift shop loves them - they sell better than the pieced and appliqued quilts, and the money goes to our Hugs program, to pay for other items provided in the layettes that they give away.

DH and I, along with a good friend, headed for the Disney Studios yesterday.  It was packed with families who had the whole week of Thanksgiving off!  Our goal was to see the Fantasmic show and the Christmas multi-media/ fireworks at night.  We managed to enjoy a couple of other favourites while we were there.  DH and I plan to return another evening just for the  Christmas show- the beauty of having an annual pass.  Next week we plan to go to Epcot for the Christmas Candlelight Processional.  It has become a part of our Christmas traditions, seeing the orchestra, massed choir, and hearing the story told - it lifts my heart......

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  7.75 yards

Fabric used year to date  199.25 yards

Fabric added this week  15.75 yards

Fabric added year to date  60 yards

Net used 2016  139.25 yards

My machine finally came home, all shiny and raring to go!  My first job was to complete the bicycle seat covers that I had cut out and serged.  DH and I ride our bikes everyday, so now I have 6 ready for use, so I won't be making more any time soon.

I have the machine quilting done on all three baby quilts that I pin-basted, and I stitched the binding on two of them.  The third should be completed later today, but I'll have to claim that yardage next week.

A dozen quilters showed up for our first day together - a great turn-out.  Several new quilters attended to see what we are planning for the winter season.  I have emailed a couple of small projects to the group, and we plan on making a row quilt.

I have to check the clubhouse schedule to find a good time to pin-baste my leaf quilt, now that my batting has arrived.

Check out everyone's progress at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

TWO SMALL FINISHES

I completed two of the three baby quilts that DH and I pin-basted!  Number three has been quilted, but needs the binding stitched down before I can call it "done"

 This is a flannel panel quilt, with a flannel backing made from co-ordinating fabric.  I've had this in my stash for a long time, but its twin was stitched several years ago!

 This is the Blue Dog baby quilt, made from 4 blocks cut from a panel.  I just made 4 blocks to link it together, and then some simple quilting to complete my second baby quilt of the year.

Now to get to the hand sewing so I can complete number 3!

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

I've been busy using some scrap 2 1/2 inch strips.  I made blocks, using Bonnie Hunter's Scrappy Trips pattern.  The blue borders are made from a piece of fabric that didn't make the final cut in my Storm at Sea quilt, and I also used more of the braid strips that I made as "leaders and enders" all last year.

When I was quilting with my community quilts group up north last spring, I found these "blue dog" blocks that had been cut from a panel, and then left behind.  I pulled some fabric from my small stash to turn them into two baby quilts.
The four square blocks needed 4 smaller pieced blocks to complete the top. 

 The six smaller, rectangular pieces were just sewn together, and then I added a "zipper" border, made from 2 fabrics.

Now I just have to find time to get all three pin-basted, so I can complete them.

Check out all the creativity shared at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

My sewing room is almost back to normal, and I just had to sew today.  Recently, my guild's Community Quilts group received a request from the NICU unit at our local hospital, for some premie quilts 24 inches square.  I had taken 2 old 1/2 yard panels south a couple of years ago, and wasn't inspired, but when I was putting fabric away, inspiration hit!  Each panel had a small wallhanging piece and 2 parts to make a tiny pillow.  This will be my first NICU quilt - after adding sashing and borders, and I'll use the stripe for binding.  More to come.....

Also, while I was putting things away, I found some leftover block units from a winter project, and stitched them together to make 4 blocks.  I'll be using these to make small "snap bags".




Check out all the creativity shared at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  9.25 yards

Fabric used year to date  83.125 yards

Fabric added this week  1.25 yards

Fabric added year to date  67.75 yards

Fabric used year to date  20.375 yards

I completed 2 baby quilts made from printed panels, ready to donate to my guild's community quilts program.  

I was straightening up my sewing room, and found the leftover pieces of the border strips from the dragonfly quilt that I made recently.  Rather than put them away, I decided to use them, and made blocks for a table runner.  I added yellow sashing and green cornerstones, and used purple setting triangles.   It looks like a lovely Easter table runner now, instead of leftover fabric stored on a shelf!

Check out others' reports at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

 

TWO MORE BABY QUILTS

The weather has been hot and humid, and I don't feel like working for long periods - but I still want to quilt, so I pulled 2 more quilt panels from my stash and completed 2 more baby quilts.  I can work on these in short spurts, and I don't have to concentrate on cutting!

I even had some striped fabric to use for binding.....

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  6.625 yards

Fabric used year to date  42.375

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date  46.5 yards

Net used 2015  -4.125 yards

I'm still in the red, but closing fast.  Unfortunately, my favourite quilt shop is having their annual fat quarter sale on Tuesday, so....

I did complete another "panel" quilt.  I've had this in my stash for a long time.  I'm looking forward to completing my group's mystery quilt.  Mine is in pieces, so I have samples of each step.  I've been sewing them together after each week so I'll have the top completed as soon as possible.
My next project is using a large border print and some matching blocks that just love.  Hopefully my design idea will work!

Check out all the reports at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

 

ANOTHER FINISH

I spent all day yesterday, machine quilting, and managed to stitch the binding on and trim the excess fabric too.  I sat and hand-stitched the binding while chatting with friends, and watching TV, and was able to complete the binding after breakfast this morning!

I took this picture on an angle, to show some of the quilting.  I stitched a "double stitched" grid in the centre of the panel, then echo-stitched around the flowers.  There is lots of stitch-in-the-ditch elsewhere, as well as accent stitching around the flowers in the borders.

Here is my completed project.  I named it Victory Garden, after the line of fabric.  I had fun stitching the mitered corners on the two floral borders.  I had to add some compensating strips to make my flying geese border fit.  Now I have to decide what I want to do with this project! 

FINALLY, TWO SMALL FINISHES

I completed 2 cloth books - panels from my stash.  One has shapes and the other is in three languages, English, Spanish and French!
 


 I also completed a baby quilt, also from a panel.  I forgot to pack fabric for binding when I was packing in the fall, but I found that one of the striped fabrics that I picked up in January looks just great.Panel quilts make great quilting warm-up!

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

I guess I'll start with step 4 of Bonnie Hunter's Grand Illusion mystery quilt.  I began cutting pieces on Friday afternoon, and by Saturday noon, I had them all stitched and pressed, ready for next Friday's clue!

Then I took out my bags of batting scraps, and pieced a batting for another panel baby quilt.  I used the same green for binding as I used on the previous one....  Usually I choose binding fabrics for each panel that I bring south, but this year, it completely slipped my mind.  I might have to buy fabric to complete the remaining panels!  This panel is artwork from Susan Wheeler - she has some lovely books....


Check out all the creativity shared at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times, and mystery progress at Bonnie's blog, Quiltville's Quips & Snips.