Friday, February 4, 2022

I made a couple more blocks for my Stay at Home sampler and I finished the Alias Grace block I cut out yesterday. I’m going to redo one of my Alias Grace blocks; I try to do them as close to the photo in the book but sometimes I have to make it up as I go along. Yesterday, while I cleared off my magazine shelf, I found a couple of books that are just block designs. I was looking for a pattern for my next block when I came across a pattern that was the exact match for the block I did a couple of days ago. I’m going to do that block over again; since I’ll be putting these blocks together without any pattern I’ll keep both and see if the “wrong” one fits in anywhere.

I should have the border on my quilt by now but I’ve been procrastinating. I have two of the borders cut and one is attached. If I keep at it (and keep off the African webcams) I might be able to get another one added before supper. From the look at the weather forecast it will be late next week before there is a day that might be sunny enough for me to spray baste it on the back deck so I guess I’m thinking there is no rush.

I’ve turned the webcams off and I’ll get back to that other border now.

Thursday, February 3, 2022

I ended the day yesterday with eight on-going items on my to-do list; this morning when I opened the app I had 18 items waiting for attention. I was able to see that some of the decluttering items could be combined into one task and there were a few monthly tasks on the list.

I got the latest clue in the Guild mystery sent out and then, in the time that was left, I worked on some correspondence for the Guild. I’m at a standstill on the archives at the moment as no one seems to have the records for the years 2013 to 2019. All I want is the list of Executive and Committee members; I asked our archivist for the records with no luck, I asked our Secretary for the records with no luck, and tonight I’m putting out a request at the monthly meeting asking for anyone who might remember to let me know. I’m not attending the meeting but the Secretary said she would put an announcement out.

I was working on books and magazines today for much longer than a half hour. When I first started quilting I must have purchased every book the Guild library was disposing of, everything I could find in thrift shops and even a few new books. I managed to clear up a couple of shelves but I’m still not finished. I found a pattern that I really want to make (Jo’s Little Women) so I’ve added that to my pattern bin and list. And one of the books that I had slated for the thrift store went back on the shelf as I was packing them up. I also added two patterns to my Christmas bin.

Next up was sorting fabric from my cabinet. The cabinet is looking very good just now and I can clearly see the colours I have to pick from the next time I’m starting a quilt. I still have quite a collection of bits and pieces (and maybe yardage) in the pile in front of the cabinet though.

Finally, after lunch, I was able to get at some sewing. I finished another small block for my sampler as well as an Alias Grace block. I have a second Alias Grace block ready to put together tomorrow.

I started Taylor’s project last night. It isn’t easy but I’m sure once I’m more than one row in it will get easier. I actually am two rows in but the stitch count is off so I have to go back and see where I went wrong.

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

If the first of the month is my favourite day of the month, Wednesday is surely my favourite day of the week. A new Peppermint Purple block is released and it is relatively easy to get it done and off the list in a day. I’ve carried on with the border of my 2021 Peppermint Purple project and I’m getting very close to finishing. As soon as it is done I have another weekly stitch along that I’ll be joining. I’ll be a bit behind to start but I don’t think it will take too long to catch up.

I had time this morning before breakfast to make a block for my piecing challenge. I have backing and border fabric pulled for my quilt; until it warms up a bit though I won’t be able to get it sandwiched.

I had a few decluttering and cleaning tasks to take care of before I sat down to stitch. I cleaned my sewing machines and changed the needles. I also changed the blade in my rotary cutter; I knew the rotary cutter blade needed to be changed but I changed the needles as well because it was on the monthly list and I don’t do it often enough. I spent half an hour among my scraps – AGAIN! I’m not sure how many days I have set aside for scraps but it seems like I’m working on them constantly. I actually saw a difference in the 1.5″ bin at the end of my time.

My extra large needles for Taylor’s project arrived today so I’ll be able to get started on that. The timing is perfect as last night when I changed skeins of yarn on the afghan I ended up with a complete mess trying to find the end of it. I’ve started sorting it out but there is a long way to go; it’s nice to be able to leave it behind and not feel guilty about it.

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

My favourite day of the month – new quilting challenges. If I were to follow the “rules” I’d be picking one (of twelve) UFOs to work on during the month. This year I picked twelve piecing UFOs, twelve quilting UFOs and twelve scrappy UFOs. Last month worked out well for me so I’ll see how this month goes.

My quilting challenge is another big quilt. I call this my May quilt because the pattern came from a 2011 quilt calendar (thank you Deloise) and the pattern was the one featured for May. I need to add a small border, sandwich and quilt it before it comes off the list.

My piecing challenge is one I’m glad to get back to – Alias Grace. In the book each chapter is prefaced with a quilt block. I loved the book and decided to make a sampler quilt using the blocks from the chapters. I’ve finished 9 of the 15 blocks that will be required. The blocks are in a variety of sizes so fitting them together will be challenging.

I’m happy to get back to my scrappy challenge; I’ve spent so much time over the years dealing with scraps it is nice to be using them for something. And this is the perfect year and perfect timing for this one – Temecula’s Stay at Home Sampler. Without any more of Temecula’s miniatures to work on I feel quite at home (while staying home) with this one. The blocks are just 3″ finished so it will be a small one.