Little Penguin Quilts Through the Year

Little Penguin Quilts Through the Year

Friday, December 15, 2023

This and that...

It's been one of those weeks where holiday activities filled my days and didn't leave me with much time at the sewing machine.  I'm not complaining because I've enjoyed it all, but I did have to content myself with just a little sewing.  I imagine I'm not the only one who has that happen this time of year!

I did get a little more quilting time in on the Split 9s.  It's getting close to being done, and I'm thinking about the binding.  Busy, colorful quilts like this one always make me want a calm binding - so maybe something in blue?  Not sure I have enough of anything in my stash that will work, so I might have to go shopping.  


I made a few more Blueberry Taffy blocks - see my Wednesday post for more about that.  These are turning into something fun!


In the evenings this week, I hand-pieced together two large blocks full of little bowties.    I don't know if you can tell, but there's some Christmas snowflakes on red and green prints in there - so a little seasonal stitching!  There will be two more blocks this size, and then a row of the 4 patches of bowties that I sewed together earlier.  I opted not to add sashing, but still thinking about a border.  


I ordered myself a little Christmas present this week, too - a new set of Omnigrid rulers in four sizes.  12.5, 9.5, 6.5, and 4.5 inch squares.  These are the sizes I use the most, and I think the previous ones were getting worn down on the edge where I run my rotary cutter the most.   I found a good deal for the set on Amazon.


So there's plenty to work on when I get more time - this week should be a little more open since my group activities took place last week. 

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












19 comments:

The Cozy Quilter said...

Life is busy here too. I’m still working on a few secret projects. Your RSC quilts just make me smile when I see them!

Pat at Bell Creek Quilts said...

Group Christmas activities are always fun! Your making great progress on your projects even with limited sewing time.

Kate said...

Those Blueberry Taffy blocks are such fun, love all those blues! Rulers do need replacing every now and again. Glad you found a good deal on those. Hope you have more time for stitching this weekend.

Linda said...

Your split nines quilt is looking so pretty. Glad you gifted yourself with those rulers - what a great choice! Time does seem to be flying, right? Our past couple weeks have been filled with appointments and errands! We made a quick trip to our daughter's house yesterday to deliver some popcorn and candy, a quilt, and some stockings. We are looking forward to a few days at home!

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

I've got the same size square rulers that I use all the time - I actually think I have 2 or three of the 12.5 for some reason - I tend to lay them over blocks on my felt boards to keep them flat and they fit instead project boxes good - nice progress on the quilts

Vicki in MN said...

You might not have had a lot of sewing time, but it looks like some fun ones to move forward:)

Sara said...

A good mix of holiday activities and sewing time. Those bowties are so pretty. Very nice progress!!

PaintedThread said...

I'm loving those taffy blocks. I have grown to appreciate the different sized square rulers (I used to think one big one was enough). And it's good to see I'm not the only one nicking the corners off my rulers!

Mari said...

Oooh, I love your little quilts but I'm distracted by those shiny new rulers! What a great present for yourself. I think your last taffy block needs to be pink. Just because! :)

maggie fellow said...

great progress for the holiday time - perfect quilter present, too

Jenny said...

All these pre Christmas meetings and get togethers really keep us busy at this time of year. Luckily mine are all over now too, leaving me with a clear week to get any thing else done.

Deb A said...

Lots of added activities this time of year tend to cut into the sewing time. Your projects are looking great. I need to get a little sewing in tomorrow once a bunch of baking is done today. Hand quilting tonight though, got to get a little fix with fabric and thread.

TerryKnott.blogspot.com said...

This is a busy time of year! Any time you "get" to spend in the sew zone is extra special. Love where you are going with your bowtie blocks, your split nine and your taffy blocks. Enjoy the festivities.

Sylvia@Treadlestitches said...

Beautiful blueberry and bowtie blocks, and great progress on the Split Nines! What a good idea for a Christmas present, new rulers. My 12.5 in. square is my very favorite. Good tools make all the difference!

Bonnie said...

It seems to me you still got a lot done on the sewing front. I tend to replace my rulers every 10 years or less. Recently I'm trying hard not to nick the corners. And, as much as I'd like to give the older rulers away my quilting buddy always suggest I not give them to other quilters as the measurements would be wrong. Sigh. I hope we both get time to sew this week.

Gwyned Trefethen said...

The blueberry taffy blocks are so much fun. Makes you want to cuddle under the quilt, sneak a taffy and enjoy! Delightful.

Melisa- pinkernpunkinquilting said...

I haven't had much time for quilting or stitching either. It is a busy but fun time of the year. I am glad you are enjoying it. You do have some gorgeous projects in the works. Glad you got to spend a little time working on them. Hugs.

Cheree @ The Morning Latte said...

Oh yes, I'm squeezing in just a little here and there but by golly, I'm going to get one or two more finishes in before the new year!!

Carol Andrews said...

Diann I so enjoyed reading your post and seeing all of your pretty WIPs. Thank you for linking with TDT. Hope this week had you enjoying the holidays, having some family fun time and maybe a bit of stitching time 🤗