Down Time

I've been a busy woman lately, and honestly, I needed a break! I couldn't get motivated to write, so I took a Sunday drive with my sweetie, then spent Monday puttering around the house. It was just what I needed. I do this blog for fun, so if I want to skip a post, I can.

I didn't stop sewing, though. This little quilt is a quickie table mat made using Blue Wren's Pine Bark die (also known as Japanese Puzzle or Japanese Jigsaw). I chose remnants to cut these puzzle pieces to test the die after it arrived last week. I used dark gray thread to quilt crossing serpentine lines. Down Time is 22” x 30” size. I'm planning a larger throw version later, probably using bright batiks.

👕 👗 👚

It's time to pull out my spring wardrobe, so a closet reboot is in progress. I'm assessing everything. A lot of unworn and unused stuff has been boxed for donation. Worn out, used up stuff is in the trash. It feels good to let go of things and gain space.

Paring down is hard work but satisfying. From now on, only the best will do. Not the most expensive but what suits me. My favorite colors. The most flattering fit. Comfort. Simple, basic, and a bit quirky. Cute shoes. I'm sticking to what reflects our lifestyle and makes me happy. And that includes clothing, household goods, and life in general.

I'm glad I listened to myself and enjoyed some down time. I intend to do that more often. Right now I'm headed back into the deep recesses of the closet to arrange what's left.

Blue Wren dies used:
6815 Pine Bark 6” finished sides

Taking time to recharge

is productive too 

 ~unknown

Corner Bar

Modern and colorful, today's quilt features bright scraps paired with crisp white muslin. This classic nine-patch was fun and easy to make.

I used the square and stem sections of the Maple Leaf die to construct 8” blocks. They are arranged on point with 1” sashing between, and setting triangles for sides and corners. I used EQ8 to preview color placement, then laid out the blocks on my design wall as I sewed them.

Corner Bar is 54” square. I quilted with white polyester embroidery thread to add some shine to the stitching. I used a walking foot to create random square and rectangular patterns across the whole quilt. Gray and white stripes for the binding finish it off nicely.

I'll make this one again, perhaps in pastels or a monochrome scheme. Oh, the possibilities!

Dies used:
Accuquilt
55195 Maple Leaf BOB 8” finished
55553 Setting Triangles 10”
55017 Strip 2½”
Blue Wren
6015 1½” strips (sashing)

Irish Wishes

When your last name is Ireland, well, you can't let St. Patrick's Day go by without sharing a green quilt!

I'm sewing a different one now, but made this little table mat a few weeks ago. It's actually multinational, since I used dies from Australia. Green batik and a lime green print contrast nicely with dark green polka dots on a pale green background.

I separated the four sections with 1” sashing, then bordered the outside with 2” strips. The reverse side features the two green prints. I quilted with variegated green thread, using a ruler template to make stylized circles.

Irish Wishes is 18” square. Now I need to wish for a pot of gold, but I'll settle for a pot of shamrocks.

Blue Wren Dies used:
6369 Jackaroo Star 12” finished
6015 1 1/2” strip
6720 Magic Strips (2 1/2”)

Don't forget to wear green on Thursday,

or the leprechauns will pinch you!

Spring Ahead

Although I sewed this project during a January snow, I was thinking of springtime. Soft yellow, coral, and aqua paired with black and white create a sweet baby quilt.

I used medium gray thread to showcase a loopy ruler quilting design. Spring Ahead finished out at 40” square. This one only took a couple of days to finish. 

All the fabrics were left over from other projects, part of my stash of quarter and half yard pieces. I'm on a continuing mission to pare down my scrap collection. While I haven't bought fabric in several months, I did buy several new dies. My mind is overflowing with ideas!

Accuquilt dies used:
55339 Churn Dash 9” finished
55017 Strip 2½”

Let no remnant go unused