Friday, December 1, 2023

Progress and Plans

This time of year, I seem to get distracted by holiday projects that either just *have to* be made or just have to be finished.  That's where I am this week - with a Christmas tablerunner I decided to make that now really needs to be finished so I can put it on the table!

As of Friday afternoon - quilting is done.  Time for the binding!

I have made progress on the bowtie quilt blocks, sewing all 80 small blocks into groups of four.  Next step - groups of 16?  Or do I want sashing and cornerstones between them?  Maybe make the bowties the center and add wider borders?  Decisions, decisions!



Meanwhile, I've stocked up on batting and backing so that I can finish a quilt - preferably more than one!  I'll start with the Split Nines top.  One afternoon of cutting the batting and backing to the right size and getting the layers basted together for quilting would put me on a good path toward a finish!

I got a good deal on a 3 yard cut of wide backing from Missouri Star not too long ago.  You had to take what they were offering, so not a ton of choices for this particular deal, but I thought this print would be a fun backing for some rainbow quilts.

And finally, this week I've been planning ahead for 2024 with this block -  a scrappy patchwork heart!  This is inspired by the quilt that Cynthia at Quilting is More Fun than Housework shared on her Sunday post last weekend.  I just loved those hearts of hers and had to try making one myself.  I used 2.5 inch squares and they make a 12 inch finished block.


Sharing at SoScrappy for ScrapHappy Saturday and at 
Sew and Tell Monday at Melva Loves Scraps
To-Do Tuesday at Quilt Schmilt 






18 comments:

  1. Beautiful projects. Those hearts are tempting! I'm having trouble focusing on anything. Yesterday I sewed without thread!

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  2. the bowtie quilt is looking great, good idea to keep batting on hand - I had to check my supply last month to see if I needed to order and and I had 2 queen size packages on the top shelf with the backing fabric.

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  3. Nice to have a new table runner to put on your table. Looks like it’s almost done! Fun and colourful bow tie quilt. Enjoy your sewing! Gail at the Cozy Quilter

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  4. It's always fun to find a smoking hot on backing and a fun print too! All your projects are looking good. A Christmas squirrel found me too. :)

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  5. You;ve got some fun stuff in the works. Your Bow Tie blocks are really fun. Looking forward to seeing how you decide to proceed with that quilt. Happy stitching this weekend. Hopefully you'll get your table runner finished.

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  6. Yes, the Christmas things are just irresistible to me too. Christmas fabric is my favorite. Your bowtie groups of four look so good together, and the sashing/cornerstone idea is interesting. I'll look forward to seeing what you do.
    Wow on that backing - so pretty!
    Enjoy your weekend Diann! I am going to make a chocolate cake today - been craving one all week - and then I'll work on the 16-patches in between watching a couple football games. :D

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  7. Those bowties will be very pretty in any arrangement. So cheerful. The scrappy heart is a fun block idea!

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  8. I think it is okay to get distracted with making/finishing things for the holidays. With winter ahead you will have plenty of time to get the other things done. Scrappy hearts will make a very fun quilt.

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  9. Your "distraction" is lovely. I hope you'll share photos of it on your table when done. Your bowtie quilt is so fun. I love the pattern they make when there's no sashing but that's entirely up to you. I too admire Cynthia's heart block and that last quilt she made with them. It will be fun to see yours grow throughout the year. enjoy! ;^)

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  10. Wow, that backing you bought from MSQC couldn’t have been more perfect! I love your bow ties and can’t wait to see how you decide to finish it up! It’s hard to believe that it’s time to start finalizing our decisions for RSC24 already!!

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  11. I know what you mean about the sewing theme this time of the year. We need more time! I think the hearts will make a perfect RSC quilt so here we are looking forward to 2024 already! yay!

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  12. The bow ties look great and love how you are quilting the christmas table runner. That is a fun heart for the RSC next year. Will you be hand stitching a block each month next year as well?

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  13. Your comment made me smile, planning ahead for RSC 2024! We all seem to be doing that now, it seems. And I'm sure some are like me, not finished all the current projects yet!

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  14. You are staying busy, Diann. The Bow Tie quilt is looking fabulous. I have never made one but have quilted a few. Yours is so cheerful. I think it is a great idea to plan for next year's RSC challenge. The heart is adorable. You always have such happy fabrics. Enjoy the evening . Stay warm and cozy.

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  15. This time of year is such a crazy busy time. . .what happened to October and November???? This year has zipped! While I like your straight layout of your bowties, I also could see groups of blocks sashed. Sometimes, it is hard to decide what to do because each layout looks terrific! I like your scrappy heart block. Next year is going to be a great year for stitching bits into useable items!!

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  16. Have fun with those Heart blocks, Diann! Cynthia just showed a quilt with a single heart and a background of scrappy squares. SEW many options to consider!!

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  17. Such wonderful colorful projects! Love that backing fabric too. I can see your heart's in the right place lol!

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  18. Now all you need is a rainy day to sew! Great projects.

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