Spring Sewing Ideas

I love spring sunshine, and despite this crazy pandemic, I am enjoying myself at home. With windows open and a glass of sweet tea at hand, sewing is right at the top of my daily to do list.

I've finished up several small projects. The first is a dust cover for Rockette, my Singer 500 Rocketeer machine. I found an embroidery sample of sewing notions that I had set aside several years ago. With it as a focal point, I pulled out coordinating fabrics in grape and white, and whipped up a quickie tie-on cover. No pattern, I just used what I had to make it fit the machine.

The flower block on the back is a test block for a quilt currently under construction. I played with several decorative stitches to quilt in purple thread. After adding binding and ties, Rockette is now dust free.

Another day I stitched this wildly colorful Boho style bag called Feelin' Sassy. It's made from a test piece that I used to practice free motion quilting with the Squiggy ruler. 

No pattern, just fold in half, seam up the sides, add a band at the top, and a strap. The hot pink tab is the same fabric as the lining. I can't go anywhere yet to use it; maybe by summer it will be safe to go out! 

Now you see why I named my blog Useful Remnants. I love fabric so much I just can't let any of it go to waste unless it is too tiny to sew.

Granny's Garden Walk

Granny's Garden Walk

Are you ready for another Granny Rose block? She had two completed samples of this one in different sizes. The nine patch block is based on 54-40 or Fight design, but has been known by several names over the years. In 1939, it was published as Garden Walk; in 1969 it went by Bird of Paradise; some call it Grandmother's Star when colors are arranged to emphasize the star points.

Mine is a 12” finished block, and as usual, I used Electric Quilt 8 to design and Accuquilt dies to cut the pieces. The 2 ½” square value die for center and corner four patches and the 4” finished triangle in square die went together perfectly. 

Lydia Rose's Garden Walk blocks

I chose four 1930's era colors in two shades each: sunny yellow, luscious lavender, true blue, and grass green, with white for all the triangles.

Granny's Garden Walk is 48” square. I arranged the colors diagonally and decided not to use sashing between the squares. I like the secondary design where the corners come together. 

Quilting was done with white thread, using a walking foot to stitch lines in a lightly flowing wave pattern. Backing is a tiny lattice print in light lavender and white; binding is white.

Start to finish, this took me seven days, working on it several hours every day. I still had time for walks, housework (basics only), and errands.  

A week of sewing = one happy quilter!

A day without quilting

probably won't kill me,

but why take the risk?

Scrappy Spring Stars

You may not remember, but back in October I started sewing randomly sized star blocks from my collection of scraps.  In January I put some of them together to create this 44" x 54" quilt called Scrappy Spring Stars.

I used white fabric for background, arranged them in rows by size, then bordered the quilt and each row with an aqua cross print.  The backing features sweet little bouquets of flowers in pink and aqua.  The binding is made of remnant strips in coordinating colors.  

Scrappy Spring Stars

Quilting was a free motion experiment in triangular patterns with white thread, done on my Flynn frame.  It's not perfect but was great fun to stitch.  

I like learning new skills and count this one as a success even with a few flawed stitches.  Sewing for me is all about enjoyment of the whole process: design, layout, color, sewing, quilting and seeing the finished product.  

Beautiful things 

come together 

one stitch at a time

+++

When you love 

somebody, or something,

it's amazing 

how willing you are 

to overlook

the flaws.

Caroline Knapp

Spring Geese

Today's lap quilt is the result of saving scraps and remnants from other projects. I paired bright spring pastels in yellow, lavender, pink, peach, and aqua with colorful mini dots and a white on white triangle print for maximum contrast. The backing is a coordinating stripe. I quilted with white thread down and across the geese rows in straight lines, then outlined the center blocks. This girly Spring Geese quilt is 48” square.

I had already cut the pieces using the Accuquilt flying geese 3 1/2" x 6 1/2" die. I've been trying to keep up with cutting leftovers into sizes that I frequently use. I store them by size in plastic bins labeled with washi tape, so my stash stays neat and organized. As a bonus, when I want to sew something scrappy, I can just grab the pieces and start right away.

I like to use EQ8 to design, but this time I arranged the flying geese on my design wall as I sewed them. It's sort of like working a jigsaw puzzle. My design wall is simple: just a 40” x 60” piece of 3/4” foam board wrapped with white flannel, hanging on the wall beside my machine.

Releasing Tension

Lydia's Cross

I've been a busy woman lately. Chores, errands, appointments and projects have taken up most of my time. Nevertheless, I was able to carve out some time for sewing, even if only thirty minutes a day. Doing something I love helps me release tension and stress.

One cold day I measured and calculated the dimensions to one of my favorite Granny Rose antique quilt blocks. I was never able to find the exact pattern anywhere, so I've recreated it.  I believe it's her own design variation of Grandmother's Cross and Nine Patch Star. I've named it Lydia's Cross, and I'm using mixed color scraps like she did. The final quilt will be revealed later.

My new quilted wallet is created from remnants. It has eight slots for cards and two pockets for cash and my checkbook. The snap front keeps everything tucked safely inside.

Another afternoon, I created something useful from an old tee and a sweatshirt. I cut off the bands and zig-zagged the raw edges. Then I made little snips in a semi-circular pattern along the neckline, weaving in a continuous one inch strip from the tee. I added a border to the bottom with the remaining tee fabric. The result is a cute top to wear while hanging out at home on cold winter days.

Useful Notion: Every hour spent doing something you love results in at least four hours of peacefulness.

Ten Reasons To Love October

It was a crisp 46 degrees up here on the ridge this morning, a perfect fall day ahead! While drinking my coffee, I quickly came up with ten reasons why I love this month.

Cozy sweaters, hoodies, and boots

Walks in the woods

Hot chocolate, hot tea and hot coffee

Brilliant autumn leaves against bright blue skies

Fall festivals and craft shows

Warm snuggly quilts

Homemade soup and chili in the crock pot

The end of grass cutting season

Pumpkins and Halloween candy

First frost...no more bugs!

Campfires should be on the list, however that may not happen this year since our favorite campgrounds have been shut down by the government.  Guess I'll have to build one in the backyard.  

Motivated To Sew

I've been a busy little bee in the sewing room the last couple of weeks. Recently I helped my mama paint her bedroom a pretty sky blue. We switched out her old dresser and desk for a 1920's antique dresser and wardrobe, changed her bedspread and curtains, and tossed out a lot of clutter. I made her a wall hanging and pillow covers that will match the new blue and green color scheme.  She loves her new room, it's now a bright, comforting place to be.

Naturally, once I got started more ideas popped into my head and I kept on sewing. My newest design is the Sammie bag, a cute tote which fits a 10” tablet, or it can be used as a purse. 

I'm working on another one later today, but first I have to clean my house. It didn't get much attention last week between sewing, mowing, and going places. 

"Never underestimate the power of a woman with a sewing machine or a paintbrush."  --anonymous 

Crafting At The Campground

There's always plenty to do while we are camping. We walk trails, fish, ride our bikes, meet new people, go sightseeing, read, relax by the campfire, and watch wildlife (both human and animal) for entertainment. Even when we spend two weeks in the same place, we haven't been bored yet. 

I usually take some kind of craft project along, because I love to create. This trip I was crocheting cotton spa washcloths.

They're simple, quick and easy. I can work on them outside in a comfy lawn chair or in the camper while watching TV.

A couple of years ago I found a cute little Singer sewing machine for $10 at a yard sale. Now I keep it in the camper so I'm ready to sew. I set it up outside on a folding table and stitch away. If it's too windy or rainy, I stay inside and use the desk. I have brought along fabric scraps to piece into quilt squares, and once I made a skirt. 

I always have colored pencils and journals for sketching scenery or jotting down ideas, and the sketch program on my tablet is awesome. Sometimes the coolest things occur to you while you're not at home.  

"Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way."  Edward de Bono

 

**Full disclosure about our camping: we are not roughing it by any stretch of the imagination. We have a new thirty-three foot fifth wheel trailer with two slide-outs, heat and air conditioning, flat screen satellite tv, computers, and plenty of storage space for food, clothing and supplies. 

Busy Spring Days, Iris, and A Rainbow

Pretty spring days absolutely energize me. I start my day drinking coffee on the porch these warm sunny mornings, then head to the craft room. My latest wall hanging is a reversible one patch quilt using the tumbler block. I finished it during this week's thunderstorms and hail. Tumbling Sea and Sand on one side and Hexes Afloat on the back. 

There is so much to do in spring, I just love this season and it makes me so happy! I've been inspired to clean house, start restocking the camper, wash my car, weed flower beds, and pull out a few of my lighter clothes. We've had the windows open and laundry drying on the line. How did I get all this done when I was working?

Projects seem to sprout almost as fast as the grass, weeds and flowers. Have you noticed that everything is coming in about two weeks ahead of schedule?  We already mowed our grass, and this early iris bloomed yesterday.

The luck of the Irish was with us on St. Patrick's Day. Even though several thunderstorms rumbled throughout the day, we enjoyed seeing a perfect double rainbow low in the northeast sky.  It disappeared before I could get my camera.

Useful Notion: Nature's glorious colors blend and contrast in very pleasing combinations. Use them for home décor, crafts, makeup and fashion. There's no prettier palette than the one right outside your door.

“Life is like a rainbow. You need both the sun and the rain to make its colors appear.” 

 

Sewing With Love

My latest quilting project is just over halfway complete, but I couldn't wait to post some photos. I've been a busy lady, piecing a small quilt for my sweetie. His basement retreat (bubba room, radio shack, computer center & electronic workshop) has a cozy corner just right for reading or a nap. I designed this twin quilt especially for Jerold and named it Perfect Place To Snooze.

The border is a light weight denim with chambray blue for the background. The reverse side, called Off Center, is one huge asymmetrical log cabin rectangle in red, cream and navy. This whole project was done using fabrics from my stash. I had a few squares left over to make a matching chair cushion for his oak office chair.

I'm off to start working out a machine quilting pattern to accentuate the blue background crosses. I really love to sew, but it's even more satisfying when I'm stitching with love.

Our lives are like quilts - bits and pieces, joy and sorrow, stitched with love.  ~Author Unknown

Those who sleep under a quilt, sleep under a blanket of love.  ~Author Unknown

 

Quick and Easy Fall Sewing Ideas

Our Tennessee autumn weather has been way too pretty lately to stay indoors. Except for a couple of cool mornings, it's been beautiful and I've been outside as much as possible. Camping and yard work at home have occupied most of my time. 

Although I haven't been in the sewing room, project ideas and color combinations pop up all around me. I've been making notes and sketching design ideas. Until I get back to my stitching, here are a few simple ideas from my collection. These won't take long and will brighten up your home during your fall, Halloween, and Thanksgiving celebrations.

Boo! To You Pumpkin Wall Art: Find a fun embroidery design like this cute pumpkin and put it on a light or medium colored background fabric. Add a back lining and loops, then finish the edges. I used a small stick as a hanger. If you don't have an embroidery machine, try applique or fabric painting a Halloween design.

Autumn Glory Reversible Table Runner: Choose a fall print fabric that coordinates with your dining room or kitchen, and a neutral solid like muslin, osnaburg or linen for the reverse side. Apply interfacing to the solid, then embroider or applique a fall design on each end. Bind them together with a two-inch border of the print material.  The small fruit design is repeated in the cornucopia embroidery and is perfect for the kitchen.

Napkins Aplenty: Hem 16 or 18-inch squares of the extra fabric from your table runner project. For solid colors, add a decorative or zig-zag stitch to add interest. You don't even have to sew if you don't want to for this one. Look at discount stores for colorful cloth napkins to match or contrast.

Rich Autumn Pillow Covers: Sewing simple pillow covers is fast and easy. You can change them quickly to bring beautiful fall colors indoors. Try dark red, ripe persimmon, warm brown or deep gold textured fabrics to create a warm, inviting living space.

Useful Remnant: Cloth napkins add a nice touch to your table and help the environment. Either catch them on sale or make your own. Buy some new dish cloths that match your kitchen and designate them as napkins for daily use. 
 

"Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn." ~ Elizabeth Lawrence

******

National Craft Month & Twenty-four Yards of Fabric

March is National Craft Month, so I decided to celebrate by placing an order from Fabric.com, my favorite online shop. Of course they are having an awesome sale, with a free shipping deal. Which meant that I had to scoop up those bargains. My order was ten lengths of fabric, two to three yards each. Total yardage was twenty-four yards...what!? Seems like a lot, doesn't it? But it was only one little box and I have an idea in mind for each one.

Crafting is a relaxing, diverse, and fulfilling hobby. If you already enjoy crafting, consider sharing your skills with others, especially children. New to crafts? Begin by taking a class or asking a friend for help. You may remember childhood crafts like popcicle stick art, woven potholders, or construction paper covered cigar boxes. Today we have many more options from elegant art to shabby chic. Take a stroll through Hobby Lobby, Michaels or Jo-Ann. Choose from sewing, knitting/crochet, quilting, scrapbooking, art journaling, jewelry making, metalwork, painting, home décor, woodworking, and more.

A word of advice, though...crafts can become addicting. What begins as a shoe box to hold your supplies can quickly become an addition on your home to store all your gear. Just take it slow, keep your things organized, and enjoy the hobby. Remember, you don't have to buy all the stuff at once!

That being said, I enjoy my completely full craft room very much. Fabric is stored in a closet and two cabinets; but I just can't get enough. I'll post later on how I inventory everything. Even with my mini fabric store, I am always on the lookout for beautiful pieces. Last fall I found 5 huge boxes of material at a yard sale for only $12. I browse thrift stores for pretty or unusual items to repurpose into art, quilts, or other projects.

My resolutions for National Craft Month are to go through my collection, finish several projects, and experiment with a new craft idea. And I'll use a few of the twenty-four yards that just came in.

Useful Notion: For inspiration and more information on crafting see these websites -

• www.craftplace.org
• www.clothpaperscissors.com
• www.fabric.com
• www.sewnews.com
• www.quiltingarts.com
• www.crochettoday.com
• www.firemountaingems.com
• www.shipwreckbeads.com

There's nothing more exciting than starting a new project,

And nothing more satisfying than finishing one! 

----------------------