Amethyst Dreams

This sweet purple quilt makes me want to grab a book and snuggle in for a while.

Three lovely prints coordinate nicely with a bright white tone on tone fabric. I used Blue Wren's 5” Gem Star die for the center blocks, making all those points and seams easy to match. Amethyst Dreams finished at 50” square after adding the borders.

I chose light blue thread for free motion quilting in long rows using a circle ruler. Then I switched to a straight stitch across the curves, guided by a straight ruler. It made for a unique design that I will use again.

I love experimenting with everything about sewing and quilts, from color to finishing. My mama started me early, at about age 3, hand stitching little scraps of material. Even after sixty plus years of sewing, I still enjoy trying and learning new techniques. Guess I'll never stop!

Dies used:
Blue Wren 6817 Gem Star 5” finished quarter square
Accuquilt 55488 Strip 5½”

 

Flowing Waters

Flowing Waters by Useful Remnants

What an amazing design this turned out to be!

When I saw the new Curve in a Square die from Blue Wren, I immediately pictured a blue quilt in my mind. I had it laid out in EQ8 before my order arrived. I chose the vintage 36” cotton paisley print first (found at a 2021 estate sale), then added other fabric from my stash to coordinate.

Piecing curves can be tricky, but this die made it smooth and easy. I didn't even have to use pins! All those perfect quarter inch seams and the block arrangement give this quilt such fluid motion.

I quilted in variegated blue thread using a straight stitch and walking foot, following the waves. Flowing Waters is 48” square. I had just enough of that pretty paisley for backing and binding, with only a few small scraps left.

I love this quilt! Not every project turns out exactly how you pictured it. This one did: it's my favorite of the year.  So far. 

But I have at least two new dies on my wish list at Blue Wren right now, so those may give this one a little competition. In addition to the other three in my last order.  Thanks Norma and Edward Grimmer for helping to make our dreams come true!

Blue Wren dies used:
6602 Curve in a Square 6” finished
6720 Magic Strips (binding)

Calico Dreams

I'm on a roll with scrappy quilts! Colorful prints alternate with crisp white for a pretty lap quilt.

Most of the prints were cut in a previous remnant rescue marathon. You might remember the first version, Thrifty Threads, posted in September. Cutting the white fabric and sewing went quickly...I finished this one in four days. 

I used white thread to quilt a scallop stitch along the center of each row, 2” apart. Calico Dreams is 48” x 50” size. 

I love sewing simple and fast projects, especially this time of year. It feels good to move on to the next design on my list. I have enough lined up to flow well over into 2023.

Dies used:
Blue Wren 6047 2” x 3” and 2” x 6” finished
Accuquilt 55017 Strip 2½”

Moonshadow

I accomplished a lot on my break. A week at home with no deadlines gave me time to dream and relax. I made a few changes in the sewing space, did some planning, and cut out two projects with dies I got for Christmas.

My husband and I enlarged my design wall, adding reinforcement wood strips behind the insulation and changing out the cover fabric.

Moonshadow

This week's project is the last one I quilted in 2020. I absolutely love the yellow and charcoal batik fabrics. You might recognize the yellow from another recent quilt. I always try to save every remnant. I cut enough tiny triangles to make 25 Hattie's Choice blocks. After adding the border, Moonshadow finished out at 48” square.

I quilted with yellow thread in a fancy feathered serpentine stitch, both horizontally and vertically. I hung it in our living room after taking down holiday quilts.

Accuquilt dies used:
55220 Hattie's Choice 8” finished
55054 Strip 4 ½”
55017 Strip 2 ½”

Aim for the moon.

if you miss, you may hit a star.

~ W. Clement Stone

 

Dreamtime

Dreamtime

As many quilts as I make, fabric scraps multiply quickly. Every few weeks I have a cutting session to keep the remnant baskets from overflowing. 

Using Accuquilt dies, I cut my most used sizes of squares, triangles, strips, and tumblers.  I sort them into inexpensive kitchen storage boxes, then label and stack in my cabinets. With all these pieces organized, my sewing room is neater and I'm able to sew a quick quilt anytime.

Today's project is made up of 4 ½” hourglass blocks in bright, cheerful colors and cool white/cream/gray neutrals pulled from my stash. It's an adorable 40” square baby quilt called Dreamtime. After piecing the blocks, I arranged them on my design wall to balance the colors before sewing them together.

I quilted it on Rockette, my latest Singer machine (see last week's post for that story). I used white thread in a straight stitch 3/8” from each horizontal and vertical seam line.  Perfect, neat and simple.  Love that Slant-O-Matic!

Accuquilt dies used:

55398  4 ½” finished Quarter Square Triangles

55017 2 ½” Strips

Come with me,

where dreams are born,

and time is never planned.

~ Peter Pan

Cool Lagoon

This week's quilt is a big one...queen size for our bedroom. I chose fabrics in cool aqua textures, crisp white tone on tone, and a taupe and white print. I experimented with a couple of layouts in EQ8 software before finalizing the design.

Accuquilt's flowering snowball die made cutting and sewing the curves nearly effortless, but it still took a day to cut all the pieces for 64 twelve inch blocks. Large quilts aren't done overnight, so I set aside time each day to stitch a few blocks. 

Though patience is not usually one of my virtues, I enjoyed the process of working on this one. I used wide flannel for batting so it wouldn't be so heavy, then backed it with a white on cream circle print. White thread for quilting in a straight stitch made nice 2” squares in the aqua center sections. An uncomplicated quilting design made it easier to handle this big quilt on my Janome MC9400 home sewing machine. Cool Lagoon is 97” square.

I added a pillow made from my test block, and still need to finish reversible shams, one side in aqua and the other in the cream/white circles. 

A restful summery beach theme was my goal and I love the result. Taupe walls and sandy colored carpet in our bedroom give me the ability to change the look easily by using different colored bedding. 

Decorating with quilts is versatile because their designs can either be the focal point or just compliment other décor. To me, they make a house feel like home.

The ultimate luxury

is being able to

relax and enjoy

your home.

~Jeff Lincoln

Seaside Cobblestones

Nature's muted colors combined beautifully with large hexagons in this throw sized quilt. Light aqua, soft brown and cream prints made me think of a cozy beach cottage.  

Measuring 42" x 53", Seaside Cobblestones is currently draped across the back of my bedroom chair.

The AccuQuilt half hexagon die made sewing this one quick and easy with all straight seams. The backing and binding is a tan and white crosshatch pattern.

Free motion quilting was done on my Flynn Frame. I stitched large swirls with medium tan thread in each hexagon first, then removed the frame to decorate the borders. Small swirls and applique stitching finished it off with flair.

Until I can get a beach trip scheduled, I'll just retreat to our bedroom and dream of the ocean.

“For her 

the ocean was 

more than a dream, 

it was a place she needed 

to visit to find herself.

And when she returned 

to the city, 

you could see 

the sun in her eyes, 

the wind in her hair, 

and the taste of 

the infinite salt 

on her lips.” 

 ~Jose Chaves

Star Crossed

Star Crossed

I enjoy combining blocks to make new designs with EQ8 software. Star Crossed is a combination of the ribbon star block, split by sashing strips to create a cross. I used 3” squares and half square triangles with 3” x 6” rectangles, all cut with AccuQuilt.

Refreshing navy, coral, and sea green prints contrast nicely with cream tone on tone fabric. Six large blocks made this one quick and easy to sew. Backing and binding are navy prints. For quilting I used single and triple serpentine stitches in a pale creamy yellow thread. 

I completed this one in mid December. I have one final finished quilt from 2018 to share next week, with a couple still in progress. 

By the way, my final project count for last year was 47, coming in slightly under my goal of one project per week. Still not bad...perhaps my newly organized room will improve my productivity. It's definitely kick-started my creativeness; I have six designs already done and at least dozen ideas waiting.

“Organize your life around your dreams,

then watch them come true”

- Unknown

Shattered Chambray

Shattered Chambray

I love this soft blue quilt! I finished it last month as a gift for my husband. Broken dishes blocks in chambray and blue prints are laid out in diagonal rows and bordered with chambray.

Backing was cut from an upcycled 100% cotton sheet that I found at Goodwill for 99 cents (no stains or rips, perfect condition). I used blue thread in a serpentine stitch across the blocks in both directions. At 56” square, this one is just right for a nap in the recliner.

I read a lot when I'm not sewing. Recently I finished How To Stop Time, by Matt Haig. This quote from that novel seems appropriate to consider for the new year.

“You have to choose to live. Everything is going to be all right. Or, if not, everything is going to be, so let's not worry.”

Here's to a year of optimism, of choosing to live life as it comes.

Maple Syrup

I've been waiting to share this quilt until it felt more like fall. I mixed several dies to create four leaf blocks in rich autumn colors. 

Sashing is a coordinating vine print; backing and binding are a yellow and brown scalloped stripe. I quilted in straight lines with a creamy yellow thread. 

Maple Syrup is 27” square and could be used as a table mat or wall décor. It's hanging in my dining room now.

Autumn is a wonderful time of year. The crisp air is invigorating but relaxing. Brilliant leaves, cooler temperatures, hoodies, boots, camping, and fall festivals are my favorites. For the record, the pumpkin spice flavor craze in hundreds of foods and beverages is not for me. I love pumpkins as decorations but I can't stand the taste.

This year I plan to embrace the glory of fall by slowing down, taking it all in, and enjoying every moment. My life, my decisions, my journey.

autumn
shows us
how beautiful
it is to
let things go

Seek Your Passion

passion [pash-uh n]

: any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling

: strong amorous feeling or desire; love; ardor

: an intense enthusiasm or desire for anything

: the object of such a fondness or desire

Passion is powerful. Passion is the energy that drives us to achieve. It causes our eyes to light up and our faces to glow with anticipation.

Be passionate about life. Find love and revel in it. Indulge in hobbies, activities, people and surroundings that bring joy. Tackle projects with enthusiasm. Seek knowledge, creativity, and beauty in ordinary settings to inspire happiness.

Dare to dream, dare to imagine the possibilities of living a life full of passion.

“Anything that gets your blood racing

 is probably worth doing.” 

~Hunter S. Thompson

“One person with passion 

 is better than forty people merely interested.” 

~Unknown

“Every single day, do something

 that makes your heart sing.” 

~Marcia Wieder

Halfway Point

Butterfly plants--especially pretty this year

Half the year is gone already! That got me to thinking. I've accomplished quite a lot so far. Tried new things, enjoyed being with old friends, and relished spending time with my mama. Took care of lots of paperwork and cut through some red tape. Relaxed with and worked alongside my sweet husband. Spruced up our home, put things in order, and tossed clutter. Pushed negative thoughts and unnecessary crazy people out of my life. Carved out time for myself in the sewing room, read dozens of books, and got a sassy new haircut. The first six months of 2014 have been satisfying and happy.

Looking ahead, I have plenty of goals and ideas for the second half of this year. I'll continue my quest to simplify life and to focus on what's important. There's more home improvement on tap, and certainly a few adventures along the way. I've got people to see, places to go, and things to do. With days inbetween to reflect, dream, relax, create, and enjoy living. Who could ask for more?

Useful Notion: Whether you dive right in to your day or dip in one toe at a time, be sure to savor every little experience.

"I don't have everything, but I love everything I have!" ~Anonymous

Today I Will

My Shiny Red Mustang Convertible

Did I forget to tell you I got one for Christmas? It's parked in our barn, waiting for sunny warm spring days. My friends know I am passionate about sports cars, particularly shiny red ones. I love the rumbling purr of a big V-8 engine while driving down country roads with the wind in my hair as I smoothly shift that racy 6-speed manual transmission. A dream come true, since I really missed my '94 Camaro.

Except this dream is a little different. It's true that I'll have the wind in my hair, but I won't be on a country road. I'll be mowing the grass at Ireland Acres with the Troy-bilt Mustang RZT that we bought from my late father-in-law's estate.

Sorry, I couldn't resist the temptation to lead you on for a minute. I've been thinking about a Mustang for a while now...I probably should have specified a Ford.

“Be careful what you wish for; you just might get it.” - Wise old saying

“If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough.” - Mario Andretti

Five Life Rules

I'm outside enjoying the sunshine on this beautiful Monday in September.  

Have a great week!

A Cigar Box Full Of Buttons

Last Friday morning we explored a portion of the Tennessee Highway 52 Yard Sale near Celina. The weather was perfect. My first purchase was a cigar box full of old buttons. There was no price tag. When I asked, the man told me $10 so I offered him $5. He said they were worth $20 so I turned to put it back on the table. He took the five dollar bill and I had a heavy box of odd buttons.

I was hoping to find something exciting hidden at the bottom of the box, like a rare gold coin or a diamond ring. When we got back to the campground, I dumped the entire box on the picnic table to sort through my treasures. Finds include two little metal brooches with a big glass stone (clearly not a diamond), a fake pearl hatpin, snaps, straight pins and a 1940 Willkie campaign pin. We looked that up online to see it's selling for about $10.

The treasures are the buttons. What a variety of sizes, colors and textures! Most appeared to be from the 1940's and 50's, some possibly older. There are plastic, mother of pearl, glass and even some made of celluloid and bakelite. A few were strung together in sets on heavy cotton thread. None were on button cards, so I believe most were clipped off worn clothing or left over from a project.

I can picture the large art deco ones on ladies suits. Eighteen tiny oval cobalt blue buttons must have been on a delicate floaty dress. Utilitarian white or black half inch shirt buttons lined up down the front of a housedress or man's work shirt.

Looking at the array spread on the table got me to thinking. Was the woman who collected these from Tennessee? Did she live her life in the farmhouse where I bought these? Did she make quilts too? Of course, the buttons could have come from any flea market or estate sale, but they had to collected by a lady who sewed.

Many years from now, someone will buy boxes of fabric and sewing supplies from my estate sale. She'll find a huge collection of old patterns and ancient buttons from my grandmother, mother and from yard sales. She may wonder about me, what I sewed, how I got all this stuff. Maybe I should leave her my journals, a link to my blog, or a note in a cigar box full of buttons.

"Live life:  eat chocolate.  go to yard sales.  be your own woman." -- Anonymous

Happy Without Winning The Lottery

I had a very interesting conversation with my sweetie last week. With all the hoopla surrounding the $640 million lottery, we were laughing about what we'd buy if we happened to win (we didn't, by the way). All the usual big ticket items came up: beach vacation, red sports car, bigger tractor, furniture, truckloads of fabric and fancy sewing/quilting machines, a greenhouse, shortwave radios, tools, houses or condos for our parents, etc. Oh, and diamonds, of course! 

 

We considered how our lives would change with such a huge amount of money. That responsibility would not be fun. I bet we'd worry more than we do now. We'd spend a lot of time managing the portfolio, talking with financial advisers and avoiding panhandlers or long-lost distant relatives. It would be so much more stressful to have mega-millions than it is to just have enough.

I realized that I'm pretty satisfied with my life as it is. We're enjoying retirement. I love my home and don't really want a bigger or newer one. While watching a cute gardener or landscaper work in my yard might be nice to think about, I prefer to do my own digging and planting. It might be fun to buy expensive stuff or go to exotic places, but I think it would get old fairly quickly.

With the exception of the homes for our parents, it occurred to me that most of the items on our dream list are attainable if we really want them. Of course, we'd have to choose between a few of the most important. All we really need is to make plans for what we enjoy, and follow our dreams.

Our simple tastes tell me that I wouldn't make a good multimillionaire. I am happy with what I have and wouldn't really change much about my life. However, I really do want that red sports car, so I might need an extra hundred thousand. Guess I'd better buy a lottery ticket now and then.

You have succeeded in life when all you really want is only what you really need.  ~Vernon Howard 

^^^^^

 

New Year, New Website

Welcome to 2012...and to my new website design! I've been busy updating Useful Remnants and Katie Scarlett designs to start fresh for my second year of blogging. Like a new journal with clean blank pages, I can't wait to fill this space with projects, thoughts, adventures, creative ideas, and perhaps a few items for sale. Who knows where the year will take me?

My resolutions for 2012 are simple but manageable. Resolutions are often so strict and demanding that they are doomed to fail. Mine are not actual rules, but more what you'd call guidelines (like the pirate's code). I find it much easier to accomplish an encouraging statement than one that screams at me. For instance, Eat healthy & move more is more effective than LOSE x pounds AND EXERCISE x hours. Could be that I'm just stubborn and don't like being told what to do, even by myself. 

 

• Enjoy every day
• Eat healthy & move more
• Focus on now but look ahead
• Accept what can't or won't change
• Practice awareness & patience
• Read, reflect, rejuvenate, relax
• Sew, design, create
• Explore new places, meet new people
• Live simply
• Do it now

Reading these affirmations often should refocus my energy and resolve, so I have them posted on my bulletin board. Here's to a fabulous, productive and happy 2012!

Useful Notion: If you enjoy the blog and website, check my Useful Remnants Facebook page each Monday and link from there.  Add either of these bookmarks to your browser:  http://www.katiescarlettdesigns.com or http://usefulremnants.blogspot.com

 

“Give yourself a dream that has meaning, and that compels you forward.  At this time of new beginnings, choose to live with more substance and meaning than ever before.” – Ralph Marston

You Can't Find Happiness With GPS

Many people say they are searching for happiness, trying to find something or someone to make them happy. Some find it easily while others never quite get their fingers on their elusive dream.

I believe happiness is one of those qualities that lives within a person. It's waiting to surface when we stop thinking so much about getting it. When you follow your dreams with steady purpose, happiness becomes part of your journey.

Take a moment every day to breathe and reflect on your surroundings. You'll surely find something that makes you smile. It can be as simple as a colorful flower, a sweet smile, a quiet sunrise, a decadent piece of chocolate, or a clean house. Focus on it and enjoy the experience...that's happiness! Even in life's bad situations, tapping into pleasant memories can help lift you up.

The pursuit of happiness is part of our lives. You need to cultivate it from within. People or things don't necessarily make you happy, although I have to say they do help. It's the feelings they trigger inside you that cause joy. To really find happiness, sometimes you have to get lost in something you love instead of staying on the path.

"The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance; the wise man grows it under his feet." 

~James Openheim

++++++++++++