Monday, September 30, 2019

Monday Making


This is one of the quilts I worked on over the weekend - with coffee and chocolates.  It is the same 'train tracks' pattern that I showed LAST WEEK HERE, just a change of color makes it look different.


I had three cut-off strips of this extra wide backing and I pieced them to make the back for this.  The binding is a piece of brown/red paisley (just enough) more scraps moved out of inventory.

A couple of 2.5" square scrappy couch size throws done and a piece of my SIL's were done up.


Today I need to get this one finished.  Who would have thought that the purple floral from my Aunt would match this Connecting Threads line so perfectly for a border - yes, I did a border.  There was enough to piece a back and make binding (with a half yard left).

I have enough batt on the roll to finish off two more couch throw size quilts - maybe one more if I piece the cut-offs.  Moving things on and out.

I need to order new batting for all those big quilts which will go on the frame - my winter hibernation projects.  Hey, it's coming!  Did you see the snow in Montana?  Do you line up those 'buried in winter' projects?

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon

Saturday, September 28, 2019

A Chocolate Weekend


Sunday, Sept 29th, is National Coffee Day - BUT, I am a dedicated coffee drinker every day.  Not a coffee drinker?  How about a day to play with those brown fabrics?  Sometimes they miss getting used into a project and they pile up - too blah, not enough pop, will dull the look, etc......

Think Chocolates instead - oh the browns so delishous can certainly inspire.  

I am using the weekend and last day of the month to get a number of small projects and lap size quilts finished off.  They may not be browns BUT, there will be coffee and chocolates.

And for you non-coffee folks - let me explain.............


Sewingly Yours,
Sharon

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Scrappy Wednesday


This snack barrel is stuffed full of squares from 5" - 7" square.  I use to save these for my Aunt, but she is no longer quilting.  So I need to take care of these myself.


I love the vintage Shoe Fly Block and when Bonnie Hunter announced it as her leader/ender project, I knew I had to make these.  I normally make them of equal size units, but I like the math BH had working - it gives them more character.  I have a lot of odd cut-offs of Muslin from various projects of my own as well as from others, so a nice natural mix.  And I can finally move those on!

These chain so easily thru the machine - I wonder how many I can make in a day?  I know it's a leader/ender project, but I need a no-brainer pedal to the metal type day.  Then I need to get serious about finishing up the quilting on two quilts.

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon

Monday, September 23, 2019

Monday Making


The result of the Sew A Jelly Roll Day.  As I look at the photo I see the top border needs to be removed and turned the other way so the leaves flow around the quilt - GEESH!  But that border was from that scrap bag - long strips cut for some project and then the quilter changed their mind?


Now the blues are neatly pressed, folded, and fit in a shoe box size tote.
Large pieces (yard or more) were put on the shelf and the small pieces were chopped down into my barrel system.


The Aqua has been cut for another quilt.  There was just one large piece I didn't use in them - saving for a border for a baby quilt from a panel.  I still need to find something for sashings and corner stones to cut and add to this tote and I will have a project kitted up for a quick day of play.


I have had people ask me how I get my scrappy projects square and flat.  Their's wobble and wonk!  The secret is to cut down those odd shaped scraps with the wrong side up where you can see the true grain of fabric.  You see a piece from the front and you think "wow, I can get a 3.5"  square from that", but you are cutting on a partial or full bias edge.  Flip them over -  you may not get the size you think.  If you don't mind small, fine - other wise toss that scrap so you don't have a piece that might wonk your project.  (and I press with a lot of starch)

Today is dedicated to finding a backing for the blue quilt and sandwich up for quilting.  Oh, and to fix that border. 

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon

Friday, September 20, 2019

Sew A Jelly Roll Day


I can enjoy a day of play as I got my three commission bindings done plus finished up this simple flower garden quilt.  A great way to use up large florals.  Sashings and outer border are Essex Linen.  Just a simple meander to finish it off.


First I need to clean and oil my machine - yuck!!  First I use a Q-Tip and some tweezers, then my mini computer keyboard vacuumn.


Can you see all the cat hair?  My very sheddy red tabby just loves to rub up against the machine and the static just sucks her hair inside.  I even took the back and bottom off for a full clean out.


I was going to play with a brand new Jelly Roll, but then reality hit me.  I have so many blues that need taming.  So I am going to sort, iron, cut, and sew all day - and probably tomorrow.


This is the pattern I am going to use and you can find it free HERE.

Take time to play today,
Sewingly Yours,
Sharon


Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Scrappy Wednesday


Well, it's hump day and time to get a little serious.  Those scraps aren't going to tame themselves!


I've pulled my blacks and grays to play along with that new fabric for a secret project.  Funny how some of those grays look blue or green.

National Sew A Jelly Roll Day

And don't forget that Saturday is National Jelly Roll Day.  I have one I plan to play with.  Don't have a JR?  Cut your own 2.5" strips and find a pattern - you can find lots of them at Moda or Missouri Star.

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon 

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Monday Making & Winner

I haven't posted in a bit to allow time for the Favorite Quilt Block Hop viewers to catch up on the post.  Also, I was wrapped up in getting ready for the CMQHOF new member Induction Ceremony held on Saturday.  My guild was the host of the event as well as I had a lot to do as HOF President.


Pat Cumming, Denise Giadullo, Nancy Michel, and Kathy Livingston are our new inductees and were honored with certificate amd silver thimble.  The blocks they are holding will be included in their member plaque with photo and brief bio to hang in the gallery in Arkville, NY.  Kathy is a member of our local guild so it was exciting not only to host, but also to have one of our own so honored.


It was great that so many inductees where in attendance as well as quests.  This is a group shot of all of us Silver Thimble folks.  My Mom (with walker) is the oldest living inductee whom I was glad to be able to have her present this day.


Saturday was, also, 'Airing of the Quilts' along with promoting the QUilt Barn Trail in Schoharie County.  Since most of us were at the Inductions, some of the gals hung them out Sunday.  These are some of Kathy's.
Watch the background!


This just cracks me up!!!!!   Curious bunch of girls!!!!!


And these are Steff's - love the setting on the deck.  We are holding Steff to being sponsored into the next Induction in two years.  Hi Steff!!  She reads my blog.

I didn't get mine out as Mom was worn from the long day and I was keeping a close eye on her - no need for folks walking around the property on top of it all.  Another day as they could all use an airing.


Today I'd like to get both settings of the Chandelier Bead Blocks done for the RSC19 with the color purple.  They work up really quick.


To calm myself down - slow down - while prepping for Saturday's event I worked up the last few Block B for the complete 66 count.


I even managed to get a few rows put together and I hope to add at least 4-6 more today.  Slow and steady with this one as it is going to be BIG.


Then I need to cut a lot of 2.5" strips from this new fabric for a new project.  With all the scrap work, working with something new is a thrill.


The Winner of the Favorite Block Hop Give Away

Flying geese blocks were my nemesis for about a year when I began quilting, mostly I was irritated by how often they were being used and that I HAD to use them. Once I was taught the no-waste method my mind was changed (I was also unaware of how fun the extra HST bits can be if you use sew & flip) and now I definitely enjoy using the block in my quilting. I love how you incorporated the block in the sampler, so clever! And thanks for the generous giveaway!

I will send Brandy an e-mail for information so I can get this right out.


Not to worry as another fun Hop is coming in October - getting ready.

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon 

Sunday, September 8, 2019

My Favorite Quilt Block Hop


After a Summer break the wonderful CARLA is hosting the first Fall fun Hop.  I am very excited to see what the other bloggers share with us.  Maybe a new quilt (or two) will be inspired along the way.  After all, Christmas is just around the corner and we could all use some quick projects to fill the gift box.


I decided that I would use this Hop to work down the huge pile of homespuns and plaids that have collected.  The hard part was picking a favorite block as I have many.  But I broke down what drew me to those blocks - the GOOSE.

 

I've used them in miniatures - use up all those bits please.


I've used them in medium size quilts.  I love how this one was displayed at our guild show at the local library.


AND I've even made them in large quilts.  Did I want to make another whole quilt just of GEESE?  No, I want some fun and a bit of 'I made you look'.

  
So I did a sampler row quilt with blocks using the GOOSE.


It starts with the star of the show - the Goose running across the top.  Then the scrappy Hearts.  The goose?  The bottom of the heart of course - just look upside down.


The Dutchman's Puzzle - a heritage block for me, so it must be included.


Of course a real favorite block for so many - the Sawtooth Star.  It makes up really quickly using the no waste Goose method.  I'll admit that I use the flip corner so I have those 'bonus' HST blocks to play with.


The Double Pinwheel Block reminds me of the little whirly gigs on a stick that we played with as kids.  Or even the little ground cover plants in the flower beds - their little flowerette 'heads' dancing in the breeze. 


What's a sampler without a row of houses?  Of course the GOOSE block makes the perfect roof top.  This block is under my tutorial tab.


"Flying my Heart to Home" was just a fun quilt using blocks made with the GOOSE.  I'm sure you can think of many more blocks that use the Goose unit.


To use up more of the plaids - a cozy pieced back of course.  The binding is even a plaid used up.  Quilted with a light grey thread (top and bobbin) with the organic 'wave' to add texture.

What about those bonus HSTs?????


Well you turn them into more GEESE for some miniature play.


More plaids used up on the back, hanging corners and the binding.

Be sure to visit each blogger:

Monday, September 9th


Tuesday, September 10th


Wednesday, September 11th


Thursday, September 12th



Friday, September 13th


And I have a little give away.  This storage station is a magnetic pincushion with little hide away storage drawer (filled with pins).  A donut bobbin holder can be kept attached or removed to use seperately.  And a package of glass head fine pins.  Make sure I have a way of contacting you - will ship anywhere.  I will post the winner on Monday, September 16.

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon

Thursday, September 5, 2019

Trying To Clear a Path



As much as I would like to be playing in the scraps, I need to clear a path thru all those 'to be quilted' items.  Well, at least a few of them.  The Summer Scrap project has been finished.  All those reds found a great home.


For a small piece, there was a lot of twisting and turning under the needle to complete that tiny cross hatch.  Changing out thread color and burying threads.  But it is a lovely finish.


The ODD SOCKS was finished off.  We're getting the shop set up for the Christmas Season even though I hate to so early, but heck, the big lot shops have had their stuff out since July.  Soon they will just leave it up all year - I am sure.

I had another small pieced that got completed, but no photo as I sold it before I even thought to.  And the Kat Quilt is in the process of finishing the binding.


This will wait for a full show during the next Hop along with it's matching quilt.


Monday, September 9th


Tuesday, September 10th


Wednesday, September 11th


Thursday, September 12th


Friday, September 13th

 I have a pillow to finish up and I'd like to get a couple more fidget quilts completed for our guild charity project.  Maybe a few more quilts will go in the que as well.  I better clean the machine and give it a new needle,  it has a lot of work ahead.

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon