Stitching and DeStashing--Week 48, 2021

It's time for my weekly stash report, but there haven't been any changes to the stash, either used or added. Some of my quilting time this week was spent joining bowtie blocks together (see the start in yesterday's post,) but I've already counted the yardage for those blocks. I also pulled out a very old mini quilt top that has been hanging around for many years and decided to finish it. The quilting on it is done, and I'm hoping to finish the binding later today. It will be a good addition to the Christmas decor, and we have figured out the perfect spot to hang it.

2021 STASH TOTALS

Used last week:                              0.0 yards

Used year to date:                      172.0 yards

Added last week:                            0.0 yards

Added year to date:                     133.5 yards

Net used year to date                38.5 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 stitching time. I definitely spent more than 15 minutes quilting every day, and I am very close to having the miniature quilt finished!

15 Minute Challenge for 2021: 

11/21 - 11/27            7 of 7 days

2021 Total          329 of 331 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 48, 2021

In between cooking sessions this week, I managed to get some time to work on the layout for my pastel bowtie blocks, one of my 2021 projects for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge. Here are some of the blocks up on the design wall.

I didn't get any photos of the complete layout of blocks before I started stitching them together. The bowtie blocks are being joined into bigger blocks of nine bowties, then the big blocks will get stitched together.

I'm hoping to have a finished quilt top soon!

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 11/23/2021

Welcome to Tuesday Wednesday and a new weekly to-do list. I started writing my post yesterday, but somehow the day got away from me and the post never got finished! Today we will review how I did with last week's to-do list. then come up with a new set of goals for the week ahead. The Tuesday To-Do List link-up is hosted by Linda at Texas Quilt Gal.

It was a mostly successful week for the last to-do list, with four out of five goals completed.

To-Do List for 11/16 - 11/22

1. Dresden Ties pillows--finish both pillows   ✔done

Both of the pillows are finished, but I'm not ready to share photos yet.

2. Redwork embroidery--finish                   not done

3. Bowties 365--make one bowtie block per day   ✔done

I made 16 more bowtie blocks for the pastel bowties quilt. You can see them HERE.

4. Hearts Applique--make at least one block per week   ✔done

5. Sew Colorful Stars--take photos, write blog post   ✔done

See the photos and read about this quilt in this post.

The list for the coming week is really meant as suggestions more than firm goals (except for the first one.) My main focus will be Thanksgiving, then starting to get ready for Christmas.

To-Do List for 11/23 - 11/29

1. Have a happy Thanksgiving!

2. Redwork embroidery--finish

3. Santa tie--make into ornament

This tie was part of the group I recently used for the pillows. The design is too large for the Dresden wedges, so I am planning to back it and frame it as an ornament or small wallhanging. The section shown in the photo measures about 4" wide x 8.5" high.

4. Bowties 365--make one bowtie block per day

5. Hearts Applique--make at least one block per week

6. Pastel Bowties--start joining blocks together

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone who celebrates the holiday. We are looking forward to smoked turkey breast and all the side dishes. May you have a safe, fun and delicious day!

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 Texas Quilt Gal.

Julie in GA  

Design Wall Monday 11/22/2021

It's prime mystery season in quilt land, with Bonnie Hunter's annual mystery getting started on Friday. The mystery this year is called Rhododendron Trail, and Bonnie's color choices reflect the name--lots of pink, plus burgundy and yellow, with an accent of aqua.

I haven't decided yet about joining in with Bonnie's mystery this year. The colors aren't really speaking to me (especially the fact that it calls for over 6 yards of light/neutral for the background.) My default move if I'm having a hard time settling on a color palette is to figure out if there's a way to use red, white & blue and turn it into a Quilt of Valor. I'll try to pull out some options between cooking sessions this week, and that will help me decide whether to move forward.

Another mystery that I've been wanting to do this year is the Macaron Mystery over at Meadow Mist Designs. I've done a couple of Cheryl's mysteries before, and they are always well written and easy to follow. I also like the fact that the clues come out once a month, a much more manageable pace than Bonnie's weekly instructions. This mystery officially started in July with the fabric requirements, followed by cutting in August. The first stitching happened in September, so I am a few months behind, but I don't think it would be too hard to catch up. Here are some fabrics I have been considering.

These are all old Christmas fabrics that I've had around for quite awhile. I would need to add one more red or green print, and I don't think I have enough of either of the beige poinsettia prints on the left. I might need to shop for something to replace that, but I'm liking this grouping together. This might be my next new project!

Check out what other quilters are working on this week:

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 47, 2021

It was another busy week, with plenty of fabric being used in the sewing room. My Sew Colorful Stars quilt top, which you can see HERE, was actually finished last week, but I didn't figure out the final numbers until now--2.25 yards used for the sashing and border. I also used 2 yards on the Dresden Ties pillows that I've been making as a Christmas gift (no photos of those yet) and 1/2 yard for more pink and yellow bowtie blocks.

There were some additions to the stash, 3 yards total, after a stop at a local fabric outlet. Here are the new additions:

One other piece was purchased that day, but it has already been used. This great Santa print was made into six new napkins for the holiday season. I don't know if I've ever had a piece of fabric make the stash report as both added and used in the same week before!

2021 STASH TOTALS

Used last week:                            6.25 yards

Used year to date:                      172.0 yards

Added last week:                            3.0 yards

Added year to date:                     133.5 yards

Net used year to date                38.5 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 stitching time. I had a productive week and definitely spent more than 15 minutes quilting every day. Now it's time for a little cleaning up in the sewing room!

15 Minute Challenge for 2021: 

11/14 - 11/20            7 of 7 days

2021 Total          322 of 324 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

Sew Colorful Stars--Quilt Top Finished!

It feels so good to have my Sew Colorful Stars quilt top finished! This quilt was started in January and has been one of my 2021 projects for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge. 

Sew Colorful Stars, pattern by Fat Quarter Shop

60" x 78"

I made one block each month as part of the RSC, plus a couple of extras when we had a month for dark neutrals. The blocks for this quilt were challenging to make with all those triangles, especially getting the seam allowances to nest together and lay flat. My photos show me some spots that really need some more pressing. 

As you can see in the closer photos, my background fabric does have some color in it, although it looks solid white at a distance. The background is Pin Drop by Christopher Thompson for Riley Blake, and it is still available at Fat Quarter Shop (and probably at other stores too.) 

The original pattern for this did not include the smaller stars with the sashing, but I wanted to add a little something to break up all that white background. That proved to be the most difficult part of the whole project, as I considered several options before coming up with the little pinwheel stars. I'm very happy with the way they echo the design of the large stars and tie it all together. I used more pastel versions of my rainbow of colors for the small stars in order to keep the focus on the big stars.

This is my second rainbow quilt top assembled from the blocks I've been making all year. It's time for me to decide which one to put together next! This was also my One Monthly Goal for November, and I will be linking up there at the end of the month.

Linking up with:

Needle & Thread Thursday at My Quilt Infatuation

Finished or Not Friday at Alycia Quilts

Can I Get a Whoop Whoop at Confessions of a Fabric Addict

Rainbow Scrap Challenge at soscrappy

Oh Scrap! at Quilting is more fun than Housework

One Monthly Goal at Elm Creek Quilts

Happy quilting everyone!

Julie in GA 

To-Do Tuesday 11/16/2021

Welcome to Tuesday and a new weekly to-do list. Today we will review how I did with last week's list. then come up with a new set of goals for the week ahead. The Tuesday To-Do List link-up is hosted by Linda at Texas Quilt Gal.

I got through my entire list for last week and also started one new project which will be a Christmas gift. I am making two pillows from old neckties using a Dresden Plate pattern. You can read more about this in yesterday's post. Here are the pieces for one pillow.

To-Do List for 11/9 - 11/15

1. Sew Colorful Stars--finish joining all parts together.   ✔done

This quilt top is finished and waiting to be photographed.

2. Hearts Applique--make at least one block per week   ✔done

I finished a couple more green hearts and also figured out how I am going to set them in a quilt. Read more in my blog post HERE.

3. Bowties 365--make one bowtie block per day     ✔done

I made 12 yellow/gold bowtie blocks, plus one orange block.

4. Redwork embroidery--prep for finishing      ✔done

I pressed up my embroidery and found a mini hoop to use as a frame.

My main goals for the next week will be to finish off the Christmas gifts, then I will continue making progress on the other on-going projects.

To-Do List for 11/16 - 11/22

1. Dresden Ties pillows--finish both pillows

2. Redwork embroidery--finish

3. Bowties 365--make one bowtie block per day

4. Hearts Applique--make at least one block per week

5. Sew Colorful Stars--take photos, write blog post

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 Texas Quilt Gal.

Julie in GA  

Design Wall Monday 11/15/2021

I started a new project late last week, one with a firm deadline which means it should actually get finished! The adults in Ed's family exchange names for Christmas, and I got Amber, his cousin's wife. The cousin was able to get me a batch of ties that belonged to Amber's father who died a few years ago. Those ties will be made into a Dresden Ties pillow. I have made three pillows like this in the past--you can see them HERE, HERE and HERE.

Here are the ties I received. Several of them have large designs, with only a few basic geometric patterns. This should be fun!

The designs on the next two ties are beautiful, but they are too large to work in the wedges for the Dresdens. I might be able to use one for the center circle. Otherwise, maybe a larger patch on the back.

My first step of the process was to wash the ties. This time around, I washed them before taking them apart, using cold water and a gentle cycle. This worked much better than washing them after taking them apart, which leads to lots of frayed edges.

After the washing and taking apart the ties, I cut wedge-shaped pieces of very light weight fusible interfacing. I like to start with the interfacing pieces a little oversized, then trim the wedges to the correct size after fusing. My wedges are being cut at 5", and this is the tool I am using for that.

I didn't plan in advance for which tie wedges would be used, just went ahead and cut multiple wedges from every tie. Then it was time to play with the layout. Here are the two final groupings.

Now it is finally time for some stitching. Each wedge gets folded in half lengthwise and stitched across the wider end. I like to trim the corner next to the fold to make it easier for turning. The wooden tool shown above with the acrylic ruler is helpful for shaping the point. The seam gets pressed open and the point is pressed flat. Here are two wedges, one stitched, the other stitched and pressed. Only 18 more to go for a complete set!

Check out what other quilters are working on this week:

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 46, 2021

It has felt like a fairly productive week in the sewing room, with multiple quilt projects being worked on. The main accomplishment was finishing the assembly of my Sew Colorful Stars quilt top, but I don't have any photos of the full quilt yet. Here's a sneak peek at one of the blocks with the little sashing stars surrounding it.

Sew Colorful Stars, pattern by Fat Quarter Shop

I'm going to wait to report my remaining stash usage for this quilt after I get photos of the finished quilt top and write a blog post about it. I don't have any other fabric usage or additions to report for the past week.

2021 STASH TOTALS

Used last week:                              0.0 yards

Used year to date:                     165.75 yards

Added last week:                            0.0 yards

Added year to date:                   130.50 yards

Net used year to date              35.25 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 stitching time. Besides the Sew Colorful Stars quilt, I also worked on a couple of other projects, including pulling fabrics for a possible new quilt. I did get in my 15 minutes or more every day!

15 Minute Challenge for 2021: 

11/7 - 11/13              7 of 7 days

2021 Total          315 of 317 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 46, 2021

One of my projects for the 2021 Rainbow Scrap Challenge was started over the summer instead of at the beginning of the year like my other RSC projects. It is the hand-appliqued heart blocks that I have been making since July. 

I always like to have some hand stitching ready to go, preferably something small and portable. I started making the heart blocks to take along as a travel project, and have continued making them sporadically since then. Here are most of the blocks I have made so far.

I've made blocks in medium-dark blue, teal and turquoise, orange, and light-bright green. The blocks are made from a 5" square of background fabric and a 3.5" square for the heart. After the applique is done, they will get trimmed down to 4.5" square.

I haven't been thinking much about how these blocks would get set together, but I knew I would want to add more color between the blocks. Then I found the perfect inspiration in an old blog post at Never Too Hot to Stitch. 

I love the idea of framing the heart blocks with more color. Instead of using squares, I think I will use bricks cut 1.5" x 2.5". I discovered a good pile of green bricks in my precut scraps bin and decided to try it out on one block.

After adding the bricks around the heart, my block will finish at 6" square. 

Now I can't decide what to do next--hand stitch hearts in more colors or start adding the brick frames to the blocks that are already done. This project will definitely carry over to 2022 for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge.

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 and Slow Stitching Sunday at Kathy's Quilts on Sunday.

Julie in GA

Tuesday To-Do List 11/9/2021

Welcome to Tuesday and another Tuesday To-Do list. Today we will review how I did with last week's list. then come up with a new set of goals for the week ahead. The Tuesday To-Do List link-up is hosted by Linda at Texas Quilt Gal.

I completed three of my four goals from last week's list, and substituted a different set of blocks for the bowties as my leader/ender project.

To-Do List for 11/2 - 11/8

1. RWB Rectangles--write blog post      ✔done

This quilt is now called "Stepping Stones QOV". You can see it HERE.

2. Hearts Applique--make at least one block per week     ✔done

I finished four green hearts this week.

3. Bowties 365--make one bowtie block per day       not done

Instead of bowties, I made 9-patch blocks that were already cut out and sitting by my machine.

4. Sew Colorful Stars--make pieced sashing units, start joining blocks    ✔done

I am making good progress with the assembly of this quilt.

The next week will find me attempting to finish the Sew Colorful Stars quilt top, plus continuing work on a couple of on-going projects and maybe finishing a Christmas piece.

To-Do List for 11/9 - 11/15

1. Sew Colorful Stars--finish joining all parts together. This is my One Monthly Goal for November.  

2. Hearts Applique--make at least one block per week   

3. Bowties 365--make one bowtie block per day

4. Redwork embroidery--prep for finishing 

I stitched this little piece back in May, and it has been waiting for finishing ever since. I hope I have an extra embroidery hoop that can be used to frame it.

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 Texas Quilt Gal.

Julie in GA  

One Monthly Goal (OMG) for November, 2021

Today is my last chance to share my One Monthly Goal for the link-up at Elm Street Quilts. The problem is deciding which project it should be--there are so many possibilities!

I should probably work on something for Christmas, but I haven't figured out any gifts to be made. This may end up being a rare Christmas with no hand-made gifts (but probably not.)

Before I'm ready to think about Christmas, I need to get my design wall cleared off. At the moment it has my set of Sew Colorful Stars blocks up there.

Sew Colorful Stars, pattern by Fat Quarter Shop

I've spent far too much time debating what to do for the sashing/setting/borders to go with these blocks. I have finally settled on my choice and need to get it done!

I am making little pinwheel stars for the intersections of the sashing. My goal for the month is to finish making these units, then get all the many parts put together and ready for quilting.

You can see what other quilters are hoping to get done this month at the One Monthly Goal link-up at Elm Street Quilts.

Happy quilting everyone!

Julie in GA 

Stitching and DeStashing--Week 45, 2021

It's hard to believe we are already through a week of November. The time seems to go by so quickly at this time of year, and before you know it, the holidays will be upon us! 

I shared a finished quilt top this week (see the post HERE), the Stepping Stones Quilt of Valor. All of the fabric in this quilt came from my stash, a total of 4.5 yards used. Here are a couple more close-ups of some blocks so you can get a better look at the fabrics in this quilt.

No new fabrics were added to the stash this week.

2021 STASH TOTALS

Used last week:                            4.50 yards

Used year to date:                     165.75 yards

Added last week:                            0.0 yards

Added year to date:                   130.50 yards

Net used year to date              35.25 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 stitching time. I've spent more than 15 minutes on quilting every day, most of it working on my Sew Colorful Stars quilt.

15 Minute Challenge for 2021: 

10/31 - 11/6              7 of 7 days

2021 Total          308 of 310 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 45, 2021

2021 is my ninth year of participating in the Rainbow Scrap Challenge, hosted by Angela at her SoScrappy blog. I'm hoping Angela will continue the RSC because I'm already planning my projects for next year.

One traditional quilt block pattern that has never really appealed to me very much is the basket block--that is, until I saw the Charm Basket pattern by Edyta Sitar at Laundry Basket Quilts. 

Charm Basket, pattern by Laundry Basket Quilts

It's a rainbow of baskets! That is the perfect pattern for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge. Each basket block finishes at only 4", and each block can be made from two charm squares, one of background and one of color.

I wasn't eager to spend $12 on a quilt pattern that featured a single, simple block repeated 200+ times and decided to try to come up with my own pattern. I did some looking for similar basket patterns in my collection of quilting books. It turns out that almost all of the patterns I found were for diagonal set blocks. Okay, I can deal with blocks set on point, so I made a couple of samples.

I was happy to discover that I own a 3/8" bias tape maker, and that is what I used for the handles. I had some trouble getting the bias on the first block (the pink one) to keep an even width, but a little spritz with water helped on the second block. The handle on the pink block was stitched by machine, and I hand appliqued the handle on the rust block. Both techniques worked well.

I was still hoping to figure out how to make a straight-set version of the block. A little time spent with graph paper led to the green basket below. Shaping the curved handle is the most difficult part, but it came out pretty well. 

A couple days later, an email from Laundry Basket Quilts announced that all patterns were on sale for a week, 20% off with the code DEAL. (I just checked, and as of today, the discount still applies.) I gave in and purchased the pattern. There were some good tips and tricks that I hadn't figured out, so I am happy with my purchase. I used that pattern for my second pink block. It is definitely the best of the bunch, and it went together easier than any of the others.

My favorite tip included with the pattern was to use fusible web with the bias tape. It turns out that I had a roll of the web intended for use with the bias tape tool. I bought both when I took a class many years ago on making Celtic applique, but they are still available now. The web helped keep the bias strip at an even width, plus I could fuse the handle onto the background and stitch it down later.

I will probably make a few blocks here and there over the next couple of months, then get going full steam on this project after the New Year. I don't have a plan for how many to make each month or how big I want to make my quilt. I'll just see how things progress in the months to come.

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