Third Flannel Quilt Quilted--Second Finish 2nd Quarter 2021--One Monthly Goal MET!!

Some quilting motifs

Over the last week, I've been quilting the third flannel quilt that I stitched from Martha's flannel "adult" scraps. (I haven't started working with her "kid" flannel scraps.) I started stitching in the ditch with invisible thread. I used a walking foot because the flannel made it too challenging for my body to push the fabric through my machine. The flannel doesn't "glide" well because of its "cuddly" texture. With the invisible or monofilament thread, I quilted around the black triangles in the linen fabric. 

I also used the monofilament thread to free motion quilt a line in some of the larger strips of my strip piecing. In the bobbin, I used a 50 weight brown cotton thread that I've had in my stash for many years. Part of the challenge that I gave myself for quilting these scrap quilts was to use thread in my stash that has been around for awhile. I did use all the brown in this project so I've "room" for a replacement!

Half a feather motif

I used a 50 weight cotton green thread and I emptied that spool too. I did use all of a partial spool of a sage green thread to quilt the background of three of the stenciled flower blocks. I used a similar colored spool of thread to quilt the four stenciled flower block. The second thread wasn't an exact match; but, it was close enough!

Another challenge that I gave myself was to see how many templates I could use and how many different quilting methods I could use in this project. In the first photo, using brown thread in the needle, I stitched around the print in the fabric and then I used a medium sized stipple to fill in the space. I liked the effect it gave to the border. In the cream border I stitched half circles in green thread using a template. Using the circle template and the brown thread, I stitched circles in the outer border.

Templates and rulers used

I used a template to quilt the shape of a feather and then I followed up via free motion with an added line with a curved hook on the end using green thread. I don't remember using this feather template so it was good to play a bit with it. These are all Westalee rulers. I purchased the starter set a number or years ago and have since added a few other rulers/templates. I like the products. I also like that there are You Tube videos available with how to use the various rulers and templates.

In the sashings around the rectangular blocks, I stitched lines. I also stitched lines in the dark sashings. I varied the location of the lines for interest. In the center rectangular block, I also stitched lines. I used green, cream and monofilament thread. Sometimes, I used a ruler to stitch the lines. Sometimes, I used the edge of the foot as the guide for the line.

Background quilting 

Inspiration for the plain green blocks came from a book. I will reference that book in a few more paragraphs. In that book, there was a notation about how long it took for the flowers to return to a place where there was a lot of fighting. The writer talked about the soldiers fighting in muck and mud. 

Stenciled flower

I had a flower stencil that I could make the design fit the space so I selected it. I used a pounce pad to mark the design. This time, I tried the white pounce powder; but, it wasn't visible enough for me to see to quilt the design. I used the pink and sometimes, I was able to mark a clear line. Most of the time, I was not. It could be that I need more practice with the pounce pad. It could be that my pad still needs to absorb the powder. It could be that the pounce pad isn't going to be one of my go to marking techniques. I'll give it a few more tries because I so want this technique to work as there are many pros to the process!

Label

When I quilted the motif, I kept my eye on the stencil and that helped me replicate the design. I quilted the motif in green thread. I quilted the background with a combination of a stipple, some leaves and a swirl. I used a light sage colored thread for the quilting.

It always takes me longer to quilt a project than I think it will. There are always times that I don't have a clear idea of what I want to quilt in a specific area. Just as often, I start and the motif comes to me or develops. If I'm stuck, I'll take the dog for a 20 minute walk. Breathing in the air, feeling the wind, or the rain or the sun, gives my brain a break. Often, when I sit back down to the machine, I have a plan to try. Sometimes, when I'm stuck, I'll think about the inspiration behind the project.

This is a book club quilt. Last March, I read an autobiography, "Wonderful Adventures of Mrs. Seacole in Many Lands," by Mary Seacole. It is the story of a Jamaican/Irish nurse who funds her building of a "hotel" to doctor/nurse wounded soldiers of the Crimean War on determination, wit and a strong belief she had the skills to improve a soldier's life.

Quilt back

Many times, she was down to her last few coins or the last of the food stocks. A few times in her lifetime, she lost the building from she operated her business. The half circles represent the limited funds she had with which to work. The full circles in the outer border represent the servicemen she touched giving back to her when she reached the end of her life with little money to support herself.

Once I had completed the quilting, I washed the quilt to remove the pink chalk. I added the binding, sleeve and label. My one monthly goal for April was to finish the quilting on this project. It was goal number four in my April list. Quilting it was also goal number one on my 2nd quarter list. It is my second finish for this quarter.  It measurers about 39 inches wide by 62 inches high.

I used about four and half yards of scraps in this project. I have now used about 8 1/4 yards of my stash in quilting projects this year. The entire project is scraps. The backing is pieced as is the batting! The binding is a leftover batik fabric that I made into a shirt for my younger brother many years ago. The thread to stitch it was from my stash. Most of that thread had been hanging around for many years. I emptied three spools of thread into this project and cleared a couple of bobbins in the process.

Quilt front

I named the quilt 'Tailings" because of all the leftover bits in it. It takes a lot of time to to piece little bits into bigger bits; but, it is worth the effort! The first post that I wrote about the project is here, should you want to read it.

I was asked why I note the hours spent and the money used to create the project. I loosely track the hours I spend on a project because too often quilt recipients have no clue about the length of time it takes to create a quilt. It generally takes more than a weekend to create a quilt! 

People also have no clue as to the amount of money one can get into a project. A project involves more than fabric and a pattern! Making a quilt isn't a cheap process. Truly, I bought nothing for this project; but, if I had purchased materials, the amount listed would get me in the neighborhood to recreating another quilt of similar size.  I'm linking to One Monthly Goal at Elm Street Quilts. I'm also linking to Oh Scrap at Quilting is More Fun Than Housework. 

This project will end up as someone's birthday present next year. Martha would be happy that I created a useable item out of her bits and that the bits didn't end up in the landfill. Now, I'm off to do a happy dance as it feels GREAT to have met my monthly goal!!!!

Blue String Blocks--Month 4 Rainbow Scrap Challenge (RSC)

Foundation ready for black strip

The Rainbow Scrap Challenge (RSC) color this month is blue--light and bright. I started out with a crammed and over flowing quart size zip lock bag of blue strings. I ended up with a barely closable quart size zip lock bag. I can cram a lot of fabric bits into a quart bag! 

I had a question about how I prepare the foundation. I cut 8 1/2 inch squares from newsprint. I mark a placement line on the foundation that is one inch from the diagonal center. For purposes of taking the photo, I marked the center line. In reality, I line up the one inch mark ruler on the diagonal corners of the block and draw the line. 

Neutral strip ready to stitch

I arrived at the one inch mark because the black strip that is in each block is two inches wide. The placement line will help me have a better chance of lining up the black strips when I stitch the blocks together.

Next, I lay a black strip in the center of the foundation paper. I use the drawn line to help me position the strip on the paper and I pin it in place right side up. I choose a neutral strip and stitch right sides together a quarter inch from the edge.

Strip assortment and blocks in process

I will chain stitch four blocks with the neutral strip. Then, I'll cut the chain and begin stitching on the other side of the black strip. This time, I choose a color of the month strip--this month it was blue and place it right sides together on the black strip. I stitch l/4 inch from the edge. Again, I stitch four blocks and cut the chain of three blocks. Then I press the strips and repeat stitching the neutral strips and the color of the month strips until I have filled each foundation with fabrics. 

For the corners, I have a bag of triangles at the ready. If I have a triangle in the right color and size, then I'll use that piece instead of a strip. Some of the triangles were gifted to me, some were from Martha's scrap stash and some were actually bonus triangles of mine!

Blocks before trimming

Once the foundation is covered, I turn the block with the paper side up and trim the block. I'm mindful to carefully align the ruler so that the corners of the black strip are at the 0 and 8 1/2 inch markings. I trim the blocks and remove the paper. I have little waste! The blocks, before trimming, look ragged and uninteresting. Trimmed, they look neat and they sparkle like gems!

Over a couple afternoons, I pieced the dozen blocks. I'm ready for the release of the color for May! I'm linking to the Rainbow Scrap Challenge and Oh Scrap/Quilting Is More Fun Than Housework.

Regarding COVID:

Worldwide: 146M cases; 3.1M deaths

United States: 32.1M cases;  deaths 571K

Oregon: 180K cases; 2,496 deaths

Trimmings after squaring the blocks

Worldwide, COVID cases continue to rise. India has been in the news this week because there are so many cases that there isn't enough oxygen supplies for the people who need it! 

In the United States, the Johnson and Johnson vaccine is again approved for distribution. Fifteen women developed blood clots and three died after taking the vaccine. The CDC (Center of Disease Control) stopped the distribution of the vaccine to research the issue. The CDC determined the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risk involved. Millions of Johnson and Johnson dosages have been distributed. 

About 40 percent of the population has received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine. Twenty five percent of the population is fully vaccinated.

The Oregon governor said this week, that all of Oregon should be vaccinated by the end of July. Twenty seven
percent of Oregonians are fully vaccinated. My husband had his second Pfizer shot on Wednesday and is now counting the days until he is fully vaccinated. The governor stated that the number of cases and deaths will continue to rise if people don't continue to social distance and wear a mask. Monday, she may move some counties back into the extreme risk category.

Trimmed and "depapered" blocks

Also this week, the George Floyd murder trial ended in a guilty verdict for Dereck Chauvin. Sentencing will occur in about eight weeks. In Portland, violent protestors responded to the verdict by continuing to break windows, to spray graffiti on wall and to start fires on storefronts to wreck havoc on area businesses. Protestors now wear all black attire so it is more difficult for police to identify lawbreakers.

The Portland mayor now states it is time to take back the city and to clean it up. Between the homeless camps and the nightly destructions, city officials estimate it will be at least two years before all the trash can be cleaned up. Clean up plans could involve paying the homeless a living wage--$20/hour--to pick up trash. In the meantime, businesses board up their windows while other businesses close their doors. 

Partially because of the pandemic restrictions but mostly because of the boarded up business, I no longer have a desire to travel downtown. I haven't been downtown since February of 2020. I used to drive 20 minutes to a park and ride and then enjoy the 45 minute train ride downtown one to two times a month. I'd shop, grab a bite from a food cart and eat my lunch in a park. I'd take a coffee break in Pioneer Courthouse Square and enjoy people watching and listening to the entertainment. I'm glad I have had those experiences. I hope that when ordinary returns, some semblance of what was returns too. 

Lone Star--post one

Fabrics for the Lone Star project

The final Saturday workshop last January was a Lone Star class. I've made two lone star quilts. The first one I made in a class through a local quilt shop around 1990. I might have been taking classes through that shop for about a year. I chose some of the fabrics; but, the staff helped me pick fabrics that would net a pleasing result. It was so long ago that I remember little about the actual process.

One possible layout

A few years ago, I made a mini lone star quilt. I used leftover fabrics for that project. I paper pieced that mini lone star.

Regarding this class, I wasn't interested in starting a new project; but, I had taken all the other classes. I had enjoyed each one so I registered.

A lot of prep work involved when making a Lone Star quilt. Choosing the fabrics is the most daunting one for me. Since I am continuing on my quest for using my stash to reduce the volume of it, I spent time in my stash grouping fabrics together. 

The directions were to choose six fabrics with a couple fabrics to be the WOW as the person teaching the course described. She also said that she would be happy to review fabric choices.

I did prewash my fabrics. The teacher's directions were not to prewash; but, I'm using red on a possible cream background which to me is an invitation for bleeding if I didn't prewash. I'm glad I prewashed. That red print with the gold flowers bled a lot! After the prewash, I heavily starched the fabrics. Crisp fabrics will be easier to work with. Because there are bias edges, the less handling of the fabrics the less opportunity for the fabrics to distort.

These fabrics have been in my stash for more than a decade. Most of of these I purchased at a quilter's garage sale when she was downsizing her stash! I'm glad to be using these fabrics before they have spent another decade waiting for the "right" project!

The chosen layout

I e-mailed the teacher a photo of my fabrics and she suggested that I move the stripe to a different position and to switch it up with the green. Later, she e-mailed me a You Tube link of Lone Star design tips. During the video, the presenter made a mock up of the design to determine the layout. I had done this when I made my mini Lone Star.

I cut a one inch strip of fabric which I then cut pieces on the 45 degree angle. I drew a Lone Star layout and laid the diamond pieces on the chart. I used a hinged mirror to view the layout. Sadly, the striped fabric that I thought would be my "wow" fabric didn't wow me. The cream fabric at the end of the star points would be lost against the cream background. So, I had some playing to do.

Once I determined the layout, I glued the pieces to my mock up chart. I determined the number of strips that I needed to cut. I listed the order that the strips would be sewn. I did manage to slip in that striped fabric in the project.

The mock up chart has proved to be a valuable reference. I listed the number of strips I needed to cut of the fabrics as well as labeled each row. This organization helped me sew my strips in the correct order and to not create an alternate design! I was prepared for my Saturday workshop!

In class, I had a heck of a time matching seam lines. Consequently, I did not progress to the point of setting in the background squares and triangles. I didn't even get one star leg together! I put the project in time out. It has been looking at me as I've quilted the flannel quilts. Perhaps in June, I'll get the project out of time out. Perhaps, I'll do better at matching the seam lines, although I'm not overly optimistic!

Good Bye Feedburner and Two "Manly" Blocks

As you may already know, Feedburner will stop their e-mail notification service in July. This morning, I was successful adding the widget for e-mail followers to change to bloglovin. I hope that those of you who used Feedburner, will now switch to bloglovin. I have found it simple to subscribe on a couple people's blog that I read and I am so not technical!!!!!  I'm also posting that I'm claiming this blog on bloglovin.  

Two "manly" blocks completed

In my small group that meets the last Monday of the month, one of the members challenged us to make "manly" blocks to make a man's quilt as the charity group is too short on the number of quilts for men. One member pulled a fabric for the back to donate and also said that she would quilt the finished top. The backing fabric had browns and greens in it and that was how we determined the color palette.

Each member was asked to make two blocks that finished at ten inches. Another member offered to stitch the blocks into a top while another member offered to bind the quilt. I pulled my brown scraps and my Around the Block with Judy Hopkins book. This is a good resource for a making blocks because not only are there a variety of blocks but there is a chart to make six sizes of each block in the book.

In Martha's scraps, there was a chunk of dragonfly fabric that I chose as my inspiration fabric. In a couple hours, I had determined the blocks, picked coordinating fabric scraps from my stash and stitched the blocks. As we have finished our blocks, we have e-mailed  a photo to group members. Every block is terrific! It is going to be a great quilt.

My two blocks are in the hands of the member who is piecing the blocks together. It always feels good to participate in a community quilt project. This was goal number seven in my April goal post. It was goal number seven in my 2nd Quarter goal post.

I'm linking to Oh Scrap/Quilting is more fun than Housework.

Regarding Covid:

Worldwide: 140M cases; 3.01M deaths

United States: 31.6M cases; 566K deaths

Oregon: 174K cases; 2,471 deaths

In spite of the fact that cases everywhere continue to rise, restrictions are relaxing in some areas. More people are becoming vaccinated in spite of the fact that less doses are available. Sadly, I was notified yesterday that an acquaintance in France, has contracted the British variant of the COVID virus. I hope she is able to heal quickly.

My husband has an appointment next week to receive his second dose of the Phizer vaccine. My friend who has no computer or cell phone received an appointment for her first dose through her naturopath. She received her first dose yesterday. I'm glad she was able to get an appointment.

End of the 1st Quarter 2021 Recap--

1. Quilt this top 

This post is a recap of documenting what I accomplished last quarter. The "bones" of this post came from the goal setting post I wrote at the beginning of the quarter. In past quarters, I'd hope to finish some on the list. This year, I'm being more thoughtful about what I put on the list. Rather than hope to make some finishes, I plan to make better progress on the goals that I listed. 

If a project has been on my list for many quarters, it may become a priority or I may decide to give that project away. I feel rejuvenated when my list is "fresher!" To help me be more accountable for my projects, I'm adding a post about what happened to each one that I listed last quarter. Perhaps, this documentation will help me become more mindful and more successful with finishes.

#1. Quilt number one is one of the last tops my friend Martha finished before she died. I know of a high school graduate that would like it as a finished quilt. Last August, I pieced a back and pin basted it together. It is ready to be quilted. I'm planning a lot of in the ditch quilting with something fun stitched in the sashing. It was my OMG (One Monthly Goal) for January.

Follow up: I did quilt it. I called it "Little Bits" and my husband mailed it to the recipient at the beginning of February. At the beginning of March, I received a heartfelt thank you note from the recipient! I know that this quilt lives on the back of her couch when she isn't using it!

2. Flannel top #1 ready for basting

#2. Quilt number two is the first flannel top that I made from Martha's flannel scraps. It is pin basted and ready for quilting.

3. Flannel top #2 ready for basting.  

The two other flannel tops are ready to be layered.  These projects will be goals one through four.  I plan to develop my walking foot quilting skills when quilting the flannel tops. Although, in the larger areas, I may slip in a little quilting with rulers! If I can quilt one top a month, I'd be happy!

Follow up: Quilting Quilt #2 was my OMG for March.  I finished it! On March 25, I dropped it off at the scheduled Mt. Hood Quilt Guild Quilter's Exchange for charity. 

4. Flannel top #3 ready for basting

#3. Quilt number three is the second flannel top that I made from Martha's flannel scraps. Follow up: I completed quilting it the last week of March! I posted about here. I also quilted one top a month and meeting that goal did make me happy!!

 #4. Quilt number four is the third flannel top that I made from Martha's flannel scraps. Martha had a lot of scraps!! I have made pieced backs for each of the tops and when the basting pins are free from quilt number one, I'll quilt one of these tops. Follow up: I layered and basted it. 

 

5. Supplies for a small wallhanging

#5. Project number five is to stitch the hand dyed black fabric into a modern styled wall hanging with the red corduroy applique and other red accents. I've thought about this project for about a year. I don't know why I've kept this project in the project box. Follow up: I did nothing to further the progress on this project.

#6. Project number six is cross stitching six Santa ornaments. I thought it would take me a couple weeks in the evening to complete these. I did complete the stitching. What is left is to cut the ornaments apart and add the hangers. Perhaps, this will be one of my first finishes this quarter! Follow up: I finished this project. It is ready to be gifted.

6.-8. Cross stitch and bag projects

#7. Project number seven is cross stitching another small project. I've a bunch of small projects like this. Most of these came from Martha's sewing room. It is nice to have another medium to play with from time to time! I also completed one of these last year. Follow up: I didn't work on the project.

#8. Project number eight is to stitch three camel back carry all bags. Nothing happened with this project last quarter. Perhaps, because I don't have a purpose for them is why I haven't progressed. Follow up: I finished these. I plan to use them as the container for birthday gifts.

#9. Project number nine is a piece of machine embroidery that I think would make a Spring wall hanging. Follow up: I finished it. I shared it at my book club meeting at the end of March.

    9.-11. Three small wallhanging projects

#10. Project number ten is that little piece of embroidery that I thought wanted to be a pillow. It wanted to be a wall hanging. I decided it needed a word. It looked like Summer to me so I penciled in that word on the piece. I thought that I would get the word embroidered last quarter; but, it didn't happen! Follow up: I finished it and named it "Summer."

#11. Project number eleven is six curved pieced waste blocks from Martha's scrap bin. I played around with an arrangement of the blocks and came up with a fun design.

Follow up: I finished this project! I called it "Joyful" as that is how I feel when I get to work on quilting projects and when I get to quilt with other quilters. For now, I appreciate each virtual get together!

12. Make more Frolic blocks

#12. Project number twelve is Frolic. Last quarter, I made an additional six blocks with some of the leftovers. I want to make enough more blocks to increase the size a bit as well as use more of the leftover cut pieces. It would be great to finish the top this quarter. Follow up: I finished making at total of 19 more blocks and stitched the blocks together. I thought that I could piece a border for the remaining 16 inches that I need to make it a size that will fit on a bed in my house. After spending three weeks contemplating options, I've decided to take the quilt apart and add another row or two of blocks. I'm sad about the prospect of stitching a bunch more blocks; but, I wouldn't be happy with the project if I don't stitch more blocks.

#13. Project number thirteen is the butterfly. I'd like to finish gluing the edges of the pieces I used to collage it. 

13. Glue the edges of the fabrics

Follow up: I spent a few hours gluing the edges. I've a long way to go. It takes a long time to carefully tack the edges; but, it is also good to be working on this project again.

Out of the 13 projects I listed, I finished nine! I made progress on two projects. I didn't work on two projects. This is the best quarter of progress I have had since I started making a quarter list of goals!

Next quarter, I look forward to continuing my successes. I've posted my intentions here. 

Bunny Bags--First Finish 2nd Quarter 2021

Fabrics for the project

I saw a cute Bunny bag in a We All Sew newsletter. I clicked the link and reviewed the tutorial. It was a few days before Easter. I decided that I would add this project to my second quarter goals as well as my April monthly goals. The bag tutorial seemed straight forward and small enough to utilize scraps.

I printed the pattern and chose some fabrics from my scrap drawers. The cream was a fabric I picked up from the free table long ago. I think the fabric was a table cloth. I used a lot of it in a scrap project I called, "Ripples," years ago. 

That cream looked like a bunny color to me.  The scrap, unfortunately, was two main  pieces plus an eighth of an inch too small for a third bag piece to cut out all of the main bag pieces.

Ears in place attaching the ribbon channel

I  split the difference of the 1/8 inch seam allowance to be able to cut the fourth piece of the body of the bag. I scrounged around in the neutral scrap drawer and found a lining fabric to cut the last two pieces of lining.

I began the sewing process, stitching the ears first. The directions didn't include topstitching the ears; but, I did. When the bag and the lining are the same fabric, it doesn't matter which side the ears are placed. When the lining is different from the bag, I learned it does matter. I needed to place the contrasting ears face down on the lining.

Finished bags

I added the ribbon channel. Rather than embroider the faces, I used a micron pen and drew them. Purposely, I drew the faces differently. Then I stitched the bags together. I did finish the seam with a zig zag stitch. I turned the bags right sides out and pressed them. I added the ribbon handles. In my stash, I have a gallon plastic zip lock bag full of various lengths and widths of a variety of colors of ribbon. Unfortunately, I didn't have one length of ribbon that would work for both handles. So, I used two different colors of ribbons instead. I actually like the two colored handled ribbons better!

A greeting card, a small bag of candy, a little money and a card game went into the bags which were gifted to my granddaughters. If I were to make the bags again, I would add a little interfacing to the ears so that they stood upright. I still think it is a cute pattern! My granddaughters enjoyed opening their bunny bags and approved of my fabric choices!

This is my first finish for the quarter. It is goal number 12 on my 2nd quarter list and goal number one on my April goal list. I used 1/4 of a yard of scraps from my stash which brings the total amount of yardage I've used this year from my stash to 8 yards.

I'm linking up to Oh Scrap/Quilting Is More Fun Than Housework.

Regarding COVID:

Worldwide: 135M cases; 2.92M deaths

United States: 31.2M cases; 561K deaths

Oregon: 170K cases; 2,451 deaths

Cases worldwide continue to rise; vaccinations continue to rise. Deaths are also increasing. Media reports that the increase in cases is in the 20-29 age group. In spite of relaxing restrictions over the last couple of months, many countries are again reinstating the restrictions. That is the case in the United States and in Oregon.

Friday, the Oregon governor reduced business capacity from 50% to 25% occupancy. She also stated that even though most of the population will be eligible for vaccinations on the 19th, the number of available vaccines will be dropping. I'm still working to get an appointment for my friend. 

2021 2nd Quarter Goals

1. Quilt this flannel top

This quarter, I'd like to continue with the success that I had last quarter with finishing projects. Last quarter, I finished or made progress on ll of the thirteen goals that I had listed for myself. I have found success with interspersing large projects with smaller projects. I have found success with making a monthly goal list from the quarter list. I have found making a monthly goal helpful too! With all these factors in mind, I've listed my goals for the second quarter below.

1. Quilt the third flannel quilt that I stitched from Martha's flannel scraps. Last quarter, I quilted two of the four flannel projects that I pieced from her "adult" scraps. I layered and basted it at the end of March. 

2. Complete this project

2. Make this project. It has been on the list for years. It's time in the queue has arrived!!! A book inspired this project. I want to add red embellishments.

3. Legging fabric

3. Make leggings. My friend, Marla, gifted me several large boxes of swimwear fabric that her sister had collected. This was before I began working at a pool where the uniform is a black swimsuit. Since I haven't swam in the last year because COVID protocols have kept the pool closed, I haven't sewn one piece of fabric. The other day, I decided that I could make myself some leggings. I also haven't purchased clothing in about 18 months because I prefer to try on the garment before I buy. Because of COVID, dressing rooms are closed. I figure if I can sew a
swimsuit, I ought to be able to sew leggings. I do plan to make some leggings for the granddaughters.

4. Make even more Frolic blocks. After stitching an additional 19 blocks and spending last month contemplating a variety of border options to grow the top a sixteen inches longer, I was unable to select a border that didn't feel that I had placed it there to make the quilt bigger. I've decided to rip the quilt in half and add even more blocks. I've also decided that rather than try to make it rectangular, I'll keep it square and it can live on the king bed that resides in this house. This was a painful decision as neither ripping perfectly good seams or stitching more blocks that contain 64 pieces is motivating. My plan to make the project into a bed quilt hasn't changed. 

5. Finish glue basting the butterfly.

4. More Frolic blocks and 5. Butterfly glue basting

6.--12. These are small projects. I plan to make block for the outgoing president. I plan to make a couple manly blocks. I want to make: a couple potholders, a few embellished kitchen towels,  a couple more camel back bags and a couple Henrietta pincushions. I want to finish a second Happy Hearts table runner. I want to make a couple bunny bags for the granddaughters before Easter It is good to have some smaller projects on the list for a change of pace.

13.--15. These are handwork projects. Number 13 is the cross stitch duck kit that I didn't get to last quarter. Number 14 is the log cabin block embellished with hand stitching that I started in a Saturday workshop last January. Number 15 is a wool pincushion that I started at a retreat last month.

6. -12. A selection of the some of the small projects listed

16. Make a tree skirt. At one time, I had a goal of making one of these a year. It is a good gift for a bride. There might be an upcoming marriage. I'll need to locate the fabric. I have a wonderful metallic fabric for the ruffle.

17. Finish making string blocks from the Saturday workshop class I taught last January and piece together a top.

18.--19. Keep up with the Rainbow Scrap Challenge (RSC) and the Temperature Quilt. 

20. Actually, complete three lessons on the embroidery software.

13.-15. Handwork projects

21. Make a project inspired by the book, "How the Penguins Saved Virginia."

22. Start stitching my illusions challenge quilt.

It is a big list. Let's see what I can accomplish in the next 90 days!

On another note, I'm doing a test to see if I can follow directions to claim my blog using bloglovin.

April Plan and One Month Goal

Bunny bags ready to stitch

It was time to put together my plan for April. I found last quarter, writing a monthly plan and being accountable for one monthly goal was helpful.  In my next post, I'll share my plan for the quarter!

My plan this month is to: 

3. Make leggings from this fabric

1. Make two bunny bags for the granddaughters. I cut out the components for the bags on April 1. The components are all scraps. Today is Easter. You will have to check in next Sunday to learn if I made them in time or not! I saw this pattern on the Bernina We Sew blog. Because I used scraps, I'm linking to Oh Scrap/Quilting is More Fun Than Housework.

2. Make leggings. . .I'm thinking two pairs for myself and a pair each for my two granddaughters. I've been reviewing stitching tips for knits. I've selected some fabrics and I have been working up the courage to start. I have been telling myself that I make swimsuits so leggings have to be easier!

4. Quilt this flannel quilt

3. Keep up with the Rainbow Scrap (RSC) challenge and the Temperature Quilt. The RSC challenge color this month is blue. . .bright and light. I have some of those fabrics! Keeping up with the Temperature quilt could be a challenge because I've used all of one of the fabrics. I've ordered more. It likely will not arrive until the end of April. In the interim, I hope for warmer lows! I plan to have the sashing made and as many blocks possible made so that when my order arrives, I won't have too much catch up to do. 

5. Make more Frolic blocks

4. Quilt the third flannel quilt. I pieced enough leftover pieces of batting together for this project. I have layered and basted it. This is a project that is inspired by a book that I read. It is also the third flannel quilt that I've made from Martha's flannel scraps. This is my One Monthly Goal (OMG) for April. Please check out Elm Street Quilts and the  OMG link up. There are many inspiring projects to view!

5. Make even more Frolic blocks. I couldn't come up with a border option that I felt talked nice with the center and the outer border that is planned. I'll be sewing even more blocks, at least 11 full blocks! I'm not excited about sewing more blocks. I was less excited, however, with my border options or leaving it the size it is. Making more blocks is the route I'll be taking. My actual goal is sew six to eight blocks this month. Perhaps, after I sew one or two, I'll get into the swing of making them again. (I'm also not excited about ripping apart the middle of the quilt to insert more blocks.)

#3. Temperature quilt blocks and #7. Manly blocks

6. Complete an embroidery software lesson. I've not completed one lesson this year. This is the month. I'm planning to schedule time in my week specifically for this task. I also concentrate on digitizing lettering like one letter at a time, I'll have some success.

7. Make two "manly" blocks. One of my small groups decided to stitch "manly" blocks. In other words, blocks that would appeal to a male. We are to make two 10 inch blocks that have brown and or green fabrics in them. 

Regarding Covid:

Worldwide: 131M cases; 2.84M deaths

United States: 30.7M cases; 554K deaths

Oregon: 166K cases; 2,406 deaths

Nearly 60 percent of Israel's population is vaccinated and the Jerusalem streets are again full of religious activity even if international tourists are still not allowed. It is good to read media reports of the number of people returning to pre-COVID activities.

As of yesterday, the U.S. is averaging three million doses a day. Nearly one third of the population has received at least one dose of the vaccine. The CDC director gave a tearful/emotional plea earlier in the week for us to stay the course with wearing a mask, etc. She said that 2/3 of the states are seeing an uptick in cases and is fearful that hospitals could be slammed with more cases.

In Oregon, family members of front line workers become eligible to receive the vaccine tomorrow. My son-in-law will also be eligible to receive the vaccine. My husband received his first Phizer dose last Wednesday. He has his appointment to receive his second dose. I'm still working on getting an appointment for my friend who has no cell phone/computer/internet. She wants to go to a particular pharmacy and so far there have been no open appointments that fit her schedule.