Fourth Quarter Goals

What? Did I say fourth quarter? I am thinking it is still August. But no, fall is here and I have much to do outside to get done before snow flies. And finish "putting up" the harvest from the garden. It is looking pretty sparse out there now, but the pole beans just keep producing so we just keep eating them! 

Fall and winter is a time to look forward to though. The shorter days and longer nights makes my sewing room so appealing. Any others think the same way? I mean, when the weather is nice I feel guilty for not being outside tending the chickens, weeding and tidying the gardens. Now is the time for slow cooked meals and long hours in the sewing room. Ahhh, so here are my goals for the last remaining months of 2026... 

1. Montmelleck. Honestly, I just need to get past this last row of broderie perse so I can go on to the next row! All that is needed are the corner blocks appliqued so I can attach the borders and move on. 

 

2. Tilda's Santa Doll. I have his body made and stuffed. Oh what a job that was turning those skinny legs and arms and then stuffing them! He will be so darn cute when finished. I need to pull some fabrics and begin quilting his little clothes. The patterns are cut out and ready.

 

3. Christmas Irish Chain. This quilt is all finished except it needs its binding sewn on. Attaching and sewing the binding is my favorite part of quiltmaking so it will be an easy finish. Especially since it is a Christmas quilt and it wants to be displayed this year!

 

4. Company Picnic. Another quilt ready for its binding so I can say it is done. I love the cheerful colors in this quilt. And the backing is gorgeous! Made with 2 honey buns and 3 yards of background.

 

5. Stay At Home Round Robin. If you have read my previous posts earlier this year you would know about this fun medallion quilt. Sadly, there was an accident and a few blocks bled, so I need to gently tear/remove those and replace so I can send this top off to my long arm quilter. I want to get it done before next year's round robin begins.

6. Vintage 16 patch. This is a quilt I made in the 1990s from 1970s fabrics. It has fabrics from my daughter's first birthday dress I made for her. And several maternity blouses I made when I was expecting. It is not what others might think of as a pretty quilt. It is more a sentimental thing ... I even found a couple of blocks with fabrics from dresses and blouses I made in high school! It has been taking me down memory lane as I have been hand quilting it. Once finished, it will probably live in the back seat of the car for when we go to games, etc., and I need something to snuggle under for warmth. Done in reds, browns, and blues. Do you notice the Holly Hobbie blue print? Yep, that was a maternity top!

 

7. Purple and Gray leftovers. I am not sure what to call this one. It was pieces leftover from a Bonnie Hunter mystery that I gave up on, but have these units made and ready for something. So I have arranged them into  blocks and will have enough to make 25. Anxious to see what develops. 

 8. Allocated. Another scrappy project I started and is a good one for days I just feel like feeding fabric over the dogs.

 

I am sure I could add more to this list. I often come upon something that makes me readjust my plans (aka squirrels) but this is a good start. And then there is that procrastination box that holds so many orphans....

Happy stitching! 

 

 

 

Finishes So Far

I can hardly believe that we are in the last quarter of 2026. Summer flew by and now we are in a grand rush putting things away and cleaning up before winter sets in. Do you, dear reader, find yourself super busy this time of year? The thing that gives me anxiety is the fact that as I age, it takes me longer to get things done. Not to mention I only have so much mental energy. 

So here we are, and I have been accomplishing a few finishes in the sewing room. I will write a new post listing my fourth quarter goals later. 

Gray Grunge Leader/Ender , I nearly forgot to report this finish.

I purchased this gray grunge fabric several years back and decided to just make neutral four patch blocks to alternate with the simple gray squares. I made a few snowball blocks as you can see and set them diagonally to add a bit of interest. It measures 90" x 90" and is seen hanging here on the quilt rack my son-in-law made for me. I've enjoyed looking at it all summer!

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Strip It Earth, was completed and has been laying on our bed all summer. 

This lovely quilt finished at 94" x 94" which is the perfect size for our queen-size bed. It was all done in solids with Parchment colored Kona for the background. And the label was made using the same block pattern only miniature size. It's so cute!

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2026 Guild Challenge Tote, using the feature fabric in the hexagon flowers and on the straps.

I used the thick foam stabilizer and it certainly gives the bag stability. These challenges are my favorite part at our annual quilt show. We have to incorporate at least 2 square inches into something we make. I marvel at the talent and creativity of the ladies and their entries.

And, of course, the raffle baskets are lots of fun too!

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250th Anniversary Tote Bag,  this is the second tote I have made this year so I think I am good for having enough tote bags.

 

This tote bag project was another workshop at our guild. It is always fun to gather together and sew up something nice.

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2026 Winter Barn Quilt Wall Hanging, another guild workshop project.

I really loved this project! I love old barns and I love the snow so that was the direction I went in my making this wall hanging. I hand-stitched gray rayon thread throughout giving it a bit of a twinkle. I embroidered an owl in the moonlight and made a mini dresden to act as a wreath. I still have to iron on the rabbit appliques and embroider a few more wisps of grass on the left corner before our next week's meeting with show and tell. 

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Machine stitched Trees Wall Hanging, another guild workshop project. 

This is the project that gave me the idea and confidence to machine stitch the trees in the Winter Barn Quilt above. I pushed my comfort zone in choosing these colors. I have mixed feelings on the final result, but it is done and is hanging in the sewing room until someone says, "That is pretty!". And I will say, "It's yours!" 

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And finally the best of all...

Uncle Sam on a Bicycle Stamp. 

This has been on my wish list to make for at least 20 years! It is a pattern from an old Workbasket magazine issued with a date in the 1980s. I almost gave up on it because it was so intricate to sew but I wanted it finished to enter in the County Fair this year. And to my delight, it won first place! 

His face, hands, and shoes were painted on. I embroidered the wheels, spokes, and other details. And he has actual sleeves and lapels on his coat.  (I did say it was intricate!)

All our fair entries this year. Hubster got a red ribbon on his turned bowl. My pumpkin quilt earned second place. And my Elderberry Apple Jelly came in fourth. (last year we won nada. Ha ha! )
 

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ScenicWaypoint and Tilda Finish

This group project is completely done and ready for our Friendly Family Reunion Auction. This is a fun way we raise money to cover the cost of renting a space for next year's reunion.  Cousins and myself made the blocks; gathered them together for Becky, Tricia, and Marcia to assemble into a top; then I sent it off to be quilted. Once quilted, the binding was sewn on and a label applied to the back to commemorate this fun event. It is our 220th Family Reunion! Yes, our family has been here since late 1700's and our ancestors fought in every war.

 

The pattern is by Meadow Mist Designs and is called "Scenic Waypoint ". It is a pretty and appropriate pattern that includes Irish Chain and Ohio Stars. It finished at 74" x 88" which can fit a twin size bed or use as a nice big throw. Let the bidding begin!

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Another finish this month is Tilda's Me and My Friend Christmas. I really enjoyed making this "cute" quilt. I don't often make cute quilts but this one was irresistible! It finished larger than I expected but that is because I made a few cutting errors and, well, ...it just grew. 

 

No problem. It will display nicely this Christmas. I hope to have my Father Christmas doll finished by then also so he can sit nearby. It too is a Tilda pattern. 

This quilt finished at 65" x 89" and I am just now hand sewing the label on the back.

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My Country Picnic is a flimsy and was sent to my Long Arm Quilter yesterday. This was kind of a boring quilt to assemble. A lot of straight stitching, but a good project for those days you just don't want to think, but sew. 

 

I love the bright and cheerful colors in this quilt! It is really what kept me going. It is 75" x 89" so far and I backed it with some pretty Windham 108" width fabric that compliments the front nicely. I am anxious to bring it back home. The binding is ready.

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I finished my 250th Tote Bag that was a project we all did at our guild last month. It is just fun to sew with others around. 

 

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And I managed to spend some time working on the Unallocated blocks. This fun project is by my machine for when I just feel like running some things under my needle. It will be done when it looks big enough or I get tired of working on it. It is an easy peasy project!

 

I think this is the right placement of blocks. I think I need more lights for contrast...but once there are more blocks, it may begin to make sense.

Now my main focus is to work on my Uncle Sam Stamp wall hanging and have it done for display at this year's county fair. I am spotting so many beautiful patriotic quilts this year!

Happy 250th America! And Happy stitching! 

  

 

 

2ND Quarter Goals

This should be a short list since the end of 2026's second quarter is at the end of June. That is just 33 days as of this writing. I have fallen a bit behind on my goals because of other demanding things that have come up. This year has been the year of mishaps. 

The basement getting soaked from a burst outside spigot pipe (that should not have burst)! A hail storm that damaged the roof, siding, trim, gutters, windows, and totaled the truck. And a washer that broke and leaked water in the laundry room that also dripped down into the basement. I am so tired of cleaning up! I pray there are no more problems this year.

Looking ahead with optimism, I have a few items to list. What doesn't get done, will pour over into the next quarter of course, but I will still work diligently in getting these completed. Not many are pictured, but once I finish them, I will update this post.

1. Irish Chain Ohio Star quilt. This is nearly done. I recently got it back from the LA quilter and I am now sewing on the binding. This quilt is a joint project with my cousins in Minnesota. We made this quilt for our 220th family reunion friendly auction fund raiser. That is correct - 220 years since our great great great grandpa came over as an indentured servant in late 1700s from Ireland. The old homestead in Coshocton County is still standing...barely. 

Update: It is now finished. July, 2026.
 

2. SAHRR 2026.

A week before posting this finished top in the Linky party, was when the outside spigot pipe broke and seeped onto this quilt that was hanging on the design board. When I took it outside to dry, I noticed 2 stars that bled. Oh my, I was heartsick. I have decided to pick apart the damaged areas, replace them with newly constructed stars and sew everything back together. Once done, I can send this off to the Long Arm quilter to finish it completely. 

3. Curtain for the garage window. Since this window will soon be replaced, it would be a good idea to have a curtain made and ready to hang. It will offer some privacy into the workshop.

4. Company Picnic. 

I have this started with only a few blocks left to construct. I need to get the design wall back up so I can arrange these blocks and begin planning the borders and finishing. It was kind of fun to make. I'll feel better once I get a better view of it hanging.

Update: flimsey and now at the long arm quilter's. July 2026
 

5. Uncle Sam Stamp. I have wanted to make this for years! (like since the 1990s) My plan is to get it done in time for the Geauga County Fair in August. Since we are celebrating our 250th anniversary this year, it will be an appropriate entry.

A few extra things that I hope to get to:

6. Americana Bag. A workshop project I did with my guild. It is due next week!

Update: finished July 2026
 

7. Bosco's bag. Side seams and straps sewn on is all that is needed.

8. Jaye's Bouquet. I am now on Month 6 so I am making slow progress. It is turning out to be lovely! 

9. Montmelllick. Broderie perse needs to be attached to the cornerstone blocks and sew the rows on so that I can move on to the month's row.

10. Unallocated.

 

I spent a few days cutting and making a few example blocks. It is a good "mindless sewing" project that I can work on when mojo is low.

11. 4patch fun! is 2025's Bonnie Hunter's L/E project.

And fun it is! I am still in the cutting part of this project. I surely will not have it done by July when her new pattern idea will be announced. I am aiming for a small throw size. Maybe more if I really fall in love with it.

12. Pillowcases - flannels, pillow covers, and leftover sheets held over just for this purpose. 

So these are my focus projects. I refer to this list often when I get lost, or itching to work on something different than "yesterday". I have a wish list equally as long...if not longer.

Happy Stitching! 

 

 

 

 

 

Orphan Blocks Extravaganza

My Orphan Block box was overflowing and out of control with stacks of 4 patches that would not fit in the box with the others. 

 

I decided it was time to sort and play one evening while watching TV. It was very amusing because I found several blocks I do not even remember making! And it was obvious to me that it was me doing the making, because they were displaying my fabrics! I guess that proves they have been stored way too long and now is the time to plan repurposing them into a quilt or some kind of project. My mind swims with ideas for little mini projects. 

 I think many of these 4-patch blocks were remainders from the scrappy Vintage Column quilt and my Kitty Korner quilt. (It is time to make another!)

 

These are 7 Thimbleberries blocks from the Quilter's Garden BOM project back in 2001?. The other 6, stacked underneath, are all different. I did not make these. They came from a UFO bin at a LQS years ago. I could finish them for I have the alternate block fabric panel and the pattern in an old Thimbleberries book. A very pretty quilt that I would enjoy finishing! I will be adding this to my UFO list.

 

I don't know how these blocks were designated as orphans. There are 23 of them, and more can be easily made. They are from one of Bonnie Hunter's books so I will be adding these to my UFO list also.

 These were leftover blocks from my Colonial Christmas Quilt that I finished in 2022. I don't think I have anymore red, but there may be a few remnants of that green. Maybe a pillow with cornerstones? 

I need to add a search bar to my blog so I can readily find these old projects.

These are 3 antique blocks ready for hand applique. Actually there are four but I grouped the other into the yellow/pink/green pile (see below). Still thinking about what to do....

I grouped these together because the colors all complimented each other. I recognize a couple of those blocks as remainders from Lessons From Mama quilt project. I still have this book by Terri Atkinson. She has several nice quilt patterns I still like. 

 

These were a few leftover hexagon blocks from a quilt I finished. It was a Kingfisher Quilt Along from 2018. It is one of my favorites and actually began making more hexies recently. They are like potato chips, always fun to make, and can't stop at one! 

I just grouped these into browns/reds colors. I don't remember making that hexagon star, but those are my fabrics and I think it would be fun to dive in on again. I'll have to dig for the pattern. Ester Alui, maybe? Or try to find the correct size from Susies-Scraps.

 Ahh, I am swooning over those mariner stars! I remember making them back in the 1990's! And I still have the fabric from the centers. I love indigos and will be brainstorming a finish for these. Another to put on my UFO list! 

 And more blues! And I am blue because I honestly do not remember where these large blocks came from! The smaller blocks and remnants are mine, but the others I am clueless. Ha! But look at that darling mini bear's paw! I will pull that for a quick mini project soon!

 And two more indigos. I should add these to the mariners, maybe. Lovely blocks that I am again clueless about where they came.

More leftovers from projects that I do recognize! Taking note on where I can plug these in on future projects. Or use those little turkey tracks in the bottom right corner for a table-topper. 

 

Funny how these found themselves in the orphan box. I have a box of bricks waiting to assemble into these "potato chip" blocks. They will be joined again with their parts and added to the UFO list.

 

Leftover siggies from the Dear Jane Siggies exchange that was popular in 2006 - 2102. I participated in that exchange for several years, and these remind me I have a couple of years' collected in the sewing room for more quilts. I must get trimming on them and make another! I finished my siggie collection from 2010 to 2012 here.  I do not know what to do with these extras that came back, other than pick/rip out the centers and resew maybe onto some of those 4 patch leftovers. 

And here are the pinks/greens/yellows that I grouped together. They seem to play nice together and once I get my design wall back up I will begin to play with their arrangement. 

So this has been a fun, and an overwhelming time sorting through the orphan block box! 

But wait! There are more! 

 

These are leftover blocks that I purposely saved as "patterns".  A lot of favorites in here. Can you spot that tiny courthouse square? It is only 4.5" and is made with 1" strips. That is another UFO I hope to tackle someday. (It will weigh a "ton" when finished!)

I also have 2 "Procrastion" boxes to look through, but that will be for another day. These are "bits and pieces" from quilt projects dating back 20 years, and include things like hundreds, perhaps thousands of leftover HSTs and matching fabric pieces. I just can't get rid of them yet. One day I will stand at the ironing board and press all those HSTs to make an OMGosh quilt! Ha!

 

So they are all sorted. Some are put in their respective UFO piles and project bags, with the rest living here in the orphan box. At least I have record of what is in there for future reference. And my UFO list just grew. It is now at 36! (half of which are just in need of quilting or binding)

What do you do with your orphan blocks? Maybe I should clarify, these are true leftovers. I often use up extra blocks for labels on the back of my quilts. These orphans of mine have no home. Perhaps I should begin the habit of making an "after quilt" to use up the extras entirely.  

 Happy stitching!