Using Scraps

     I have not done much sewing or quilting the past 2 weeks mostly because of family activities and some shoulder pain. I am feeling better; however, so as not to stress my shoulder I am only doing some piecing. My bins of 3 ½“ strips and squares was overflowing so I decided to use some for a quilt. I remembered the perfect scrappy pattern.

     In 2016 I was fairly new to mystery quilts and Quilt Alongs when Carole of https://frommycarolinahome.com/ hosted her Scrap Dance Waltz Quilt Along. I made the quilt and loved it.

I gave that quilt away so decided to use the pattern again. You can find her pattern for sale on her blog. I pulled all the pieces from my 3 ½“ bins of squares and strips. I used the Easy Angle ruler to cut HTSs from strip sets and made all the block A HSTs.

Saturday I gathered all the units for 6 A blocks that will finish at 15”. Here is the first block sewn

and 5 more kits are ready and waiting.  That should be short work, then on to block B. 

Stash Report for 2025

       this past week - Used: 1.5 yds Added: 0 yds

So far this year - Used: 25.865 yds Added: 3 yds

Net decrease 22.865 yds

Have a great week and enjoy some time for quilting.

Mug Rugs and More

      My church quilt group has been asked to have a show of our quilts and other projects such as placemats and pocket prayer squares. The past Wednesday at the meeting I started sewing hanging sleeves on quilts for the show in March. Over the weekend I made 6 more hanging sleeves that we have to sew on. I made a sample mug rug to show the sandwiching process and binding in progress. We may give away a mug rug or two to someone who visits our display so I made another stack of 4 mug rugs to have on hand. 

      I usually finish them pillowcase style without binding as I do placemats. If you are not familiar here are the steps. 
1. piece the top 
2. layer batting, then backing right side up and next top right side down. 

 3. sew around the outside edge with 1/4” seam leaving an opening for turning. 
4. trim any excess batting and backing and turn right side out. 

5. Press neatly turning in opening, then top stitch 1/8” around edge to close. 

6. Finish with quilting. 

 I also add a tag for those not familiar with mug rugs.

I'm a Snack Mat  (aka mug rug)

I'm bigger than a coaster, smaller than a placemat.

Perfect for holding your cup plus a little snack on the side. 

Use me and don't be afraid to spill on me.  Just wash gently

in cold water, dry on low and I'll be good as new.  Enjoy!

    Church quilt group is making a memory quilt for a friend who lost her husband suddenly. Wednesday we sorted and deboned his shirts. I brought home some and cut out pieces for several quilt blocks that I plan to piece before our next meeting.

     I pieced a simple placemat top so another member could learn how to sandwich and finish it pillowcase style. Here is her first finish.

     My younger GD wants to decorate her new bedroom for each holiday. I made a couple of pillowcases for St. Patrick's Day.

      Stash Report for 2025

this past week - Used: 3.115 yds Added: 2.66 yds

So far this year - Used: 24.365 yds Added: 3 yds

Net decrease 21.365 yds

Have a great week and enjoy some time for quilting.

Another Finish

      With the unusual winter weather in South Carolina I was stuck inside a couple of days. The ice and snow made for a great time to work on quilt projects. I sandwiched 3 quilts and finished the quilting on one. This was the free BOM in 2022 for A Quilting Life. 

 They offer one each year and you can find out about this year's BOM here.

    I also made a special pillowcase for a friend's birthday and then I made 8 mug rugs for gifts.

Stash Report for 2025

this past week - Used: 11.25 yds Added: 0 yds

So far this year - Used: 21.25 yds Added: 3 yds

Net decrease 18.25 yds

Have a great week and enjoy some time for quilting.