Little progress on the spool blocks

  

  I finally decided I had enough spool blocks.  I am beginning to join the rows.  I did the arrange and re-arrange thing on the design wall, got tired of it, and just began to sew.  When it is so scrappy, you can spend a decade moving things around to make it perfect.  Not happening here..... I just need to see some progress here.

 

    And the leader and ender project continues.   For every 2 blocks I made of the spools, I put together one of the Easy/Breezy blocks.  I have a stack of them already.   So they will continue to be my L/E while I am putting together the hourglass blocks.  

    A few of the hourglass blocks from this week.  Again I am working very scrappy because I am using whatever I find  in my bin.  I will plan my placement a little bit with this in time to get some nice dark pinwheels to appear in the block on point.   

  FYI....I am beginning with 5'' squares sewn on diagonal.  The hourglass block shown here are 4'' unfinished.  

    We took a day trip to NC for apples and stopped for lunch.  Actually, it was the first time to eat out in 7 months!  What a treat!  The fall colors were appearing.    This year of 2020 has altered my perspective of so much.  It was nice to be somewhere other than here for a few hours.   

   

  Days have warmed back up for the next week, night are cool.  I keep checking on the large hickory tree out front.  It has the most glorious golden yellow when our leaves hit the peak.  Otherwise, life is much the same.  

Happy stitching.                                                         

Catching Up

 Fall arrived while I've been quiet.   Sir Old Man finished painting the shed and it looks really nice.    I spent one day digging out fall wall hangings and table runners.....and washing those that came down.   I changed out the mini to this pineapple, which is a favorite of mine.  I like the variation in textures from the quilting too.  

    I posted about the problem with my hands and wrists which slowed me down.  The season change and a few clear days with no rain etc. helped that.  So I managed to sew a little bit for a few days.  Some spool blocks and the leader and ender, Easy breezy.  I even ordered some storage boxes/bins for projects.  

   They were from Amazon, and a bit bigger than I thought.  At just over 3'' high they are more than enough for the spool blocks.  Then I started stacking the leader ender blocks and.....

  Ok, I need the depth!   And I then filled one up with string blocks than were in a shoe box and rumpled.  So they got ironed and given a new bin.  

  

  I thought I was making headway, until I woke up one morning about 2 weeks ago with a very red, and swollen  left eye.  My good eye, not marred by the lack of B-12.  So off to the doctor.  He says it was a ruptured vessel between the tissue layers.  Could be from trauma or spontaneous.  Give it a few days to improve.   

   So tomorrow I return for another exam and check.  The redness is gone, but the vision is worse.  For example, we went out over the weekend to view the full moon and Mars.  I told Sir Old Man that I saw three dots, or Mars.  Which one is the real one?  Yep, I see triple images at certain angles.  I sure hope the doctor gives me a better explanation or I am searching for a new ophthalmologist. 

  So I have been quiet here, reading posts and keeping up as best I can.  Sewing time is limited to prevent  eye strain, neck strain , and general irritation.  I did begin joining the spool blocks into sets of 4 and seeing how they looked on the design wall.  

   Does anyone think blogger complaint department ever read our feed back?  Do they ever read any posts to see how they look?  This thing is so awful to use.  Just ranting about the useless new features that make writing a post difficult.  Another example of fixing what isn't broken.

   Our mornings have been quite cool and crisp.  Time to go pick up some apples from the farm, and a good time for a road trip to view the leaves.  Maybe next week.  Happy stitching.  

Making spool blocks

  After such a nice holiday weekend here, at least weather wise, I went back to the sewing room today for a while.  The humidity returned and the temps went up again.  We did enjoy about 4 days of cooler temps and Sir Old Man was motivated to begin painting the garden shed....under my supervision of course.  That part he wasn't crazy about, but he is such a good sport that he did not complain. 


   I had a nice stack of spool blocks to press and trim.  Once I worked thru the pile I ended up with 67 finished blocks!
  To review the summer project:   Now, they are only 5'' at this point.  I have a mix of light spools and dark background, and dark spools on a light background.  Very scrappy and pulled from my 2'' strip collections.  Florals, tonals,  batiks, and  mixed patterns..... I am using a big span of styles.






 
   So today, I am wondering if I need to begin working them into 4-unit blocks.  LOL....already I see ones I need to flip.  So I know I need to work the small blocks into larger ones.
  This layout is 4 dark background blocks together on the upper left.  Next and to the right  would be a large block of 4 with light backgrounds.
  The bottom group on the right got turned around wrong....very wrong.  That's okay, nothing is joined yet. 
 

   I have looked at lots of layouts with spool blocks.  And I like this spinning spools version the best.  My second question is whether I just mix them up and let things fall where they may.  I am fearful of doing that for the whole top as it will be confusing and not have any focus at all.  I may toss a few hodge-podge blocks into a little more planned version. 



 
 Between the spools, I am using the Easy-breezy leader and ender from Bonnie Hunter.  I have about 20 of these done....these 8 blocks were pressed.  This layout has all the dark going to the upper left for a diagonal layout. 



   But what if.....I switch a few directions and form a chain.  I think it will be oblivious which I will pick.  I love chain effects.    But this is a long term project and lots more patches to sew.

   And that is it  from the sewing room. 
Sending prayers to those facing fires on the west coast, and holding our breathe that the 5 storms forming stay far away from land.  2020 is still making people notice it!
Happy stitching. 

 

Mixed bag

  I am continuing to piece...no pinning or quilting for now due to the pain in wrist and hands.  When the grip is weak, it is better to just do random piecing.  So I have a small mixed bag of blocks for projects to share.


  The Easy Breezy leader and ender project from Bonnie Hunter has a few blocks completed.  The small tray on the left has a good stack of sorted paired parts for blocks.I am clipping the finished ones into stacks of 10,,,,so 11 done so far.






  Bricks and Stepping Stones is a pattern also from Bonnie under the Free patterns here.  This is really an unfinished leader and ender project from years back.
  I am using floral 2'' squares for the small four patch units.  Then these are set in the corner of more solid / tonal fabrics.
Bonnie's original pattern is set a bit differently into long rectangle blocks.  This is just another variation.

    What I am really trying to piece....5'' spool blocks....and the leader and ender units go in between sections of this one.   A few blocks / triangles got a bit wonky, but they can just join the fray.    I have about 30 of these  to date.

   I have a written list of sizes for cutting the different parts for all three of these different blocks.   So obviously the same fabric will appear in spots in each of them probably.
  From one 2'' fabric strip  I might cut a 5'' strip and 4 squares for the spool block, and also 3 1/2'' pieces for the Easy Breezy block.
  Then I can sit and sort and put together fabrics I like for latter piecing.

   On the home front.....I got out of the house over the weekend when we ran a few errands.  A quick stop at Big Lots with masks--ugh--for a new small electric chopper.  I found the 3 cup size which is a bit bigger than the one that died.  I should be able to use this for chopping leftover roast for enchiladas!  Good thing :)
   Not so good to see was the massive amount of construction and changes taking place around here. They clear cut land and trees to put up homes and apartments, then will eventually plant pencil twigs to replace the old growth.  Sigh.   Then we saw another couple of acres cleared for a new grocery store.  Fine, if they keep the shelves stocked.  I guess it is the growing population moving here that is keeping our shelves slightly bare.
  And lastly.....bad storm a few days ago, and I remember hearing an extremely loud crack and flash.  This morning Sir Old Man spotted the tallest pine in the back leaning, dying, and split at the base.  Lightning hit.  He is calling Lupe to take care of it.  Oh, and the earthquake.  LOL....yes, there was an earthquake of 5.1 in NC yesterday morning.  It was felt here, but no damage seen here.  More shaking on Monday morning, very light.  I am thankful for that. 
  Off to do some therapy sewing.  Happy stitching.

Mid month progress....

  July is here....and we are all so hot!  Our common remark is, you can wear the air here.  At least the sun is shining.  Right?
 


    Little by little I worked on the batik project.  One or two rows joined every few days and finally it is a top.  Now I see a few spots I should have moved.  Isn't that the way it goes?  But for now it is what it is.  It is just intended for a sofa throw.  I need to order some backing fabric and then it can get quilted.

 








   In between the joining the rows I started on the annual leader and ender block from Bonnie Hunter.

  Once I got into the rhythm of the block, one row joined made one block!  It worked perfectly for this project. 
  So I set up a tray of  pieces clipped together for a block.  As I work thru scraps and such I will put more together thru the year.  I have about 8 completed here!

  The last few days have been dog days of heat that just sap your strength and energy.  After a quick doctor's appointment this morning, I determined I was going to sew, be creative, push myself to do something.  Anything! 


  So I had seen a small doily in the sewing room.  I don't remember when I pulled it out originally, but it had a small tear in the corner and thus did not get used for what ever I was working on.    I cut off part of it and sewed.......   Inspiration came from Kelly Cline quilting on FB.   Her pincushions are beautiful!

  I stitched it down to a soft tiny print piece of fabric.  Then added some small quilting in the plain areas, and put on a backing.   This will turn into a pincushion for the guild boutique  (probably) next year.   I just need some crushed walnut shells.




  Just completing this little one, inspired me to find my own style for special pincushions.  And within and hour or so, I was moving right along. 
  Note:  My first love of quilting began when I discovered crazy quilting.  All that beautiful embroidery and lace!  I have since sold most of my threads and embroidery yarns, but I still have a large tub of laces and trims.  Many are antique, some were gifted to me, and others culled from sale bins at Mary Jo's. 

  So the natural part for me is to mix accent fabrics with lace and trim, mixing the new ones and the old ones.  I am going to have a very difficult time sharing this purple one!  But I think I will make a few more in a similar vein :)   I wonder how the laces will look on some of the batiks scraps?  Just thinking of combinations.  This could be a few days of fun.  Now to send Sir Old Man to the store for more crushed walnut shells!
Happy stitching.

Looking for motivation

  I am beginning the month of July, looking for motivation.  Hoping for inspiration too!   The month of June was very slow, and non-productive.   So I was very happy to see Bonnie Hunter post a new leader and ender challenge for the year today.     Just in the nick of time for me....and it is squares which I have tons of :)

  I have been doing some simple sewing and I mean really simple for June.  

 I found a project sheet saved from somewhere years ago, and decided to sew up batiks.  I have lots of batik scraps and a huge envelop of charm squares.  I know I won a couple of packs years back and never used them.    The original design had everything lined up so that the inset strips matched up.  So for a couple of reasons I decided to flip the arrangement in pairs.

  First, this is a scrappy mix of batiks....each side of the brick is not always the same fabric.  I tried to be close in color and value when possible.  My goal was to use up all the charm squares in the baggie.  

  Second, visually for me the mixed version was more interesting, not as modern looking.  The arrangement seems to keep the eye moving, so the unmatched fabrics are not as noticeable.  It reminds me of the old madras plaid look.  

  I have another couple of rows of bricks to sew and press before I begin to join it all together.  That's why I was happy for the new leader and ender.    

  While the weather is better and I am having less pain, I hope to make a dent in prepping the leader and enders  before beginning the assembly.  

    On Facebook, the challenge is going around this month to share a quilt each day for 10 days.  And to name and challenge another to do the same. No details or such required just quilt photos.  Sure makes the world a prettier place....lol.   I am on day 3 of sharing .   Just an idea to pass on that others might want to try in their areas.

 The fragrant Lilies are in bloom right now.  It is heavenly to catch a whiff of them as you walk past.     The blooms are huge and so pretty.

 I am trying the new Blogger....not sure I like it.  Why the change?  Oh, well, new and improved it not always better.  

Happy stitching. 

Jewel Box Star

   The binding is finally on the Jewel Box Star.   This one began in  July 2018,  as the annual leader and ender project from Bonnie Hunter.  

   I used all floral fabrics for the block pattern.  I had to plan that out before I really began.  Since then I have been working on the units and sections between other things, until I had a small size top. 

  I really don't need another large bed quilt, so a smaller throw size was made.





 I knew I wanted a nice applique border on this to carry the flower theme out to the border.  The center would be busy enough and a "quieter" border sounded good. 

   I added applique vines and flowers to opposing corners of the top.   I wasn't really thinking about the quilting when I decided to do that.  I just liked the visual effect.

   The center of the quilt was quilted with a medium meander stitch.  For the  solid border I wanted quilting that would show texture and stand out.  I debated on several ideas, but found the perfect solution in my quilting motif notebook.  It's called leaf meander and worked just right. 

   I used a flange binding here too.  I repeated the inner border fabric for the flange, and used all floral prints for the visible part of the binding.  I think I stitched 5 different ones together for this. 

  While the open areas of the border were easy to fill in with the leaves, around the applique took a bit of time and patience.  The inner section around the applique was densely quilted with pebbling and small stippling, and the outer areas with the leaf motif. 

 
   Another great fabric for the back.  Also purchased from the QuiltedTwins website.  It was listed as a tan but had a distinct greenish tint....I thought it was more a pale sage with a tonal print design of swirls and blooms. 

















 
   And this leader/ender project is done. 


   Happy stitching. 

Ending August ....bowled over

  Around here we wait for the end of August.  The last high humid days linger yet we know they will be gone soon.   Nothing much goes on until a cool crisp morning arrives as an early signal.  Coffee on the back porch to enjoy a little time before the day begins.  I hear the wind chimes and notice the Writing Spider has begun her annual task of web spinning.  All things say fall is near.



 So with that in mind, I have been making bowls.....lots of rope bowls for gifts.  I am quite sure the guys at our local Ace Hardware think I must be washing a lot of clothes, but not so.  I am making gifts to give.   I finally think I have the technique down and a system that works for me.  This is the "naked bowl version".....Sir Old Man laughs at my nickname for these.

Here's the link I used....Rope Bowl .






 Fully wrapping the rope  with fabric strings was killing my hands and upping the pain level.  So I found this version where  only short scraps are wrapped at intervals.  It gives an interesting design and really short bits can be used.
  I also figured out the loop at the end is the best for me.  It is very easy and looks good.  I used neutral thread ---top and bottom.  The zig zag setting that works best for me, my machine and this cording is 4.8 wide and 1.8 long stitch.

 
   And in the mail....a squishy envelop from Nicki of Texas!   She was a wonderful support when the doll quilts were being made for Mrs. Claus.
A wonderful surprise.   A lovely fat quarter of fabric that she loved, and held onto.    She said she hated to cut into it, but wanted someone to love and use it .   I am glad to be the one who will use it!

  Matter of fact, I intend to cut a strip to use in my leader and ender project.  Here are some of the units I have so far.  This is Bonnie Hunter's Jewel Box Star for this year.     












 So I am ending the month with one finish.
I shared it here earlier this month.....The Distant View.

And baskets have been made....with probably 2 more to do.

The Spider Web top is complete and on a hanger for the future.

I did not pin or quilt the Garlic Knots top....maybe in September.

 I have bread to make for the freezer,  as well as a loaf to eat.  Visitors are expected throughout the month  so I plan on baking and freezing a couple of meals.  I find it necessary to plan ahead as I am still having a challenge continually with my balance.  It limits my walking and standing .  That explains why I over do on good days.
Happy stitching.

Stabilized by a border

    On my list for the week was to join the string blocks for the Spider Web, and to add the first border to stabilize the top.
  I cut a 3 1/2'' strip of the various black and white prints for that first border.  I just wanted to mix them up like I did for the "star" parts.

  Once the rows were joined I measured--twice--both top and bottom to check the width.  37''---right as it should be.  That was easy, so I cut the correct measurement for top and bottom and got them attached.  I held my breath as I stitched.....strings are notorious for growing  every minute they are free.

  Then I measured sides.....sure enough one side was expanding as I looked at it.  That side was gaining weight faster than I can eat chocolate.  It was 3/4'' larger on the second measurement.  So I took the average of both sides and cut the borders at  57''.   Quick to the machine and tame those bias edges.  Deep sigh of relief when all came out evenly.
    For some people bias may behave nicely, and just lie there all sleepy and relaxed, but I have never had such good fortune land on my sewing table.  So I generally have to work harder to get even sides/borders etc. when working with bias.

   Now, I can finish up the stringy piano keys style border.  One tip here that I learned the hard way when making coin strips.
  Work in short sections of about 12'' - 15''.   Trim and even up the sides, top and bottom of strip section.  Then move on to joining the sections together for the needed length.  This tip will keep your border straighter instead of curving or listing to one side like a drunken sailor!
    I have enough sections for 3 sides, just a few more to stitch.









      But first, I need to match up some more leader/enders!   I almost emptied  what I had prepared, just 4 triangles left to stitch together.     The blue bin was full of  parts to sew as L/E while making the border and joining the blocks of the Spider Web. 









So I will add to the list to press the 4 patches and HSTs, and match up some more.

  Here is one quarter section for the Jewel Box Star that is the new L/E.  I couldn't resist trying at least one section to see how it would look.   Should be a surprise!

Happy stitching. 

New leader and ender

   New leader and ender project was announced by the Scrap Queen, a la Bonnie Hunter.  She based it on an antique quilt she discovered .  It is called Jewel Box Stars.     Link is to her PDF.

   I have made a couple of jewel box quilts, and like the block a lot, so I have begun setting up a basket for  my leader and enders.  A small basket that can sit by my machine for the pieces, and a larger basket for finished units.
   Guess  you can see....my fabric selections are not  just anything, but floral scraps.  I saw a version someone shared on FB on the forum  that was done in florals.  I was hooked from that point on.

  The whole point of a leader/ender project  is to work on it between other things.  By breaking down the block into units---like HSTs and 4 patches---- you can stitch one or two up at the end of a row of blocks that you are joining  for a top.  The aim to keep a unit under the needle at all times rather than cut thread and move on to the next row, etc. 
Example would be between my string blocks I would join 2 strips that will be cut into 2 patches for my 4 patch units.  Do another string block, stitch a pair of HSTs to make a unit, then another string block, and so on.   It does require some planning and matching of fabrics for pairs.....go busy work while watching TV.  Or just as a change of pace when you have a few minutes before dinner. 

 This is one of my favorite leader and ender projects.   Charming Bricks, the larger wall hanging, was done as a leader and ender in 2015.  It is based on a pattern published in 2007 in McCall's Quilting.  Here's the post with details. 

  I also did a full size gifted quilt, and a door banner using the same technique/idea of the bricks. 
  So periodically, you can expect me to rave on about the L/E units as they begin to accumulate.  I won't be over-achieving on this one but rather electing to enjoy the progress. 
Happy stitching.

On the wall again

  A couple of days ago  I got that wild hair and started shifting furniture and moving things around in the sewing room.  I wanted a better configuration for sewing with some elbow room.    Since I am usually an accident waiting to happen....... it did.   I caught my foot on the mat under my chair, I stumbled, but luckily landed in the chair.  Unfortunately, I caught my wrist in an awkward position and it is quite sore.....not broke or damaged, but quite sore.   So everything came to an abrupt stop.  I got no further and  stuff is in a mixed up jumble.   Guess I need a couple days of rest before moving things again:)

   That leads to where I am with the log cabin blocks.   I have another 8 or so ready to press and fill in the bare spots.   Hopefully then I can figure out how many more I need to finish.
  We ran into JoAnn's this week to pick up some felt to recover a small design board.  I found a green tonal that I think will work as my fill in triangle fabric.

  We thought Spring had decided to visit us....at least for a couple of days.  It is warm and stormy  today, and then we expect freezing temps in 2 days.
   I saw a post that said something about apologies from Mother Nature, Spring was delayed because Father Time was driving and refused to stop for directions.  That is just about how it seems to be going.




  I still have  a couple of  leader and ender type projects going on.  Some times I am sewing together random     2 1/2'' squares to make 4 patches.  I have a good size stack but no a real plan for them.
  When I have a need to complete a block to see progress, I make a block or two of the garlic knot blocks.  I just keep sorting my left over strip ends into sets and clipping them together.  One block takes 10 minutes and I can feel I really accomplished something.
Keep on stitching.

Finishing the month

   The calendar says another month is gone .  I am not exactly sure where it went.  I have been plugging away on the boxed squares, and piecing backs for quilt tops to get quilted.

 I missed quilt-cam with Bonnie Hunter last night, so I played it this morning and I began on sewing the rows together.

  I have the additional blocks pinned to the design wall, as I could not reach any higher across the top.  So it seemed like time to begin getting the rows together.  Large sections are harder  for me  to handle, so this will get put together in sections.

   I also worked on the ongoing forever leader/ender 4 patch units.   I used these  to piece as L/E for the Boxed Squares as I created the rows.    I just keep a deli tray as the landing spot  on the cutting table for 2 1/2'' squares as I cut or clean up scraps.    I have used these as borders, parts for 16 patch blocks, and etc.  Some are done with neutrals and dark prints, and other mixed up everything goes.  I can always turn them into mug rugs if needed or such.    

   I have several tops on hangers that really need to get quilted.......thus I am piecing fabrics for backings.  I absolutely hate figuring out the pieces to fit together.  I do resolve to just buy wide backings from now on and forget trying to merge fabrics to create a back.  

Next month:

•   Quilt at least one top that has been hanging around.
•   Continue joining the Boxed Squares.  
• Garlic Knots.....just keep cutting and stitching.  Someday I will get enough made:)
•   Begin cutting for a new floral fabric feature.......this has been on my idea list for a long time.  More on it next month.

  The weather has greatly improved....mostly.    We have had a lot of rainy days, not complaining about that.  But it plays havoc with the joints and fingers, so I have not gotten too far along.  I feel Spring is about to arrive, maybe just one more cold spell and things will improve a lot for me.  

I am trying to post this from the new laptop.....I love the light weight, but it does strange jumps and hops on me.  I am a plugger....I will figure it out eventually.  

Happy stitching.  

  

Hourglass leader/ender units

  Like the rest of those doing the Quiltville Mystery 2017, I began pulling fabric.    I ran across this fabric in a bin that I had intended to do as a bargello.  It has a very similar color palette, maybe just a bit more red than orange.  I will put it in the coral stack and see if it works.






    I found a lot of scraps for the blue/aqua/turquoise.  My pile runs the gamut from light to darker tones......it will depend on the placement as to what will work best in the mystery quilt.




  I'm not going to photo share all my scraps as many are just strips and chunks, not good FQ size.  I can always add or pick up extra as I go along.    And I am still debating on the brown....chocolate I love but have little of in the stash.  And then I ran across this color palette on Clever Chameleon.  A very similar color set....with the addition of purple.  I am wondering if the brown could be shifted to plum and burgundy. 

This is not a race, but lessons in cutting, accuracy, and following directions.  LOL.....not the best in any of those areas now, so let the mystery happen to me.


   What I really wanted to do this weekend was get the Double 4 Patch together and pressed.  I have one more row to go and it will be ready to join the 2 sections I have created.  I mentioned that along the way I was working on another type of leader and ender.

  So here is a tip/trick I picked up when trimming HSTs---or in this case hourglass units.   Once you have sewn on the diagonal lines and cut the sections apart, trim before you press open.  I marked a ruler using painter's tape to point to the line I want to line up with the sewn seam line.   That is the sewn seam line, not the cut edge of the fabric.  You can see my cut edge is wobbly.....but the seam line is straight.  I line up the marked line on the sewn line , and the vertical arrows on this ruler are perfect for keeping the hourglass blocks straight.  Then I  trim the HST before pressing  open.....as the block in the upper left corner.



   My hourglass blocks are ending up at 3 1/2'' unfinished.  I started with 4 1/2'' square or larger.  I say that because I am clearing out a mixed up blend of extra squares, unused squares, charm squares.....any square leftover or not used that is 4 1/2'' or more.  I will just stack these up for now, either intending them for a border---I think they would look good just strung together---or turn them into block units.

Along the way, I pulled out my old iron for pressing.  It is a Light n' Easy from about 1985....lol.  And it is much lighter that my Rowenta.  My wrist and hands have been so painful and sore with the season change, I knew I could not use the larger iron.   Maybe older is better for me.
Happy stitching.