Different joining technique

 

While I've really been enjoying using the pot holder technique for my quilts, I decided to try something different for this quilt. This is from Easy Sashing – Quilt as You Go! by Nancy Roelfsema. After watching Nancy's YouTube video, I knew this could be a good method for me to use.

I only have one strip completed, but I think this could be my new go-to method of joining blocks. The quilt will be reversible. I consider the four-patch blocks to be the front of the quilt, with the red and white blocks on the back. I'm not sure about the dark green sashing. I'll be able to tell better once the quilt is finished. 

If I have time, I will bake another Christmas quilt with the same backing, red sashing, and blocks made from jelly roll strips.

For now, it's time to get ready for Tollway Tatters!

I did it again!

Last night I sat down in my chair, ready to write my blog post, when I became distracted by a book, New Techniques for Machine Quilting and Assembly – Block by Block by Beth Donaldson. The more I read about quilt-as-you-go techniques, the more fascinated I become!

The blocks for my Christmas quilt are all trimmed and ready to go. I've put a pin in the lower left hand corner of each block so that I can keep the layout that I chose. My joining strips are ready to go. I'm just waiting for my dark green thread to arrive so that I can get started. I really do miss being able to run to our JoAnn store for supplies. Hobby Lobby and Michael's have some of the things I like, but both stores fall short for my needs. I sure wish we lived closer to a wonderful fabric store!

It's been a while

I have simply forgotten to blog for almost a week. The end of the day comes, and I put up my feet and forget about everything! 

I have been busy working on my Christmas quilt. There are only four blocks left to quilt, something I should be able to finish tomorrow. I'm considering a different way of joining the blocks together. Watching YouTube videos sure opens up lots of possibilities!

My Gryffindor scarf is growing. It sure is nice to have something to work on that doesn't take a lot of brain power!

Feelin' productive

 

After some sorting and reorganizing of my craft corner, I managed to quilt a couple of more blocks. I now have five finished and one half finished. 

Mom had a doctor's appointment in the afternoon, so no more crafting was done until after dinner.

I recently ordered Harry Potter Self-Striping Scarf Yarn from Michigan Fine Yarns. The pattern is super simple, and I'm sure that my Harry-Potter-loving grandchildren will snap these right up. This color combo is Gryffindor, and the yarn is by Sirdar. It's the perfect project for knitting without thinking!

Good start

 

Yesterday morning I sorted the backing fabrics for my Christmas quilt. I was pleasantly surprised to see so much variety, with two pieces of each fabric. I have enough to back two Christmas throws!

I also quilted four of the blocks before heading off to school. My crafting corner is starting to look a bit messy, so I think I'll need to take some time today to sort everything out. I really do work better in a more organized space.

When I got home from school, I put together a meat pie for dinner. After that, I was done for the day. I looked at the knitting and tatting projects by my chair, and then I decided to read instead of picking up a project. Maybe I'll feel more motivated today!

Busy week

The week of the play is always busy, and this time was no exception.

I did manage to put together my four patch blocks for my Christmas quilt, but that was the extent of my crafting this week.

Wednesday, I helped out with dress rehearsal. Thursday, I had to take my sewing machine in for repairs. Friday, I had a lot to catch up on around the house.

Saturday and Sunday, the middle school students performed Disney's Descendants. They did a fantastic job, and I'm glad everything went well. Now, I can get back to a more normal routine!

Starting something new

 

Since I finished my patchwork jacket on Sunday, I felt free to start a new project... a Christmas quilt! I had purchased some fat quarters at Hobby Lobby a few weeks ago, so I decided to work with them. Unfortunately,  I only had enough to make 28 blocks. I need 30 blocks for the quilt I'd like to make. 

Luckily, I had some Christmas fabric upstairs just waiting to be used. So, tomorrow I will cut out the remaining squares I need for my project. It shouldn't take long. I only need to cut nine 5.5" squares. The square you see on top will not be used. I just pieced together some scraps. I'll use it for something, but not this quilt. 

Tomorrow will be a busy day. The middle school production of Descendants is this weekend. Daughter Carol asked if I would be willing to work with the boys in charge of the spotlights at practice tomorrow. It's nice to be needed, so I said yes!