Gray Threads:

Such a fan of this ‘On Dasher‘ line by Sweetwater used for the LtSanta Quilt previous, and the Sawtooth Christmas Throw by S.McConnell, had to add to my holiday collection! Perfect for the Grandkids to snuggle by the fire Christmas Eve and it’s even Word-alicious;). #72, but who’s counting…HO!HO!HO!

My rendition of ‘Letters_to_Santa‘ turned out festive and made our Christmas wishes to family and friends a Quilty pleasure. Thanks to Snapfish for their assist with our card. Of note; quilted by Kerri using ‘Parchment‘ pantograph. Fabric mostly Sweetwater for Moda and then my stash. That truly ‘Says it All‘.

Just off the design wall, am thinking could be the perfect Christmas Card to all… we’ll see what I can come up with once returns from the quilter… ‘Tis the Season, already! [Was told the ‘Woven Stars’ make great snowflakes;)]…

Star-Struck when found this STAR STRIPED – SUNWASHED pattern by Corey Yoder. Addition on back really ‘brings it home’ on this 70th quilt for my summer fun, and just in time for b’day #70 as well 😉 [Quilted by UVQ w/ Circles and Lines design.]

It’s been a minute, but this Quilt was made and finished for new baby this past month. As usual now, 2-in-1/reversible. 2 patterns; Crossweave_Modern Baby /Charm Pack Shortbread, 2 fabrics; Moda _True Luck/my Stash, 1 Quilter_[Modern Zane design].

Bound and Quilted – A different layout option on the vintage Pineapple Block. Quilting by UVQuilting with a Geometric design_’Sweet’!

2023 – Boy, oh Boy! This Simple Plaid was a must make for the new baby. I opted for square and reversible with these Busy Blocks from Modern Baby. Dwell and Blue Jean fabric lines with Popsicle Sticks quilting which made it ALL that!

2022 – Sew it went… Finished this ‘Windblown’ quilt for the FB fan in our midst as holiday gift. Gray minky with helmets/footballs motif was a no brainer.

Sew it goes… New mindset – 2022; Chain Quilting – chain piecing on a grander scale – several projects in the works = variety and manageability. ‘Bloom Creek’ BOM, ‘Perfect Pineapple’ QAL, ‘Deco’ by Lo and Behold Stitchery. -Quilt one BOM, a Wrap, sew on to four; ‘Milky Way or Windblown’. …Sew it goes

Exploding Heart in pink/gray seemed a festive February quilt for that one cute Granddaughter. Perfect snuggler these past cold months and now through her Feb. B-day. Lots of Quarter-Square Triangles [QST]; Triangle papers were a life saver! -Riley Hearts-Offset =quilting pattern.

“Treading the Stairs” at MSQC led to this fun counterpane, cited “Thread the Stars” by Kimberly Jolly. Starring “Sunday Stroll“. *Sashing & borders my opus.

Never felt confident with scrappy, from-the-stash counterpane, but pushed through this 1920’s Farmer’s Wife sampler as kept telling myself the colors really lent to the V-tine, February season and I must say it has become a personal fave and so pleased! Of course credit definitely due to FQS Threadology setting from 2019 Make-A-Wish QAL. Even motivated to Back-it-up with a vintage Singer Sphinx;) -see below.

-The century-old letters were cathartic in 2020 Isewlation. -See The Farmer’s Wife 1920’s Sampler Quilt Book by L. A. Hird – Kudos to Quilter Sewing Machine Quilt Block Pattern Etsy

Good STAR-t to 2021 I’d say…

Merry and Bright…this Quatrefoil pattern in 2.5″ is oh just Right.

For the record, Sweetwater for Moda always a fave. Also, used “Flatter” and happy with results especially for backing and center creases/folds on larger pieces of fabric.

Sampler quilt rolls on out thanks to a suited label and being on the same wave length with custom Quilter, Emily Herrick extraordinaire.

FALL-en for X-O central to these blocks – latest WIP.

A Checkered Finish just in time for the frightfully cool Fall weather here. 

Treated myself to the Quilter’s Clapper – a tool seams sew  boo-tiful.

UPDATE: Was on way to quilter then decided it needed a border addition to make it spooktacular. Sew here it is and really think it did the trick. Now, fine-ly at Quilter who is expertly doing a leaf pattern so it will continue to warm the season. Border inspired by Celebrate the Season.

FAV picks for this Quilt sew far. Stash Hash QAL

• Ironing Board Rectangle Topper, makes pressing rows, borders, finished quilts and even backs manageable. Did have some ‘man’ power assist:)
• Wool Pressing Mat(s) -WOW, a wonder of wonders
• 7/8 Creative Grids Ruler; Silver Linings = perfect HSTs, can starch precuts and still have perfect squares for HSTs w/o waste. SEW Measures Up!
• STARCHing -see FQS-Kimberly Jolly/Lisa Bonjean method(s). For me, a BEST PRESS practice which makes any Quilt impress.

Sew you know, as I design and create quilts, I incorporate a variety of tools, techniques, mixed patterns to make a distinctive quilt with a personal signature. This page is to share things I realize and learn in hopes of helping you utilize various options/methods available while giving credit it’s due. Hope it is helpful.

Tri Recs Blocks Made Easy, then HRT, too.

UPDATE: Sew pleased with the Quilting and now it’s one of my FAVES. WAVES to Kerrie.

This quilt now ready to go to the quilter after a few glitches, but was most surprised with the ease of the V block [I’m calling it] thanks to the use of the EZ Quilting Triangle Ruler by Darlene Zimmerman & Joy Hoffman also known as the Tri Recs shown above. Made the cutting for me quick and notched end really helped with matching seams. I also used some of the extra triangle side pieces to make HRTs [see pics] and added to sashing for some interest. I recommend it, but if looking for same result with other options check out stringandstory.com/blog/trirecs for making the block without specialty rulers.