Furs & Pillowcases ~ Sew & Tell - 12/92024

I started off last week with a few ideas of how the week would look... and then it all changed. I switched out the quilt on the guest bed to be a little festive with the Christmas season.  This classic quilt was pieced by my Great-Grandma Myrtle Werden before she passed away.  My mom quilted it and used it on their bed for several years.  It has a few stains and some wear on it, but it deserves to be shown off for a bit.

That was as far as I got... the phone call telling me that my sewing machine was back in working order and ready to be picked up was the thing that changed everything.

The cleaning and purging didn't happen... instead we got Christmas shopping done when we discovered that Hobby Lobby had all fabric on sale for 40% off.  Along with that, we found crafting kits also 40% off.  Since the older granddaughters requested some things along that line... we felt the timing, opportunity and prices were just right.

One grand requested a bracelet making kit and a "quilt" kit.  Since her sewing skills are still limited and the time required by Mom is also very limited, we settled for a pillowcase making kit. I have printed out the instructions for making a set of two, contrasting pillowcases. Since she is on a softball team, I selected some novelty fabric to pair with her team color.

While I was there, I started thinking about who else I could make pillowcases for...

Dave's family is large and there is a family Christmas draw for the younger folks.  We were assigned a 10-year old nephew who asked for an alarm clock for his room.  That was pretty simple (and "not all that fun" according to Dave).  Since he is a fan of baseball, hockey, golf and the Green Bay Packers I selected fabrics to reflect most of his favorites.  That golf fabric came from a stash that had been acquired several years ago... and hockey fabric was not available in store... GB Packers licensed fabric or jerseys don't exist in Colorado. ;)  Green & yellow it is!

While driving to get my machine, I hand-sewed a block for our Camping Journal Quilt.  This one is Lincoln's (boyhood) home and I am nearly done!  I'll be finishing it and one last one this week.  

I can then start the embroidery on the sign blocks.  The repairman said there had been a problem with the feed dogs.  He made some adjustments and tested it out.  His test samples looked good.  My fingers are crossed that I can get the signs done this week and move on to getting it quilted. 

The other project that grabbed my attention was repurposing the full-length mink coat to a bed runner.  That first cut was scary to take and there was no going back once it was made.  I really like it.  Dave thinks I need to cut it narrower to eliminate the pockets.  I explained that either way I cut it to remove pockets, it would be too small.  I can remove the pockets (reducing bulk) and sew the openings shut.  They may not be so noticeable.

Since we made the drive to get my machine, we made a few stops to a few of our favorite stores.  One was a thrift shop where I found a 3/4-length black mink coat... for only $29.99!  Dave wouldn't let me get it since I have several more furs to repurpose.  Do I wish I had made the purchase anyway???  Yes!

I probably could have argued that I don't have a black one... LOL!

I need to get the backing on it.  I am using a 2-yard cut of fabric that was gifted to me by the same person that gave me the furs.  It came directly from South Africa.  

But I have to say it is dreamy to curl up on as it is!  Since the fabric is just a little short, I am using a section of the coat's lining that has the name of the sweet lady that gave it to me.  I'll include the two labels too.  

After all, I've never had anything from Saks-Fifth Avenue... and probably never will. ;)

I ran into squirrels galore.  🙈 Oh well!

Time for the Sew & Tell feature!  Maggie over at Making A Lather has been working diligently in finishing quilts from her UFO closet and then moving them to her "to be quilted" closet.  She was successful this year in emptying her "To Be Quilted" closet and continues with her UFOs.  In all, 34 quilts were quilted this year!  These are the four she completed in November.  Way to go, Maggie!  Let's get this week's party kicked off!

Are you making Christmas gifts?  

Are you done with shopping?

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

Keep Piecing,

Melva

Linking with:

Scrap Happy Saturday at Super Scrappy

Patchwork & Quilts at The Quilting Patch

Oh Scrap! at Quilting is More Fun Than Housework

Sunday Stash at QuiltPaintCreate

Slow Stitching Sunday at Kathy’s Quilts

Design Wall Monday at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts

Monday Musings at Songbird Designs

Craftastic Monday at Sew Can Do

Home Matters at Days Filled with Joy

To Do Tuesday at Quilt Schmilt

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