Like many quilters and crafters, I have a tendency to jump around between projects. Especially since I retired from teaching and have more time to sew, as well as see new patterns and projects I would like to try. Sometimes that means a quilt finish gets put on the back burner for awhile. That has certainly been the case for Patchwork Hearts. These blocks were made during the Rainbow Scrap Challenge in 2024!
I slowly sewed them into rows and began quilting in 2025. I wanted to try a quilt-as-you-go finish, building on what I learned from the Pieces of My Life QAL that I participated in in 2024-25. But, it seems to be months in between time spent working on the quilting - which means the quilt is still not finished. Taking some inspiration from Kate at Life in Pieces, I'm going to try dedicating some time to this quilt each week until it is finally finished this year!
Two days of quilting this past week helped finish up row 3 which is the center row of the quilt.
On to row 4 this next week. And, to honor pink month, here is the pink heart, all quilted!
In other sewing-related news, I've been successful at using up the partial spools of thread that I discovered back in January. I remember that I was so embarrassed about how many there were that at the time I didn't photograph them or count them. But here are the 10 that I've used up and the others bagged up by color that are waiting to be used up next!
Sharing at SoScrappy for ScrapHappy Saturday.
And at Quilting is More Fun than Housework for Oh Scrap!
Melva Loves Scraps for Sew and Tell Monday.
It gives me satisfaction to finish using up something…a spool of thread, a piece of fabric, etc. It also feels good to finish a ufo! It is time to get your scrappy hearts done. You are well on your way. I have a pile of quilt tops to quilt. That’s my goal for this summer. Gail at the cozy quilter
ReplyDeleteIf anyone should be embarrased by the amount of thread it should be me! I found a fabulous deal on FB marketplace 2 years ago and couldn't pass it up. Love that you are getting back to work on the patchwork hearts quilt, I am here cheering you on.
ReplyDeleteI could have every word of your first paragraph about myself. LOL The heart quilt is just lovely no matter how long it takes. Using up that thread must mean you've done lots of productive sewing.
ReplyDeleteI still love those pretty patchwork hearts, especially the rainbow one, and they are looking even more fabulous as you get them quilted!
ReplyDeleteGood for you on the thread! During my first few years of quilting, I thought I had to go ahead and buy at least one of every color of Superior Threads So Fine, plus I always replenished my "go-to" color of Genoa Gray, like buying 5-6 at a time. Then when I needed a different color, I'd buy a couple of those too. Well at the cost of thread nowadays, I am trying to use up all the colors I haven't used yet instead of buying my favorite. So I have a pretty full rack of thread and will probably not order anything new until I win the lottery. ;)
I save the thread spools as I empty them and then photograph what was used at the end of the year. As expensive as thread is, using it up sure makes sense! Good for you to get back to this project. Your quilting looks great!
ReplyDeleteThe quilting looks great. Quilt as you go does seem to fit in with a couple of days a week to stitch routine. I'm trying to get a whole quilt ready for quilting. It takes longer. But then again this is the first time I'm trying a larger project. Fingers crossed it's ready to quilt by the end of this week.
ReplyDeleteSuch nice work on a lovely project! I think we all have projects that go into "time out" for a while.
ReplyDeleteIt is so good to hear that you are working on the lovely heart quilt , Diann. I am like you- with lots of projects and many on the back burner that need some love and attention. I am sure you will have this one quilted in no time . Woo Hoo on emptying some of those spools of thread! Have a wonderful weekend.Hugs.
ReplyDeleteNice progress, Diann!
ReplyDeleteI love your hearts that quilt is looking good. I usually use the spools until they are completely gone but I can see not wanting to run out if you are machine quilting. The few times I machine quilt I am constantly checking my bobbin thread.
ReplyDeleteNever feel bad about the stash of anything! I call it being prepared =). Love seeing the hearts.
ReplyDeleteThe heart quilt is lovely, what a nice project for the RSC. Inch by Inch, row by row, you'll get that lovely quilt done.
ReplyDeleteFirst off, congrats on using up all that thread! So satisfying! I love that you are working slowly but surely on the Patchwork Hearts. They are lovely!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I ordered several Hazel Prior used books & will be reading them in the near future!
ReplyDeleteGood for you for using up your partial spools. I have many also. But mine are darks colors and some brights, like orange or pink. I do use them on crumb block. Especially to fill the bobbin. I’ve learned over time that gray, or sage green are good for most everything.
ReplyDeleteYour patchwork hearts us such a pretty quilt. Yes, like you, I also tend to jump around between projects too. Or sometimes just get the UFOs out to look at them, then put them back!
ReplyDeleteThe hearts are super cute. The block you chose for the alternating block really makes everything look so planned. Beautiful work. Good luck with your 15 minutes to sew each day.
ReplyDeleteI remember you making those hearts. Glad they're seeing the light of day again. Quilting row by row is certainly more manageable than bunching it all up under the sewing machine. I'll be curious how you feel about getting the rows together in the end. Embarrassed by your thread? Don't be. We all have "secret stashes" whether thread, fabric, buttons, patterns, etc! Lol!
ReplyDeleteMy mother did a lot of quilt-as-you-go; I've not tried it.
ReplyDeleteThe patchwork hearts quilt is looking great! It is going to be so pretty after the quilting is done. Those are some of my favorite blocks you've made.
ReplyDelete