Let's jump right into Sew & Tell Time! This week's feature is from Gwyned's Life of an Artist and her first entry to the 2026 Project Quilting challenge. here's her description of the challenge... in a nutshell.
"It takes place over 12 weeks and not the more typical 12 months. Second the turnaround time from the announcement of the challenge to the finish line is exactly one week. It starts with a challenge posted on Sunday. Then it is up to the individual to interpret the challenge, make something stitched and layered, finish it and post either a photo or blog post highlighting what they created on the following Sunday."
Head over to her blog to get all the deets on her entry - Holiday Sparkle.
I personally love the way that she finished this project... mounted on a 12"x12" canvas covered frame! It would make the hanging of some of my small quilts so much easier!
I did move a few wall hangings this week. I noticed that the Signature Quilt from Pieced from the Past was fading a bit by hanging in my studio. While I enjoyed having it featured in there, I know that the move to a less bright room was necessary. Yes, there is a big east facing window, but those blinds are rarely opened, unlike my west facing studio window. It is now residing in the guest room, and I put up my teal string star quilt in the studio. I used the quilt as my background as I modeled the NP shirt that I made. If you missed that, the tutorial is here.
I had started the week planning to list a collection of cross-stitched quilt blocks that were given to me in September. As I searched for similar items on ebay, I decided that the collection was so large (more than 40) that I could easily make a throw quilt for friend (her sister had stitched them) that gave them to me.
I trimmed the blocks down from their original 18" size and laid them out on point. I filled the corners with a white fabric that matched closely. It didn't take long to have the top together.
In my research, I read that heat would permanently set the markings on the blocks. I had assumed that they had already been pressed at some point, but taking caution, I spray basted the quilt using batting that ended up in my stash from somewhere! It was a nice day beautiful day outside (mid 60s!) so I took everything outside to make the sandwich.
With all of the blocks already marked out for quilting, it only took a few hours before the quilting was done. How convenient!
But, oh. my. goodness... It too sooooooooo long to manage all of the tails.
Here's a look at the finished quilt. And, by the way, the markings did not wash out... as I suspected would be the case. At least they aren't horribly noticeable from a distance. The binding is a fabric from Connecting Threads - Lady Eliza - and looks perfect with the beige mini leaf print, matching the leaves on the roses and the beige lacey look framing the roses.
I went with a pieced backing... purple butterflies down the center, bordered with the teal woven plaid.
The purple butterfly print came from my same friend... and, after purple, teal is one of her favorite colors. :)
Do you have any tips on getting the markings washed out?
I listened to two books as I worked on the vintage rose quilt...
Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe' was a cute and fun listen.
The second book was The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane... a child's book, I believe. I haven't selected the fabrics for the block but have a rabbit fabric in mind for the center piece... IF I can find a small bit. LOL
I'm getting itchy to start piecing these blocks... I'm not sure I can wait for a road trip!
This week I will be writing more Little House block patterns and making a few more blocks. My goal is to have the quilt finished and photographed by the beginning of the Sew Along, which is February 5th. The formal announcement will be made when I am host to the TGIFF linky party January 30th.
What will you be doing this week? Leave a comment... I'd love to hear from you!
Keep Piecing,
Melva
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The Vintage Roses quilt turned out beautifully, Melva! I don't remember if you said who made the blocks, but what a project! I don't have any advice for getting the markings out, but were they made by the original stitcher of the blocks? That could make it special that they are still there. I don't think I have a busy week ahead, but you never know what might come up. I hope there's plenty of time for sewing!
ReplyDeleteSorry I linked up twice as the linky tool and I were not playing together nicely. My apologies, please feel free to delete one.
ReplyDeleteWere those marking printed already on the fabric? If so, they are permanent. Manufacturers left the dots so that there was a plan marked for the quilting. I sure like that finish!--TerryK@OnGoingProjects
ReplyDelete'The Rose quilt turned out beautifully! My Grandmother used to make quilts from embroidered blocks, but sadly she left me no tips on how to get the markings out. Writing patterns is hard work, hope they all go smoothly.
ReplyDeleteThose blocks are so pretty. I like how you set them !
ReplyDeleteI'm so impressed with that beautiful quilt! Setting those blocks on point was genius. You did it so fast too! I can't see the markings unless I zoom up close, and even at that, they look pretty. :D You finished it all so nicely.
ReplyDeleteWe have the little grands today (Mommy and step-Dad had to work), but I will be back in the sewing room bright & early tomorrow! I need to do some quilting and some planning this week - I have too many projects going and have to get organized!
The cross stitch roses are lovely. I have two kit quilts that came pre-stamped. My mother made one and the other was my first quilt. Over time with washing the marks fade, if that's any consolation. I wouldn't fret about them.
ReplyDeleteHi Melva, your finished quilt is really lovely. Good luck with removing the markings. That's so frustrating!
ReplyDeleteMelva those gifted blocks made up to one beautifully finished quilt. I have no suggestions for ink removal but am watching for suggestions, too. Thank you for hosting us again on Sew and Tell and for sharing your post on To Do Tuesday if you do 😉
ReplyDeleteI don't have any tips about markings, sadly. I'll have to see if that audiobook is avail in our library--love listening to books while I sew. I'm unable to reply to comments on my blog btw so I want to mention my thanks for the condolences on the loss of my Chloe. I guess maybe I didn't realize just how important she was to me; it did hit me hard and I'm thinking that is the last pet for me.
ReplyDeleteThe cross stitch quilt came out absolutely beautiful, Melva!!! I like how you arranged the colors.
ReplyDeleteI don't know about markings as I use the Frixion pens for marking. Then the lines disappear with the heat of the iron.
ReplyDeleteThat rose quilt is gorgeous, Melva. I know your friend will love it. Sorry the lines did not come out. You could try soaking it in water with baking soda. I use a pinch of baking soda in my spray bottle for getting out the blue marking pens when I'm quilting. That might help?? Thanks for joining us at Monday Musings. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful rose quilt! I love that you set them on point. Such a lovely memory for her sister. Thanks for sharing on my weekly show and tell, Wednesday Wait Loss. It's nine years old! Be sure to enter the giveaway everyone!
ReplyDeleteMelva, this quilt turned out stunning!!! I love roses so I had to share it at Share Your Style #485 for you. <3 All the hours stitching... I know your friend is thrilled to have this quilt!
ReplyDeleteHappy quilting,
Barb :)