September Recap and October Goals

Some of the leftover challenge blocks

 My September goals were:

✔1. Piece the Quilt of Valor blocks that I made last month into a top.

✔2. Press Indigo Way and remove all the threads from the 
back of the quilt. Get it, the back and the batting to the quilter.

2024 Temperature Quilt

✔3. Keep up piecing the blocks for the 2024 temperature quilt.

✔4. Continue quilting Transparency.

✔5. Continue working on the challenge blocks.

6. Work on the September Embroidery Software class.

✔7. Stitch the selvage squares in the Rainbow Scrap Challenge. 

✔8. Begin to embroider the legend of Rita's 
temperature quilt.

9. Sew with Miss K should she be available.

✔10. Play with the youngest granddaughter. . .she arrived August 31 and will be visiting for two weeks!

These scraps are a new project

Last month, I had a number of starts to work on the embroidery software class. Each time, I was distracted. I made no progress. My updated plan is to make progress in October! 

Miss K visited; but, we didn't quilt. She came with her younger sister and we completed a few art classes instead. I'll document those this month too! I've decided that I'll finish quilting her quilt so that she can enjoy it.

All in all, I had a great month.

My October goals are:

1. Cut the fabrics for the 2024 temperature quilt. Piece blocks if possible.

2. Embroider the legend of Rita's temperature quilt.

3. Embrace PT for my left knee--joint replacement surgery is October 1. . .today! 

4. Begin a mini handwork project using scraps.

5. Document the making of the back of the guild challenge quilt.

Creating through an online art class

6. Document the latest sourdough recipes.

7. Catch up with the August bonus lesson and the September and October embroidery software lessons.

8. Document the art classes I did through the 2024 Sketchbook Revival online course.

9. Document the art classes I did with my school age granddaughters.

10. Document the last few days of play with my youngest granddaughter.

11. Select fabrics for the Rainbow Scrap challenge. The color is brown.

Linking to Carole at To Do Tuesday.

Transparency--Finished---Post 8

Transparency is FINISHED. . .binding, sleeve and label are attached. I like the zing of the bright green binding. It electrifies the project and says HAPPY! Hey, I'm happy with the finish. It is smoking because I finished it this morning!

Label

The label came from Kerr and Wingle. The format was part of the final clue. I placed a printed version of the format on my light box and traced around the graphic parts that related to the mystery. I added my pertinent information to the right side of the label. I used fabric marking pens like micron to ink the areas.

Quilting on the back 

I like the texture of the circle quilting. I don't know that I'll do that again as it was boring to keep making the same shape over and over. It took time too! I do like the pieced back. It is like a quilt in itself so I suppose this could be a two sided quilt!

View of the back

It took me about 80 hours to complete this project. I used about eight yards of fabric from my stash to complete it. This brings my total for the year to 0 yards as I have purchased 28 yards of fabric since my no shopping ban! I do have two quilts at the quilter so in time, I'll be able to report more usage in time. Although, I anticipate purchases in my future for three upcoming projects!! It is my fifth finish for the year.

Finished front

Linking to Alycia at Finished or Not Friday, Frédérique at Quilting and Patchwork and Cynthia at Oh Scrap!

Transparency Quilted--post 7

Yesterday, I spent the day blocking Transparency. I finished the all over quilting pattern on Tuesday. I like the texture the quilting provided. I like that the pattern is the focal point of the project. While the quilt dried, I cut leftover backing fabric for the sleeve and for the binding. I made a label. Last night, I trimmed it. I'll attach the binding, label and sleeve next time I have a few free hours.

Blocking Transparency

 

#3 Quilt of Valor is a Top!--post 2

Stitching blocks into rows

Goal number one on my September list was to piece the Quilt of Valor blocks I had made last month into a top. I did! This is a pattern that is available on Alycia's of the Quilty Girl blog Etsy site. It didn't take too long to stitch the blocks into rows and then join the rows into the top.

I had no stitching errors. . .meaning I didn't turn a block a way that wasn't listed in the pattern! I delighted in sewing the victory lap. This is when I stitch an 1/8 inch around the perimeter of the quilt so that when the project is quilted the seams will remain stitched! The top measurers 60 inches wide by 70 inches long.

Sleeve and two bindings

Last Wednesday, I shopped a sale at one of my local quilt shops and purchased fabric for backing and binding. I purchased 12 and a quarter yard of fabrics. This brings the total fabric purchased since February and my fabric ban to 28 yards. I'm back to being negative in fabric used from my stash. The number is -8 yards. I have some finishes in the works so I'll be reversing that negative number soon!

Batting, backing and top

The backing is pieced. The batting cut. The sleeve is prepared. The binding for this quilt and Indigo Way are prepared. I will be quilting this project by checkbook too! I have too many projects waiting to be quilted so I've decided for now, paying will help me get the pile quilted and free up room in the studio!

Finished top

Linking to Alycia at Finished or Not Friday; Frédérique at Patchwork and Quilting and Cynthia at Oh Scrap.

Rainbow Scrap Challenge

My plan yesterday was to make the squares for the color of the month which is dark for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge. All was going according to plan until we lost power. 

Fabric line names

Turns out the internet company cut our power line while providing an internet line to a neighbor. We were the only ones affected. At first the power company said we'd have power in 1.5 hours. Then it was that we would have power by 3:30pm; then it was 6:30pm and the final estimate was 9:30pm. The power returned about 10pm.

More fabric lines

While I was able to glue the strips together it will be another day or so before I can stitch the squares. I also cut some pieces for a special back that I'm piecing for our challenge quilt. Other than that, I spent the day reading. . .until it was too dark to see! 

We weren't able to leave because the power company had to excavate the power lines which run across the drive way. They excavated a ditch to access the power line. I'm glad we had leftovers that were okay to be eaten cold! We were without power for 12 hours. I understand that we are on the list to have the underground power lines updated. These have been in place since the mid 1970s.

A few more fabric lines

This was goal number number seven on my September list. It won't take long to stitch the strips together so I'm calling it goal met! Linking to Angela at So Scrappy.

Off to the Quilter--Indigo Way--post 7

Clipping threads and repressing seams

This is a short post. Friday, I dropped Indigo Way off at the quilter's. This was goal number two on my September list.  I had planned to take a photo of the layers and a photo of it at the quilter's. . . .but, I did neither!!!

View after pressing and trimming

I did take some time to repress the top and remove errant threads. I did pick a star/patriotic patterns for the quilting and a medium blue thread as the quilting thread. I have no deadline. . .well, I need to finish it for the Clark County Quilter's guild show in March. The quilter, Christie, said I would have it back well before then. I do need to purchase binding fabric.

Our granddaughter and daughter flew home to London yesterday. The house is quiet and they are already missed.

Linking to Cynthia at Oh Scrap.

Continuing to Quilt Transparency--post 6

 

Circles and more circles--front

Goal four number on my September list was to continue quilting Transparency. I had a plan that I was going to work on my walking foot skills and quilt spirals. I failed. I tried numerous times. . .I failed each time. I was not able to turn the quilt smoothly enough to create a nice line. I will try again. Although, I will do a little research to see if I can learn some hacks/tips on how to make the spiral.

Circles and more circles--back 

I decided to try an all over design using the two circle template that was in the starter set I purchased years ago. I haven't stitched an all over design on my domestic machine. Trying a different style is good. I have quilted about half of the top. I used a variegated thread of purple, blue, pink and turquoise. 

I've been disappointed in my ability to keep the tension even. It seems like when I travel over a seam and apply pressure to move the fabric, it messes with the tension. The old me would be ripping it out. The current me is leaving it. I'm chalking it up to a learning experience. Perhaps, by the time I'm finished I'll have figured out how to make it work. Had I used the same thread in the needle and the bobbin, the tension issues would have been less prevalent. I'll remember that for another time. . .maybe!!

With my granddaughter here until Saturday, I haven't spent much time in the studio. If I can quilt a few minutes when she is sleeping, I call it a win. Truth be told, I've found myself sleeping when she is as following after a two and a half year old has exhausted me!

Swimming. . .No Quilting

Riding the tail of an Orca

From my previous post regarding our two and a half year old granddaughter, the orange spools have also become  "jabs" shots. She tells me that she is the doctor and then she gives me a jab! Or, it is a tongue depressor. She also has used it as a whistle and pen light. 

We've made deviled eggs together. She likes the white; but, not the yolk. She baked a chocolate zucchini cake. She delighted in licking the bowl. We've made many green salads and she has torn the lettuce and added the chopped ingredients. 

Mostly, she is running to and from activities. Friday, she and her mama had a photo session in the park for family pictures. It was a hot day, upper 90s. Yet, she still ran all over the park and went through two water bottles in an hour and a half! She loves going to the park and climbing on the apparatuses.

My friend. Wendy, has a swimming pool at her house. She invited us to come as often as we can and her schedule will allow. We've been three times.

Spinning on a noodle

She loves the water. She now will tell her mama to back up so she has more room to jump in the water from the side of the pool. Off the steps, she will act like a
beaver and do a sitting dive. She can easily glide five feet. She does not want to swim on her back. 

We have convinced her to lay still with the promise of getting to sit on one of the floats. She is particularly fond of the Orca and watermelon. 

When she tires of the float, she pushes herself off. When you bring her to the surface for a breath, she giggles and says "AGAIN!"

Retrieving a ball with her mama

She sleeps well after a pool session. She is somewhere between London and Oregon time. Although yesterday morning, she slept in until 6:30AM which is so much more pleasant than 3AM! 

I have quilted a little bit during a couple of her naps. Although, I will admit to taking a nap with her because I'm as tired as she is!

Linking to Cynthia at Oh Scrap!

Playing With A Two and Half Year Old

Stacking spools

Our youngest granddaughter and her mama (our daughter) are visiting from across the pond. They arrived Saturday. The youngest, Miss A, has had jet lag. She was up the first "morning'"at 1AM which would have been 9AM her time. The second morning, it was 2:30AM and the third morning it was 4AM. About the time she is acclimated, it will be time for her to get on the airplane and start over! She does ask where is the sun because she wants to go outside and it is dark!

Extended fingers

So. . .what does one do in the wee hours? I had a bag of empty spools and we've stacked them in a variety of ways. She delighted in knocking the stacks over. Yesterday morning, she placed the Aurifil spools on the ends of her fingers. Then, she paraded around moving her "extended" fingers and giggling. Yes, she was able to fit one spool on her thumb; but, it was uncomfortable. She removed the spool quickly!

Did you see the green spoon in the photo? She got into the baking drawer and she has had a field day with the measuring spoons and cups. The green 1/2 teaspoon measure accompanies her throughout the day. Yes, she has toys; but, she seems to prefer common household objects to entertain herself.

Playing with "paper dolls"

I showed her the magnetic dolls our older grands played with when they were younger. Miss A hasn't figured out how the pieces make an outfit; but, she does marvel over how the pieces will "stick" to the figure. There is a hat that is a favorite. I know this because it is a part of almost every outfit.

Wearing my sandals

If one leaves their shoes unattended, she will put them on and provide us with a fashion show walk/strut. I don't know how she manages to maintain her balance; but, she does! 

We've been cooking. She and her mama make scrambled eggs many mornings. She knows how to stir her eggs as they cook and she eats every bite of egg! Yesterday morning, we made French toast. We put syrup on part of it and peanut butter on the other part. (She loves peanut butter.) Interestingly, she took a piece of each and stuck them together like a sandwich before she ate the chunk with a fork! 

We've fed apples to the neighbors' horses and cow. She has been mesmerized by the cow's tongue. . .the length, how rough it is and the color. It is black. She will hold the apple at just the right angle for the cow to use his tongue to pull the apple into his mouth. She stands without movement as she watches him eat the apple and will ask, "Again?" after he finishes!

Naps are hard to wake up from as she tries to make her nap her night sleep. We feel for her. Tomorrow our friend, Wendy, has invited us to swim in her pool. It will be a fun day! Playing with my granddaughter was goal number 10 on my September list. I plan to keep playing; but, wanted the goal on my list so I documented some of what we did!

August Recap and September Goals

 

All over motif for Transparency--front

My August goals were:

✔1. Begin quilting Transparency.

✔2, Work on the August Embroidery Software class.

✔3. Continue keeping up with the blocks for the 2024 temperature quilt. Today, I'll piece the block for yesterday and stitch the row to the top.

✔4. Begin the piecing for "The Women" book club quilt.

✔5. Stitch selvage squares in the Rainbow Scrap Challenge. The color for August is orange.

6. Sew with Miss K should she be available.

✔7. Work on the challenge blocks. This will be a project that I can't share on this blog until there is a reveal in June 2025!

✔8. Document making the back of the 2022-2023 temperature quilt.

✔9. Work on Rita's temperature quilt. Now that I've figured out how to end the rows, it's time to make the top.

Motif view from the back

I did teach a Red Cross Water Safety Instructor program. There are a few more people at the facility who are certified to teach Red Cross lessons! Each of the new instructors have great skills. The participants are going to love them! 

I've started the August Embroidery Software class. I figure I will catch up with the classes in October. Unfortunately, Miss K's schedule was full so we weren't able to spend time stitching. My fingers are crossed that we will be able to do it this month!

All in all, I had a terrific month.

Almost ready to attach August

My September goals are:

1. Piece the Quilt of Valor blocks that I made last month into a top.

2. Press Indigo Way and remove all the threads from the
back of the quilt. Get it, the back and the batting to the quilter.

3. Keep up piecing the blocks for the 2024 temperature quilt.

4. Continue quilting Transparency.

5. Continue working on the challenge blocks.

6. Work on the September Embroidery Software class.

7. Stitch the selvage squares in the Rainbow Scrap Challenge. 

8. Begin to embroider the legend of Rita's temperature quilt.

9. Sew with Miss K should she be available.

10. Play with the youngest granddaughter. . .she arrived August 31 and will be visiting for two weeks!

Linking to Frédérique atPatchwork and Quilt and Cynthia at Oh Scrap!

Transparency Quilting(post 5)/Another Detour/Quilt of Valor

Ditch quiting

Goal number one on my August list was to begin quilting Transparency. I sure thought that I'd begin the month with this project; but, there were other to-dos on the list that snuck in ahead of it! Let's see how far I get before the month ends!

Block for comfort quilt

I did have another detour. Friday, I received an e-mail regarding the husband of a guild member. He was diagnosed with cancer and a comfort quilt was in the making. . .would I contribute a block? Of course! Colors were chosen based on their Scottish heritage AND fabrics were to be sourced sustainably. . .which means no purchasing! All of these fabrics were scraps from previous projects so no yardage was used!

I used the templates to piece the block which came as an attachment with the e-mail. There was a paper piecing  and an appliqué option. The block finishes at 12 inches.

Adding the blue log cabins

Honestly, making progress on the Quilt of Valor was easier than I expected. I'd work on a step and then I'd move on to the next step because I wanted to see how my fabrics were going to look stitched into the next set of blocks!! 

Blue star

I finished the blue log cabins and moved on to stitching the blue stars. There were only four to stitch so these stitched quickly!

Blue stars added

As soon as I had two finished, I had to see what the stars added to the other blocks. I liked how these looked with the log cabins!

More red log cabins

It was down to a few more red log cabin blocks. I cut my fabrics and began stitching. Before long, all the blocks were stitched and added to the design wall.

Red star

Then I needed to stitch the red stars which were only two so those stitched even faster than the blue stars! I added those to the design wall and enjoyed the view.

All block complete

Next month, I'll stitch these into a top! This pattern is available for purchase on Alycia's Esty store. All the fabrics are from my stash. Mostly, I used scraps which was even better! Linking to Carol at To Do Tuesday and Alycia at Finished or Not Friday.

Rita's Temperature Quilt--post 2

Testing the size of the triangle to square
the end of the braid

When I first reviewed this project, I thought that I would draft a house for the filler blocks for February. I also planned to draft the triangle to be able to square the end of the braid. 

I decided I'd make a house as the label for the quilt and use filler rectangles for February. It was time to tackle the size of the triangles to square the end of the block.

Using freezer paper and an iron, I pressed the end of the block onto the freezer paper. Once the paper was cool; I pulled out a ruler and marked the outer edge. Next, I cut out the pattern and measured it. It ended up being a three inch finished triangle. It was oversized so I could trim it to size.

I cut inch and a half strips of a neutral fabric and stitched three together. I connected the rows together with these strips. I did have a bit of a hiccup. I needed to trim the strips a quarter of an inch more on each side than I did for the first four rows. 

Finished center

When I could see the end of the seam outside of the neutral strip was when I realized my error. I laughed at myself. How long have I been sewing???? The answer is close to sixty years so I should have figured it out much sooner!

Once I stitched the rows together, it was time to decide where to place the legend. Rita had pieced the fabrics together. She had changed fabrics every two degrees for a great many of the temperatures. She didn't have a label for a couple of the upper temperature fabrics so I made a range for those.

 I had to decide if the legend would run vertically or horizontally. I decided horizontally made the most sense. I'm planning to hand embroider the temperatures below the fabric swatch. Likely I will do this in October while I'm recovering from knee replacement surgery.

I also auditioned fabric for the borders. I'll stick with the same fabric I used for the sashing. The print fabric may become the binding. Working on this project was goal number nine on my August list. It won't be long before it is a top!

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

Quilt of Valor--#3

Fabrics cut for the red log cabins

Goal number four on my August list, was to begin piecing the quilt for the book, "The Women" by Kristen Hannah. I decided that I would make a quilt of valor for my project. I had a patriotic jelly roll in the stash. I had a pattern that I wanted to try. I carefully set the jelly roll aside. Unfortunately, I have no clue as to where I put it so it was on to another plan.

Note: I've been slowly cleaning the studio space and the jelly roll has yet to surface!:

Clue one in place on the design wall

This is Alycia's Spaghetti Like Stars mystery pattern that she shared as a quilt along last winter. You can find Alycia at Alycia Quilts. Her pattern is no longer available.

I began with cutting strips that were in my stash to make the blocks for clue number
one. I didn't try to group the fabrics. Instead, I opted to cut the most pieces from a strip that I could!

Blue log cabin block fabrics cut

Once I had the pieces cut, I arranged them so I could chain sew the pieces together. I've been working a lot of hours this past week so my stitching time has been limited. If I had a few minutes, I'd stitch a seam or two. Over the course of the week, I finished clue 1!

I arranged the blocks on the design wall. I liked what I saw. I'm always impressed with how a variety of scraps make such interesting quilts!

Instead of piecing clue number two next, I started cutting the fabrics for clue number three. I decided that I'd rather piece more log cabins than work on the star blocks.

While I haven't cut quite all the pieces that are needed for this step, I've cut enough to stitch a few blocks together to see how the blue blocks relate to the red blocks! I took advantage of a making a part of a Zoom sew day with my Mavens group on Monday to select leftover strips from Indigo Way that work for this project.

First sections ready to stitch

My friend, Rosanne, gave me some of her patriotic fabrics. I need to prewash it which may happen tomorrow. In the meantime, if I have a few minutes, I will stitch a few seams of the blue blocks. 

I plan to use some of Rosanne's gifted star prints in the star blocks. Rosanne also gifted me a panel so I've the start of at least two more Quilt of Valor projects! I do plan to make them and gift them. For now, I'm going to concentrate of finishing Indigo Way and finishing this top!

Linking to Carol at To Do Tuesday and Alycia at Finished or Not Friday.

Detour

The palette

When I checked my phone for messages after work on Friday, I learned one of the gals I've sewn with for years shared she was diagnosed with lung cancer. I was so sad. She is a vibrant woman who has followed her extended family through all their activities. She is one with it lady. 

Laying out the pieces

Another quilter organized a block drive. Of course, I joined in and contributed two blocks to the drive. My neighbor finished her blocks. She took them to the organizer yesterday. She consented to take my blocks with her which saved me a delivery trip. We hope that the finished quilt will bring comfort to our friend.

Oops too small

When I read through the directions, I noted that the size of the corner squares didn't match up to the size of the HSTs so I sized the pieces to the corner squares. My block came out too small. I went back to the e-mail because I figured I had read something in error. There was another e-mail which contained the corrections to the first e-mail.

Remade blocks are on the bottom

The corner squares should have measured to 3 1/2 rather than 2 1/2. I recut the fabric and started over. I do think the smaller blocks are great! I added them to my orphan pile. I was bummed because I had a 2 1/2 inch strip of fabric that had words that said you are loved just the way you are. I didn't have it in a 3 1/2 inch strip so I used a white on white fabric for the background instead.

The final layout

Gertie, would like me to keep making these blocks; but, I told her that we needed to get back to the "list." She immediately had me pull some fabric for the quilt I'm making which will be inspired by the book,  "The Women." Let's see what progress happens on that project.

Linking to Alycia at Finished or Not Friday, Frédérique at Patchwork and Quilting and Cynthia at Oh Scrap.

Guild Challenge Blocks--Working Via A Committee

 

One block

Goal number seven on my August list was to work on the challenge blocks. I didn't think that I would be able to share this project because generally the project is kept under wraps until it is revealed the month after the guild quilt show. 

Such a variety in the blocks

I decided that I could share the blocks and some of the progress that we made last Sunday when five committee members gathered to make a start on assembling the blocks into a quilt.

Instruments, treble clefs and piano keys

Guild members made these blocks for the block contest last year. The theme of the contest was music and the contest was titled "As Noted." 

An arrangement of notes

Participants were to make a block that represented music. If notes and/or words were used, the notes and words should be represented in black. Background fabric should be cream. Finished size of the block could be six inches by six inches, or nine inches by nine inches or six inches by twelve inches. Any other colors could be used. No hard embellishments, machine embroidery was okay.

Chopin made an appearance

More than sixty blocks were submitted. On one block, the maker wrote, "Swift Power." So even Taylor will be part of this quilt! Quilt show attendees voted on their favorite block.

The bird in this group was the contest winner

A few blocks contained words that were lyrics. The creativity of our members is always amazing. 

Some of the words in the blocks

Of course, the challenge was figuring out a way to put all of the blocks together into a quilt! When we met to determine the challenge, there was a consensus among the committee members to turn the blocks into a quilt that had a modern feel. Going in the modern direction would challenge all of us!

After the block contest, we had an e-mail conversation about possible setting options. When the committee members ran into one another, they had conversations about the blocks. I drew four thumbnail sketches and emailed the sketches to the group. The blocks provided the inspiration for my sketches.

More notes and piano key blocks

The finished quilt will become the guild opportunity quilt for the year 2025. A committee will be showing it a various events around our community and selling tickets. The proceeds of the  ticket sales will go to a charity that the membership selected via a vote.

Stitching strips

Last Sunday was the first time that I saw the blocks in person. The blocks shared in this blog are not all of the the blocks. Even with the partial representation here, it is easy to see the variations of the blocks! We chose to group blocks into sets of four. Were the parameters of the contest followed? Nope! Cream fabric wasn't used and the blocks are a variety of sizes. We plan to make it all work. . .somehow!

We spent about four hours determining a design, drawing a huge musical motif and stitching strip sets. The musical design we drew is planned for the center of the quilt.

Terry(me) sewing strip sets

One person ironed, two people sewed and two people cut strips and strip sub sets. With that many hands working, we made great progress.

Su at the pressing station

Sharron and Linda H. cut strips. They also pressed seams and fabric for cutting. 

Checking the strip sets

At our third hour of being together, we decided that we had enough strips cut and enough strip sets made and subcut so we could "see" if our design idea was going to work.

Linda H. auditioning strip sets and noting which
blocks were selected as quartets.

Next we laid out some of the sashing to audition our idea. We liked what we saw so Terry and Linda P  stitched the rows together.

Linda P with her first quadrant of blocks

While we embraced the improv technique, it still took us time to stitch a quadrant of four blocks together. With Linda H.'s help, Terry K pieced a quadrant too! Su shared it for the camera.

Su held up a second quadrant of blocks.

Terry took home the extra music fabric since she volunteered to piece a back for this projects. We all felt like we made great progress. Fingers crossed we have a successful sew day next week too! 

You've had a sneak peak at the blocks and met the committee members.  The members all have good ideas, take on tasks without being asked and are kind to each other. It's a pleasure to be part of the "play" for this project! Let's see if we are able to construct a modern quilt out of these blocks! Likely, you won't get more peaks; but, I will share the back when I get it pieced!