let's craft out the decade - lesmel - 2020

I refuse to bow to public opinion that a decade starts in 00. January is 01, not 00.
Also, I need to try to hit the 150 posts mark this year so I can just continue the thread into next year.

LOL. I just saw someone on FB moderating a discussion on the same thing. When I think of the 70s, I'm not thinking of 1980 :-) I'm not sure ending a decade officially is a bit thing with me, except perhaps as it relates to my age.

Here's wishing you an active and productive year here in the Needlearts group, may you achieve your posting goal (we'll try to help). Do you have big plans for the year?

>2 avaland: I give you 5 points for almost convincing me. Really there's about 100 other things I should be concerned about (most of them related to family, pets, and my house). This small, stubborn obsession with waffley logic (mine or others) is a nice diversion.

As for plans, whoooooo boy:

1. The last wall hanging of the monthly series -- I had to pause the finale for some craftmas
   
2. The remaining 8 mug rugs for 2019 craftmas
   
3. I may remake the Jan wall hanging b/c I'm not all that impress with it's ability to convey "January"
   
4. I came home with a plastic storage container (about the size you can put some ankle boots in) full of sewing projects from my mother's craft closet. I'm pretty sure there are at least 4 projects in the container. Funny story, we were looking for a moose "quilt". Mom has no idea what size. She's pretty sure she has the whole project. I'm debating the existing of said project after she and I nearly got in a tiff over a shirt project that I know was mine originally but Mom swears was always hers. My new answer to these arguments is "If that's how you remember it. Fine." I can't (more like "won't") argue with my mother's scary stroke-related memory issues.
   
5. Begin designing a donation project for MPOW. I want to do either a large display quilt or a series of smaller display quilts with various cancer awareness ribbon blocks. I won't be sewing this piece for awhile - maybe as long as 2-3 years because we are in flux with our physical location.
   
6. Lots of small projects that will allow me to learn quilting skills (including FMQ).
   
7. Several paper piecing projects, also for learning. I plan on making an incredible elephant paper piecing quilt at some point. If you have never seen the pattern from Violet Craft, be warned. Her stuff is gorgeous and inspiring.
   
8. Finish the 15 more episodes in Quilting Essentials from The Great Courses. I bought this course as a digital streaming thing when it was insanely low priced. It makes me wonder if there are other courses out there I could totally geek out on. I know about Craftsy -- wait, it's BluPrint now; but I'm kinda meh about the platform. If I'm "taking" a class to improve a skill, I want feedback. I'd love a program like the one lauralkeet is doing for knitting.
   
9. I am SUPER tempted by the 2020 BOM from Quilter's Planner; but I'm also annoyed that I have to buy a planner to get the QAL booklet. Which will win out?? The BOM/QAL would be a great learning project. I dunno. I do have fabrics I can use for the project. Still, a planner seems like drinking the Kool-Aid. I'm just stubborn enough to not bother on principle. lol
   

>3 lesmel: - #7 - Does she have a giraffe pattern too? Or other animals. The style looks familiar.
#9 - A local quilt store (well, an hour away) had a BOM for this year that I wanted to do, but since we'll be away for the Jan-Mar time frame, I decided not to take it.
I could probably do it on my own but I liked the idea of doing it with other people.

>3 lesmel: As one therapist once said to me: "Don't 'should' all over yourself." Glad to see you have plans!

>4 dudes22: #7 Yep! She has a series of large scale foundation paper piecing kits: wolf, elephant, giraffe, peacock, cow, unicorn.

>5 avaland: Oh man! That's practically my favorite phrase ever. I use it on friends a lot. lol

Haven't gotten anything going yet. The December wall hanging is still on my breakfast table. I'll probably work on it this weekend since it's a holiday weekend...meaning I can be lazy AND still be productive AND not feel guilty about either!

I have to plan the mug rugs I owe Mom. I'll probably think on that while I work on the wall hanging.

>7 lesmel: - Don't feel bad. I didn't do any quilting at all I don't think in the month of Dec. I did bring some pre-cut blocks with me to Fla but so far I've only started one.

>7 lesmel: Yeah, other than doodling around in the studio moving things around, I haven't actually done any sewing yet. Don't know what's holding me up.

>9 avaland: I think we need that "doodling around" time sometimes, to see things in a different light as we move them about, and to refresh our minds as to what is really there. Inspiration will hit!

Good luck on your craft goals!

Well, January is leaving us and I haven't sewn a blasted thing. I was sick the last 4-5 days with flu. Probably better I didn't try to do any sewing. The likelihood is very high I would have sewn my fabric to my fingers or some other equally painful shenanigans. The only thing I did for four days straight was sleep, drink gatorade, and binge DisneyPlus or CBS All Access shows.

Sometimes that's best.

>12 lesmel: Me, too, no projects. Not a thing. Here's hoping we both rally and get back in the saddle during the coming month. Hope you are clear of that flu, though.

I'm finally working on the December wall hanging. I guess I found motivation (plus I want my breakfast table back).

Hope everyone is staying home and practicing social distancing when you absolutely have to go out.

Links for me to peruse later:
https://www.craftpassion.com/face-mask-sewing-pattern/
https://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Cloth-Face-Mask/
https://www.providence.org/lp/100m-masks
https://freesewing.org/blog/facemask-frenzy/
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/12/6/05-1468_article
https://natividadlibrary.com/covid-19-diy-masks-0
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/ppe-strategy/face-masks.html

I ran out of usable elastic for the masks. I have other elastic slightly bigger, less soft and tighter. I've sent for a 1/2 in bias tape maker (Quiltshops.com). I tried doing it by hand and promptly burnt my finger. The gadget will take the burn out of the process, so to speak. The 1/2" straps made by the 1" tape maker are terrible bulky and the ties have to be long enough to make a bow....

How is the wall hanging coming? I'll be interested in where you will go with your talents when all your wall hangings are officially finished.

>16 avaland: I'm half-ish there with the wall hanging!

The front is sitting on my table waiting on me to decide: unsashed or sashed (actually, I have I just need to do more cutting).





Also, there's a decision about changing up the order of the blocks.

By far, if I had to do this over again, I would do all blue and white blocks. The blue with white snowflake fabric really makes the white cups pop.

What will be fun is to see what the reverse of this pattern will look like. White background with print fabric cups. I already have it cut (I decided on a two-sided -- maybe -- wall hanging when I started cutting the fabric). Piecing everything isn't nearly as hard to do when everything is cut and I have a piecing plan in place.

Personally, I like them a little separated not knowing what the sashing color might be. I think doing all the same color in the background would be interesting also. What size are the blocks? I was doing a bunch of paper-pieced teacups that were a little more involved then those and I feel guilty every time I come across the box of done and undone ones. Maybe I'll drag out a block and take a picture. Maybe I'll see how many I actually completed and what I could do with them.

>18 dudes22: The blocks are 10 x 8 finished. I've decided on a brown with words print for the sashing. I'm a step closer to having this top finished!

I think that looks very nice! Makes them more distinctive.

That's a fun design for a wall hanging - works very well for the cold (at least in some parts) weather of December.

>19 lesmel: Oh, very nice!

Another link for masks for future browsing...
https://www.unitypoint.org/cedarrapids/sewing-surgical-masks.aspx

>23 lesmel: That last link's pattern is very similar to the CraftPassion one in your other list. I've just sent for a 8 mm bias tape maker for the ties because the 12mm seems too bulky and the 6 mm, while doable it crazy-making -- at least on the pleated style of mask I'm doing now.

>24 avaland: They are very similar! I think the UnityPoint one has better curvature.

I've been busy trying patterns...and modifying some.

Craft Passion - Large - modified with pleats and ties


Craft Passion - Medium - modified ties


MSQC with small pleats

I'm going to pause on the mask making to finish the December wall hanging. It's good I have projects b/c it's rained nearly 4 hours straight. I may go crazy if it keeps raining the rest of the day. I dread the idea of COVID-19 isolation AND hurricane season.

Oh, very nice!!!! How did you do the ties on the 2nd Craft Passion one? Just 4 tie pieces on the corners and stitched there? I'm probably going to do another batch of those and since I have no elastic left, it's going to be ties. I did do that one CP prototype with the ties one piece across like your 1st CP photo (my daughter likes and is using that prototype, so maybe the larger bias tape is not as bad as I thought (a matter of taste, I suppose).

>27 avaland: Here's a shot of the ties for each mask.



I'm not fond of how the ties on the medium mask turned out. In fact, this is me trying to fix a mistake without having to seam rip the corners. I think I may try the medium mask one more time with a slightly different tie technique. I still want to try to Olson mask since it seems to have a better fit on the face.

Also, unrelated; but related...I made a seat cover for my desk chair! I should have put a little edge all the way around & I have forgotten how to sew in piping. Still this is just for me to avoid chaffing my legs and butt on the chair seat.

Love the colors in the seat cushion!

My rectangular pleated mask has the ties done like yours but on the sides. Today, I started again to do some of the fitted masks only with straps not elastics. The second one has the filter pocket but seems a bit messy, the first shaped one turned out okay if I didn't include leaving the ends open for a filter pocket. Guess, I need to work on it a bit more or just go back to the pleated ones.

I'm pretty sure I'm a mask making failure. I've tried three patterns. Not one has survived my field tests. Either the mask doesn't fit well or the the mask touches my lips (and shouldn't) or it's too small all over or the ties don't lay right over my ears or the darn things fog my glasses (all of them did that).

I'm sort of done with trying; but I know I need at least one. I tried a head scarf thing but it isn't ideal and irritated my face.

Meh. I just want a mask to work without struggling. Grrr!!

Tested the MSQC pleated mask with more pleats. It works better. There's still a problem with size and ties.

My sister stopped over yesterday (we met in the garage). She needed some more elastic because she found the pattern she used was to tight with the size the pattern told her to use. You're not the only one.

I'm on the final stage of putting another top together. Again, I have to decide to sash or not sash. I think I like this version without sashing:

>33 lesmel: If I have a vote, then I prefer the one without sashing. It's lovely, in either case.

I made an olson mask today. Much prefer the pattern. Haven't tried the fit because that would require making ties and I do not have the brain cells left for that today.

The cups are such a fun pattern. I like it without sashing too.

The final result of the white cups top:



This will get mailed out today with a slew of masks.



I have at least six more masks to make. I'm not doing donation masks en masse; but I offered my mask making skills to my coworkers.

Made the first round of masks, got them all mailed out. I've started a new round of masks. Unfortunately, I put a catch in my back on Thursday night/Friday morning. The last time this happened, I had to see my chiropractor for several weeks before my back was normal again. Worst. Timing. Ever. I've spent a lot of time sitting or laying. I did cut all the mask pieces today. It kept my mind off my back.

As is typical of me, I somehow did not manage to mail my mother the wall hanging. I'm a serious airhead sometimes. I'll have to ship the thing on Monday.

In other news, both sets of my parents got their masks. My best friend has not. They all got mailed at the same time. She was supposed to get her package today. Ah, well. Maybe Monday!

If my back isn't totally FUBAR tomorrow, I'll work on the masks and listen to The Lager Queen of Minnesota. It's the bookclub choice for this coming Monday. I'm not in love with the book; but I don't hate it either.

I hope you feel better soon. It must be hard now especially not being able to see someone to help you.

>37 lesmel: Great job on the masks. Very nice that you are helping out co-workers. I hope the back is not as bad as previous times and with some rest it will be better soon. Did you cut the mask pieces sitting down? (just curious).

I was thinking your cutting mat was so pristine. Mine is more beat-up. I was just a wee bit envious :-)

>38 lesmel: Great job on the masks. Sorry about the back and hope better soon.
I am in Minnesota and read The Lager Queen of Minnesota.

>39 dudes22: I probably could see my chiro. I drove by today on the way to the vet. The office looks like it might be open.

>40 avaland: The mat is only clean(ish) at the moment because I keep scraping everything off it. Also, I have two 24x36 mats. Helps to interchange them all the time. I have two because the first one warped after I ironed one too many times (even with a couple thick towels) on the mat. I cut most of the pieces while sitting using my Gingher scissors. I trace the patterns first (while standing). Sitting did me no favors. I would have done better to lay in bed and do the cutting; but I was being stubborn and stupid thinking more mobility was a quicker way to healing.

>41 mnleona: Turns out, I liked the book more than I thought.

Thanks for all the well-wishes. My back is probably about 80% better at this point. I can sit for longer. I'm less stiff. I'm spending a lot of time on my back or side with a heating pad and damp towel.

My back is getting better. There's no longer a catch; but I have some stiffness late in the day. I also have had a lot of muscle cramps. I probably need some PT to strengthen my abs, legs, and back. In these crazy COVID times, I probably should look up some home exercises that I can do. Simple things like squats and planks will definitely help; I just need to make sure I take it slow.

In other crafty news, I am working on the second round of masks (the ones for my coworkers). It's taken this long because I get done with work and I just can't concentrate on anything else the rest of the night.

However, I'm getting there! The biggest thing to finish is six more straps. I bought a load of elastic; but it's pretty useless. That was a waste of money, methinks. The elastic is way too delicate. It unravels easily. It pulls out of shape easily. Ugh.

I'll figure something out to do with all the elastic...eventually.

After these masks are done, I plan to finish my wall hanging. Then start on the rest of Mom's mug rugs.

I just got an order of elastic in. It's a replacement order as my original is stuck somewhere in the postal process. It's a soft, delicate cord elastic, so I don't know well it will work, seems it might be fine for going behind the ears.... (I'm in a mask-making hiatus anyway, although I do want to make some more).

I look forward to seeing whatever you apply mind and hands to.

I had family in town -- we went to the coast for a week of secluded staycation. It was glorious. I dropped both of my machines off for servicing just before leaving. That's been two weeks now. I'm jonesing for my machines, people!! I need to call once the place is open so I can find out if my babies are ready.

>45 lesmel: I hear ya! Had to take mine in during my mask production. They were giving it expedited service and still it took 2 very long days!

>45 lesmel: - >46 avaland: - I dropped my machine off on May 12th and was told it would be 3 1/2 - 4 weeks. When I called this week (5 weeks later) to see if there was an issue and they had to order a part, I was told - "Oh, no...It's been 5 weeks for a while now." He's up to May 9th. So he should get to it soon." Luckily I have another machine to use, but that's the one I do actual quilting on.

I've lost all interest in doing anything crafty. Gah. I have a mug rug sitting on my sewing table. I think if I can just convince myself to work on a single project, I probably can convince myself to continue working. I have a stack of mug rugs I want to finish.

>48 lesmel: Good luck, hope it works,

Am watching the rest of my Great Courses on quilting. I thought I'd watched more than half the course; but no. I was about 3/4 of the way through episode/lesson 15. Now, I'm reaching the end of episode/lesson 20.

They have a 'Great Courses' on Quilting? Interesting. Let us know what you think about it.

I went and looked at them when I read this the other day. Looks interesting. I might peruse this more while we're away this winter and I have time.

There are a few courses on sewing. I think everything is still on sale. The series I'm watching is with Heather Thomas. Overall, I like the series; some of her preferences are not my preferences and I feel judged by her attitude. Pretty sure that's just me, though. lol

I'm impatiently waiting for mini quilt clamps to show up. I plan on hanging the clamps with 3M strips first. I have a large blank wall in my entry that should hold four of my "year of" wall hangings. If I like how the clamps work and the placement, I will replace the 3M strips with nails or screws. I'll probably also order more clamps for other blank walls in the house.

I need to make a list of projects I want to complete that ARE bed/lap quilts:

Brother -- greens? I think I have the fabrics. I just can't remember what they are! lol
Nephew -- ocean theme? Maybe this was my brother's theme? Hrm.
Dad -- no idea, pretty sure I have the fabrics
Step-mom -- not a freakin' clue; I know I have all the fabric I need, though.
Cousin -- it's probably...I duuno the word...that this will be a while yet. I want him to reach a more "adulty" age before I give him a lap quilt. I want him to outgrow the waffle-y, faddish nature of adolescence.

Mom -- mug rug set. I gave her 4 last year. I need to get on the stick and get the other 8 made. #5 is sitting on my sewing table still. lol

Me -- still have December wall hanging to finish. I might actually get it finished before December rolls around. Maybe.

I'm down to the last video in the quilting course. I have found that I'm inspired by Heather Thomas' move from bed quilts to wall/art quilts. There are only so many bed quilts one can make and give away (b/c I don't sell my work). I appreciate her commitment to her art and her medium. She has since moved on to metal work in the form of jewelry.

Ok. So, let's talk "Quilting Essentials: From Design to Color and Beyond". There are 30 lectures. Each lecture builds on most of the previous lectures. One thing that cracks me up is that Heather Thomas' hair changes wildly between a lot of the lectures. I keep trying to figure out the recording order just out of curiosity's sake.

The first group of lectures are piecing foundational. She spends a lot of time explaining pieces, patches, quilt math, etc

Introduction and Block Basics -- This lecture is incredibly helpful because of the math she gives you and the methods of understanding units and blocks.
Sashing, Coping Strips & Borders
Designing Your Own Unique Quilts

The next group of lectures are more art foundational. These are fascinating because I learned almost everything in these lectures from my mother through comprehensive HomeEc (which I took) and Interior Design (which I learned over many, many years of grading papers for Mom).

Becoming an Artist
Color Theory & Elements of Design
Technique, Visual Language & Working in a Series

Freestyle Piecing: Beyond the Block
Guide to Composition and Freestyle Piecing

The Color Wheel & Color Scale
Value, Texture, & the 12 Colors
Interaction of Color & Principles of Design
Color: It's All About the Contrast
Color Expanded: Bold Personalities

The next group of lectures are all about artistry, practicalities, and practice. My ears perked up when she was talking about ergonomics because I'm always exhausted after a few hours of cutting or sewing.

Broadening Your Experience and Practicing
Products & Tools
Design, Ergonomics, Basting & Doodling
Nine Basic Stitch-Outs
Machine Quilting Design Basics
New Alternatives to Free-Motion Stitching
Creating Your Design & Tracing Your Motif
Free-Motion Stitching Your Design

The final lectures are about artistry. Quilts are Heather Thomas' medium for her art.

Adding Color
Final Shading
Paper Clay, Hot Fixed Metal & Embellishment
Basting, Quilting, & the Finishing Touches
Unique Embellishments, Surfaces, & Stitching
Playing with Beads, Bling & Sheer Fabrics
Exploring Edges & Finishes
Displaying Your Quilts Like a Pro

I loved your list of family members and corresponding quilt ideas! (or lack thereof)

I've stopped with the adult bed quilts. It's harder for me to maneuver queen and king size quilts these days. Interesting list of topics. Amazing that one can take classes. I learned working color theory when I took oil painting classes in high school.

Looking forward to see what you produce & create in what sounds like it might be a very busy 2021!

I was looking back at the photos of the quilts I made for everyone. My nephew has his quilt. It's probably not the quilt he wants the rest of his life though.



Any how. It's what he's got for now. I still have quilts to make for Brother, Dad, and StepMom. I pulled the fabric for my brother's and father's quilts. I'd originally thought I would piece the same pattern I had for everyone else in the family; but I want something...chunkier. Also, I want it to be faster to piece so I have the time to quilt it.

This is my brother's fabric. The plan is the use the navy shell fabric as background; but I don't think there's enough. I may end up with "party in the quilt back" to make the backing work. I may use the original pattern (Hyde Park) for this quilt. It takes forever to cut; but pieces really quickly. Strip cutting/piecing makes things a little faster.


I'm worried that it's a little too cutesy for him. He's 51 this year. I may try for something with bold colors and a modern pattern. These are the colors I'm considering. The fabric has glitter in it.


This is my dad's. I thought I would try something fairly modern. I don't think there's enough variation between the first grey (the second fabric from the top) and the last grey (second from the bottom). The green is the backing; although now I'm considering integrating it with the front...which means, again, I won't have enough for backing.


Also, I just realized I don't have batting. At least, not enough for two lap quilts. I'll have to go to the store or order online. Hrm.

This is the pattern -- Hyde Park. You can see the quilts I've done in this pattern.

It isn't much; but I fixed the pocket on a pair a pants!

I also lowered my sewing table for better ergonomics (I hope).

Worked on a mug rug tonight. I'm out of practice. It's been a little over 2 hrs and I'm still not done. Too tired to bind tonight. This will be #5. Only 7 more! I think I'll try to finish the wall hanging tomorrow while I listen to The Secrets We Kept.

I still need to decide what to do about batting. I also need thread. I'm out of my standard medium grey.

That looks like a great pattern - I have some fabrics which would work really well for the middle. I ran out of white thread while I was working on a wall hanging and had trouble getting some. I don't use white much - I'm more of a cream or medium grey person - but I was working on something that I wanted to quilt with white. I guess there were a lot of us sewing.

I wanted to throw that stupid mug rug across my house yesterday. I tried 8 ways to make the binding work before I finally seam ripped it and started over. I still managed to get an extra tuck in the binding somehow. However, it's DONE! Woot.

I went to JoAnn Fabrics for thread and batting. Walked out with some fabric for the two quilts, some storage boxes for pens, a big storage cabinet thing for some jewelry, and a large thread spool rack. I'm pretty sure almost everything was on sale. JoAnn has a door buster sale happening. I did remember the thread and batting. lol

Also realized the quilt shop that serviced my machines back in June kept my bobbin. Not sure how that happened. Not even sure I can call them and ask for my bobbin back. Is it worth it? Probably not.

>56 lesmel: That's a great car quilt. Pretty snazzy! The seashell and related prints are very soothing. I'm sure I would feel the need to mess it up with a plaid or check. I like the alternate suggested fabrics, maybe without the pink?

Dad's look like nice choices. Are you going to get these all done for the holiday?!

I like the pattern. Will you do them all in that pattern? I ran out of 60x60" lap quilt batting, but I had a king size package hanging around (like I was going to make another king size quilt....NOT!) which turned out toe be 120x120 so I cut in half and then cut those pieces in half and got 4 more lap quilts done!

Sounds like you got a good haul! ;-) I don't use white much either these days, and I buy the big cones; but I find my colorful collection of regular spools acquired over many decades is dwindling, so I imagine I will need to make a list and go to a JoAnns. It can wait until after the pandemic is under control, me thinks.

Metal bobbin? What kind of machine do you have?

>61 avaland: I'll be lucky to get one quilt done before Christmas since I will be quilting the thing. I'm not going fancy for quilting -- probably outline of the chevrons. I like the idea of a check or plaid with the shells -- in fact, I have a plaid that would probably be perfect if it weren't a much darker navy.

Yep, metal bobbin. I have a Bernina 440QE. I found some replacement bobbins at JoAnn.

I have been playing with colorways all day while the world's slowest fence repair guy rebuilds a 6 foot section of my fence. This fence repair has been a lesson in sticking with my gut. I never should have hired this guy. This section of fence is probably going to be a lost cause in a couple of years. Anyhow, back to crafty things!

I found a pattern I like -- chevrons. The original uses charm packs and is slightly smaller than I want be make.

Here are a couple alternatives for my brother's quilt.

Brown as the background:


Grey as the background:


My plan had been to do two tone chevrons; but I don't think the two purples are different enough. I think I'm too tired to decide right now about anything. Tomorrow's job is to wash and press all the fabric. Hopefully, it doesn't make a god-awful mess in my washer or dryer with all the glitter.

This is the backing I picked up:

I have a Bernina 440 too. I just picked up another tube of bobbins because all mine had various colors on them. I think I like the grey better as a background. I knw you don't see both sides of a quilt at once, but since it looks like your backing has a black background, I think the grey is the way to go.

I like the grey, too, I think. I love the rainbow of colors, too.

So you wash your fabric beforehand? The friend who helped me get started quilting told me she waits until the quilt is all finished before washing, which goes against every fiber of my garment-sewing being, but it actually seems to work out pretty well for me. Is there a Chosen Way, or is it more quilter's choice?

>64 scaifea: - I think it's quilter's choice. I read once that you should wash to remove excess dyes from the fabric so they don't run when you wash after. About the only fabric I wash ahead of time is red. (When I remember). Or I try to do a colorfast test.

I'm curious - if you wash, do you starch after?

>65 dudes22: That's a good point about colors running. I haven't had that problem (yet!), probably because I haven't used many bright reds or dark colors, really, but it is worrisome. And no, I don't starch.

>62 lesmel: Chevrons. Bless you. I did one quilt in chevrons for my younger daughter's wedding in 2016. It bugged me that the leftover scraps were less usable than other shapes. I will be interested in your project!

I think I like the gray better than the brown, also.

>64 scaifea: Maybe it was because I was a garment-sewer before I was a quilter, but I religiously wash all my fabric before sewing with a Shout 'color-catcher.' No starching after, sometimes some ironing if I don't get to the dryer in time. Colors running are not necessarily predictable. I've put a saturated orange fabric in the washer and the color catcher didn't pick up any orange, yet a different orange fabric might bleed like a cut finger.

I do get it that some like to sew before washing as the fabric is a bit stiffer.

(note: Because I oftentimes buy smaller pieces like fat quarters of fabric for the stash, I actually wash nearly all my fabric when I've just come in the door from fabric shopping. However, if someone has given me small scraps for my stash I don't prewash because it's just nuts)

>63 dudes22: & >64 scaifea: I also like the grey better than the brown.

>64 scaifea: & >67 avaland: I'm a serial not-washer...with exceptions, like ridiculously adorable levels of glitter or insanely stiff fabrics. All of these fabrics have both problems. I'm almost done with washing all the fabrics. I haven't had color running in any project I've made; but it's a matter of when not if.

>65 dudes22: I don't normally starch while I'm pressing whole yards of fabric; but I do like to use Best Press (or ultra strong hold hairspray) when working with HSTs. When I'm working with hairspray, I try to use a pressing cloth or a teflon pressing sheet to avoid damaging the sole plate on my iron. Why hairspray and not starch? I never keep starch in the house. In fact, I rarely keep Best Press in the house either. Hairspray though, I have multiple cans of. lol

>67 avaland: I'm praying this project goes as well as I expect it to. The pattern calls for all HSTs cut from 5" squares using a speed cutting/piecing method I'm familiar with.

I love Best Press.

>68 lesmel: We will send Omms along to aid you :-)

BEHOLD! I have lost my mind. Well, not really, it just sounded great because I feel like my brain has been on a hamster wheel.



I spent some time trying different colors and techniques for the chevrons. Mostly, I was trying to give my brain time to process the options. Mom came yesterday. She helped me figure out the colors I'm going to use.

Here's the final selection:

OH - that's nice!

>71 lesmel: Well, you are among other crazies here! I like the selection of colors the two of you worked out. I will be really interested which arrangement you choose.

Argh. I'm short two strips of background fabric. I need 112 5" squares. I'm going to end up with 96. Now I may have to start over with my background fabric. Fantastic. Guess I will be going to JoAnn again.

Made a run to JoAnn. Found a grey solid that will work. It's in the washer now. I bought 3 yards to make sure I really had enough. 😂

Mother of god. I should have run the calculations before buying. Maybe I had 3 yards of everything all along? I'm short 1/3 of a yard it seems. Well, at least this means I can buy Best Press and some new rotary blades.

HA! I did have enough of the new grey fabric. I now have my 112 squares ready for my 112 jewel-tone squares.

I have had days like that! Glad you were able to remedy the problem and get some bonus items in the process ;-)

Are you planning to get these all done before Christmas?

>79 lesmel: The plan is my brother's quilt for Christmas. If I can manage Dad's all the better; but it may be a birthday or Father's day gift instead.

I have 112 jewel-tone squares to match with my grey squares. I have Best Press. I have Netflix. Time to do some ironing and marking!

I managed to get two sets of squares matched and pressed. I'm going to need to work a bit faster/harder tomorrow. I need all the remaining sets matched and pressed done by Tuesday at the latest. Monday would be better because I can mark all the squares for sewing on Tuesday after work. Then, I will have the long holiday to sew sew sew!!

edited for spelling

>80 lesmel: I bind my quilts while watching television. Of late, is been Star Trek Discovery (NBC, Peacock). The family (us and my grown kids) share passwords for various streaming services so we can be more choosy (I fall asleep if I read in the evenings). Although, I have been known to put on old DVD of costume dramas to sew to.

(I also like to do binding while sitting in an Adirondack chair facing a lovely lake, but that seems a bit out of reach right now :-)

>81 lesmel: Enjoy your long holiday!!

Got all the squares matched last night. I whined about it to the dogs (I'm taking care of Mom's poodle and Bengal-Flerken mix as well as my own four-foots) for about 2 hours before I finally got to it while watching Cold Case Files on PlutoTV. Tonight should be marking -- we'll see if I whine for 2 hours again, first. lol

I need to go grocery shop for my solo Thanksgiving. I've decided the only thing I want to make is Chocolate Butter Roll. I'm going to buy some ready to cook sides. It's not my first low-key Thanksgiving. Anyone have similar low-key plans?

Not quite as low-key as yours. My sister is coming over so we will be three. Pretty much the traditional turkey and fixings. Mostly because it the only way we can have left-overs.

PlutoTV - haven’t heard of that one.

It will be the two of us; however, I’m providing drop off stuffing and chocolate, apple and sawdust pies to my daughter (& family) and also my son who live reasonably nearby. The other daughter & family (inc new baby) will join us all on a Zoom call. It will be different.

Chocolate butter roll sounds yummy!

>83 lesmel: Ok, I have to ask because my googling came up empty — what does a bengal-flerken dog look like?!

And I had to go look up sawdust pie. My husband hates coconut so that won't work. But I can have a lot of egg whites left when I make ice cream, so I freeze them. This would be good for some of them.

>86 rosalita: LOL The cat is a Bengal; but I call her a Flerken (from Marvel Universe) because she tolerates everyone except my mother (whom she loves dearly).

https://www.marvel.com/articles/movies/captain-marvel-what-the-flerk-is-a-flerke...

This is Khalessi:


This is Charlotte:


>85 avaland: I cut cable years ago. I've only recently discovered PlutoTV. I watch America's Test Kitchen and Cook's Country endlessly on PlutoTV. I could watch on PBS; but it's harder because you can't queue the episodes on the Roku PBS app

I meant to post this days ago!



The December wall hanging isn't done; but it is up!

>89 lesmel: That's fab! They look so great together.

>89 lesmel: - I like the cups best, but I like them all.

I love the pet photos, and the quilt display is pretty nice, too!!

>89 lesmel: That's an impressive wall! How on Earth did you make one with the sun setting behind the tree?

>93 PawsforThought: That's the wall hanging that started it all! Halloween moon with tree. I appliquéd the tree and the moon to purple fabric. This all started because a friend said something like "that would make an interesting quilt" about my Facebook cover photo. I can't believe this all started in 2014!!

Thanks all for the kinds words about the wall hangings. :)

I'm behind my self-imposed schedule. I should be done with trimming the HST to 4.5 inches already. That's today's task. It's going to take a looooong time:



The good news is the HSTs are looking good:



Also, I'm pleased with the solid grey instead of the marbled grey.

Very organized. You'll make it. Trimming is so tedious.

I'm 2 sets from done with trimming. I'll probably get it done tonight and maybe get the squares sorted for sewing tomorrow. A friend pointed out that a lot of this is like cooking. Mise en place makes everything easier whether it's cooking or sewing.

>95 lesmel: Lookin' good! Agree with Betty, you are very organized.

All sets pressed and nearly ready for sewing! My hands are killing me today. It's a combo of all the cutting and the weather. I probably should be doing some hand exercises if I'm going to continue this level of focus on sewing. It's been ages since I crafted more than a couple hours a week instead of 6+ hours a day for nearly a week.

>96 dudes22: & >98 avaland: This project requires I stay really organized. HSTs tend to confuse me. lol

Four sets are 1/2 sewn! I'm resting a bit and then tackling the next four sets. That'll be it for today. Also, I pulled out my compression gloves and my hands don't ache as much. I'm excited to see how each 1/2 chevron slowly becomes a row of chevrons! I'm already thinking ahead to the sandwiching phase. I have to find space large enough to tape down the backing. I don't think my kitchen floor will be big enough. Maybe the breakfast area, instead.

>100 lesmel: Do the compression gloves actually cover fingers, or are they open at the ends? I'm wondering if you could use them for knitting, which I don't think you could if the tips of your fingers were covered.

>101 SassyLassy: Open fingered. They are fantastic. I've seen similar style gloves at JoAnn; but I wanted something with some grip. These are Pivit; but don't seem to be in stock in Amazon any longer.



I bought two similar pairs for my dad and stepmom which they say really work well. My dad suffers from really painful arthritis in his hands. He was impressed when he first tried his gloves. Those are IMAK.

>102 lesmel: ooh, interesting. I've been experiencing some knitting-related pain in my left thumb. Do you think these would help?

>103 lauralkeet: The gloves I wear don't have enough stiffness to support my thumbs and aren't long enough for wrist support; but they definitely keep my hands from aching while I machine piece. We will see how they do when I start machine quilting the chevron quilt!

>104 lesmel: Thanks. I've just started to look into measures I can take to deal with my issue. I'm sure I'll find something!

>102 lesmel: Thanks for that, it really clarifies it. I will look into them.

I hope they help you with all that quilting.

I have two full rows sewn. If I were less lazy, I'd probably have 1/2 a quilt top by now. I have no regrets. lol

All eight rows are sewn! I'll finish the top tomorrow.

That's looking great.

Nicely done, so neat!

TOP DONE!!!!



I managed to burn my thumb on my iron. It's been awhile since I've burned my fingers on an iron. I even saw it coming and couldn't stop myself from running the iron straight into the top of my knuckle.

I still need to wash the backing fabric and decide if there will be a party in the quilt back.

I measured my kitchen floor. I think I can tape down the backing there; but I'll probably end up in the breakfast area. That means moving the table and chairs. Soooo, maybe it will be the kitchen. lol

I spray baste. Otherwise, I'd never be able to quilt on my machine. That does mean I may need to change the needle after the quilt is finished.

I like that. What kind of quilting pattern are you going to do? I've never used spray baste but I want to try it. I worry about overspray.

Oh, I love it!

>111 lesmel: Wow, that was quick! Looks great.

>112 dudes22: I haven't decided on the quilting. I wanted to do an echo of the chevron in the background fabric with minimal quilting in the jewel tones. I could do a small zigzag in the jewel tones. I just realized I don't have the right color of grey thread for quilting. That should be fun. Other quilting idea is to use a loose S or maybe a curly bracket { on it's "back" (pointy bit down) (like here: https://stashbandit.net/machine-quilting-practice-christmas-chevron/)

>113 scaifea: & >114 avaland: Thanks!

>111 lesmel: The top looks really good. I love chevrons.

This will be me in the next couple days. 😂
https://www.instagram.com/p/CIRY_xGnkTW/?igshid=2ohwpgzty9gs

Quilt is sandwiched and spray basted. My butt hurts from the squatting and crawling. lol

I should practice some quilting patterns today and tomorrow. That will give me time to get the correct color of thread. I haven't checked my stock; but I'm pretty sure I don't have anything even close to this color. While I'm picking up the thread for this project, I should find thread for my Dad's quilt. I think I'll go with a silver for his quilt. I could go with a silver for Brother's quilt. Hmmm.

... My butt hurts from the squatting and crawling..;

Crawling and squatting? What's that!? LOL. Some of us haven't done that for years!

>119 avaland: That's me, too. LOL

Here's evidence of my morning labor:

   



I'm trying to decide on quilting now. Two patterns so far:

   

Left: I'm not sure how accurate this comes across because the pen is white and I would quilt in a dark grey; but I do not the modernish feel of the straight lines.
Right: I like this. It's really forgiving. It's fast. I would still outline all the chevrons.

I don't do wiggles very well so I like the straight lines but I wouldn't do that many. I'd probably do one next to the chevron and then 2 in-between. But if the squiggles are faster, I say go for it.

ETA: How do you not get spray baste on your floor? Can you do it up close?

>122 dudes22: I did get a tiny bit of spray baste on the floor. Also, there's something wrong with the nozzle because I got it all over my hands and stuck my finger to the nozzle and that was a giant mess to get me free of the nozzle. Ugh. Normally, I place some large sheets of paper (I save all the newsprint-like paper from TJ Maxx or Marshalls or HomeGoods) along the edge of the backing/batting. Also, I always spray closer to the surface than recommended. Bad quilter! No biscuit!

More patterns:

   

Left: I like this one. I'm just about convinced this will be the one.
Right: I like this one, too; but I need to see more of it to decide. I like the fact that it's basically a narrower chevron.

You may have spotted the spray baste stain in the right picture. I'm waaaaaay annoyed about that. I'm hoping it comes out since it's just adhesive. Otherwise, I might be embroidering that part of the quilt. LOL

Ok. Last pattern option. I'm trying to decide if this is too busy for the chevrons.



Also, I'm so stoked that I remembered I had template plastic and erasable markers! This has been a great way to try out the quilting patterns.

A little closer view of the pattern:

That last pattern is interesting....

I think that last pattern is interesting but a little busy - unless it's the fact that it's the white color that's distracting. It's so hard to choose. Any of them would work.

Well. Thread is ordered. Should be 3-7 days before it all shows up. I ordered a variety of greys and the color chart. I guess that means I'll be starting on Dad's quilt now.

I really like this: https://www.instagram.com/p/CAf7qpsn6Zq/

In all honesty, I don't know what I'm going to do. I'm washing the fabrics now. Normally, I spend a lot more time picking a pattern. ::grumble::

>127 lesmel: Oh, that is indeed a nice pattern in black/white. I did a bargello pattern in black and white (and read) years ago.

>127 lesmel: - That's very striking. I usually have a couple of "go-to" patterns that I use when I'm stuck. I'm sure he'll like whatever you make.

I've pulled every grey and/or black & white print I have. It's all washed and dried. I know the pattern I'm going with!



I'm pretty sure I'm going to go with the colorway on the right. This way, the center can be either green or the grey/silver fabric.

I'll need 56 8.5" unfinished blocks. I'll need seven 18" squares of background and at least seven 18" squares in contrasting fabrics. I think I will just barely have enough green fabric to use a background. Otherwise, there will be an "intentional design" choice.

Here's the green:



Here's the spare fabric:



Here are my options

   
   

   

   

   

Oh goodness, I love *all* of those! And I really love the green/B&W combination! I can't wait to see the finished product!

That look's interesting. IF you're using the green for the white on the paper, you could use a combination of the greys - either in random order or use one for a few squares going around and then change to another in the spiral pattern.

>131 scaifea: I really wish I'd bought more of the "prisms" b&w fabric and the dotted circles. For some reason those two fabrics really call to me.

>132 dudes22: I am using the white to represent the green -- I was too tired to color in the green while my brain was still churning on what to do about possible fabric shortage.

I definitely have a shortage. I'm still not 100% sure of the pattern because of this. I cracked my mother up today when we were talking the pattern through. I was pointing out where I was still short 2 HSTs to fit in to the pattern using the grey/silver & she asked why I couldn't just use the pattern I had. Deadpan, I said, "then I would have two holes in my quilt." She got this gleam in her eyes and then just snorted at me before suggesting I didn't leave the quilt with holes.

I'm going to have to wing it with the pattern...and trust that I can find a pleasing arrangement. I've found most of the design I want; but those last two HSTs are being stubborn.

An alternative I haven't considered is fewer HSTs and a border; but I think a border might reduce the impact of the quilt. I may still test that option since I have a bunch of 5" strips cut from the grey sparkly fabric that I couldn't use with my brother's quilt.

Are you still trying to get all these done for Christmas?

>134 avaland: The only one I wanted finished by Christmas is my brother's quilt; but I won't see him until January. So, if Dad's quilt is finished first, that's perfectly acceptable to me! I already know I'm sticking to something simple with Dad's quilt for the actual quilting. I like the quilting in this: http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2012/09/hst-baby-quilt-tutorial.html

>135 lesmel: Ah, yes, that a good choice.

>135 lesmel: That quilting looks good (says the person who know *almost* nothing about different kinds of quilting).

Second quilt top is pieced, sandwiched, and spray basted. I'm worn out from the basting hokey pokey. I'm also still waiting for my photos to upload to Flickr. No idea why they are so slow today.

It's pouring here. I have the windows open because of the spray baste. Instead of triggering my anxiety (thanks, so much Harvey), it's actually pleasant. If I didn't have a quilting goal for the day, I could just sit here listening to the rain. It's probably the first time since Harvey I haven't hated the sound of rain.

Here's the layout I decided on. I'm not sure I 100% like the layout; but I was tired of fighting it. I tried three schemes and this was the one that stuck.



My crafting "helper"



I should probably find something to eat for lunch before I get back to the sewing machine.

>138 lesmel: Your crafting helper is holding it right in place!

>138 lesmel: Interesting pattern! How big is the quilt?

>138 lesmel: Ooh, I like that pattern - it’s sort of two-in-one but still just one, if that makes any sense at all.

>140 avaland: 56 x 64 ish.

>139 thornton37814: She always wants to help using her best skills. LOL

>138 lesmel: - I like that pattern too. I used something like it earlier this year:

>143 dudes22: I saw that pattern when I was looking at HSTs! I really like your color choice and quilting.

Anyone ever watched the Jesse Stone movies? I've found myself listening to the first two while I've been quilting today. They are very...moody. I haven't decided if I like them or not.

I have the beginning of the quilting done for the HST spiral quilt. Tomorrow, I will work on the echo lines. Once those are done, I can decide if I want to do anything else -- similar to the link in >135 lesmel:.

I have an apron pattern. I don't think I will have time for it; but the good news is that part of the fam won't be around until Jan and there's no time to mail gifts at this point b/c the chances of anything making it by Christmas is nil.

>144 lesmel: - Thanks. The quilting is pretty simple but I liked the look.

I have watched some of the Jess Stone movies but put them in the "watch and forget" category.

I tried to post this earlier but my computer wasn't cooperating.

She keeps trying to help...



Sometimes less than helpful though...

What a gorgeous cat though!

>148 lauralkeet: Thanks! She's 100% tortie and has the attitude to prove it. lol

Finished the quilting I think. I have to look at it more tomorrow; but I think I'm done. Maybe I'm just tired? Also, I'm dreading the binding. I'd pay to have someone bind all my quilts.

>150 lesmel: - I'd do it. I like binding.

>151 dudes22: If I just had a transporter machine for this quilt! heh

Princess Cinnamon Boots wanted to help finish up the quilting...by sitting on my lap on the quilt. She was very disappointed that I wouldn't let her stay.

I've got the first round of stitches in for the binding -- I machine sew all my bindings. Tomorrow, if everything goes well, I should have a completed quilt!

DONE! The binding was possibly the easiest I've ever done. I don't know if it was technique or just luck.



That will be my last craft for the year. I'll start next year with my brother's quilt. Followed quickly by my niece's apron.

That looks amazing! Well done!

That's really nice. And looks cozy (as I look out my window to the snow).

Oh I like that very much! Nice work.

That looks fab! A good way to end the year!