Another reading day

 

Today was uncomfortably hot and humid with absolutely no breeze until late afternoon. 

Dave and I spent the morning getting my sewing machine tuned up. With lots of road construction going on, it took us over an hour to get to the quilt shop. Luckily, they were able to service my machine while we waited. It turns out that the piece I broke was unnecessary. It was some sort of brake to keep the bobbin from spinning when I stop stitching. The man who was working on the machines told me that I would never sew fast enough to make that brake spring necessary, so I didn't need to buy a new part!

I did put my sewing area back together after lunch, but I had no ambition to do any crafting. Instead, I sat and read the rest of How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin. I thoroughly enjoyed this murder mystery, and I'm ready to start her next book.

My sister is coming down to visit tomorrow. It's supposed to be another hot and humid day, so I'm pretty sure we will simply enjoy each other's company!

Ornamental

 

This is the pattern I messed up the other day. It looks so much better in tatting thread! The pattern is "Ornamental" from Four Dozen Tatted Bookmarks by Robin Perfetti. The thread is size 20 Hakelgarn, hand-dyed "Harvest Moon" from LadyShuttleMaker.

I have the next set of blocks ready for joining. While sewing the binding on the last block, I managed to break a piece on my sewing machine. I called my not-so-local quilt shop (it's about an hour away) to find out when I could get it serviced. Dave and I will be taking my machine in tomorrow morning. I'm hoping they can replace the broken piece and tune my machine while we wait.

Since I only had one block to finish, I pulled out a back-up machine that I had planned to give grandson Nick. He asked me several months ago if I would teach him to sew. Naturally, I said yes. I immediately started searching for a machine for him. I found a used Bernina that fit the bill. Luckily, it came with a walking foot. So, I finished binding the last block this morning. The bonus is that I'm confident that I'm giving Nick a machine that runs smoothly and will hold up for years to come!

Another strip

 

Another strip of Joanne's patriotic quilt is finished. I thought I might get started on binding the blocks for the next strip today, but it didn't happen.

I almost finished a bookmark today, but I wound up throwing it out. I was working with perle cotton, which I really don't like for tatting. From the first ring, I knew I wouldn't be happy with the results. Near the end of the bookmark, I made a mistake. I thought I knew what I had done wrong, so I carefully untatted and "fixed" my mistake. However, it was still wrong. I saw that I had made a mistake four rings back. I started to untat again, and the perle cotton just shredded. Yes, I could have cut out the mistake and added new thread, but I disliked the look so much, I just threw the whole thing away.

Tomorrow, I will start the pattern again with thread I like!

Curds & Whey

 

Have you noticed that I've been finishing off each skein of hand-dyed thread with Mary Konior's Curds & Whey? That's because this is a simple one shuttle pattern that looks good no matter where I end it. I've even been saving small pattern repeats to use as embellishments. Where or when I use them has not been determined!

I wasn't really in the mood to sew yesterday. Another book has caught my interest, and I wanted to be lazy and have another reading day. However, I also have a strong desire to see how this quilt is going to turn out. So, I spent the better part of the afternoon binding the next set of blocks.

I've watched videos on yet another way of attaching the binding, but the finished look is different, so I won't be experimenting with this quilt. I do have an idea for my next quilt!

Reading day

 

Yesterday was a reading day, and I made the most of it! 

When we went book shopping the other day, I purchased The Violin Maker's Secret by Evie Woods. We all started reading our books when we returned home, and this one held my interest so well that I finished it yesterday.

I also did some mundane things like laundry, cooking, and baking. But... I had a day filled with reading!

Crescent

 

Today's project was "Crescent" from Four Dozen Tatted Bookmarks by Robin Perfetti. 

Joanne and family decided to stay an extra day, so we had fun shopping, grilling, and playing America-Opoly. Joanne won her first ever Monopoly game!

Too busy

I was too busy enjoying time with family on the 4th to post about my crafting activities. I was able to accomplish quite a bit while visiting.

I finished "Lattice" for Four Dozen Tatted Bookmarks by Robin Perfetti yesterday morning.

"Lattice Variation" was finished this morning. Both are in size 20 Hakelgarn, hand-dyed "Shades of Gray" from LadyShuttleMaker.

I also finished the third strip of Joanne's patriotic quilt. I will not finish the quilt before they leave tomorrow morning, so I'm working at an easier pace. 

We plan to take the kids book shopping this afternoon, so crafting is probably done for the day. However, we are going book shopping!

Squared up

 

I finished binding the squares for the third strip of Joanne's patriotic quilt, and that was about it for the day. There was lots of visiting, chatting on the front porch, grocery shopping, and playing games today. It was the perfect summer day!

Second strip

 

Optimistically, I approached my day thinking that I could complete two strips. Ha! I started at 8 in the morning, and finished at 8 tonight. Granted, there were other activities during that time frame... laundry, cooking, cleaning. Still, I really thought I could complete two strips.

My goals for tomorrow are more realistic. I now know that there is no way for me to finish this quilt before daughter Joanne and family head home, so I will take a more relaxed approach. I do better when I can alternate between two crafts, and I do have a bookmark that I'd like to finish.

We've had a great week crafting, playing games, and working around the house. I will miss Joanne, Jan, and their three kids when they head home. I am so grateful that they have taken the time to come visit us!

First strip

 

Today was a busy quilting day. I finished trimming all of the blocks by 8 a.m. After that, daughter Joanne decided on the arrangement for the quilt while I worked on cutting binding strips. Just our luck, I was short 16 strips. The fabric was a remnant, so I'm not sure I can find more of it.

After looking at red, white, and blue fabric, we settled on the navy blue. Joanne and I both like the look, and I was able to order more pre-cut strips that will arrive tomorrow.

In order to speed up the process, I machine stitched both sides of the binding. It doesn't look quite as nice as the hand finished binding, but there is a chance that I could finish this quilt before Joanne heads home. The first strip is done, and we are both pleased with the way it is looking. We will see what tomorrow brings!

Rail fence

 

I finished quilting and trimming the rail fence blocks for my next quilt. Tomorrow I will square up the single blocks, and then Joanne and I will decide on the layout.

We have already chosen the fabric for the binding, so I will probably cut that out tomorrow as well. This is so much fun!

Family time

Our youngest daughter Joanne and her family arrived Friday. They live in southern Georgia, and we live in northern Illinois, so it's a long journey. We had family cookouts Saturday and Sunday so that most everyone could spend some time visiting. Not everyone could make it, which is completely understandable!

Despite all the activity, I did get some craft time in. The last of "Granny Delicious" hand-dyed thread from LadyShuttleMaker is now a Curds & Whey bookmark (Tatting with Visual Patterns by Mary Konior). I had a little bit of thread left on three different shuttles. I"m pleased that I was able to join the threads so easily, and I like the way the color changes worked out.

As I started squaring up my pot holder blocks, I decided that I wanted more quilting on the rail fence pattern. It's taking quite a bit of time, but I think it's going to make the quilt look extra nice.

I added hanging tabs to my most recent pot holder quilt, and Joanne helped me hang it yesterday. It really does brighten up my sewing corner. Granddaughter Kara claimed the purple and yellow one that I took down. 

Three of my daughters and Joanne's three kids are headed to the beach today. I do have a bit of housework to take care of, but I"m hoping the also have some quality craft time!

Vineyard

 

Today's bookmark is "Vineyard" from Four Dozen Tatted Bookmarks by Robin Perfetti. This one took quite a while to tat, but it certainly was worth the time invested!

My stack of rail fence blocks is growing. I only have six left to finish. After that, I will trim all of my blocks and decide how I want to border them. 

Daughter Joanne and family arrive tomorrow. We talk almost every day, but since they live a two day drive away, we don't get to see them very often. I can hardly wait!

Wildflowers

 

My big accomplishment today was to tat "Wildflowers" from FourDozen Tatted Bookmarks by Robin Perfetti. The thread is size 20 Hakelgarn, hand-dyed "Granny Delicious" from LadyShuttleMaker.

I also managed to quilt six more blocks for my next pot holder quilt today. Crafting will probably slow down for the next week. Daughter Joanne and family will arrive on Friday for a week long visit, and I'm sure spending time with family will be my priority!

Whoo hoo!

 

I finished my pot holder quilt today! I made it as a wall hanging, but now I'm thinking of keeping it as a lap throw for myself. If I do decide to use it as a wall hanging, all I need to do is add some hanging strips at the top. Dave really likes it for a wall hanging. Decisions, decisions!

Inversion

 

I love this bookmark! The pattern is "Inversion" from Four Dozen Tatted Bookmarks by Robin Perfetti. I had to follow the instructions step-by-step, but it was well worth it for me. The thread is size 20 Hakelgarn, hand-dyed "Granny Delicious" from LadyShuttleMaker. I'm really glad I've decided to use my hand-dyed threads. What took me so long?

I now have four rail fence blocks quilted. I had hoped to finish six today, but I ran out of steam. I don't have a deadline, so there's really no rush.

I finished adding the fourth strip to my new wall hanging. I only have one strip left to add!

Curds & Whey

 

There was just enough of LadyShuttleMaker's "Autumn Medley" left to tat a Curds & Whey bookmark, pattern from Tatting with Visual Patterns by Mary Konior. On to the next color!

I finished quilting the last of my 10" squares for my new patriotic quilt. This afternoon I laid out the strips for the rail fence blocks. Once I have those finished, I will decide on the layout and the method of finishing the blocks.

It was a rainy afternoon here, and it looks like it will be rainy again tomorrow... perfect crafting weather!

Asymmetry

 

Today's bookmark is "Asymmetry" from Four Dozen Tatted Bookmarks by Robin Perfetti. This one took me all morning, about four hours. I feel like I get slower every time I pick up my shuttles!

This afternoon I worked on quilting five more blocks. I have five more to go, and then I will start working on my rail fence blocks. I have an idea for joining these blocks, which I will try out with some fabric left over from other projects. If my idea works, I'll be sure to share it!

Fern

As I thought, I really didn't have time for crafting yesterday. I thought I would have a lot more time today, but I didn't accomplish much!

I washed a couple of loads of laundry, took my daily walk, and went grocery shopping with Mom. This afternoon, I sat down with my tatting.

This is "Fern" from Four Dozen Tatted Bookmarks by Robin Perfetti. I'm still using LadyShuttleMaker's Autumn Medley. 

I hope to get some quilting time in tomorrow, and I'd like to tat another bookmark. We will see what tomorrow brings!

Traditional Clovers

 

Our day started out sunny, but we knew that rain was coming. So, I started my day with quilting five squares for my new pot holder quilt. We never did get thunderstorms, but I wasn't taking any chances. I never use my sewing machine during a thunderstorm.

After working on my quilt blocks, I worked on another bookmark. This is Traditional Clovers from Four Dozen Tatted Bookmarks by Robin Perfetti. I'm still using Autumn Medley by LadyShuttleMaker.

This afternoon I added another strip to my pot holder wall hanging. I have two rows to go.

Tomorrow, Dave and I have some shopping to do in the morning. Mom and I have haircuts in the afternoon. I'm guessing that means there won't be much time for crafting!

Frills

Today marks 19 years of blogging! I can hardly believe it. I started my blog on my 55th birthday, and today I turned 74.

I've never been one to keep a journal, so when I was encouraged by Sherry Pence aka LadyShuttleMaker to start a blog, I was hesitant. There have been some years when I've posted frequently, and some when I didn't post much at all.

I enjoy having people leave comments about my posts, but my main reason for maintaining my blog was to keep myself inspired to create and to keep a record of my works. I wish that I had posted more during the lean years!

I only worked on one project today, "Frills" from Four Dozen Tatted Bookmarks by Robin Perfetti. The thread is size 20 Hakelgarn, hand-dyed by LadyShuttleMaker, and the color is Autumn Medley.

It's been a while since I've tatted this pattern, and I thought I could fit one more pattern repeat and still have it fit the bookmark sleeve. However, I didn't want to take a chance and have part of the bookmark sticking out. I should have taken the chance!

Wedding weekend

We head a busy weekend with a family wedding. My brother came to stay with Mom. Dave and I left for the wedding on Friday and returned home Sunday. With all of the activity, there was no crafting!

Today I was able to get back to crafting, and I succeeded in reaching all of my goals. First I sewed two strips of my wall hanging together.

I emptied two shuttles in preparation for my next tatted bookmark. I often wonder if I'm wasting my time tatting up small bits of thread, but I keep on doing it!

I have ten squares quilted for my next pot holder quilt. This one will be another patriotic quilt. There will be 25 one block squares. I decided to do these blocks first since there's not much to do other than quilting. These blocks will alternate with rail fence blocks. 

I haven't decided which fabric I will use to bind the blocks. I think I will wait until all of the blocks are quilted. I'm excited to see how this one will turn out!

Curds & Whey

 

Another bookmark is finished! This is Curds & Whey from Tatting with Visual Patterns by Mary Konnor. I love this pattern!

Braid: Five Rings

 

Today was kind of a lazy day. I played around a little with quilt blocks, but nothing worth showing. This afternoon I decided to finish another bookmark, Braid: Five Rings form Four Dozen Tatted Bookmarks by Robin Perfetti. 

I don't think I have enough "Patriotic" left for the next bookmark in Robin's book, so I'll see how much I can tat of Mary Konior's "Curds & Whey" from Tatting with Visual Patterns. Crafting will probably be on hold with a family wedding this weekend. That's okay. I'm looking forward to a change of pace!

The final strip

I finished the final strip for my wall hanging today. The next step is to sew the strips together. That probably won't happen until after the weekend.

Today, I took the plunge and cleaned out my closet. It's not finished. I need Dave's help in getting down the items on the top shelf, and we need to go through his clothes. Still, going through my things was a major accomplishment, and the closet is much cleaner!

One more strip

 

I finished the next strip for my wall hanging today. There are two more strips that I hope to finish tomorrow.

Today, Dave took me to a quilt shop in Morris, IL, about an hour west of us. I didn't need a thing, but I did find a few fabrics that called to me. 

We're expecting hot and humid conditions tomorrow, so I don't expect to be outside much. I do have to get a few things done in preparation for a family wedding this weekend. Luckily, they don't require going out into the heat!

Two rows

 

Today I sewed two strips of quilt blocks together for my wall hanging. I have three more strips to complete, and then I can sew the strips together.

I'm eager to see how this turns out!

Braid: Four Ring, no decorative picots

 

Today I tatted another Braid: Four Rings from Four Dozen Tatted Bookmarks by Robin Perfetti. This one was tatted without the decorative picots. Again, the thread is size 20 Hakelgarn, hand-dyed thread from LadyShuttleMaker, "Patriotic".

I finally finished the final quilt block for my wall hanging project.

I just finished it a few minutes ago. Tomorrow I will decide on the layout and begin sewing the blocks together. By the end of the week, I should have a new wall hanging!

Braid: Four Rings

 

Another day seemed to get away from me, but I did manage to finish another bookmark in size 20 Hakelgarn, "Patriotic", from LadyShuttleMaker.

The pattern is Braid: Four Rings from Four Dozen Tatted Bookmarks by Robin Perfetti. Let's see what tomorrow brings!

Not as planned

Yesterday did not go as I had planned it. I did not touch my sewing machine, so my quilt block did not get made. It probably won't get made today, either. It's a good thing I'm not on a deadline!

I did finally finish my bookmark this morning. The pattern is Braid: Three Rings on page 28 of Four Dozen Tatted Bookmarks by Robin Perfetti.

The thread is size 20 Hakelgarn "Patriotic", hand-dyed by LadyShuttleMaker. I have a 50 yd. skein of this thread, so I know I will be able to tat at least four bookmarks, possibly 5, from this color way.

Today will be a busy one. Mom has a doctor appointment this morning. I have a retired teachers' lunch at noon, a graduation party from 5-9 p.m., and a jewelry party from 5-9. Depending on how my day goes, I may have to opt out of one or both of the parties. Life seems to get very busy once school is out for the summer!

One done, one to go!

 

I didn't spend much time crafting today, but I did manage to finish one more quilt block.

I only need one more for my project, and I plan on finishing that tomorrow morning. After that, I will decide on the layout, and then I can begin joining blocks.

I did start another bookmark today, but I didn't get very far.

So, what did I do with my day? I did a lot of walking and enjoying the beautiful weather. I bought a gently used sewing machine so that I can give sewing lessons to local kids. 

The best part of the day was preparing dinner with my brother. David tried a new recipe for ribs, and I made roasted potatoes, carrots, and onions. Dinner was delicious!