Since the last post, I've finished two more quilt tops for Loving Stitches:
Name: "Biscotti" Author: Heidi Cook Source: Villa Rosa Design Card. Copyright 2022
This is a modified Rail Fence quilt pattern. These strips were in a box in the church closet, so all I had to do was figure out the puzzle and put it together.
I've also made progress on the yarn scrap project:
"Kittens in a Row"
This is an adaptation of Happy Yellow House's "Criss Cross" pattern found here.
The 12-inch square pattern is called "Pinwheel." It is by Dayna Audirsch. Unfortunately, it is no longer available online (I downloaded it in 2009).
I've even had time for a couple of painting parties:
This is the second year I've had the privilege of leading a class with the WINGS (Women In God's Service) group at Lakewood Church of Christ
Miss Betsey stopped by to paint with me this weekend.
Name: Rotation Author: Sandra Clemons Source: McCalls Quick Quilts Dec/Jan 2016 Also found here.
The first 2024 meeting of Loving Stitches found me working from home. Mid January dove Colorado into dangerously frigid temperatures, and getting out--even to quilt--was not a wise move. I texted back and forth with the ladies at the church who braved the elements and kept them abreast of my progress. A few days before the meeting I finished all the squares for this quilt, so I spent most of Saturday assembling the top. This pattern was difficult and taught me new skills, but I am so proud of how it turned out. At some point, I may consider making this one again with a different color scheme.
Pattern information unknown.
The rest of the weekend was spent finishing up this quilt and the pillowcases that went with both. This was a kit cut and put together by Miss Pam, so piecing it was simple. I've also improved on my pillowcase making skills.
Months ago, I purchased this triangle ruler. I'd seen something like this used in a YouTube video. Though it wasn't the exact same ruler, I thought that they pretty much worked the same way.
They don't.
The half square triangles I made had to be cut three different times to be close to correct. Ok, so this doesn't simplify anything. First off, the printed instructions that came with the ruler were insanely confusing. I scoured the internet to find some intelligible directions. I found this on YouTube:
My first attempt with the adapted instructions.
OK. Before I go into this, hear me out. I'm well aware that as a novice quilter, my ignorance may be hurting my technique. In other words, I may just be too dumb to use this tool correctly. With that being said, though the instructor's directions were much clearer than those that came with the ruler, when I followed her, I ended up with a rectangle that was 4 x 3.5 inches. So, I ended up having to cut the square again to get the right measurements, plus the placement of the diagonal seam wasn't quite right. I tried moving the ruler to the 3.5 inch mark. That seemed to work much better.
Yes, some of the placement is still a bit cattywampus, however, adapting the directions simplified the process tremendously. I just need more practice. This is a scrap project, so I'll work on it as I finish other projects.
Speaking of scraps: I have a box full of unused partial skeins of yarn from previous projects. My goal this year is to use up those scraps before starting any new large projects. This preemie blanket is the first large project I've finished out of that stash.
Psalm 35:18 - I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people.
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Note: Yes, I know we did this word earlier this year, but I don't pick the prompts. This round finds me in a completely different place and state, so I could give a different take on it. Enjoy.
A while back, Pastor Staples (First Baptist Jacksonville) preached a sermon about us finding our place not only in the body of Christ, but in our particular congregation. For part of the sermon illustration, he handed out puzzle pieces as a reminder.
I wonder where my piece fits in this new congregation? They have all the musicians they need (and, no, I haven't told them I could play ANYTHING), plus, quite frankly, I'm enjoying the break and the chance to serve in a different capacity. Not only service, but where is my place in fellowship? I met some wonderful ladies at the Tuesday morning Bible study I attended until I started working. I stay in touch via text and e-mail, but we've not had a chance to meet in person yet.
As far as I know, I'm in Colorado for many, many years to come, so there's no need to rush it. I'm just getting antsy to get settled so I can establish fellowship and find areas where I can serve. I don't want to lose connection. In fact, I'm ready to connect more.
⏰ -------------------------------- If you are interested in purchasing any of the art pieces featured, please e-mail me at auntiesworkshop@outlook.com
As a child, it seemed that I didn't have a creative bone in my body. I couldn't draw a straight line (I still can't, even with a ruler). As hard as I tried, I couldn't color in the lines (I still can't). Let's not talk about the sewing I did in Home Ec.
My attempts at creativity was a hot mess.
Fast forward to 1992 when my friend, Suzanne, showed me basic crochet stitches. After getting it down, I ran wild with it. Fast forward a few more years when Mrs. Margaret encouraged me to pick up my first paint brush. My cramming four years of college into five honed my creativity with words.
All I needed was someone to encourage me. All I needed was someone to tell me that I could do it. All I needed was for someone to show me the basics, but allow me to throw away the rules and adapt it to my style.
Maybe creativity does come from nature somewhat, but it needs to be nurtured in order to thrive and make something beautiful.
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-------------------------------- If you are interested in purchasing any of the art pieces featured, please e-mail me at auntiesworkshop@outlook.com
Baby Blanket Size: $35.00 + shipping if sent by USPS
Adult sized throw: $50.00 + shipping if sent by USPS
Imagine a little one snuggled in this sweet blanket at naptime. Available in many colors, so it makes a great snuggle for both boys and girls. Can also be made in a larger size and grown-up colors for your décor.
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