I did find the staff at my sister’s nursing home could add to her care the sitting with Nancy M W F while she is at dialysis, so I am relieved of that duty. I can still sit with her when I want to, but this allows us to go back home to Grand Rapids for some rest. We came home Friday and are catching up on our own lives.
My friend Joan Brink and I each picked out a UFO of ours to work on together on Monday nights and to spur each other on to their completion. Both projects have LeMoyne stars which have set in seams. My project is a kit I bought based on an 1830s quilt found in New Jersey. I am getting it out today to see how far along I got before it got put in time out. Here is the kit picture:
It’s one of the Howard Marcus moda Collection for a Cause quilts, “Warmth”. If you have made this quilt let me know, as I might have questions. I know I stopped working on it a long time ago.
On the Drunkard’s Path project, I did a “big picture” assessment, and cut as many pieces as I could from the fabric I had. So It will be a 5 block by 5 block quilt that will measure 60” by 60” as each block will finish at 12” x 12”. I spent my time last week tracing the templates and cutting fabric with scissors. When life is stressful, I love to do the simple mundane things the old school way. Very soothing to trace around a pattern with a pencil and cut fabric with scissors. I have decided to put this project by the sewing machine and do a few every day.
Each block has 16 convex/concave pieces. The actual sewing of the two pieces has gone very smoothly after I added a step. I used to crease each of the two pieces in the middle and put a pin there, and a pin at each end. Well, I was fine with the first end, fine at the middle, but the two pieces didn’t always come together at the end......plus often the end pin came out. Sooo, I now sew (tack about 4 stitches) the ending together before I start. Plus now I really don’t have to put a pin at the beginning....and the middle pin where the fabrics are creased is the only pin to take out while I’m sewing......and the ending comes out right because it has to! I just sew right over where I tacked it. The trick is to sew slowly and try to ease the fabric pieces as I go. It is an extra step, but much less aggravation as the ends of the convex and concave pieces are forced to meet. And I like it when they bend to my will. I am the master of the universe. Or at least I am the master of these two little concave and convex pieces of fabric.
What are you the master of this week? Your projects have been so inspiring lately. I love to read all the blogs. Thank you so much for joining in! Please link up below and remember to provide a link back to this post. I will be drawing a name next week to give one of you the extra book I have with the “Buds in Bloom” pattern in it.
12 comments:
I still cut curves by hand, I just can't manipulate the rotary cutter evenly on the curves. Sounds like you've got the way to sew them, sewing the end first sounds like a great idea. I'll have to remember this. So glad they are willing to sit with your sister and give you a break. Have a great week and happy stitching!
So glad to hear that you were able to come home for a bit to rest and relax. You've got a fun project picked for your next UFO demolition and a good plan for your Drunkard Path blocks. Wishing you a very productive February.
I would like to get done with the table runner this week that I am making from hexies that were supposed to be a big quilt but I tired of it very quickly and so it will be a runner instead! Glad you got help for your sister so you can take a break
I used to hate curves, but now I don't mind them, it's all in the pinning and marking! And 1 extra step just means you have the best outcome.
Oh Lemoyne stars - so pretty!! And your drunkards path - amazing. So glad you get to have a littl break - and I hope it is restful!!
It's good that you could go home for a much needed break. The drunkards path blocks are beautiful and I'm looking forward to seeing them all come together.
So true that the old school way is very soothing, and although not as fast, it is actually better for us!
Yea for tackling a new old project. Sounds weird but I know you know what I mean. My recent curve sewing was very easy but I think it wasn't as an intense curve. I have the Accuquilt Go die for Drunkard's Path. I made one block just to say I have used it. But one of these days I'm going to whip it out and use it for something! Who knows what yet! Hope home feels as good as you thought it would. Have fun working on your LeMoyne stars tonight. (I'm making an assumption here!)
Lovely blocks and sometimes curves are easier to cut by hand really.
What a wonderful idea to have a friend to cheer you on as you both work on your quilting projects. Such a pretty quilting project too.Have a lovely week and thank you for hosting the link party.
I gave my first quilting class this a.m. to 2 students! They have homework till next time, which will be in April since next month I get a new hip! YEA!
Gluing the curves is also a great way to eliminate pins. Jen Carlton Baily at bettycrockerass.com has all teh tips.
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