Introducing:: Pieces in the Garden - 2022 Sew Along

 

Welcome to the Pieces in the Garden Sew Along!

I am excited to be sharing another sew along event... my third.  If you have never joined me for a sew along, you will find that I design and create quilts that tell a story.  Grab a cup of tea and join me as I introduce myself and my Grandparents, Tressie and Forrest Teegarden...

My first sew along, Pieces from the Past, told the story of my paternal grandparents, Phillip & Katie Schleich, and how their lives cross paths with German men held as POWs at Camp Trinidad during WWII.

Pieces of the Santa Fe Trail told the story of Marion Sloan Russell who first travelled the trail at age 7, met and fell in love with her husband, Richard Russell.

Pieces in the Garden will tell the story of my maternal grandmother, Tressie Teegarden.  Given her married name, and her and Grandpa's love for tea, the fabric I will be using will reflect the flowers often found on vintage tea sets.  It will be a row quilt, because... well, gardens are planted in rows!  The blocks chosen are based on the story of a Bride-to-be and the many quilts she would have made as she waited for her special day...

In olden days, it was traditional for young girls to make a “Baker’s Dozen” (13) quilts by their wedding day.  The patterns, often handed down from generation to generation, were usually planned when the girl was very young; and, as soon as she could hold a needle, she would start sewing her first quilt.  The last (or 13th) quilt was the fanciest of all.  After a girl became engaged, she would invite her friends to a party to quilt the top of this “Bride’s Quilt”… and in this way she would announce her engagement.

The twelve patterns in this “Bride’s Quilt" have been chosen to tell the following story…

“Bride’s Quilt”

Once upon a time, there was a little girl, who wore a bow in her hair.  When she grew up, she began a friendship with a young bachelor.  As the hours and days passed, they began to look at each other with stars in their eyes, and as their love grew, they thought about taking steps to the altar.  So, the young girl got out her spools of thread and made clothes to get ready for their wedding ring day.

After they are married, some of their times together will be bright as noon and others will be dark as night.  But they will try to share their happiness, their miseries and their chores – she grabbing a wrench to help with household repairs and he grabbing a towel to help with the dishes.  Sometimes they will have broken dishes but they will try to remember that “things” can be replaced, whereas harsh words, possibly spoken about the broken dishes, could chip away love.  They will try to follow the Golden Rule as they are learning to communicate openly with each other.

They will also try to keep in mind the symbolism of Jacob’s ladder – “steps of communication” between themselves on earth and God in heaven.

Block sizes will vary, being either 3", 4" or 6" blocks.  Given the size of the pieces, this will be an excellent opportunity to work on the ever important "scant 1/4 inch" seams.  Pattern releases will happen every four weeks and the dates are as follows:

February 3 - Row 1 ~ Bow Block

March 3 - Row 2 ~ Friendship Star

March 31 - Row 3 ~ Bachelor Block

April 28 - Row 4 ~ Hours Block

May 26 - Row 5 ~ Stars Block

June 23 - Row 6~ Steps to the Altar Block

July 21 - Row 7

August 18 - Row 8

September 15 - Row 9

October 13 - Row 10

November 10 - Row 11

December 8 - Row 12

I will be using fabrics solely from my stash and scrap bins and will not be calculating fabric needs.  If you don't have much in the way of a scrap bin or stash, a pre-cut set of jelly roll strips or a layer cake set would be a great place to start since the pieces in the blocks are small.  I will, like my other sew alongs, have a linky party so that you have an opportunity to show off your finished blocks.  And I will have the chance to win a prize each month...  this time I am partnering with Cornerstone Tea Company.  Each month a randomly selected winner will be chosen to receive a 1 ounce package of loose leaf tea.  (Once again, US mailing address required.  My apologies to my international participants.)  

I am able to share the memories of Tressie (& Forrest) Teegarden from a set of books that I had gifted to them in 1998.  Their memories have become priceless to me.  The questions in these books were similar to the questions in the free Priceless Memories document I have available in my payhip store.  (The payhip store is the same place you can find all of the block patterns for my previous two sew along events.)

It is my hope that you may become inspired to document your life story for your loved ones... you may think "what does it matter?"  But trust me!  It will matter to those closest to you and they will be cherished for years to come.  I understand that family genealogy is not for everyone... But sharing your personal story of life is totally different.  Bring your stories to life!  

So, with that, before you go... 

Are you a tea lover?  

What is your favorite blend/brand/flavor?

I love Chai teas... hot or cold... with or with out cream... I haven't met one that I didn't like!

Keep Piecing,

Melva

Linking with:

Off The Wall Friday with Nina Marie

Brag About Your Beauties at From Bolt to Beauty

Peacock Party at Wendy’s Quilts and More

Friday Foto Fun at Powered by Quilting

Finished or Not Friday at Alycia Quilts

Scrap Happy Saturday at Super Scrappy

BOMS Away at Katie Mae Quilts

Oh Scrap! at Quilting is More Fun Than Housework

Sunday Stash at QuiltPaintCreate

Patchwork & Quilts at The Quilting Patch

Monday Making at Love Laugh Quilt

Design Wall Monday at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts

Thankful Thursday - 1/27/2022

A friend just this morning sent me a text message saying, 

"Do you need a miracle today?  

Look in the mirror and you will see one! 💗"

I am ever grateful for the friends in my life... both near and far, as well as known personally or via social media and the miracle of the internet, those that are close confidants as well as acquaintances.

While I have evolved over the years from being a people pleaser, I do still often seek the opinions of others.  Especially when it comes to quilt design and pattern writing.

I am in the early stages of the pattern writing phase of the Pieces in the Garden sew along and thanks to the suggestion of several readers, I am trying one more modification to the first block, making it just a little less challenging intimidating and having fewer than 32 pieces in a 4-in block.  

I'll be honest... the thought of making 12 of the blocks with THAT many pieces deters me from the task!  I thankful for the quilters/designers that developed the steps of making 4 flying geese at a time.  This will be a time saver as well!

The time spent designing the blocks and writing the patterns can be difficult, but with another winter storm getting ready to blow in I am ready to hunker down and focus on the task at hand. The first release day is just around the corner!

I am thankful for the roof and walls that protect us from the wind and the furnace that is operating properly to keep us warm!

What are you thankful for?

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

Keep piecing!

Melva

Linking with:

I Like Thursday at Not Afraid of Color

Tuesday's Ta-Dah's!

Last week when I made my list of quilty tasks I thought it was a far-reaching goal to get both the baby quilt AND my customer's Star Memory quilt completed...

I am thrilled to announce that I was successful!  Ta-Dah!

✔ Get quilting done and machine sew the binding

✔ photo shoot 

✔ Thank Goodness It's Finished Friday linky party... The parade of finishes was spectacular!  

✔ Finalize further details of my next sew along.  In case you missed those details...

The inspiration for my next sew along comes from my maternal grandma, Tressie Teegarden, and our afternoon visits after she was settled into her new home in Colorado following the death of her lifetime companion and husband in 2002.

  

I'll be calling it Pieces in the (Tea) Garden BOtM.  

Both Grandma and Grandpa T were tea drinkers - they had lots of tea cups... And gardens are planted in rows, so a row quilt just makes sense.  The pretty little flowers that are so often seen on vintage tea sets will be reflected in my scrappy fabric selections.

The following story is the foundation for the blocks that we will create.  This story came from a needle craft publication in 1985.  It was the year that Dave and I were married, my parents celebrated their 25th anniversary and my grandparents celebrated their 50th anniversary and all three of us had needlepoint wall hangings that matched.

In olden days, it was traditional for young girls to make a “Baker’s Dozen” (13) quilts by their wedding day.  The patterns, often handed down from generation to generation, were usually planned when the girl was very young; and, as soon as she could hold a needle, she would start sewing her first quilt.  The last (or 13th) quilt was the fanciest of all.  After a girl became engaged, she would invite her friends to a party to quilt the top of this “Bride’s Quilt”… and in this way she would announce her engagement.

The twelve patterns in this “Bride’s Quilt have been chosen to tell the following story…

“Bride’s Quilt”

Once upon a time, there was a little girl, who wore a bow in her hair.  When she grew up, she began a friendship with a young bachelor.  As the hours and days passed, they began to look at each other with stars in their eyes, and as their love grew, they thought about taking steps to the altar.  So, the young girl got out her spools of thread and made clothes to get ready for their wedding ring day.

After they are married, some of their times together will be bright as noon and others will be dark as night.  But they will try to share their happiness, their miseries and their chores – she grabbing a wrench to help with household repairs and he grabbing a towel to help with the dishes.  Sometimes they will have broken dishes but they will try to remember that “things” can be replaced, whereas harsh words, possibly spoken about the broken dishes, could chip away love.  They will try to follow the Golden Rule as they are learning to communicate openly with each other.

They will also try to keep in mind the symbolism of Jacob’s ladder – “steps of communication” between themselves on earth and God in heaven.

I have a few more details to hammer out but for now, here's what I have...

Pattern releases will happen every four weeks and the dates are as follows:

February 3 - Row 1

March 3 - Row 2

March 31 - Row 3

April 28 - Row 4

May 26 - Row 5

June 23 - Row 6

July 21 - Row 7

August 18 - Row 8

September 15 - Row 9

October 13 - Row 10

November 10 - Row 11

December 8 - Row 12

Block sizes will vary, being either 3", 4" or 6" blocks.  Given the size of the pieces, this will be an excellent opportunity to work on the ever important "scant 1/4 inch" seams."  

As I look at plans for this week ~

❧  I see myself doing some small piecing 

❧  And a fair amount of time on the computer with pattern writing, story writing and sew along logo creation.

As you look at the center block of the upper section of the picture... This block has 32 pieces in it.  😮  It is 4-1/2 inches, unfinished.  Twelve blocks would be required to complete a row... 

Is that too challenging?  Would that scare you off from the sew along?  Would you prefer an easier block such as the bowtie block?  Also, 4-1/2 inches, but only 6 pieces.  

Leave a comment... I'd like to hear your thoughts.

Keep Piecing,

Melva

Linking with:

Oh Scrap! at Quilting is More Fun Than Housework

Sunday Stash at QuiltPaintCreate

Patchwork & Quilts at The Quilting Patch

Monday Making at Love Laugh Quilt

Design Wall Monday at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts

Tuesday To-do at Texas Quilt Gal

Mid-week Makers at Quilt Fabrication

Wednesday Wait Loss at The Inquiring Quilter

TGIFF - January 21, 2022

We made it!  Welcome to Friday!  And welcome to Thank Goodness It's Finished Friday!  The place to share your finishes of the week and everyone here celebrates with you.

My finish this week is the commissioned baby chevron quilt with the initials of the baby and the family's brand, the LazyT ReverseK.  

 

I was asked to kindly note that this linkup is for finishes... but I'll just leave it up to you to define "finished". 😁   

So pour yourself a cup of tea (or coffee... or your favorite beverage of choice) and enjoy looking at all of the finishes shared!

Speaking of tea... With the cold temps of winter upon me I have taken to enjoying a hot cup of tea most afternoons.  This isn't something new... I find that I do this every winter to take the chill off of the day.  Mornings are made for chai tea sweetened with a little honey but in the afternoon I enjoy a variety of tea flavors and try to stick with decaf so that it doesn't affect my sleep.

I always enjoyed an afternoon tea with our girls when they were younger.  I also enjoyed having "tea time" with my Grandma, Tressie Teegarden.  When she moved to Colorado from Tucson, AZ, after Grandpa passed away, I always knew that I could take a short break, if I needed it, and enjoy some conversation with her as we sipped our tea.  I distinctly recall her looking at me as I was leaving one day shortly after getting her settled into her new home, "I've never lived alone."  She married at age 20 and had been married 68 years when Grandpa died.  

I knew that Grandma was lonely, so when I participated in my first block of the month (1930's reproduction fabric was given with the patterns each month) I would get my block sewn together, and make a second one with the vintage fabric that had been saved by my Paternal Grandmother, Katie Schleich.  I would then take both of them over to Grandma T's for a visit.  Her mother and mother-in-law were both quilters and she had made a few quilts as well. 

When the two quilts were finished I called them "Getting to Know Grandma."  In a sense, I spent time with both my Maternal Grandma and my Paternal Grandma as I sewed those two quilts. 

The inspiration for my next sew along comes from Tressie, and our afternoon visits. 
I'll be calling it Pieces in the (Tea) Garden BOM.
Both Grandma and Grandpa T were tea drinkers - they had lots of tea cups... And gardens are planted in rows, so a row quilt just makes sense.  The pretty little flowers that are so often seen on vintage tea sets will be reflected in my scrappy fabric selections.

The following story is the foundation for the blocks that we will create.  This story came from a needle craft publication in 1985.  It was the year that Dave and I were married, my parents celebrated their 25th anniversary and my grandparents celebrated their 50th anniversary and all three of us had needlepoint wall hangings that matched.

In olden days, it was traditional for young girls to make a “Baker’s Dozen” (13) quilts by their wedding day.  The patterns, often handed down from generation to generation, were usually planned when the girl was very young; and, as soon as she could hold a needle, she would start sewing her first quilt.  The last (or 13th) quilt was the fanciest of all.  After a girl became engaged, she would invite her friends to a party to quilt the top of this “Bride’s Quilt”… and in this way she would announce her engagement.

The twelve patterns in this “Bride’s Quilt have been chosen to tell the following story…

“Bride’s Quilt”

Once upon a time, there was a little girl, who wore a bow in her hair.  When she grew up, she began a friendship with a young bachelor.  As the hours and days passed, they began to look at each other with stars in their eyes, and as their love grew, they thought about taking steps to the altar.  So, the young girl got out her spools of thread and made clothes to get ready for their wedding ring day.

After they are married, some of their times together will be bright as noon and others will be dark as night.  But they will try to share their happiness, their miseries and their chores – she grabbing a wrench to help with household repairs and he grabbing a towel to help with the dishes.  Sometimes they will have broken dishes but they will try to remember that “things” can be replaced, whereas harsh words, possibly spoken about the broken dishes, could chip away love.  They will try to follow the Golden Rule as they are learning to communicate openly with each other.

They will also try to keep in mind the symbolism of Jacob’s ladder – “steps of communication” between themselves on earth and God in heaven.

I'm still working out several details but for now, I will share just a little more... 

Block sizes will vary, being either 3", 4" or 6" blocks.  Given the size of the pieces, this will be an excellent opportunity to work on the ever important "scant 1/4 inch" seams.  Pattern releases will happen every four weeks and the dates are as follows:

February 3 - Row 1

March 3 - Row 2

March 31 - Row 3

April 28 - Row 4

May 26 - Row 5

June 23 - Row 6

July 21 - Row 7

August 18 - Row 8

September 15 - Row 9

October 13 - Row 10

November 10 - Row 11

December 8 - Row 12

That's all I have for now...  

You may be able to guess what block patterns have been chosen for the row quilt...  

Leave a comment with your guesses and don't forget to link up your finishes!  I want to see what you have been working on. 😘

Keep Piecing and Be Blessed,

Melva

Linking with:

Off The Wall Friday with Nina Marie

Brag About Your Beauties at From Bolt to Beauty

Peacock Party at Wendy’s Quilts and More

Friday Foto Fun at Powered by Quilting

Finished or Not Friday at Alycia Quilts

Scrap Happy Saturday at Super Scrappy

Mundane Monday...

The mundane tasks of wrapping up a year and preparing for year-end reports and taxes took over but I have cleared the desk, paid and filed necessary reports, placed orders and I am ready to return to the studio bright and early on Tuesday morning!

While the "business" side of getting to do what we love to do can be mundane, it is necessary and I feel fortunate that I have the skills, confidence, knowledge and ability to handle the majority of the things that are required for our small business.  Tax forms will be on their way very soon and our paperwork will be ready to deliver to our accountant for them to handle all that I (we) choose to not handle.  It is comforting to know that should we ever get a call from Mr. IRS, we can say "talk to our accountant". 😄

With that "business" out of the way I am ready to return to my to-do list from last week...

✔ Prep for the kick-off event of the Pieces of the Past Sew Along.  

We drove over Raton Pass in slush and ice but made it safely.  The signing event was intimate but attended by individuals interested in the quilt and blocks as well as history.  Didn't Laura do a great job picking fabric for the first two blocks?

✔ Acquire fabric for a commissioned baby quilt.  

I not only purchased the fabric (a painful and frustrating experience I shared in Friday's post) I have it sandwiched and ready to quilt!

❧ I will get the quilting done and machine sew the binding.  With crossed fingers, I will get a photo shoot done before it gets delivered. :)

❧ Memory Star quilt.  I knew it was a far-reaching goal to get to this quilt, but it is next in line...

❧ I'll be the host of the Thank Goodnes It's Finished Friday linky party... With great luck, I'll have two finishes to share.  At the very least, I will have one. :)  I hope that you will return to share your most recent finish!

❧ The final thing that I'll be doing is finalizing further details of my next sew along.  A name, schedule and more are in the works.  My plan is for the first block to be released on February 3rd.  Watch for an announcement soon!

It's going to be a busy week!  What are YOU doing this week?

Keep piecing,

Melva

Linking with:

Monday Making at Love, Laugh, Quilt

Design Wall Monday at Small Quilts & Doll Quilts

To Do Tuesday at Texas Quilt Gal

Mid-week Makers at Quilt Fabrication

Wednesday Wait Loss at The Inquiring Quilter

Put Your Foot Down at For the Love of Geese

Needle & Thread Thursday at My Quilt Infatuation

Friday's Fabulous Finish

Once I got into the groove after a day at home catching up on mail, laundry and life in general, I hit pace and didn't look back!

I'm on a roll!

The baby quilt top is ready for applique of initials and the family's brand.

The visit to my closest fabric source (wally-world) was fruitful, but frustrating as I had to wait for almost 15 minutes for someone to show up to cut fabric.  

It is a situation that I often face when I go there... thus my number one reason for avoiding the place like the plague (or the virus?).  None the less, I got home and got down to business right away.

The fact that the top measures 42" x 48" and the blocks are 6-1/2" squares and HSTs meant that it was together in no time! 

The table topper binding is done and the final line of quilting around the border of the quilt was finished as I enjoyed the Great British Baking show last night.  The table is set and I am ready for tea on this cold and snowy day!  Who wants to join me??? 🙋

Quilting on snowy days are some of the best days!

What's the weather like in your neighborhood?

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

Stay warm and keep piecing,

Melva

Linking with:

Off The Wall Friday with Nina Marie

Brag About Your Beauties at From Bolt to Beauty

Peacock Party at Wendy’s Quilts and More

Friday Foto Fun at Powered by Quilting

Thank Goodness It’s Finished Friday

Finished or Not Friday at Alycia Quilts

Oh Scrap! at Quilting is More Fun Than Housework

Sunday Stash at QuiltPaintCreate

Patchwork & Quilts at The Quilting Patch

Scrap Happy Saturday at Super Scrappy

Welcome Home Wednesday

After several days of travel it is VERY good to be home. 💗

Dallas was a welcome change of scenery.  It was downright cold and windy when we arrived and the remainder of the time we were there it was a little cool and damp, but it was not bad. We strolled the show, made connections, shook hands and walked, talked and laughed... we took in a few sights.

When we needed a change in scenery and a break from the noise of the convention center we went for walks.  Our hotel room overlooked the grassy knoll where President Kennedy was assassinated. And we explored a park/cemetery near the convention center where there were bronze statues of a herd of long-horn steer being moved on a cattle drive, complete with a few cowboys.

With further research, I have discovered that there were numerous Civil War monuments removed in 2020.

When we finished with the show we went in search of a store to purchase a few items to take for meals at our friends' house.  

We passed the time driving listening to a few audio books (I was hand-quilting and listening).  Fireflies in December was excellent.  We also listened to another Nicholas Sparks book, Two by Two.  We didn't quite finish it, but I'm not certain I will bother.  This is the first of his books I have not enjoyed.  It was about a man that was mistreated and taken advantage of by his wife.  It was a dysfunctional relationship and nothing like our own marriage.  We are a team and there were several times we (Dave mostly) shouted at the cd player telling the main male character to stand up for himself and at the main female character to stop it!

Sparks' stories often have some sort of emotional tragedy followed by growth, recovery and healing.  I am certain that Two by Two will have a "happily ever after" ending, but... oh, it was painful getting past the pain and dysfunction of their relationship.  Whew...

Our time on the farm with our friends is always precious and enjoyable.  The Hen House quilt was delivered and my customer was quite pleased.  However, it was delivered before a photo shoot could be done.  Oh well...

After plenty of food, fun, laughter and card games, it is always so good to return home and sleep in your own bed.  As I woke this morning I considered all that I have to do, but before I started making my to-do list, I counted my blessings.

#1- The simple fact that I woke up and was able to get out of bed without much difficulty or pain.

#2 - The comfort of home and the companionship of a loving husband who cares for me and supports me in my endeavors.

Of course, I have much more than just these two items, but after some time reflecting I turned my mind to things on my To-Do list.

❧ Prepping for the kick-off event of the Pieces of the Past Sew Along and book signing in Raton, NM.  I need to get fabric cut and prepare some step out samples for the first two blocks that will be available at Patchwork Phoenix.

❧ Acquire fabric for a commissioned baby quilt.  It is for the first grand-child of a local rancher and county commissioner.  I know the design and colors, it is just a matter of making a purchase.  I haven't spent a great deal of time looking, but soon!

❧  While delivering the Hen House quilt, my customer sent me home another top for me to quilt.  As soon as the baby quilt is finished I will turn my attention to this one.  It is a memory quilt for her sister and is made with fabric from shirts of her husband who passed away two years ago.

Time to get moving!  I have done laundry, I have unpacked and I went for a walk... and I have been here writing... I have dilly-dallied long enough and I really, really MUST get moving.  Quit procrastinating Melva!!!  But, of course, tomorrow is another day! 

What do you find yourself doing when you are not quite ready to focus on all of the tasks that are really calling for your attention?

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

Stay Pieceful,

Melva

PS - I was able to complete the quilting on the table topper and it is ready for binding.  And I drew out the blocks for the row quilt sew along that I have decided to host.  Many more details need to be ironed out, but soon... just add these to my list of things to do. ;)

Linking with:

Monday Making at Love Laugh Quilt

Design Wall Monday at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts

To Do Tuesday at Texas Quilt Gal

Mid-week Makers at Quilt Fabrication

Wednesday Wait Loss at The Inquiring Quilter

Put Your Foot Down at For the Love of Geese

Needle & Thread Thursday at My Quilt Infatuation

Thankful Thursday

We are at the helm of a brand new year! 

This is naturally a reflective time of year, as well as a time to look forward to what we have planned.  I want to be intentional in each day to notice the things that are easily overlooked or go unnoticed.  

This week as we head off for a business trip I am grateful for the ability and freedom to travel freely across multiple states... I am also grateful for the vehicles that we have and the confidence that that they have been properly maintained for us to safely and easily change plans when necessary.

Yesterday as Dave prepared to change the oil and filter on our Jeep he ran into a snag and ended up needing to get it to the local garage for some assistance.  While it was not part of the plan, we also knew that our truck would be just as reliable and trustworthy, IF we needed to use it.

Fortunately, the mechanics at the garage were quick in getting the job done allowing us to be able to carry on with packing the car when it returned home.

In the midst of cleaning and packing, an idea for my next sew along came to mind!  I guess maybe I should clean a little more often... just kidding!  Inspiration for the next sew along came from a needle point that I made in 1985 for my Maternal Grandparents' 50th anniversary.  (Grandpa looks a little serious in this picture... but this is how he looked most of the time.  But he had a great smile when he let it show.)

If you know me at all, you know that I firmly believe in knowing your personal history and encourage you to record your own personal memoirs.  If you haven't already, be sure to grab the free document "Priceless Conversations" to help you record your story.  It is only because of a book that our daughters (I) had gifted to Grandma in the early 90's that I have more than just important dates and events of her life.  It was a year or so later that a similar book was gifted to Grandpa.

My Mom & Dad would make annual trips to visit them in February and Mom would sit with a tape recorder and ask them the written questions.  When both had answered all of the questions I filled out the books and made copies for my brother and my cousins to have.

So, like my other two sew along series, I'll be sharing stories of my family, bits of history and more along with a block and pattern designed to reflect their lives.  It will be a row quilt.  I am planning for the blocks to be traditionally pieced blocks, but miniature blocks.  Something similar to this bitty block row quilt.  It will be a great scrap buster project!

I'll work out all the details of block sizes, number needed for each row and finished dimensions on the road.  I will begin choosing the blocks to tell their story and planning release dates.  Watch for details coming soon!  Oooooh!  I am so excited!  And so thankful that an idea has finally stuck and is coming together!  I love it when that happens!

What are you thankful for this week?

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

Keep Piecing,

Melva

2022's First To-Do Tuesday

It is a new year and a time when people try to become better organized with new planners and setting goals.  That is where the linky party, Tuesday To Do hosted by Linda, the Texas Quilt Gal, comes in.  It is where quilters share their weekly goals. What's all the todoo about To-Do?  Well, for me, it is a weekly accountability opportunity.  By nature, I am a list maker.  I make lists for things to be done, shopping lists, goals, and more.  Making lists keeps me organized and on task.  It allows me to write down my thoughts and not have to repeat to myself "I have to remember to do __________."  LOL!  My various lists allow me to sleep better at night!

Of course, there are times that I make a list and then forget to check to see if I am making progress.  Ooops... kinda like my 2021 quilty goals.  But I won't dwell on the items that I didn't complete.  After all, I did meet three out of five goals. :)

Lists are especially important to me when preparing for a trip.  And that is exactly what we are doing this week.

What's at the top of the quilty list?  

❧  Finish quilting my customer's Hen House quilt so that I can make the delivery as we travel.  I need to get the binding attached as well.  If I have time I will machine sew the binding down, but if time is running short, I can hand-sew the binding in the car. 

It is a little difficult to see, but there a chickens in the quilting.  I practiced and practiced throughout several days (because practice makes better!) and when I finally felt comfortable enough to put the quilt under the needle I was pleased.  I am currently about 1/3 through the quilting of chickens and loops (eggs... as my customer said "lots and lots of eggs").

❧  Once on the road, I have a table topper to hand quilt.  This was a pattern test that I completed last year.  

I added a border to it to bring it to the size I wanted, but was not pleased with the large corners.  I place some HST pieces in the corners to balance it out.  

I plan to do some big-stitch quilting with ivory thread to show the larger stitching off.

I need to run... I have things to get done and mark off of my various lists before we take off on Thursday.  Like laundry... and Dave went deer hunting last week and was successful... We have venison to grind and will make bratwurst and Italian sausage before we leave too.  We'll be Dallas for a show and a chance for Dave to do some networking, reconnect with clients in his industry and make some new contacts.  Who know... maybe I'll run into some quilters there!  I find inspiration and ideas all over the place!

We will be staying with friends that have the goat farm on our return home... and I'll be making a special delivery of the "Hen House". 🐔 

Now I know it is winter and all but the weather has been mild and I have not minded this one bit.  But the cold weather has finally shown up... we had snow on Saturday and it is a perfect time to nestle down in my studio and ignore the outdoor temps!  I am NOT a cold, winter weather lover so I think I will be like an ostrich and bury my head and ignore it until it goes away!  Or at least until we can head south! :)

Are you a list maker?  

Years ago I had a friend who tried to become organized and she would make lists.  She would get stuck or distracted and start adding things to her list that she had already done... just so that she could mark them off and feel a sense of accomplishment.  

Leave a comment about your lists or about what your plans are for the coming week...  I love to hear from you!

Keep Piecing,

Melva

Linking with:

Monday Making at Love Laugh Quilt

Design Wall Monday at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts

To Do Tuesday at Texas Quilt Gal

Mid-week Makers at Quilt Fabrication

Wednesday Wait Loss at The Inquiring Quilter