Believe It Or Not...

I don't have a quilt to share this week!

It's not because I haven't been sewing...I have three quilts started and another ready to cut. They're just not finished.

Things keep getting in the way: yard work, spring cleaning, birthday celebration, appointments, delays, and odd little distractions.

At first it stressed me out, but life is too short to fret over self-imposed deadlines. So I've been going with the flow, taking care of essentials, and letting go of expectations. It's very freeing to change my routine and consider new options.

Maybe that's just what I needed. Perhaps the universe was trying to get me to slow down and pay attention.  Reflection and mindfulness turned out to be my birthday gift to myself.  See ya next week!

Fabricate

I've always been one to improvise. To change ingredients in a recipe, or mix styles in décor and clothing. It must be my curious nature to seek new ideas, to figure out how to make something. This quick project came from a blissful afternoon of experimenting.

I saw a similar table mat online, so looked through my dies to find shapes that might work. Of course, I used remnant pieces.  The side sections of Jackaroo Star fit together to form petals of a dresden plate block. I positioned the sewn quarters with a glue stick onto a 6” square, then stitched them down. After trimming off excess fabric and the points, I added a yellow piece (trimmed center piece from the Wheels die).

Once I put them together with sashing, quilting began. I echo stitched with cream thread, then used free motion ribbons around the gold. Fabricate is 18½” square.

I'm inspired by color, design, creativity, and nature. I love playing with fabric, making useful and beautiful items. If the results are pleasing to me, I'm not going to worry about what others expect or what's in style. It's my life, after all.

Dies used:
Blue Wren
6369 Jackaroo Star
6297 Wheels
Accuquilt
55006 6 Square
55017 Strip 2½”

But it's all right now

I learned my lesson well

You see, you can't please everyone

So you got to please yourself

~Rick Nelson

Emerald Stars

Emerald Stars

Hey everyone, I have a beautiful new quilt for you today. Shades of green with black accents are perfect for the gem star die from Blue Wren. This die is fairly new and comes in two sizes.

I created the layout in EQ8 to determine color placement and yardage. Sewing went quickly since all the blocks are the same. No scraps this week! 

After joining the blocks, I added a 4” wide border of black and white gingham. Backing is a dark gray and cream swirly print.

I quilted an allover pattern with pale gray thread, using Angela Walters Creative Grid Squiggy ruler. Final size for Emerald Stars is 58” square. Black binding with a decorative stitch creates a pretty frame.

Schedule update: Regular posting day will now be on Thursday. Thanks for reading!

Blue Wren die:
6817 Gem Star 10” finished

Accuquilt dies:
55054 Strip 4½”
55017 Strip 2½”

Life should not feel like a chore,

it should feel like an adventure.

~ Donna Ashworth

Down Time

I've been a busy woman lately, and honestly, I needed a break! I couldn't get motivated to write, so I took a Sunday drive with my sweetie, then spent Monday puttering around the house. It was just what I needed. I do this blog for fun, so if I want to skip a post, I can.

I didn't stop sewing, though. This little quilt is a quickie table mat made using Blue Wren's Pine Bark die (also known as Japanese Puzzle or Japanese Jigsaw). I chose remnants to cut these puzzle pieces to test the die after it arrived last week. I used dark gray thread to quilt crossing serpentine lines. Down Time is 22” x 30” size. I'm planning a larger throw version later, probably using bright batiks.

👕 👗 👚

It's time to pull out my spring wardrobe, so a closet reboot is in progress. I'm assessing everything. A lot of unworn and unused stuff has been boxed for donation. Worn out, used up stuff is in the trash. It feels good to let go of things and gain space.

Paring down is hard work but satisfying. From now on, only the best will do. Not the most expensive but what suits me. My favorite colors. The most flattering fit. Comfort. Simple, basic, and a bit quirky. Cute shoes. I'm sticking to what reflects our lifestyle and makes me happy. And that includes clothing, household goods, and life in general.

I'm glad I listened to myself and enjoyed some down time. I intend to do that more often. Right now I'm headed back into the deep recesses of the closet to arrange what's left.

Blue Wren dies used:
6815 Pine Bark 6” finished sides

Taking time to recharge

is productive too 

 ~unknown

Life's A Trip

This cute luggage fabric has been my closet for over 15 years. It was intended to become a shirt back when I worked in the tourism industry, but I never got around to sewing it.

Now it's a travel quilt! I found several red, blue, and gray fabrics to coordinate with the busy pattern. I designed the square in a snowball block in EQ8, with different dies in mind (listed below) to cut all the pieces and sashing.

Life's A Trip is 41” x 52” in size. I quilted in 1” vertical rows with dark gray thread. I used the luggage fabric for backing.

Life's A Trip

We didn't take any trips in 2020 and I do miss camping. When I feel safe enough to get on the road again, this quilt will make a nice addition to our gear in our truck/fifth wheel.

Accuquilt dies used:
55000 6 ½” square
55180 Spool 6” finished (trapezoid shape)
55006 3 ½” half square triangle
55017 Strip 2 ½”
55059 2 ½” multiples

“On the road again
Just can't wait to get on the road again”

Willie Nelson

On The Sunny Side

Here's another simple but pretty quilt, just right for scraps in shades of yellow, gray, and white. It didn't take that long to cut the triangle shapes. I sewed them in batches, and arranged on my design wall to distribute the colors.

On The Sunny Side is 48” square. I chose a gray swirl design on white for backing and binding. I quilted across each square in a serpentine stitch, horizontally and vertically, using yellow thread on top and gray in the bobbin. 

It's fabulous to be in the sewing room on hot or rainy days, doing what I love.


Accuquilt dies used:
55047 4” finished quarter square triangles
55017 2½” strip for binding

Keep on the sunny side,
Always on the sunny side
Keep on the sunny side of life

Cabin Fever

I haven't made a log cabin quilt in a while, and I was ready for a quick project with straight seams. Cabin Fever features navy, cream and watermelon prints from my scrap boxes, cut into 1 ½” strips.

The six large 14” blocks are framed with 2 ½” sashing, then I added a 3 ½” navy paisley border. Starting in the center of each block, I quilted down the center of the strip with a straight stitch, turning at each corner. For the sashing and borders, I used a small serpentine stitch in the same thread.  It's 42" x 57" lap quilt size.  

Cabin Fever

I really don't have cabin fever yet, but it seemed like a perfect name since I am staying at home. I've only been out twice (grocery, oh goody) in five weeks. 

We should be at the campground right now, but I am enjoying nature by taking walks around our property and reading on the porch on warm days.  

I thought I'd be cleaning out closets, washing windows, and doing other spring cleaning chores from my list.  I'll get to it...maybe next week...right now I'm happy to be in I-SEW-lation.

Dies used:

Accuquilt

55032 3 ½” strip

55017 2 ½” strip

Blue Wren

1 ½” strip 6015

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.

Seaside Carnival

As soon as I got my latest Accuquilt die (on sale!) I grabbed some scraps and started cutting. Bright turquoise and sunny yellow colors with crisp white are perfect for contrast to show off this pretty design. They remind me so much of my favorite place, the beach.

I sewed four Hattie's Choice (55220) 9" blocks together and added a coordinating striped border to make a cute table mat. These pieces are small, but easy to sew. Backing is bright yellow with white dots. I quilted with white thread 3/4” apart from the center out, in quarter sections, creating a nice geometric pattern. Seaside Carnival is 21” square.

I already have several more ideas sketched out that use this die but they may have to wait...this one made me hear the beach calling. I'm headed there 'cause I need sea therapy and toes in the sand.  There will be plenty of inspiration for new quilts, a couple of fabric stores to visit, and lots of fresh seafood.

This Thanksgiving week I am grateful for being able to live the simple life that I love, surrounded by those who genuinely care for me. I'm glad I learned to let go of things, people, and situations that don't bring me peace and happiness.

🌟  Count your blessings! 🌟 

Star Island, Part 2

I did get some time in the sewing room last week, but not enough to complete the Star Island quilt. I finished stitching the last few blocks, arranged them on my design board and sewed the quilt top. 

The layers are now sandwiched and pinned, ready for quilting. Tomorrow I'll choose a quilting design and thread color. Final photos and details will come next Monday.

Camping for two weeks is wonderful, but there's a little work involved afterward to get back to normal. Unloading food, gear, clothes, and supplies takes longer at the end of the season since anything that might freeze has to come in. The camper got a thorough cleaning inside and out, then winterized for storage.

What else kept me busy? Two weeks worth of laundry. Putting away all the stuff we unloaded. The cupboard was nearly bare, so grocery shopping was necessary. (I put that off as long as possible; it is not my favorite activity.) Routine household chores.

Sometimes daily life gets in the way of quilting.

Indulgence

I treated myself to a couple of birthday presents last week. First, I ordered a new extra large 30” x 60” cutting mat that fits my cutting table. This Martelli mat is commercial grade, reversible, and self healing. One side is purple, matching my décor. The reverse is a cheery yellow. The markings are crisp, with grids in ½” increments and numbered down the center as well as each side. You can even iron on it if you cover it with a good quality ironing mat.

Next, I splurged on an ergonomic rotary cutter from the same company. The design is unique, with a cushioned handle perpendicular to the blade, making it easier on the wrist and hand. There are right and left handed models. So far I love it! It has an easily operated spring loaded safety guard, and can cut up to 15 layers at a time with less pressure needed. The blades are supposed to last 3 to 5 times longer than typical ones. Check the Martelli website for details on both items.

Upgrades for my sewing space are apparently in process this year. There could be more. I spend a lot of time in here. Investing in better equipment, supplies, and accessories helps me enjoy the experience so much more. And that is a good thing!

A treat is a small pleasure or indulgence that we give to ourselves just because we want it. ~Gretchen Rubin

You have the freedom of indulgence. Be extravagant. Allow yourself to think and feel and do what you please and hopefully…everything you do will make your life better. Stronger. Enabling you to live in happiness. ~Michael Feeley

Milestones

After a relaxing week at the campground, I'm staring right at a significant occurrence in my life. Yep, my 65^th birthday is here; I have a Medicare card to prove it if you don't believe me.

I have officially reached that milestone. I am OLD. Senior. Elderly. Antique. Mature. Over the hill. Maybe even wiser. I have learned at least three things in this adventure called life:

1)  If it makes you happy, do it

2)  If it doesn't, then don't

3)  Go your own way

Turning 65 isn't so bad, really. I'm not yet senile, ancient, a doddering old crone, or ready for the nursing asylum. I have added a few extra pounds but they smooth out wrinkles and might give me a bit of a cushion if I fall down. My bones are occasionally creaky but isn't that what Aleve is for? I am still sassy, curious, and eager to learn new things.

There are nice perks to getting old. Senior shopping discounts save me a few bucks. I can eat early and get home in time for the news. Medicare costs less than my previous insurance. 

If the weather is bad, I can stay in and read. If it's pretty, I can play outside. I can sew all day if I choose to. I don't have to drive at rush hour or care what anybody thinks. I have plenty of time to enjoy my home and the world around me.

So what if I'm 65? It's just another milestone. Senior life is good. I've quit saying someday; instead I'm asking what about now? I'm looking forward to many more years of following my own path.

Now that I'm old,

I don't want people thinking

“What a sweet little old lady”

I want them saying

“Oh crap, what's she up to now?”

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.

Batik Trail

Batik Trail

Here I go again, mixing and matching dies to create old favorite blocks. This time I made one from the 1920's – Snail Trail, also called Monkey Wrench in some old magazines.  

Sea blue leafy batik fabric is paired with crisp white and bordered with a cross hatch print. Each 12” block is made up of a center four-square, adding triangles to expand the design. 

It looks more difficult than it really is, especially because of the perfect cuts with AccuQuilt. The dies I used are: 55018 small value die (2 1/2” squares); 55006 half square triangle (3 ½”); 55031 half square triangle (4 ½”) and 55001 half square triangle (6 ½”). 

Free motion quilting was done in medium blue thread in a meandering design. Finished size for Batik Trail is 30” square.

Both my Singer and Janome machines are humming! I'm still working on my Christmas project, as well as cutting and stitching more scrappy star blocks. I've laid out several vintage quilts in EQ8, and I'm always on the lookout for more ideas.

DESIGN
a life
that you will
LOVE

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.  

Bittersweet Victory

Last night I had tears rolling down my cheeks when Austin Dillon took the checkered flag at Charlotte. The last time we saw the 3 car in Cup Series victory lane, Dale Earnhardt was behind the wheel. I still miss that mustached grin and hard driving style. The Intimidator was my driver, and I was rabidly passionate about NASCAR racing. Now I casually watch, and cheer mostly for Dale Jr., but it's not the same.

I guess I am happy for Richard Childress to finally get another win with that car, but I secretly hoped that would never happen. Life goes on, things change, but to me the 3 car will always belong to Dale Earnhardt. 

Along For The Ride

Life can be easy, and it can be challenging. It really depends on the day, you know? You may have a plan, but the universe sometimes has other ideas. Your attitude can make all the difference.

If you want to go with the flow, don't resist. Let the day take you along for the ride. You might end up in a better place, meet new friends, deal with an emergency, or get a new perspective. Even if you're in a stressful situation, handle what comes. The rest will either get done, or it won't.

If you're up for a challenge, fight for your way and stay on track. Something that's important to you might require your full attention with no detours. Distractions may prevent you from reaching a goal or being there for someone. Being able to say no and stay focused can be very satisfying.

That's just life: easy, restful days along with difficult, challenging ones. It can be hard to know which path to follow. It helps to observe, listen, and assess your feelings before choosing. Either way, you'll learn something about yourself.

Your life, your choice. Whether it's bumpy or smooth, you're just along for the ride.

Life is like a roller coaster.

It has its ups and downs.

But it's your choice to scream

or enjoy the ride.

^^^^^

Our attitude toward life

determines

life's attitude towards us.

~John N. Mitchell

Pretty Things

Last week I was engaged in domestic activities both inside and outside the house. Between yard work, sewing  projects, and helping out my mama, I found time to snap a few photos of beautiful things in my world.

Life is about the pretty little things.

Seek beauty in the smallest moments.

Adjust Your Sails

Life isn't always a smooth ride. There are bumps, wrong turns, and detours along the way. Oh, life's journey isn't meant to be perfect. Some unexpected experiences bring amazing joy; others cause significant frustration. Everything that happens to you is an opportunity to learn and grow.

I believe Albert Einstein said that doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result is the definition of insanity. On the other hand, plunging ahead into the unknown might not be the best alternative.

Sometimes it's best to stop and assess your position. Ask yourself where you want to go from here. Which direction is best for you? What do you want to do along the way?

Check your compass. Adjust your sails. Follow your own path.

I am the master of my fate.

I am the captain of my soul.

~William Ernest Henley

Don't adjust your sails

for people

who aren't riding with you.

~Tony Gaskins