I'm sure you knew I was up to something. Several somethings in fact.
In September 2014, I began "consolidation" of the sewing room. A big word for a giant task.
These 4 QOV tops came from one bin of a project I grew weary of. It is now empty.
Do you recall this one, made about 7 years ago.
And this one, made about 8 years ago. Both came out of the 18 gallon bins holding quilt tops. There were 3 bins of tops, now I'm down to 2.
After seeing a lovely quilt on Alycia's blog, I borrowed the concept and came up with this. My big bin of 2-1/2" strips was too full and in total disarray. I pulled out every red, white, blue and patriotic fabric to create 6 QOV tops. Here you see 4.
The strips were cut 11-1/2" long, combined into a vertical unit of 28 pieces (7 red, 7 blue, and 14 light), then trimmed down to 10-1/2". Borders 5". Finished size about 50" x 66".
Roy would be proud.
And this week, I've consolidated the bins of 3-1/4" squares by making 4 tops. 12 squares across, 14 squares down, 5-1/2" borders. A nice size for wheelchair bound vets with a vast array of colors and patterns to help keep their mind off of bone pain.
Did you know that trimming up leftovers into one size helps tidy the stash and allows for impromptu sewing on rainy days. I've managed to get all remaining squares into one bin.
Cigar label fabric makes for wonderful borders.
All 16 quilt tops will be going out to Alycia along with some backing fabric I've unearthed. I'm proud to say this is a great way to consolidate.
To date, I've emptied THREE 18-gallon bins, TWENTY-FOUR 20 quart bins, SIX shoe box bins, ALL of the metal tins except 2, and more baggies than CARTER HAS LIVER PILLS.
To be fair, I did buy 2 clear 66 quart bins to re-group baggies so I can see what I need to work on.
Currently there are 3 tops pinned and ready to quilt, 11 tops with backings waiting to pin, 2 tops waiting for borders and about 10 tops waiting for backings. Many of these are doll size, wall size, or crib size.
Do you remember me mentioning I was afraid to count UFOs, that it would be too overwhelming. Well it's true. I've yet to count them all. But I did find one from 1974 so you know I'm years and years behind schedule.
This year there will be absolutely NO holiday baking or decorating at my house. I've made an executive decision and relieved myself of the responsibility, time allowance, stress, and expenditure.
In fact, I'm going to quilt.
Feel free to do the same.
Until then, keep stitchin' . . .
