HEART This!

It’s not too late to work up Hearts!  For Valentine Day.  Below are some Free projects to create your own hearts! 

A Quilting Life offers this neat small hanging—it could be used as table runner or wall decoration—

This 60.5” x 60.5” top is a little more time consuming but look how lively.  I could also see other colors used as well.  This is a Moda Fabrics. You can find these on Instagram. 

Here is a “mystery” sew along—here is step one.  Follow along with Fig Tree and Company. 

January dish cloth pattern is designed by Kitchen Sink Designs. I’m using my handspun cotton yarn.@thekitchensinkshop

Pretty pink for February!

 

Quilt As You Go

Ever since early 2024, when we lost our local quilt shop and the use of long arm machines, I’m researching ways to finish a quilt top.  I’ve tried on my sewing machine—that failed; taken classes—to no avail!  I’ve come across several sites that have excellent videos.  These sites do work, not always for me!   

Take a long at these different ways you can quilt as you go 

https://scrapfabriclove.com/the-easiest-quilt-as-you-go-method-ever/

https://youtu.be/lNbernqwDtE?si=8rUWC-Pyi_82AGNR

https://youtu.be/OeeriaBj2q4?si=ll8-pNkQ3vXEO8gr

https://youtu.be/I5s_aFXvsHA?si=2-fkhPU4IlEQQLAX https://youtu.be/uUj2uuft8bk?si=pY8ofb3udvnIM8Zl

I have tried each of these method—haven’t found a favorite!  But, my tops are made into quilted tops.  Came across another method recently.

https://youtube.com/@pqwquilting?si=ddulzYHXxIcoKfvi—

So, 2.5” sashing is sewn between two blocks—on the back

Here is back with sashing

To cover up back sashing, cut the sashing for front 2X larger, fold in half, half into itself, line with batting and sew over back sashing—

I liked this way to bring blocks together!  I purchased her  book from Amazon to have on hand.  Just another way to finish a quilt top!  So many ways to try—some blocks are quilted before hand; some have strips to quilt and then seam.  Must try all ways to find a good way! 

Here we go 2025

 Every new year, there are those who look inward to self improvement—not me!  I’m just happy to make no promises or resolutions.  Besides, if I did, promises are made to be broken!  Live each day to the fullest—don’t care what tomorrow brings—tomorrow can take care of its self!  

I am, though, thinking of all those unfinished objects (UFOS) that fade into the background. Such good intentions gone to the side—lost in the land of UFOS!!  Hopefully, ……… 

Needless to say, I found these two

I love crayons!  And this tower is so cool!  

There are 12 of the cottages that have been traced, ready to be colored.  The object is to embroidery the cottages—so far—not happening!  Maybe, some day!  I just want to finish coloring—make a decision on stitching later. 

Angels!  Another passion—these are stitched with water colored yarns that I dyed

No idea what the finish product will be—just stitching.  I call this “slow” stitching! 

Found this idea—looks great!  

Over Commitment??

Oh, probably just threw myself down a deep rabbit one!  

Signed up for two year long knitting challenges.  I love both of these designers!  Just couldn’t resist! 

The first of the year brings excitement!  I can do it!  Yes, I know I can do it!  Winter weather will keep me home bound, near hot tea, in my comfy chair! 

Also, I know I can stash dive for yarns needed for these two projects!

My stash!  I’m certain these will work!  Fingers crossed!

Twelve Days of Christmas!

What are the 12 days of Christmas?

The 12 days of Christmas is the period in Christian theology that marks the span between the birth of Christ and the coming of the Magi, the three wise men. It begins on December 25 (Christmas) and runs through January 6 (the Epiphany, sometimes also called Three Kings’ Day). The four weeks preceding Christmas are collectively known as Advent, which begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on December 24.

Read meaning of 12 days on to discover facts about Twelve Days of Christmas and the song!

So, my day begins with a new challenge to accomplish these twelve days of Christmas!  

It’s quiet time from now till end of year—perfect time to knit on this project. 

Grab the pattern from their Facebook page or Ravelry group.  

Find your yarn to begin. 

Although I gathered a lot of Advent knitting adventures, not a one was begun!!  Now—I do have time to knit—pattern calls for fingering weight.  Lucky me, maybe, I have these yarns on hand—because I didn’t knit other projects that I planned!  

Procrastinating is a good thing!! 

What???

 As usual, we’ve been running around—no method to our madness!  Gifts bought, gifts wrapped, who did we forget?  Plans made, plans cancelled!  Events attended raising holiday spirits.  Oh, the holiday parties!  So much rich food sampled. Visit with Santa!   We try to cram everything into these last days before Christmas.  

Daughter arrives today—early!! Thank goodness, her sister will retrieve her at the airport and they’ll do “sister” things.  We’ll meet up for late lunch—so happy to have our family unit together in one location for awhile—my heart is full!

In all this hubbub, there is a major flaw—how are we really celebrating the birth of Christ?  Do we have the right spirit in our hearts?  All these preparations, did we forget the one major reason we pull together for this day?

  You bet we did!  It’s not the gifts, the food, decorations, the pomp and circumstance—NO!  It’s the single fact—we BELIEVE!  

Yes!  We BELIEVE!  

Beginnings of New Year Ideas

I'm already thinking about the new year and new beginnings--2024 was a lost year as far as new quilt starts--there was not a one began.  The last year was used to wrap up some loose blocks and do some quilting for tops.  Now, 2025 looks to be a year to begin new tops.  I've been shopping for block of the month challenges and found these listed below.  Will I keep up?  I doubt it BUT at least, I have a list and that is half the battle of conquering!  Join me! 

This looked promising as a block of the month.

Aby Quilts always has interesting techniques and uses color wisely.

Giant Bear Paws!  For a quilt top layout is interesting for sure~

?

I've never worked a block of the month from Happy Hour Stitches

I'll give it a try

Here is another one that is new to me--

Coriander Quilts

Let's not leave out the Canadian blogs==this one from Canadian Quilter

Never go wrong with RBD block challenge

Pat Sloan' Grandma Kitchen

Hang on!  That's only the beginning!  2025 looks like a promising year for new blocks!