RSC April 2026 - PINK / Dear Nina is back!

It has been some busy days since my previous post.

It has been yard work and decluttering. I've gone through lots of papers, tossed or shredded most. I couldn't believe how many quilt patterns I've collected; 2 big ring binders! I've kept one stitchery pattern! It has 12 cute snowmen motifs, how could I toss it?! It would make a fun winter / Christmas quilt. 

Last week was 'sewing week'. 

Yes! Dear Nina (Bernina 440 QE) is back from the spa in South Africa! She had a total breakdown and the dealer here nor Bernina Switzerland, did have the spare parts to get it repaired. A DF offered to take it to SA for repair. Now she's back! The S-board (motherboard), L-board (circuit board), and a buttonhole sensor had to be replaced. I've been 'test-driving' and so far so good! 

Since the RSC color for April is pink, I decided to sew some 9-patches. I don't know how many 2" squares I have, it's a lot! I just have to start somewhere! I was into 2" and 2.5" squares swaps for 2-3 years (?). I have made bed quilts using all (almost!) 2.5", but haven't done much to the 2". 

I got carried away and made 10 blocks using 2" squares

Pink is not amongst my favorite colors, but I have to admit these blocks look good, don't they?   

I'd been lurking at Pat Sloan's '182 Day Solstice Challenge' QAL (first block posted Dec 2016). 

I made the first blocks in May 2024. All blocks were done, except block 8/25; 'Never ending love'. 

I wanted to make the heart(s) pink, but ran out of that color. I gave in and purchased 10 pink/red FQs (Fat Quarters). I didn't like the 3 layers (original pattern) of hearts, instead I added one pink heart. 

....and when that last block was made, I decided to assemble the quilt! It's big; 86 x 86 inches (approximately 220 cm square). I'm almost done! 

Another RSC BOM I didn't finish last year, is A Quilting Life BOM 2025. 

I have most colors, but a few missing, like pink

This is the February block 

I used bits and pieces of pink for the centre block. The pink used for the log cabin, are some from the FQs I purchased. 

and May block in red and green

I'm also doing A Quilting Life BOM 2026, in red, blue and white

March block

April block

I'm currently assembling the Basket quilt. The centre is done, but I ran into a problem with the second (pieced) border. It turned out too long to fit the first border, so I have to come up with a solution. UGH! I'm below zero in math, but I can't let the quilt win and let it become a UFO again! I'll make it work! lol 

Together with our DF Allan, we went for a hike in the Black River Gorges

One of the view points; facing the west coast

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

and Sew & Tell at Melva Loves Scraps