Busting the Blues

Since my scrap bin marked BLUE began to overflow last week, I decided to tackle it and make as many different blocks in multiples of five (plus seam allowances) and in as many variations that came to mind. 

So far, I've this: one block on the left that is 25" and needs a bit more so it has a seam allowance that will fit with the rest. The block on the right is made up of an assortment of little pieces that were a temptation to toss in the garbage. I kept adding until it became 15.5" square. 

 

A couple more are sitting on a table. One is 15.5  x 5.5 a ready to add somewhere. The other is a strip of skinny pieces sewn on the diagonal that is 15.5 long and so far only 3" wide. They didn't make it to the wall yet. 

Yes, this is crazy, mindless and total fun. The bin is still bulging, but loosely and not pressed down. Who will get it? Not the foggiest idea. Nor do I know how big it will be. If it falls short of a good size, I'll dig out some of my blue fat quarters that otherwise have no future! I also have turquoise in this mix so that heart on the left will eventually have some company so it isn't so obviously different.

This may not be a final layout, but with improv, you have to start somewhere! 

Flowers with Friends

I published this top before, but now it is FINISHED with a deep sense of gratitude. It was not fun. The pieces were leftovers from a different layout and given back to our guild where the fabric and pattern had been donated. The white background (don't know why it looks pink here, artificial light likely) material is heavy and my longarm did a lot of thumping going over the seams. Also, it needed white batting and I could not find a thinner option, so that adds to the thickness. 

It looks pretty though, and I hope whoever gets it enjoys it. Colors are fun. I used a panto called Saffron Blossoms, not too densely quilted. Didn't want to add the the weight. Still, it feels good that it is done. In my record book, it is #257. Also changed the name from Leaves and Friends because the panto looks a bit like leaves but more like flowers.

I'm working on Christmas gifts, so will not publish them here unless totally convinced that the recipient will not be peeking. Trying to do others in between so hopefully will have a few that can be posted.

We have lots of snow with up/down temps. Dropped 20 degrees Celsius in a couple hours this week. Our storms are much like those on the east side of USA but it is much colder here, but power outages are rare. Hibernating is okay!

 Oops, still no photos, but there is a reason. I finally made a decision that Christmas was not going to sneak up on me this year. So I made a list of those who get gifts, arranged them starting with the people who live the farthest away. Then I made another list of possible gifts. So, I am sewing for someone who may be looking at this blog, and do not want to ruin the surprise (she loves surprises but always tried to find out ahead of time). 

Our cold snap weather finally broke today, with temps above freezing, right now 2C or about 36F. The 2-3 foot snow drifts have slumped and the streets (with a little freezing rain last night) are now skating rinks. All the more reason to hibernate and sew!

Just washed my sofa quilt for the first time. It is a favorite. Rather than a link, here is a picture...

 Stay warm, and stay safe!

Happy New Year... never more heartfelt this new year as we have been through many challenges and could use lots of bright spots. 

I'm quilting that "ugly" quilt and having fun with it. We traveled south for nearly three weeks in November/December. I found a neat quilt shop in the hills northeast of San Diego and bought some fabric... went in there looking for a really tiny thimble. Oh well, it was for a planned quilt so not as guilt-creating as just randomly "I like this so much" with no plan at all.

The covid tests made the trip a strain, but we managed. We also had a week of fun and games with two of our adult children who had us laughing most of the time, then a week in SD area and a few days in San Francisco to visit a relative who will be 104 in three days. That was special. He likes to talk about big topics and is bored without friends with common interests.

I have no pictures to post. Too busy trying to catch up with life and enjoying time with family and friends. Next time.