Change In The Air

Finally, a quilt! This one is aptly named, since change was definitely in the air. I cut the pieces way back in November of 2024, just before packing up the sewing room for our move. It's one of several that I prepared in advance so I'd be ready to sew once we arrived.

Now forward to December 2025...Change In The Air is at long last finished! The fresh blue fabric, bright melon dots and coral print look gorgeous together. 

I wanted something large, so used six inch sections to make 18” finished blocks. Chisels, half-square triangles, rectangles, and squares made a fun design using EQ8 software to fine tune the layout.  Finished size is 56" square.

I set them on point, filling in with half blocks and hand cut corners. I added 2” blue sashing plus cornerstones and binding in a navy & light red strawberry print. All work was done on Janelle, my Janome 9450 machine. I quilted free motion in a large meandering stitch using blue thread.

It felt awesome to complete a quilt in my new space! I whipped out a few more in December, they're lined up to share with you soon. I haven't set a blog schedule just yet (too busy sewing!), so watch here or on Useful Remnants/KatieScarlett Designs Facebook page for updates.  

See you later!

Dies used:

Blue Wren

  6274 Chisels 2” x 6”
  6047 Rectangles 2” x 6”

Accuquilt

  55000 Square 6”
  55059 Squares 2”
  55021 Value die 2” HST
  55017 Strips 2”
  55399 QST 8”

A Year For Change

Hello everyone, welcome to 2025!

I have big news...the Useful Remnants blog will be on pause for a while, starting now. We have several major home projects lined up that will temporarily take me away from quilting. In fact, the sewing room will be all packed up (I'm sure I'll be having withdrawal symptoms).

It's really quite exciting with many busy days and positive changes ahead for us. Sometimes you need to prioritize and focus on what's most important. I'll check in periodically once things settle down or if I get a chance to stitch up a little project.

Meanwhile, y'all keep quilting and if you need ideas, browse through the blog.  I've been writing since January 2011, that's 719 posts and 413 quilting projects. 

Cheers to a happy year ahead!

Wind Spinners

Shades of blue, coral, and gray prints combine beautifully in today's nice little wall hanging. This charming quilt creates motion with curved shapes that remind me of spinning pinwheels or windmills.

I pulled fabric from my scrap boxes and fat quarters to cut with the Windspinner die from Blue Wren.  I laid all material right side up, no fan folding on this one.  The curves are accurate and easy to sew; I didn't even use pins after the first few. I added a 3” border of gray with thin black lines. Final size of Wind Spinners is 45” square.

With light gray thread and a walking foot, I quilted flowing lines back and forth across the blocks to mimic wind. I love the effect! In the border I added a straight stitch 1” away from the inner seams.

Dies used:
Blue Wren 6289 Windspinner 8” block
Accuquilt 55017 2½” strip and 55032 3½” strip

Sometimes

in the winds of change

we find

our greatest direction 

Lilac Medallion

Lilac Medallion

On this fall morning, I had coffee on the back porch and enjoyed the cooler temperatures. What a welcome change!

This week's project is stitched from pieces in my remnant box, finished last month. It's a 30” square, made up of nine kite blocks cut with Accuquilt. 

Sweet lilac prints and dots are paired with white and cream. The color layout forms a medallion shape. The backing is a tiny purple rosebud design. I quilted with white thread in parallel rows of continuous triangles.

Today seems perfect for a little yard work, a bit of cleaning, and of course, our windows are wide open to the 70 degree breezes.

Take time to savor

the first hints of fall

Travel Day

Yesterday was a travel day for us, so I didn't get to post.  We drove home from a two week stay at Defeated Creek Campground, then picked up mail and retrieved the cat from boarding.  

It was an interesting trip.  The weather was strange even for April in Tennessee.  Blowing rain, 40 with chilly wind, 79 and sunny, lows in the 30's, snow flurries on my birthday, then more rain. Luckily rain held off for both camp setup and tear down. We didn't walk or sit outside as much as we usually do because it was just too darn cold and wet.

Thank goodness we like each other, since we spent a lot of time inside.  Even though cell service is horrible north of Carthage, Jerold's custom external antenna gave us enough bars to access the internet a little bit each day. (I think it was a nice change to be mostly offline, though.)  We had books, magazines, music, movies, and a good DTV signal.  

We had fun despite the weather.  He worked on some electronic projects and I chain sewed 2" squares together on my little Singer machine.  I finished a crochet cat blanket and whipped up several dish cloths.  We made the usual Walmart and Dollar Store run, and ate fabulous Mexican food in Gordonsville twice.  We cooked several nice meals in the camper.  

Life is what you make it.  

Life is good.  

Recipe for 2017

A toast to the new year!

Autumn's Here

The weather folks tell us that fall is finally here.  Today's rain forecast is supposed to bring cooler temps.  I like that idea!  

Now let's just hope that the leaves will cooperate and provide pretty colors.  I'm not too sure though, since some of ours are already falling...in a dark, crispy brown shade.  


"Autumn is a time to let go and release things that have been a burden." --Unknown

"Just like the seasons, people change." --Unknown

 

September Thoughts

I always think of September as a time to reset, probably because that's when we started back to school in the 60's. Thoughts of new notebooks and paper have me working on fresh planner and journal designs.

I took advantage of last week's cool mornings to tackle some outside chores. I reworked my flower beds (pulled the weeds so I can actually see the flowers). Adding a few colorful mums will freshen up the bare spots.

September means transition: to cooler weather, new clothes, and fall décor. It's the best of both seasons, really. Warm enough but less humid. Porch sitting. Airing out the house. Walks in the woods. Grilling steaks. Enjoying the last days of summer.

My plan for one of my favorite months: reflect, renew, and re-energize.

Home On The Range

I've been baking, roasting, grilling, and simmering on my brand new gas range. We installed it last week and I love it! Just a bit of countertop modification was needed, compliments of my favorite guy. The shiny stainless steel gave my kitchen an instant update, and even better, it was on sale! Only one hiccup so far with fish sticking to the griddle, but I'll chalk that up to operator error. I've used gas before in the RV, but our former stove was an electric relic from the late 70's.

The chess pie I baked first didn't last long enough for a photo, but I made sure to get one of my latest creation: vanilla Bundt cake with eggnog frosting. I substituted eggnog in place of milk, and added a dash of nutmeg. Yum!

Thanksgiving turkey will provide a chance to test out the temperature probe, and of course I'll be baking my signature pecan pie, along with cheesy crisps, pecan cornbread dressing, and chocolate chip cookies. If you need me, I'll be in the kitchen...it's way more fun when you have a new toy.

Wishing everyone a happy, peaceful, and relaxing Thanksgiving!

Just Because

These doesn't always have to be a purpose or a reason for everything we do. Even those of us who thrive on organization and lists have to admit that sometimes it's just more fun to give in to an impulse.

Some of my best memories are the result of a diversion from my normal routine. A last minute invitation to lunch, an unexpected visit or phone call, or an impulsive decision can produce wonderful experiences. I met my sweet husband on a blind date when I was fifteen...and 46 years later we still call that our luckiest day.

Our lives are lived in a routine of sorts, and that's a good thing. After all, most of us are responsible adults. But no one should get caught up in a tedious rut. We surely don't want to grow old and wonder why we didn't ever play hooky, take that cooking class, learn to play the guitar, or buy those amazing shoes. Or why we didn't make a new friend, give someone flowers, or just sit alone and enjoy nature.

So do something--anything--different today. 

Just Because.

"Life is a gift. Never forget to enjoy and bask in every moment you are in." --Anonymous

The Very Best Days

Now. 

Today. 

You have the opportunity to enjoy this day, to make it what you want. You can't go back, only forward. So make today the day to do what you need to be happy. Continue to do that tomorrow, and the next day, without fail.

Live life now, don't just exist.  

These are the very best days. 

Disconnecting For Today

It's beautiful outside, so I'm disconnecting from technology for a while.  I plan to spend this gorgeous fall day in the fresh air, before winter temperatures blow in later this week. 

It's good to get away from technology every now and then. 

Recharge your brain's battery.  
Go.  Outside.  NOW.  


"I'm not LAZY.   I'm just in ENERGY SAVING mode."  --Anonymous
 

Falling Leaves

November is here! I see a rake and a leaf blower in my immediate future. Nothing like rain and wind to strip the trees of their leaves. That's ok, I like being outdoors in crisp fall air. But I could just wait for another windy day to blow them on down the road. 

 

I've put away our summer clothes and pulled out fall sweaters, hoodies and boots. Hot chocolate, flavored coffees and teas are ready for sipping. Chili and homemade soup are on our menu. 

 

It's definitely fall, y'all...take time to enjoy each and every day.

“Anyone who thinks fallen leaves are dead has never watched them dancing on a windy day.” --Shira Tamir

October Color

It's been a rainy October, so take some time this week to enjoy those pretty leaves before they blow off the trees.

"Listen! The wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves,
We have had our summer evenings, now for October eves!”
-- Humbert Wolfe

A Clean Slate

It's amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do! I've been meaning to paint our living area and my little office (Earnhardt shrine) for a while now. I kept putting it off because I didn't want to deal with moving furniture and taking everything off the walls. Well, I finally got around to it last week. The soft grey is a perfect neutral background. I love the results, all clean and fresh and neat. Baseboards, floors, and shelves are shining. 

 

The best part is that I edited what went back into each space. Fewer knick-knacks and pictures give both rooms a peaceful feeling. No clutter. Believe it or not, I didn't rearrange the furniture, at least not until I get a new rug. I have a few boxes of Dale 3 collectibles stashed in the closet, and a load of other stuff headed for donation. 

 

It's energizing, creative, and satisfying to freshen up our home. A little paint doesn't cost much, but it does make a huge difference in appearance, attitude, and outlook.

Useful Notion: Fresh paint is like a brand new notebook, an empty shelf, or a new day. You get a new perspective and a choice of what you want to change. 

"You have a clean slate every day you wake up.  You have a chance every single morning to make that change and be the person you want to be.  You just have to decide to do it.  Decide today's the day.  Say it: This is going to be my day." --Brendan Burchard

Ripples Of Change

Life is all about change. Seasons, people, circumstances, politics, habits, health...you name it, it eventually changes.

Humans have the ability to recognize change, adapt to it, accept it, and move ahead.  Adults normally do just that, at least most of the time. Lots of us resist or delay some changes until we have no other choice (losing weight, eating healthy, avoiding conflict). Some people choose to ignore change or deny it altogether because they want their lives to stay constant. They blame themselves or others, make excuses and whine when things vary from their usual routine (if only, it's not my fault, why do I have to). Others want everyone around them to conform to their idea of perfect.

It's probably healthier to be flexible, have patience, compromise, adapt or move forward. The stress of resisting change takes a toll on us. And life would certainly be dull if nothing new ever happened. We'd be stuck. Change forces us to take action, explore, experiment, and expand our minds.

Change is inevitable. It ripples through our lives, sometimes barely moving along and sometimes crashing through like a tidal wave. Maybe the best way to manage it is to keep a paddle AND a surf board handy. 

"Consider how hard it is to change yourself and you'll understand what little chance you have in trying to change others."  

 – Jacob M. Braude

“When you blame others, you give up your power to change.” 

– Dr. Robert Anthony

“Change is necessary, particularly when it comes to bad cooking and politicians.  Sometimes all you can do is toss out the whole batch and start all over.”   – Anonymous

Embracing Change

I've experienced a lot of challenges over the past three months, causing a great deal of change. Dealing with the sickness and death of loved ones is particularly hard. Losing both in-laws and my dog has been rough. Routines have been disrupted, tears shed, plans adjusted, and lessons learned. I've always known that change is inevitable and that living life is about moving forward. My mama told me that things happen like they are supposed to, so make the best of what comes. Sometimes that's easy and sometimes it's difficult.

Here's what I've learned:

• Change can happen quickly and at any point in our lives.
• The unselfish kindness of friends is helpful and comforting.
• It is fine to plan for emergencies but they seldom happen exactly the way we think they will.
• Acceptance of our emotions can help us deal with change and move forward.
• We do not have to react immediately to fix every problem; sometimes it is better to wait and see.
• Quiet reflection and deep breathing can calm us during times of stress.
• We cannot and should not control every circumstance in life.
• Resistance to change can cause frustration, anxiety, fear and distress.
• Allowing change to unfold gives us strength to accept, manage and learn from the experience.
• When we learn from challenges in life, we become stronger and better able to cope.
• Making informed, mindful decisions gives us power to deal with whatever change we are facing.

 

Every single day presents a new set of circumstances. Embrace them and live life!

"In every crisis there is a message. Crises are nature's way of forcing change, breaking down old structures, shaking loose negative habits so that something new and better can take their place." -- Susan Taylor

--------

Ready For A New Start

Rowdy        1999 - 2012

I am definitely ready for a new year. The past two months have been a blur. I experienced sadness, stress, and frustration mixed with moments of sweetness, friendship, love and reflection. I put one foot in front of the other and got necessary things done. 

On the last day of the year, our sweet old Rowdy dog left us to go run through the fields of doggie heaven.

After such an unsettling finish to 2012, my resolutions for 2013 are simple.

• Live in the now
• Keep special memories
• Enjoy life every day
• Do things that bring happiness
• Focus on what matters most
• Avoid negativity
• Choose my own path
• Accept what is
• Listen to what life has to say 
• Time is precious, so use it wisely 
• Aspire for balance between being, having, and doing

Resolutions should be like a mission statement.  Refer to them as you go about your life and decide if what you're doing or thinking fits your current mission.  Whatever doesn't fit, doesn't get into your life. 

 

“If your thoughts are mostly in the past or on the future, 

  you cannot enjoy the present.” – Author Unknown 

“The first thing in all progress is to leave something behind.” – George MacDonald 

 

Resilience

Merriam-Webster defines resilience as an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change. Some people are naturally capable of managing the stress associated with significant change. Others struggle to adapt as they work through life's challenges. 

Whether natural or learned, resilience involves maintaining flexibility and balance in life. It is definitely a personal journey. Asking for or allowing others to offer help can bring support and focus. Taking time to rest and reflect will energize and strengthen. Going forward with plans for today will create the first step toward a positive path to the future.

“The bamboo that bends is stronger than the oak that resists.” 

      – Japanese proverb

"It is not the strongest of the species that survive,
nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change."

     – Charles Darwin

Does Your Life Feel Like Groundhog Day?

Are you doing the same things over and over again? Waiting for something different to happen? 

Remember Phil, in the film Groundhog Day? “I told you. I wake up every day, right here, right in Punxsutawney, and it's always February 2nd, and there's nothing I can do about it.”

Our lives sometimes become a little too routine, predictable and monotonous. While routines are comforting and useful, they can feel stifling if your whole life revolves around them. You get into a rut, do the same things every day, and wonder where the time went at the end of the week.

You can do something about it. Keep your basic routines, but get them done and out of the way so you have time for fun. Break out of your normal pattern. You don't have to do something drastic or life-altering. Any small change will give your daily life more variety.

Explore something new. Take a different route to work. Do something nice for someone. Change your hairstyle. Try a new menu item. Choose a different color shirt. Make an appointment with yourself to enjoy a hobby that you love. Go for a walk outside. Rearrange your furniture. Buy flowers for no reason. Take a class. Buy shoes. Call an old friend or make a new one. 

And, above all...enjoy your life! The groundhog really doesn't know if spring is coming, so you can't depend on him to tell you what to do. Life's much too short to wait around for something to happen. It's up to you to make the most of the life you choose.

“The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon, 

but that we wait so long to begin it.”  

~ W.M. Lewis