What Are Quilters Blogging About Today?

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 ...

After the quilt marathon it has been good to get back to some smaller projects.

I have managed to complete another four of the houses from Homegrown.

Mine are not always true to the original design. I have added different colours and fabrics, sometimes different stitches and even a ribbon or two. But the essential design is still there.

I have also made some progress on my giraffe embroidery. Slow and steady with this one.

Obviously still a long way to go.

Spring is a delightful time in the garden when the sun is shining.

The dark coloured orchids bloomed ...

Saturday brought a long sewing day while I watched some football.

I improved my ironing set up.

And finished nearly half of a quilt top. Being prepped is critical as I don’t see how to incorporate a cutting area.

I do love the machine. It has responded beautifully to the care given.

It was so much fun to play with Cheri’s gift.

The top is assembled, and I hope to have it quilted soon. YAY! I love to find purpose for fabric.

Cheri passed on a project, or a potential project. Looks like it needs a second chance.

Hmm…what can I make with this?

ps–Yes, using a lint roller to keep strips organized is pretty genius.

Life has handed me many changes lately, not all bad. In fact, there are many blessings. But, they are all time consuming.

So, my progress with sewing has been slow.

However, the blocks for this idea are nearly done. Only about 15 to go. It is based on a honeybun (I had one laying around). I call it Honey Hush.

Hopefully more to share soon.

With the start of school and events in my life generally, my sewing time has been significantly reduced the past few weeks. But, I did finally get the binding attached to the Big Diehl quilt last night.

I am hopeful for binding time this weekend. And a true finish soon. Remember: Quilting doesn’t really take patience, it requires persistence. If you don’t give up, you will finish.

Thank you, Christine, for the name suggestion. Considering that it uses a LOT of 1-1/2″ squares (finishing at 1″) it is a postage stamp quilt.

I started it in August 2023, so a year in the making. I wish I had recorded the day…

But, in the meantime, I am rejoicing over the finish. This one will stay with me for now and is on the full size bed in the guest room.

You can see the original quilt, the tutorial, and a number of variations HERE.

I received a bag of 2-1/2″ HST, carefully made and even seams pressed open. But a little dated. And maybe some odd fabric choices. But, I wanted them to be…something.

It isn’t perfect, but it is a flimsy. And a good reminder that finished (or nearly finished) is better than perfect.

It took most of the day, but it is done. Admittedly, I would do a section and then take a break by emptying the dishwasher, watering the plants, making that phone call, and related things. I could not stand to match that many seams for that long straight.

These pictures were obviously taken indoors in not-the-greatest light, but you can get the idea.

It is 92″ square. And assembled! Going to the quilter soon. I’ll share the finish when we get there. Thank you for all your kind words and support.