100 Days Continue ~ Sew & Tell - 6/15/26

 

Summer is in full swing with sunshiny days causing the temperatures to rise into the 90s.  Thankfully, there was a cool front come through mid-week... keeping us from needing to install window AC units and losing the windows. Hallelujah!

It seems that summer is in full swing for others as well... the participants in the Sew & Tell party were significantly less than previous weeks.  Those that joined the fun shared some great projects.  Leeanna at Not Afraid of Color worked with pastels... in paint and in fabrics.  Head over to her blog to see her artwork. :)  Several others included links in the party that included pastels - the current "color of the month" in the Rainbow Scrap Challenge hosted by Angela at So Scrappy. 

I was also playing in the scrap bins searching and digging for pastels to create my scrappy wonky star blocks.

As I laid out pieces of these block on the design wall as I listened to Remarkably Bright Creatures... It was a bit odd with a part of the story being told by an octopus.  It was interesting in the end to see how the characters of the story end up connected in unexpected ways.

Dandelion Summer by Lisa Wingate was a book that Dave and I started as we drove to the wedding a few weeks ago.  My Mom was enjoying the story as much as we were and had to borrow the book to finish since there was more than 1/2 of the book remaining when we dropped her off back at home.  Dave and I finished the book on our return trip to Loveland last weekend for the QOV presentation.

We all agreed that it was a delightful book.  Though the ending was a happy little wrap up, it was a bit disappointing.  As I searched for the possibility that it was a part of a series I discovered that it was indeed a part of a series... #4 of the Blue Sky Hills series. :(  Books 1-3 are not available through the local library Libby app.  How disappointing...

After getting my pastel blocks tucked away in the closet, I pulled out a piece of fabric that was purchased for me by one of Dave's customers while on a safari hunt in Africa.  I've had it for several years and finally decided it was time to use it.  I was in need of a new purse... the purse I'd been using for a bunch of years had seen better days.  This was my project for day 10 of my 100-days of creativity.  (You can find the links to follow my 100-day project daily on Instagram and facebook in the link above.)

As I made my purse, I enjoyed a clever, clean and cozy romance story about a wedding planner that tries to get out of the business when she leaves the big city... only to find herself planning a last-minute wedding held at a quaint inn located in the outer banks.

The Magic of Sea glass was... well, magical!

The story left me with a longing to go to a beach and search for sea glass.

As I place the African fabric back on the shelf for some future use, I found an upcycled piece from another purse that I simply couldn't part with.  I had saved it for the possibility of adding a zipper.  I was feeling brave and pulled out a small storage bin full of assorted zippers.  I found a yellow one... a perfect complement to the yellow of another African-dyed fabric piece that I used to make a purse.

This bag will be used for the assorted bits of lace, beads and buttons that I'll use on quilted hearts.

Summer is a good time to bring back these small, quilted projects.  They're perfect for travel and I won't have a large quilt draped on my lap in the heat.

I have eight hearts ready to dress up and bless.  If I can overcome the challenge technology is handing me... I'll share a reel showing the variety of items I have tucked away in this bag to embellish them.  

Wish me luck!  I have kept you here long enough... Thanks for sticking with me.  Now, let's get this week's Sew & Tell party started!

But before you go... 

Do you find yourself doing less quilting in the heat? 

Do you work on smaller projects?

Do you find yourself busy doing something else... like gardening? Or travel?

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

Keep piecing,

Melva

Linking with:

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100 Day Project

The 100DayProject is a creativity excavation.  It’s about unearthing dormant or unrealized creativity by committing to a daily practice every day for 100 days.

Creativity is a skill.  The more we practice, the more skilled we become.  Practice takes time.  Practice takes commitment.  Practice is a radical act in this speeded up world.   Through practice, we develop a creative habit.  Through habit, we reconnect with and know ourselves again as a creative being.

I've seen a number of other artists and quilters participate in the 100-day project over the years. It has always been a little intriguing to me, yet daunting as well.  Let's be honest... a commitment of 100 consecutive days to the same project, or style of project seems... I don't know... almost boring to me?  I enjoy challenges, but I also enjoy variety.  

I am only working on small projects at the time since I don't have any quilts on the design wall.  When I considered what sort of 100 project focus I could do, I considered mug rugs and many other small items that would make for nice (and quick) gifts to have on hand if needed at the last minute.

As I scrolled through my camera roll on my phone I realized I had "created" every day last week with Rebecca and while traveling for the QOV presentation.  That was when the idea of 100 days of creativity came to mind.

It doesn't have to be the same project every day... It doesn't have to be the same activity every day...  It only needs to be something that you make with or put together with your hands.  It doesn't need to be ALL day, either!  Ten to 15 minutes... or 4-5 hours... whatever works. Now, this fits into my wheelhouse! ;)

I'm going to say that I started my 100-days of creating on June 1... and here's what I have done created - Days 1-9, left to right by row top to bottom...  Journal pen holders, sourdough bread, cards, mug rugs, paper embroidery, weave mending a favorite pair of shorts, paper embroidery, Rainbow Scrap Challenge pastel blocks and Bookish Journal 9-patch blocks.

What will I create today... Day 10 of 100-days?  Follow along on Instagram and facebook to see my daily creations and my 100-day challenge/journey of creativity. 

Have you ever done a 100-day project?

What did you do in your 100 days?

Wanna join me?  I'd love to have you join the fun!  Leave a comment letting me know what you'll be doing and where I can follow along.

If you happen to miss a day... give yourself some grace. ;) Nobody is going to come beat you up or reprimand you.  Just join back up the next day or so.

Keep Piecing,

Melva

Linking with:

Wednesday Wait Loss at The Inquiring Quilter

Creatively Crafty at Creatively Beth

Share Your Style at French Ethereal

Put Your Foot Down at The Quiltery 

I Quilted This! at Quilting & Learning

Thankful Thursday at Brian's Home

Off The Wall Friday with Nina Marie

Brag About Your Beauties at From Bolt to Beauty

Finished or Not Friday at Alycia Quilts

Create, Bake, Grow & Gather at Shabby Art Boutique

Home Matters at Modern on Monticello

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A Crafty Sew & Tell ~ 6/8/2026

Welcome back to the weekly Sew & Tell party!

Thanks for joining me for a fun session of show and tell to see what all of our friends have been up to.  We are away again for the weekend... camping this time with friends to celebrate an 80th birthday and a Quilt of Valor presentation. 🎉

It was a busy week with our daughter visiting.  We all enjoyed the precious time together.  She and I spent time in the studio where we made journal pen holders and mug rugs.  We also used her cricut to make/design some Independence day cards and a door decor for Gramma's door. ❤️🤍💙

Rebecca hung out with her dad one morning as he flushed fire hydrants in the water system. 

We were blessed to have the time together. 💗

Short and sweet... that's all I have.  Let's take a look at this week's Sew & Tell feature.  Sew Preeti shared a beautiful Arboretum quilt which is a layer cake friendly quilt that I made for the Norwegian Quilt Magazine, Quilteblad. Head over to her blog to see some detailed pictures and learn more about Arboretum. 

Keep Piecing, 

Melva

Learn about my 100-day project here.

Linking with:

Oh Scrap! at Quilting is More Fun Than Housework

Sunday Stash at QuiltPaintCreate

Design Wall Monday at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts

Monday Musings at Songbird Designs

Craftastic Monday at Sew Can Do

Senior Salon Pit Stop at Esme Salon

Happiness is Homemade

Handmade Monday at Sum of Their Stories

Wednesday Wait Loss at The Inquiring Quilter

Creatively Crafty at Artsy Fartsy

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Little House Sampler Quilt Sew Along Finish

Welcome back to Melva Loves Scraps and the final instructions for the Little House Sampler Quilt Sew Along.

Layout your blocks in an arrangement, as you desire.  I chose to keep the blocks in the order of the books... 1 through 9, in a way that the log cabins formed furrow rows diagonally.   If you want to choose to change the order (or layout) for any reason that's up to you.

Cut five 2-1/2" wide strips of a background fabric.  Join strips together to be able to cut 2 strips 48-1/2" long and 2 strips 52-1/2" long.

I used remaining fat-quarter pieces to create the final border that is made up of 4-1/2" x 5-1/2" rectangles.  In the "Laura" quilt (below) I used 24... In "Caroline" (shown above) I used 28.  I chose the juxtaposition of the rectangles reflecting the log cabin blocks on purpose. :)

Cut two 4-1/2" wide strips to make the border long enough to be added to the top and bottom of the quilt.   

Cut two more 4-1/2" wide strips to make the remaining border long enough for the side borders.

My quilts both finished at approximately 60+ inches square. Using more fabric from the FQ bundle that I used, I cut 2-1/2" wide strips to make a scrappy binding.

Sandwich and quilt as desired. :)  You can see that I quilted "Laura" with FMQ feathers diagonally with the furrow rows formed by the log cabins.  "Caroline" was quilted with large Baptist fans. 

If you are interested in using leftover jelly roll strips you can make a border similar to the border on the Sticks & Stones quilt.  

Allison at New Every Morning Patchwork & Quilting recently shared her choice of a simplified Delectable Mountain border here.

I have the final prize in hand and ready to ship.  I selected a Stash Builder Mystery Box from Connecting Threads. It contains two fat quarters, two spools of coordinating threads and two notions.

Everyone who links up a completed top (quilting not required) is entered for the random drawing.  I've been slow in getting the winners selected for blocks 7, 8 & 9... I'll do that at the same time. 🙈  Winners will be selected June 30th.

It's been so fun seeing all the blocks from everyone!  I love the variety of colors and fabrics... I love the creativity of those that modified the blocks for their personal reasons!  I know that some of you may have even needed to do some personal quilting math to make those work. ;) Way to go! 🎊

Thank you so much to all that have participated.  I hope that you've enjoyed the stories, the blocks and the math lessons.  I hope that you found the lessons helpful but more than that...

I hope that you enjoyed the whole process of making your quilt!

I've offered this sew along as a free event.  I've poured more hours than I care to calculate into it.  The very small amount I earn through the sharing of blog links on social media and visits to Melva Loves Scraps is nominal.  Honestly... I'm not in it for the money. LOL!  I love sharing with everyone!  However, if you feel so inclined, any tips through my Buy me a Ko-fi button are greatly appreciated!  The blocks will remain free for a short time longer. 

Anybody else need a support group?  ;)

I've kept you here long enough... go gather your fabric and get the borders on!  But before you go, tell me... 

which block was your favorite?

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

Keep Piecing,

Melva

Linking with:

Wednesday Wait Loss at The Inquiring Quilter

Creatively Crafty at Creatively Beth 

Share Your Style at French Ethereal

Put Your Foot Down at The Quiltery 

I Quilted This! at Quilting & Learning

Thankful Thursday at Brian's Home

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Bookish Review ~ Sew & Tell - 5/31/26

 

Another month has passed by, and we are turning our calendar pages to a new chapter.

Dave and I are attending a wedding out of town, so this party is pre-recorded. ;)  Therefore, I am skipping the Sew & Tell feature.

Since we're starting the 6th chapter of the book of 2026 and I'm here to show off the bookish blocks I have made to represent each book that I have completed during May.

A Spool of Blue Thread was nothing that I expected it to be (but good)... And Every Breath was all that I had hoped for and expected!  There's a mailbox, a beach and romance.  I'd love to see a movie made from it.

Anna Kerenina... a classic novel that takes place in Russia in the late 1800s... and way too long (in my opinion). I envisioned my grandparents' families longing to leave there and make their move to America.

It was coincidental timing that I worked on my Pieces From the Past II quilt as I listened.

Next up was The Last Bookshop in London, another WWII book that I enjoyed as I worked on the quilt made with blocks that represent the various letters from former WWII POWs that worked on my grandparents' farm in the 1940s.

Meet the Newmans was a 1960s story of a television family that, on the surface, reflected their home life as well.  I was well entertained.

A quote from the book struck me in reference to the women of that era finding fulfillment in life.  It was called the Patchwork method... where one takes little pieces of time to write, paint, or dance (whatever expression of creativity you choose) and before you know it you've cobbled something together like a patchwork quilt.  Some give up quickly.  Some forget about their dreams.  Some use excuses to justify why they don't try anymore.

Like the Book Club for Troublesome Women, the husband reveals that he feels as though he was in prison and forced to do work he no longer wanted to do. 

Ironically, my next book, The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie, had a similar theme.  A junior high diary contained a list of life goals, and the author of the list realized 20 years later that she had not reached a single goal on that list.  She posed the question, "What does "having it all" really mean?"  She is given three opportunities to live one day in a life that might have been hers had circumstances been different or she had made different choices.  What does she realize?

I have 45 9-patch blocks complete!

Just looking at these blocks on the design wall gives me such joy.

What brings you joy lately?

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

Keep Piecing,

Melva

Linking with:

Oh Scrap! at Quilting is More Fun Than Housework

Sunday Stash at QuiltPaintCreate

Happiness is Homemade at Esme Salon

Design Wall Monday at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts

Monday Musings at Songbird Designs

Home Matters at Days Filled with Joy

Handmade Monday at Sum of Their Stories

Senior Salon Pit Stop at Esme Salon

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TGIFF ~ Past Revisited

Hello, hello!  Welcome To Melva Loves Scraps and Thank Goodness It's Finished Friday!  This is the place to celebrate finishes.  Maybe it's something that was quick and easy, or maybe... it's something that has been lingering for longer than you planned.  Either way, if it's finished... we will celebrate.

I also get that sometimes finished has a loose term... finished blocks, finished flimsy or top or quilted but no binding.  I'll let you define finished. ;)

This week I have a quilted and bound finished Pieces from the Past quilt that has been a work in progress for several months.  I don't tend to have WIPs, but this was one that was set on the back burner to simmer as I developed a plan, and the purpose was slowly revealed.

The custom quilt orders and custom quilting have been slow this year and I've had to redirect my passion and reset my mind to accept this and set aside the speed through to finished, "time is money".  It's been a challenge, but nearly 5 months into the year, I am getting the hang of it.

I started revisiting my Pieces from the Past blocks with the question of, "I wonder if I could make a quilt of just the 12" blocks?"  How many were already that size?  There were 12... Not enough for a larger throw... "that would work."  But some of my favorite blocks were 9" blocks and nearly 16"... 

And then one final question, "what would it take to make all of the blocks 12" blocks?"  Since I was in the middle of "math lessons" that I was offering during the Little House Sampler Quilt sew along, the math to do the adjustments was readily fresh in my mind.

As I pieced the blocks, I revisited the original stories and letters that accompanied the blocks during the sew along event 6 years ago.

Many of the blocks had minor changes such as making the darks light, and the lights dark... or turning the units to have a new position...

or turning a two-color block into a four-color block...

Like my original quilt, I wanted the quilting of this one to have a traditional look and feel to it.  After searching my reference books, I found a fancy scroll to be done in the individual blocks.  I wanted something to accentuate the cornerstones of the sashing that also had a traditional look.

It took some help from Dave, trial and error and finally locating the proper size Tupperware lid to find the perfect arc. LOL!  YES, a Tupperware lid!  Once I marked the centers, all I had to do was connect the dots.

I chose a flanged binding for the quilt, with the purple woven fabric offering the perfect pop of color!  I had enough of the dark blue flower print for the backing to not need to piece it... but I so desperately wanted to include the remaining piece of goose fabric.  Pairing it with the coordinating blue to offer a strip all the way across the quilt helped to make the darker flower fabric to feel welcomed to the party in the back. ;)

The setting for the last glamor shots below with the "yard art" mailbox that my parents had for forever... early 60s... they acquired it from my grandparents, Phillip & Katie Schleich.  I once reminisced that the box was the one that many of the letters from the former German POWs sent to them to let them know that they had arrived back home safely, and so many of them had asked for help.

As Dave and I walked the other day we imagined what sort of letter might be left for us... a little reminiscent of the Nicholas Sparks book, Every Breath... but more like the Hallmark movie, The Love Letter, where the desk offers a magical way to communicate through two different time periods...

What sort of messages might Phillip & Katie, or even my Dad, leave for me?  What would have happened if Phillip & Katie had been able to help and respond to the many letters asking for assistance.  Would the correspondence have continued?  Would any of the men eventually asked for help in moving to America?  It could make for an interesting story! 

A few of the men did get to move to America and several made it back to Trinidad for a reunion in 1964.  I received an email in 2023 from the grandson of one of the men.  I had attempted to reach the family of Klaus Hesselbarth who had been featured in a magazine article published in 2009.  Try as I might, I was unsuccessful.

Ok, I've done enough rambling and wondering and wandering... It's time to join the party!  But before you go...

Who would you like to send or receive a letter from the past?

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

Keep Piecing,

Melva

Linking with:

Share Your Style at French Ethereal

Put Your Foot Down at The Quiltery 

I Quilted This! at Quilting & Learning

Off The Wall Friday with Nina Marie

Brag About Your Beauties at From Bolt to Beauty

Finished or Not Friday at Alycia Quilts

Create, Bake, Grow & Gather at Shabby Art Boutique

Home Matters at Modern on Monticello

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Sew & Tell - 5/25/26

Here we are nearing the end of the 5th month of year... the informal kick-off to the summer season.  Schools are wrapping up their year of education, and teachers and kids alike are looking forward to the time off.  Gardeners are busy with flowers and plants and some already harvesting some early produce.

I remember the times of having a (LARGE) home garden and the bounty that it produced.  Those times are long in the past since we moved to Colorado and the growing season is so short and overnight temps cool.  But I do have fond memories and am quite pleased that our oldest daughter has had success with a bucket garden and continues the tradition of canning homemade salsa and tomato sauce.

First, let's take a look this week's feature, Turid at Den Syende Himmel who shared a sample piece of Sashiko stitching.  She learned the technique in a Kate Ward workshop.

I've never done Sashiko before though I have seen it featured in several free workshops of late.  

You can develop many different designs and patterns... It reminds me of "chicken scratch", another style of embroidery and my years doing cross-stich.  Turid tends to make small quilts and projects and always has something fun and interesting to see.  Be sure to give her a visit.  Thanks for sharing, Turid! 

While we celebrate Memorial Day Weekend in the United States, we need to remember that it is much more than just a kick-off to summer.  It is a weekend (day) to remember the fallen soldiers that have defended the US and our freedom.  All gave some... Some gave all.  Learn more interesting details here.

I used some scraps to make up a quick improv flag and then used reverse applique to put it on a plain t-shirt.  It's a little wonky... but I won't mind.  Just pretend it is waving in a breeze. ;)

This shirt was a quick project as I took a break from working on my Pieces from the Past II quilt.  In the spirit of don't waste anything... I pieced together batting to use in this quilt.  

I pieced the backing as well.  I wanted to include the adorable goose print fabric.  The use of this fabric helped to make the blue flower print feel more comfortable in joining the party.

The garden theme is perfect!

I chose a traditional scroll design for the blocks.  My mind was stuck on a traditional design since the blocks are from vintage Kansas City Star Newspapers.

I considered something a little faster but really wanted to honor the history and family stories that this quilt represents.

I am nearly done with the design in each block and will be ready to quilt the sashing strips and borders.  Whether or not I am able to get the design idea from my head onto the quilt remains to be seen.  Fingers crossed that I am successful.

As I stitched I (of course) listened to some audio books. Anna Karenina was finished just before the expiration of my borrowing period.  Diann asked me if I was glad that I finished... The final chapter was filled with many deep and philosophical questions to ponder.  Was it worth it???  Well, I don't have any regrets, but I also question why the book needed to be so long just to get there.  If there is an abridged version, I'd choose that one. ;)

I enjoyed The Last Bookshop in London.  This historical WWII fiction showed how an individual can make a difference even when they don't feel that they can.

I'll need to pull out all of my Bookish Journey blocks and see how many I have.  We turn the page of the calendar in just 1 week...  A new chapter in the journey of 2026!

Other things that took place during the week... 

Block #9 of the Little House Sampler Quilt was released last week.  Missed it?  Prairie Rose can be found here.

The final post of the sew along will be published June 4th.  Details of the layout, borders and binding will be offered.

I assisted Dave as he applied the first layer of cement/stucco finish to the old window opening in the garage.  We've spent a fair number of Memorial Day weekends in the past working on the house... this one was no different.  In the guestroom, my Color Wash quilt was hung.

She's beautiful!  The guestroom will soon be occupied for a few days when our youngest daughter comes for a visit.  I'm looking forward to several days with her. 💗

Dave has been noticeably more intentional of not working on the weekends... at least not doing his "real" work in the shop.  He's always busy doing something around the house or yard.  

Being more aware of this, I keep reminding myself that I, too, can slow down and enjoy the entire process of quilting this Pieces From the Past revisited quilt since it is for me, I don't have anything new calling out for my attention and I don't have a deadline.  Sometimes it is difficult to change the mindset of "Go, go, go! Gotta get it done!"

How do you get yourself to slow down and enjoy the journey (not just the destination)?

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

Keep Piecing,

Melva

Linking with:

Oh Scrap! at Quilting is More Fun Than Housework

Sunday Stash at QuiltPaintCreate

Happiness is Homemade at Esme Salon

Design Wall Monday at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts

Monday Musings at Songbird Designs

Handmade Monday at Sum of Their Stories

Senior Salon Pit Stop at Esme Salon

To Do Tuesday at Quilt Schmilt

Wednesday Wait Loss at The Inquiring Quilter

Creatively Crafty at Creatively Beth

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