Sunday, September 21, 2025

News from MLS and Sew & Tell ~ 9/22/25


Welcome back to Melva Loves Scraps and the weekly Sew & Tell party...

I'm going to mix thing up this week and do the weekly feature first.  Each project shared in the party is made with love and you each take time to not only make the items, but also write about them... I want this party to celebrate each of you up front... not as an afterthought.


So (drumroll)... this week's feature is Donna at DonnaLeeQ.  She shared that she had started some fun projects for her.  She's been busy with the making of charity quilts, which is always wonderful and usually well needed and appreciated... but the "fun more me" projects can be just as satisfying.  She started the Autumn Nights Mystery Quilt.   

These cute pumpkins are fun!   Hop over to her blog to see where the pattern was found... maybe you'll want to make a pumpkin patch of your own. ;)

My deepest appreciation goes out to each of you!  Because of your participation (not just in the party, but the sew along events I have hosted over the years), you have helped me to gain confidence as a quilter and a writer.  Enough confidence that I bravely applied for and have been accepted... as an ambassador for Connecting Threads.  EEEEEEEEEEKK!


I'm not entirely sure of what it means but I do know they have a monthly campaign "theme".  I feel as though this new role will bring a new spark and purpose to my quilting.  It also means that I will have a special discount code to share with YOU!  I'll share more as I learn more.  

I finished my Wild Goose Chase placemats last week.  Thanks to those of you that stopped by for some coffee/tea and gingersnap cookies.  I enjoyed our conversation.


I haven't had much going on in the studio... I started the Little Ghost placemats and have them ready for applique and binding.  I'll show off the final photos in the "Out of the Dark" Halloween blog hop taking place October 20 to 23.  I am scheduled for Tuesday, October 21.  

Speaking of blog hops... After hearing that last year's Virtual Cookie Exchange was the last, I had planned on picking up the baton to continue.  Turns out Joan and Carol missed all of the hopper participants and will carry on with the baton.  I'll allow them to carry on.  Be sure to mark your calendars and if you want to share some special quilts in the hopping good parties reach out to them.  I'm sure they would welcome you in.

Fall is in the air, and it is time for a change in the guestroom... That means that I need to get my RSC Hexagon project off of the bed so that I can change the quilt.  I have been slowly formulating a plan for the progression of this project.  Here's what I think...


I'll will add some pastel greens and then start to blend the oranges into brown... below the teal/aqua area I will fade to greys and below the purples blend back into pastel pinks... At least I have a plan now. ;)


As I opened the cedar chests to select a quilt I spied my cross-stitched wild rose quilt. This is one of the first ever quilts I made... back when I was more of a cross-stitcher than a quilter.  


My very first quilt was completed in 1993 – I had cross-stitched blocks of a wild rose arranged in a checkerboard pattern.  I really had no idea what I was doing when I quilted it – turns out I did a “quilt as you go” kind of thing by creating sandwiches with the blocks, batting and some interfacing and then assembled the blocks together.  I then made a backing that was stitched into place at the seams along the borders and at the binding. I managed to fumble my way through... 
It was on our bed for years – until I finished my first BOM quilt in 2003.  

the full story of this quilt is that it was supposed to have many more stitched blocks, but I grew tired of the slow pace of the project and decided that seven was enough with wide borders.  The threads of some blocks (Dave's side of the bed) were worn thin and missing in a few spots after 10 years and that was when it was "retired".  

How long have you been quilting?
Do you still have your first quilt?

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

Keep Piecing,

Melva

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Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Wordy Wednesday


It's been a while since I have shared some deep ramblings from the studio and my mind... and I hope you don't mind that I am back with some random thoughts.  I've recently finished my Wild Goose Chase placemats and have the table set for some "Tea and Crumpets", as my Grandma T. would say.

Won't you join me?


If you would rather not stay for the visit, or don't have time, I understand... shoot, I probably won't even know. ;)

I have found myself stuck in a rut of griping, murmuring and complaining lately.  I've tried to keep it to myself... I really do try to keep it to a minimum.  And I certainly try to keep it from bleeding over to social media and here at MLS.  But it seems as though things have just gotten hard.  And they seem to stack up on each other. 

For example... Last week was a rough week with all that was reported in the news, and the fighting and arguing that took place on-line about "who is right."  I'll stop right there.

But like the children's book If You Give A Mouse A Cookie, one thing prompts another and then another... and then another. 

Here's what I've been dealing with... I got the monthly email message that our statements were ready.  It was over the weekend, so I waited until Monday morning when I typically manage all of the "office" tasks.  I was not able to successfully log in and a verification code was required.  The code would be received via our landline phone... When I expected the home phone to ring, there was nothing. :(  The phone line was dead.  

I had to cancel the log-in process and contact our phone company. (We had this same phone problem in July...) The internet was still working properly.  I scheduled a repair time for Tuesday... and they so conveniently gave a window of time from 8 am to 5 pm. Ugh.

We were due for a visit to the clinic for fasting bloodwork on Tuesday as well.  We arrived early (before the clinic opened) in hopes of avoiding a long wait.  We were too early and decided it was best to go at separate times since a repair tech was scheduled... at least now we knew the repair would be done between 8 am and noon.

Fast forward to today (phone is still working!) when I remembered that I still needed to get the monthly statements... Because I had abandoned the login attempt on Monday... I was locked out.  **HEAVY sigh** 

After nearly an hour of trying to get someone from the local bank on the phone for assistance... I did get logged in.  I was able to get the monthly statements and balance the accounts. Whew... 


I'm worn out... Do you need a refill of your coffee or tea?  How about another gingersnap cookie?

All of this to say... Remember the little blessings in life!  Do you remember when I started a blessings jar?

I have continued to fill it with the small blessings, sometimes considered ordinary blessings.

I was reminded today after a call from a friend that I haven't heard from in nearly a year, that life is not something to be taken for granted.  This is the same friend who had cleared out a large stash in 2023.  I am still using fabric that Pat gave me then!  That rainbow stripe flannel used as the backing of the RSC Korner Kabin quilt was from her. <3

She briefly mentioned that she has been facing some health issues and the news that from here forward, she is on a downward spiral.  She was reluctant to offer any further details.  But the conversation with her was a huge reminder to me that I need to be thankful for the little blessings.  

A few things I jotted down on small paper scraps... the changing of the seasons and the vibrancy of colors that come in Autumn... the scent of Dave as he lies on the pillow next to me at night... his gentle kisses and warm hugs... (this is something I am well aware of as my SIL grieves her husband today on his birthday - and their anniversary is just days away as well)... 

There's nothing like a little gratitude to change one's attitude!

How do you get your attitude changed?

Leave a comment... I'd love to hear from you!  I'll even get a refill... 

Oh, and by the way, here's a photo of the scrappy back of the Wild Goose Chase placemats. ;)  You can see a full view of the front of the pieces here. ;)


Keep Piecing,

Melva

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m




 
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Sunday, September 14, 2025

Goose Chase ~ Sew & Tell - 9/15/25

 

What a week! Right?  We don't pay much attention to the news media, but this week was a rough one!  The feelings of frustration and hatred reared its ugly head on social media. :(  

Not that I keep my head buried in the sand, but for the most part... I scrolled on by.  It seems that many forget that fact.  But while everyone was busy with rants and arguments, I was happily sharing the video tour of my studio, followed by a reveal of my stash storage that is a little messy.  

I wasn't ready to dive into my pastel greens and blues, but I was ready to replenish my quilted cards inventory.  The cards feature three of the most prominent landmarks in the area - Fishers Peak, the Spanish Peaks and Stonewall.


I used a variety of fabrics... batiks, seasonal prints, and even some eco-printed pieces that I made with my friend, Kayleen, several years ago.  I don't generally spend a great deal of time fretting over the perfect placement or selection of fabric pieces, but a few of them... I simply had to.

I've said it before, but truly, there is something soothing about the feel of fabric in my hands.  The cards are blank inside, allowing the buyer to write any message they like.  I've used them as birthday cards, Mother's Day cards and "just because" or "thinking of you" cards.  As a bonus, they are 5" x 7" and could quickly slide right into a frame. ;)


After getting all of the cards tucked away into their packages, I pulled out my double flying geese pattern... as I searched for it, I recalled a comment about a triple flying geese pattern and decided that I wanted to give it a try.  As I did a search on the internet, I stumbled upon a block called Flying Geese Circle. 

It looked interesting and intriguing and as I played with the parts of the pattern, I realized I could position them to create a sort of wave... a Goose Chase!  I fiddled with the unit and had to flip a few sections... but here's what I came up with!

The backs are scrappy, chunky-style and the quilting will be FMQ random waves.  I think a grey binding will finish them off nicely.  


As I pieced these placemats I came up with my next project... Isn't that just the way for a quilter?  We are finishing one project with the next 5 already planned.  LOL!  I purchased this fun Halloween book for the grands and will be including quilted ghost placemats for their table.  

I plan to make each placemat in a different colorway, quilt as you go, row by row, and create the little "ghost" face with the big eyes and small mouth appliqued.

I am not often tempted to set aside a project to start another one, but this is one of those times!  

I think I can practice some self-restraint and finish the Goose Chase placemats.  When I told Dave about my idea, he really liked it.  I do wish that we could see the kids in person to deliver them.  We haven't seen them since February when the whole debacle over their baptism took place.  Dave and I both miss them deeply and continue to pray for their protection, both physically and emotionally, as well as healing in our relationship with our SIL... but, honestly, that will require a miracle.  Though not impossible.  Because with God, ALL things are possible.  🙏


I'm reminded that seasons come, and seasons go. and there are lessons in each season.  Since I am being honest, this has been a rough year for us as a family.  We have been fractured and broken by the enemy, but we are not giving up.  

I don't think we are alone in feeling this way, but the world would like us to believe this.  Here are a few words of encouragement for you... 🌻

Our maple tree leaves in the front yard are beginning to turn.  But it has been a challenging year for them as well.  

They suffered damage several times in hail storms this summer.  We didn't suffer drought or severe high temps through the summer that would cause any unusual stress, but they just didn't have a vibrant green look to them.  Perhaps they feel like us... just a little beat up.  Perhaps the stress of the past several years had them conditioned to fight... and when the stress was not there, they didn't know how to not feel stressed.


My projects from last week are all good scrap busters... but I observe, once again, that the collection of scraps doesn't ever really decrease.  How is this possible?  Yet another mystery of this life!


I'll shut down my philosophical thoughts and introduce you to the featured quilter from last week's party.  Nann at With Strings Attached attended the Wisconsin Quilt show with friends and shared plenty of inspiration for all of us that were not able to attend in person.  Thanks Nann!  I've been listening to the book Lost Roses and was touched by the red poppy quilts.  Lovely!  Thanks Nann.

That's it for today...

Keep Piecing,

Melva

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Sunday, September 7, 2025

Magic Multiples ~ Sew & Tell - 9/8/25


Welcome back to Sew & Tell.  I have lots of little things to share with you...

I have been doing something new as I spend time in the studio.  Rather turn on the music and while away the time there, I have started listening to books.  I am using the Libby app and have found a whole new world to explore!

Sure, Dave and I have used audio books while we travel, but it never occurred to me to listen at home.  I had requested a book that I had heard about, thinking it would be a good book for our next trip... It became available before we had a trip planned, so... I donned the ear buds and started listening.

The book (Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate) was amazing and I found myself to be just as productive as listening to music.  I have since listened to several other books.

posing here by the signature quilt that "started it all"

The Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly is a story of WWII.  Actually, three stories that eventually converge.  

As I listened, I was reminded of Camp Trinidad and the German POWs that wrote letters to my Grandparents after their return to their home country... All of the Pieces From the Past that became my first sew along in 2020.

After finishing the RSC Korner Kabin Quilt, I pulled out the small bag of original 1930s fabric scraps that I have had squirreled away for a few special projects that I have made over the years.  

My first project was a mini of one of the patterns ~ Modern Broken Dish.  I reduced the pattern by 50% and made only one block instead of four... one turned into two and two turned into three.  Hahaha!  
my collection of quilty shirts... awaiting cooler temperatures

The first two were added to a couple of long-sleeved t-shirts that needed some fancying up.  I used the reverse applique method for the Modern Broken Dish shirt.

The second pattern I used was the Flower Garden Block - lower left.  Again, I reduced the size by 50%.  That was a 1-inch hexie in the middle of the flower.  Small! :)  I used a buttonhole stitch to applique it to the shirt and then added the running stitch with an ecru hand-quilting thread.


Project number three became a small pin cushion.  These small blocks were fun to make. 

And I couldn't help but feel some nostalgia as I fondled the fabric and patterns that Grandma, Katie Schleich, had so carefully saved from the Kansas City Star newspapers.

I'll add this pin cushion to my collection of special decor items that reside on the shelves in my studio.

I cleared the floor space in the studio last week and gave a new coat of polish to the wood.  It's so shiny and pretty.  Even Dave noticed!

I may try to do a video tour of my creative space... anyone interested in seeing that?


The next project was something completely different.  I had seen an Instagram reel that showed how to make a cute and super easy wallet.

I found the video on youtube as well... 

Super easy and I had mine made in about 30 minutes once I decided on the fabric to use.  


I'll probably be making several more of these.  They are large enough to hold a checkbook, cash and cards. 

I used fusible batting.  But a heavier interfacing would be suitable as well.  

Check it out!  But I'll warn you... You may not be able to stop at just one!  They would be quick and inexpensive gifts for co-workers, friends and family.

That's why I'm calling this post Magical Multiples.  They were all fast and fun projects... and I ended up making multiple for even more fun.


In addition to all of these projects, I gave some attention to my sewing machine.  Did you see my picture on social media of the bobbin area after making two 40-inch quilts????  She was in serious need of a mani-pedi!  I cleaned and oiled the Lyric and she was humming a happy little tune again.

My week may be interesting since there is a planned water shut-off for Tuesday... Fingers crossed that it is only for a few hours and that the work planned goes smoothly so that life as we know it can resume.


I may be turning my attention to a few more blue and green scraps this week since that is the color of the month for the RSC... 

I do have a few more pieces to add to my RSC hexagon piece.  And I may be able to find a few more unique green pieces to add in... 

Or I may focus on that fat-quarter bundle that is sitting in my sewing room closet. Remember this pretty thing?  I see her smiling at me every time that I'm in the closet for something.  Don't worry sweetie, I haven't forgotten you!  I have a few thoughts and ideas, so I need to make some sketches and see what pours out.

I haven't forgotten the featured link of the week either.  Nancy at Grace and Peace Quilting shared her white/cream snowball block plan for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge quilt.  It is going to be a beauty!  She also showed off her aqua quilts and more... head over there to see for yourself.

It is now time for this week's party to begin!  But before you go, tell me...

How do you get the ideas from your head to paper to fabric?

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

Keep Piecing,

Melva

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m


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Friday, September 5, 2025

Rainbow Korner Kabin


The last of the summer days were bright and cheerful... how could they NOT be?  My RSC Kabin Korner blocks were on the design wall as it waited for borders - a scrappy checkerboard border seemed just right, followed by a large floral print.

After getting the garage door installed on Sunday, Monday morning welcomed me as I placed the rainbow quilt under the needle of my machine, poised ready to quilt in large Baptist fans.

A lavender purple thread was the top thread, and a deep purple was in the bobbin, both Aurifil 50-wt thread.  It didn't take long to have the quilting done.  I had the rainbow striped binding already prepared and before I knew it... It was done!





Striped backings are always a challenge to get perfectly straight...
So, I made sure the back was perfectly wonky


This quilt is a gift for a very special person, Darlene.  Darlene and I met each other 26 years ago when we attended a Christian women's weekend.  Through the years we would meet up again when we were both a part of the teams that help to make the weekend retreats run smoothly.

Darlene will be leading a women's weekend in October, and this quilt will be gifted to her at that time.

Shhhhh... don't tell! lol.  😉

I have so many thoughts and memories connected to this quilt, the women's weekends I have participated in and helped to lead and how God is forever faithful... and how the rainbow is a message and sign of that faithfulness directly from God Himself.  



When I was in my HS youth group, we attended a youth conference held in Estes Park.  One year's theme was the Rainbow Connection.  The main song of the conference was that song as sung by Kermit the Frog.  I've have always loved the song... so if you have seen the pictures on insta and fb, you have heard Kermit singing Rainbow Connection.

You probably noticed that the backing is not straight.  I actually did that on purpose.  Getting striped backing to be perfectly straight can be challenging.  So, I used a trick that I use when scrapbooking.  If you know you can't write in a straight line, or get stickers on perfectly straight... make them wonky and "imperfect" on purpose.

Have you ever tilted a striped backing?
Or do you just avoid striped backings?

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

Keep Piecing,

Melva

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m
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Thursday, September 4, 2025

Top Notch

Are there any other bloggers out there that actually pay attention to the stats of their blog?  I've always found the stats tab (on blogger) interesting and have been known to use it to help me discover the top five posts of the year.

Blogging was something I started doing in 2013 when I submitted a quilt block for consideration in volume 8 of 100 Quilt Blocks - a publication by Quiltmaker Magazine.  The application had asked for a variety of things such as fabric line, pattern company, classes taught or name of quilt shop.  I had nothing to include on those lines.  They also asked for the name of the blog... that was the only bit of info I could provide.  It was the jumping off point for Melva Loves Scraps!

I still can't fill in many of those lines, but have grown in my confidence as a quilter, block/quilt designer and pattern writing and I have even offered a few quilt talks through the years. 


Back to the stats... I noticed last week and a few weeks prior that the number of visits to Melva Loves Scraps had spiked tremendously (like tripled!).  

I figured that spiders and bots were responsible for it...  I tried to track down the main source of the visits but didn't have much luck.  Sure, I have been quite busy this summer in participating in more link-up parties on a more regular basis.  But I was unable to pinpoint the source.  

And then I saw something about Top 100 quilt blogs and started searching... sure enough, on August 19th an updated list of the Top 100 quilting blogs had been published and there I found Melva Loves Scraps listed at #81.  They claimed, "The best Quilting blogs from thousands of blogs on the web and ranked by relevancy, authority, social media followers & freshness." 

While aware that I have been on previous lists, this was still a pleasant surprise.


I remembered that I had mentioned such an honor a few times on the blog... and in my search came across another honor... the nomination by fellow bloggers as an Outstanding Blogger.  Each nomination came with a few questions as a request for the nominee to answer as though in an interview.  

It was a fun little activity to participate in.  So... I was thinking... (This is what happens when I am not fully immersed in a quilt project. 😉)

Who wants to play along?


No hard and fast rules to follow!  The first three bloggers to let me know they want to join the fun need to send me an email and I will give you five questions to answer.  Write your blog story, answering the questions I give you and then YOU choose two or three others "nominate".  You'll give them their questions, and we all sit back to watch for the wave of Outstanding Bloggers to emerge.  

Sometimes it is a risk to nominate someone, and they choose to not participate... don't fret.  Like chain letters from the past, it may or may not be a success. Hahaha. ;)

I really need to go to my studio. LOL!  Leave a comment or send me an email!  MelvaLovesScraps@NolanQualityCustoms.com

Keep Piecing,

Melva




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