To Do Tuesday #152

Hello from Vancouver, Washington where it is freaking hot today! I didn’t move to the Pacific Northwest to be roasted to death. It has been over 98F for several days and I am looking forward to the predicted rain that should be here by Thursday. I would never have guessed I would be looking forward to rain 🌧️

With my studio on the second floor, it has been unbearable to be upstairs for extended periods of time in the sewing studio. I managed to work on a few blocks as well as start unpacking my fabric boxes. I have already unpacked 10 boxes. For someone who doesn’t like green, I sure have a lot. I am guessing it is becauses every collection comes with green and I tend to not use it. LOL! I elected to focus on sorting fabrics by color in the new studio and that is where I am at for now.

I plan on linking up with Carol at Quilt Schmilt who is in British Columbia and would guess that they are experiencing the same heat waves as us. Come join us for To Do Tuesday.

Weekly progress

While I may not have worked many hours in the studio, I did manage to get some things done anyway. When it rains over the weekend, I plan to live in the studio. 😜

Let’s take a look at what I got done:

• Finished one churn dash block and started a second
• Took a moment to begin building the next side pieced borders for Sparkle & Shine 2021 Mystery Quilt by Cotton Cuts
• Thrilled to assemble my four quadrants of Dragonfruit into the center of the quilt
• Due to the heat, I pulled out my english paper piecing project Ruby’s Garden and almost finished block 15 here. The center of this block is Liberty fabrics which seem so delicate compared to the sashing fabric of quilters cotton.
• I spent multiple days for several hours working on unpacking and sorting fabrics as well as unpacking several other boxes.
• Spent an afternoon setting up my Tula Pink Bernina 770QE and finding the power cord, stitch plates, and reacquainting myself with how she operates after 6 months. She made a special trip to Chicago for series surgery and is working like she is brand new now. They really did a great job.
• I dropped off the Bernina 880 for her annual maintenance after getting the 770 setup and began the process of stashing all of the accessories together for a future donation to a young sewist.
• After a year of research and drooling, I finally purchased my new travel machine Bernina 570. It was a birthday gift to myself.

Weekly To Do List

I was pleased to see I had checked off quite a few things off last week’s to do list. Now to update it for this week’s possibilities:

• STILL need to change the rotary blades
• Another 30 minutes (minimum) working on organizing the sewing studio
• Make backing for the patriotic table runner
• Find a backing for ARE YOU GAME?
• Sketch the 2nd floorplan
• Finish Ruby’s Garden block 25
• Start Queen of Diamonds block 3-4
• Cut & add borders to finish Dragonfruit quilt top
• Which means clean off the cutting workstation
• Cut & prep binding for spring placemats
• Finish the front of the patriotic project bag
• Make binding for patriotic bag
• Finish another churn dash block
• Sew another Miss Rosie’s Layer Cake Mix
• Finish the other side border for Sparkle & Shine
• Attach both borders to Sparkle & Shine
• Find a main project for September Quilt Retreat in Tahoe
• Find my long arm quilting tools and supplies and setup rolling cart

Musings

With having my 62nd birthday last week, I sure can relate to this quote from Bonnie Hunter of Quiltville. I couldn’t resist saving it and this week seemed like a good day to re-share it.

I have spent more time working on unboxing the studio now that the long arm is assembled which is making me feel like I am really clearing mental space.

Like most quilters, I have more than one sewing machine. I was originally a Viking girl because that is what my very first sewing machine was that my Grandma Ruby gave me. I loved that machine. Somewhere along the line, I ended up switching to Bernina. I bought my main mega machine and then a small machine for my grandson which I dubbed my travel machine when he lost interest in sewing. Then I fell in love with the Tula Pink machine and my friend Mary Elizabeth was super supportive when she encouraged me to buy it. It was nice having a backup to my 880. I have had all these machines for more than five but less than fifteen years. Last year, I decided I wanted all of my machines: Mega Fancy, Everyday, & Travel machines to use the same bobbins, feet, and accessories. Plus it would be easier for me to transistion from one machine to another if this was the case.

As part of my 2025 goals, I planned on replacing the Bernina 330 with the 570 (done!) and the 880 with the 990 (maybe a Christmas present for myself). So that means finding good homes for those tried and true machines. My sister-in-law claimed the 330 so it will be going with me to NYC in October and my daughter’s friend is so jazzed about getting the 880 that she honestly can’t talk about anything else. I am thrilled to draw two more people into the world of quilting. I also rewarded myself with new tutto cases so the existing machines could have a case when they go to their new homes. But I think I shared all this last week with you.

I guess I am excited about the changes for this next chapter of my life.

I keep forgetting to take a photo of the long arm all setup. LOL! Maybe next week I will remember. Meanwhile I will continue unboxing fabrics as well as looking for everything to start my journey with the new long arm as well. I hope next week to add another quilt top to the pile to be long armed!

Happy quilting everyone! Wishing you a productive week!

Peggy Stockwell in Vancouver, Washington