Bits and Pieces

This colorful quilt uses some of the smallest pieces I've ever sewn into blocks. Talk about saving scraps...women of the 1930's would be proud.

When I got the spider web die for my birthday, I started cutting fabric remnants. Selecting different colors, I randomly stitched them together. Because of the tiny pieces and many seams, it took several days.

I used a natural muslin for contrast to showcase the web shapes. I chose a meandering stitch to quilt in free motion, with cream thread. Bits and Pieces is 36” x 48” in size.

I love the final product! The die is awesome for using up the smallest of remnants. It looks like an old fashioned quilt that my grandmothers would have made. I can't wait to make other versions with different background colors.

Bits and Pieces

It seemed like a perfect project to sew around Mother's Day. I thought about how women during the Depression years would have spent their time. They'd cut up old curtains, housedresses, shirts, and feed sacks to create a warm quilt for next to nothing, using faded blankets for batting.

Thankfully, I don't have to worry about saving every cent, although I do get a certain satisfaction out of using leftovers to make a bonus quilt or two. It must be my rural Southern thrifty dirt farmer roots showing.

Accuquilt die

55487 Spider Web 6"

Singer Model 20

Singer Model 20 - before

I picked up this darling little Singer toy sewing machine at a yard sale last spring. It was rusted solid, nothing moved on it, but I loved it anyway. 

The Model 20 was first produced beginning between 1914 and 1922 as a child's toy. Hand cranked, it clamps to a table and sews a functional chain stitch. It reappeared in the 1950's and 1970's, also in electric and battery models. Early ones in the 1920's and 30's were cast iron, like mine.

Singer Model 20 - After

I fully intended to clean it a little bit for display only, but my talented husband had other ideas. He worked to remove the rust, and freed it up enough to take completely apart. After sanding, nickel plating, painting, and polishing the pieces, he put it back together, replaced the decals and ordered new needles.

Model 20 back view

We made some adjustments to the tension and stitch length; now it sews a pretty chain stitch. While I won't use it often, I love that the Singer is all polished, shiny and functional.

What a guy...he took time from his own projects for this time consuming refurbishment. Of course, fixing stuff is one thing he likes to do.  

I got me a good man 

and I'm gonna keep him!

Lemon Lime Spritz

A refreshing little quilt in bright greens and yellow, this one was quick to sew. I cut the pieces with Accuquilt's bow tie 4” die by Alex Anderson. Turning the blocks made a pretty lattice pattern on this 32” square called Lemon Lime Spritz. 

Free motion quilting was done in a swirling design, diagonally across each block with bright lime thread. The backing and binding are a lime print fabric. Cute baby quilt, I think, or a cheerful table topper.

It's a hot August day in my corner of Tennessee. I'm inside, drinking coffee, doing a bit of Monday morning cleaning, and contemplating which design to start next. And, best of all, there are two dudes outside painting the trim on our house. Better them than me!

Just because you CAN do it yourself

doesn't mean you have to,

or that you want to.

~Christine Brummell

Kitchen DIY

How about this for a DIY project?

I'd been looking for a simple pot rack that would mount under the vent hood over my range. I didn't find anything I liked that would fit the space or my budget. Several photos on Pinterest gave me the idea to use black iron pipe. A quick trip to Lowe's and about $25 later, I had pipe, fittings, and spray paint. 

The S hooks were a challenge. I finally found what I needed at Dollar General...plant hanger S hooks in black satin metal...only $2 for four.

That didn't take long at all! It turned out to be a perfect sturdy pot rack to display three of our iron skillets.

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Find beauty in the ordinary,

and you'll find joy in unexpected places.