I started a blog two months ago and never published it. I apologize for my inconsistency these past few months. I will try and close the gap and not make this too long of a blog. I have been busy with my projects as well as work and home.
English Paper Piecing Projects
Lost and Found Quilt by Paper Pieces
So I got a little behind with this Sew-a-Long in March. I made it a point to take the time to cut both the March and April blocks in April as well as staying on top of cutting May. I downloaded the June instructions. I am almost caught up! I am now working on my May blocks. So let me share my March and April blocks with you.
Ruby’s Garden Quilt
I actually made so amazing progress on this quilt. I finished two blocks in April as well as glue prepped another two, and cut another two. I realized that I would like to get some purple or lavender in the quilt so I am on the look out for some other fabric that will go with my initial fat quarter bundle. I’ve picked a few liberty lawn fat quarters that blend well. I ordered the new release called Abby’s Rose. I am excited to see if it will blend or if it will be too bright. We shall see. This past week I was able to prep even more block kits. I hope to sew at least one block this month. I have no picture updates for you.
Farmer’s Wife 1920
I was on target for this one in April. I finished cutting, basting, and sewing block 39. It turned out very cute. I finished block 40 which was another gray, white, and red block. It was fun! I finished up the pink section and almost done with the orange section. I even finished block 41 and 42 is prepped and ready to sew. Here are the finished blocks.
Rainbow Hexie Swap hosted by lunar1
May found me joing my first hexie swap (second swap ever!). I did 3 sets of 6 colors of the rainbow. I mailed them off this past week to the coordinator. Sometime in July, I should get a return package. Very excited to join in on the swap. Cutting rainbow squares for both this swap and my rainbow quilt was a lot of fun!
Machine Applique Projects
A-doorn-aments Wall Hangings
I finished up the Rudolph & Santa the December project. It was a relief to be done with this fun little project. I still need to do a little embroidery to finish it up. Then on to the next project Pansies – for May. It was pretty straight forward with purple, green, and yellow thread options. It matched my Blooming Pansies wall hanging perfectly. I fused the June – Strawberries which should be another easy one to prep.
A Year in Words Wall Hangings
I am on my last step for the Give Thanks and Winter wall hangings. Okay, next to last step. I finished up all the machine applique and free motion quilting on both of them. Both just need a little embrodiery and binding. Then it will be a TaDa moment for them!
Blooming Series
I’ve pulled out the June Blooming Series – Daisies. I pieced and prepped the background already. It is time to fuse the batting and picture. I love the colors of this one. I will get you a picture after it is fused next week.
All People Quilt Resolutions
I wrapped up the free motion quilting of my Candy Rail lap quilt (March project). I decided to do straight line quilting – sorta. I followed my black fence throughout the quilt. It steps diagonally across the quilt. I used dark brown thread for the borders and taupe for the blocks. I am not sure if those were good choices, but finished is better than perfect. Here is the finished quilt:
I have also been working on my April project which is the Christmas Advent Scrap-a-long. I had to decide on a layout which I did. Now, I am assembled the blocks with some red and white sashing. With the covid-19 situation, it is making my borders very creative. I plan on piecing at least one of the borders. I haven’t found a solution that I am happy with.
My May project ended up being my Mama Gypsy quilt from last years quilt-a-long. I had to cut all the pieces for the pieced border. I really had my mojo on that day and it went well. Between working on other projects I was able to piece all the borders. They look great! I ended the month just needing to sew all the borders on.
The June project is a PIQF project from a couple of years ago. I hope to layer and baste it this weekend so I can quilt it this month of “Jumping June” with Pat Sloan. The quilt is called Over and Under. This one doesn’t have regular borders. I had sewn partial blocks to finish some of the “knots” for the border. Very cool quilt.
Sewing Projects This Quarter
My first finish for the Quarter are my Ohio Star potholders. They have been on the sewing table for over a year. I also finished on the same day my Halloween EPP mug rugs. This is my first completed English paper piecing project. Everything was good until I tried to bind it. Next time, I will finish a different way. I didn’t do well with the small circular thingy.
I pulled out all the fabrics used to make last year’s May table runner so I can make matching May place mats, potholders, and mug rugs. I cut the blocks for the placemats in April and pieced them in May. June is the month that I baste, quilt, and bind those placemats. I decided to use some english paper piecing designs for both the potholders and mug rugs. I will not start these until I finish the placemats. Here are progress pictures of the placemats:
Meadowland quilt blocks are done! You saw in my previous post the first 21 blocks. I used mostly Tula Pink Monkey Wrench fabrics. I supplemented with as many Tula Pink fabrics as I could find and added a few blenders to round out. I am very pleased with the outcome thus far. Next decision will be deciding whether to sash and cornerstone them or not. The pattern has no sashing or border. It is not a priority to assemble. My new kittens think the stack of blocks are a good place to nap.
Sew-A-Longs Update
Cosmos Mystery Quilt by Cotton Cuts
I finished sewing all the clues and it is now time to assemble the quilt top. I got all the borders and backing for this quilt.
Name of the Rose Mystery Quilt by Cotton Cuts
I started the Spring Mystery Quilt and am current on all the clues. This color palette is so different from the other one. I am still enjoying the fact that it shows up precut and ready to sew.
Quilters Planner 2020 BOM
I love the colors that this block of the month this year. Here are the latest block – May:
Monthly Color Challenge by Patterns by Jen
May’s color was Green:
Pat Sloan’s May Rainbows Quilt
This was a fun easy quilt that I used my Alison Glass collection to do. I loved how it turned out. I used mainly Sunprints (regular and light). I am excited about this quilt. I have to finish assembling it including borders. I even have an idea of how I might quilt this one.
Pat Sloan’s Jumping June FMQ Challenge
This month we have been challenged to quilt a minimum of 10 minutes a day. It was suggested to do panels. I started to buy a few and discovered I have a large stash of panels. LOL! To get started, I also found some leftover “practice” squares from PIQF classes over the years. For the first week that is what I started with. This weekend I plan to finish my placemats for the challenge. I think the key is to have something to quilt each and every day. That is why my APQ quilt of the month is important to get layered. I will be killing two birds with one stone. I definitely want to quilt at least one of my panels as well.
365 Block Challenge
I am back in the groove of this now 2 1/2 year old project. Here is the center with the first dark border sewn on.
Here are the blocks I have finished over the last 6 weeks:
Wrap up!
During the Shelter in Place, two of my elder cats have passed on. That left me with Cali girl. She was definitely enjoying the single child life at 5 years old.
When my grandson came to stay with me at the beginning of May, he brought his cat Tolose who hardly every leaves my grandson’s bedroom. He is a good cat. I think he is about two. The few times he has had a run in with Cali it has not gone well.
Two weeks ago, I took in two ginger kittens who are littermates – a boy and a girl. The kids named them Nala and Simba. They were born on March 5th I am told. They are now 3 months old. They have been fun and entertaining during these times. They enjoy the fabric and all things sewings.
Stay safe and quilt. I hope to post again next week!
Peggy