Setting on point

I think maybe this one will be on point. I haven't ever tried that layout before and I think I will try and see how I do. You never know if you don't try a new technique. This block is going slow. I do a couple a day. Unless I have several hours together it is a slow process for me. I guess maybe I am slowing down in my old age.

Trying to determine if I was sashing between the blocks. I can visualize it that way, but then what color do I use. Always a question as to the final look of the quilt and I don't have a clear vision at the moment. I maybe need to get to a quilt shop and look at the choices I have available. Then the half squares on the sides needs to be considered. Same fabric or a contrast. Lots to think about. Chris

Well I made it through the day

I had a quiet day yesterday. Yes Valentines Day. I turned 60 years old and I had a quiet day with my husband. In fact he left for a couple hours with a friend and I was totally alone. This very seldom happens. I did do a little sewing while he was gone and some cleaning.
Last night we watch three TV shows and we sat and watched them and the day was a good day to reflect over the last 60 years.
I have worked all kinds of jobs. Been several places and met many people, but I like quiet time also. I got up early and my first phone call of the morning was my granddaughter calling to wish me Happy Birthday. She called before she went to school.
An old friend came and brought me two chocolate roses on a stick and another called and wished me happy birthday.
As a child I never thought about being this age. I have outlived my Father by 11 years and yet I feel like I am about 102 physically, mentally I am still 30. It is just a number Right???? Chris

Monday tip

Out of necessity and laziness I found this tip to be very helpful. I am an early morning sewer as many of you are late night sewers. I needed a way to mark dark fabrics with a lighter line to be able to sew my lines for my flying geese sections. I thought what do I have. The pencil is to dark for these darker fabrics. I have chalk, but it some times rubs off while handling. So I rummaged around and found this. A white pencil from the kids colored pencil set. As you can see it leaves a clear line to stitch against. This is the stitching line and I wanted something that wouldn't bleed through. So many times pens even permanent pens will bleed through and then you see it from the front. This will wash out and doesn't bleed.

This particular one was from the Crayola brand pencils. The light yellow and also maybe a light blue would work. I always have pens, markers and colored pencils around for me and also the grandkids. So look around and see if you can find something in your possession to make things work for you when you are sewing and hate to quit to go to the store.

I am sure any brand pencils will work. The Dollar stores have so many different things that you can find a cheap set for next to nothing. Then if you want to doodle you have some colored pencils to work with. Chris

6 1/2 hours at the machne and cutting table

Well the blocks are getting worked on plus I am sorting and pitching anything that I can't use. I have thrown away about a 3 gallon basket worth of slivers of fabric pieces that are too small and threads. I am trying to use everything I can before I pitch it out. I worked so long at the machine my ribs started to hurt. Decided I had better get up and move. I keep thinking I will do one more and then it is three later.

I have been cutting for each block when it comes to the rounds after the 9 patches. I still have several 9 patches all pieced together and ready for the extra rounds.

If you can sew a 9 patch and then sew some flying geese you are set to make this block. The hard part for me is the way to press the seams after several rounds of stitching and all the tips from the flying geese seams.

I think I like the contrast on this one about the best. As I said I am cutting each block for the rounds as I pick it up. I have a better handle on the look of the block by doing one at a time.

While I am sorting I have found things I forgot I had and also some things I have been looking for. I opened a bin my Granddaughter had filled and I sat there almost in tears. The reason for the tears was I will be 105 years old before I get everything done. I would like to have the better share of this mess of scraps sewn before Christmas next year. Yes I am making Christmas quilts already for next year. Silly me. Chris

Few more done

I have had a few bad days and a few good days, but none real productive. We still don't have snow and we still have gray skies. Today part of the day was sun and so I did get into the sewing room and do something. These are slow going and they do take some concentration to get everything to match up properly. So I am getting tired and decided to quit for this evening. More tomorrow. I have several in different stages of being done. Maybe I can concentrate on getting the blocks completed before I cut out anymore.

The color of the pictures doesn't do them justice. I took the picture with an overhead light and it is yellow looking. They are brighter colors than what they appear.

I found one more I drug out into the living room after I took this picture. I want to make either a twin out of these blocks or a couch throw. Both about the same size.

I have been cutting scraps for ever and I received a box in the mail from another kind quilter yesterday. She offered to send the scraps to get them out of her way. I have drooled over them for the last 24 hours and not sure when I will cut into them. Soon I am sure. Thank you Wanda from http://www.exuberantcolor.blogspot.com/ . This was such a nice gesture and it helps her to get rid of the small pieces. I plan on paying forward and if I can send pieces to others I will in the future. Thank you Wanda ever so much. Chris

I want Spring

We have had such a different Winter. 40 plus degrees and no snow. Yes why would I complain. Well it has been dark and gloomy. The snow would help brighten the day. No I don't like shoveling and yet the dirty look of the streets and the brown grass is depressing. I ordered a new book. Well it is in it's second printing, but it is new to me. The www.connectingthreads.com website has all their books 40% off right now. Also all the Hobbs batting are 30% off. No I don't get paid or and I affiliated with them. I just like to pass on a good sale if I know of one.

Doesn't this look clean and remind you of Spring. Bright colors and white backgrounds always seems peaceful to me. My Mom and I talked about those days and the way things were so much simpler. Many times the only color in a bedroom was the covers on the beds. They had white sheets and white curtains. This makes a statement that reminds me of Spring. Where is it?? Chris

Not sure of my sanity

Have you ever questioned your own thoughts and actions?? Well I am sure questioning mine right now. I have stitched all these small 9 patch blocks and then make them into star blocks now they are becoming 9 patch-stars in a square. Yes seams and more seams. This is the last one I did and I need to get some more fabrics to cut out for the rest I have finished.

Sorting the color combos isn't something I am finding easy because of the centers and all the colors in them.

I think this will have to all be sashed with a grounding like fabric. It will have to frame them all so they pull together into a quilt. Pulling my hair out. TTYL. Chris