Sew Scrappy Spools QAL

The February Sew Scrappy Spools .... Sew Checkers and Sew Dash Blocks are done.  While the Spool Box was open, I quickly assembled additional spool units for the next several months.

The quilt was designed by Lori Holt and the quilt along is hosted by the Fat Quarter Shop, which will last through the end of the year.  Slow and Steady.

 

Sew Scrappy Spools QAL

 An advantage to retirement, I can participate in a Quilt-along in addition to sewing my own designs .... sometimes more than one.  I always have a leader/ender scrap quilt going, however some of the  scraps are  starting to overflow.  I keep them in several 20-quart plastic bins by color and/or type.  

When the Fat Quarter Shop introduced the Sew Scrappy Spools QAL, designed by Lori Holt with Bee In My Bonnet, I chose the bin that just won't close - i.e., the Batiks! 

About half of the batik scraps are now pressed to get started. I pulled a piece of greenish/ gray yardage for the spools and very quickly, the first 8 blocks are done. 

Christmas Placemats

In 2021, the Fat Quarter Shop offered a mini Christmas Quilt Sew Along which I finished and gifted to a sister.  I was so in love with the trees, I quickly made six more blocks ..... then they sat for a year.  With a push to finish lingering Christmas projects this year, I added a gift box block and made placemats.  

My inspiration for color is from a collection of Horizon Blue Vintage Diamond Point Glassware and dessert plates gifted to me years ago.  

 

Fat Quarter Shop Jolly Box

The 2022 Fat Quarter Shop Jolly Box project is quilted and bound.  The charm packs were from Kimberbell Designs, by Maywood Studio.  The binding came from my stash and blends right in.

 

Fat Quarter Shop Jolly Box

My First Jolly Box from the Fat Quarter Shop .... won't be my last.  Among the goodies, a Christmas Quilt pattern with two packs of Kimberbell, by Maywood Studios, Cup of Cheer Charm Packs. I used a navy background from my stash.   Relaxing after Thanksgiving was the perfect time to whip this little throw together.  I'll share again as soon as she is quilted and bound.

 

Fat Quarter Shop Sewcialites 2

I brought out the BIG guns to flatten this little block - my tailor's clapper was just not going to work.  After steam pressing, I laid a few books on top and weighted them down with a heavy vintage iron.  

Now caught up, I was able to take my time with Block #5, called the "Empower" Block designed by Carrie Nelson, the artist behind Miss Rosie's Quilt Patterns.   The Fat Quarter Shop is hosting the Sewcialites Quilt Along with the help of several designers.  

I am making the 6" block versions, using the Nova Collection, by  Basic Grey, Moda Fabrics.

 

Fat Quarter Shop Sewcialites 2

 

Block #4, the "Flirty" Block has been designed by Chelsi Stratton.  The Fat Quarter Shop is hosting the  Sewcialites Quilt Along with the help of several designers.  

I am making the 6" block versions, using the Nova Collection, by  Basic Grey, Moda Fabrics.

Fat Quarter Shop Sewcialites2

Block #3, almost caught up!  The "Patchy Days" Block has been designed by Jackie MacDonald of Sweetfire Road,  The Fat Quarter Shop has joined forces with several quilt designers for this new Sewcialites Quilt Along.  

I am making the 6" block versions, using the Nova Collection, by  Basic Grey, Moda Fabrics.

 

Fat Quarter Shop Sewcialites 2

Continuing on with Block #2, Tussy Mussy, from the Free Sewcialites Sew Along hosted by the Fat Quarter Shop.  Week #2's designer is Susan Ache, @yardgrl60 (Instagram). 

My blocks are finishing at 6", using the Nova Collection, by Basic Grey for Moda Fabrics. 

 

Fat Quarter Shop Sewcialites2

 

Running a race to catch up four (4) Sewcialites Blocks.  The Fat Quarter Shop has joined forces with several quilt designers for a new Quilt Along.  

Block #1, Perennial, was designed by Beverly McCullough of Flamingo Toes.  I will be making the 6" version, using the Nova Collection, by  Basic Grey, Moda Fabrics.

Christmas Time QAL

 

The Christmas Time Quilt, from the mystery quilt-a-long hosted by the Fat Quarter Shop is done and delivered to my sister for her birthday.  This time I used my miscellaneous Christmas Stash - some from many years gone by.  The machine quilting was a simple swirl pattern and was hand bound.

A Big Thank You to Kimberly and her staff for a quick little pre-holiday project!

All the Trimmings Mystery Quilt

Love a good Quilt Along ... the Fat Quarter Shop hosted the "All the Trimmings" Mystery in 2021 and it was so much fun.  I finished it last year in time for my sister Rayna's Christmas Present. This year, I will be gifting Sister Phyllis the 2022 Christmas Time Quilt for her October birthday (99% complete).

Are you one of those who buys FQ Bundles, then hates to break them open?  That's me!  This bundle was from 2009 by Sandy Gervais, for Moda, called Crazy Eights.  I was so happy to be able to finally use the bundle and have enough for a pieced backing.  

Boo Crew Mystery QAL

 

The Fat Quarter Shop hosted the 2022 Boo Crew Mystery that has to be the cutest ever.  The one I finished above went to my second sister for her birthday, however I see another one in my future.

I used a bright green background so the purples, golds and greens popped for a Mardi Gras-ish Halloween party.  The eyes of the cat are a little dizzying because I used polka dot fabric and didn't line them up.  Oh well, he is the cutest of all the blocks.

Bats and Boos QAL

 

Although I would like to skip some memories of 2021, there are many quilt finishes worth sharing.  The Fat Quarter Shop hosted a Bats and Boos QAL, which I happily joined.   I have become a huge fan of a few You Tube Videos after retirement, including Kimberly Jolly Fat Quarter Shop.  

A little over a year ago, the southern part of Louisiana became the target of Hurricane Ida.  We evacuated for several days along with this quilt  to finish the binding.  Returning home to no power or water, we counted our blessings to still have a home. 

The finished Bats and Boos was completed last year just in time for my sister's birthday.  Considering I raided her Halloween Stash for a backing, it was the least I could do.