Thursday, February 5, 2026

Little House Sampler Quilt Sew Along ~ Maple Leaf - Block #1


Welcome to Melva Loves Scraps and the Little House Sew Along.  The first block is the Maple Leaf block representing the first book of the Little House series - Little House in the Big Woods.

In the Big Woods book we are introduced to Laura's family - Pa (Charles), Ma (Caroline) and their children - Mary, Laura and Carrie.  They lived in the Big Woods of Wisconsin in a little gray house made of logs.  Laura said there were no other houses or people that lived nearby in the woods... only wild animals such as bear, huge wild cats, muskrats, mink and otter and foxes and deer.

The family lived off the land.  Pa hunted the wildlife, they grew a garden, and they tapped the maple trees to make maple syrup. The inspiration for block one!

I remember as a child wanting to make the small molasses and sugar candies like Laura and Mary did in preparation for Christmas. Ma showed them how to pour the dark syrup in little streams over the clean white snow that was in a pan.  The syrup would harden at once and become candy.  

While growing up, my parents made lots of Christmas candy - Peanut brittle, cinnamon candy, butterscotch candies and more.  We would put together a tray of cookies and candies and deliver to family.

I seem to recall that in addition to the use of sugar, a lot of Karo Corn Syrup was used in the candy making.  I don't remember ever having real maple syrup as a kid.  In fact, it wasn't until well into my adulthood that I started using pure maple syrup.  Maybe it was because I grew up in the plains and river bottom area where we had primarily cottonwood trees.  Maple trees simply didn't grow in the area.  As a young couple with two children and a limited income, pure maple syrup was expensive compared to other pancake syrups.  You know the ones... Auntie J and Mrs. B. ;)

After getting married and living in the Midwest I grew to love maple trees.  So much so, that we now have two maple trees growing in our front yard.  They are a special hybrid of maple to live in the higher elevations and drier climate.  But they still turn bright red in the fall and that is what I wanted.  There isn't much that I miss about living in the Midwest, but the brilliant fall colors that included reds and oranges is one of them.  Sure, the golden aspens cottonwoods here in Colorado are nice, but there's nothing like the brilliance of the Midwest fall colors (in my opinion).  (We have New England in the fall on our bucket list of travel destinations, as the photos are stunning there too!)

Laura's story tells of the process of tapping the trees, cooking down the syrup and how to tell when the cooking process was done.  They had a family gathering and a dance to celebrate the extended sugaring season due to a change in the weather... and, of course, Pa played the fiddle. ;)

Times have changed and people simply go to the store to purchase all they need... Though there are an increasing number of people beginning to "homestead" and figure out how to live off the land.  

Admittedly, I find the convenience of purchasing ingredients from the store more appealing than trying to grow and harvest what we need for life.  I do have the skills and knowledge though.  

Gardening was easy in the Midwest... and I did so much food preservation in the 1980s and early 1990s.  Tomatoes, green beans, apples, berries, and so much more.  The deer were numerous in the area and Dave had connections with the local police to obtain deer that were involved in a car accident.  "Road Kill" can be considered a gross thing... but I'm not talking road pizza - Now that's GROSS!  Dave would be selective in the deer he would bring home.  We would grind for burgers (mixed 50/50 with 70% ground beef) and even make our own bratwurst and sausages.  

Along with the meat from his deer and goose hunting, we ate well on a very small budget.  How about you... 

Do you have skills that could help you to live as a homesteader?

Leave a comment... I'd love to hear from you!

Now for the "math lesson."  My original Maple Leaf Pattern was a 9-inch (finished) block.  I needed this block to finish at 6-inches.  My process for making this block the correct size was this:

The block is laid out in 9 sections - each section needs to finish at 2-inches.  That means that the individual units of the block need to be cut to 2-1/2" square before piecing them.

Always take the finished size and then add your 1/2" seam allowance.

For half-square triangle units (HST) you add 1-inch to your desired finished size.  Again, you want the HST to finish at 2" square - in this block you will cut the pieces to 3" square.  This will make the HST over-sized - trim to size for more accurate piecing.


To calculate the size of strips for the log cabin frame I first determined that I wanted the finished blocks to measure 16" square.  I had to calculate the width of each "log".

Step 1:  16 - 6 (finished size of the center block) = 10

I have 10 inches all around to fill.  Divide that by 2.  You are only concerned with side to side.  What you do for the sides, will be done for the top and bottom.  

Step 2:  10 divided by 2 = 5.  We have 5" on each side of the center block.

Step 3:  I knew I wanted to have 3 strips of fabric on each side... 5 divided by 3 = 1.66.  You then add the 1/2" seam allowance which equals 2.16.  I rounded up to (2.25) 2-1/4 inches.  I made the final two strips of the block 2-1/2" to help those of us with a less than perfect scant 1/4" sewing seam.  The blocks will be trimmed to 16-1/2 inches, unfinished.

I'll stop there with the math lesson. I hope that the steps are clear... if not, leave me a comment and I will try to explain in a better way.

If you skipped out on the math lesson, no problem!  You can find the Maple Leaf and Log Cabin Frame patterns in my Payhip store.

The linky party is open for you to share your Little House in the Big Woods block.  Participants that link up (blog, facebook or Instagram) will be entered for chance to win a fat quarter of Lady Eliza fabric from Connecting Threads.

If you are interested in making a purchase from Connecting Threads, you can use the code ACTMelvaLovesScraps to receive 15% off, including sale items.  I am using the Butterfly Sonata fat quarter bundle in this quilt.  You can find all the fabric requirements and additional info here in the announcement post.

The second block will be released on February 19th.  See you then!

Keep Piecing,

Melva


Sunday, February 1, 2026

January Review ~ Sew & Tell - 2/2/26


The first chapter of 2026 is complete, and we are beginning the new chapter we call February.  It is the shortest chapter of the year... though, sometimes, it can feel like the longest. 

I'll be reviewing all that I did during the writing of that first chapter.  But first, let's take a look at the featured quilter from last week's party.  You all kept me really hopping all week!  There were 32 links shared!  I think this was the largest party I've hosted.  Thanks!  I am thrilled (and honored) that so many of you are willing to share updates, progress, finishes and personal thoughts and comments.  I feel that I've come to know many of you on a more personal level through your comments and blogs.  I love hearing about how you made decisions on pattern choices and options, color selection in addition to hearing bits here and there about your personal lives. 

With each link, I feel like I'm sitting across the table with you enjoying a cup of tea or glass of lemonade and perhaps a "crumpet" (as my grandma called any sweet treat or cookie).  Joy at Days Filled with Joy has been busy filling her design wall with some blocks for a quilt for her husband that is intended for their caravan.  While many here in the US are dealing with the polar vortex, she is down under in the middle of a heatwave.  If you like any of these blocks and have an interest in the patterns, she includes the links for the patterns.

Now, on to my January summary... 


I completed two quilts - The Vintage Rose quilt and Caroline (the second Little House Sampler quilt).  I also announced the beginning of the Little House Sew Along.  Details for that can be found HERE.



I made six blocks for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge - 3 positive and 3 negative Scrappy Wonky Stars.  I am ready to begin a new color, which is going to be green.  My neutral bin of scraps has expanded since I finished "Caroline" for the sew along so I think that making the negative blocks will not be much of an issue. :)


I listened to 8 books and have pieced 8 Bookish Journal blocks.

And I wrote up the tutorial on how to make a NPS shirt using a reverse applique technique.

January was a fun chapter...  I've enjoyed the slower pace and managed to get 2 years' worth of photos & memories in a photo album.  I'm ready to tackle 2021 and part of 2022. I even pulled out a few photos from a calendar that I saved to do paper embroidery.  I have them tucked away for now.  I will pass on as a small gift to friends or rotate the few that I have framed an on the walls with the seasons. :)  


I look forward to the second chapter of the year and am confident that the "Shalom" - the wholeness and completeness and state of nothing being broken or missing, well-being, harmony and prosperity - will continue in our lives.  

We are coming up on the 1-year mark of the fiasco centered around the baptism of our granddaughters and the separation/chasm in our family that resulted.  It's been too long since we saw and hugged them.  We did see our (step)grandson at a basketball game in December.  It was wonderful to love on and hug on him and his mom was so appreciative of the support we showed him.  

If my calendar calculations are correct, he should be with his dad and our daughter on the 7th as we plan to go watch another of his games.  Since it is a weekend that he's with our daughter, the girls may be in attendance of the game as well.  We've missed them all deeply.  Prayers appreciated!


We visited a local thrift shop recently and this panel called out to me.  It was a little like the Marco Polo game... Marco!  Polo!  As I took it off the hanger it was on, it got louder... "Take. Me. Home!"  I obliged... I have no idea what I will make.  But I'm open to suggestions!

Leave a comment... 

Time to go... I have green scraps calling out to me.  I need to set them FREE!!

Keep Piecing,

Melva

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m









Thursday, January 29, 2026

Announcing!! Little House Sew Along & TGIFF Linky Party


It is with great pleasure that I announce the start of a new Melva Loves Scraps Original Sew Along!  This is a sew along that I have been considering and pondering and developing for over a year.  You may have seen some of the development and creation along the way... I hope that it was enough to gain your attention and interest in participating.

I am also hostess of this week's Thank Goodness It's Finished Friday.  This Little House Quilt that I have named Laura is my featured finish.  She measures approximately 57-inches square
(after quilting and shrinking just a bit after being laundered).  I used Hobbs Heirloom Fusible batting that is 80% cotton which naturally shrinks 3% after washing to create a well-loved, soft, wrinkly look that many vintage quilts have after years of love and use.

There are only 9 blocks - the center of each block is 6-inches, surrounded by a log cabin frame that brings the finished block to a 16-inch square block, published every two weeks.  The series will begin with the first pattern published next week, February 5th and be finished by June... just before any busy summer-school's out-gardening season plans.  The full schedule is listed below.

"Laura"

The Little House books have been a favorite of mine since I started reading.  I remember getting one of those book order flyers in 3rd grade and seeing that they had the entire set available.  I don't remember the cost of the set, but I do remember that I was very excited when my Mom & Dad said "yes" to my request to buy it.

All these years later, I still have the complete set.  As an adult, I have collected a few more related books.  I'll not be sharing excerpts of the stories as I did in the Pieces of the Santa Fe Trail series because of copyright limitations.  If you have never read the books, I encourage you to do so.  Laura Ingalls Wilder paints magnificent pictures with her words as she describes the settings and events.


I used an RBD fat quarter bundle - A Walk on the Prairie - acquired from Modern Prairie for my "sample" quilt (shown above).  It included dusty pinks and greens.  Modern Prairie currently has a FQ bundle called an Evening on the Prairie.  I am using the Butterfly Sonata bundle from Connecting Threads for a second quilt that will be used to photograph the various steps of each block.  (bundle shown here)  If you are interested in purchasing this bundle or anything else from Connecting Threads, you can use the code ACTMelvaLovesScraps for a 15% discount. (Some restrictions do apply.)

I used assorted light/neutral stash and scrappy strips for the backgrounds of the blocks and the neutral side of the log cabins.  I would imagine that a jelly roll of neutrals would be sufficient for the log cabins and most of the blocks.  However, some of the blocks will need units larger than 2-1/2".

"Caroline"

You may recognize most of the blocks in this LH sampler quilt... Most come from previous sew along events... the difference being is that I have resized them.  With each block I will walk you through the steps of the "quilter's math" used to resize them.  Don't be intimidated!  Though, if you are truly not interested in doing the math, I'll never know you skipped that part. ;)  All of the cutting and assembly instructions will be included in the patterns.

Here's the schedule:

February 5 - Maple Leaf
February 19 - Native Star
March 5 - Harvest Basket
March 19 - Shoo Fly
April 2 - Rail Fence
April 16 - Snowflake
April 30 - Kit in the Korner
May 7 - Pieces of My Heart
May 21 - Prairie Rose
June 4 - Assembly & Finish

To summarize the details:

Starting date - February 5
Frequency of block patterns - every 2 weeks
Length of sew along - 4 months - final instructions given June 4
Skill level - beginner to intermediate, skill level gradually increasing
Time required - That is difficult to say, but probably less than 2 hours for each block
Fabric required - 1 FQ bundle is enough for the main blocks and contrasting color strips of the log cabin frame.  You will need 2 yards of assorted neutrals - a jelly roll of neutrals work perfectly for the log cabin strips, plus 1/2 yard for the final border.  3-1/2 to 4 yards for backing.  Leftover FQ fabrics were used for the scrappy binding.  
Finished size - approximately 60" square

A linky party for sharing your finished 16" blocks will be available... and I will have some prizes.  (I plan to use some of my Connecting Threads credits earned as one of their ambassadors to purchase the prizes. Let me know if you have a suggestion of what you might like other than fabrics.)  The final link up will be for finished tops.  Maybe a bonus entry if you get it quilted. ;)


Thanks for visiting MLS and TGIFF.  If you have a finished quilt top or quilt that you would like to show off to everyone via the linky party, feel free!  I understand that there are various stages of "finished" and will simply state that if you have finished it... Join the fun!

I do hope that you'll consider joining the Little House Sew Along!  
Leave a comment to let me know ;)

And... before you go... 

Who was/is one of your favorite childhood authors?

Keep Piecing,

Melva

Linking with:

m


Sunday, January 25, 2026

Cold Weather Sewing ~ Sew & Tell - 1/26/26



Welcome back to the deep freeze version of Sew & Tell.  I've heard that something like 75% (it may have been 90%) of the United States is below normal temps.  I also heard that in the wee hours of Friday morning our region (Southeastern Colorado) entered into a predicted 90 hours of below freezing temperatures. 😭


No fear, we are prepared.  Our pantry and freezer are well stocked as is the propane tank. Since I have nothing to be overly concerned about, I have been happily sewing in the studio.  But before I show and tell let's take a look at our featured quilter.  Kate at Life in Pieces has been "stitching to her plan" and moving forward in turning quilt tops into finished quilts.  

She shared that she also went off script and has a fabric pull ready to participate in a stash busting quilt along.  Her choices of fabric/color will be eye catching!  Head over to her blog to find the link for the quilt along.  Tell her hello and that Melva sent you. ;)


I've been working on using fabrics that were passed on to me by an acquaintance... not quilting fabric, but it was heavier duty fabric that I could use for the file/tool holders that I make twice a year.  The winter/spring semester is underway at the local college and the gunsmithing students will need these to protect their very expensive metal and wood files from being damaged in transport to and from classes.

As one would expect, most of the students in the gunsmithing program are male.  Surprisingly, though, they are not afraid to purchase file rolls with floral prints or girly colors because they are less likely to be stolen and more easily identifiable across the room.  

Because of the large donation of fabric I had received, I am able to keep the price as it has been for a few years, despite the increased cost of the materials.  I like to be able to pass those savings on the students.

I am nearly done with the pattern writing and blocks for the Little House Sew Along.  The formal announcement is coming at the end of this week as I fill the role of TGIFF Hostess.  I have the post written and ready to go and I think I have all the important information for you.

What sort of questions do you want answered before committing to a new sew along?

Leave a comment... I'll be sure to get those answered for you.


As a break from the LH quilt, I decided to pull out my blue scrap bins again.  I decided that I would create some "negative" scrappy, wonky star blocks to go with the blue blocks I already made.  Negative meaning that the stars were in blue with scrappy neutrals to make the blocks.  


I listened to two books this week.  The Peacock Emporium was a long book and I honestly had a difficult time keeping track of characters and times.  It was "meh" to me... I did enjoy portions of it, so it wasn't a total loss, and I can say that I stuck with it and finished it.  Earning me the "right" to make a block. ;)

I needed something lighter and familiar, so I listened to Charlotte's Web.  The edition I listened to offered an interesting afterward that told of the writing process and notes by the author.  I found it interesting to see/hear how the initial idea of the story morphed and changed to what it eventually became.  

When I had these two blocks ready for hand sewing "sometime in the future" I decided that I didn't want to wait any longer.  Though, rather than hand sewing, I did machine piece all of my Bookish Journal Blocks.


Here they all are together. 

I am currently listening to Breaking Free by Lauraine Snelling.  

I have several more books in queue but will leave those for a future post as I summarize my January bookish journal next week when January is complete.

My goodness!  January is nearly over.  It hasn't felt rushed and chaotic and I've enjoyed the pace.  I'll be glad when the deep freeze is over and gone.  That's all for this week.  Stay warm... and

Keep Piecing,

Melva

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m


Friday, January 23, 2026

Which One? - This or That

I have been busy writing and testing my final pattern for the Little House Sew Along. 

And I am stuck!

This pattern was originally a 12" block and I need to reduce by 50%... making it a 6" block.


I'm stuck because I can't decide would more people be intimidated by the smaller strips cut to 1-1/4" wide?  It would make the pattern writing and assembly of the block really easy, but potentially more of a problem with getting the block to finish at an accurate finished 6" size. (THIS... Photo above ^^)  
Coping strips *could* be used to make up for the inaccurate 1/4" seams...

OR do we go with larger pieces, but the need for a partial seam??? (THAT... Photo below)



Let me know your thoughts.

Keep Piecing,

Melva

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m

Sunday, January 18, 2026

Vintage Roses ~ Sew & Tell - 1/19/26



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

Linking with:

m


Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Arches National Park Shirt

It is no secret that I have loved the National Park Postcard blocks from Fiona Sandwich for several years.  I made our Camping Journal quilt based on them!  I am a member of the Fiona Sandwich National Park Travel Group on Facebook and have been ever since I discovered the patterns.  It is a space that members can share completed blocks, stories of their travels and other creative and inspiring photos and ideas.


In December I saw an ad for some shirts with several national parks stating that everyone should "rep your park."  Dave and I do often select a shirt as a souvenir from our visits.  One of the more recent purchases I can recall was from White Sands.  We looked at the NP giftshop, but the prices reflected the pride for the park.  The campground we were staying at had a gift shop and the prices for their shirts were more reasonable.  We both selected shirts and enjoy wearing them.  

But when I saw the ad, the idea of using a NP block to make my own shirts seemed brilliant!

Rachael liked the idea as well and asked me if I would be interested in creating a tutorial on the process.  So, here I am!

Dave and I have a spring trip planned to Utah to visit the Arches NP so my choice of the block is personally motivated. ;)

Step 1 - Make your block!




After making my block, I quilted the little block and trimmed the batting it so that it was slightly larger (about 1" all around) than the block itself.  

I used Hobbs Heirloom fusible batting that is 80% cotton and shrinks about 3% in size. After being laundered, it has a crinkly, well-loved, comfortable look.

If you don't want that well-loved look you can use a low-loft poly, or even pre-washed flannel would be suitable.

After quilting the block, I added a piece of white fabric to sandwich the batting and then 
marked the 1/4" seam allowance of the block and basted around the block - on the seam lines - the finished size of this block is 4-1/2".  This step not only sandwiched the batting, but it also showed me exactly where the stitching line was on the back of the piece. (This is an important step because you are working blind!)  Trim the piece so that it has 1/4" batting and backing beyond the unfinished block.



Locate the center front of your shirt and mark it on the inside.  I did this by pressing a crease with the iron.  Mark the center top and bottom of the block, noting the TOP of the block so that you sew it into place in the proper orientation. (Another important step.)


Making sure your block is straight, pin into place (all around the block) and sew.  
I used a stretch stitch so there will be just a little "give", rather than having stitches pull and break.  It also gives a bit of a decorative look.  You can choose to use a thread that matches, or you can contrast.


I used a contrasting thread in the bobbin to stitch the block into place (about 3/8" from the sandwiched block edge).  

The second line of sewing can be sewn from the front, or the back, simply stay inside the first line of sewing.  (I sewed from the front, offering a contrasting thread without rethreading my machine.)

Tip:: If you sew from the back use the basted sewing line as your guide.  Just a thread's space from the sewing line is perfect!

This second line of stitching not only adds an accent, but it also traps/seals the block's raw edges and will help to prevent any fraying that may happen with wear and washing.




The next step can be a bit scary... Turn the shirt right-side out and CAREFULLY make a small snip with sharp scissors to be able cut an X to reveal the block.

As I noted above... be certain that you mark TOP of your block so that the block is in the correct position.


Carefully, trim away the fabric...  The t-shirt fabric doesn't require any sort of finishing... It will just roll out of the way and won't ravel.

In this case, you can see, I failed to pay attention to which edge of the block was the top.  

I prepared a piece of fusible interfacing and placed it over the block with the fusing AWAY from the block.  I pressed those shirt pieces back into place and picked out all of the stitching.

I turned the block into the proper orientation and repeated the entire process and... VOILA!  I have my Arches National Park shirt.

Mistake?  What mistake???


Here's one final picture after being washed and worn a few times.

Which National Park will YOU Rep?

Leave a comment... I'd love to hear from you!

Keep Piecing,

Melva

Linking with:

m