grann of 6

Well, I spent the morning running errands, mailed 2 packages to my friend in NC, still have more to mail. And she needs a couple more quilts for some people needing hugs. So I picked up some outdoorsy fabric that I think will go with a piece in my stash. I picked up the Babylock Katherine from the "spa" and dropped off the Aria for its turn. I'm sure it is filthy inside since I have made 50 quilts so far this year, and all or part was sewed on it. I used my 20% off coupon for some Christmas fabric to go with a Winter Manor JR I have. I got 2 pieces of fabric from the $5.95 bin, yes it has gone up in price. But both pieces go with precuts in my stash. I spent much more than I should have but it all has a purpose, so no "impulse" shopping was done.

Iceblossom

I am proud of myself... in my attempts to loosen up and not layout this Scrap Metal project today at group I randomly took out 12 blocks from my pre-shuffled stack of blocks for the rows that end with odd numbers and pinned all the rest into sets of two, I made two stacks and as long as all 8 pieces were different, I put them together. Only had two times I had to shuffle the piece to the next one.

So I'm getting to the point of thinking of the next project. I think I'm going to quilt down that Seahawk Pink top so I can have that to take to group for the hand sewing of the bindings.

And then it's on to the next project... I think I'm going to stall on the Farm quilt again and do a quick little donation project.

Here's a question for you all, I mentioned it in a different thread where it will probably be missed. I found a cool sea scene panel at the thrift store, I paid asking price so $3.99, a bit pricey on my usual buys but it is a great panel. It measures 36x45. To finish that into a baby/lap quilt, do I border the panel or just go with that size?

I'll be doing a simple pieced back of L shapes using more fish fabrics.

grann of 6

Cngratulations, Iceblossom, on loosening up on your quilting plans. I have always had a problem with just going with the flow. The top I just made has pretty much nothing to do with sunflowers, but does have some of those colors in it, even though it is various flower vignettes. And the backing is the rest of the sunflowers. After the new year I am going to plow through my mass amounts of floral yardage and cut JR strips and maybe make some sort of Irish chain. I am getting better at throwing things together. It is still a struggle, though.

retiredteacher09

Iceblossom: I would border it to get it to an unfinished size of 42” by 50” or thereabouts.

I finally finished a top that’s been hanging on my design wall for a good month or longer. It is 70” by 80” and was given to my church quilters to finish. They sandwiched and tied it and then sewed the backing to the front today and donated it to Salvation Army.

I also received a bag of fabric and a full size high loft batting from an employee at my LQS from her personal stash. One piece of fabric is large enough to use for a baby quilt backing if I choose or will make nice blocks for an adult quilt. One piece is too thin for me to use so I will donate that one. Other useful smaller pieces were in the bag also.

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grann of 6

Retiredd teacher, that is a cute idea for the sashing strips between the sections of squares. I may just have to copy that idea.

I had trouble sleeping last night, so I designed the borders for the Lakeside panel. I am going to have to spend some time laying it all out and doing some thinking. My first idea I had I think would be a little tacky, so I am going to try some other ideas.

I see Bluprint is taunting me with another 50% off everything I order sale. the bargain is hard to pass up.

retiredteacher09

Thank you, grann of 6. I adapted it from a baby quilt pattern in a booklet. I’m trying to use up precut 5” squares from my church quilting group. I cut my sashing at 2”. The green sashing is from various lengths of fabric so some sashings have a few seams but it feels good to reduce scraps.

I look forward to seeing quilts made from this design.

I saw the Bluprint ad also but have only bought/watched classes from them.

grann of 6

I have gotten several kits from them, and found them to be pretty straightforward as far as the directions go. The quilts wash up nicely and no color left in color catchers. So I would definitely get more from them.....after I have sewed up more of what is in the stash.

Iceblossom

Thanks for the comment on the panel size, Retired Teacher, that's what I was thinking and most people have been telling me, put on about a 4" border all around. One of the fabrics I have would be excellent for that but I'm not sure I have quite enough, it's another scrap I got at the thrift store so it has some odd shapes cut in it.

Today's project is to sew the pinned units together and press them. If I'm feeling ambitious, I'll spray baste the Seahawk Pink project today -- if not, tomorrow is fine. Backing will need to be lightly pressed, it's been sitting for a few weeks. Binding is already made and I need a project for group, so that's the plan. Hubby does work on Saturday, it would be a good day to quilt I think. I'm planning on doing a grid with the serpentine stitch option, haven't done that before. Am also going to use the Sew Fine in the bobbin for the first time. Maybe not huge things but new things, always learning.

Iceblossom

I did get the pinned units together and pressed, I've made the bed for quilting (took off the pillows, straightened the blankets, and put out my craft paper). Got distracted with a block design but think I will be spray basting the Seahawk Pink today, that's the plan early in the morning anyway.

According to the members of the fabric moratorium, is it ok to ask my friends to shop their overflowing stashes for me, or is that just getting fabric for free? In order to use up a collection of fabrics I have, I sort of really really need a white on white dot* or a couple other very specific options for that block design. Just need a yard and can run out and buy that sort of thing easily. I know we have exemptions for immediate use and hey -- using up 5-6 yards of stash with no net gain by the purchase is still a reduction. But before subjecting myself to the store and temptation I emailed my small group.

*I used up my yardage pieces of white on white earlier this year with the purple quilt. While I probably have enough white on white in total, this is not a scrap quilt.

Conchalea

I think helping a friend reduce stash is well within the definition of the fabric moratorium. Good for you, conserving $$ & helping a friend.