Quiltville's Quips & Snips!!: Desk Day Done!

So what if my dreaded Desk Day took two days, and I've still got a form to fill out that I'm waiting for more info on after sending them an email requesting such?

If I send a reply email, with questions, at least they know I'm taking care of things as I can, right?

That means that the afternoon allowed me a couple of hours of machine time before the March Quiltvillians started arriving!

The block quarters I showed in Yesterday's Post were pressed, joined into halves, and then joined to make the next round of blocks.

Piecing cuteness!

I mean, who can resist tiny raccoons on an orange piece of fabric?

I think that's one of the things I love about scrap quilts - just the variety of styles and colors and no rules.

Just in this unit alone I've got a batik, a racoon print, a red-work type shirting print, and a civil war print all working together.

It suits me somehow!

Chain pressing for the win.

I've talked about this quite a lot, but it bears repeating especially since we have new quilters joining us after they dug in to our Lupine & Laughter Mystery.

Chain piecing is likely the greatest invention in all of quilting history. That and the invention of the rotary cutter.

I do myself a favor and stop the endless tangle of way-too-long chains of piecing by cutting lengths off the back of my machine (leaving one under my presser foot to hold my place) no longer than my ironing board.

So instead of one long length of more than 50 units that can get twisted and tangled, I have several lengths of 5 to 6 units all facing the same direction.

I don't cut them apart until I have pressed them as it stops me from having to pick up one unit at a time, turn it the right direction, press it, move it aside, grab another one, turn it around to position it, and so forth.

Press up your chain - all in one direction, and THEN come through and snip the chaining threads between the units.

At this point I trim off the dog ears with scissors into a small container on my ironing board. (Seen in upper left of photo and also in the top photo of this post.

Mixing and matching into block halves.

The completed halves are in the top photo of this post.

As these units are paper pieced, there is no way to reverse pressing direction once another seam has anchored those seams in place, so this becomes a "pin-to-match" job.

As much as I *hate* pinning, I only get good results when I do, especially if there are seams that I can't nest.

It's a two-pin-process for me. The first pin goes straight through to match point-to-point. It just skewers the two points together.

The second pin is for the pinning. I go in and out with a very small "bite" right next to the skewering pin. Then I remove the skewering pin to pin the next points that need matching.

I do not sew over pins! I stop the machine with needle down just above the pin, remove the pin, and continue.

It takes time. As I said, I really *hate* pinning, but it is the only way to get the results I want with seams that do not nest.

These scraps go deep!

Some were gifted by a friend, and many are just dug out of my own scrap stash, happy to finally find a place to land. Yes, that is a cow. It was on the fabric jumping over a moon.

I'm just saying it was symbolic of the blood moon we had in the sky the other night. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

The "Moon" is seen in this top block, minus the cow.

And at this point, I've pinned things in sets of 10 so I can keep count more easily - and I'm smiling because I've nearly reached the half-way mark for the quilt I have floating in my mind because I have not designed this by computer yet.

I'm not set in stone as to how I'm going to set these blocks, or planned on any borders.

It's just going as it goes.

As I wrote in Yesterday's Post, the block was originally published in the Kansas City Star in 1932 and is called Gretchen. I'm paper piecing mine after drawing it up in a much smaller size so I could use the oodles of cut-off corners I've saved from various projects.

I don't have a deadline on this one so I can't tell you when I'll release the pattern, but stay tuned and follow along and I'll let you know!

Meanwhile in the studio:

Hazel loves the windowsill behind the cutting table -

She is watching traffic go by.

She loves the porch in the afternoons when the weather is nice, and was just hanging out watching ladies unload their cars as the March Quiltvillians arrived.

She couldn't are less about Flash and his feral standoffishness. Here she's telling him just how cushy she's got it, and what he is missing out on.

I had to zoom in to get this shot - but I was able to get as close as 3 feet away -

Okay, my HAND was maybe 3 feet away, but my butt was firmly further away and in his safe zone while taking the photo.

Afternoon sun on his face.

If only he'd let me scratch under his chin, the top of his head. If only he knew how good it would feel to give into it and just release one purr.

Instead I get a small meow and a hiss if I get too close.

We'll keep working with him until he finally gives in!

For those who have asked "But where are the dogs?!"

Right here beside me as I type at my desk. (I vacated this chair to take this photo.)

They are living their best doggie lives, especially now that it is warmer outside and they can go spend time in the play yard, get lots of treats, and be spoiled rotten.

I'm calling the vet this morning because Tula's eye is still draining. Time for another antibiotic's shot I'm sure.

Today I'll be hanging with the March Quiltvillians, piece up some more block units, and just enjoy a sunny Thursday ahead.

How about you?

Tomorrow is the cut off date to sign-up!

Are you dreaming of coming with me to Romania in June? June is stated to be the most beautiful month to visit. I can't wait.

We are into the last days of signups and registration will be closing soon.

We still have some spots available, and I was told that the cut off date for those who wish to join me is March 6th - so hurry! Get your reservation in NOW!

Of course, our whole trip isn't solely about quilting - we will be hitting all of the fabulous spots Romania has to offer. Hubbies, Partners, Adult Children, Siblings, Friends are all welcome. You don't have to be a quilter to enjoy this trip!

Things we have planned:

Visiting to the UNESCO World Heritage village of Sighisoara.
Driving through the beautiful rolling hills of Transylvania.
Self-guided tour and free time to explore the Muzeul Micul Paris.
Visiting the Bran Village Museum to learn more about Romania's history.
A tour of the spectacular Palace of Parliament in Bucharest with a local professional guide.
Panoramic city tour of Bucharest with a local professional guide.

A tour of Dracula’s Castle (Bran Castle) in Transylvania.
A welcome dinner, introductions, and orientation meeting.
Free time to explore and photograph the Bucharest Botanical Gardens.
An optional cooking lesson making traditional Romanian cuisine.
Delicious buffet breakfast served daily at the hotel.
A leisurely walking tour and shopping opportunity in the craft village Comana.

Panoramic city tour of Brasov with a local professional guide.
A professional Craftours travel manager throughout your entire journey.
Tour of Peles Castle, former Summer Palace of the Romanian Royal Family.
Panoramic city tour of Bucharest with a local professional guide.
Special “farewell dinner” at our hotel in Bucharest.
Visiting the Liberty Bear Sanctuary to see bears in a very special and protected habitat.