Gnome For Christmas

 I purchased a layer cake (10" squares) quite a while ago and it has been sitting waiting for me to do something with it.  The fabric is Gnome For Christmas flannel by Tara Reed for Riley Blake Designs.  I added some red flannel as an outer border to make the quilt 70" x 78".  I was lucky enough to find the matching fabric for the backing after I had purchased the layer cake.  

I machine quilted it with an edge to edge pantograph called Scrollwork from Urban Elementz with Glide Thread in Cardinal Red.  The backing and binding are flannel from the same line of fabric that is in the layer cake.

I had laid the squares out in a diagonal color wave.  Of course I had to move it around a bit as to make the colors line up as I wanted them to.  However, I think it worked out quite well.

Sometimes you just need to whip up a quick project!

Approximately 70" x 78"

I named the quilt after the fabric line.

Sometimes you just have to unpick!!

 I had quilted just a few inches down the quilt when I decided I do not like dense quilting.  Yes, I could have carried on with the stitching, however, when it feels like you are not happy with it just take it off the frame and get your buddy Jack the Ripper out.  This will take a while but I just couldn't go on any further and be happy about it.

Yes, sometimes we have to make the decision to change directions even though it will take time to undo what you have already done.  Isn't that true of life as well?

So, keep smiling and enjoy the journey.

Chocolate Moose

 When I found the "Chocolate Moose" pattern from Cotton Street Commons I knew I had to order it.  Though it's been over a year since purchasing the pattern I finally pulled fabrics from my stash to make it.

The background fabric is from the Date Night line by Basic Grey for Moda.  I had used this line in two other quilts and knew I had this piece left.  I had purchased this fabric from the Sunflower Quilt Company in Axtell Utah.  It made just the right background for this quilt.

The quilt ended up being approximately 72" x 83" & will be in the "For Sale" stack I am accumulating.  I machine quilted a pantograph called "Inkblot" from Urban Elementz and used the color Linen from Glide Thread.  It is machine bound (gotta do what my hands will allow some days).

I have another pattern from Cotton Street Commons that is in the lineup to make this year (I hope!).

Keep creating and enjoy the journey!

Chocolate Moose is a fun pattern put together

in sections

Inkblot pantograph

I named it "Chocolate Moose" after

the name of the pattern

January beginnings

 I typically will try to do a no buy January each year. That means going through my supplies on hand for the next projects.

I have had 2 soft book panels for quite a while so out they came today. Fun projects on a snowy Tuesday.

I broke out a different sewing machine today as well. Riccar 808E. She followed me home a while ago and had some TLC in her new home. She sews like a champ.

I must confess that I did buy a quilt kit today, however, in my defense it was the last one they had & it's something I have been looking for. Brings back memories of my school days in CA.

I promise to try to be better at no buy January. Well, unless something on my dream list crosses my path. 😇

Enjoy your week!

Mistletoe Kisses - First quilt of 2025

 When I first saw the Sleigh Bells pattern from Fran Morgan of Fabric Cafe in their book Quick Christmas 3-Yard Quilts I knew I was going to make it.  I had purchased the last of a bolt of Poppy Cotton's Warm Wishes & Mistletoe Kisses from their Snuggle Up Buttercup line and was waiting for just the right time to use it.  There was less than 2 yards which was required for the twin size quilt but I took a chance!  I had just enough of the focus fabric for this quilt.  I had purchased the maroon colored fabric from Creative Notions with this quilt pattern in mind.  I had the green fabric in my stash & a bolt of fabric from The Winter Twist Collection from Jason Yenter for In The Beginning Fabrics.  I really like the way this pattern worked up.

I machine quilted it with Glide Thread in the color Jade using the Red Christmas Poinsettia pantograph from Quilting Pantographs. As there was space between the flowers I did free motion loops to fill the blank space.  I machine bound this quilt after glue basting the binding.  The glue does not hurt the fabric nor the sewing machine.  I use Elmer's School Glue using a very light bead then press it in place.  This process relieves some of the pressure on my hands when I machine bind.

Here's hoping you have a blessed New Year.

Finished size: 59" x 71"

Pantograph with free motion loops as filler.

I called this one Mistletoe Kisses in homage

to the focus fabric.