It's November and Getting Close to My Goal

My goal of sewing through, and using up 200 yards of stash that is. The BIG factor in making this happen is that I found a very ambitious long arm quilter. I can barely keep up with her so I have been taking in quilt tops that I have had in the closet waiting for "someday". Their "someday" has arrived and I am getting so many done! Now my next goal is not only to finish,  but to disperse and distribute as well. They are really stacking up!

So this month I have an oldie to report as finished. This quilt was one of my early ones made in the 1980s. I can even remember the house we lived in when it was made! I used my mod Singer Genie sewing machine (still in excellent condition)  to sew it together. And it was Eleanor Burn's book, Log Cabin in a Day that inspired and motivated me with her easy-peasy directions and illustrations. OMGosh, you really can do this in one day!

I did not tear my strips, although the first one I made I did. I painstakingly cut my strips 1.5" wide instead of Eleanor's recommended 2.5". I think the inspiration for this quilt was found in one of the Great American Quilts by Leisure Arts that came out yearly. Remember those? Sadly, I think you can still find them on ebay for $1. 

My log cabin was made using VIP calicos found in that era in lavenders and garnet reds. I still have a box of those pretty calicos from the 80s but unfortunately, their quality is not as good as today's fabrics. I try to use them up in mini projects and crafts.

I may need several sheets of Color Catchers when washing this one. And it does need washing as it sat so long it got the yellow stains along the fold marks while living all those years in the blanket chest. I preferred to get it quilted first, then a wash is forthcoming when the weather warms up. 

Mini label on back

I have been watching for a quilt to go with the Baptist Fans quilting design, and this was it! I love the old-fashion feel and look to Baptist Fans, don't you? I will definitely use it again on future vintage quilt block patterns. 

Baptist Fans Quilting

My log cabin measures 80" x 100". I made it to fit our old double size bed and long enough to tuck under the pillows. That is funny to me because now I make mostly square quilts and not bother with the pillow tuck. 

2 of my favorite quilt-holders helping out

AND, it was finished just in time as the spare room for our grand daughters has an antique Jennie Lind bed that they have outgrown (too short), and is getting replaced by that old double poster bed. Yep, the same one I measured this quilt for. So everything is coming together. (Hope the grand daughters can appreciate that. I might have to put a more modern quilt on the bed for them when they come to spend the night.)

So this finish bumps me up to #10 and I busted through 15.5  yards of stash. Bringing my total so far this year to 139.25 yards.

I can't close without another announcement. We have a new member in our family. We recently brought home Bosco and now we are all getting used to each other. Along with training for a well behaved dog.

 

So I'll sign off with this fun clip I found. These points are true for us as well as our pets. 

Things We Can Learn from Our Dogs

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face be pure ecstasy. When loved ones come home, always run to greet them. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently. When it is in your best interest, practice obedience. Let others know when they've invaded your territory. Take naps, stretch before rising. Run, romp, and play daily. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Be loyal. if what you want lies buried, dig until you find it. Thrive on attention, and let people touch you. Avoid biting when a growl will do. On hot days, drink lots of water. When you are happy, dance around and wag your tail. No matter how often you are scolded, don't pout. Run right back and make friends. 

Happy stitching!

Kris