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Monday, April 06, 2026

Deep Into Purples!


So much for working from the top of the purple bin and keeping things orderly -

It was time for up-ending and digging in because I am sewing this stuff up and saying good-bye to random hunks and chunks that have been sitting around for too long, ignored.

Let's just say that there was a lot of ironing while binging some Britbox and I am amazed at what came out of my Spring Break weekend!


Pieces sew to pieces in all shades of purple.

Remember the names of the crayons in your new crayon box from way back when?  In my mind these have the labels of Red Violet to Blue Violet. All the "berry" colors.


Building and building -


And using my 16 1/2'' ruler to trim to size.


Joining more pieces to pieces - 


Making enough to back this baby!

I could have gone with any color - because ALL the colors are in the quilt top, but purple is the one that made me the happiest and I'm going to be so glad to have cleaned out this hunks and chunks bin.


The "Before" photo.


The after!


And when all of the blocks were made and clean up was underway, I found I had THIS MUCH from the trimmings to add to the purple strings bin.

Guys, I think I'm going to have to do a purple string quilt pretty soon because the lid is not closing easily on THAT bin now!

There are also some strips that I cut down into Scrap User's System sizes and those will be added to the pre-cut strips in that purple bin.


Saturday afternoon was lovely.  I took a break from the purple backing block sewing to take a solo dirt road hike just to clear my mind and move my body. Things are really greening up now!


The cows to the left are so happy!

I love nature photos where a long road winds off in the distance - something about the perspective.


As for the cows - the just want to be left to stand in the creek.


Or gather beneath a blooming tree.


Yellow blossoms on the hillside, just in time for Easter!


If this photo came with sound, you'd hear the creek on the right babbling by.  Such a peaceful sound.


When I got back, Hazel was not only spying on me from the porch - but she was OUTSIDE the rail on the mere edge?  Crazy girl.


And she is such a Prima Dona. 


And still, she hasn't figured out how to open a Ziploc bag yet, thank goodness!


I took this photo yesterday morning while sitting with my back up against the house, watching Flash come grab a bite quickly, then back off to eat it. I'm not giving up on him yet!

It was also rainy and chilly yesterday morning - and it was the most laid back Easter we've ever had in my memory. Casden was with his Dad. Jeff and Ashlyn went to her sister's house to visit with them Ashlyn's Sister's new baby.

Hubster Dave and I had French toast for Easter dinner! LOL! (French toast has eggs so that counts, and bacon is related to ham, right?)

Today the plan is to lay out the purple backing blocks and start sewing them together. Who knows.  By tomorrow I may be able to load this quilt in the machine?


I've also got to put the finishing touches on the PDF pattern for my Open Window quilt which is releasing this month!

Several of you have asked what is coming up next so you can be watching for it.

While I used recycled shirts for my version, this would be another one that would be great in scrappy everything, and even wonderful in a 2-color plan as we did with Stardust.

I can't get enough of string quilts (as you well know!) and I'm glad to know that I'm not alone in this!

I hope everyone had a wonderful, relaxing Easter weekend. 

What's up for your Monday?


Quiltville Quote of the Day -

How often do we fail to notice the small simple pleasures while waiting for that big and momentous what-ever-it-is to come our way? ⁣

Today acknowledge the tiny joys that add up to a wonderful day!

 

13 comments:

  1. Anonymous8:48 AM EDT

    We also had a laid back Easter. I fried up some ham to go with leftover mashed potatoes and veggies. I did though make a few deviled eggs! Happy Spring!
    Connie Taylor

    ReplyDelete
  2. Leslie Hassmann9:24 AM EDT

    I find the purple bin is neglected in my stash so kudos for making a huge dent in yours! Looking forward to the release of your Open Window quilt. It’s absolutely amazing. Love, love, love it!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sandra Gadbaw9:25 AM EDT

    Happy to hear bacon is as good as ham, we had pork chops so good comparison.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Yesterday I started laying out fabrics for a quilt I will make for "my brother by another mother". He said brown. I started with brown. Then added some blue, then some green, then some rust. By the time I got there, I thought "Bonnie has had such influence on me!, let's just use all of it and mix it up good!". Tupelo Trail is my goal and the fabrics are civil war repros which I was gifted.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wow! What a lot has come out of that happy bin. Looking forward to seeing it come together. Your cows are a lot happier than ours down here; they have a LOT more green to chew on than ours! HAHA! We had a cold, drizzly Easter weekend for which I am grateful for whatever falls from the sky. Today I am nursing a migraine so I am in energy conservation mode even though I should be at work. Or binding. Too much to do than to deal with that. But, such is life. Happy quilting! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Lynn in Australia10:30 AM EDT

    Who's had a baby? Jeff & Ashlyn or Ashlyn's sister?.
    Can't believe after making Gretchen into such a wonderful top, that you were able to make me love it more by backing it in purples. I have a quilty friend who buys me purple fabrics every time she visits (to encourage me)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Been following you for years - LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your posts. I can imagine the quiet peaceful walks, and you absolutely amaze me with your quilts. I look forward to your leader and ender challenge each year. I've made several donation quilts with them through the years. Thank you for sharing your life with us.

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  8. Just loving your berry purples! Some even look familiar! Yes, it was a laid-back Easter! Happy for you! Adore your recent scrappy quilt receiving the purples backing! Bless you & your family. Linda Faux, Florida

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  9. Anonymous12:27 PM EDT

    Thank you, Bonnie. I appreciate so much you post… to start my week off both with your positive thoughts at the end of your post and the sharing of your Easter dinner! Now to head outside on this rare sunny day in Oregon!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Love that Open Window quilt may hve to put that on my list.

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  11. Yay! I've been watching for Open Windows! :-)
    Lovely spring there with your cute kitties and cows. The purples are going to fit right in with the spring flowers.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Kathie Mackey7:49 PM EDT

    I have been waiting for Open Windows to drop! I had a note on my phone that it was due to come out this month! Thank you! I can't wait to start it.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Rosa Tougas8:42 PM EDT

    I wonder if Flash misses Tula! Flash will eventually appreciate you I’m sure Rosa

    ReplyDelete

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