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Pull.

Cut.

Piece.

I love the start of a new project!

This week I completed my final blocks for the  2026 Sew Along: Scrappy Sampler.

Well, I completed the block count for the middle size option. The friendship star block just didn’t appeal to me, so I found another option. Using THIS TUTORIAL, I make a 12″ bear paw variation. There wasn’t enough of any of the solid pink fabrics to make the center squares for the paw, so I used two different fabrics and created HST as an option.

Sashing and inner borders next. There is a lot to them, so it might be two weeks before I ...

This week I completed blocks 13 and 14 of the  2026 Sew Along: Scrappy Sampler.

I appreciate more and more Jessica’s videos and the two different printable patterns. You can find blocks 13 and 14 HERE. The piecing for Block 13 was new to me, but with no hurrying and better pressing techniques, I am happy with the results.

Only one more week of blocks, then on to borders. I am looking forward to it.

In spite of life events, I have managed to stay caught up with the  2026 Sew Along: Scrappy Sampler.

While I have been quilting for some time, it is never too late to try something new. While working on this quiltalong, I have focused on pressing the seam allowance of my HST open after trimming them. I am surprised at the difference it makes. There is less slip due to bulk when I am assembling the blocks, and the blocks are flatter in the end. Who knew?

Not only will I have a fun quilt, but also a new-to-me technique ...

I got a little behind due to…well, life! But, I am caught up with the  2026 Sew Along: Scrappy Sampler.

Week 3 and Week 4 are available on YouTube.

I changed to using the red, white and blue color patterns. They work better with my scrapp-ier plan. I am very pleased at how blocks 7 and 8 went because of that.

I was also glad to use some of the pre-cut items that Debra included in the mystery kit she sent me. No, those are not going to waste.

Looking forward to the coming blocks this week.

Have you heard of the 2026 Sew Along: Scrappy Sampler with Jessica Dayon?

Here are my blocks 3 and 4. I don’t love block 3. I tried reversing the colors, and it is a little odd.

Perhaps it will grow on me, but, if not, I have a Bonus Block created from the HST cutoffs and some 2-1/2″ squares. Perhaps I should have made the centers of the smaller 9-patch blocks from the solids?

You can learn more about these blocks HERE.

The blocks for my model quilt are complete, and I am working on layout.

Finish and tutorial coming soon!

I often wonder if the Winter weather makes me take on projects that take a while to finish. Do I choose ones that are going to keep me inside where it is warm? Maybe I sub-consciously do.

I have been keeping the needles working in the evenings to finish this jumper for Miss 10yo. She has already seen the yarn and very much approved of the colour.

The yarn is machine washable wool from Bendigo Woollen Mills. It is from the Prism range and the shade is Fairy Tale.

This is a closer look at the colour gradations.

It is ...

Yes, we have a name: Fringe Benefit.

A fringe benefit is a perk, extra or bonus received in addition to regular compensation. In this case, those cut off triangles can turn into a buy one-get one special.

If you are interested in making a quilt, large or small, using this block, I have a few suggestions:

1. Get a bloc lock ruler, if you don’t have one already. Mine is 6-1/2″. It makes the trimming faster and more accurate. They are available in many local shops or a variety of locations online.
2. Dig out all those bonus triangles. They ...

A while back I asked about “bonus half square triangles,” those pieces that can result from stitch-flip-trim patterns. Many said that they had a lot of them. Many said they weren’t sure how to use them.

I have been thinking about that, and found a number of uses for them. You will see some in upcoming posts.

But I also wanted to create a block that would use them specifically. The block can be created using (at least) three sizes of half square triangles: 2-1/2″, 2″, 1-1/2″. And you can make anything from a mini quilt, to ...

The balloon quilt block was repaired and the top assembled. Sort of interesting math in the borders, but they work OK.

Off to the quilter soon.

It was an ugly tear out. But, the more I looked at it, the more I hated it. The red was too dark and didn’t contrast well with the black.

Much better now. Before and After below.

I am assembling the top and hope to have a finished product (at least flimsy) to share by the end of the week.

This is another quilt that came from Susan Nixon prior to her death. I am trying to tie up loose ends and honor her.

The top is assembled. I had to create a few blocks to get a complete top. Should have the finish to share in a few weeks.

Friend Julia came for a visit from Louisiana. She wanted to make a baby quilt. Her first quilt.

She had Mardis Gras fabric for the back.

We started pulling possibilities from my color bins. She ironed and I cut.

The FIRST BLOCK.

And, before she flew out, a finished top. (Quick info: 3″ squares. Finishes at 40″ square.)

She plans to connect with the quilting community back home. I assured her that there would be people ready and willing to help. I will share the finish when it happens.

There is another quilt kit cut and ready in her baggage ...

I have three active Works In Progress:

Wedding Quilt for Young Son (wedding in September)

Random scrap quilt–playing with low volume backgrounds.

Patriotic 6″ blocks–part of a seasonal quilt set in the works.

None are close to a finish, but they are closer than they were a week ago…

It wasn’t JUST a quilting weekend, but in between all the other things I was able to get a bit done on each of my four quilts in progress (listed in reverse order of how close they are to completion):

First, binding the Harry Potter Brightly quilt–about 1-1/2 sides to go.

Second, adding a few rows to my Leader Ender (now mostly assembly).

Third, building a few blocks for my newest Second Chances quilt: Bits.

Finally, cutting for the wedding quilt of Young Son. All the brown and green squares are cut. Nearing halfway for the gold ...

It was a great sewing weekend, the best I have had in a long time. Two tops are assembled:

The first is for Baby Henry, who recently joined us on this planet. He is the younger brother of the Star Wars baby some of you might remember. This time Mom and Dad asked for “Animals. And green.”

Then the Brightly Quilt–Harry Potter Style. Intended for a fellow teacher and Harry Potter fan (You should see her classroom.)

That makes four tops ready for quilting. Ah…a stretch and a sigh for a productive weekend.

Last week, the Arkansas Crossroads assembly DIDN’T happen.

There was no stretch of time for layout (without people who are not used to watching out for quilts on the floor, and the dog who likes to dance on the quilts while they are on the floor, being in the area).

But, other things DID happen: Blocks for a Harry Potter themed Brightly Quilt, potholders from leftover string pieced blocks (ready to bind), and some wild potato chip blocks for donation quilts.

Not what I wanted, but not bad. We’ll see what this coming week brings. Meanwhile, stitch on!

I have been working for quite a while on the blocks for an Arkansas Crossroads quilt.

(NOTE: The tutorial link above uses 2-1/2″ squares. I used 2″ squares and 3-1/2″ background pieces. But the idea is the same.)

Finally, all 36 blocks (and sort-of-border pieces) are finished. I hope to lay out and assemble it this weekend, but we shall see…Should be 84″ square when complete.

Little by little, progress is being made on a variety of projects. I had a little mini panic the other day when I realised how close Christmas was. So I got stuck into a few Christmas plans.

These are small ornaments from Marg Low’s range.

These Santa sack decorations are about 3 inches high. And the stocking are about the same.

Even though we are heading into Summer, I am busy knitting a jumper for our granddaughter. I will make it in a larger size so it fits for next Winter. I am using an 8 ply wool from ...