Studio Time

Anytime I'm away from the studio for a period of time, my brain does a lot of background pondering for projects/fabric pulls that are waiting for a clear sign to move forward.

Such is the case with these long-time leftover green rectangles.

Ultimately I decided to go very scrappy with both the greens and the neutrals using this approach.

Here you can see my notes to myself along with the name I've chosen for this project.

I have yardage in the stash (KF Paisley Jungle in green) that I'll use for backing when the time comes.

This is how my design wall looks - three projects in various stages.

Macnas at the top left, six of the twelve over-size slabs needed for a set of two-sided Christmas placemats, and the current crop of blocks for Tree Farm.

These were the sorted squares for the second set of six slabs along with strips for binding which . . . 

. . .  are now sewn and ready for pressing. 

Next step will be to cut batting and get the six 'sandwiches' ready to quilt.  I really want to get these done so they can be used this month.

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I have to say it felt VERY good to spend some quality time in the studio this weekend.

Quiltdivajulie

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Little Man is loving this book . . .  and there's a new second book about Winston waiting on my shelf for next December 1.

Tree Farm Begins

As you can see from the photo above, I did make the first few blocks for Tree Farm (see label below the signature for previous posts on this project). The new 60 degree ruler makes cutting SO much better.

I'm guessing that the two blocks made with green plaid and pale (pale!) gray will be voted off the farm, but I need the rest of the blocks on the wall before I make any serious decisions.

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DH was down sick this past week (not COVID, not flu) and, unfortunately, it appears that those germs are now coming after me.  Which is to say it may be several days before I post again.

I did finish up the six placemats from the previous post - but due to our germs-in-the-house situation, the family dinner has been set aside until early December.

So please pull out those masks, wash your hands often, and enjoy a safe and healthy Thanksgiving week/weekend.

Quiltdivajulie

Moving Forward

The final four placemats for November are finally quilted and the binding is made for all six.

These are the reverse sides.  My goal is to have them ready to use on Sunday when we celebrate an early Thanksgiving with Little Man and family.

Raconteur's top and back have been rolled onto pool noodles and I've chosen the thread for quilting.

I still need to cut the batting and pin baste the layers but FMQ will happen in the very near future.

I also decided to forge ahead with this squirrel project instead of holding it for Christmas 2023.

A local friend made a quilt from the Woodland Wander design a few years ago and I really liked it.  So when I ran across the pattern online a few weeks back, I bought it.  

And then, despite my normal aversion to precuts, I indulged in a layer cake called Better Not Pout by Nancy Halvorsen - not a new design but a mix of seasonal colors I like a lot.  

To begin, I sorted the 42 squares into 21 pairs, substituting fabrics from the stash for two three of the layer cake pieces.  

I made a test block yesterday and decided I was NOT going to cut all those 60 degree angles using the line on my 6.5" x 12" ruler.  

My new 60 degree triangle ruler will be here Thursday which will greatly reduce the likelihood of errors as well as my stress level.  Quilting is supposed to be fun, after all (grin).

And I've named this Tree Farm.  You'll understand once you see the blocks on the design wall.

Quiltdivajulie

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"When asked if my cup is half-full or half-empty, my only response s that I am thankful I have a cup."

Sam Lefkowitz