STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  0 yards

Fabric used year to date  109.375 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added  year to date  33.75 yards

Net used 2016  75.625 yards

 

 Nothing completed so my numbers are the same.  I do have a quilt top and pieced back waiting in the wings to be basted and quilted, but I'm still working on community quilts.

This is another small quilt top that was pin-basted at the last community quilts work day.  The centre block was an orphan that had been donated by a guild member.  It is a fused applique, and it was stitched using a built-in embroidery stitch on a sewing machine.

The inner green border is quilted with heart shaped leaves and loops - very simple, using a variegated green thread.
The red border has bows connected by ribbons - from The Inbox Jaunt tutorials.

The final wide border was stitched using my favourite hooked feathers, and I also added a frame around both sides.  It was also stitched with variegated green thread.  It is difficult to photograph the quilting, especially in my basement sewing room!

Now I'm off to begin the quilting on quilt 3 of 4 - this one is quite a bit larger than the previous 2 quilts.
Check out the progress shared at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.
 

MACHINE QUILTING ALL DAY

I made a stop at our community quilts headquarters on the way home from the guild executive meeting on Wednesday evening, and picked up 4 quilts, pin-basted and ready for quilting.  Three are lap or wheelchair quilts, and one is for quilts of valour.

 The first one is made of a large central panel, with multiple borders added.  
I stitched "in the ditch" first, then  added some outline stitching in the central block.
Each border has a different design stitched.  Some areas I marked to guide how I headed to The Inbox Jaunt for some inspiration and chose several quilting designs from the tutorials. 

 I used several different designs, using a different one in each border.  I also used some different colours of thread.

I had fun experimenting with different stitched designs, without having to pin-baste first!

BACK AT IT!

I worked diligently, getting all most of my quilting gear unpacked, but then my sewing machine was calling!  I had a collection of oriental print 2 1/2 inch strips, so I started sewing them together.  When I finished I had an odd sized block of fabric, so I pondered what to do with it.




  While looking for Oriental prints, I came across an unused section of strips, pinned and leftover from a kaleidoscope quilt that I made several years ago.  I cut the 4 repeats into small squares, and made 4-patch units, then added triangles made from a cream/metallic gold print, to make them stand "on point". 
 I needed to make the unit longer, so I cut some green strips to stretch the pieces to fit the two short ends. I also used the cream print for border strips.

Finally I used the remainder of the main print to make borders for the quilt top.  I usually plan things before starting, but this seemed to evolve as I stitched.  I think it takes less time to plan before cutting, but this was an interesting experiment.
Now I just have to find some backing fabric.
After lunch, DH and I did some clean-up in our small front and back garden areas of our townhouse.  We put all the leaves into our "green bin" to be collected tomorrow morning.  Our community does lots of recycling, so we usually only fill a green bag with garbage once a month.  The "green bin" takes all the kitchen scraps, including bones and fat, along with paper towels, tissues, and small amounts of garden clippings. 

 I've always had a compost bin at every house we've lived in, but I can't have one here, so this allows me to recycle, knowing that it will be made into good compost.   My irises and day- lilies are sending out new growth, along with many of the perennials.  My chives are full, and even a parsley plant survived the winter.  Some areas are slower to grow, especially in the front as the area near the door gets very little sunshine this time of year.  We took out a large shrub in the front last fall, so I have to decided what to plant in its place.  It had grown too large, so DH dug it up and transplanted it at a neighbour's home, and we hope it survived its upheaval.
I'll be attending my guild's executive meeting on Wednesday evening, and our community quilts coordinator is planning to bring me some pin-basted quilts to stitch.  It will be great to see everyone, after being away for quite a while.

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

I'm in mid pack, which means that there are piles of things everywere.  I brought some "kits" south in the fall with plans to complete them, but totally forgot that I had left several the year before!  I decided to sort through everything, and decide which ones were remaining again this time.I thought that pictures might help me to remember next fall, when I begin packing once more.  These are all baby quilts, mostly using panels I have collected over the years.  
Kit 1 is a narrow panel, and I've left an assortment of green fabric, along with a gold with colourful stars.  The fabric on the right will be binding, and the flannel is white with tiny green dots.

Kit 2 is a baby panel based on Twinkle Little Star.  It is very pastel, and the stripe on the left will be binding, with the baby print flannel will be the backing.

Kit 3 is a panel of calico animal toys, and shares the same binding and backing fabric.

Kit 4 is a panel with toys riding on a train, and the backing is a train print flannel that I've had for some time.  The binding will be made from the primary coloured stripe. 







Kit 5 is a cute panel  with pink gingham backing flannel.  I'll have to hunt for an appropriate binding fabric - I'll check my stash when I return north.

Hopefully I'll remember that they are here waiting to be made when we are ready to return next fall.

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

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  16.625 yards

Fabric used year to date  109.375 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added  year to date  33.75 yards

Net used 2016  75.625 yards

My last two finishes added to my "used" total this week.  

I have a neighbour who is packing up her home, ready for sale, and she gifted me with several bags of batting pieces, and fabric.  Instead of keeping any of it, I found a neighbour who is teaching sewing and quilting at a local Womens' Shelter, so the whole lot is heading her way!

I stitched my final blocks for my guild BOM yesterday, and now all the fabrics are packed into a large tote bag, along with the blocks.  I rolled them onto the tube that holds my slider for machine quilting, so they won't get crushed on the way north.

I'm slowly organizing my fabrics, and deciding which to leave for next winter, and which to return home to work on over the summer.  I keep a list of all the tools and rulers that stay here, and I'll be packing the rest.  

Of course, since we're leaving soon, there are lots of get-togethers with friends and neigbours, and I'm trying to use up the remaining meat and veggies before we head out.  We have several neighbours who live here full time, and they keep a good watch on all the Snowbirds' homes while we are north for the summer.

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

LAST TWO FINISHES

I managed to finish two small quilts - the last for this winter season.  Now I have to begin packing for our annual trek north.

 This baby quilt was made from a panel.  It seems like most of the fabric manufacturers are only making them 24 inches wide instead of a full yard.
I had some flying geese leftover from another project, then I made to new star blocks.  The quilt is machine quilted using monofilament (invisible) thread.

 I stitched the binding to the back of the quilt, then used a machine blanket stitch to sew it down to the front.  I used Superior's King Tut thread in lovely variegated pastel colours.
This is my favourite thread to use on baby quilts!

 This is my second completed quilt.  I dug deep into the fabric vaults and found this piece of "cheater quilt" yardage.  I made lots of flying geese in green, two shades of yellow and two shades of peach to encircle the yardage.  Lots of quilting in the "blocks" and around the "appliques, using invisible thread.  Then more King Tut thread for the free motion stitching in the blue borders.

I had fun stitching leaves and loops on either side of the geese, and adding some flowers in each corner.

I still have more blocks to complete for my guild's BOM quilt that we've all been working on this season.  I'll try to squeeze in some sewing time over the next couple of days, in between checking lists and sorting items for packing.

We've had a great season, but it is always hard to say good-bye to so many friends.  This year we've said a final farewell to some who won't be returning next year - always a sad time.  The happy thoughts of getting to hold my grandson again make me look forward to our return.  We also have a family reunion planned in June, and lots of other activities to keep us busy, and we hope to visit Nova  Scotia and Prince Edward Island this spring as well.  Too much to do - never enough time, but we'll try!

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  0 yards

Fabric used year to date  92.75 yards

Fabric added this week  12 yards

Fabric added year to date 33.75 yards

Net used 2016  59 yards

We took our company to the airport very early Thursday morning.  When we returned home DH had to set up to play for a lunch-time pot luck party, and I started to do laundry.  We went to bed early and slept almost 12 hours!

This week, 2 of my local shops had sales, and I had a gift card for one, so I picked up some fabric to complete a 1 block wonder quilt.  I found the fabric for it a couple of years ago, and once I had the block halves stitched, I had to decide on a layout, so I could get the rest of the fabric for the top.  I'll wait to assemble it until we return north, as I don't have a design wall here.

Yesterday we headed to my favourite shop, and waded our way through all the quilters.  I picked up some background fabrics, several red fat quarters, that I'll use for the half-square triangle blocks needed to complete the top, and a turquoise and gold swirly fabric, "just because".

Today I'm washing fabric, and I have a quilt backing to piece.  We only have 1 1/2 weeks until we'll be heading north again.  I hope to get some quilting completed this week.

We did an inventory of meat remaining in our freezer, and made a meal plan for the rest of our time here.  We stocked up on veggies yesterday, and I have to do some prep on a dish to take to friends' home on Tuesday.  We should come out about even as long as we don't get too many more invitations.......

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

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  0 yards

Fabric used year to date  92.75 yards

Fabric added this week  14 yards

Fabric added year to date  21.75 yards

Net used 2016  71 yards

We've  been busy with company this week - our friends and their two granddaughters, age 6 and 8.  The weather has been great for swimming, visiting the aquarium, riding scooters, and other outings.  I've had no time for any sewing at all, and I'm beginning to feel sewing withdrawal.

My order from Connecting Threads was delivered on Saturday, but five of the yards, (the blue with flowers), will be used as backing for a quilt.  The top is complete, and the binding is waiting, so when our company departs on Thursday morning, I hope to dust off my machine and get to work.  I also have a baby quilt top, made from a 24ish inch wide panel, with some additional blocks, to make it wide enough.  I still have to prepare the binding for that one.

Our time is drawing short, and we'll soon be packing up for the trek to our  northern home.  I look forward to watching the bulbs begin to flower - that is, if the squirrels haven't eaten them all!

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

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

After making flying geese blocks for a quilt border, I had a few remaining, so I stitched them into these 3 blocks.  Now I have to make 2 more blocks to add to another baby quilt, and it will be ready to quilt.  
I have stopped trying to save leftover bits and pieces of blocks for future projects, but use them for completed blocks.  I'm hoping to make a scrappy UFO block quilt this summer, to use as many of my leftover blocks as possible.

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

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  0 yards

Fabric used year to date  92.75 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date  7.75 yards

Net used 2016  85 yards

This week was spent with some sewing, a friend's birthday party and a fish fry, when DH's band entertained on Friday evening at a local church hall.  My latest project, using a piece of  "faux quilt" fabric that I've had for many years, needed borders.  I made lots of flying geese blocks and have them circling the centre of the quilt.  I made scrappy binding, using the remaining peach, yellow and green fabric, but I'm waiting for the arrival of some backing fabric.  I'll claim it when it arrives.

We've been busy preparing for our guests who arrive on Tuesday.  The sofa bed has been unfolded, and the bed made, ready for tired children.  Our small guest room had to be cleared.  I use the dresser to store fabric, and DH has adopted it to store his many guitars, amplifiers, music stands, guitar stands, monitors, etc., that are in regular use all winter.  We also took the opportunity to look at the items stored in the closet, and we will have an extra trash bag to place on the curb on Monday! 

I also tidied my sewing area.  I packed up some of the fabric that was leftover from my finished quilts, and trimmed some of the smaller pieces into strips and squares.  The top of one of my small bins finally became unusable.  It had been damaged on a trip when DH was bringing a structure south for his garden railway.  It was great to place its contents into a brand new bin, and this one has a locking lid!   I'll be lucky to have more that a few minutes to sew during the next week+.  

I just made a cocoa krispie roll for the upcoming week,(recipe found on the recipe tab).  After I formed the roll, I cut it in half, and gradually rolled each piece into a thinner and longer roll.  They are delicious, but rich, and smaller servings will make them last longer!  I'll be cooking a turkey tomorrow which will be handy for making quick salad dinners, and sandwich lunches.  We also have to pick up the last minute groceries, including some fresh strawberries.  Too bad I don't have time to go to one of the pick-your-own farms in the area.

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

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

Here's my Scrappy Trip Around the World, completed.  The block design is a free pattern from Bonnie Hunter.  The solid borders was made from a yard of fabric that I selected for my DIL's Storm at Sea quilt, but it didn't make the final cut.  The scrappy braid border was made as a "leader and ender" project last year, made from a shoe box full of cut pieces - a garage sale find!  It is hard to see in the picture, but I also made scrappy binding, from leftover pieces.  I hate to see good fabric go to waste!
I have some "one block wonder" pieces cut out, and I also pulled some fabric out that I've had for many years - and I've been playing with designs using EQ7.  I'm determined that it will be a finished quilt to return north next month!

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

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  21.5 yards

Fabric used year to date  92.75 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date  7.75 yards

Net used 2016  85 yards

With my three baby quilt finishes earlier this week, and adding my "Scrappy Trip Around the World" quilt, gave me a big jump ahead.  Pictures to come as soon as I can get DH to be my quilt holder.  Hopefully, I'll be able to keep up the pace, and resist shopping  -  LOL.

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

ANOTHER SMALL FINISH

This is the second "blue dog" baby quilt made from leftover panel parts.  I finished the binding just before bed last night.

We went out for dinner to friends' home yesterday evening.  She served a delicious salad of spinach, beets, avocado, and feta cheese, with a balsamic dressing - delicious!  

The whole meal was delicious, and we had a great time, talking, laughing, and enjoying our friendship.

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

Nothing on my design wall yet, but I  hope to get these 4 quilts pin-basted this afternoon.  One is a larger scrap quilt, with braid border, and there are also 3 small baby quilts.  The binding is all cut, stitched and folded, ready to attach too!

We had fun on the weekend, entertaining all DH's band members and families.  I made pulled pork with onion buns, potato salad, and we also had coleslaw. 

There were snacks, beverages of choice, and lots of conversation during the afternoon, and we had great goodies for dessert as well.
 The band is performing for a group having a celebration dinner this evening, so I hope to get some quilting done while DH is out.

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

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Used this week  40 yards

Used year to date  71.25 yards

Added this week  0 yards

Added year to date 7.75 yards

Net used 2016   63.5 yards

Thanks to the pillowcase sewing day, I used 40 yards from my stash this week!  Some of the fabrics had been hiding for almost 20 years, so it was about time to get them into use.  I pulled all my kid-friendly, novelty fabrics from their shelves, and cut pillowcase parts before heading south!

I also have a large scrap quilt and three baby quilts waiting to be pin-basted.  I have all the bindings prepared and ready as well.

We're having DH's band members and spouses over for pulled pork on onion buns tonight, along with coleslaw and potato salad.  I have deserts made, snacks ready and beverages cooling.  It is a beautiful day, with clear blue skies, light breezes and temperatures in the 70's - just perfect!

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

A SUCCESSFUL PILLOWCASE STITCHING AFTERNOON

My quilting group, along with other friends and residents of our community used our Wednesday quilting time to make pillowcases for the charity "Ryan's Cases for Smiles".

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One of the area coordinators came to assist, and brought 2 large totes full of pillowcase parts, all cut out and paired together, along with some pinned ready to stitch. 



 Our members also brought completed cases, and paired parts to donate as well.

We had 16 machines, including a couple of sergers, doing the stitching, and the remaining helpers worked at 4 ironing stations, a trimming station, and several pinning areas to keep us all busy. 



 We also had runners, who kept picking up and delivering cases and picking up pins from the stitchers, as well as turners, prepared the cases for the ironing team.
At first the stitchers sewed the cuffs to the body of the case, then it was turned, and sent to the ironing stations.  

Then the sergers were kept busy doing the final L-seam.  When we reached a backlog, the sewers began finishing the cases with French Seams.  Of course, there was a little un-stitching, and trimming to be done!

We began at 11, and by 3pm we had 
202 completed pillowcases, along with 100 cases with the cuffs stitched, pressed, ready for the final L-seam!  These will be taken to the next group for them to complete.



We had a short break for lunch, and there were chocolates and homemade cookies to share during the whole session.  (We wanted to keep everyone's energy levels up!) 

We had a great day, and plan to repeat this again next year.

Check out their website, as there are chapters all across the USA and Canada, who would love to have your help.  They have sewing days scheduled that anyone can join.and you can also donate money, fabric, zipper type plastic bags, as well as your time!   There is a pattern on their website, and a link to a tutorial on French seams.

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.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

 Used this week  0 yards

Used year to date   31.25 yards

Added this week  7.5 yards

Added year to date  7.75 yards

Net used 2016  23.5 yards

There is a shop hop in my area this month - 22 shops!  You have to visit 5 to be eligible for any of the medium prizes, and all 22 for the larger prizes.  DH and I attended a quilt show in New Port Richey on Friday - lots of great inspiration!  There was a shop nearby, so that made #4 on my passport.  I found a great stripe that I had to have, along with a lovely black, red and white print.  Then on the way home we stopped at my favourite shop, Quilts on Plum Lane in Dade City, and I found 2 more stripes and also bought backing for my latest scrap quilt!  That made shop 5, so I handed in my passport. (There is less temptation this way!)

This Wednesday, my quilting group is dedicating the time to make pillowcases for Ryan's Case for Smiles.  I cut pillow cases and cuffs from my stash before heading south for the winter, and I have 38 to stitch on Wednesday!   That should help my stash report next week!

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

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Used this week 1 yard

Used year to date  31.25 yards

Added this week 0 yards

Added year to date  .25 yards

Net used 2016  31 yards 

I completed my tiny Tuscan Landscape - using 1 whole yard!

DH thinks it needs some birds in the sky!

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

 

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

Last Wednesday, some of my quilting group tried their hands at a small landscape quilt.  The pattern, "Tuscan Landscape" by Karen Eckmeier, was found in Fons & Porter's Love of Quilting magazine, July/Aug 2007 edition.  Many tried "free cutting" with their rotary cutter for the first time.  Mine was made with a few of my limited stash of fabrics here in the sunny south.
Then I decided to use some of my 2 1/2 leftover strips, so I made some "Scrappy Trips" blocks, following the directions found here.  I made 24 blocks, and tried a couple of layouts.


I have no design wall here, so I placed them on my living-room rug, and took pictures.
I find it easier to see the pattern when I can step back.

I used the same beige dotty fabric on the centre diagonal line in each block.

Of course, as soon as DH walked in, he spotted the block that I had stitched incorrectly!  23 out of 24 isn't bad......

I finally decided to use the first layout, with the blocks creating squares, instead of the more traditional trip around the world layout.

Off to correct one block, then sew them all together.
Check out all the creativity shared at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times. 

STASH REPORT SUNDAY - FEBRUARY 7, 2016

Fabric used this week  30.25 yards

Fabric used year to date  30.25 yards

Fabric added this week  .25 yards

Fabric added year to date  .25 yards

Net used 2016  30 yards

Finally - a finish!!!!  I stitched the final 6 inches of binding on the king-size Storm at Sea quilt I've been making for my son and his wife!  I've been working on it since after Christmas.  I don't think it has ever taken this far into a new year to post my first yardage used report.  I'll have pictures of the full quilt later, as I have to get DH and his friend, along with 2 step ladders to hold the quilt up for its full picture - we also needed much higher ceilings so will be heading to the clubhouse!

 The pale blue border was quilted in Waves, design from The Inbox Jaunt, and stitched in Superior Thread Fantastico variegated thread.  The sand and footprint borders is stitched in simple waves in a matching thread.  This also used the remaining focal squares.

The final border, featuring sand dollars, uses my favourite feathered hooks, stitched in Superior Thread's Twist, in a dark aqua/dark teal.

The quilting in the main body of the quilt was kept simple - I think the pattern speaks for itself.  I stitched relaxed waves, using more of Superior's Twist, in an aqua/turquoise, to accentuate the illusion of curves created by the blocks. 

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

 

ON THE NEEDLES FRIDAY

I only knit occasionally, but I've made 2 sweaters and 2 winter hats for our 1 year old grandson.  This is sweater number 3 - sized for next winter.  I had finished knitting the pieces a while ago, but since I'm a bit under the weather, and I don't feel like wrestling with the king size quilt,  I prepped the pieces for blocking.

The front and back are identical.  The design is a twist stitch that looks like a small cable.  

It has set in sleeves, and the ribbing at the neckline overlaps at the centre of the shoulders.  

 The sleeves have 3 twist bands as well.

The yarn is from Premier yarns and is called Cotton Fair Multi - 52% cotton and 48% acrylic.  I'm allergic to wool, and this is one of the few yarns that I found that was the correct weight for the pattern, and machine washable - good for little people.

The pattern is from a book called "Beehive for Bairns", which belonged to my mother.  I think she used it to knit for my brothers and for me when I was a baby.  That makes it between 60-75 years old.  

I'm linking up with other knitters at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

WORKING SLOWLY TODAY

I've picked up some kind of "bug", and I'm running at less than half speed today.  Coughing and feverish overnight left me feeling tired this morning.
As per my usual method, I plan to just plod along today - I still have more machine quilting to do, and I want to make a pot of chili, as it is a damp, dark day in Central Florida!
I knew that I'd have to give in to the bug, when I had to take a nap after returning from my regular Wednesday quilting group yesterday.  I hope I didn't share anything with others.

Our plans for a pillowcase sewing day for Ryan's Case for Smiles is firming up.  We'll be stitching madly on February 24th, trying to complete as many pillowcases as possible.  We have lots of sewers signed up, as well as helpers to pin, press, and act as runners to keep the machines sewing as much as possible.  I plan to take some pictures to share as well!

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

 I started machine quilting the king size quilt this morning.  Working in the centre of the quilt is difficult, but the extra space under the arm of my machine certainly helps.  This is my largest project to date!
Here is a picture of the quilt top.  I placed it on our queen bed, just so I could see it more spread out.  DH took the picture while perched on a ladder - the room is small and it is difficult to get a good picture.

I used more of the small focal squares in the 3rd border, spacing them by using some great "footprints in the sand" fabric, and the final border has a sand dollar motif.

I think this fills the request for an "oceany quilt" from my son and daughter-in-law......

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

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  0 yards

Fabric used year to date  0 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

 Fabric added year to date  0 yards

Net used 2016  0 yards

 

Still nothing to report!  DH and I headed to the clubhouse after church this morning, and lined up 4 of the long rectangular tables.  We spread out the king size backing, and used large binder clips to hold it taut.  Then came the batting, and finally the quilt top, place carefully.  We were able to baste half at a time, with only the final border on one edge to pin after releasing the clamps.  DH is an expert pin-baster - he follows my lead, and helps with every large quilt.  We worked for about an hour to complete the quilt, only moving and re-clamping the backing once.

After a quick lunch, DH headed out for his band practice.  I headed to the sewing room, and finished sorting some fabric.  One of the ladies in my quilting group had sold her house and is moving north.  She brought over some books and "unwanted fabric" to share with the group.  There was quite a bit left over after everyone had a look, so I brought it home.  She had an elderly neighbour who gave her lots of "good stuff", but it mostly was unusable.  I've saved some larger pieces of fabric, and they will go into the group bag - handy to use to test a new pattern, so not required to report as my personal stash!

Tomorrow the machine quilting commences!  My machine is set up ready to go, 3 bobbins wound and a new needle in place!  Wish me luck - this will be the largest quilt I've done on my home machine....

 

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

OFF TO MY QUILTING GROUP

Wednesday is my quilting group day.  We meet each week from 11-3, and bring a small snack.  Everyone is working on their own choice of project right now, although I do offer patterns from time to time.  Today we'll be discussing our upcoming pillowcase sewing day for the charity, Cases for Smiles.    We are planning a date in late February, and have some details to work out with the area coordinator.
I have fun, visiting each person, answering questions, teaching new quilters, etc.  I come home energized each week.

My own project - the king size quilt is coming along.  I have all the rows sewn together in one direction, having to pin where all the points must match.  I spent most of the afternoon pressing all the seams open - not my usual style, but it will help with bulk where all the points come together.  The rows in the other direction have to be pinned everywhere, and I discovered that I have enough of my favourite pins to pin 3 rows at a time.  There are 18 long seams in each direction, so I'm finally seeing the "light at the end of the tunnel".

I'm off to pack my snack and load the car......

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

Sunday afternoon, DH and I headed for the empty clubhouse, and used the dance floor to lay out all the blocks, sashings and cornerstones for my current project.  We spent about an hour and a half, rearranging parts, trying to spread out the colours, but there is really only one that stands out, so we decided to let the pieces just remain in their current order.  We picked up all the blocks in rows, and I marked each row with a number, and placed them in individual plastic bags for the trip home.

I decided to tackle the piecing today, but first I cut all the pieces for the next block in my guild's BOM project - pinwheels.

I'm enjoying my 2 colour quilt so far, and can't wait for the remaining blocks!

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

Now back to piecing....

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  0 yards

Fabric used year to date  0 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

 Fabric added year to date  0 yards

Net used 2016  0 yards

 

No changes for me yet, but DH and I just returned from the clubhouse.  We used the dance floor to lay out all the parts for the king size storm at sea quilt that I'm making for my son and his wife.    There were 81 blocks, 100 cornerstones and 180 pieced sashings.  I used a variety of fabrics, so we placed them according to a plan, then started shifting pieces around, to try to prevent too many of the same fabrics coming close to one another.    We finally decided to just let the pieces be where they were placed, as we could have spent a year rearranging blocks!

I have all the border pieces cut, but I do have one pieced border that I'll have to make, as well as binding.  I'm hoping to get this huge quilt machine quilted before the weather becomes too warm and humid again.  Since I'm doing this on my home machine, and not on a frame, I should have good muscles by the time I man-handle it through the machine a few times!

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

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  0 yards

Fabric used year to date  0 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

 Fabric added year to date  0 yards

Net used 2016  0 yards

I'm still working away at a king size quilt for my son and his wife.  She picked up the focal block print, and I found all the rest of the fabric required on our trip south in the fall.  

I have completed the 81 blocks, 100 pieced cornerstones, and I have 80 of the pieced sashing strips completed.  I've been wondering where I'll be able to lay out the blocks before stitching the top together....I think I'll have to head to the clubhouse, and use the dance floor!

I spent some time cutting all the border fabrics, so I'll be ready to add them once the top is together, although I'll still have to piece one of the borders, adding more of the focal squares.

I'm a very occasional knitter, so I may show the odd project, but I don't "stash" yarn - just pick up what I need for each project.

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