All Together Now

It's a top,

 albeit a slightly wobbly one.

Some of the seams did not want to nest nicely.  I'll add a border of plain white and cross hatch quilt it with cotton batting, which will allow it to shrink well.

But first, I really must clean up the sewing area.

There's barely enough room for Dolly and her blankets.

Until then, keep stitchin'.

Side tracked

The sewing room must have been invaded by gremlins, as several quilt tops seem to be in progress simultaneously.

 

 The one and three-quarter inch strip bins were overflowing, which led to pulling 1930s colors.

 Cutting a length of 16 and one half inches, light and dark fabrics were sewn lengthwise

 Cut in half and sewn again.  Seams pressed in one direction.

 Then cut into 4 units.

 Initially lights and darks were matched willy nilly.  After the mains sections were laid out, specific units were sewn and placed so everything would balance.  Special attention was paid to the yellows.  They kept shouting louder and taking over.  Yellows and oranges can get pretty rowdy you know.

 

Each unit of 4 squares is pinned in place, not sewn as a 16-patch.  It's easier to sew a lengthwise section and assemble the horizontal rows, rather than try to match seams in a sewn block.

Temps here got down to 28 last night and we only had a very light dusting of snow yesterday.  The coming weather was announced far enough in advance that I was able to adjust my work hours and stay home for the day.  In this area of the country, it's just not smart to drive on snow and ice.

For our neighbors to the west where the temps are really dropping,  please be safe and check on your outside critters often.

Until then, keep stitchin'.

Does it count as a new project . . .

if I'm using old parts?

The total renovation of the sewing room has yielded some interesting finds.

2 baggies of 16 patch blocks intended for a project in 2000, several baggies of 1930s 4-patches, and a basket full of leftover white/muslin strips in varying widths.

After seeing the lovely quilt on Carol's blog, ideas started coalescing and a new quilt top was born.

I started starching and trimming last Thursday.  A marathon of sewing on Saturday and a few hours today should see all the parts prepped, ready to assemble.  This one will be queen size and a challenge to finish on my Bernina, but hope springs eternal.

I made a pastel quilt for myself around 1990 and have been wanting a new one ever since.  So thank you Carol for such wonderful inspiration.

Good news for all gardeners, Tractor Supply is now carrying organic seed potatoes, as well as organic garlic.   If you can dig out your vehicle, hurry in and get yours before they run out.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .