President Block

Fabric scraps selected for the block

I make an effort to stitch the President's block when it is released to the members. I belong to a couple of guilds that ask members to make a block for the president. As a past president, I was moved by the blocks that I received.

This block requirements were blue for the sky, a purple tone on tone that read like a solid for the bird wings, a contrasting tone on tone fabric for the bird body and black for the legs and beak. Did I exactly follow the fabric directions? No. . .but, what I chose will work. It will be a great quilt!

Finished block

The block instructions were lengthy. I imagine a lot of people will be challenged with the legs. I did like that there wasn't a set place to put them so every block will be different. I never did quite figure out the directions regarding the beak. I liked the block. It did come out to be exactly the measurement that was requested. 

One member, Tomme F. made a paper pieced pattern. The paper pieced pattern is much easier to understand and the results will be more consistent. The paper pieced pattern is one that I might want to make more birds. . .someday! Goal number ten on my June list was to document making this block. 

Linking to Alycia at Finished or Not Friday, and Frédérique at Patchwork and Quilts.

Baking More Sourdough with A Scrappy Chain Bliock --post 2

My last sourdough post was November 2024. While I've baked some waffles and pancakes since that post, I haven't made any other recipes from the "Artisan Sourdough Made Simple" by Emilie Raffa. The lack of baking was partly due to my knee recovery, partly due to not needing to eat those calories and partly because I wasn't motivated to bake! 

Rustic Pumpernickel

At the end of January, I pulled out my cookbook and settled on the Rustic Pumpernickel bread. My pantry didn't have fennel seeds. I used anise seeds instead. The bread was delicious. I really liked the flavor and aroma the anise seeds gave the bread. Eaten warm, the texture was  coarse; but, I liked the chewy crust. I remarked that it would be delicious toasted and topped with goat cheese.  I ate it the next day, toasted and topped with goat cheese, it was delicious! I would make this recipe again.

Overnight Danish Rye 

At the beginning of February, I made a couple recipes. First, I baked a loaf of Overmight Danish Rye bread. This recipe contains sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, slivered almonds and flax seeds. It is a dense loaf. A slice is filling and delicious with goat cheese. Pickled onions, smoked salmon and cream cheese would also be great toppings for this bread.

Soft Share and Tear Rolls

Then, for Super Bowl Sunday, I made Soft Share and Tear Rolls. I was surprised at how light and airy these rolls were. As per the recipe, I used the dough hook on my mixer to knead the dough. Of all of the recipes that I have made from this cookbook, this was the first one that didn't require the dough to raise overnight. These were delicious with a little butter. I will definitely be baking these again!

Easy Bread Basket Rolls

When two of the granddaughters came to spend a little time with us during Spring Vacation, I baked Easy Bread Basket Rolls. They were easy and they were also delicious! They were even delicious the following day. I paired these with homemade chicken noodle soup. I made a double batch so that the granddaughters could take home some for their dinner. I will make these rolls again!

Roasted Garlic Sourdough Knots with Parmesean

With Easter approaching, I decided it was time to try another roll recipe. This time I baked xx rolls. What makes these rolls different is the way the rolls are shaped. You stretch the dough into a rectangle and then tie it in a knot. Think of the first step in tying your shoe. When the rolls come out of the oven, they are drizzled with butter and rolled in parsley and Parmesan cheese. I didn't have Pecorino cheese on hand so substituted Parmesan. These were delicious!

Toasted Sunflower

In May, I baked a loaf of Toasted Sunflower. It contained semolina, rye, whole wheat and bread flour. I got us use a proofing basket that my mom gave me for Christmas. It was a pretty loaf. I forgot to take a photo before I cut it. It was good and so filling!

Toasted Sesame Semolina

Also in May, I baked a loaf of Toasted Sesame Semolina, This time, I remembered to snap a photo before I cut into it! It was delicious! The sesame scent while it was baking was divine!

Make Ahead Stuffed Spinach and Artichoke Dip Bread

For Mother's Day, I baked the Make Ahead Stuffed Spinach and Artichoke Dip Bread. It was a little time consuming with steps to prepare the filling. It was good! Although, I could go with less cream cheese next time! We tried it warm and again at room temperature. We liked room temperature better. I didn't snap a photo of it whole as I forgot! It was a pretty braid and would be a good conversation starter at a potluck!

Layout of the block pieces

Now the second part of this post. . .after all, this is a quilting blog! Cynthia over at Quilting Is More Fun Than Housework posted her next block drive pattern which is a scrappy chain. I have patriotic fabrics and figured why not make a sample block because maybe later I can make another Quilt of Valor.

Two blocks stitched 

These strips all came from my scraps. Stitching one block went so quickly that I decided to stitch a second block; but in a blue color way. The scrappy chain blocks went together like a dream. I had no issue with getting it to the 12. 5 inch measurement when I finished the block.

Some tips that I have learned over the years. . .cut with the ruler line on the edge of the fabric not the line straddling the fabric edge ; sew with a thin thread. . .Aurifil for example. Pay attention to the 1/4 inch seam mark. I do a test before I start the block. I check my seams after each press. Yes, it is time consuming; but at the end I know that I will have the correct sized block.

I will be making more of these blocks. I look forward to seeing the variety of layouts that Cynthia, her crew and her readers will use. Making a block was goal number 12 on my June list.  Linking to Cynthia at Oh Scrap and Carol at To Do Tuesday!

Sweet Tooth--Clues 2, 3, 4, 5 and part of 6--post 2

Clue number two

On the last day of April,  I finally made progress on Clue number two! I watched the video that Bill and Weeks made regarding this clue three times! I cut the pieces for one of the seven blocks I needed to stitch. May 1, I stitched it. It wasn't as difficult to do as I had told myself! I marked the units and stopped at six blocks instead of seven. It wasn't until I was working on clue four that I realized my error. 

Revised recipe

Since I thought I had completed clue two, I felt like I was on a roll. I watched the video for clue three. I reviewed the written instructions. The first step was to audition additional fabrics which created a transparency. I played with the pieces, second guessed myself and played some more. At one point, I thought let me look to see what Bill and Weeks did. . while that was good thought, it didn't help because my recipes are different from their recipes! I did complete the step in spite of my trepidation.

Clue three blocks

I spent parts of three days stitching the blocks. Stitching the blocks for clue three wasn't hard; but, I forgot to pay attention to the end size of the blocks.The day after I finishing the clue, I measured the blocks. I needed to amend two of the plaid like blocks and two of the rail fence blocks. Whew!

Part one of clue four blocks

Stitching accurate blocks is important because in the last mystery, we cut the blocks apart. In clue four, we cut the blocks from clue two! I was one block short. I cut it out and stitched it. Then I cut it apart and made the final blocks for part one of clue four. I'm happy with the transparency that I achieved.

Part two of clue four blocks

The second part of the clue four was to create more blocks cutting up the blocks I had made in clue three. I mostly achieved transparency. 

Part one of clue five blocks

I restitched part one of clue five several times as I was challenged getting close to the end size of the blocks. I hope that these will work into the final design. These were made cutting up clue four blocks.

Part two of clue five blocks

The second part of clue five blocks was to cut apart the blocks from clue one and to sew them back together. 

Part one of clue six

The first part of clue six was to cut part the blocks of clue six and sew those back together. Finally, I had sewn all the blocks. I put them on the design wall and will play around with the various options to find the layout that pleases my eye. 

Making progress on this mystery was goal number seven on my May list. Linking up with Carol at To Do Tuesday and Frédérique at Patchwork and Quilts!

Patriotic Block

Some of the fabric selection

Goal number seven on my January list was to sew a patriotic block for the Clark County Quilters guild show in March. This year, the block contest is to make a 12 and half inch block patriotic block using red, white and blue fabrics on a light neutral background. A Quilt of Valor group will make the blocks into quilts for veterans.

Pattern pieces

I chose an Entwined Star pattern by Wendy Russell that I saw on Pinterest. I cut out the pieces and while piecing them together, I decided that the two red fabrics were too close in value so I replaced one of the reds with a bright blue fabric. Initially, I planned to use it; but, thought the two reds would be okay. Gertie, my inner squirrel, wanted to use the bright blue fabric all along. She was right and she delighted in telling me so as I cut into the bright blue scraps!

Finished block

I like how it turned out. It is an interesting block to make. For once, I didn't make any stitching mistakes. The block went together easily and measured 12 and a half inches. Gertie, my inner squirrel, thought I should make a second block. She reasoned that I had already cut one of the fabrics and a quarter of the background fabrics. I acquiesced. 

Finished second block

Now, I need to mail the blocks to the chairperson who is collecting the blocks! Linking to Alycia at Finished or Not Friday!

Love Makes A Family -- post 1

Multicolored scrap bits

Our book club is reading, "Before We Were Yours" by Lisa Wingate. I knew I wanted to include the word, Love, in my project. I also knew that I wanted to incorporate the leftover multicolored scrap bits from the opportunity quilt that I will share in April or May.

In the book, Rill, a young girl, tries to hold her family together; but, they are all taken to the Tennessee Children's Home Society to be adopted. Georgia Tann operated the home. She single handed corrupted the adoption system. My heart wrenched at the crap the kids endured.

A couple other books that are related to the subject matter follow "The Baby Thief" by Barbara Bisantz Raymond is the untold story of Georgia Tann. "Before and After" by Judy Christie and Lisa Wingate provides real life stories of children who lived in the Children's Home.

The scrap bits represent the chaos Rill encountered. I knew I wanted at least the word "Love" in the project. Saturday, I listened to Bill Kerr and Weeks Ringle share their knowledge in My Word a mini quilt along. 

One of the words

Bill is a college professor who is a graphic design specialist. He teaches a class in typography. He also calls himself a nerd when it comes to typography. 

He developed a unicase alphabet meaning some letters are upper case while others resemble lower case; but, the letters fit well together. The lecture that you can listen to in the link was so interesting. There is a part two as well; but, I've only linked to the first part of the quilt along. In part two, Bill and Weeks answer questions.

The quilt along was free. All Bill and Weeks asked was for those who participated to purchase the pattern and to use the alphabet according to the pattern. I had a blast making the letters. Then, my little squirrel, Gertie, decided I needed to make a phrase. 

Auditioning background fabrics

Once I had constructed the phrase, I decided I needed to pick a background color. I tried a variety of fabrics before settling on a red fabric leftover from Indigo Way. A yellow was a close second. I may incorporate a few yellow strips to signify the courage and bravery that Rill exhibited.

The background or field fabric of the words is a light purple and the works are eggplant purple. I don't want to use those colors anywhere else in the project. I also don't want to use white or black because Tann was a master at treading in the gray areas of the law.

In the end, I pieced the phrase, "Love Makes A Family." Rill experienced love from her mom and dad as weak as from her adoptive family. Of course, she loved her sisters and brother.

Progress after piecing the phrase

I played around with different configurations of the words before settling on three lines. My next step will be to decide the size of the project. At that point, I will remove all the extra bits leaving the words. 

I will employ Irene Rodrick's technique of dancing with the wall which means placing a piece on the wall before stepping back to see if it "fits." Once it "fits," I leave it and work on another area. I'll be working in an "improv" format.

While I had planned to work on this project again this week, I might not get back to it until next month. Goal number three on my January list was to participate in the quilt along. Goal number six was to work on the project for the book, "Before We Were Yours," by Lisa Wingate. I have a good start!

Linking to Alycia at Finished or Not Friday.

Transparency Quilting(post 5)/Another Detour/Quilt of Valor (post 2)

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.

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.

A Sunflower Block and Greeting Cards

Last week, I made a four inch sunflower block for the outgoing President of the Mt. Hood guild. February is the last meeting of her year. In addition to quilting and longarming as a business, she is a gardener who loves sunflowers. The directions were to use a yellow fabric with a dark center with white to separate the petals.

Four inch Sunflower block

I mailed it to the guild and heard Monday that it had arrived and would be delivered to the President at the February meeting. While stitching it, I wondered if it would make a good block to stitch when I have little bits laying about. . .hm m m . . . .Gertie, my inner squirrel thinks it is a grand idea and wants to make a plan. I am not sure! Making the block was goal number 15 on my January list.

Making a Valentine card

Sunday, my friend Theresa and I went to a greeting card make and take session.  Lorie, who was my supervisor before she retired from nursing at the hospital, started this group to stay in touch with co-workers. There are people who have retired as well as some who are still working. 

Valentine card

We play from 11am to 2pm one Sunday a month for about seven months of the year. I haven't gone since before COVID; but decided to give it a whirl in December. It was a fun activity to share with my friend Theresa. 

Sentiment inside of Valentine card

Lorie brings supplies and samples for at least three cards. There can be 15-20 ladies in attendance and there is ALWAYS laughter and conversation. It is a great way to catch up. The fee to make a card is two dollars. I like to have a few cards on hand to send to special people throughout the year. 

Birthday and thank you card--inside was blank

The last two months, Lorie has also brought a small box of leftovers and challenged Theresa and I to make a couple cards from the scraps. I'll admit, I do have fun playing with the scraps! 

Cards made from scraps

Next time I'm participating, I'll try to remember to take more photos of the process. I only managed one this time. I was too busy playing!

Inside of one scrap card

Going to the get together and making cards was goal number 16 on my January list. It was nice to catch up with my friend Theresa and it is always good to get in a visit with Lorie. 

Inside of second scrap card

"As Noted" Contest Block

The parts cut and ready for stitching

This year, I joined with four other ladies from the Clark County Quilt Guild to come up with the parameters of the annual block contest. It's been a fun experience. I've enjoyed working in a group setting.

We discussed themes, colors and block size. We contemplated what style we hope to use to turn the blocks we receive into a quilt. People will be able to purchase tickets or chances to win it. The ticket proceeds will support a charitable organization that our members will choose.

We named the contest, "As Noted." We hope that words, music, notes, instruments will come to mind for the block makers.The basic rules are to use a cream background. Use a true black for words and notes and another colors you would like. Block finished sizes that will be accepted are 6 x 9; 9 x 9 and 6 x 12 inches.

It's helpful to have a few blocks as "seed stock" for members to see while they think of what block that they will make. Over the weekend, I made a simple block. I'm noodling another block that contains words and some color.

Members can make multiple blocks and the blocks are due early enough so that the blocks can be hung at the guild quilt show in April. The show attendees vote on their favorite block. The top three winning blocks receive a ribbon and a small monetary prize. I hope we receive a lot of blocks!

This block was free from Kelli Fanning Quilt Designs. Hers finished to eight inches. I added a little sashing so my block will finish to nine inches. I used a cream grunge and I like the texture of the background against the black of the note.

While I did purchase the background, the note fabric was a scrap of "Black Magic" which is my favorite black fabric. It didn't take long to make the block. It's in the mail to the leader of our group to share at the upcoming guild meetings.

Goal number seven on my October list was to make a block for the challenge. I've completed that goal! Wahoo!