Home Improvement

Well, there's no new quilt this week! I got distracted by a home improvement project that I've wanted to tackle for a while.

My laundry room had an old plastic laundry sink that was functional but kinda ugly. I had disguised it with a fabric skirt in 2017 but it was still not exactly what I had in mind.  Time for a change! 

Before

Last week we ordered a new vanity, sink, and faucet. Our installation took 2 days, since the cabinet had to be assembled and I painted the wall after we removed the corrugated tin backsplash and old sink.

The two of us are pretty handy around the house and have done many DIY projects together. This one went fairly smoothly, with only one extra trip to Ace Hardware for supplies. Luckily, basic plumbing is a skill I acquired early on, since that was my daddy's profession.

New Vanity 2024

We changed the handles on the overhead cabinets to match those on the vanity. I'm considering painting them white, but I sure hate to paint over the alder wood since it's in great shape. We'll see. 

Now that we're done, naturally I see more things to update in other rooms.  I guess there may be fewer quilts finished this year, but we'll be having fun redecorating our nest.

 

Ready For A Reset

Happy New Year, everyone!

Taking a look back at 2023, it seems I was a busy lady with lots going on. After checking my lists and inventory, here's a summary of last year's work:

• Quilts & projects finished: 54
• Quilts donated or gifted: 21
• Fabric acquired: 647 yards (purchases + gifts)
• Fabric used: 253 yards
• Fabric left (not including scrap boxes): 2651 yards

So, I have plenty left to stitch. It's difficult to turn down free or low cost quilting material. I'm thankful for my friends who generously share fabric and sewing machines with me, and for my sweet husband, who actively encourages me to get whatever I want, from fabric to sewing machines and quilting supplies.

Quilting is my passion! I design and sew for pleasure and to keep my brain active. I don't take custom orders, publish or sell quilt patterns. I know I could earn money selling, but that would take the fun out of it and cut into my sewing time. I just want to enjoy my hobby, not run a business. Been there, done that.

Thanks for reading and sharing my blog. Although people have asked for videos and more content, it will remain the same weekly post for now. That takes up quite a bit of time already and I don't want to expand.  

So, I've reset the counters, made a few resolutions, cleaned my studio, and started off the year sewing.

Hope you all have a fabulous 2024. Take time for yourself, and do what makes you happy!

 

Groovy Traveler / Elna Update

I'm continuing my trip into the past with this quirky quilt. I browsed the scrap boxes for bright and colorful pieces to use with black and stone neutrals.

The original block, Arkansas Traveler or Traveler's Star, is usually laid out with four segments like a star. I decided to put single 6” blocks all on point instead. I think it looks both modern and retro. The fabric combinations remind me of peasant dresses, bell bottoms, and vests of the hippie era.

With the black print border, Groovy Traveler finished out at 52” square. I quilted using gray thread in a 4” grid pattern. Piecing was done on Elizabeth (Singer 404).

Blue Wren dies used:
6361 Traveler's Star
6720 Magic Strips (borders and binding)

Accuquilt dies:  (for corner/side pieces)  55001 HST 6" finished 

55002 Quarter Square Triangle 6" finished

Elna Update: I posted on Facebook last week about our latest sewing machine acquisition. Found on Ebay, the 1951 model bright green Elna 1 Grasshopper was in good condition with a few scratches. One of those was a Social Security number carved into the paint, on the front just under the free arm. Another is a curved deep scratch to the right of the needle plate. Otherwise, her paint just showed some oxidation. The case was awfully dirty, dry, and scuffed. She had the wrong belt and no power cord.

Those Swiss engineers were smart. I love that the case makes a sewing table! She's a cutie, and now runs well after a good clean and oil. We left the silver repair shop label and the SSN as that's part of her story. Jerold modified the power outlet to accept a modern grounded cord, replaced the capacitor in the motor, found a green belt and LED bulb. I did a lot of scrubbing and polishing with Goop hand cleaner, scratch out, and car wax.

Ivy: 1951 Elna 1 Grasshopper

She runs slower than the Singer Featherweight, but that's ok. Miss Ivy is a keeper, in great shape for her age.  I've already pieced a small project with her.  

Renewal

It's a new year, and time to start fresh. Out with the old, in with whatever comes next.

Last week I finished up a few projects, organized my sewing space, cleaned the rest of the house, and updated my fabric inventory spreadsheet. From the looks of that, I need more time to stitch!

Today's featured quilt is one I finished in November. It's an attic window design, using soft sage green stripes with cream and natural muslin. Combining the chisel die with squares and triangles make this block easy to construct.  

Renewal

Quilting is emphasized with a triple serpentine stitch in a green variegated thread. The alternate rows are in cream thread using a notched stitch. I named this 54” square quilt Renewal.

Here's to a calm and relaxing new year!

Accuquilt dies used:

55735 Chisel 2¼” x 4½”
55147 Half square triangle 2¼”
55395 Square 2¼”
55805 Half square triangle 5”
55032 Strip 3 ½”
55017 Strip 2 ½”

I own many yards of  fabric, 

therefore I NEED to sew!

 

Looks Like We Made It

It's a new year and I'm glad to be here. I'm taking a few days to relax, renew and reorganize.  

Until next week, here's something to think about:  

Singer Model 20

Singer Model 20 - before

I picked up this darling little Singer toy sewing machine at a yard sale last spring. It was rusted solid, nothing moved on it, but I loved it anyway. 

The Model 20 was first produced beginning between 1914 and 1922 as a child's toy. Hand cranked, it clamps to a table and sews a functional chain stitch. It reappeared in the 1950's and 1970's, also in electric and battery models. Early ones in the 1920's and 30's were cast iron, like mine.

Singer Model 20 - After

I fully intended to clean it a little bit for display only, but my talented husband had other ideas. He worked to remove the rust, and freed it up enough to take completely apart. After sanding, nickel plating, painting, and polishing the pieces, he put it back together, replaced the decals and ordered new needles.

Model 20 back view

We made some adjustments to the tension and stitch length; now it sews a pretty chain stitch. While I won't use it often, I love that the Singer is all polished, shiny and functional.

What a guy...he took time from his own projects for this time consuming refurbishment. Of course, fixing stuff is one thing he likes to do.  

I got me a good man 

and I'm gonna keep him!

Hazelnut Latte

Yummy colors of cream, chocolate, bronze, and black go together fabulously, don't they? I've had these coordinating fabrics for a while, just waiting for an idea to take shape. The fabrics usually let me know how they want to be used; it's entirely possible that I'm a fabric whisperer.  

The design is my version of Jen Kingwell's Flutterby block, adapted to use Accuquilt dies and resized to nine inches. Layout done in Electric Quilt 8 gave me yardage and number of pieces for each fabric, so cutting and sewing went quickly. 

I chose a stone and cream geometric print for backing and binding. Free motion quilting in a meandering stitch with cream thread was done on my Janome Horizon MC 9400 with the Flynn frame. 

Hazelnut Latte is 44” x 54” in size, just right for snuggling on a chilly day with a riveting book and a cup of hot coffee.

Hazelnut Latte (EQ8)

Accuquilt dies:

3 ½” x 6 ½” half rectangle triangle 55411

3 ½” square 55006

Make It So

2019 is just about here.  

Time for reflection, recharging, and resolutions.

Toss what's not important.

Embrace your favorite things.  

This is the beginning of anything you want.

Reflections And Resolutions

This new year started cold, with a low of 4 degrees this morning. Our electricity went out about 5 am. Although it was back on in an hour, I was very happy to have a gas fireplace and range. There was another good side to being up so early...we were able to watch a beautiful full moon setting followed by a brilliant sunrise.

2017 was a good year. There were a few challenges along the way but everything worked out like it was supposed to in the end. We went camping several times at Defeated Creek and Dale Hollow Dam. We spent a refreshing week at Island House Hotel in Orange Beach. We started eating healthier and walking at least an hour per day. Home improvement projects and hobbies kept us busy and we were never bored.

It was a stellar year for sewing! I scored big with fabric and sewing tool purchases. I completed a total of 58 sewing/quilting projects, the most ever since I started a sewing journal. Needless to say, I cherish the hours I spend stitching.

For 2018, I plan to continue living a quiet, happy retired life. I will stay on a healthy eating path and increase my walking time. There will be camping, reading, maybe another beach trip, and lots more sewing. 

I'll make an effort to give myself time to fully experience each moment, to linger instead of rushing. Laughter with friends and loved ones, lively conversation, and learning new things are on my list. Most importantly, I want to practice awareness so that I don't miss a thing.

Wishing you all a happy and fulfilling 2018.

May you revel in the simple pleasures of life. 

Necessary Solitude

Isn't it peaceful to experience quiet moments without distraction? I think so.

Our holidays were low-key, without any fuss or stress, most of the time just the two of us. We watched old movies, cooked, read novels, and talked. I had time to sit by the fire with my coffee and dream.

Days like today, when there's a foggy drizzle, I'm happy to be inside enjoying my solitude. Everything is so quiet when you turn off phones and TV to let the silence soothe your mind. It's also quite refreshing to step outside and absorb the sounds of nature.

Seeking solitude is beneficial to your body, mind, and spirit. It invokes feelings of contentment, and helps improve concentration and problem solving. Find a few moments to recharge, renew and regenerate.

➳➳➳

Solitude is the soul's holiday,

an opportunity to stop doing for others

and to surprise and delight ourselves instead.

~Katrina Kenison

Solitude is a kind of freedom.

~Umberto Eco

➳➳➳

Recipe for 2017

A toast to the new year!

Coffee Break

I may rise, but I don't shine until I have my coffee. I'm only on my first cup, so the first blog of 2016 will be short and sweet. 

During my working years, I had some of my best conversations and made great new friends at the local coffee shop. 

In retirement, I get to share a quiet morning pot of java with my sweet husband. The simple things do indeed make life special. 

Simplify!

That's my theme for January. 

Sim-pli-fy:  
to make easier to do or understand
   a: to reduce to basic essentials

   b: to streamline

   c: to clarify

There are a lot of areas to work on, and I've already started. Home, shopping, food, clothing, hobbies, habits and goals are all under review. I'm hoping that simplifying life will lead to harmony, joy, peacefulness, fun, and a beautiful 2014.

Useful Notion: There is beauty in simplicity. 

Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated. --Confucius

Our life is frittered away by detail. Simplify, simplify. --Henry David Thoreau

** BRRRR!  it's COLD here on the ridge this morning!  Three degrees at 6 am.