Making a Fidget Quilt

This has been a fun and challenging diversion of new year goals. It has not been a project that I was planning on, but made on a whim when I realized it would be a blessing to a loved one. There are so many ideas online and pinterest,  and it quickly became overwhelming. So I just jumped in and began making elements to sew onto a 20" X 26" base. It evolved into the following...

I began by choosing a Corey Yoder fabric line, Beautiful Day and mixed it up with some from Sweetwater's Renew. All very bright and cheerful colors that palyed nicely together!

I was aiming for an apron type lap covering. Something that could be tied around the waist so it wouldn't slip off her lap. The first element I made was a fur lined pocket. I remember coming across this remnant of fur recently. It was leftover lining that my mother used for a cashmere coat she made for her granddaughter back in the early 70s. That coat sure made it rounds from grand daughter A to grand daughter B, then grand daughter C, and finally great grand daughter! It is hanging in my closet waiting for my own first great grand daughter. Anyway, I think this pocket is dreamy soft and will get lots of pets and hand warms.

I found a miniature Dresden template in my drawer so I made a few fans. I split them in half and sewed them on each side of a mini patchwork square. I lined this and made it into a small pocket too. I had found a small kitty "patch" in the store that I attached to some fur remnants for a little finger puppet that fits perfectly in that little pocket.

 

Then it was onto a few patchwork squares and after sewing them together, it determined the width of the apron quilt.  I appliqued this onto the background fabric and edged it with rick rack. Wrapping that rick rack with decorative cording and ending with buttons and tabs. Two rings on a rope were applied on each end and I found a pretty little butterfly slide that I put on ribbon and sewed down in the center. 

I cut out 1/2" hexagon paper templates (because I LOVE to make little hexagon flowers) and english paper pieced these together to make 3 flowers. I arranged them into a curved setting and tucked in some miniature bright green rick rack along with a couple of beads and ribbon tabs for extra interest. 

Remembering I had seen how zippers are applied to small bags, I sewed tabs on each end of a zipper, making it a bit shorter. I added 2 pieces of fabric to each side and sewed them together in the back to make a small pocket. I lined this will some soft fleece I found and added tabs on each end while also appliqueing it down. (Sorry, picture is upside down)

I found some pretty floral ribbon that I made into a woven area and then wove a line of threaded pearls throughout. It was sewn down with a few sequins and a glass button on the far end.

Another find in my bag of goodies was a doily from somewhere that was not finished. I made two yo-yos and appliqued them on top, and then wove some golden rick rack around the borders. Topped with 2 pearl buttons it finished as another little element.

I lined this apron with white flannel and backed it with white muslin. I didn't want it to be too heavy by using batting, but with all these elements, it needed some extra support. I sewed the top, flannel, and backing together in a pillowcase fashion so I would not have to bind the outside edges. The top was left open for the waistband and ties. 

The quilting was fun as each area determined how to fill it in with stitching. This was probably my favorite part. I did not use tiny stitches but opted for larger, and somewhat even stitching. Ugh, at this point my fingers and hands were so sore. 

Years ago I made mermaid tails for my grand daughters and I had lots of sequins, beads, and other embellishments saved for a time such as this. I am glad I kept those as they came in handy with making this little fidget quilt project. I sewed sequins along with my stitching at random areas for extra sparkle. Can you spot them?

And along the left side I sewed on plastic loops. These lay down one way or the other. And I had just an inch or two of threaded pearls leftover so I hand stitched those down also along with a little tassle.

The waistband was sewn on and I used ribbon as ties. Perhaps these will be cut off if they become a nuisance. All is well. I hope it brings rest to anxious thoughts and entertainment for busy hands.

Oh and how could I forget? I made a little pillow too with reversible sequin fabric I found at Joann's! I bought a four inch wide piece and still have enough to make one for me too! <very big grin> Who can resist playing with this?

So she is finally finished after taking me a solid two weeks of constant sewing. And boy, are my fingers sore! But worth it all...and NO, I will not make another.

Now onto completing my first quilt finish for 2023. I only have the label and a corner to finish sewing on the binding. And my long-arm quilter just called to say my Alternate Coins quilt is ready to pick up. 

Do you think I can finish 23 in 2023?  Uh, probably not, but maybe I can get close...if half of them are potholders, right? 

And speaking of potholders, look what I found in a box of stuff the grandkids left behind (or forgotten). It was such fun to sit and weave a couple of potholders while a pot simmers in the kitchen.

 

Little Bosco has become my favorite companion there in the kitchen as he hopes I drop something yummy from the counter! 

Happy stitching. 

Wrapping up 2022 with 13 Finishes

It has been a good year for finishes. 13 quilts were completed and a total of 168.75 yards of my stash was used up. My best year for sure. 

Last month I mentioned I was almost done with my Christmas Colonial. I only had a few more inches to sew on the binding and attach the label. Here she is completed.

And here is her label. I used 1/2" hexagons and arranged into a diamond shape to fill in the corner of the label. And then I quilted it down with a brick red thread.

And my final finish was Mistletoe Lane made from various leftover scraps from previous Christmas projects. This was such a fun and easy quilt to make. Honestly I was a bit embarrassed to take it to the long-armer to be quilted because some of the fabrics were not great in quality. BUT when I picked it up I was so very pleased with the end result. Isn't it amazing how a quilt can really "come together" once the quilting is done? The texture from the quilting and the fabrics all work together splendidly!

I used Fairfield's Warm and Toasty cotton batting. I had two large pieces that I made into a frankenbatt. For some reason, this batting is hard to find. Sadly, because it feels thicker, is soooo much softer, and it washes well. I really like this batting. I found 2 lonely bags at Joannes and swiped them up for future use.

The quilting design is Christmas Light Strands weaving throughout the top in a cream color thread. These are my only pictures and record of this quilt as it was gifted to dear friends for Christmas. ♥

So there are my 13 finishes!

And here are my empty spools from this year. I counted 20 (both large and small).

It has been a happy, healthy, and productive year. I am hoping for your new year to be that same.

Micah 6:8

Happy New Year and Happy Stitching!

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Bosco is growing and always getting into mischief. He is such an active dog for a pug but such a joy to watch chase leaves, throw his toys in the air, and get the zoomies in the house. Next week he will be 5 months and no hints that he is slowing down. We are thinking of setting up an agility course for him in the backyard. Surely that will burn off some of his energy. If nothing else, he will be a happy dog!

It's The Talk of the Town

Amy Ellis's Talk of the Town, that is. This was a sew along a year or two ago. I had a bundle of fabrics that I used to make this quilt and was not really that excited about the finished top.

 

Then I took it to the Long-Armer, thinking I'll just get it done and pass it on. I even directed her to pick the quilting design as I was coming up blank. My heart just wasn't into this quilt at all. 

 

But how very pleased I was when it came home quilted. Tina used a leaf design to quilt it. I will have to remember to ask her the name of the design in case I want to use it again. But her choice of quilting really "made" this quilt. I could not wait to get the binding on and lay it over the couch in the front room. It is now my new favorite throw! I wish photos would capture it's colors better.

 

It finished at 62" x  75". I pieced the back so I busted through a total of 8 yards of stash. This makes my #11 finish this year.

And the label is ready for signing

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My "Colonial Christmas" quilt was a block of the month project at one of our local quilt shops from years and years ago. The pattern was a Moda University Postcard Quilt pattern and has the date of 2006 printed on the back to help me remember. Those were the days when you purchased each month's pattern and fabric bundle for $5!

 

Because it has so much red in it, I will likely need an entire box of Color Catcher sheets for when I wash it. It is a sampler/medallion, and that is why I named it "A Colonial Christmas". It will be on our bed this holiday season.

I pieced the back with some yardage I had stored away. I love the red toile type fabric but there was not quite enough so I had to use the red stripe fabric in the center.  More reds for the Color Catchers. 

 

This Colonial Christmas Sampler finished at 79" x 79" and I used up 11.5 yards of fabrics. I have kind of cheated in the reporting of this quilt. If you notice, the binding is still not finished on the lower right hand corner. The label is on so I only need an hour or two this evening to finish. I will post a second picture to make me an honest woman.

This makes my 12th finish for this year with a grand total of 158.5 yards. I made the 150 yard challenge but I am doubtful I will make it to 200 yards by December 31. I pick up another Christmas quilt at the Long Arm Quilter's tomorrow but it will not push me up to the 200 yard mark.

Over all, I am happy with this year's finishes. I have several on my Santa list so a few will be going to live with friends and family.

Time to get busy preparing for Christmas. I need my helper again this year to put the tree up. 

Little Bosco is a real time killer. And my vocabulary has decreased to the words, "No!", "Off!", and "No bite!". Sheesh, he's such a bundle of energy.

And hopefully between all the preps for Christmas, sewing binding on the Christmas Jingles quilt I'll be picking up tomorrow, and dealing with a curious puppy, I can make some headway on this quilt I have been working on.

I have 6 more blocks to complete. Then the setting triangle blocks around the edges. I still have a way to go but am putting a nice dent in the 2" squares box. 

What do I name this quilt? Suggestions? I would love to hear yours. This was a project by Jo's Country Junction.

Happy stitching!

 

 

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

   

 

Still in the Running for 200 Yards

I accepted that Challenge a few months ago - that of busting through 200 yards of stash. I think I might make it mainly because I found a really fast and efficient Long Arm quilter (and I have so many tops to be quilted). I am very happy with her work but I can barely keep up with her! Every 2 or 3 weeks she calls to tell me my quilt is finished and ready for pick up. I presently have 2 quilted tops waiting for their binding to be sewn on and I pick up another tomorrow.

But I am getting ahead of myself. Today, I can report a lovely finish that I call Bricks and Pinwheels. Do you know another name for this block? This top was made with beautiful bright fabrics (I can't remember the line) and the pattern really works together for a bright and sunny quilt for summer.

It measures 80" x 80" and I used up 14 yards of stash.

 

The back shows a miniature block made into a label. I love making these kinds of labels. 

 

I debated on the binding to use on this quilt. I found a bright orange polka-dot that would have worked but decided on a plain white binding so it would not compete with the patched border design. 

Another finish that I almost forgot to report is what I call my Purple Fasset. I love Kaffe Fasset's designs and these purple and green prints are so pretty. It features friendship blocks in the center and borders with striped fabrics and a large flowered print. This quit finished at 66" x 74"  and I used up 10 yards of stash.

I only have these 3 pictures because it was gifted to a dear relative very soon after it being finished in early September.

I made a complimentary label using some of the scraps leftover from the pieced backing. 

 

So this month I can add 24 yards to my running total bringing my grand total to 123.75 yards!

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We have been busy canning and freezing what we cannot consume fast enough from the garden. This year we grew Seychelles pole beans and they have been so very productive. Two 6ft rows have yielded 16 quarts of green beans, numerous servings fresh picked before dinner, and several bags full for friends and family!  We will definitely be planting this variety again next year. 

Another huge task has been our yearly yard sale. Sheesh, I am getting too old for this. We are not hoarders, and I am not a messy, but we do have too much stuff in our attic and basement. It felt good to give things a new home for others to enjoy. 

October is rolling in soon and we have a few chores to finish up before cold weather hits. I am looking forward to those "cooped up" days in the sewing room. Besides, I am itching for a new start. Do you get that feeling too? 

 

Happy stitching!

 

"Quilting evokes a tactile response that reaches both hand and heart." 

   ~ Donna Wilder, Quilters Hall of Fame acceptance speech, 

   November 4, 2000