Project boards and more

 I have been trying to organize a little.  ( And then I get quilting and the fabric piles up.) But I found some foam core board I had previously cut.  I found a video on how to use glue stick and your sewing machine. This is the link I used: it was a very information video I found on Youtube: Project boards: no hot glue   

It worked very well: I used flannel on the front,  forgetting I had a peel off sticking surface on the back.  No matter.  Just glad to have them and want to make more. Used up some jelly roll strips, too.   

What was nice about this was that you measured the edges on both the front and back so that when it was finally sewn on the machine it came out perfect. And instead of using hot glue, you used glue stick or I actually used Elmer's School Glue.  

My finished size was 10 inches.  I think I will make more. 

And on another front, I did finish my row around the center block for the Stay at Home Round Robin using a LOT of quarter square triangles. 

To Indy and back home

 It was a quick trip to see my MOM and stay with my sister and brother in law. I was fortunate to have some good experiences with Mom as she is slowly slowing down. But she is ever the trooper and glad to have visitors.

  Her care nurses are absolutely great. We are so lucky! And the unit supervisor was pleased with the new baby quilt.

I really had fun with some free motion flowers in the hearts to mimic the fabric. I hemmed the binding on the trip down knowing the drive is about 5 hours. 

So all I have been able to work on after that cute baby quilt was finished has been cross stitching. But that is fun, too. 

Stay warm wherever you are! It makes for good stitching weather.

Baby quilt interlude

 I was doing so well, sewing some during the day and cross stitching at night.  Then I remembered that I needed to make the baby quilt. This is for the head of my Mom's memory care wing at her nursing home.  I had purchased the fabric in December.  And I started the blocks, Yeah.

After speaking with Mom on the phone, I realized I need to go see her.  I don't know how much longer this tough 94 year old can last. And that day she was slow to converse, but knew who I was. 

So fast forward the piecing:  

Here is the layout. It shouldn't take too long; it needs to be done before I leave on Thursday. 

I have been fiddling around with my Dear Jane blocks and finished 2 more. They are kind of fun as they are small. I did join a Dear Jane group on Facebook. This week's looks extra tricky a sawtooth star inside a 5 point star in a 5 inch square.  Wish me luck. ( Paper piecing will help.)

And I have finished the one cross stitch piece with the mittens. Now to frame it.

Here is a nice visitor in my back yard; 6 point buck! He liked the my husband's birdseed.

Hope you all are keeping up with your goals.  

Sewing and Cross stitching

 I already have detoured from my quilting goals.  I saw this really easy pattern on Sentimental Stitches, which they sold out.   So I pulled out my bin of Kansas Troubles and started cutting out 2 1/2 inch squares.  Next to cut the background strips of 1 1/2 inches The pattern is kind of an Irish Chain. I plan to have this be my leader and ender project as a side project. 

I cut up all the jelly rolls and charm squares. and found 3 mini charms. So that gives me another pile to the container. My background is leftover from a wide back of another quilt.  I have probably a yard and a half left. I will see how far it takes me. 

And I am so pleased to be making some good progress on a couple of counted cross pieces.  One I can frame for winter; the second I will save for next year. 

I hate how my phone turns it sideways. This is an old one found online.  I couldn't find the green and had to buy a new one. 

Just Santa's  hat and face to go!

Starting those planned goals!

 It is hard to start the year wanting to dive into some projects when you are nowhere near your sewing machine. NOT that I am complaining about being with my grandkids or anything.   That of course, is some much needed hug time, reading time, and fun interactions.  They grow every time I see them and it was only 3 months ago.  It just surprises me especially the younger one. Such a special time to create memories. I always have presents for them to DO something creative or assembling something as well as books. There was slime making using shaving cream which always smells and feels nice. 

I miss them already.

We had a nice stay with them and enjoyed some great time with the whole family.  My son is a really good cook and both he and his wife made my favorite dishes: their lasagna, some grilled items, and their version of a Philadelphia cheese steak.  It is so nice to be catered to instead of doing all the meals.

Louisiana was warmer than Wisconsin and without snow, but it was damp and a little cool. Next year, I need to remember to pack more sweatshirts. 

No snafus with the airlines this time, which was much nicer taking off and arriving on time as planned. ( Last time we were delayed on our first flight, missed out connection, and stuck in Houston for 13 hours before actually departing for home.) 

But now that I am home, I have returned to the sewing machine: 

New Stash Bee: 

very easy blocks.

Dear Jane block.  I started an online group of facebook which will release a square per week. Here is the first one with them which is the center block. 

And I dug out an old block to start a NEW project: the SAHRR. Thanks Nann for the reminder to try it again. 

My block is an applique one that I made using Lori Holt templates and pattern. I tried her method using interfacing. I really enjoy the hand appliqueing, but did not like this method as much as using templates and turning under seam allowance  and utilize start to press it or using Karen Kay Buckley's circle templates and basting and gathering them around it. Perfect every time. 

Hope you all are enjoying the new year and have enthusiasm for all your quilty projects, too.