Another start??

I forgot I committed to another Block of the Month program back in December until it arrived in the mail recently. I could not resist Di Ford's new mystery quilt called "Mountmellick", named after a town in Queen's County, Ireland. Mountmellick was well known for textiles in the 19th century and Di Ford is well known for her antique Old World designs, so I am certain this will be a thrill to work on. 

Block One is 20 inches square with a basket and broderie perse flowers appliqued. Little half inch flowers (hexagons) are appliqued in the corners so I will be trying the English Paper Piecing techniques. I'll post some pictures when I actually get these pieces together. I hope to have them ready for applying on Super Bowl Sunday.

Two quilts have been sent out to the machine quilter and I expect them back sometime in March. I already have the binding cut and the labels completed, ready to attach. I'll post pictures when they are officially finished.

It has been a record cold January here in Ohio and this week we experienced "snow rolls" one morning. An amazing but rare weather phenomena where the wind actually blows the snow into rolls. They were numerous! Our neighbors had what looked to be hundreds. Here is a view of our backyard. 

They look like toilet paper rolls, don't they?


I finished a table topper last week made from a few vintage pinwheel blocks I had saved years ago. I do not even remember where I got these. Most likely from an auction or garage sale. I alternated the blocks with plain muslin blocks and added a small border. It is hand quilted and now sitting on the dining table looking appropriate (blue) during these cold months. So this was an unexpected finish. I'll tick this one off my list!

I do not consider myself a expert hand quilter but here is a closeup of the blocks showing the old style fabric. I do not know what the original maker used for the plain triangles but it was a tight weave and I could feel the difference in drag on my needle. I wonder what she had planned for these blocks...or maybe they were extras from another project. I can only hope she would be pleased that they are now used in something pretty on our table.



So back to the sewing room to add the borders on the last year's Border Creek Station Mystery Quilt using Moda's line, "Cinnamon Spice" fabrics. I am very happy with how this quilt came together, but I wish it was a little larger as it finishes at 77" square. It will make a nice Christmas throw and I have already purchased backing fabric so once the borders are on, it is on its way to be quilted too! 

Border Creek's mystery for this year was a temptation to begin. The fabric line they are using is 3 Sister's "Vin du Jour" but no more BOMs until I get these other projects finished! Isn't that what this blog is about??

I like the word, 'distracted". That is what it is - I get "distracted". This year is the year for no distractions and to focus on the goals I have set. It will feel so good to achieve!!

I hope you are accomplishing your goals and staying warm this winter. It will soon enough be spring and then we will be splitting time sewing with the outdoor chores.  So let us make good use of this time and -  "Let it snow, let it snow, let me sew!"