Design Wall Monday 5/31/2021

Happy Memorial Day to all in the U.S. We are enjoying the holiday weekend at home, avoiding the craziness at the airport and on the roads. We live very near the Atlanta airport, and there has been a definite increase in plane traffic there over the past few weeks/months. 

We aren't travelling this weekend, but we have been doing some socializing. It is such a treat to gather with friends and neighbors again! We enjoyed an evening with a group of neighbors on Saturday, followed by a cookout with my former coworkers on Sunday afternoon. I was exhausted by the end of it all, but so happy to see everyone again!

In honor of Memorial Day, I decided to pull out one of my red, white & blue quilt projects. These blocks were made as part of the original Moda Blockheads Quilt-Along, which ran from March, 2017 through early 2018. I didn't start making the blocks until June of 2017, and I worked on them very sporadically for a couple of years. There were patterns included for 48 different blocks, and I ended making 36 or 37 of them.

I pulled out some fabrics from my stash as options for sashing the blocks. I found two that worked well together and got right to work. Yesterday I finished joining all the blocks and sashing units together into this quilt top.

This currently measures about 48" x 65". I'm thinking about adding a border or two to make it a little bigger. I have very little of the blue sashing fabric left, but plenty of the pale stripe. I need to do another dig through the RWB collection and see if there is anything else that would work with this.

The blocks in the quilt all finish at 6". Some of them were fairly simple to piece, others were very intricate. Here are some of my favorites.

This last block is my favorite one in the whole quilt. It is called "Double Delight Star" by Lynne Hagmeier of Kansas Troubles Quilters. I liked this block pattern so much that I made a whole quilt of 12" blocks using this design. You can see my Musical Stars quilt HERE.

 

Linking up with:

Design Wall Monday at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts

Monday Making at Love Laugh Quilt

Needle & Thread Thursday at My Quilt Infatuation

Finished or Not Friday at Alycia Quilts

Whoop Whoop Friday at Confessions of a Fabric Addict

Happy quilting everyone!

Julie in GA 

Stitching and DeStashing--Week 22, 2021

The good news for my stash report this week is that no new fabric was added to the stash! The bad news is that there are a couple of Memorial Day sales that I've been browsing. My red, white & blue collection is seriously depleted, so I'm thinking about supplementing that area of my stash.

The other good news is that I can report 1.125 yards as used this week. I used 3/8 yard for my Sew Colorful Stars block and 3/4 yard for my collection of red bowtie blocks. You can see all the new blocks in yesterday's post.

I've been working on a sampler quilt of red, white & blue blocks. The two large pieces of fabric in this photo will be used together as the sashing for my blocks. It doesn't look too exciting in this photo, but believe me, they work great together! I hope to finish getting everything joined together into a top before next weekend's stash report.

2021 STASH TOTALS

Used last week:                             1.125 yards

Used year to date:                         99.75 yards

Added last week:                              0.0 yards

Added year to date:                         48.0 yards

Net used year to date                51.75 yards

Kate's 15 Minutes to Stitch challenge at Life in Pieces has us tracking how many days each week we get in at least 15 minutes of quilting time. I pulled out the set of RWB sampler blocks last week and have been working on getting them set into a quilt top. That has meant plenty of quilting time every day over the past week.

15 Minute Challenge for 2021: 

5/23 - 5/29                7 of 7 days

2021 Total           148 of 149 days

Check out more stash reports at quiltpaintcreate and join the 15 Minutes to Stitch challenge at Life in Pieces. 

Happy quilting everyone!

Julie in GA

Scrappy Rainbow Saturday--Week 22, 2021

It is nearly the end of our month of sewing up red scraps for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge. I finished up the red blocks for my last two projects. I'm hoping that maybe we will get an early announcement of our color for June? Hurray--I just saw Angela's post, and she did announce purple as our color for next month!

First I made my Sew Colorful Stars block. So many red triangles!

Sew Colorful Stars, pattern by Fat Quarter Shop

I also worked ahead a little bit and made the last batch of red bowtie blocks. My goal is to make one block every day this year, and I have been averaging 32 blocks each month. Here is the set of red blocks.

This interesting layout for the bowtie blocks is one I had seen on Bonnie Hunter's Quiltville blog. The spiky look of it is very unusual for a bowtie quilt.

Bowtie quilt top shared on Quiltville blog

I played around with some of my blocks to figure out how to reproduce that design. What I came up with starts with 9 bowtie blocks joined together into a bigger block. Three of the bowties run diagonally from top right to bottom left, and the rest are rotated 90 degrees. All the bowties would be made into these 9-patch big blocks, then set together into a quilt top, keeping them all oriented the same direction.

Besides those two projects, I also made red blocks for three other rainbow quilts this month. I made two Homespun blocks, two Scrap Magnet blocks and 22 kaleidoscope blocks from my 30's fabrics (16 red plus two yellow and four pink.) Why are there still so many red scraps around here?!

Homespun pattern by Modernly Morgan

Scrap Magnet pattern by Kirsty of Bonjour Quilts

30's Kaleidoscopes

Be sure to check out all of the wonderful scrappy projects at the Rainbow Scrap Challenge every Saturday and at Oh Scrap! over at Quilting is more fun than Housework on Sunday.

Julie in GA

To-Do Tuesday 5/25/2021

Happy To-Do Tuesday once again!  Normally this would be the time to look back at my to-do list from last week, see how I did on accomplishing my goals, then post a new list for the week ahead.  However, I missed posting my to-do lists over the past couple of weeks, so it's time for me to do some catching up. I'm linking up with the  To-Do Tuesday Weekly Link-up hosted by Chris at Chris Knits. 

In the past three week, I have managed to keep up with most of my on-going projects. I'm up-to-date with the daily Bowties, plus the weekly Sewcialites blocks. I'm also on track with most of my various projects for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge. I started a new project, some redwork embroidery, so that I would have some hand stitching to take along on a recent trip.

I'm back to my semi-regular rotation of current projects, plus I have added the embroidery. I'm also hoping to pull out one old project and make some progress on it.

To-Do List for 5/25 - 5/31

1. Bowties 365--make at least 1 bowtie block every day  

2. Sewcialites QAL--make block #33

I finished Blocks #29 - 32 since my last to-do list.

3. Sew Colorful Stars--make 1 red block 

4. Moda Blockheads--figure out a plan for setting my blocks

I started making these red, white and blue scrappy blocks in 2017, and have barely touched them in two years. Memorial Day weekend seems like a good time to do something with them.

5. Redwork embroidery--make progress

I'll report on my progress and post a new set of goals next Tuesday. I'm linking up with other To-Do Tuesday lists at Chris Knits.

Julie in GA  

Design Wall Monday 5/24/2021

Both of my design walls are completely empty at the moment, but it doesn't mean I'm not quilting. I've been making individual blocks for a variety of projects, sharing them as I go, then stashing them away with the rest of the set of blocks.

Besides my regular piecing projects, I have continued stitching on the redwork Santa embroidery that has become my current hand-stitching project. It has been many years since I did any embroidery, but I am enjoying this project very much. Check out the adorable teddy bear!

The Santa design is from the book Just Be Claus by Robin Kingsley. My version is reversed from the one in the book because I used a Sulky transfer pen to get the markings on the fabric. The fabric is 100% linen that I got at JoAnn's, and I'm stitching with #8 perle cotton.

 

Linking up with:

Design Wall Monday at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts

Monday Making at Love Laugh Quilt

Happy quilting everyone!

Julie in GA 

Stitching and Stashing--Week 21, 2021

The last day of my recent trip to Wisconsin included a stop at one more quilt shop. My main purchase was 3 yards of this spotted pastel batik. This looks like a good choice as the background for a future rainbow quilt.

There were also a couple of other pieces purchased, for a total of 4 yards added to the stash. My usage for the week was 3/4 yard on the Scrap Magnet blocks that I shared in yesterday's post.

2021 STASH TOTALS

Used last week:                                .75 yards

Used year to date:                       98.625 yards

Added last week:                              4.0 yards

Added year to date:                         48.0 yards

Net used year to date              50.625 yards

Kate's 15 Minutes to Stitch challenge at Life in Pieces has us tracking how many days each week we get in at least 15 minutes of quilting time. It's hard to believe that I went more than a week without touching a sewing machine or rotary cutter! I'm now getting back into the routine of regular quilting time every day.

15 Minute Challenge for 2021: 

5/16 - 5/22                7 of 7 days

2021 Total           141 of 142 days

Check out more stash reports at quiltpaintcreate and join the 15 Minutes to Stitch challenge at Life in Pieces. 

Happy quilting everyone!

Julie in GA

Scrappy Rainbow Saturday--Week 21, 2021

It has been a busy week with travel and errands, but I managed to find some time over the last two days to make my two red Scrap Magnet blocks for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge.

Scrap Magnet pattern by Kirsty of Bonjour Quilts

I enjoy making these blocks every month. The piecing is easy, but choosing the fabrics can be a challenge. I thought the striped fabric would look lighter in this dark red block.

The contrast works better in my bright red block. I especially love the fabric with the black sewing machines on it.

The month of May has flown by, and it's hard to believe that we are nearing the end of the month. I need to go back through my projects for the RSC and see what else needs to get done in the next week and a half.

Be sure to check out all of the wonderful scrappy projects at the Rainbow Scrap Challenge every Saturday and at Oh Scrap! over at Quilting is more fun than Housework on Sunday.

Julie in GA

Stitching and Stashing--Week 20, 2021

I have been enjoying such a wonderful week! I flew to Wisconsin on Tuesday, visiting family that I haven't seen since November of 2019. It is such a joy to spend time with my mother, my sister and brother-in-law, their two daughters and their families. Best of all, I got to meet the two newest members of the family. This is Mariella and Rolan, who were both born last summer. (That is Mariella's big sister Clara in the background.)

As usual, a visit with my sister Karen meant an opportunity to visit some quilt shops. We went to three shops in two days, but I didn't go crazy buying fabric. I mostly stuck to light neutrals, with a total of 3.25 yards to add to the stash. I used 1.125 yards for the 30's Kaleidoscope blocks that I shared in yesterday's post.

2021 STASH TOTALS

Used last week:                            1.125 yards

Used year to date:                       97.875 yards

Added last week:                             3.25 yards

Added year to date:                         44.0 yards

Net used year to date               53.875 yards

Since I was going to be away from home for a week, I knew I needed a hand stitching project to bring along. I didn't have any hand applique or English paper piecing in the works, so I decided to start something new. I have been working on this little redwork embroidery project all week. Santa measures about 3.5" top to bottom. I finished him last night and have already started a new, larger piece.

Kate's 15 Minutes to Stitch challenge at Life in Pieces has us tracking how many days each week we get in at least 15 minutes of quilting time. For the first time all year, I did not get stitching time every day. There was one night of just watching TV and no energy to pull out the embroidery. My perfect record is over!

15 Minute Challenge for 2021: 

5/9 - 5/15                  6 of 7 days

2021 Total           134 of 135 days

Check out more stash reports at quiltpaintcreate and join the 15 Minutes to Stitch challenge at Life in Pieces. 

Happy quilting everyone!

Julie in GA

Scrappy Rainbow Saturday--Week 20, 2021

It has been fun making more kaleidoscope blocks from my 30's fabrics and getting them up on the design wall together. Our color for May at the Rainbow Scrap Challenge is red, and I made 16 red kaleidoscope blocks. The top row of blocks in yellow and pink were made from some of the 30's reproductions that my sister Karen sent me recently. They are great additions to the collection!

Be sure to check out all of the wonderful scrappy projects at the Rainbow Scrap Challenge every Saturday and at Oh Scrap! over at Quilting is more fun than Housework on Sunday.

Julie in GA

Stitching and DeStashing--Week 19, 2021

Happy Mother's Day! I'm very excited to be going to visit my mother and other family in Wisconsin soon. It has been a year and a half since I saw any of them in person. My mother was the one who taught me to sew, which led to both my career of making theater costumes and to my favorite hobby (obsession), quilting. Thanks, Mom! I can't wait to see you!

My stash totals have been steadily increasing on the fabric used side of the tally. The amount used last week is relatively small, but every little bit helps. I used 5/8 yard for my Homespun blocks in bright and dark reds.

Homespun pattern by Modernly Morgan,

I didn't think I would have any new fabric to report, but an order I had placed surprised me by showing up yesterday. Has anyone else had trouble with the tracking system for the USPS? My most recent additions are a good example of the risks of online fabric shopping. Part of my order was extra wide backing fabrics, and I'm very unhappy with the appearance of the printing. Instead of an overall mottled effect, it looks like the fabric is water stained. Naturally, I got the biggest amounts of those pieces. I ordered 10 yards of fabric, but I'm counting it as 16 yards because of the wide pieces.

Above are the fabrics I'm not so happy about. Below is the rest of my order.

2021 STASH TOTALS

Used last week:                              .625 yards

Used year to date:                         96.75 yards

Added last week:                             16.0 yards

Added year to date:                       40.75 yards

Net used year to date                   56.0 yards

Kate's 15 Minutes to Stitch challenge at Life in Pieces has us tracking how many days each week we get in at least 15 minutes of quilting time. Now that we are fully vaccinated, we have been getting out quite a bit more and it is cutting into my stitching time. I've still managed to stitch at least 15 minutes every day, but it's getting more difficult every week. 

15 Minute Challenge for 2021: 

5/2 - 5/8                    7 of 7 days

2021 Total           128 of 128 days

Check out more stash reports at quiltpaintcreate and join the 15 Minutes to Stitch challenge at Life in Pieces. 

Happy quilting everyone!

Julie in GA

Scrappy Rainbow Saturday--Week 19, 2021

Last week I showed the beginnings of my first scrappy red block of May for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge. I made two blocks with the Homespun pattern by Modernly Morgan, one in bright reds and the other in darker reds.

This pattern makes large blocks (16" finished), and they go together quickly. I'm still restraining myself from speeding ahead and making the rest of the colors that I will need for this quilt. In the meantime, here's a photo of all my blocks so far.

Be sure to check out all of the wonderful scrappy projects at the Rainbow Scrap Challenge every Saturday and at Oh Scrap! over at Quilting is more fun than Housework on Sunday.

Julie in GA

Design Wall Monday 5/3/2021

Yesterday I made Block #29 for the Sewcialites Quilt Along at the Fat Quarter Shop. It is this cute little Cake Stand block.

This is a block that I like better in an on-point setting as shown above. That got me thinking about how to set my blocks for this quilt. There will be 36 blocks total, and mine will all finish at 6". Here is the setting layout from the Fat Quarter Shop design.

I got to thinking about the Tiny Tuesday sampler quilt that many quilters made as part of the Rainbow Scrap Challenge in 2019. That quilt design had some blocks set straight and the rest were on point. Here is my finished Tiny Tuesday quilt top from December, 2019.

Tiny Tuesday Sampler, 52.5" x 60"

I decided to audition my Sewcialites blocks in a similar setting. I have some yardage of a light aqua fabric that was meant for another project made from 30's prints, but I chose a different fabric for that quilt. I think the aqua might work very nicely for this setting.

I have 29 finished blocks for this quilt, and there are seven block patterns still to be released between now and the middle of June. If I decide to go ahead with this setting, I could start cutting and stitching the aqua fabric to all of these blocks now, which would make the final assembly very quick.

The patterns for the Sewcialites Quilt Along blocks are available at the Fat Quarter Shop's blog HERE.

 

Linking up with:

Design Wall Monday at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts

Monday Making at Love Laugh Quilt

Happy quilting everyone!

Julie in GA 

Stitching and DeStashing--Week 18, 2021

My stash report for the past week includes some usage, and some new fabric added as well. The new fabric is a batch of 30's fabrics from my sister Karen, who is also a quilter. She sent me this collection of strips that each measure approximately 4" x 9". Total added is 3/4 yard. These will be used for more of the kaleidoscope blocks that I've been making this year. I'm especially excited to add the lavender fabrics because my stash of that color is rather low.

My usage for the week was 1.625 yards for the setting triangles and border on my Dakota Inspired quilt, Alycia's latest mystery project. I shared the finished top for that quilt in Friday's post.

As I was figuring up the usage for the 36 light blue bowtie blocks that I shared in yesterday's post, I discovered that I had never counted the 36 medium and dark green bowties from March. I used 1.375 yards for the light blue bowties and .75 yards for the green bowties. This photo gives an indication of the reason for the difference in yardage used. The green bowtie blocks each finish at 4", and the light blue blocks will finish at 5".

2021 STASH TOTALS

Used last week:                              3.75 yards

Used year to date:                       96.125 yards

Added last week:                              .75 yards

Added year to date:                       24.75 yards

Net used year to date              71.375 yards

Kate's 15 Minutes to Stitch challenge at Life in Pieces has us tracking how many days each week we get in at least 15 minutes of quilting time. I spent the majority of my quilting time last week getting the Dakota Inspired quilt top done, and I have started pulling out my red scraps for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge blocks in May.

15 Minute Challenge for 2021: 

4/25 - 5/1                  7 of 7 days

2021 Total           121 of 121 days

Check out more stash reports at quiltpaintcreate and join the 15 Minutes to Stitch challenge at Life in Pieces. 

Happy quilting everyone!

Julie in GA

Scrappy Rainbow Saturday--Week 18. 2021

It's the beginning of a new month for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge, and our new color for May is red. I pulled out some red squares and strips to start laying out two red Homespun blocks yesterday. The pieces for a brighter red block are already cut and sitting next to the sewing machine.

I'm still debating if I need to switch out any of these pieces for more variation in this dark red block so it doesn't all look like one single fabric from a distance. There's one piece in the lower right that seems much brighter than the rest, but I think it's partly because the light was shining directly on it.

The last of my light blue blocks to be finished for April were the bowtie blocks. I'm trying to make one bowtie block every day, and I have been averaging 36 blocks per month so far this year. Here is the light blue collection.

I actually ended up with 38 blocks this month, but one of them is such a pale blue that it barely shows against the background. The other one leans more toward turquoise and will join that group when that color is assigned. Besides, 36 blocks fits much better in a photo.

Be sure to check out all of the wonderful scrappy projects at the Rainbow Scrap Challenge every Saturday and at Oh Scrap! over at Quilting is more fun than Housework on Sunday.

Julie in GA