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.

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVE

 

 

 I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy, and is looking forward to a new adventure in 2021!   DH and I are having a quiet night at home.We rarely celebrated the new years, as he worked shift-work for our first few years of marriage, and we chose to have Christmas to spend with family, as most of his fellow workers wanted to celebrate the new year in style.

 

I managed to complete a final quilt before the end of the year.  I used a 3 yard quilt pattern called "Harmony" from the "Easy Does It" book by Fabric Cafe.  I found 2 cute farm fabrics, one with pigs and one with chickens, and added a bright orange fabric.

 

This will find a home in the new year, adding to the donation quilts from our guild.
  

My final stash report is finished, and I am in the black, but my New Year's resolution is to try to use more of my stash in 2021!

 

 FINAL STASH REPORT 2020

Fabric used this week  17.625 yard
Fabric used to date   119.875
Fabric added this week  0 yards
Fabric added year to date  78 yards

Net fabric used 2020   41.875 yards!

HAPPY BOXING DAY

 We had a wonderful Christmas day.  We started by spending 2+ hours on Skype, watching the excitement of the morning at our younger son's home.  Our grandson, who will be 6 next month was practically bouncing off the walls with excitement.  He read all the tags on the gifts, and then helped everyone unwrap them!  He loved everything, from the smallest item to the clothing.  His little sister, who turned 2 in September, finally figured out how to unwrap her gifts.  She has been playing with baby dolls, both at home and at daycare, so we gave her a doll crib, with an attached highchair on one end.  I made a foam mattress for it, covered in flannel, and crocheted a blanket for her doll.  She was a busy girl, tucking the baby in, singing a song, then waking her up and feeding her in the high chair.  Apparently, when it was time for her to go to bed, she had to have the doll crib moved into her room before she would go to sleep!

We spent the rest of the day watching Christmas movies, and talking to friends and family.  We miss seeing our southern friends, but we are happy they are keeping safe and healthy.

I made roast beef, with roasted potatoes, brussel sprouts and a small version of my turnip (rutabaga) and apple casserole.  It was a lazy day.

We had a green Christmas, as we have had rain for a few days, but during the night, the temperature dropped and we have a lovely white covering of snow everywhere this morning!

I started another quilt, using a 3 yard quilt pattern.  I have the blocks completed, and hope to get the top sewn together today.  

DH decided that today was a good day to defrost our small chest freezer, so we took the time to make a good inventory of all the items as we returned them.  They are also a bit more organized, so it should be easier to find things, I hope!

Pictures to follow later.......

TRYING TO COMPLETE ONE MORE......

 I have been stitching Easy Breezy scrappy blocks, following Bonnie Hunter's annual scrap challenge block for 2020-21.

These are a few leftover blocks, so I guess I'll make some more!  I'm still not seeing much of a reduction in my 2 inch leftover strip bin!

I have been doing some simple free-motion quilting.  I started by stitching a curve in each rectangular piece, using white thread.  Then I stitched leaf shapes in the light and dark rows of squares, using two different variegated threads, with the same thread in all the light squares, and the second colour in all the dark ones.  Both threads were from Superior Threads, one Rainbow, and the other was Fantastico, both shiny trilobal poly thread!

This is one of the sets of four blocks, with the dark squares forming an X, and the light squares forming a square.

The first narrow light green border was quilted with a leaf motif, using Superior Thread Twist thread in a light green and light neutral twist.  I like the way it adds a little sparkle to the motif.

 I have the binding prepared, so as soon as I figure out how I'd like to quilt the final border, I'll get it added, so I can have some evening TV stitching.

I was busy in the kitchen yesterday.  I made a huge pop of Pasta Fagioli soup, and DH baked biscuits to go with it for dinner.  I have 5 containers of soup, chilling in the refrigerator, to be stored in the freezer later today.  I had made a large batch of pastry, as I had promised a pan of "Marzipan Bars", using DH's grandmother's recipe, and it starts with a layer of pastry in an 8 inch pan.  Since I had the pastry ready to roll out, DH found a jar or mincemeat, and I made some mini tarts as well.  Since it will only be 2 for the holidays, I thought that was enough, as we are getting less excercise as the cold weather sets in.  We have had a bit of snow, but it has melted after each dusting, and we had rain most of yesterday.  But we are guaranteed snow in the near future.

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy Christmas and looking forward to being vaccinated in the new year!

HUNTING FOR CHRISTMAS

 For several years, we have spent Christmas in Florida.  We have time to get together with friends, go carolling, make some extra Christmas goodies for some of our older neighbours etc.  Of course, most of my quilts and decorations are there.

This is our first year for a long time, we are spending Christmas in Canada.  We are getting re-aquainted with snow, but have only had a bit so far.  We had planned on spending the holidays with our son and his family, but due to rising Covid 19 numbers, we have been asked to stay home, which we totally agree to do!

Yesterday, I went searching the top shelf of my linen closet, and I found 2 Christmas quilts that I had forgotten.  Looking through my files, I discovered that they were made in 1993 and 1994.

The wreath was made from a pattern by Eleanor Burns, and was one of the first patterns that I tried!  The first two were made as gifts for family members, and this one was mine to keep!

It is currently hanging over our sofa in the living room.

I'm not sure what pattern I used to make the second wreath quilt.  Maybe someone will remember the maker.  It is hanging in our hall, making the main floor of our small house look really festive.

I wasn't as good at recording the information about the quilts I have made when I was first quilting.  I was always anxious to get to the next project.  At least I remembered to take pictures! 

I have a file on my computer for each year, and then number the projects as I complete them each year.  I have my final quilt for the year, (I think), in my sewing machine and have just begun the machine quilting!  The blocks were made using the "Easy Breezy" block designed by Bonnie Hunter for the annual leader and ender challenge.

Now I should hunt through my recipes, and find a holiday treat or two to make for just the two of us!

Yes, I'm Still Quilting

 I have been quilting from time to time, even though I have become a bad blogger!

My latest finish is called "Covid Queen", and was a 4 part mystery project from my quilt guild, Limestone Quilters Guild in Kingston ON.

I was given a package of fat quarter, and used almost the whole pack to make the quilt and backing.  The colours are a bit off, as we were unable to photograph the quilt outdoors.  The collection was various dark browns, barn red colours, some olive green, and some neutrals.  It looks much better in person, and someday I may be able to do a shoot outside in natural light!
 

I also just finished machine quilting 4 baby quilts that were prepared by members of our "Community Quilts Group".  Everyone enjoys all the parts of quilting, except the machine quilting, and hand stitching the bindings.  I am an exception, as I enjoy all aspects.  For me it was 4 1/2 days of stitching at my machine, and hand sewing in the evenings while I watch TV with DH (my "dear husband").

He has missed entertaining at local nursing homes and senior residences, as Covid 19 has limited the visitors, and also the number of residents that can gather at a time.  We are hoping that he can return to this favourite activity next year sometime, after vaccinations are completed, and life returns to the "new normal".

 My guild has been having Zoom meetings, and we have been enjoying this new way of getting together, with interesting presenters from all over North America.  We also had a Zoom sew-day, with a good turn-out of members.   We were asked to "mute" when our machines were running, but we had fun sharing all the  projects, chatting, asking for helpful opinions, and talking about our lives.  We hope to have an online workshop or two in the new year.  We have our next quilt show planned in 2022, so we can share items that can be made for the boutique.

STASH REPORT 2020

Fabric used year to date  119.875 yards

Fabric added year to date  60.375 yards

Net used   59.5 yards

We have decided to spend Christmas at home, as our province has asked us to stay in our own households.  We had hoped to go to our son's  home in Kitchener, but this is a safer option for all of us.  Our grandkids are used to seeing us using Skype, and they have done this each Christmas since they were born.  We have "dinner" with them every Wednesday, and another visit on Sunday morning.  Hopefully next winter we can all return to our normal holiday activities.

I'll try to get back in the blogging groove again......

QUILTING AND GARDEN

I finished the machine quilting on my "52 blocks 52 weeks" quilt.

I spent a couple of days hand stitching the binding, and then checking for threads on the back of the quilt.  I took a few pictures today, but don't have a picture of the complete quilt, as my quilt holder is grocery shopping!

This is the quilt on my bed, but it doesn't show the borders.

52 blocks in 52 weeks CQA 2019

I added feathers along each of the wide borders, using the bonus blocks to place one on the left and right side border in the center

I set the blocks alternately with blue and green triangles to set the blocks on point.

A few more pictures of my iris collection.

ONE SMALL FINISH

I completed the small panel quilt first, doing simple free-motion quilting using my Bernina.

I spent the evening hand stitching the binding, and this morning asked DH to hold the finished quilt so I could take a picture for my records.

My next quilt in line is my "52 Blocks 52 Weeks" project from the Canadian Quilters Association in 2019.
This is a much larger project, so I am taking my time, working on it between other chores.  
 I managed to plant 2 more herbs, 2 perennials and some annuals for summer colour in my tiny garden areas in front and back of our townhome, and Mother Nature provided an overnight soaking rain to water the plants in well!

A LITTLE PROGRESS

DH brought in my DIL's cutting table on Friday, and we set it up in the living room - the only place large enough!  He helped me pin baste 3 quilts - my 52 blocks 52 weeks quilt, my version of Unity from Bonnie Hunter, and a baby quilt.

We both suffered from tired backs and sore fingers, and my tin that holds my pins is more empty than I have ever seen it!   I use the grapefruit spoons to help close each pin as it is used.  It was a trick I saw on a very old "Quilt In A Day" program on PBS, well before any handy tools were available for this task.

I received an email from the local greenhouse, so yesterday afternoon, we took a drive and picked up my plant order.  We had a much cooler day, with scattered showers, so they are waiting on the patio to be planted.  Most were annuals to add some colour to my front garden when the irises are finished blooming, and I also have 2 more and 2 perennials for the small garden at the back of our townhouse.

Now I have to get my machine ready to quilt.....clean lint, oil, new needle, make sure the bobbins are all wound.  I did some mending yesterday for a friend's son, so I have to change the needle plate and foot on my machine as well.  I also have an audio book to finish soon, so this should be a very productive day!