Temperature Blocks 2025; Progressing--post three

Staging area

It's been more than a minute since I worked on these blocks. . .actually, my last post was in March! I made progress in June. Goal number two on my July list was to sew some blocks. This year with my monthly goal setting, I've tried to set achievable goals. My friend, Linda D., talks a lot about making "progress." I adopted her line. So instead of writing, I'm making a certain amount of blocks or getting to a certain point in a project, I write: make some, or make progress!

This change in focus has helped me be more successful and enjoy the process a bit more. When I worked on previous temperature quilts, I did try to stay current. I may have started slowly and I may have had a few months where I was behind. Eventually, I caught up.

Some house centers 

I'm planning that this year will be no different! Although, I MUST devote some time to this project. Last Friday, I pulled it out. Of course, I had to reacquaint myself with my process; but, I did move forward. 

I start with having the size of strips I need to make the block in a temperature range. I don't cut these strips until I need that particular temperature. Then I take the two
bundles as one is the low temperature range and the other is the high temperature range, to my sewing area.

I paper piece the center section of one block while I add the roof and background to another. In this way, I can chain piece blocks. When I finish a block, I add it to the row. 

The beginning of the third row

As I use a strip, I cut more so that my little "packets" are ready for use.I am using a painless foundation paper piecing technique which means I anchor the first piece of fabric to a paper foundation and then I fold the paper away as I stitch the seams. Using this technique means I don't have paper to remove when I'm finished with the block. Best yet, it means I can reuse the pattern! I found a similar You Tube video here.

In a sewing session, I fully pieced seven blocks and four centers. I have sewn enough blocks to piece together a couple rows. I had thought that I would insert a solid fabric between the rows; but, because the rows are so long, I would have to piece those too. I decided to take my time and match the intersections.

The first two rows sewn together

Moving forward, my plan is to spend some time one day a week on this project. Last month, I began with January 20 and ended with March 29. While I am still behind, I'm not as behind as I once was! I will need to devote more time to the project; but, I will figure that out along the way. 

July progress

I did use all of my background fabric for rainy and sunny days. I placed an order to replenish those fabrics along with a few others that are runny low. I purchase online from The Quilter's Trunk which is located in Liberty, Kentucky. They are a family owned and run business. My order arrived last week. 

I missed a couple Fridays to make progress on this project while I was waiting for the background fabric and then I needed to prewash it. I did stitch almost another row this row. I'm back at it now and more progress will be made!

Fabric Summary:

Fabric in this month: 20 3/4 yards   

Fabric in year to date: 58 3/4 yards

Fabric used from stash this month: 0 yards 

Fabric used from stash year to date: 83 yards

Net loss/gain this month: 20 3/4 yards

Net loss/gain year to date: -24.25 yards 

Linking to Oh Scrap