2025 Santa Tree Skirt--cut out--post 1

Goal number seven on my February list was to cut out the pieces to make a Santa Tree skirt. My niece is getting married in July. I've given a tree skirt as a wedding gift to her sister, her cousin, and my daughter when they married. The first one I made was for my youngest brother's family as a Christmas present many years ago!

The fabric selection: backing on bottom
background second from the bottom

There are a lot of pieces in this pattern. I have a list of the size and number of strips that I need to cut. I have directions of the subcuts from each strip that coincides with the pattern. Once I cut the pieces, each group is labeled. I've used the gold fabric as the buckle for at least three of the tree skirts I've made over the years. 

In process of cutting out

I save the scraps because I often can use them in the next tree skirt. This time the Santa suits are from the backing that I used in the last tree skirt I finished. There are enough scraps for another set of Santa suits for a future tree skirt!

Cutting out from the scraps, is fiddly because I'm working with pieces; but, it is a great way to use as much of the leftovers as possible. For this project, I did purchase the background and the backing when Keepsake Quilting had a sale on their Christmas fabrics. I purchased enough to make several tree skirts.

Pieces all cut and ready for piecing

Cutting out is not my favorite part of the quilting process. Cutting out ranks just above pin basting which ranks above pre-washing so that is why I put the task in my February list. I look at the list daily to remind myself I need to get on the process! Next month, I'll start piecing the blocks together.

Quilting the 2021 Temperature Quilt

Goal number 12 on my February list was to make progress on quilting my 2021 Temperature Quilt.Free motion quilting in the ditch. . .boring. . .but, hard. . .and I mostly met the mark! After quilting about a third of the project in the ditch, I noticed that I had a lot of fullness in the strips at the top and bottom of each month. If I had planned ahead and quilted the more open areas first, I would have had less fullness to ease into the quilting design! 

Template circles weren't the answer

I first tried to use a template of circles because I thought repeating stitching circles that were about the same size of the appliqué circles would work. It did not. Unstitching was not fun; but, I got it done.

Free motion bubbles

I decided to free motion quilt bubbles. The bubbles worked out well though! For the other two thirds of the quilt, I quilted this section first and then stitched in the ditch between the squares denoting the week days. I had less fullness to deal with using that plan.

Stippling around the letters in each month

In the space around the month, I free motion stitched around all of the letters. I marked a line an inch on either side of the month. I stippled around the letters. To provide amore visual impact, I left a quarter inch of space after the stipple and stitched more pebbles. 

One month closer to completion

It took a lot of time to stitch all those pebbles. I also stitched around each appliquéd circle. I have a little more than a third of the project quilted. I'm using a purple thread in the bobbin. I decided to quilt a wonky shape around the circles to provide a little texture on the colored squares. I will also quilt some lines in the fabrics in the border using a color similar to the fabric. 

Wonky shape quilted around the circle

I still have the empty squares that are the spacers in the month left to determine what I'm going to quilt in those spaces. I've plenty of time to contemplate options! It is unlikely that I will finish this project this month. I am, however, making progress and I'm pleased that this project is closer to a finish than it was last month!

Linking to Frédérique at Patchwork and Quilts and Cynthia at Oh Scrap.

Positively is Ready for Quilting! --A Tutorial

Goal number two on my February list was to document layering and basting the Positively top. Goal number three on my February list was to write a tutorial about layering and basting a top. I can do both in this post! 

Plastic picnic cloth clips

First, I use plastic clips that are used on an outdoor picnic table to hold a tablecloth in place. I've had these for many years. I bought all that were at the store. Since it was fall, the product was deeply discounted. Depending on the depth of the table, binder clips might be an option.

Apply some tension

I press the backing to remove any lumps or bumps. The smoother the backing, the less chance for tucks later. I lay the backing on the table right side down. I use the clips to hold the backing to the table. I apply a little bit of pressure to the backing to add some tension.

Backing secured to the table

If the backing isn't large enough to hang over the side, I'll use painter's tape to hold the back to the table. If the backing is larger than the table, I let the extra hang off to one side and/or off one end. In the photo above, the extra fabric is hanging off the left side and the bottom of the project.

Batting smoothed into place

Next, I lay the batting on the backing. Any extra is placed on the same side as the extra backing. If the batting has scrim, I place that side next to the backing. I gently pat and smooth the batting. I don't worry that the batting is going to shift. The fibers in the batting make it act a bit "sticky."

Loose thread removal

The last layer is the top. First, I clip all the loose threads. If there is a light area on the top, I wouldn't want a dark thread showing beneath the top. This clipping takes time; but, it is worth the effort. Next, I press the top well for the same reason I pressed the backing.

Positioning the top

I gently placed the top on the batting. I pat and smooth the top in place. I will lay a ruler along a straight area. In this case, that area was the stem. I try to keep the lines straight. I pin baste about every four inches. The pins I use are size number two. The pins sit in a plastic cover that makes it easier on my fingers to open and close the pins. I also have a lot of pins without covers so when I use all the pins with covers, I use the plain pins. They all work!

More checking on positioning

I work slowly and methodically. one section at a time. Once I have the pins in place I close them. I use a tool called a Kwik Clip. The tool makes it easier on my fingers for closing the pins. A grapefruit spoon will work too. 

The view half way through sliding the 
pinned area to one side of the table

When the initial area is pinned, I release the plastic clips. Then I scoot the entire project to the edge of the table and repeat the process. Again, I smooth the back. It is important to ensure that the backing is smooth as it is easy to have a wrinkle in the fabric. I still add a bit of tension to the backing. I use a plastic clip to hold the fabric in place. This time, the weight of the project on the overhang side of the table will hold the project in place.

Replacing the plastic clamps

Next, I smooth the batting in place, I move the clamps to include the backing and the batting. In the photo above you can see that the extra fabric is at the foot of the table. I pat and smooth the top into place. I add more pins. I do like to pin close to the outer edge of the project.

Checking the back for wrinkles/tucks

Once all the pins are in and closed, I remove the clamps. I turn it over and make sure that there aren't any wrinkles in the backing. If there are wrinkles, I remove the pins and start again with smoothing the backing, clamping, then the batting and clamping before patting the top into place.

Trimming the extra batting and backing

Then, I trim the extra batting and backing so that it is about an inch larger than the top. Trimming helps me have fewer instances of catching the extra fabric during the quilting process.

Finished pin basting

I often take a photo of the project when it is pin basted and trimmed. Now my Positively quilt is ready for quilting. I will stitch in the ditch first and go from there. . .AFTER, I finish a couple other projects. While I have a destination in mind for this quilt, there is no deadline as to when it needs to be finished.

Linking to Alycia at Finished or Nor Friday.

Working My Way Through Clue Nine of The Old Town--post 5

Cutting more parts

Goal number eight on my February list was to make progress on clue nine of Bonnie Hunter's Old Town mystery. Clue nine was the reveal. It is like four clues in one. Since my last post, I had two in person sew days where I worked on constructing the blocks. 

Some of the finished blocks

As I got towards the end of making the blocks, I found that I hadn't made enough parts. I don't know if there was an error in Bonnie's directions (unlikely) or if there was an error in my counting the units I had constructed (likely.)

I had planned to make a block or two a day and spend the rest of my time quilting on my 2021 Temperature quilt. So much for plans. I decided that this month I'd like to finish making the blocks and start piecing the turquoise units for the sashing. 

Actually, I'd like to make this my priority project and just work on it until I get it to a top. Gertie, my inner squirrel, however is telling me that I need to not abandon my February list. . .sigh. . .she can be so demanding at times!!!

Having incomplete block parts bugged me. I took time to cut the units that I needed. I pieced the units as I worked on the block. It took me a lot of time to piece all of the blocks because there were many  points to try to save. Jack and I had lots of conversations; but, I did get the blocks pieced. 

Friday, I finished piecing all of the blocks. My design wall is too small to show all of the blocks. I'm including a photo of a few of the blocks.

Next, I began cutting the parts for the sashing. My little pile of blue/aqua slowly diminished to almost nothing! I had enough . . .barely!!! There are a few crumbs left; but, my aqua pile is almost non-existent! 

Rectangle kits prepared--remaining fabric on the left

Hmmm. . .I am going to need to scrounge in my fabrics for another alternative as I wanted to add a blue/aqua strip as my first border. . . .That is a thought for another day!

I had a bag of neutral squares and a few strips in the size that was needed for two ends of the blue/aqua rectangles. I drew a line from one corner to another on the back of each square. 

I did sew the squares on four rectangles because I wanted to see what the sashing was going to look like with the blocks.

I like it. Clue number eight on my February list was to make progress on clue nine of the Old Town Bonnie Hunter mystery. 

Auditioning a little of the sashing

While my little squirrel, Gertie, has applauded me on finishing the blocks, now she thinks I should keep sewing until I finish this top. I have been telling her that I need to spend some time with my other projects to make progress. She flips her tail in disagreement. 

While it isn't wise to anger one's inner squirrel, I hope she'll sit on my shoulder while I quilt on my 2021 temperature quilt. I look forward to hearing her chatter away!!

Linking to Frédérique at Patchwork and Quilts and Cynthia at Oh Scrap!

Piecing Batting

Batting scraps needing to be pieced

Goal number nine on my February list was to piece together the batting chunks that have accumulated since I finished Indigo Way. I know that some quilters label their chunks. I piece my chunks together. I'd rather keep track of one or two pieces of batting instead of a bunch of chunks. I also piece like battings together. . .all 80/20 and all wool; but, I don't mix the battings.

Piecing the batting with Bernie

With the larger chunks, I butt the edges together. Using a wide and long zig zag stitch (I use a 9 mm wide by 5mm long stitch setting.) I stitch until I have used all the big chunks of fabric. I generally square the piece so that when I'm ready to use it, it will play nice in my batting sandwich. I ended up with a piece that was around 70 inches square. 

Batting ready for use

There isn't much to see in the photo; but it is of the chunk that is ready to be used in a project. I use these pieces as I would any other piece of batting. 

Slicing the narrow strips into bits

Any skinny or narrow strips of batting, I cut into small pieces with my rotary cutting. I store these in a two gallon plastic ziplock bag. When I need to stuff a pincushion or a pillow, I'll use those stored bits.No batting scraps go in the trash.

Batting scraps ready to use as stuffing

In keeping the bits out of the landfill, I figure I am doing my part to reduce the impact on the environment. I really do use all the leftover pieces. Yes, it takes some time to piece the chunks together. I do save money because I can stretch the batting into more projects. Although, if I were to consider the amount of time it takes, I probably don't save as much as I think! In the end, I have a piece ready to use. I'm not sorting though pieces to find one that is the right size nor am I storing many batting scraps. It is a win for me!

Linking to Alycia at Finished or Not Friday.

January ReCap and February Goals

Fabric in for January

My two annual goals are:

1. Have a net loss of 100 yards of fabric from my stash.

2. Finish six UFOs

   ✒ a. Temperature 2021--pin basted and ditched quilted started in January

    b. Temperature 2022-2023

    c. Martha's House blocks

    d. Positively Grows

    e. Maze top

    f. Butterfly number four 

My January goals were:

✔1. Pick the fabric to set the Rainbow Scrap Challenge blocks from last year.

✔2. Prepare the fabric for a Santa tree skirt.

Fabric out for January

✔3. Participate in the Alphabet Sew Along through Modern Quilt Studio.

✔4. Layer and baste the Temperature quilt for 2021.

✔5. Catch up with the Old Town mystery.

✔6. Work on the project for the book "Before We Were Yours" by Lisa Wingate

✔7. Make a patriotic star block for the CCQ guild block contest.

✔8. Attend the Zoom Triangles class with Maria Shell.

✔9. Finish the blocks for the 2024 Temperature quilt.

✔10. Get Rita's Temperature quilt into a top.

✔11. Choose the backing fabric for Rita's Temperature quilt.

Piece the like batting scraps together in February

✒12. Continue with the PT for my knee. I have a goal of 120 degrees flexion and 0 degrees extension. (I did get to 120 degrees with flexion; but am two degrees short on extension. I am walking about 1/2 a mile daily. . .not fast; but, I am tolerating that distance.)

✔13. Pre wash the Sweet Tooth mystery fabrics.

✔14. Pre wash the 2025 Temperature quilt fabrics.

✔15. Make a sample house and tree block. Now, I'm thinking the blocks are going to make a quilt too big so I'm rethinking my plan.

✖16. Complete the August bonus lesson and the September embroidery lesson. (The reason I am not making progress on this goal is because I can't sit comfortably to use two laptops and participate in the lesson. One laptop contains the software, the second laptop contains the tutorial. I'm not giving up. I will complete those lessons!)

Cut out a tree skirt from these fabrics

Fabric Summary:

Fabric in this month: 8 yards    

Fabric in year to date: 8 yards

Fabric used from stash this month: 6 yards

Fabric used from stash year to date: 6 yards

Net loss/gain this month: +2 yards

Net loss/gain year to date: +2 yards

The six yards is the fabric for my RSC project this year. The additional yards were free. . .I just couldn't turn that blue batik with snowflakes down! Gertie, my inner squirrel, is congratulating me because I didn't bring eight yards of fabric into the stash. . .only two! 

Stitch these fabrics following
the Sweet Tooth mystery

My February goals are:

1.Catch up with the Rainbow Scrap Challenge blocks.

2. Document layering and basting the Positively top that I made in 2023.

3. Write a tutorial about how to pin baste a quilt.

4. Get the "Love Makes A Family" project to a top.

5. Catch up with the 2025 Temperature blocks--I'm contemplating a block size change.

6. Figure out a legend for the 2024 Temperature quilt.

7. Cut out the Santa tree skirt.

8. Continue progressing with clue nine of the Old Town mystery. I'm at the sewing parts together into blocks stage.

9. Piece the leftover batting chunks together.

10. Complete the August bonus lesson and the September embroidery lesson.

11. Continue with the PT for my knee.

12. Continue quilting my 2021 Temperature quilt.

Linking up to Frédérique at Patchwork and Quilts and Cynthia at Oh Scrap.

Sweet Tooth Mystery Fabric Preparation--post one

Goal number 13 on my January list was to pre-wash the fabrics for the Sweet Tooth Mystery that Bill Kerr and Weeks Ringle from Modern Quilt Studio are hosting. Clue one will release on February 14. There are 22 half yards of transparency watercolor fabrics and one background fabric. 

The fabrics

After I had pre-washed the fabrics for my 2025 Temperature quilt, I started pre-washing the fabrics for this project. I spent about a week on this task. I'm looking forward to this mystery project. I'm working hard to make progress on a quilting project (2021 temperature quilt), a piecing project (Old Town) and a design project (Love Makes a Family) so that I'll feel like I can work on the clues without feeling guilty!

Background fabric for Sweet Tooth

Once I had finished pre-washing these fabrics, I began pre-washing the tree skirt fabrics which was goal number two on my January list. My oldest niece is getting married in July. I often give a quilted tree skirt as a wedding gift. These fabrics represent the backing, background and maybe the Santas. I'll cut the pieces next month.

Bottom three fabrics pre-washed

I'm back to using what I have left of the Stay-Flo starch. Since posting about alternatives, a couple of my friends who have some Stay-Flo but aren't planning to use it offered it to me. It will be a while before I will need to make my own starch. At least I know I can and that I like the results!

Marie Shell book

Earlier this month I attend a Maria Shell workshop on Pointless Triangles. My friend, Rosanne, shared the workshop information with me. It was a great way to see Maria's techniques. I did purchase her book "Improv." It's been available for a long time. Although I didn't make any samples of her various triangle methods, I am inspired to try. She made it look so easy and doable. At $35, the workshop was also so affordable! Maria will offer another workshop in this format in July with the topic of using scraps. I plan to attend that workshop too! Attending the workshop was goal number eight on my January list.

2024 Temperature quilt days pieced

I also finished the piecing for my 2024 Temperature quilt which was goal number nine on my January list. What a good feeling that is! Next month, I'll figure out the legend!

Linking to Alycia at Finished or Not Friday.

Rita's Temperature Quilt Is FINISHED--post 5

 Goal number 10 on my January list was to get my friend Rita's Temperature quilt into a top. I did! It measures 78 inches by 84 inches. The border fabric was in her project box. I hope Rita's plan was to use it as a border! I also cut and prepped enough strips so that it will be the binding at well.

Finished top

Goal number 11 my January list was to choose the fabrics for the quilt back and make it! In my stash, I had 3 3/4 yds of a Christmas fabric. Rita loved Christmas. She kept at least one decorated tree up in her home year around. To honor her love of Christmas, I pulled out that fabric and pre-washed it. 

Pieced back

In Rita's Chilhowie project box there was a yard of green fabric which I paired with the leftover border fabric. It was just enough to become the back! The back measures 84 inches by 90 inches.

Trimming all the loose threads from the back

After I had pieced the back, I started removing the loose threads from the back of the quilt. This always takes more time than one would think. Once I finish, I'm always surprised at how many threads I trimmed. I'm also impressed with how clean the back of the quilt is.

Snipped threads

The raveling of the seams happen as the top grows. Starched fabrics ravel less with handling. Rita pre-washed her fabrics because she and husband had an allergy to the chemicals in the fabrics. She didn't starch her fabrics because her husband had an allergy to the starch. I also used no starch because I don't want to flare his allergies!

Backing, batting, quilt top ready for the quilter

I've cut the batting. I've prepared the binding. Thursday, I delivered the backing, batting and top to the quilter, Tomme. Tomme and Rita worked together on a number of charity projects. Tomme offered to quilt it. Rita would have like that! I picked a Christmas design for the quilting in yellow thread. 

Quilting design

Tomme quilted it on Friday. I picked it up yesterday. Tomme had trimmed the quilt and trimmed all the scraps into useable sized pieces. What a treat to bring the quilt home and move directly to attaching the label and binding! What a treat to have the scraps already trimmed!!!

Scraps from the back

I made a label and on purpose, I have the angel flying upside down. Rita is letting us know that she is doing well hanging out with all of the other angels!

Label

I used six yards of fabric to finish this quilt. This brings my total of stash used so far this year to six yards. It is my first finish of the year. I hope to be able to deliver the finished quilt to her husband next week. This morning, I'm running it through the wash.

Finished back

It is so pretty finished. I'm awed that all of the fabrics came from her stash! 

Finished front

Linking to Frédérique at Patchwork and Quilts and Cynthia at Oh Scrap.