Violet Quartet

This cute little flower quilt was a spur of the moment inspiration. I had leftover pieces of green cut for my last project, so why not use them now?

I added pretty violet batik flower petals, making four blocks, then framed them with 1” green strips.

Quilting is simply serpentine stitch about 2” apart in green thread. Violet Quartet is 19” square and didn't take long to whip up.

The backing makes this a reversible two for one: I used shamrock fabric and more leftover strips. How's that for creativity?

While I enjoy planning ahead, sometimes it's more fun to go with the flow and see where it leads you.

Dies used:
Accuquilt 55409 Triangle in Square 4" fin
Blue Wren 6015 1 ½” Strips

Follow your creative impulse

Singer Slant-O-Matic 500 Rocketeer

Singer Slant-O-Matic 500
Rocketeer

Do you know what sometimes happens when you're just browsing around, not intending to buy anything? Yep, that item catches your eye and you are hooked.

I've been bad. I certainly didn't need another sewing machine, especially a vintage one from the early 1960's. But this Singer Slant-O-Matic 500 is so cool looking, so space age and interesting that it is commonly known as the Rocketeer. Price was only $49, including the original manual and accessory box, so I figured why not.

My sweet husband and I cleaned, degunked lint and grease out of the gears, replaced a worn bobbin winder tire, broken spring, and a few other parts. We polished this well built gem to a shine. I love working on projects with my guy.

She sewed beautifully, even before we cleaned her up. But now, what lovely stitches! I had attachments from my Athena 2000 that fit, but ordered some cams and bobbins. My investment is around $100 so far; I call that a bargain!

Rockette won't be my primary machine, but I will use her often enough to keep everything running smoothly. I tested her out by quilting and binding a small project and she sewed a dream.

Rockette at work

I've got to stay away from antique malls, thrift stores, yard sales, and online marketplaces. I'm too easily tempted! I don't have space or funds to go crazy collecting sewing machines. But, if I win the lottery...

Festive Pillows

Blazing Star pillow

I have a confession to make. These pillows are made with dies that are Christmas gifts. During Accuquilt's Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales, my sweetheart of a husband suggested that I order dies for my presents. So I did. He's the best Santa.  

When they arrived, I had to check to make sure they cut properly, right? Of course, they worked perfectly so I wrapped them with our other gifts. But then I had test pieces lying around. What to do? Make pillows!

I've wanted Blazing Star (55051) for a while and it sews up beautifully. Red, cream, black and gray for high contrast shows off the design with a holiday flair. I added a border, and what a pretty pillow cover it makes.

The second die is Snowball (55330). I sewed two 6" blocks in red and aqua, then added matching nine-patch blocks made from 2 ½” squares. I'm calling this pillow Vintage Charm.

You'll see more of both these dies in larger projects once I get to open them on Christmas Day.  

Oh, and in case you're wondering, yes...as a child I was sneaky and sometimes peeked at my presents before Santa came.  

Hope everyone has a peaceful, happy holiday.

Windswept

Have you ever had fabric beg to be used? Those leftover pieces from last week's quilt did just that. It kept telling me that all I had to do was cut some squares and center sections in white and I had a new quilt. Well, maybe it was just voices in my head, but I couldn't resist.

I used two Crossed Canoe sections and two 5” squares in each block. I tried several arrangements and settled on diagonal bands of color. Backing and binding is a tiny lattice print in pale lavender. I quilted with white thread in straight stitch rows 1 ½” apart.

The old fashioned prints work well with the modern tone on tone white print. Windswept is a sweet snuggle quilt, 45” square finished size.  The best part is that it only took 3 days to finish since I already had most pieces cut.  A bonus quilt!

Accuquilt dies used: Crossed Canoes BOB 55181 and 5” square 55010

Always listen

to your inner voice

💬

The world is giving you

answers every day.

Learn to listen.

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