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.
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| 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!
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| 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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