WIP: Basket Quilt and Mini-Dwellings

We've had some nice cooler days, but the last couple of days the weather has been sultry! Wind from North (Equator), means hot! I had to do a couple of errands Wednesday morning, and I have to say I was glad when it was done and I was home again!

Today is Equinox (March 20). The beginning of the 'cold season' for us living on the Southern Hemisphere, although we won't feel any difference until beginning April. Can't wait for cooler days! 

Since my previous post, there has been some progress on the Basket Quilt. 

All the small triangles were cut and pieced together with the 4-patches,  for the second border. 

The corner blocks are done too

As I have mentioned earlier; what I have left of the basket weave fabrics as well as the first (gremlin) blocks I made (and didn't like that much), go into the pieced backing

There's no more I can do on this one until I get the ordered background fabric for the basket blocks.  

A little progress on the Mini-Dwellings stitchery

The tree is done.

Trunk & branches are backstitches, leaves are lazy daisy stitches. 

It has been years since I did lazy daisy stitches, it took me some stitches getting into it

Thread Update: The parcel has arrived and is at the Customs! I should get it by next week. 

Even if I haven't worked with red fabrics, at least there are a few red squares in the blocks for the Basket Quilt that should count. 

Linking up with Angela and the RSC (Rainbow Scrap Challenge 2026) 

and

Melva Loves Scraps - Sew & Tell

 

Basket Quilt and Mini-Dwellings WIP

I'm still waiting for the quilting thread! SIGH! 

The 'problem order' made it through US Customs and has made it to France! Scheduled to arrive next week. 

Meanwhile; progress on the Basket quilt

The 4 scrappy 16-patches corner blocks are done

The small 4-patches - measure 2.5" square - for the second border is done; 72 out of 72!

************

Mini-Dwellings is UFO #25 on my UFO/WIP list

The small house block has been sitting on my sewing table for weeks. The idea is to make a small wall hanging, but I wanted to add that little extra to make it more interesting. I wanted to add some embroidery, but haven't found the 'right' design.

This block is leftover from 'Dwellings' I finished last year. 

During the weekend, I flipped through several issues of Australian 'Creating Country Threads Stitchery' magazines to see if I could find something I like. 

I did! 

I chose three stitchery patterns, and this is a combination of the three. 

I don't have a lightbox, I had to tape the pattern and fabric to the window to get the design transferred. The shades on the fabric make it look dirty.

I dived into my DMC floss to see if I have the recommended colors. 

I have 9 colors out of 5. That meant going to the neighbor town for shopping! 

I got what I needed, and it was a nice long walk. 

These are the colors + black. 

I may swap the purple with another color, I shall see when I'm there...

 

Basket Quilt UFO - WIP

It took me some days deciding on how to do the basket blocks, since I was not that eager to do the original block design. Then I saw Melva's beautiful Basket block and knew right away my blocks need a 'flower pot'! 

I think the left one looks much better and I decided on that design. 

I also get to use up my basket weave fabrics that have been sitting on the shelf for some years! What I don't use for the blocks, will be used for a pieced backing. I made 5 of the design to the right, those blocks will be used for the backing too.

The pattern calls for 16 Basket blocks and I'm happy to say they are all done! 

I went through ALL my stash looking for suitable background fabric for the blocks. The one I intended is not enough! Of course! It's a beautiful Crab Apple Hill Studio called 'Tea Rose'. IMO; it would have been perfect. I need about 2 yards, I have only 1 yard. I have a few in neutrals cream, but I didn't like any of them, they look a bit dull. So, I went hunting online and did order one with tiny flowers in muted colors that should fit. 

I love making this quilt (so far! lol), but there's something with the block I don't like, but I can't pinpoint or explain exactly what it is. Hm.... they look like the Gremlins?! LOL

What do you think? 

Next step is to make 72 4-patch units for the second border, using 1.5" squares! That means I need 288 1.5" squares! Good thing I have quite some cut already, for this ongoing project I haven't worked on for a very long time. I forgot to add this one when I did my UFO/WIP list for this year.

I haven't done anything red this week. 

I have A Quilting Life's BOM for March to do. It includes red. It should be done by next week. 

Update on the delayed quilting thread order: The company has re-shipped my order, hopefully with the right custom papers this time. 

...and I'm still waiting for other quilting thread too. SIGH! I have 5-6 quilts thread basted and ready to be quilted. Oh well, I have more than enough other WIPs to work on, while waiting... 

Linking up with Angela and the RSC (Rainbow Scrap Challenge 2026)

 

True Blue - A Flimsy, Pieced Backing

'True Blue' is a flimsy! 

I started working on this quilt in January this year, when the selected RSC (Rainbow Scrap Challenge) color was blue. I was not supposed to start anything new, but... 

1) I couldn't resist making a blue and white quilt

2) it's a relatively small quilt with only 20 big blocks

There are 3 different blocks, easy to make, before the corner units.

Bad me seldom read carefully through any pattern. I didn't realize it calls for 160 triangles! First I read it was 80, but that is sets of 2 triangles! 

OK! No problem! I had lots of 1.5" fabric strips. In addition to the already cut strips, I needed to cut more blue as well as white strips. A bit tedious to sew all those small strips together, but I finally got there! 

It gets a pieced backing. I hope to get a better photo of the backing after it is quilted. I need batting for this one, so it'll have to wait. 

I've been working on this one and the Basket quilt while waiting for ordered quilting thread. I have to rant: I ordered thread from an online shop in the US on February 14 to be shipped UPS Expedited. The company is not able to get the right custom papers to UPS! I had a look at the tracking again last night, and again (2nd time!) the package is returned to sender due to missing commercial invoice! I paid US$ 50 for expedited shipping, and after one month they have not managed to provide the right custom papers!  I just can't believe it?!?!!! It is so unprofessional! Usually expedited shipping takes about 2 weeks from the US. Due to the delay, I requested a shipping refund and got it. What happens next, I don't know. I suggested they use another courier, so let's wait and see what happens. 

Coffee With Dad - An RSC Flimsy, Another WIP

As the title says; Coffee with Dad is a Flimsy!

Viola at Familie Barwitzki challenged me to work on my UFO #26, since 26 is her birthday. Now that Swirling Stars is on hold, waiting (forever! due to shipping error from the online shop!) for ordered quilting thread, I accepted the challenge. 

In my previous post I mentioned I had too many blocks for one quilt. 

That is absolutely not true! I don't know where my head was, or better say brain (it must have melted in the heat these days!), when I figured out I need 36 coffee cup blocks! I had 64 blocks and thought I would use the 'leftovers' for another smaller quilt. 

OK, it didn't turn out! After re-reading the pattern, I noticed I misread. It reads; 'make 36 sets of 2 matching'. It's there I made the mistake; I must have read '36' only. LOL

The idea was to make it a lap quilt size; approximately 60 x 72 inches. It grew bigger! lol Instead of the intended size, I made it 60 x 84 inches. 

A pieced backing is done too. (Photos later).

The chosen RSC color for March is RED

I did part of A Quilting Life's BOM 2025 last year (RSC colors). I'm doing the rest of the blocks this year

One of them is the block for March, in red

Next up to work on: UFO #5 - Basket Quilt.

The pattern is called 'Retro Baskets' by Chris Jurd, published in Marvellous Machine-made Quilts magazine. I can't find any date/year this magazine was published. I got it from an ex-pen friend in New Zealand, in May 2008. Some pages are missing, she kept patterns she wanted to make. 

I don't have any records of when I started working on this quilt. I believe it was in 2020, since it is on my UFO list 2021 (#10).

After making the first two blocks (whenever that was), I got a bit discouraged. I didn't like the blocks; they looked dull and lacked contrast (here). Great suggestions from my dear quilting friends, I ripped off the outer border and changed it to low volume fabric (here).  

I've spent hours (over)thinking what fabrics to use on the next blocks. I pulled out this, that and fabrics I could think of. I didn't like any of them! After sleeping on it, I came up with the idea to use leftovers from 'Over the River and Through the Woods'. It may not work either.... together with the fabrics I chose when I decided to make the quilt. I'm NOT going to buy any new fabrics for this one! What I have, has to work! lol

More pondering... SIGH! 

Then, looking at the blocks for the umpteenth time! 

There's something with them I don't like, but what? Then I saw Melva's beautiful basket block and knew right away this is how I want to make them look like a basket with flowers, if you follow what I mean

Years ago, for unknown reason, I decided I needed to add basket weave fabric to my stash. Don't ask me why, because they are still there! LOL I don't remember how many I bought, I have 6 half yards left. I also have one in bright blue that will be used as part of the backing on True Blue. Another one was pink. (YIKES!) If I remember right, most of it was used to make Arreli's pink quilt and RSC blocks. 

I made another block, using basket weave fabric for the 'basket'. 

Doesn't this one (to the left) look more like a basket with flowers? 

Which one would you prefer? I think I'd go for the one to the left. I don't want more overthinking! lol I've already spent 3-4 days pondering about this one. The few blocks I've already made can be used for a pieced backing.

It's still hot here. We are not much outside, except yard work / weeding (when the weather allows) and grocery shopping in early mornings before it gets too hot. 

Yesterday we decided we have to get out for a longer walk. Layer of sun protection, bottle of water, and out we went. We went to the neighbour town Rose Hill and back, about 6.2 miles / 10 km. It was hot, about 89.6F / 32C with a nice breeze, it was bearable. 

On our way home, we discovered a breadfruit tree with fruits 

(click on the photo to enlarge)

Although it is classified as a fruit, it is used as a vegetable; like potatoes

 

Lots of fruits on this tree

The trees become monsters and usually have a lot of fruits

Linking up with Angela and RSC (Rainbow Scrap Challenge 2026)

 

True Blue - Progress

 I worked on True Blue in January, when the chosen RSC color was blue. 

Unit #1 and #2 were done, and part of unit #3. 

The last days I'm working on True Blue again

The last 4 blocks of unit #3 are done 

...and I'm almost done with the corner units. 

I have to make 160 triangles! I'm almost there! 24 to go! 

I'm making it scrappy; one triangle at a time. I have so many 1.5" strips to use. I was struggling with the first corner units; the pressing direction (on the pattern). I think it was because I do one triangle at a time. I got irritated and decided to press the seams open. Doing it that way worked much better! 

I love how these blocks turn out.

Those of you on the Northern hemisphere, is there any sign of spring or is it winter? 

February has been hot, and it continues into March; we have had a few days with 91.4F (33C), which IS hot halfway on the plateau where we live. The west coastal region has recorded 95F (35C). In addition; 70-85% humidity. I can't wait for cooler days; one month to go before it starts cooling down! 

RSC Coffee with Dad - WIP

Now that 'Swirling Stars' (RSC UFO #11) is near completion (waiting for ordered thread), I continue working on my UFOs and WIPs. 

I accomplished a lot in January, thanks to all the rainy days. What's better stay inside and sew?! 

Some days ago, one particular blogpost comment caught my eyes: Viola at Barwitzki Family challenged me to work on 'Coffee With Dad' - RSC UFO #26, her birthday! 

Challenge accepted! Thank you, Viola! 

Some coffee cup blocks have been trimmed today and laid out on the sewing table. 

The original size is 72 inches / 183 cm. I've decided to make it smaller; lap quilt size, about 60 inches wide, I think... 

I got carried away making these cute coffee cups blocks, which of course, resulted in way too many! It may be two quilts!  

LOOK AT THIS!!!! LOL

How do you hold this cup?! Definitely not in the handle! LOL

I'm quite sure I was tired when I made this one! I did not even notice the handle was sewn on the wrong way when I took the photos for the blogpost last September! Such a stupid mistake! 

I'll redo it, it's an easy fix. 

RSC Blocks turned into Flimsies

 My goal this year is to work on UFOs and WIPs.

My UFO list is long as a freight train. I just have to start somewhere. This is what I did in January. 

I got my DH to pick a number (from the UFO list) between 1 and 31:

 #16, which is the Scrap Jar Star quilt blocks.

I made 35 blocks for the RSC (Rainbow Scrap Challenge) in 2024

First blocks made January 2024

What to do with 35 twelve inches (finished) blocks? I didn't want to turn them into a monster bed quilt. First, the idea was a 4 x 6 blocks setting with sashing in between. Then I would have 11 blocks left, to make what?? 

I started piecing the blocks and sashing together. I wanted to use white sashing, but then my DH said; 'it's too much white'! He suggested black. Do I have black in my stash? Yes, a few black/floral yardage, but far from the needed amount. More hunting for a dark color! I ended up with dark brown that has some beautiful small red roses. This is the only suitable dark fabric I have enough of. I think it looks OK.

I figured out a 4 x 6 blocks setting will make it a bit too narrow and too long. I made it 4 x 5 blocks; 20 blocks. It's a nice lap quilt size.

So, that means I have 15 blocks left. 

Pondering for some hours; I decided to make 5 blocks more, to get 20 and make the same size quilt with white sashing. 

The 5 new blocks I made are turquoise, green, yellow, orange and red. I had to dig deep into my stash and scarps to get enough turquoise! 

Fortunately, I already had the HSTs sewn together from when I started making the Scrap Jar Star blocks in 2024! They were just to be trimmed.

I'm sure I'm not the only one having some 'out-and-in-of-the-shelf' fabrics? I pieced together bits and pieces for the back on both quilts. Two of the fabrics were printed in 2004 and 2005. I must have bought them just after my quilting journey began. Now they are on the back of the quilt and out of the shelf for the last time! 

Another goal this year is to use those 'out-and-in-of-the-shelf' fabrics for backing, where it is suitable. Been there for many years, I know for sure they won't be used for anything else. 

These two flimsies are set aside. I'm currently out of batting.

OOOPS! I forgot to take photos of the pieced backings! 

I'm in full swing working on my UFO/WIP list

I got my DF in Norway to choose a number from my UFO list. 

The number is #21: leftover HSTs from RSC blocks 2024 & 2025

I could have kicked him when he chose that number (he had not seen the UFO list), because this is what I did not want to work on! Then I was thinking; yes, why not! Better get done with those dreaded HSTs!! 

Most of the already sewn together HSTs are 3.5" finished. It took me almost a day to trim them all to that size. At this point, I had yet to decide on quilt pattern. There are tons of ideas on Pinterest and when I saw a scrappy Ocean Waves quilt; that's what I wanted to make! It looks like most of the Ocean Waves quilts are made using 2.5". I came across 'She Can Quilt' where she has an Ocean Waves block tutorial using 3.5", block finish is 12" (sewn into quilt). 

Never ending triangles, SIGH!!!

 OF COURSE they multiply!!!! Look what showed up in the box with blocks for the below quilt!!! More HSTs! I had totally forgotten about these. 

If a quilt needs a name, this is Remember '70s. 

The first blocks were made May 2023. The idea was to make it entirely in brown and orange, but that didn't work out. I ran out of Moda Marbles 'Chocolate Brown 6851'. Instead, I added Steel Blue 9881-25 and Slate Blue 9882-13. I think these two colors go well together with brown. 

I can't even remember why I didn't finish the blocks at that time (May 2023). I think I was pondering about to purchase the 'Chocolate Brown', or not. When I opened the box, I found I had already cut the background fabric in Slate and Steel Blue, but not the orange for the stars. ??? 

I decided on sashing. The only fabric I had enough of (almost!), is the orange/yellow used for the blocks. I used that one, but it was not enough for the outer border. Instead, I used a very dark brown. Just enough! 

I got carried away making scrappy Zip It blocks! (RSC)

First blocks made January 2024

I had 94 blocks, which I thought were too many. I decided to make it a 10 x 12 blocks setting and needed 26 more blocks. These are fast and easy to make.

Swirling Stars blocks (RSC)

 First block was made January 2023.

Currently quilting this one. I'm custom quilting each block, which takes forever. (Click on the photo to enlarge). My goal is to finish it this month, but even with some hours quilting each day, I'm not sure.... 

I ran out of orange and purple quilting thread for this one. More is on the way, I should get it by end of the month. 

Linking up with Angela and RSC (Rainbow Scrap Challenge 2026)

*****************

From the garden/porch last week

Many of you on the Northern Hemisphere are facing extreme winter weather with lots of snow and freezing temperatures. Here, on the Southern Hemisphere, we are into the heat and humidity of summer, or rainy- and cyclone season. January is usually the wettest month, and indeed has it been wet! We've had rain almost every day/night this month. Wet and hot season also means more yard work; pulling weeds! UGH! Everything is growing with record speed, especially weeds! We don't have a big garden, but it is big enough to maintain this time of the year! We've managed to fit in (between rain showers) some yard work in early mornings before it gets too hot and humid. The perfect time pulling weed is when it has been raining, when the roots are easy to pull. The soil in this area is very glue-ish (clay) and sticks to my garden shoes. I forgot to take a photo of my shoes, it had about half inch layer of sticky clay on the outsoles.

  Many households have workers to maintain their garden, but we prefer to do it ourselves as long as we are fit to do it. It's exercise too, even if my poor old knees don't always agree! There's no correspondence between head and body! lol 

Well, be it snow and cold, rain and hot/humid, we prefer to stay comfortable inside. Perfect sewing days, isn't it?! Due to all the rainy days in January, I've been able to do a lot of sewing and I'm happy to have all these flimsies done. 

The last days have been nice and sunny and more yardwork done. 

 Cyclone 'Gezani' missed us, but has made havoc at the east coast of Madagascar as a category 3 hurricane. Another tropical disturbance is looming northeast, it may turn into a cyclone in a few days.

RSC January 2026 - Week 5 - Blue

January Blues continue into February. 

This post was meant for previous Saturday, but that didn't happen. 

UFO #12 - Star Streams is finished! 

It was supposed to be a RSC (Rainbow Scrap Challenge), but I changed my mind and made it in blue and white instead. 

Quilted in crosshatch design with 1.5" between each seam

Pieced backing. 

The photo didn't turn out the best. Here's another photo, after the backing was done.

- First blocks made: January 2023

- Flimsy: December 2024

- Quilted: January 2026

- Finished: January 31, 2026

 

A Quilting Life - BOM 2025

This is the block shown on my previous post. 

At the beginning of the week I received the white fabrics I'd ordered and finished up this block and others (below).

A Quilting Life - BOM 2026

Block #2 - February

How is it possible to ignore a blue and white scrappy quilt?

I couldn't, and here is the result: 

The beginning of 'True Blue'  

It's a QAL, but can also be done at your own pace.

I've finished Unit #1. 

5 easy 9-patches pieced together with sashing

...and Unit #2

9 easy 9-patches + borders

... and part of Unit #3

1.5" strips and squares sewn together.

I've made 2, need to make another 4 blocks

Linking up with Angela and the RSC (Rainbow Scrap Challenge 2026)