FIRST FINISH OF THE YEAR! (But it's not finished!)

I had some time yesterday to get my first finish of the year but fell short of hand stitching the binding down.  This small quilt wall handing has been pieced for over a year and a half but I have procrastinated because I am afraid of failure.  The quilting is something that I have not had much experience with.  This is about to change.  I decided to try mock hand quilting on my machine.  You probably have tried it before.  You use a regular thread in the bobbin and an invisible thread on the top.  My Janome machine suggests using a stitch called a "sculpture stitch" (#171) and adjusting the tension to a #6.  What happens is the invisible top thread pulls the regular bobbin thread to the top in a fashion that when stitched you find it looks a lot like hand quilting.  I have done it before, but not in a long time and on a very small quilt that was a panel.  The mail problem I had was moving over thick seams of piecing.  I found that sewing very slow is very necessary.

 I layered my backing, batting and quilt top after pressing all until smooth and straight.  Make sure you have no puckers anywhere and pin all together.  The batting and backing will be trimmed after the quilting is complete and the excess backing will be used as the binding.

 I then began my marking.  I used a chalk marker and, of course, a straight edge ruler.

 I used the simplest method quilting lines which was diagonal through the blocks, both directions.  I only marked a line or two at a time as the chalk brushes away easily.  Choose the color of invisible thread that you think will be the most invisible on your quilt.  Funny, but I have a real problem with this thread because it is so invisible.

 Here is a pic of after I marked a few lines of quilting.  I did rub some of it off and had to do it again so you can benefit from my mistakes!  Yay!!

 As you begin to quilt you will start to think it is puckering and will never ever be right again!  But think again.  When all is done, if you have quilting similarly all over the quilt, it will be straight again.  I promise.

 I think you can see in this pic that the top and bottom look good but the middle looks puckered.  That is because it has not been quilted.  Take your blessings where you can fine them!

 In this picture, I hope you can see the hand quilted look.

 I actually began working on the binding before I finished the center quilting because I stipple quilted the middle.  I was anxious to see if my idea of bringing the backing around for a binding was going to work.  I folded the backing out of harms way and trimmed the batting to 1/2 inch all the way around.  I then trimmed the backing 1 1/2 inches all the way around.  I them folded the edge of the backing to the edge of the finding and then folded the backing one more time and pinned it in place.

The corner will need to be worked with before you can fold the next side.  After the first fold, you will need to fold back the edge into a triangle sort of.  This makes that edge disappear.

 Press all really good even using a little Magic Sizing or starch.  Fold down and continue pinning.

This pic was taken before I pressed really well---my bad!!

 Here is the semi-finished quilt, ready for binding to be hand stitched.  You would not believe all my computer woes lately.  I got a new Microsoft Surface Book for Christmas, but it is so different from any I have ever had, it is taking me awhile to figure it all out.  This posted before I was finished yesterday so many of you think, "Well, she just cut it off right at the end!  Sorry!  and anther day last week I was trying to post from my phone and a blank posted.  Many of you tried to "read" something and "nothing" was there.  Again, "So Sorry".

Back soon`--  I have a couple BLOCKS OF THE MONTH going that I want to show you.

HAPPY FEBRUARY!

Oh Holy Night quilt is Finally a REAL Finish (Plus a BOM)

In my previous post I had finished my first finish for the year 2018, all except hand stitching the wrap around binding down.  It is now completely finished and I could not be more excited.  For the past few years I have been helping my husband, referred to here, affectionately, as Pops because that is what our grandchildren call him fight cancer.  He is in remission now, but still has to go to Dallas every two weeks for an infusion of Cetuximab as a maintenance.  He is not eligible for a maintenance pill that is available because our insurance won't pay for it. Medicare will pay for it but Pops will not be eligible for Medicare for 2 more years.  I am thankful that he is cancer free and able to work around the ranch.  He doesn't really ever stop during the day.  It's really amazing and I give My LORD all the credit for it.  His blessings are abundant and awesome around here!

If your interested in the previous post on Mock Hand Quilting, click HERE.

A friend gave me this pattern after she had made the quilt.  It is so precious and the message such a joyful one to me that I decided to make it.  I decided to make it as a Block of the Month.  To give myself some slack and a challenge of making one block per month so that I give myself some time to enjoy each block and also possibly another project too.

It has all the elements of a quilt that I love.  Pieced background, applique, and embroidery.  I still have not decided whether the embroidery will be hand or machine.  Right now I am thinking hand so I will have some handwork to do while I watch TV with Pops in the evening.  My first block is ready to start the embroidery.  I always struggle with fabric choices, trying several and more to make sure the best is chosen.

                                              
This is the second block (my February block), straight from the pattern book.  A precious angel block.  God sends these special creatures to take care of us.  Although we have no idea what they look like, I like to imagine.  I'm sure that spirit-beings are invisible unless they need to be seen, in which case they look like you and me.  Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?  Hebrews 1:14
"Do  not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it."  Hebrews 13:2  
"Beware that you don't look down on any of these little ones.  For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my Heavenly Father."  Matthew 18:10
"For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." Psalms 9:11

 This is my method for auditioning fabrics.  I fold them in shapes similar to the size of the cut piece and place them in a similar fashion as the block will be, being careful to hide most of the fabrics that will only include a small piece.  This way no fabric is overwhelming.

 This is the block with my fabric choices.  I did change one or two from the originals of the previous pic, the wings and the hearts.

I decided I didn't like my angels hair choice.  It seemed harsh to me so I tried this one.  It seemed a little light, but am thinking after the embroidery is done it might be best.  Each piece will be outlined with a black blanket stitch.  What do you think?  Which would be your choice?  Or possibly a fabric in between the two.  I'M TAKING VOTES.  PLEASE COMMENT WITH YOUR CHOICE, BLOCK 1 (darker) OR 2 (lighter)or somewhere in between will be 3.  I will send a couple of fat quarters to the winner.  The winner will be chosen by a drawing of names of the commenters.

Have a blessed week!

Molly

MOM'S TREASURE BOX

Among my mother's sewing/quilting closet, the above treasure box was found. Nothing but an old cigar box, but inside were items that she and I consider treasures.

On top, a few magazine clippings that she considered worthy to keep. Sayings and poems and information she might need at a later date.

I think that probably these were the original inhabitants of the treasure box. There is one finished project and two more unfinished quilted sachets. The tops are tiny pieced treasures and are quilted. The backs are included in the box. You can see the finished one has an eyelet edge and tucked inside is a sweet smelling sachet. This item is complete with a ribbon hanger.
The next item is a small zippered bag. This is similar to the "Kimmie" bag that I believe is still a pattern that is available. I have no idea where Mom got the idea for this bag. I would guess a magazine. She owned lots more magazines than books. Quilters Newsletter was her favorite.

The last three items are sewing caddies that drape around the sewers neck. The pin-keep, notion holder is made from the Cathedral Window quilt pattern. The small square is a pouch that opens and closes with hook and loop tape. Inside you might keep your threads or buttons. Your pins could be kept on the outside and on the end of the ribbon that goes around your neck a piece of hook and loop goes through the handle of your scissors so that they are kept close to you and never lost.

Below are the copies of magazine clippings found in the treasure box. I have provided the contents below each one to make it easier to read. Mother was all about "Murphy's Law". She knew that was ALWAYS what happened when thinks went wrong.

1. Pinking shears get dull just looking at them.

2. Gathering threads always break in the middle.

3. Facings tend to be sewn to the "wrong side" (opposite sides attract).

4. This mistake will not be discovered until your seams are trimmed, graded, and clipped.

5. Fusible interfacings usually fuse to the iron.

6. If you need "n" buttons, you will find "n minus one" in your button box.

7. The seam you meant to rip out is invariable the other one.

8. Your lost needle will be found by your brother-in-law...while walking around barefoot.

9. The scissor cuts easiest past the buttonhole.

10. The iron never scorches a garment until its final pressing.

If all else fails . . . blame "Murphy"!

This is a question posted and the editor's answer to ---Karen Smith, or Cedar Grove, N. J.

IF RED, YELLOW AND BLUE ARE PRIMARY COLORS AND CAN'T BE MADE BY ANY OTHER COLORS, THEN HOW ARE THEY OBTAINED?

(answer)--Let me briefly straighten out the subject, because your question contains some common errors. There are two kinds of primaries: "additives" and "subtractives." The additive primaries are blue, green and red. Adding lights of these colors can produce nearly every color in the visual spectrum, and the three mixed together produce white light. The subtractive primaries are cyan (blue-green), magenta (purplish-red) and yellow. Subtracting part of the spectrum from white light produces a range of colors; the three together make black.

If that weren't enough to ruin your day, both blue and red can be made with subtractive primaries, and yellow can be made with additive primaries.

I don't know why this was Kept by Mother. I guess the scientist in her came out!!

OK you all know the poet in me and now you know where I got it. Mother loved poetry. I have some poems she wrote and will post them at some point in time, but today this one she liked enough to save. It is cute and applies to us all, I am sure. I know it does to me.

MANY STARTS, MINI FINISHES

by Bee Neeley Kuckelman

There once was quilter named Min.

Whatever she'd see, she'd begin.

A large quilt, a small quilt,

A doll quilt, a wall quilt.

"I'll finish these later, " said Min.

"Now what shall I start on today?

I guess it will be applique.

Some birds in a group,

I'll frame with a hoop.

Today, though, I'll put them away.

"I think I will make a new vest,

In Silk, or would cotton be best--

Trapunto I'll do, Then Sunbonnet Sue!

But now I will give them a rest.

"A tote bag I've wanted to sew,

And then I'll try quilt-as-you-go.

A Radiant Star

For next year's bazaar--

Just when they'll be done, I don't know.

"For Christmas I've projects galore-

A tree skirt, a wreath for the door.

I'll make a soft box,

And red quilted socks,

And what's not completed, I'll store."

"Is anything finished?" asked Son.

Her answer could only be "None."
So Min made a vow:

She would not allow

More new projects--well, maybe just one.

SUNBONNET SUNDAY WILL NOW BE LIMITED TO THE FIRST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH (UNLESS MANY PROTEST)

BLOGGING IN MY MIND DOES NOTHING FOR YOU!

HEY AGAIN, GUYS!!!

I've been blogging in my mind for weeks.  I know this does nothing for YOU, but hopefully it will be somewhat worth the wait.  I'm working daily to make progress on my challenge blocks.  Also working nightly to make progress on my hexies project.  My third commitment for this year is a quilt by Art to Heart called Be Attitudes.  I won't show you my progress on this quilt just yet.  Although I have blanket stitched 3 blocks (January, February, and March) and have till the end of the month to finish April.  I am contemplating changing April and going radical.  More to come on that.
My hexies are piling up!  About 85 so far and I'm still excited about them each day.  I never know how long the enthusiasm will last, ya know?   

I am finding less and less time to work in my sewing room.  Spring brings so many activities--from lawn and garden work to grandchildren soccer and baseball games.  I'm not complaining but do enjoy a good day when I have nothing to do buy turn on some music and get some sewing/quilting done.

Here is my newest group.  I have papers enough for 9 before I have to remove them and start a new group.  I remove the papers first, then spray them with Magic Sizing and then press with a hot iron.  The edges press out straight and smooth with sharp corners as you can see below.

I then press my papers flat and smooth ready to begin again.  The backs of my flowers don't have to be beautiful.  I cut my fabric pieces for each hexy big enough so that I never feel short of fabric as I am stitching.

Below is my latest group as they will look placed directly next to each other in a setting.  Who knows how I will decide to set them.  To get confused I just go to Pinterest and type in Hexies.  Oh my---such possibilities.  It's mind boggling how much inspiration I can find there.  So much that I find it impossible to get started doing something--anything because I might not be able to make up my mind.  So I sit and do nothing with them.  How silly is that.?
There are also so many different ways to make hexies that can be found on Pinterest.  I think there are as many ways to make them and put them together as there are people who are doing it and that is "oh so many".  There is only one perfect way--the perfect way for you--your way is your perfect way.

I'm moving on to my "Cakestand blocks".  Remember that I am involved in making 3 different challenge blocks.  Two from Buttermilk Basin and one that is just a challenge on my own -- Art to Heart "Be Attitudes" quilt.  One block per month until they are done.  I changed my mind I will show you these blocks for January, February, and March.  Stitched out but the hand embroidery is not done yet.

The Cakestand blocks are almost done through March.  I need Eighteen blocks to be caught up through April.  I now have 10 almost finished and several more cut out and ready to stitch.  They are so much fun to put together.  I think I love scrappy quilts because even if your making the same block, the different fabrics keep the process all fresh and new each time.  I find myself getting anxious just to see the finished product. ---then I just sit and admire it.

Flock of Geese blocks are 17 in number.  

Hopefully next time I can blog that I am caught up on all my challenges.  I want to be to the point that I am actually making one block per week as was the project suppose to progress.  I got started late and am in a constant state of "hurry up and catch up".

I hope there is something about this post that you enjoyed.  If there is some aspect of any of this that you would like to know more about, please leave it in the comment section.  I appreciate your stopping by and giving me a glance or a moment of your precious time.  I hope it was worth your stay.  If not, please let me know how I can be of service to you.  All the thoughts here are completely mine.  I give credit where credit is due if I am using someone's patterns but my own.

Let me close by saying that none of this would be possible if someone hadn't loved and died for me.  I have a Savior.  His name is Jesus Christ.  He is my LORD.  He rules my life.  He makes all things possible.  He blesses me in so many many ways--I can't possibly tell you about them all.  I can love because He first loved me.  He Lives and because He lives, I can find hope in also living again with Him someday.  

See, God has come to save me.  I will trust in Him and not be afraid.  The Lord God is my strength and my song; He has given me victory."  Isaiah 12:2

For God chose to save us through our Lord, Jesus Christ, not to pour out His anger on us.  1 Thess. 5:9 (NLT)

LOVE AND BLESSINGS OF GOD TO ALL OF YOU!

MOLLY

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

A Blog Christmas Card to all you great gals who visit my blog. I am amazed at the number that visit. I don't hear from many, but wanted all to know that I appreciate your visits and hope you have a Very Very Merry Christmas. This is our only grandson, Caden, who is almost 5. He was a ham the particular day of my photo shoot. On any other day he would have balked on wearing the "Santa Hat"----BUT DOESN'T HE LOOK CUTE?
Sorry I haven't posted anything "Quilty" lately, but not much quiltin going on right now. Too busy trying to find the perfect gifts. I did get my hands on a Wii. If you don't know what that is then you are better off, believe me. I promise to get back to quilting right after Christmas and I will post "something". I have one more Round Robin Quilt to finish before the first week in January. I am close to being finished, but will probably have to work hard the week "after" Christmas. I hope you all stay safe, warm, and relaxed this Christmas. I hope you enjoy every aspect of the holiday. I hope you bake and decorate cookies with your children and grandchildren. I hope you sing carols and decorate the family tree. I hope you visit your friends and leave secret gifts to those who mean so much to you through the year. I hope you embrace the true meaning of Christmas and give to those who need it the most.
MERRY CHRISTMAS, YALL--HOPE IT IS TEXAS SIZE!!