Under the current state of madness we find ourselves in, we all need to find at-home activities with which to occupy ourselves. Our governor has stated that all of us over the age of 60 really need to self isolate at home and only go out for essential reasons. As long as my grocery store stays open I think we will be fine. Eva's school emailed everyone this weekend that they will be closed through April 14. Caring for her and keeping her occupied will take up some of my time, and I plan to fill the rest with reading and sewing.
This weekend I decided it was high time to dig out some UFO projects and get them done. This is the ideal situation to accomplish that mission. Do you all remember a couple of summers ago I participated in a summer sew along sponsored by Primitive Gatherings called Star-Studded Event? Each week we received a packet of scraps and were to make twenty blocks a week for twelve weeks over the summer. 240 blocks.
I got sidelined after week 7 after making 140 blocks. The blocks are so interesting and after making a few dozen of them, that
2 1/2" center star gets a lot easier.
The blocks are 6 1/2" square and I will end up with 240 of them. This is going to be a big quilt.
Half the blocks are made with dark strips.
And the other half with light strips.
This is what the finished quilt will look like. This is a photo of the Primitive Gatherings quilt from Pinterest. As you see, by the way the blocks are laid out, there will be no seam matching, so construction should be fast and easy.
Now that I have dragged out the project box and gotten going again with my block sewing, I am pretty excited to get this finished.
So, how about you? You must have a UFO or two you might pull out and work on, right?
I love this quilt. But labor intensive! Every day I plan to be productive but it hasn’t happened yet. I’m hoping my new wool pressing mat will get me going.
Posted by: Betty | March 17, 2020 at 05:20 AM
Yes, I have a UFO or two, or a dozen! And this is a good time to work on them. We're staying in too, with just necessary trips to the grocery store and walks with the dogs.
Posted by: Cathy | March 17, 2020 at 05:44 AM
I always loved these blocks and wish I would have participated in this. Yours is going to look smashing and I can’t wait to see it!
Posted by: Nancy Watkins | March 17, 2020 at 06:05 AM
I am also hoping this is a productive sewing time. Alas, my dining table is my sewing room and I find I now have an "office mate" as my DH is working from home some days. I'm glad he's at home more, but it takes some getting used to having someone in my "office" as it were. Happy sewing!
Posted by: Robby H. | March 17, 2020 at 06:09 AM
I could work on UFOs for at least a year! All my tubs of fabric need to be organized and purged. Lots to do if only I would get started!! We also have our granddaughter here for a few weeks. I hope we can find an Easter sewing project to work on.
Posted by: Joan S | March 17, 2020 at 06:13 AM
Your quilt will be great.
I have noticed a lot of posts on Facebook about museums, like the Smithsonian, have virtual tours. Then there are postings about on-line classes, etc.
I am not looking forward to being quarantined but between craft supplies, UFOs and these on-line options I am sure that I will be able to keep myself busy.
Posted by: Sherry V. | March 17, 2020 at 07:00 AM
Beautiful quilt!! I am digging out an UFO today too. The blocks are all done it is just the flying geese borders that I got tired of making, so I packed it away! Time to carry on!!! I have three UFOs I can finish and shelves of fabric so I won’t get bored!!
Posted by: Jane Eilderts | March 17, 2020 at 07:30 AM
Very good idea. I certainly can find a UFO to finish for sure! Take care and be well!
Mary
Posted by: Mary Kastner | March 17, 2020 at 07:33 AM
Oh, I like that one. I pulled out a vintage top I have been hand quilting off and on for years. I think I will get that one finished. I have 4 ufo's that are big quilts I really would like finished and I bought paint for the sewing room a month ago thinking we might be hunkerd down at home. I'm glad I have it but wish I had been wrong. Stay well.
Posted by: Taria | March 17, 2020 at 07:39 AM
I'm still tackling my UFO - my current project. After 3-4 days of stitching I have the second round of 24 sub-blocks which adds up to only 6 total blocks. Slow going but I love the blocks, TX Twister by Bonnie Hunter. For diversion yesterday, I cut strips for the alternate block. I aim to watch less TV and do more enjoyable things, try to keep the info overload at bay. Love your star blocks, looks like some brown, pink and cream, all of which are my favorites in a quilt.
Posted by: Stephani in N. TX | March 17, 2020 at 07:47 AM
I love this...right up my alley. Thanks for all your book suggestions too...I always enjoy your critiques, and find them most helpful. I staying put as much as possible also, but have many options to keep me occupied! Keep safe!
Posted by: Kathi | March 17, 2020 at 09:03 AM
Is Eva interested in learning to sew? I know many of us learned to sew doll clothes at about her age. This might be an opportunity to get her started on a simple project--an Easter apron or an easy skirt pattern?
Posted by: Jan | March 17, 2020 at 09:41 AM
oh, yes! that is lovely. I'm working on wool table runner. ;p
Posted by: Ina | March 17, 2020 at 10:05 AM
I love this! The perfect project for keeping mind and hands busy right now...
Posted by: Pamela Boatright | March 17, 2020 at 12:01 PM
I'm working on several things at once..a couple of UFO's and of course I saw an email that had a cute pattern that I "just have to make". I really do need to work on one and get it done so I'm not so disorganized. Hopefully this craziness will end soon and we can get back to normal.
Posted by: Michele Klein | March 17, 2020 at 12:14 PM
I remember this project well from when you were originally working on it. I love it.
Posted by: Diane Linford | March 17, 2020 at 02:39 PM
Yes will be dragging out some ufos. I made it back to Australia, need to tidy up house, men a bit messy, then onto the machine
Posted by: Helen | March 18, 2020 at 01:50 PM