A Small Finish and New Project

     Just in time for the end of June I finished the patriotic tablerunner to go with some placemats. I love the eagle pattern by SewFresh Quilts. 

Like on the placemats I quilted by stitching in-the-ditch with the walking foot to outline and define. I used the wave stitch in the border.

     Saturday I participated in Gudrun's “Hey June” Quilt Along. Here are my first 4 completed blocks. 

 You can find the videos on her GE DesignsYouTube channel. 

The pattern is interesting and not too difficult, although I cut the first set the wrong direction on step 5.

     For both projects I was pleased to shop my stash which is the only quilt related goal on which I worked.

Stash fabric used or added the past week. 

                           Used: 7.75 yds      Added: 0 yds

So far this year - Used: 59.75 yds   Added: 0 yds

Stay healthy and enjoy some time sewing or quilting.

Summer Takes Priority

      Working on my goals has taken a backseat for now. Over the past week I have spent so much time on yard, flower beds and vegetable garden trying to get them in shape for the hottest part of summer. It has been worthwhile because they are looking great. I need to pick blueberries every few days.

     We have been eating turnips, cherry tomatoes, yellow squash and zucchini so far. There are many very large green Brandywine tomatoes that are developing so I'm looking forward to wonderful tomato sandwiches.

     When it gets too hot and I am exhausted, I don't usually have the energy to quilt. I did make 4 placemats as a housewarming gift for a niece. I shopped my stash, sewed strips, turned pillowcase style and did simple in the ditch quilting. I am tempted to stop here and say finished; however, I think they will look and last better with more quilting.

*Update*  I did go back and add more quilting.  I FMQ a different motif in each strip.

Stash fabric used or added the past week. Used: 4 yds Added: 0 yds

So far this year - Used: 52 yds Added: 5.5 yds

      This morning I will meet Joan to organize recently purchased fabric for backs and some gifted fabric for church quilt group. Our regular sew day will be Wednesday.  I also want to work on the eagle tablerunner.

Stay healthy and enjoy some time sewing or quilting.

Project Progress

     Lorna of Sew Fresh Quilts offered one of her patterns to each participant in the Hands2Help challenge this year. It is a wonderful gift which started me on a new project.  I chose her eagle block and have several ideas for using it. After a long morning of yard work, I relaxed and pieced 2 eagles. I reversed one to face the opposite direction. I plan to use them on a table runner. Haven't decided if I like them facing each other or away. What do you think?

      This month's Old School BOM designed by Kerry Goulder of Kid Giddy  is a special Economy block with a pocket in the center. The pattern is offered in 2 sizes. 

I can image this block being used for a Christmas countdown wall-hanging or quilt label with special contents. I love her block idea.

        A niece will be beginning her surgical internship at the end of next week. She has bought a house close to the hospital and I want to make a set of placemats as a housewarming gift. I better get busy with that.

I'm linking up with Finished (or Not) Friday. 

Stay healthy and enjoy some time sewing or quilting.

Goals Update

     The past several weeks I abandoned my goals for summer activities. Today I decided to take stock of where I am and what I really want to accomplish.  Using my large stash of fabric has been a major goal. When I totaled the yardage used this year, I am very pleased.

Stash fabric used or added the past week. 

                           Used:   3.25 yds    Added:  0 yds
So far this year - Used: 48. yds       Added: 5.5 yds

     Last night I added the final border on my “Home Is”. The large print had great colors to go with the center. When cut for borders it lost a lot of its beauty. All sides don't look the same but I am pleased.

Goals for this week-
1. Keep up with the garden and yard.
2. Start quilting charity quilt.
3. Piece some on UFO.

Stay healthy and enjoy some time sewing or quilting.

Small Finishes

      We have had several days of rain so it's not the best time to work in the yard; however, it's a good time to get some sewing done. I finished the quilting and binding on a set of 4 patriotic placemats. I simply stitched in the ditch. I hope to make a matching table runner. 

    Then I pulled out an old class sample from about 12 years ago that has patriotic strings and finished it for a small table mat. The quilting is mostly FM. It is not my best quilting, but it is good enough for its purpose. Best of all it is finished and useful.

    No rain during the day yesterday so got out in the yard a bit. I had started a package of coleus seeds and the babies needed potting. I have already given away or planted 30. Yesterday I potted 65. I did try to choose the most interesting leaf color patterns first. 

 There are still more.

I'm linking up for Whoop, Whoop Friday and Finished (or Not) Friday.  

Stay healthy and enjoy some time sewing or quilting.

June Grandma Camp

      This past week was Grandma Camp with my GDs; however, activities were limited by Mattie's broken leg. One fun day was spent baking and decorating sugar cookies. Lily and I did the baking. Mattie sat at the table to decorate. 

They practiced using numerous decorating tips and many colors of royal icing. The girls did a terrific job. They were not only pretty but also delicious.

     Another baking day Lily came up with a recipe she called S'more-nies. She saw a container of marshmallow cream in my pantry and the recipe developed. First she made a bottom crust of graham cracker crumbs. Next she mixed up a package of brownie mix and spread on top. This was baked for the brownie package time. After cooling from baking, she spread the marshmallow cream on top. Next she added crushed graham crackers on top and cut into squares. They were delicious. 

     There was time for some AG doll play and some rock painting. My sewing or quilting was not a priority and no goals were worked on.

Stay safe and healthy while you enjoy some summer fun or time sewing and quilting.