Manual Labor

The weather last week was warm and sunny, so we gathered up our gear, the tractor and mower, then headed outside for some much needed yard work.

Picture me, dressed in overalls, ball cap, and boots, armed with a hand-held mini chain saw, hedge clippers, and a rake. Although there's no photo evidence, I'm definitely a redneck Southern woman when I need to be. Not quite the sweet little old quilt lady you're used to, huh?

We attacked prickly wild rose and blackberry vines, overgrown weeds, crabgrass, unruly shrubbery, nasty poison ivy, stubborn privet, dead bushes, and a couple of fallen trees. We stripped out all the shrubs around the house to create a clean slate for new landscaping later. 

Even though there was sweat, sore muscles, bruises and a bit of blood, overall we had a good week. We were out in the sunshine every day.  We got lots of exercise chopping, loading and dragging brush and logs. I lost two more pounds. We took our time, laughed, enjoyed the breezes and admired the fall colors. The yard looks better and Jerold bushhogged the back field. 

I'm not sure how it got so out of hand (well, maybe because we played instead of working) but it's almost whipped into shape, at least near the house. Out in the country, there's always something that needs to be done. Could be time to think about a place with a smaller yard so I can sew instead of doing manual labor.

Walking On Sunshine

I love a bright quilt with lots of contrast. This one is just the ticket, plus the added benefit of being quick and easy to sew!

The bright yellow and orange batiks and dots look gorgeous with black & white prints. Walking On Sunshine is a simple, modern design, finishing out at 48” square.

I used dove gray thread to quilt just each side of the wedges with three lines of straight stitching. My walking foot kept everything straight and even.

This would look great anywhere in the house, but it may hang on my kitchen wall for a while. 

Do y'all remember that 1980's song?  Now that it's stuck in my head, I may have more pep in my step this week!

Dies used:
Blue Wren 6600 Sliced Square 6” finished
Accuquilt 55017 Strips 2½” binding

 

Sundance

Sundance

Bright yellow and orange batiks stand out against cool pale blue in this week's quilt. I was working on it back in August when the temps hit the high 90's.

Classic palm blocks look complicated but are relatively easy to sew. There are a lot of pieces, though. I stacked them by the machine in order so I wouldn't mix them up while sewing. Having an iron and pressing mat next to me helped as well.

I added 3” borders, so Sundance finished at 55” square. Quilting with pale blue thread, I sewed a serpentine stitch 4” apart in a grid pattern.

I can't wait to try other color combinations and layouts, maybe even a scrappy version. So many possibilities!

Dies used:
Blue Wren 6359 Palm 8” finished

Accuquilt
55032 Strips 3½” borders
55017 Strips 2½” binding

Signs Of Spring

Here's a sweet quilt that reminds me of April rain and flower blooms.

I used batiks of shades of peony pink, lavender, sky blue, light teal, sunny yellow and grassy green for triangles to accent the calm gray pin dots. 

The backing is pieced using a white and gray wood grain print, strips of 3” x 6” rectangles, along with a section of gray dots.

Signs of Spring is 48” square. I quilted with pale gray thread, doing free motion scribbles diagonally across the blocks. The die is another new design from Blue Wren, called X-Quisite.

April is one of my favorite months. I just feel energized when the weather is warm, with flowers blooming. And, my birthday is in a few days. I think cake and ice cream should be on the menu, don't you?


Dies used:
Blue Wren 6656 X-Quisite 6” finished

Accuquilt
55005 Rectangle 3” x 6” finished
55017 Strip 2½” binding

 

Terraces, and A Sad Goodbye

Terraces

Crisp white combined with just about any color makes a pretty quilt. This one is particularly bright and springy using fresh green scraps.

Terraces features 2” x 3” rectangles, 3” squares, triangles, and strips surrounding a 6” center square. I saw a similar one at a quilt show but I don't remember who made it. I laid it out in EQ8 but also played with fabric placement on my design wall.

Finished size is 54” square. I quilted with white thread in several different stitches around each section. The back is pieced with some of the leftover rectangles and a beautiful large green and white floral print.

 

Today is the first day of spring, and sunny here in Tennessee. The only problem is the 17 degree low temperature this morning. Oh well, that's what quilts are for.

On a sad note, I'll be working alone in the sewing room from now on. We lost our precious Callie cat last Thursday after a short illness. She was 12 years old and had a good day on Wednesday, playing outside in the sunshine, even tracking a mouse. I will surely miss our morning cuddles and that sweet face!

Dies used:
Blue Wren
6047 Rectangles 2½” x 3½”

Accuquilt
55009 Half Square Triangles 3½”
55032 Strip 3½”
55000 Square 6½”
55006 Square 3½”

 

Sun Dried Cotton

Sun Dried Cotton

Another scrap quilt today, with lots of pretty pieces. It reminds me of an old fashioned clothesline on a sunny day.

Can't you just picture dresses, shirts, and sheets flapping in the breeze? I'll bet if you stop to concentrate, you could get a whiff of warm sun dried cotton.

All these prints in pink, yellow, blue, aqua, green and purple were left over from other projects or small pieces from my yard sale acquisitions. I emptied a scrap basket cutting them, but don't worry, I still have many left.

I sewed twenty-five colorful Hattie's Choice blocks with a white on cream vine print as a background. Two borders frame it up nicely: one plain, another created with the same small triangles from the main block. I used plain muslin for the backing, like my grannies used to do.

Sun Dried Cotton is 48” square. To create motion, I used Angela Walter's Squiggy ruler to echo stitch large rolling waves in white thread across the whole quilt. Such a fun project!

After writing this, I feel the need to start a load of laundry, just so I can hang it outside to dry.

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

Slow down enough

to savor the moments

that make your heart happy 

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

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.

Oasis + Fabric

oasis: something that provides refuge, relief, or pleasant contrast

As I hinted last week, we've just returned from a seven day trip to my favorite oasis – Alabama's gulf coast. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offered sunshine, balmy temperatures, and an escape from daily routines.

The highlights:

Morning and evening beach walks. Calming sound and scent of the waves. Amazing sunsets. It didn't take long for me to slow down to beach time.

Outstanding meals, including “the best fried shrimp in the entire civilized world” at Doc's Seafood (it absolutely is!), Parmesan Encrusted Flounder at DeSoto's Seafood Kitchen, fried whitefish with corn fritters at Mikee's, and a perfectly awesome bacon cheeseburger at Duck's Diner.

Touring the wonderful exhibits at the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, plus the bonus of Blue Angels flying down our beach daily.

We shopped at thrift stores, local shops, a giant flea market, and …. FABRIC STORES! As usual, I filled a grocery cart with quilting prints at Fabrics by the Pound in Summerdale, AL. 

A & E Fabrics in Pensacola started their Black Friday sale early (50% off); so many beautiful designs that it was difficult to choose! It was my first visit, but I'll be back. My stash has grown by another 67 yards thanks to encouragement by my tolerant, generous husband.

Everyone needs a break from routine life now and then, even retirees! Find your oasis and plan your escape.

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! 🌟 

Sunrise, Sunset

Pink, orange, yellow are the brilliant colors of sunrise and sunset, ruby red grapefruit, juicy oranges and tangy lemons. Nature's beauty provides inspiration for art in this 40” square quilt that shouts summer.

Using drunkard's path die from Accuquilt, I sewed contrasting blocks into 9” squares. Perfect cuts and notches made stitching the curves simple. Quilting was done with serpentine stitch in pale yellow thread across all seams. Tangerine dots made borders and binding. Backing in a 1990's fruit print from my collection repeats the circular pattern.

Once done, I had another Useful Remnants quick design idea. I cut chisels (another Accuquilt die) from the leftovers to make a coordinating pillow cover. Arranging them into two braids, I sewed the strips, then quilted in a free motion loop pattern with light yellow thread.

Everything starts with a sunrise,

but it's what we do before it sets

that matters. K. McGraw

🌑 🌑 🌑

May every sunrise

bring you

HOPE

May every sunset

bring you

PEACE

A Breath Of Fresh Air

Twisted Picnic Squares

How refreshing! This morning I have our windows open, with fans pulling cool, sweet breezes through the house. That's a welcome change from the heat and oppressive humidity of the past two months. I'm having my coffee on the porch as I write, watching the hummers feed. It's a perfect way to begin a Monday.

Last week when it was so hot and rainy, I stayed indoors to finish another quilted piece. This one is in country summer colors with two old fashioned bright blue floral prints and contrasting red gingham accents.  Perfect for a summer picnic, don't you think?

“Some old-fashioned things 

like fresh air and sunshine 

are hard to beat.” 

~Laura Ingalls Wilder

Gorgeous Autumn Days

After a little preview of cool dreary rain over the weekend, Monday has dawned with sunny skies, fresh air, and nearly perfect temperatures. My windows are open, and I'm energized to do a bit of housecleaning before I find some excuse to go outside.

I believe there are some leaves that need to be swept off the sidewalks, and the screened porch needs a bit of sprucing up. Maybe I'll take a brisk walk in the woods, then make use of the glider to relax with a glass of sweet tea and a good book.

Useful Notion: Take advantage of pretty days every chance you get.

Sewing On The Road

With all the rainy days in the past three weeks, I was happy to have a portable sewing machine along on our camping trip. I'd packed two shoe boxes of scraps – four inch and two and a half inch strips, along with my rotary cutter and a tiny cutting surface. I started by matching up lights, mediums, and darks in pleasant color combinations. No real plan or pattern yet, just a scrappy project that I will work on during each trip this year.

I sew on the dining table or the small desk, so I have to keep the area neat and put things away after each session. Later this year it will be warm and sunny, so I can sew outside on the picnic table. Stay tuned for updates and the final reveal later this year.

I did some crochet as well, a couple of spa washcloths in beachy blue and green hues, and finished a pink, green and white summer shrug that I gave my mama for Easter.

“Wherever you go, 

no matter what the weather, 

always bring your own sunshine.” 

--Anthony J. D'Angelo

Lighten Up For Spring

The anticipation of spring brings thoughts of fresh air, blooming flowers, and new beginnings. It's one of my favorite times of the year. I want to clean house, toss clutter, and reset my sluggish winter habits. Even though my to do list gets longer, the activities on it are positively invigorating. 

• It's time to put away dark colors, in clothing and decor. Take cues from nature: use light, airy pastels or clear bright hues.
  
• Find ways to get outdoors to soak up sunshine or splash in rain puddles. Forget the treadmill, walk your own back yard or neighborhood.
  
• Open your mind to new experiences. Try looking at life from a fresh perspective. Release negative people and thoughts to lighten your load.
  
• Replace heavy meals with lighter choices. Bring on the chicken salad, fresh veggies, lemonade, salads, and sweet iced tea!

Spring adds new life and 

new beauty to all that is.

~Jessica Harrelson

Light And Shadow

Obey River in Celina, Tennessee

Nature is my favorite source of inspiration for quilts and home décor. The palette of earth's colors range from muted to brilliant. Contrast of light and dark, sun and shadow, occurs everywhere around us if we take the time to look. 

Something as simple as sunlight on leaves shading a cool green river bank triggers a design idea for a forty shades of green quilt. And makes me want to stop there for a while to enjoy the view.

Even when I'm not working on a specific project, I find interesting themes in unexpected places. That's why I keep my camera handy and snap lots of photos of things like rocks, fog, flowers, sky and water. Tiles, fences, angles, shadows, texture...there's so much to take in.

Though I haven't made time to sew in the past couple of weeks, I have plenty of projects lined up on my to do list, in my photo file, and in my brain. I'll get around to them sooner or later, there's no rush. I want to smell those flowers and relax in the outdoors to renew and refresh my spirit. 

"Come forth into the light of things, let nature be your teacher." 

 William Wordsworth  

"Nature always wears the colors of the spirit." 

 Ralph Waldo Emerson 

 

Finally Spring!

The past two days have been gorgeous and sunny. After a cloudy and cold March, we finally got a glimpse of more spring-like weather for April. My, how I love the feel of warm sunshine on my face! 

Energized and inspired, I got busy around the house. With windows open and clothes hanging on the line, I raked pine needles, mulched flower beds, cleaned off the back porch, swept the sidewalks, and mowed grass with my Mustang. Afterward, I did a little porch sittin' to breathe in the fresh air.

Thinking about shaking off winter blues prompted me to pull out these two cheerful blue and white projects. I designed Whitey's Blues back in January. The queen size quilt, Charming Squares, was completed several years ago. They'll make a pretty combination to brighten up my guest room. 

 

Spring is a time to refresh and renew, whether it's in nature, our homes or ourselves. I'm ready to get back to spring cleaning, but with frequent breaks to clear my mind and enjoy my surroundings.

"Spring is when life's alive in everything." —Christina Rossetti

Five Life Rules

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

Have a great week!

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.”