Stay At Home Round Robin 2026

I have wanted to participate in this challenge for the last several years but could not get past the first step - making the center block.

I have had this applique piece stored away for years and years. I purchased it at a local quilt shop as an unfinished project, Someone put A LOT of work in folding and gluing those very narrow (1/4" wide) bias strips. Some had already been sewn using a double needle and monofilament thread. 

I tried my hand at this technique but without success. I could not figure out how to make those tight pivots and after breaking the needle, I had no choice but to try another approach. (I only had one double needle and no time or capability to purchase another.) 

 

 I remember reading from Kim Diehl's books that she does her applique by machine, and it is invisible because she uses monofilament thread. I decided to continue with that process, but with a zigzag stitch instead of the double needle. 

It is not as pretty...but then it is, if the stitching is careful and the pivots are made with uniform stitching. In other words, no reverse stitching. 

That was mostly how I did it along with watching my tension so the bias strips did not buckle. And need I mention that you cannot press monofilament thread? I will definitely have to remember that when adding borders during this round robin.

So, with the old adage, "better done than perfect" it is ready for step one of the Stay At Home Round Robin 2026 hosted by Quilting Gale. I only hope to give the original owner of this center block honor as her skills were definitely better than mine!

Now it is time for a fabric pull so I can continue working, creating, and keeping up each week as directions for each round are released. I will try to post my steps and process here as we move on. The big reveal is March 25th...I wonder if that includes quilting. 

You can read more about this Round Robin here, and perhaps follow along also. Do you have an orphan block waiting to be featured in a quilt with surrounding borders?  There are linky parties and prizes! And in 6 short weeks, you will have a finished top ready for quilting and enjoyment. 

Excited yet? I know I am. Kinda like a mystery, but I am in charge of the outcome. 

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I also finished assembling my Square Affair top after some time thinking and exchanging one of the fabrics. I chose a white on white fabric with stars. I really like the final result and now I am debating about taking this to the long arm quilter, or doing it myself.  

There was much arranging, and rearranging.  Judging what others have done, you can even mix up the 4 squares but I did not.

Sometimes it is helpful to look at it in grayscale to determine a balance in hues and contrasts. 

And it came together nicely once the borders were sewn on randomly. It is 51" x 61" so far without quilting and binding. And it has used 2.5 yards of fabric. (duh - thus the five half yards) And did I mention there is VERY little leftover? After cutting the pieces from the strips, there is slightly less that 1/2" on each left over! Be careful when cutting! I often left the selvage on one end to be sure I did not run short. And I cut those pieces from each individual strip for extra care.

Overall, I am very happy with this quick, easy, and economical project! I have many half yard pieces in my cupboards waiting to be used. Perhaps I will try another using my own stash. And I like this random pattern.

You can ask at your local quilt shop about these "Half Packs". They come with 5 half yard pieces and you choose the pattern you want to make. You can see for yourself at Sassy Sunflower Quilts.   

Now on to that fabric pull....

Happy stitching!