Corners

Today's quilt is another great way to repurpose scraps, or useful remnants, from other projects. I cut 3½” squares of cream homespun cotton, then bordered it on two sides with 2½” strips of mixed bright colors. Old fashioned cream and black print 5” squares were cut to alternate with those blocks.

Corners is a fresh vintage style version of the attic window pattern. At 41” square, it could be used for a baby quilt, table mat, or wall hanging. Backing is a tan and cream stripe with scattered navy and dark red triangles. Quilting in a light tan thread follows the angles across the quilt. I used Nature's Touch 80/20 cotton batting for a slight loft. Stitching on it was smooth and easy with a walking foot.

So many projects planned, and it seems like so little time! Yeah, I know I'm retired but we always have things to do and places to go. No boredom around here! There's something new around every corner.  I always try to enjoy the journey, whether I'm mowing grass, cleaning house, or sewing a quilt.

Life is short.

Time is fast.

No replay.

No rewind.

So enjoy

every moment

as it comes.

Summer Sampler

I'm back after a much needed break to catch up on a few chores. Being a carpenter's helper, housekeeper, lawn care associate, and home organizer is hard work in this heat. Not quite caught up, but I feel better now that my surroundings are neater and my to do list is shorter.

I did squeeze in sewing time to finish another project.  Summer Sampler is an adorable retro style table topper or wall hanging, made up of four different blocks in the same colors. The cheery red and blue daisy and strawberry print was my inspiration; I found coordinating fabrics in my stash to cut triangles and strips with Accuquilt dies.

Summer Sampler

The bright white tone on tone print is the perfect contrast, set off with plaid sashing. This cute 30½” square is channel quilted with white thread in a decorative zig-zag stitch. Wouldn't this brighten up the breakfast nook in a country farmhouse kitchen? It's for sale now on my Etsy site.

By the way, aren't those veggies pretty? Local farmer's markets are brimming with fresh produce right now. There's nothing like the rich mouth-watering flavor of Tennessee tomatoes right off the farm. 'Mater sandwich on white bread with mayo...mmmm good.

It's difficult to think anything but pleasant thoughts

while eating a homegrown tomato. ~Lewis Grizzard

Unfinished Tasks

I am taking today off. 

I need a day to reboot, to tackle some of my unfinished tasks around the house and in the sewing room.

Though I'm usually fairly organized, I have gotten off track and it makes me feel unsettled. I can't think straight until I get a few things completed.

Carnival Dash

Bright white and cheerful print fabrics make up today's quilt. Carnival Dash is 53” square, perfect for snuggling or a summer picnic. I used pieces from last year's yard sale finds with some favorites from my collection, all cut with my Accuquilt churn dash die. Colors were chosen to coordinate with carnival stripes used in the mitered border and for the backing.

The gray plus sign print sashing frames the blocks, making them stand out beautifully. Scalloped quilting was stitched 2” apart with creamy white thread.

I never get tired of designing and sewing quilts. I do have to take time out for basic housework, cooking, laundry, and yard maintenance. You know, those chores that we all have to take care of. But I work on them in between quilting projects.  Who's going to notice a little dust or a few weeds? Important things first!

I feel like I should clean the house,

so I'm going to my sewing room

to play

until the feeling passes

Patriot Path

Patiot Path

Made especially for Independence Day, this red, white, and blue easy quilt was fun to sew. Cutting and stitching was super quick with Accuquilt 3” and 3”x6” dies. The layout reminds me of brickwork so I named it Patriot Path. 

The backing and binding are a diagonal red and white stripe. Quilting was done in white thread with random vertical swirling waves. This small throw quilt size, (measuring 38” x 45”) looks quite patriotic hanging over my kitchen desk.

Stacked

I made good use of the remnants to whip up a coordinating table mat for my counter.  Stacked is cut with the Accuquilt large tumbler die. Quilting on this 18” x 28” mat is a double v stitch in white. The backing is a blue and white chevron print that I can flip over when I'm using blue accents in the kitchen.

Have a safe and fun 4^th of July, and stay cool!

Update: I reopened my ETSY shop today, adding vintage sewing patterns, children's patterns, and buttons. I'll be adding more, including quilts and fabric, over the next few weeks. You can link here or follow my Useful Remnants Facebook page.