Moving on to PLAN B for the 25-patch blocks.

The 25-patch blocks have a wide range of fabric going back, ummm . . .  37 years.

 For the alternate blocks, black/navy . . .

 Tone on tone . . .

 And some blue stripes were chosen.

 The tricky part was coming up with a block that measured 7-7/8th inches.

So I began with 4 light rectangles (2-1/2" x 4"), 4 light squares (2-1/2"), and 8 blue squares (2-1/4") folded in half diagonally.

 Sewing along the fold to create each star point, trimming, then assembling.

All the while, care is taken with careful placement of stripes in the background print.

 The center consists of one blue square (3") and 2 red/burgundy squares (3") cut in half.

 When assembled it's trimmed down to 4".  Then the star is put together.

Using the slightly wider light pieces allow space enough to trim down just a tad.  If I don't decide to make this top bigger, I'll stop at 71 squares.  So I'm more than half way there.

It's a slow process, as I'm starching fabrics as I go.

Meanwhile there's a pup who is slowly getting better at being in the AC room.  Dolly does not like being in a room with a closed door.  No doubt trauma from puppyhood before she was rescued, but she's getting better, especially if bribed with a chewy bone.  

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Sharing the heartache, sending prayers.

This morning, we woke up to yet another news headline of senseless tragedy and heartache of our neighbors across the pond.

202 wounded
52 of the wounded are in critical condition
25 of the wounded are on life support
84 dead
10 of those killed were children/teenagers

Please know that our hearts are crying along with yours.

San and Dolly

Breezy with a chance of chill.

This was our high today, yup 50.

A bit of rain, a bit of sun, and a bit of brrrr.

 Windows were shut, socks were worn, and the pellet stove came back on.

The only exciting thing going on in the sewing room is fabric prep.  See that big laundry basket?

Yup, all of that fabric needs to be starched, straightened and trimmed up.  Porch sewing requires kits.  All kinds . . . some for QOV, some for me, and maybe some for you.  Exciting ideas are percolating.

Wishing you all a very happy Mother's Day weekend from Dolly and I.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

This, that, and t'other . . .

 I wanted to share this newly finished top in better lighting

 and to show off the greening of the trees

not to mention all it's crinkley goodness!

 Friends gifted me their smaller greenhouse.  This weekend I'll start planting.

 Last year's cabbage plants have gone to seed.  It's time to trim them back.

 Look how fast pumpkin seeds grow, it's one reason I love planting them.

 Steady, almost daily mowing, required a make-do-for-the-moment compost bin.

 Oak pallets held together with sturdy twine.  Newspapers were placed underneath to prevent weed growth.

See how much green has burst forth in the last week.  We're all looking forward to the pollen abating. Achoo!

This wee pup would like to wish you all a restful weekend and of course to remind you Mother's Day is just around the corner.  Dolly has promised me a walk in the park, but asked if I wouldn't mind driving.

Until then, keep stitchin' .  . .

Do you believe in miracles?

Approximately 14 years ago this quilt was assembled.

 Then taken apart and reassembled.

 Then taken apart, reassembled and partially quilted.

 Then un-quilted and re-done with some quilting being un-done/re-done yet again before finishing.

Are you confused yet?  Me too.

The main culprit was a vaguely remembered gray-black fabric by Springmaid which came out around 1990.  It deteriorated after the first washing.

Since I mix my black fabrics on purpose in Amish quilts, there was no telling which fabric it was.  Thus the re-doing.  And doing . . .

But it's finished now and thank goodness for it.  I still love it after all these years.

Until then, keep stitchin'  . . .