Pins, pins, pins!

I love these Winding Ways blocks, even though they slow me down!

The key is to use pins. Not too many, but the registration marks and the end and midpoints need pins. 

Now, to sew. Small stitches, slow pace. Lovely results. 

I remembered!

I laid out the 88 blocks that I found earlier in the week. I need to make two more so I can have a 9x10 layout. I set the blocks on point. Then I looked at the alternate squares that were with the little blocks. When I spied them, I only saw neutral fabrics. But there are also dark squares. So I flipped half of the squares so that I'll have alternating light and dark columns. I'm sure I can find something in my closet for setting triangles and borders.

The only thing I can't remember is why I stopped working on this project. 

Found in the closet.

I have been pushing a small plastic bin to the side of my closet for a while. I decided to pull it out and use it. 

I'm not sure how I had planned to use these little blocks. There are more than 30 and there are some plain squares in the bottom of the bin. Hmmm. Time to look through my books and magazines for an inspiration. I see a whirlwind of sewing this weekend!

Happy sewing!

Rainbow Connection

I'm cutting background fabric for my next quilt and it's not my usual neutral/cream mix of fabrics. It's a cheerful green. Like Kermit the Frog. So, naturally, Rainbow Connection is playing nonstop in my head. I can deal with that!

Here are my fabrics, I can't wait to see how they play together. 

Rainbow Connection, you are singing it now too, right?  Rainbow Connection, enjoy!!

A new start

I did lots of finishing last week. That can only mean one thing. I'm cutting for a new quilt. I love starting. Picking fabrics and cutting them into quilt seeds is so much fun. 

I haven't forgotten this unfinished project. 

It just requires some calm concentration. That happens occasionally around here. But I'm still plugging away. Stay tuned!

Happy sewing!

Summertime sewing

Summer is so full of activity and sometimes sewing is last on the "to do" list.  But I have been able to do a little prep work each day during the week so that I can have a weekend of productivity.

I'm working on the "Bloom" quilt from Scrapbasket Beauties which is my current favorite book.  I'm using my box of 2.5" strips and matching them to border fabric from my closet.

I have ordered more of the striped fabric from the inner border to use as the back.  I have used so much fabric from the closet in the past year that I don't really have enough for backings in there.  Well, that's not true if I'm are talking about Christmas fabric, but I'm not talking about the Christmas fabric situation.

As soon as the backing fabric arrives, I'll wash and prep and this sweet top can be sent to the quilter.  And now, maybe I should go and plan something with my stash of Christmas fabric.  I've got to use it if I ever want to see an Empty Closet.

Why didn't I try this sooner?

Ok, I'm stubborn.  I'm set in my ways.  I am working hard never to turn into a member of the quilt police.  But whenever I see posts about machine binding, I think "but I bind by hand, I always have."

Um, not anymore!!

I tried binding by machine and I'm hooked.  I love to finish projects - this is going to be so amazingly helpful!

There are lots of great tutorials in blogland.  I'm just so embarrassed that read them so many times before trying them.  Live and learn!