Let's jump right into Sew & Tell Time! This week's feature is from Gwyned's Life of an Artist and her first entry to the 2026 Project Quilting challenge. here's her description of the challenge... in a nutshell.
"It takes place over 12 weeks and not the more typical 12 months. Second the turnaround time from the announcement of the challenge to the finish line is exactly one week. It starts with a challenge posted on Sunday. Then it is up to the individual to interpret the challenge, make something stitched and layered, finish it and post either a photo or blog post highlighting what they created on the following Sunday."
Head over to her blog to get all the deets on her entry - Holiday Sparkle.
I personally love the way that she finished this project... mounted on a 12"x12" canvas covered frame! It would make the hanging of some of my small quilts so much easier!
I did move a few wall hangings this week. I noticed that the Signature Quilt from Pieced from the Past was fading a bit by hanging in my studio. While I enjoyed having it featured in there, I know that the move to a less bright room was necessary. Yes, there is a big east facing window, but those blinds are rarely opened, unlike my west facing studio window. It is now residing in the guest room, and I put up my teal string star quilt in the studio. I used the quilt as my background as I modeled the NP shirt that I made. If you missed that, the tutorial is here.
I had started the week planning to list a collection of cross-stitched quilt blocks that were given to me in September. As I searched for similar items on ebay, I decided that the collection was so large (more than 40) that I could easily make a throw quilt for friend (her sister had stitched them) that gave them to me.
I trimmed the blocks down from their original 18" size and laid them out on point. I filled the corners with a white fabric that matched closely. It didn't take long to have the top together.
In my research, I read that heat would permanently set the markings on the blocks. I had assumed that they had already been pressed at some point, but taking caution, I spray basted the quilt using batting that ended up in my stash from somewhere! It was a nice day beautiful day outside (mid 60s!) so I took everything outside to make the sandwich.
With all of the blocks already marked out for quilting, it only took a few hours before the quilting was done. How convenient!
But, oh. my. goodness... It too sooooooooo long to manage all of the tails.
Here's a look at the finished quilt. And, by the way, the markings did not wash out... as I suspected would be the case. At least they aren't horribly noticeable from a distance. The binding is a fabric from Connecting Threads - Lady Eliza - and looks perfect with the beige mini leaf print, matching the leaves on the roses and the beige lacey look framing the roses.
I went with a pieced backing... purple butterflies down the center, bordered with the teal woven plaid.
The purple butterfly print came from my same friend... and, after purple, teal is one of her favorite colors. :)
Do you have any tips on getting the markings washed out?
I listened to two books as I worked on the vintage rose quilt...
Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe' was a cute and fun listen.
The second book was The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane... a child's book, I believe. I haven't selected the fabrics for the block but have a rabbit fabric in mind for the center piece... IF I can find a small bit. LOL
I'm getting itchy to start piecing these blocks... I'm not sure I can wait for a road trip!
This week I will be writing more Little House block patterns and making a few more blocks. My goal is to have the quilt finished and photographed by the beginning of the Sew Along, which is February 5th. The formal announcement will be made when I am host to the TGIFF linky party January 30th.
What will you be doing this week? Leave a comment... I'd love to hear from you!
Keep Piecing,
Melva
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