Sister's Choice Quilts

Red Sampler Sew Along Week Four

This Red Sampler Sew Along by Lori Holt is so lovely. I am enjoying the fabrics, and the block patterns are all terrific. The patterns are all from various books she has published over the past few years, so you do need to have them to complete the blocks. I had them already, so that was all fine by me. If I had had to purchase four new books in order to participate in the sew-along, I may have felt differently, just saying. But the books are good, the patterns are well written and easy to follow and my blocks make me happy. So there we are.

The largest block in the photo above is a Granny Square block. They are kind of fussy to make, but the results are wonderful, don't you think?

That pinwheel block on the upper right is really a cool block, and I think it would be a terrific block for a One Block quilt. The construction of the pinwheel is a little bit different, and I really do love the look of it. It was fun to make too.

Happy Father's Day to all the dads in your lives. I am off this morning to spend a few days with mine. Goodness, I feel so blessed that he has been with us for so many years! 96 of them come November. Amazing. And he is a total love. He is so considerate. He forgot my birthday (at 95 I forgive him) and when it was brought to his attention, he called me to apologize and wish me the best on my special day.  Like I said, he is a dear.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Sampler Spree Sew Along- and, Let's Talk About Sew Alongs

If you love sew-alongs, a new one started up this week that looks like it will be a lot of fun, and a skill-builder too. It is the Sampler Spree Sew-Along, based on the book Sampler Spree by Susan Ache. A lot of great designers are participating in this one, everyone doing their own thing as far as colors, etc, but all the 6" block patterns come from Susan's new book. There are 100 quilt block patterns in the book, so it is a nice resource.

Here is a link to Moda's website introduction to the project. And here is a link to Lella Boutique's website. I am going to use Vanessa's layout (which is a big maple leaf), and even copy her on the fabric collection she is using. I have fat quarter bundles of both Persimmon and Cider by Basic Grey, which I have been hanging on to for the perfect project for a fall quilt. I plan to make five blocks a week and just start on page one of the book and dive in. Lots of people are posting their blocks on Instagram #samplerspreeqal which are fun to see.

This is Vanessa's planned layout for her blocks.

Now that the Sewcialites Sew Along is a wrap-up, there may be room in my life for another sew-along. I know I have been rather impulsive in jumping into every sew-along that starts up lately, so I thought I would give you an update on the status of the ones I have joined.

Moda BlockHeads 3:  all but finished. One final vertical row to assemble and attach. Then off to the quilter.
365 Little Blocks: these paper-pieced blocks are too much, and besides I have no idea how in the world I would use them in a finished project. This one has been shelved indefinitely.
Sewcialites: all but finished. I have sewn all the rows and just need to sew those rows together. Then off to the quilter.
Heartfelt: I have shelved this one for the time being. I may get back to it, but no guilt.
Serendipity: still enjoying this one. I have a couple of rows to complete, then will sew the rows together for a finish. The colors are quite springy, so I don't feel a big rush to get it done right now. Once I decide to wrap it up, it won't take long.
Red Sampler with Lori Holt: loving this one and have completed three of the ten weeks released so far. I don't feel a rush with this one. The red and white color scheme works well for the holidays, so I'll keep plugging away at it.

So out of six sew-alongs, I have just about finished two, have shelved two, have one that I am in no rush to finish, and one that I am actively working on. So, I have decided to jump into Sampler Spree. I just can't resist. I realize that the idea of juggling so many sew-alongs can be extremely over-whelming. I am going to be concentrating primarily on two of them (The Red Sampler and Sampler Spree). My goal is to complete MBH3 and Sewcialites and get them quilted and off my conscience this next week.

Are any of you as impulsive about joining in on these sew-alongs as I have been? I would like to be a bit more discriminating and not join so many of them. The thing that I love about sew-alongs is the structure of the weekly block making, and the camaraderie of so many other quilters working on the same project. At this point in my life, I don't NEED any more quilts, but still enjoy the process of getting into my sewing room and working on something. The drawn-out schedule of these sew-alongs suits my needs right now, and I find I can still learn new techniques and skills as I participate. 

What are your thoughts?

 

 

 

Doggie Dementia

Have any of you heard of canine dementia? I am curious. I know a bit about dementia in humans, having had friends and relatives succumb to it. There is a symptom that is particularly interesting that is called "Sundowner Syndrome" which apparently affects not only us humans with dementia, but dogs as well.

This little guy is my daughter's dog Remy. He is a West Highland Terrier who is going on 14 years of age in December. He has some issues with arthritis in his hips, (or some other deteriorating condition of his hip joints). Other than that, he has seemed to carry on fairly well with his aging issues. Recently, however, in the late afternoon and early evening, he has started behaving strangely. He paces around in circles, seems anxious, has his tongue hanging out, and appears not at all comfortable or happy. It is as if he feels something needs to happen, but he isn't sure what that might be or how it will affect him.

It turns out that in both humans and dogs, the approach of sundown can trigger emotional, cognitive, and behavioral changes. In both humans and canines with dementia, the approach of darkness can trigger fears that they need to be somewhere (go home), or do something to wind up the day. He definitely appears to be anxious and insecure at that time.

I found that getting Remy snuggled into a warm comfortable spot seems to help. He likes being on the couch, surrounded by pillows or with me at his side cuddling up to him. It is as if he is getting the signal that we are done with our day, we are in a cozy spot, and can settle in. Most of the time it works, but at other times he just can't settle in and continues to pace around anxiously.

Here the poor little guy is. We try to hold him and comfort him, but he trembles and shakes and seems terrified. Ozzie sits at my husband's feet, worrying about his buddy. You can see out the window that it is just at sunset.

Have any of you experienced this strange symptom in your loved ones? Human or canine? Have you come up with any techniques to manage it?

Red Sampler Blocks Underway

New Project! Woo hoo! I am so excited to show you my first two weeks of Lori Holt's Red Sampler Sew Along. Each week it seems we will make one 12 inch block and two 6 inch blocks. The block patterns come from three or four of her published books, so it sure helps if you have them on hand. Luckily I have collected them over time. Two weeks done and seven more to go to catch up.

The most challenging block was the one on the bottom left that consists of four 3 1/2" Churn Dash blocks. That is an easy block, but try making it in a 3 1/2" size and you might re-evaluate that opinion. There will be a number of blocks in that style throughout the quilt. Easy blocks, but made super small and connected in a quadrant. It is a fun look and I am excited to see where we are going with it.

While I made the blocks yesterday, I listened to the end of the audiobook I have been so enjoying. The Hail Mary Project by Andy Weil.  Ok, this is a surprise. It is science fiction and I loved it. As a matter of fact, I like it the best of any book I have read this entire year. It will be in my top five favorites without a doubt. I URGE you to read this book. I laughed, I cried, and in the end, I was left with the happiest best feelings. I loved this book so so much. It is a book about heroism, unlikely friendships, and features a character who is the most unusual I have ever encountered in a book. Not going to spoil it for you. Just read it. Or listen to the audiobook. The narrator could not have been more perfect. And then tell me how much you loved it. You are welcome!

Red Sampler Sew Along

Uh oh, you know what that means. I have been going through cans of starch like nobody's business lately. These yummy fabrics are mostly from Riley Blake, getting prepped for a sew-along Lori Holt is hosting, called the Red Sampler Sew Along. As I said, the fabrics are Lori's from various collections she has done for Riley Blake, and the block patterns all come from Lori's books. The sew-along has been going on for eight weeks, so I have some catching up to do!

Here are the reds all pressed and folded. The reds have a coral cast to them, which is very fresh and pretty. The reds that Bonnie and Camille use are similar in tone I think. I pulled a couple B&C reds from my stash and they go perfectly. There are a few darker tone reds on the bottom of the stack on the left. They will add a nice change from the lighter ones I think.

And the backgrounds.

I have fat quarter cuts of most of the reds and one-yard cuts of the backgrounds and the red gingham, which appears often in the blocks.

I have not used Riley Blake fabrics much before this. The quality feels just as nice as Moda. I was a bit worried about the reds bleeding but saw no sign of it while starching heavily. What is your experience? Have you used much Riley Blake fabric?

What is it about red and white quilts? They are so hard to resist.

The patterns Lori uses for the sew-along come primarily from her two Farm Girl Vintage books, her Christmas Vintage book, and her Granny Square book. She has been doing three blocks each week in 12" and 6" sizes. I will link to Week Eight of her sew-along, where she has all the blocks done so far pictured. Obviously, you need her books for the patterns.

As soon as I get my Moda BlockHeads behemoth off the design board I will make a few of these pretty red blocks as a reward. 

Hope you all have a terrific weekend!

Sewcialites Block #33, Not.

Last week was the release of the Sewcialites Sew Along Block #33, which was a sewing machine. It was cute I suppose, but to me, it didn't fit in very well with the other blocks. So I decided to substitute in something else that I felt was more in keeping with the style of the other blocks. It was super easy. Nothing but 1 1/2" finished half square triangles (2" unfinished). My block is 6" finished.

I did not make this block in the photo above. This block #33 was on the Fat Quarter Shop blog Jolly Jabber and was made by "Sue". Not by me. It is adorable, just not for me in this quilt.

The block I did substitute in is called "Whirlpool" and is from the Comfort and Blessings Sew Along sponsored by Pieces from the Past last year. Here it is in my finished quilt block from that fun project.

I have made it a habit to always save the block patterns from sew-alongs I have participated in. You would be surprised how often the occasion arises when you want to switch out a block or need an idea for a block for a project. Those previously made blocks really do come in handy!

Thanks so much for all your kind words yesterday. I really appreciate it. I know I am not the only person who has had a lot on their plate over the past year and a half. There is nothing unique about my situation, and in fact, I realize I am far more fortunate than many others. Still, it has been hard! And so nice of you all to extend your kind thoughts and prayers.

Sewcialites #32 Bright Block

I am all caught up with my Sewcialites blocks. This one is #32 "Bright Block" by Chelsi Stratton. It features four usually very tricky units called "cat's cradle" units. 

They involve small triangles and often come out wonky and with points cut off. That wasn't going to happen to me, because I have the Creative Grids Cat's Cradle Tool. With it, you can make the cat's cradle units in six different sizes with squares and rectangles instead of triangles. You also cut your pieces a bit larger than you need and trim them down to the perfect size. 

I set the ruler on a piece of white fabric so the markings can be seen more easily. The sizes to cut your pieces for the block are printed on the ruler. How brilliant is that? I was making the 2 inch finished size.

I cut out two white squares and 2 gold rectangles and sewed them together.

Next, you use the tool to line up your stitching lines and mark them with a pen. Layer your rectangle/square unit on top of a larger rectangle, right sides together, and sew on the line. Cut down the middle between the sewing lines. Then you will trim the seam allowance to 1/4" for each of your two pieces.

Flip open your unit and press toward the large triangle. Position the trim tool with the lines along the seams of the small square, and the diagonal line exactly on the seam of the finished size you are making. In my case that is 2" for both alignments. Trim the top and left-hand sides of the unit.

Keeping the unit in place, flip the tool around so the diagonal line is on the finished size you are making and the square on the tool is "kissing" the point of the small square of the unit. Trim the right side and the bottom.

And here are my four perfect Cat's Cradle units. Each one measures 2 1/2" unfinished or 2" finished. This tool turned what would have been a frustrating, fussy block into a perfect and fun one. I highly recommend this trim tool by Creative Grids.

 

 

 

The Last Moda Blockheads 3 Block

This is positively, absolutely, definitely, the very last Moda Blockheads 3 block. I think there are 98 total blocks, more if I count the ones I remade or made and then decided not to use. Good grief I have been working on this project forever. 

I know it is boring, but I really need to concentrate on adding all the lattices and sewing the rows together. This project needs to be put to bed.

The block above was from one of Lori Holt's Vintage Farm Girl books, I don't recall the name. 

Speaking of Lori Holt, is anyone doing her Red Sampler Sew Along? My gosh, that looks like a great project. She is doing it with red fabrics from her various collections for Riley Blake (see below).  All the patterns come from her assorted books, mainly the two Farm Girl ones and her Christmas one. From what I have seen on Instagram and her blog it is one gorgeous quilt. But of course, I am never making another red and white quilt, so it shouldn't concern me, right? Right.

Go look on her blog, you know you want to. 

 

My week is going well. Eva is off school due to the county fair, which no one can go to. Don't ask me, I don't make these rules. We made pink cupcakes yesterday and had a lovely relaxing day today. I read aloud to her as long as my voice held out. We are finding that sharing really good chapter books is one of the best things ever. We discovered the author Kate DiCamillo, who is an outstanding author of kids' books. Because of Winn Dixie was the first one we enjoyed, and now we just finished The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. Edward is a porcelain rabbit who has some incredible things happen to him. Before that, we read Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz-Ryan. All these books made me cry, which is embarrassing when you are reading aloud to a nine-year-old.

Have any of you read these books to your kids? Do you have any others you would recommend?

Sewcialites #28 Hope

I am so proud of myself for keeping up with the Sewcialites blocks every week. This one is #28 Hope by April Rosenthal. It definitely is not my favorite in this sew-along. I wish I had thought of a way to make it more interesting because to me, it just isn't. Used over and over again in a one-block quilt, the diagonal pattern it makes could be very eye-catching, but honestly, as a stand-alone block, it is pretty blah. You know, I may just sub it out with something I like better. I tend to do that anyway when I am putting a top together, as you may have noticed.

I had a nice drizzly weekend with my dad. I got lots of work done, and while I did that he was able to read his Kindle. Now that is a real miracle. A few months ago, he had lost a good deal of his sight due to macular degeneration, but due to his treatments being extremely successful he is able to enjoy reading again. I ordered him Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall, the fictional retelling of the life of Thomas Cromwell. He is a real history buff, so I hope he loves it. Anybody read it? It is almost 600 pages!

Hope you all had a splendid weekend!

Serendipity Third Row

Yesterday I got cracking on the third row of the Serendipity Quilt sew-along. You can bet I double-checked to be sure I hadn't made these blocks already. Ha ha. 

These blocks use the Courthouse Steps foundation papers from Fatquartershop.com. The papers are an option, you can also make the blocks the traditional way. I really liked the accuracy achieved with the papers. Courthouse Steps is a block that can get wonky on you, but not with foundation papers.

After sewing on each strip, I used the "Add a Quarter" ruler to trim off the excess seam allowance. That is a handy tool if you do paper piecing.

You trim up the block after attaching all the strips, then peel the paper off. It comes off extremely easily. This is a great paper piecing product.

For the row you make four blocks and attach them together with a lattice strip in between. The colors look kind of washed out in my photo, but they are really pretty in person.

The fabric collection is Apricot and Ash by Corey Yoder (Coriander Quilts for Moda). 

I was happy to get caught up with this sew-along. Packages of new fabric continue to arrive. I feel like the princess in Rumplestiltskin. Will I be able to use all the fabric up in my lifetime? I believe I have been guilty of some late-night ordering under the influence of chardonnay. I wonder if I can put a time lock on my computer, shutting it down after 7 PM?