Four Patch top finished.

4 patch from stash scraps

 

 

    I have an obsession.  I mean really.  I just can't, can't throw away my scraps.   I have another obsession...using up my considerable stash of fabric and fabric scraps.   So putting these two obsessions to work, I decided to make a 4 patch quilt.   Some time ago, (like over a year ago) I squared some of the bigger pieces into 4 inch squares. This year, I've committed myself to putting those patches into a quilt top.  I have so many UFO's...therefore the subject of this blog.  This was one of them. 

 

I've been working on this project all year, here and there.  This month, armed with my  Janome Jem Gold 660 Lightweight Sewing Machine, and having the luxury of Quilting Play Dates with friends, I finally finished.   

 

First, I joined the patches into 4 patch blocks.  Next, the four patches were joined into double 4 patches.  4 double 4 patches made a row.  I ended up with almost 6 rows.     In the end I had to make 3 more double 4 patches to finish it off evenly...so back to my scraps and cut 36 more patches and put these together into 3 more double 4 patches. 

 

Now this was fun.  No pattern to follow, just a random happening of patches of fabric.  For me a very enjoyable and satisfying project.  OK, any quilter's out there with scraps.  What can you do with yours.  I have so much more to work with.  I need to think of a new way to use them up...nothing mind boggling mind you...just a simple project.  

 

But first.  I need to get this top quilted.  I'm a hand quilter, but that does take some time.  I just might try my hand ...er.. machine at machine quilting.  Maybe something simple like straight line stitching. 

 

 

 My Jem Gold has a 5 piece quilting kit. 

I purchased it so I may as well use it.  I'll quilt this top at one of my next Quilter's Play Dates.

Just an update

I haven't been posting on this blog but have been working on finishing up my UFO's.   I'm now working on several finishes and put some in between.  I'm working on a 4 patch using up my scraps.  Actually using a sewing machine for this.  I've made several more mug rugs and working on an English Paper Pieced project.  Blocks are all done, now need to put on sashing and borders and quilt it.  The blocks are made with 30's reproduction fabrics.  

 

 

I purchase an Jem Gold Sewing machine to take with me when I go to classes or retreats or play/sew dates.

This is my Jem Gold.  A great little machine and easy to carry. 

I got the carrier for it too.

 So also trying to clear out items from my home office.  It's been a mess.  I've been scanning and shredding so there is not so much clutter.  Everything is now on thumb drives.

 Came across this picture of my hubby when we were first together.   I thought this was lost forever!  You see what you can find if you just organize and clean up.

 

THE MAN LOVES TO FISH

That is Lake Erie in the background.  Not sure where we were.  Too long ago.  I've lived around this lake somewhere all my life. 

I'll return with pictures of my progress on my quilts hopefully soon.

SMALL TABLE TOPPER

QUILT AS YOU GO BLOCK

In 2001 I took a class to learn the quilt as you go technique.  I made this little block and put it away.  When I was organizing my sewing room, I discovered this little project.  I decided to bind it and went into my stash of blue scraps.  I cut out strips and put them together and last night put the binding on.    I'm using it as a table topper for the end table next to my chair.  It fits perfectly and fits a mug a coffee as well as a few other items.

  

Appropriately it's the Courthouse Steps Block.  I've traveled up and down those steps for 35 years and last week for the last time.  My retirement is official.  Even though I will practice law and keep my license to practice, I'm not taking on any new clients. I may go up and down the Federal Court House steps once in a while but not on a regular basis.  

 

And in memorium to Judge Richard L. Speer who has recently passed away, you will be missed.

  

HARVEST HOME

HARVEST HOME ROUND ROBIN

This wall hanging was started in 1999.  That year in January, the Applique Addicts started meeting at the Quilt Foundry in Maumee Ohio.  Some of us participated in a round robin.  Monthly the quilt would make it's way to the next person and they would create a block with the fabric and backing provided.  My group mates prepared some and I prepared the center, the squirrel, the grapes, the mice, the crow and put it all together.  I found this piece at the bottom of a UFO pile and began reconstruction in December of 2012.  Some of the applique had to be redone.  My grapes, for example, were the grapes of a new appliquer.  Not good.  I began the quilting process in January 2013.  It is all hand quilted.  I just finished it in March and put the binding on in April. 

 

SIGNED LABEL OF HARVEST HOME ROUND ROBIN

At the time the round robin was going around, so was the label.  Each person who worked on the quilt, signed it.  I attached the label to the quilt on April 9, 2013 which happens to be my granddaughter Maddie's 10th birthday.  Happy Birthday Maddie. She wasn't even born when I started this quilt!  I have two granddaughters.  I will try to time a UFO in honor of Emma's Birthday in September.