scrappy alphabet progress

while it is true that i cut up all my scraps, some were set aside to finish this little sew along project...the scrappy alphabet!  like the big scrappy currently in progress, this little one will use the yellow as the sashing to bring it all together.  there are also a few random patchwork blocks to even out the rows...it'll be a cute finish and a nice giveaway to the right person when done.  ***  already working at the machine this sunny autumn morning.  retreat is coming fast and still have a few things to finish before i can start packing.  even though i have time to sew when in maine, getting together with old and new friends for nonstop fun is sooo enjoyable...i can hardly wait!  but first, back to the old viking!

super sewing sunday....

it was one of those days when everything was aligned and spent the ENTIRE day sewing, well most of it.  i did work some on the hawaiian, but the rest of the time was at the machine and look what got done.  first, 2 rows completely done on the scrap quilt, then most of the rest of the squares done and ready to add, plus lots of strips cut out of the yellow PLUS some sewing on another quilt from a jelly roll given to me by victoria.  the scrappy is coming along nicely...i am thinking about that plaid piece that might get changed....but other than that, i am liking this a lot.  the backing and batting are on hand so it will be a fairly quick finish.  *** this morning already at the old viking trying to finish up all the squares so i can then put the top together.  this will have a total of 7 rows and it did make a significant dent in my 2.5" strip stash....now go tackle your list!!!

in progress...

this is a scrappy quilt made from a pattern given to me at last year's retreat.  it was originally done with bali pop batiks and black for the outline, but when i saw it, was thinking of how i could bust some scraps.  dug into my box of 2.5" strips already cut (thank you bonnie!) and picked up a few more yellow/gold pieces and here is my version.  the centers are 5" squares, also on hand.  the whole thing is outlined in the yellow/gold 1.5" strips.  it will be tied and WILL be finished to take with me for Bob's Blankie Brigade.  plus, it'll get another UFO off my list also....it's a win/win! ****  end of another week and retreat is coming up fast.  preparations are in full swing and the to-do list is getting shorter, along with the days.  the summer feel is definitely gone here in southern maine, and winter preparations are seen everywhere.  autumn recipes are re-appearing and soup makings are always on hand now.  our summer was cooler than normal and it almost seems like it was never here.  the beach bag is finally tucked away, waiting on summer's return...... 

final tally....

so here is the newly cut stash.....2.5" strips, 5" squares, 3.5" squares, 2.5" squares, 2" squares, inchies and some 1.5" strips...found some white triangles in the bunch and kept them separate for whenever.  the bottom middle pile is from a wallhanging i made and then took apart...at some point will try and rework the units and put it back together...all in all a job that took nearly 2 full days.  *** took a break and got my first high octane flu shot today.  i always get the flu shot and usually always get a mild form of an upper respiratory illness at some point during the winter, but firmly believe the shot is beneficial from much serious illness.  ****  spent every minute of my day off today and plan to do so again tomorrow.  now that the scraps are done, can get some real sewing accomplished.  now off to finish a book and relax until sleep.....

wednesday's task...

first thing this morning after the usual stuff (breakfast, laundry, dress), plugged in the old iron and tackled the scrap baskets.   these 2 were overflowing to the point of impending disaster with scraps of every kind and size.  and now, look!  all have been ironed and ready to cut up into usable units.  it WAS a chore to be certain, but seeing these makes it all worthwhile.  after the cutting process, will show what the results are....plenty of pieces ready for new projects.  i've already isolated all batik and white-on-white scraps for another project, paper pieced, for which i printed the papers today also.  it's almost like fall cleaning but way more fun! 

almost done

all 9 blocks are done now...just waiting to see the finish next week.  a cute little project done pretty quick, well almost done.  and true to form, i set aside a small stash to make these and most of it is left, so hardly any stash busted.  though i pulled from stash and wasn't entirely thrilled about the fabrics, now that the blocks are all done, they go together pretty well.  i think it will be a nice wallhanging when finished--or a table topper maybe?  **** my last block didn't take much time at all so there is plenty of the day left to enjoy what might be our last gasp of summer weather.  tomorrow it's back to autumn and cooler, crisper air and maybe chowder too?  could be!

countdown begins!

phoebe is all spiffed up, ready and waiting for her road trip in 30 days, that's right, 30 days and we will be on our way!  i've made a list (of course) and check it nearly every day to make sure i am on track to getting everything done that needs it before retreat.  today's tasks?  slice up my green tomatoes for pickles, laundry, sewing on the donation quilt are the biggies...plus the miscellaneous stuff that presents itself in the course of any day....it's my weekend and i've 2 whole days to get some serious sewing done....work first, fun later! 

it's the 4th quarter...

it was giddy excitement last night when i realized i am down to the last quarter on appliquing this design to the background.  this is not the greatest photo of this top, but no matter....after spending august and september TV time, the end is now clearly in view.  at the top of the photo on the extreme right and left are 2 hand-like fronds...they are done!  the center portion is also complete, so all that is left is in the middle of the photo.  this will still take a while, probably into december (due to vaca), but i am hoping that the week between christmas and the new year, it will get basted and ready to quilt by january 1st.  so much work?  yes!  so much time?  definitely!  but the finished project?  priceless!  and why so wrinkled you ask?  well, when working on inside portions, it is necessary to scrunch it up in order to utilize the right hand thumb with the needleturn (i sew left handed)....but it will get ironed before the basting.   the batting is already on hand and will pick up the backing before the applique is complete.  oooohh can hardly wait!  *** in the meantime, another UFO is in process with the old viking; plenty of scrap AND stash busting going on for a finish some time october.   **** retreat readiness continues!

the (quilty) circle of (fabric) life

the lady of the lake swap squares are done and will soon be on their way, only to return in a similar but different form.  this is part 1 of this swap and am looking forward to part 2.  all measured and ironed and up for their debut in somebody else's mailbox....course, in the story of stash, nature also abhors a vacuum, so this little package arrived today....

the layer cake won in the moda love blog tour...this is sandy gervais' newest line called rambling rose...oh so delicate hues of cream, aqua, pink, taupe and chocolate with a decidedly vintage feel.  one of her patterns was also included...with the sun shining, the laundry done, a fabric frolic of sorts...what a perfect day! 

next to last #8

up to date with the marcus bros sew-along project...one more week/block to go.  just in time, too, as retreat prep is in full swing with october just around the corner.  the batik blocks are also just about ready to mail out, so i am right on schedule with my to-do list.  even if i didn't have a calendar, the cool temps would tell me that autumn is in full mode here in southern coastal maine.  it's fair time as well, and just today mom and i ventured out to a local bean supper of good repute.  normally i work all day saturday but took some vacation time so i could take mum.  not knowing how soon i'll be moving prompts me to fill the days with as many good times together as i can.  *** spent some time yesterday playing in the scraps.  some civil war 1.5" strips were prepped, as well as more inchies and some 2.5" squares...all from the scrap baskets, which are more than overflowing.  also pulled out all batik scraps for another little quilt about the same size as made last year at retreat.  i must have a suitable pattern around here someplace....LOL!  ****  well now that this block is done, guess i'll mosey on back to the old viking and finish the other blocks.