Timeless

   Timeless means something is lasting, enduring, and without beginning or end.  That is how I feel about those 9 patch designs.  A scrap quilt, planned fabric palette or not,   just turns those 9 patches into a timeless thing of enjoyment for me.

 I had to go back and look to see when I actually started this one......December of last year.  I think I had been making the 9 patch blocks before I got sick over a year ago, and pulled them out to work on then.

  So what does this pile of strips have to do with the quilt?   I found them tucked into a box with a note on them that said binding for 9 patch quilt!  Two different widths of mixed floral strips at 1 1/2'' and green at 1 3/4''.










  The added note said.... "Make flange binding".  Now, I remembered.   I wanted to add a little bit of something different for the binding.  The dark green was to be the flange and the assorted floral strips would be the visible binding.   The "flange"  is top stitched down as you stitch in the ditch.

   I love the effect it creates as it looks like a piped binding.  It is a good choice for me since I always stitch the binding on my machine now.

  Note:  I don't remember where I got the measurements I had cut for the bindings.  I believe they were a bit "off", since the flange is quite narrow.  A better size and tutorial can be found here at Karen's Quilts.

I had the label made and attached to the backing before quilting even.

Isn't that backing fabric great....love the swirly design.

 Timeless is 63'' by 67'' and machine quilted with  swirls all over.  Binding is mixed floral strips with the green flange.



 I love a good finish.....and off to look for something else to finish up.
Happy stitching.

New month, more plans

   I am glad March is behind me.....my face/jaw is back to normal size, and antibiotics will be finished up today.  Time to look ahead and make new plans.

 I did well getting thru the plans for the month, all done with no new starts.
  Quilts are stacked for the guild program and handouts and packets ready for the workshop.

   March had a finish.....
Lavender Scents, the floral bargello.  This is a small size lap quilt, 38'' by 50''.

  Watercolor blocks.....12 completed.  I plan on getting them joined with sashing for a small top.










   And a final assembly to a top for the 9 patch blocks.  I also cut and made the binding for this quilt.  I will be using  2 fabrics to make a flange  binding.  This quilt top is 59'' by 63'', so it will be the quilt project of the month.....lol.




  I am keeping plans on the light side for April......

• Pin and quilt the 9 patch.
• Add sashing and join the watercolor blocks.
• Continue leader/ender 4 patch units.
• Guild program for Busy Bees Guild.
• Workshop for Busy Bee group.

And some yard work needs to be done.....right now I am pulling weeds in the front bed after the tree crew removed two trees and a few over grown shrubs. They will return next week to finish in the back.

Knock on wood....I return to the dentist for the crown in 3 weeks.

Today is April Fools for most people.....but it is Happy Birthday to our daughter. 

Happy stitching.

The 9 patch top

  A few rays of sunlight this morning gave me the chance for some photos of the 9
patch top.  Looking at the photos I had to giggle a bit.  I am sure Janet at Rogue Quilter will know why immediately.    She commented on my last quilt of circles  that she caught the colorwash effect I got by grouping the values together.     I really put this one together randomly.....with no thought to grouping colors or values.  And right off I see dark values at the top and bottom...lol.  It is who  I am and what I do.  I can't escape it.
   One minute I think ....add a border.  And the next I think no.  I am going with no border as it is 58'' by 63''.  That is large enough for me to deal with, any larger and I would struggle with it.   That's settled!



   I have been sorting through some magazines......For projects for Sir Old Man.    I found several, but these 2 I am very interested in.  The small cabinet is needed in the sunroom for storing table runners, place mats, and etc.  The bookcase.....we always need a bookcase :)
   A few projects should occupy him for the spring and summer.  A small system is going into the shop that should take care of the heat/cool and the humidity.  That tax refund at work....!

From Confessions of a Fabric Addict

    OK....I saw this at Sarah's blog,  Confessions of a Fabric Addict .   She created the cutest baby quilt in her Stunning Stars series.  So simple and so striking.  She used 6.5'' squares and shares a super tutorial.  This one is too good to pass by.  Be sure to visit and say hello.    I could see lots of variations....string stars on darks, plaid stars for men, and floral stars for me!!  Thanks, Sarah, for sharing.

 Happy stitching.

Stitching and delaying

  To continue the email/internet etc saga.  The last service guy came and spent 4 long hours, going over everything.   There is no real explanation for our problems.  He did change up a couple of settings, and  that has helped.  There is a port on the new modem that appears to not work properly..... intermittently.  So another one may be arriving soon.  Still no idea why the browser stops working or hangs up.....other than we have very slow speed in the area.  For now I am online..LOL.



   For entertainment and therapy.....I was quilting on Hot Legs for a bit this morning.  I have had this place mat  of plumes sitting for a good while, and decided to get it quilted and finished.   It is ready for binding.

  I moved on to quilting the rest of the circles quilt.  This is the back side, as the stitching really does not show much on the front.  I am using loose meandering curls in an all over pattern.  The center section is done and I have the border to do.










   I was delaying ....trying to avoid what is hanging on the design wall.  The long/very long strips of the 9 patch blocks.   All 14 rows of them staring down upon me.  Just hanging there, looking pathetic and undone.  It wasn't enough to get them all pressed---nice and crisp, they actually thought I should sew the rows together immediately.

    Please make a note to self:   There is little else more boring than to sew long rows of blocks together.   Good reminder......instead of long boring rows, assemble them into large block units.  They are easier to handle even if the same amount of stitching is required.




  I let lunch divert me after sewing up 6 rows......and I also noticed a charm pack under some papers.    I rarely buy pre-cuts, but I caught this on sale for a good price.   I love the blues and tans in the pack.   Of course, I had nothing in mind for it and let it sit on the shelf.
  Enter this pattern from Moda Bake Shop......with Orange Peel shapes!  So I am thinking I can expand on this basic design and have some fun with this charm pack.    I even have some stash fabrics that will work with this too.  A small quilt or table runner?
  And that has been my anxiety loaded week, and I realize the month is almost done!  I will be out of commission on Tuesday due to an appointment with the eye doctor.  So I need to review the month and see if I hit most of the goals.  That's the plan for the weekend......there's a free weekend marathon for the Mystery Woman movies.    So a few movies and stitching those rows up.
Happy stitching.

Been out of the loop

   I'm still here....just have been out of the loop due to internet connections.  Or actually the lack of a connection.  I have screamed/threatened/thrown fits and then just gave up trying to be on line.    We have had  a mess for almost 6 weeks but now they say we are good to go.  Fingers crossed/ rabbit's foot out and holding our breath to see what will happen.   If we get taken out again, I think I will move to a very far distant shore.  I can't handle such a mess.

   I have been sewing and keeping up with my plans for the month.  They were of a light load, since I knew it was tax time---very taxing time.   I kept my list simple.

 The on going, big project was to be the 9 Patch.   Notice a change.....I switched from an on-point layout to a straight alternating block layout.
   I will make a full confession here.....the on point layout was driving me crazy and messing with my visual mind.   Since the health issues of last year, I have noticed a problem with spacial thinking and visualizing things in my head.   I am hoping it improves, but have made the decision to give myself less stress and take the easier road.
   Permission grated......So change in layout, and I am going large on this one.  I was thinking of making two quilts with different layouts....nope.  Just one and no applique.  This one will be simple and plain, and  a reminder of those traditional ones I love.  So far I have about 8 strips sewn together and just pinned to the design wall.  I need a pressing session before I begin to join the rows.

  The rest of the circles from the Quilty 365 project are bordered and pinned.  A few extra circles were used to decorate the pieced backing.
So now it is ready for some quilting.  Hopefully, better photos next time I show this :)








   Saying Happy Valentine's Day.   This is my Valentine's candle mat from a few years ago.   The pattern  for the heart was pinned from Riley Blake.  Here is the post.
Update.....this link is broken or has been removed.  That's why I say to pin and download to save.
  Best plan of attack is to pull out paper and pencil.  Draw a large heart  (Mine is about 9" across at the widest point).  Just like the FMQ pattern....continue the swirl into the heart shape at the point of cleavage at the top.  The cut out portion becomes the swirl placed at the base.

  Happy stitching.

Next up is the 9 patch

   Every where I look I keep seeing 9 patch quilts today.  So I take that as a big push/nudge from my quilting muse :)  And so, the 9 patch is next up.

  This photo is how I began thinking I would do the layout.  I was thinking of adding appliques in the plain squares or along the side.






    So I began sewing a few groups of 3 together and threw them up on the design wall.  Oops... I put them up in a straight set......easier than a diagonal setting.    So maybe I will do it this way.

   Then Bonnie Hunter shared this vintage 9 patch she found while antiquing.    It is on point setting.    Her photo that I snitched....please don't shoot me.  The link will take you to her post.


   All this to say, I am so confused!  I went to my Pinterest board for 9 patch quilts.   I thought I would easily, and completely, be sure which layout I wanted.  HA!    I have close to 90 blocks stacked up, so I may just make one quilt, and make more blocks for another.    I probably should stick with my first idea....that is usually best.

  In the mail.....a couple of days ago, Sir Old Man brought in the mail delivery which included a large red, swishy package!    One glance at the return address and I was smiling.  I had no idea what was inside, but a favorite blogger....namely Sharon at Vroomans Quilts.....was the culprit.
 A few goodies came my way....her guild's cookbook---which is already in service in my kitchen, a pair of floral (squeal:)  fat quarters, and a calendar from the Barn Quilt Trail in her area.  Love all things quilting.  And love special treats!  Thank you, Sharon.

   We are settling in for a colder weekend.....I think that's a good time to bake some bread between 9 patches.  Happy stitching.

January was full!

   And I have a couple of finishes!  A small one first.....the watercolor banner or table runner.  I had intended to add some applique and then changed my mind.  Adrift is plain and simple.
  I began both of these last year.  November...here is the post  as they were completed as tops.

    Pineapple Profusion got bound.  I actually began the blocks in September and October.....here is that post.  So after a white it was just time to get it done.
   The finish size is 48'' by 62''....nice throw size.    I used 2'' floral strips for the construction and the pattern is from Quiltville.com.  It's  the Pineapple Blossom  pattern.





    The center section is quilted with swirls all over, and the plain outer border is done in endless feathers.

The Therapy Quilt was a finish early this month......here is that post.   I feel like this is cheating to call it a 2017 finish.....it was 90% done and just needed border quilting and binding.









   The second half of the Quilty 365 circles were joined into a top and now just need borders and quilting.  I have to admit, just looking at these 2--- quilt and top---just make me smile.  Each circle represents a day in my life.  Some are precious memories, and some represent loved ones.   The Therapy Quilt is loaded with pain and struggle, determination and stubbornness.   Each day here is a miracle, and that is why I smile.






  The rest of the month was filled with lots of bits and pieces of things I started.....the coffee cup wall hanging for the kitchen, string blocks, soul searching block in purple (for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge),  a bargello top,  batik squares in a block,  mug rugs, table runner, and more 9 patch blocks.


   Some days I made only one block, other days I went on over load and made dozens.  It all depended on my energy level.    Reviewing all of this makes me feel I really did accomplish things!   And I got to scratch a lot off my list.....which means I need to get a February plan in place.    Here's to keeping the list full......happy stitching.

More of those circles

   A quick glance at my project list and plans for the month shows I have been moving right along.  This list was begun in mid-December and just carried over to January.  The last 2 things for the month concern  the rest of the circles and 9 patch blocks.








  The remaining circles went up onto the design wall and I shifted and played around with the lay out for a day or so.    You have to let things simmer sometimes to be sure of what you want.  It helped that I came down with a stomach virus and couldn't do much of anything, too :)

   This photo shows that I have a couple of sections joined.....note the layout used.  I resorted to my original staggered layout for a couple of reasons.  I have 3 sizes of circles because of the size of scraps I used.  The mixed sizes--big, small and in-between-- looked a little "off" to me when laid out in regular rows.   I had a lot of "half circles" already made for the ends and I did not want to waste them.  And finally, less precise matching was less stressful for me.  Or that's my story and I am sticking to it.   I have a few more rows of circles to join, and then a decision on borders.

  In the midst of sewing rows and sections of circles  together, 9 patch blocks marched on.   My stack of strip units have turned into great little 9 patch blocks and total about 80 to date.   This will be up next to decide on finally layout and such.






   Bread.....my sourdough flopped and the starter died.  The 2 loaves I made were awful and Sir Old Man put them in the back yard for the deer/birds/wildlife.   The starter requires a lot of  patience and maintenance to get going.   I resorted to my favorite recipe for herb bread and made a nice loaf.




To share......
   If you are interested in making a few or a lot of blocks for the Women of the Bible quilt/sew alongs that are going on  check out this source.   Quilter's Garden quilt show is sharing blocks on their website and the info will be available for only 2 weeks.  So download while you can, and be sure to sign up for the newsletter to keep up to date with the blocks and info.  Thanks to Cheryl at Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting blog for sharing this.

 

  And this is my positive note for the week.  A friend who recently lost her husband shared this on FB.  It seems someone else understands my obsession with those red birds, aka cardinals.
They are reassuring signs of hope for me and always seem to pop up when I get low.  Just like the notes and comments from old and new followers, a few words lift my spirits when I seem to be struggling with the frustrations of the situation.    Thank you all.
  It has warmed up here for a few days after sleet, freezing rain and snow of last weekend.  I intend to bask in its glow for a little while today, before I finish up those circles.  Happy stitching.  

No looking back, just ahead

   Instead of reviewing this last year as I usually do,  I am looking forward.    I can't bear the mental trauma a review would cause.   I am just diving in to my plans for 2017.


   Nothing like  simple traditional patterns.  They evoke memories in us all.  The 9 patch often gets relegated to a fill-in block or maybe a good block for a border.  I have been very guilty of that type of thinking.  You can't live "Be Legendary" by thinking/playing in the same old mode.  This 9-patch wants to shine.









   After Shelia at Quilting in South Carolina did a program on 9 patch quilts at guild a few months ago, I pulled out my over flowing file of 9 patch quilts.   I have saved pages from years of magazines.     I want a simple layout.  That part is easy, as  my favorite is on point.   I have floral prints...lol...and a small bolt of white.  So that is decided on.  

   Lots of strips became my leaders/enders while I was piecing some flying geese.  Or was it the other way around.  Either way, I ended up with lots of 9 patch blocks and enough flying geese for a donation quilt.







   I am planning applique for some of the plain setting squares.  Or I think I am.....I am going to get a few done and see if it is what I want.   I am not sure if the applique blocks will fill in the center or just along the outer edge. I am making a few to see what I think.  If they are not used here.  then the applique blocks will be a start for something else.


 This is my selected project to start 2017.  And this is my simple formula for leaders and enders production, a la the scrap queen, Bonnie Hunter at Quiltville.  

Recipe: Will yield 2 "9 patch" blocks
  2'' strips of white
  2'' strips of floral prints
For the prints (P):  Cut one length at 4 1/2'' and  two lengths at 8 1/2''.
From the white (W):  Cut two lengths at 4 1/2'' and one length at 8 1/2''.
   Sew strip units....4 1/2'' W-P-W and the 8 1/2'' P-W-P.   Press seams to print.
   Sub-cut----each unit is sub-cut at 2''.
 Then assembly 9 patch.  Block is 5 1/2'' unfinished.

    To finish off December I have two small quilts that are in the binding stage, and a couple that need to be pinned.....backing and batting to be cut.  I will start the new year with finishes for sure!  I am priming up for the new year.  Happy stitching.