Clean Spaces

I cleaned and reorganized my sewing space this weekend. The project took longer than anticipated (doesn’t it always?) but change is good and it was time. During my purge, I took time to go through everything and rediscovered a few old treasures that brought smiles to my face.

My grandmother’s button box. I remember Gam using this when I was a kid. Oh, nostalgia.

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A few of my favorite buttons.

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Some Coats and Clark silk thread on wooden spools – given to me when my great aunt Peggy passed away a few years ago.

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And some vintage Lily Pulitzer fabric. Aunt Peggy lived in South Florida for most of her life so I know they are the real deal. This is one of several but it happens to be my favorite!

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Quilt Retreat

Quilt retreat was this weekend, and oh. my. gosh. I needed it. I had parts cut for two quilts, and managed to finish a little more than half of one. I’m so happy with the progress, and can’t wait to finish. The blocks will finish at 9″.

I love this group of women. Many have been in the guild for twenty years. Some for just two. I’ve been part of it for ten, though I’m less involved since I moved. BUT, I always love an opportunity to see my friends, and retreat is the perfect excuse. Even better, my MOM joined this time. I think she enjoyed it. Sadly, I didn’t snap a photo of us, but I did get one with my friend, Mary.

The thing that always resonates with me as far as this group is concerned is that we build each other up. Retreat is fun, and exhilarating, and wildly inspirational. We all talk, and commiserate about quilts and there is no grousing or complaining, no piddly bickering. This is a group of women that genuinely cares about each other and their lives and artwork. We trade tips, eat, and laugh.

At the end of the day, that’s what it’s about anyhow, right?

Quilt Retreat Prep

I’m going to a quilt retreat with my guild friends this weekend. Two days of sewing. No interruptions. This weekend couldn’t come at a better time, either. I have been stuck in the house because of snow/threat of snow/sick kids for twelve days and, well, it’s been stressful. And loud.

To maximize my sewing time, I’ve spent the last week cutting out my parts. I’m very excited about this quilt. I think it will be great when I finish.

Here’s what I have so far:

Squares from my stash. Well, I did buy a few pieces, but only a few.

Strips:

The strips and squares will be paired with grey and navy. Not sure where the grey is but I can assure you that the parts have been cut.

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I’ll try to post my progress over the weekend.

Happy Quilting!

1400 Quilt Squares

I am working hard to use fabric from my stash and not buy new material. I’m not gonna lie. It’s not easy.

I’m working on a checkerboard quilt. This weekend I cut 1400 squares, each 1.5″. The grey fabric in the background is from another project that I took a different direction. See? Using what I have. I call that a win.

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Then I did the math. I used yards and yards of fabric, right? No. 2 1/4 yards. But that means I have that much less fabric in my space and a lot more quilts to make. Woot!