Blockbuster

Blockbuster

Another scrap quilt this week! I had fun choosing bright colored prints to combine with light gray pin dots for this standard vintage block. I didn't have to cut much after searching through my boxes of 2½” and 4½” triangles.

The 8” blocks sewed up quickly, then I framed with 4" borders. I quilted with white thread in a straight stitch, following the block seams. For the borders, I switched to a zig-zag utility stitch and quilted two parallel lines. Blockbuster finished out at 48” square.

After this was finished, I straightened up the sewing room, then had a marathon cutting session because there are plenty more remnants to dispatch. I like having my most used sizes cut and ready to go. It helps me finish projects faster! Look for more scrappy fun in later blog posts.

It's Halloween week, so we'll be watching our favorite scary movies with popcorn and trail mix for snacks. And there could be an adult beverage or two. Trick or treat, y'all 

Accuquilt dies used:
55763 Trapezoid 4” finished
55031 Half Square Triangle 4” finished
55018 Half Square Triangle 2” finished
55054 Strips 4” finished


 

Born To Be Wild

Born To Be Wild

It's been said that scraps multiply when you're not looking. That might actually be true. I sew many quilts every year, so the leftover bits add up quickly.

Managing these can be a challenge. I try to cut remnants as I go, sort into my most used sizes and store in stackable plastic boxes. This doesn't always happen, so I just toss the fabric into larger tubs for later. I have a major cutting session to empty the tubs when I'm in between projects or when I run out of space.

Today's quilt is made up of scraps in my favorite sizes: 2½” squares, 2½” half square triangles, and 2½” strips. I started out sewing quarter log cabin blocks, then added the HST for a bear claw look.

Born To Be Wild is 49” square. The backing is a colorful quilt block print, binding is a light navy check. I finished it off with simple channel quilting 2” apart using light gray thread.

Sewing these is so much fun! No plan, no rules, just choose what looks pretty together and stitch. Pop them on the design wall, move them around to get the most pleasing layout, and another quilt is done. I considered using a solid color sashing between blocks, but decided on this wild version.

Going through leftover fabric is like seeing old friends. It reminds me of where I got it and what I made with it. That's why I adore scrap quilts!

Just one shelf of remnants...that's definitely not all

Accuquilt dies used:

55017 Strips 2½”
55018 Small Value die: 2½” square, 2½” HST

Spicy Autumn Curves

Soothing fall colors give this quilt a relaxed, cozy look. Doesn't it make you crave a cup of spiced tea or hot chocolate?

Mixed prints in gold, brown, coral, tan, cinnamon, black and cream blend beautifully in this half ring pattern. Some fabrics were from a collection of 10” precuts, others came from my stash remnants. After sewing and arranging the 8” blocks, I added borders made up of 4” x 8” rectangles.

Quilting with medium beige thread and a gentle wave ruler, I created an allover grid that looks similar to netting. Spicy Autumn Curves finished at 56” square. I believe I'll keep this one for myself. 

Spicy Autumn Curves

Dies used:
Blue Wren 6858 Charming Rings 8" finished

Accuquilt
55160 Rectangle 4½” x 8½”
55017 Strips 2½”

Diamond Chain

Diamond Chain

Simple squares and half square triangles can be combined using different sizes and configurations to create interesting quilt patterns.

Diamond Chain is my impression of a photo clipped from a magazine many years ago. I used scraps of navy, blue, wine, and green prints and added cream muslin for the four-patch blocks. The larger squares are dusty peach floral and cream. Two borders frame this fall throw nicely.

Quilting with cream thread, I sewed scallop stitch diagonally in rows 3” apart. Diamond Chain is 58” square.

I love the variety and challenge of experimenting with new designs. I truly enjoy seeing a quilt photo and figuring out how to sew it. I find ideas all the time, in tile patterns, clothing, magazines, architecture, and nature. Always looking, because the next cool project might be just around the corner.

Accuquilt dies used:
55006 3½” Square
55009 3½” Half Square Triangle
55000 6½” Square
55017 Strips 2½”
55032 Strips 3½”

 

Restoration: Singer 127-3 Mary Margaret

Singer 127-3 Mary Margaret finished

This lovely machine is a 1923 Singer 127-3 in the original oak cabinet. She belonged to Mary Margaret for years, and was generously gifted to me by her son Ervin. We believe this treadle machine was converted to electric at the dealer or factory. We decided on a sympathetic restoration to get her sewing well and protect the finish.

Singer 127 before

Amazingly, at 100 years old, the Memphis sphinx decals were nearly perfect, just a couple of places showed a bit of wear. The finish had a little checking but was mostly intact. She had been stored in an attic, so not too much rust, but there was dried oil/grease and dust.

The handwheel, shuttle and feed dogs moved easily and I actually sewed a few manual stitches before we started work. 

The tiger oak cabinet and ironwork are in great shape, check out that gold paint detail on the logos!   I gave it a good clean, a coat of Howard's Restore-A-Finish, and beeswax.

Here's what Jerold did to spruce up Mary Margaret:

Cleaned handwheel using wire wheel & scotch brite, leaving the brownish patina. Polished all the plate covers to a shine.

Disassemble and clean motor. Rewire with new plug. Disassemble needle box, very dirty, years of gunky oil. Cleaned parts with foam degreaser and WD40.

Before

After

First clean surface with sewing machine oil. Shellac intact, so carefully cleaned entire surface of machine with GOJO hand cleaner. Daubed amber shellac on the few bits of painted decals that had begun to silver.

Pulled drive shafts & shuttle mechanism, cleaned in Coleman fuel, buffed & polished where needed. Replaced a locking screw missing from the shuttle drive shaft.

Removed feed vertical shaft & stitch regulator for cleaning. Finished cleaning other parts. Re-assembled machine. Adjusted feed dog alignment & height, presser bar height. Checked all other adjustments. Test sew - worked the first time!

Isn't she goregous?

Sprayed with 3 coats of shellac: not a perfect mirror finish but shinier than she was and it will protect the finish.

Re-assemble items removed for painting, mount light & motor. Put back in cabinet & wired controller up. Wound a bobbin. Cleaned shuttle. Threaded the machine and she sewed a perfect stitch without any tension adjustments.

I've already put Mary Margaret back to work: just finished piecing a quilt top. What a pleasure to sew on this wonderful vibrating shuttle machine, thanks Ervin! I hope she lasts another hundred years.