Sew & Tell - 5/25/26

Here we are nearing the end of the 5th month of year... the informal kick-off to the summer season.  Schools are wrapping up their year of education, and teachers and kids alike are looking forward to the time off.  Gardeners are busy with flowers and plants and some already harvesting some early produce.

I remember the times of having a (LARGE) home garden and the bounty that it produced.  Those times are long in the past since we moved to Colorado and the growing season is so short and overnight temps cool.  But I do have fond memories and am quite pleased that our oldest daughter has had success with a bucket garden and continues the tradition of canning homemade salsa and tomato sauce.

First, let's take a look this week's feature, Turid at Den Syende Himmel who shared a sample piece of Sashiko stitching.  She learned the technique in a Kate Ward workshop.

I've never done Sashiko before though I have seen it featured in several free workshops of late.  

You can develop many different designs and patterns... It reminds me of "chicken scratch", another style of embroidery and my years doing cross-stich.  Turid tends to make small quilts and projects and always has something fun and interesting to see.  Be sure to give her a visit.  Thanks for sharing, Turid! 

While we celebrate Memorial Day Weekend in the United States, we need to remember that it is much more than just a kick-off to summer.  It is a weekend (day) to remember the fallen soldiers that have defended the US and our freedom.  All gave some... Some gave all.  Learn more interesting details here.

I used some scraps to make up a quick improv flag and then used reverse applique to put it on a plain t-shirt.  It's a little wonky... but I won't mind.  Just pretend it is waving in a breeze. ;)

This shirt was a quick project as I took a break from working on my Pieces from the Past II quilt.  In the spirit of don't waste anything... I pieced together batting to use in this quilt.  

I pieced the backing as well.  I wanted to include the adorable goose print fabric.  The use of this fabric helped to make the blue flower print feel more comfortable in joining the party.

The garden theme is perfect!

I chose a traditional scroll design for the blocks.  My mind was stuck on a traditional design since the blocks are from vintage Kansas City Star Newspapers.

I considered something a little faster but really wanted to honor the history and family stories that this quilt represents.

I am nearly done with the design in each block and will be ready to quilt the sashing strips and borders.  Whether or not I am able to get the design idea from my head onto the quilt remains to be seen.  Fingers crossed that I am successful.

As I stitched I (of course) listened to some audio books. Anna Karenina was finished just before the expiration of my borrowing period.  Diann asked me if I was glad that I finished... The final chapter was filled with many deep and philosophical questions to ponder.  Was it worth it???  Well, I don't have any regrets, but I also question why the book needed to be so long just to get there.  If there is an abridged version, I'd choose that one. ;)

I enjoyed The Last Bookshop in London.  This historical WWII fiction showed how an individual can make a difference even when they don't feel that they can.

I'll need to pull out all of my Bookish Journey blocks and see how many I have.  We turn the page of the calendar in just 1 week...  A new chapter in the journey of 2026!

Other things that took place during the week... 

Block #9 of the Little House Sampler Quilt was released last week.  Missed it?  Prairie Rose can be found here.

The final post of the sew along will be published June 4th.  Details of the layout, borders and binding will be offered.

I assisted Dave as he applied the first layer of cement/stucco finish to the old window opening in the garage.  We've spent a fair number of Memorial Day weekends in the past working on the house... this one was no different.  In the guestroom, my Color Wash quilt was hung.

She's beautiful!  The guestroom will soon be occupied for a few days when our youngest daughter comes for a visit.  I'm looking forward to several days with her. 💗

Dave has been noticeably more intentional of not working on the weekends... at least not doing his "real" work in the shop.  He's always busy doing something around the house or yard.  

Being more aware of this, I keep reminding myself that I, too, can slow down and enjoy the entire process of quilting this Pieces From the Past revisited quilt since it is for me, I don't have anything new calling out for my attention and I don't have a deadline.  Sometimes it is difficult to change the mindset of "Go, go, go! Gotta get it done!"

How do you get yourself to slow down and enjoy the journey (not just the destination)?

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

Keep Piecing,

Melva

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