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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