A Full Load of Scrap Happiness!

This is the “Calm Before the Storm” of 2018.

I know it, and I can feel it. 

Yesterday I got notification that the Quiltville Date Keepers are on their way via Yellow Freight from California.

They should be arriving – about the same time as I leave for Chicago.

That just figures, now doesn’t it?

The pencil sets will be following sometime after.

And when I am back, we will be into the 4th of July holiday week -

So THIS week.  This very precious time while waiting for things to arrive, I am focusing on tying up some loose ends.  Making progress on things that have been pushed aside.  Getting things closer to finishes, and ready to start new things.


At the top of this post you see my Diamond Tile blocks being pushed closer to the “ready to assemble the top” status.

It cracks me up to no end that when we release a challenge, some folks have it done and bound within 2 weeks, and yet here I struggle to find the time to get things further along – sewing a bit here, a bit there, grabbing a bit of time in between other things, using block parts as Leaders & Enders to at least feel like I am accomplishing something!

Current Design Wall Update.

The 7 blocks at the machine (top of page) will be trimmed and added to this menagerie.  I am shooting for twin size, and I think I’ll be adding sashing so there are no points to match.  I haven’t decided on color or neutral yet – but it is fairly likely the cornerstones will be scrappy – my boxes of squares overfloweth.

As I type this I am smiling – the sliding door is open with just the screen separating me on the inside from the chirping of birds, and the noisy drilling of a woodpecker on the outside.  I love mornings in the mountains!

And binding happened!

(Signature 3-ply  60 wt on the spool pin – LOVE this thread!)

This binding job has to be done before August for the reveal – and I’m setting this aside for evening hand stitching time – which didn’t happen last night as I was too grossly involved in getting the Diamond Tile blocks further along.

How many for a twin?  Don’t count, Bonnie..just keep sewing!

Behind the scenes progress I can’t show –

• Blocks for my 2019 Quiltmaker Addicted to Scraps column are DONE!
• Samples for our upcoming Leader & Ender Challenge are DONE (Can’t wait!)
• This year’s Mystery is in the fabric pull stage and I’m really to start cutting!

Afternoon time out in town!

There were some things I needed, and around 4 pm I took a break and headed over to Jefferson, NC  (There is Jefferson and there is West Jefferson, and I usually hit them both as one entity, so for me, it is all just JEFFERSON!)  I’m in search of a computer desk for the post office OFFICE. 

How hard can it be to find a desk that will fit this space?  VERY.  And there wasn’t much to choose from.  I liked this table though – solid oak, and freedom of movement for my legs underneath ---rolling chair and all.  But will it fit?  I’ll have to remeasure the space and see.

Oh, you thought I was talking about the spool cabinet on top?  That caught my eye too, but it’s pretty danged expensive, and I need a desk.  That spool cabinet isn’t going anywhere – it’s been there for months and months – pricey!

Now THIS is more like it!

Except for that freedom of movement thing.

I measured it.  It’s 42’’ x 26’’ and SOLID.  It looks like it could be an old post master’s desk, doesn’t it?  Again, I’ll measure and see.

Tattered quilt, but interesting!

I remember seeing this pattern from my early days of quilting – the petals being “gathered” around the inset circular center.  I’ve always loved this block, the 3-D effect of the petals.

Gathers, pleats and puckers on PURPOSE!?  What a novel idea!

The quilt itself?  Also outrageously priced at $300.00. Newer polyester blend binding on it….stained and a bit worn, it is lovely – but someone at this mall doesn’t really know quilts.  Still it’s great for a photo!

There was also a lovely wicker rocker that was just screaming to be taken back to the porch.  If I go back for the desk, the rocker may have to come home too.

Son Jeff just called.  He’s 1.5 hours out and on his way to the Inn to do the landscaping.

GOOD!  I need his arm power to help me lift some things.

My plan is to meet him there and work at the house, heaven knows there are more baseboards to scrub down – nooks and crannies to clean. My mop and bucket await.

Also a mystery --- Yesterday when going to town I clicked the clicker that is attached to my windshield visor to open the drive gate.  This is undisputed – or how else could I have gotten to town?

On my way back – there was no clicker on my visor.  I lock my car religiously.  That isn’t disputed either.  I had to unlock the car to put my purchase inside (some furniture wax and polish from the antique mall)

So where is my clicker?  Could it have fallen off when I lowered the visor?  Maybe, but I searched the car….head to toe, no clicker.

I’ll be contacting the antique mall today to see if someone found it in the parking lot, though how it would have fallen there I have no idea.

Curiouser and curiouser! Yes, I can use the number pad, but I want my clicker back! #firstwrorldgateproblems

Quiltville Quote of the Day!

Yesterday’s quilt photo find.

(Yes, I want to make these blocks!  What a great hand piecing project?!)

Off to the shower, and then off to the Inn!

Have a lovely Saturday, everyone!