Oh, THAT Old Thing?!

Perhaps the first quilt top of 2020?

I thought I had this top nailed down. 

I mean, I had it sashed and everything – but it was “barely” couch sized.  What good would that do for anything?  My sons are 6’ 3’’ and 6’ 4’’ respectively, and The Hubster is also 6’ 3’’. A wall hanging or table topper can be fairly small and still serve a purpose.  But a quilt that is too small to cover a person, but too big to hang on the wall – what’s the point?

I had planned to add another row in width, and another in length to make it “THAT” much bigger – but as I laid it out on the floor, all bets were off.

It’s twin to full sized or NOTHING.

I am going 2 rows wider, and three rows longer!

I know there is no way that I can get this top up-sized before New Years.  And I’m okay with that.

What I DO love about biggie-sizing this quilt (besides the fact that it will actually be big enough to cover PEOPLE) is the fact that there is no shortage of recycled fabric scraps around here.  if you have the fabric – why not put it to good use on something I already know about, versus trying to come up with another design for later?

The quilt will tell me when it is done, as so often happens with most of my projects.  They just seem to know what they need, as if they are some living entity with a voice and a mind of their own.

And this little ditty came to me while stitching away -

It only takes a toothpick! LOL!

Click this hashtag for other photos I’ve posted: #jacksdelightquilt

My current audio book!

If you are looking for something good to listen to, I love Bryce Courtenay!  Especially since his novels are LONG – making it a good bang for your buck on Audible. This one is a 19 hour listen.  Perfect while cutting out quilt blocks!

Pressing matters at Quiltville Inn!

The second-hand salvaged ironing board received its newly covered big board ironing surface yesterday!  This one will be a portable “extra” in case more surfaces are needed and can easily be set up in the hall outside of the Quilting Quarters.

The tops are roughly 17’’ x 52’’. The boards are permanently mounted to the ironing boards with wood screws and washers and are very sturdy this way. They will stand the test of time when folding up the ironing board legs and storing away in a closet until needed.

The 100% cotton ticking fabric came from the sliding glass door curtains in the basement sewing studio at the cabin.  That fabric has been the gift that keeps on giving.  It’s covered 3 ironing boards so far, and I’ve made a tote for The Hubster’s practice tennis balls out of a huge hunk as well.  There is still enough fabric to cover one more standard ironing board in due time.

Big permanent pressing stations -

We have cut 2 pieces of ply wood the same size as the work bench tops – about 22’’ x 6'0’’.  I have covered the boards with 2 layers of warm & natural batting, using a staple gun.

I am still waiting for the 100% cotton duck cloth that I ordered to be delivered, and it should show up this week.

As my irons will NOT have water in them – I am not worried about wet wood underneath.  I have had big boards last as long as 5 years before it was time to replace the batting and the cover.  

There are spray bottles on hand for lightly misting the fabric before pressing with a dry iron, but water should never soak through the batting layers to the wood underneath.  If your batting and plywood get wet and mildewy enough to not dry out -that’s just way too much water.

Last night’s guilty movie pleasure -

Little Women!

Our favorite Blue Ridge Movie Lounge has proved so successful in the little town of West Jefferson, North Carolina that it has opened up a second screen! We picked up friends Jean & Gordon and had a great time – popcorn, beverages, comfy chairs and small town fun.

I enjoyed this adaptation very much – the costumes were fabulous, and yes there were SEVERAL quilts thought out the movie. The personalities of the characters was completely engaging.  You may think you know the story, but this was such a delightful version.  Catch it if you can.

Today’s plan??  It’s a Monday, and not while strictly a work Monday, some desk work will happen here.  All of that “Wrap up the end of the year and get ready for the next one.” Stuff.  This week’s mystery clue is also in the works – are you ready?  I know some are chomping at the bit, and it is all getting SO exciting!

Then perhaps I’ll be back to finish up the last 21 blocks for this quilt – and start cutting out the remaining sashings that are needed.

Do you think I could possibly load the purple/green quilt top that I just finished in the quilting machine and get started on it?  I’d like nothing better!

What do you have planned for this last Monday of the decade?

Quiltville Quote of the Day

I haven't shared this quilt in a while - this is entitled "3 a.m. Hot Flash!" and was made from a wide variety of solid scraps.

I hand quilted it and enjoyed every minute. Completed in 2008.

How can a dozen or so years fly by so quickly?

Have a wonderful Monday, everyone!