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'.
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....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
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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.
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and May block in red and green
I'm also doing A Quilting Life BOM 2026, in red, blue and white
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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
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One of the view points; facing the west coast
Linking up with Angela and the RSC (Rainbow Scrap Challenge 2026)
14 comments:
Oh now I just love those little pink squares--they will make such a great quilt all together, Astrid:)))...Happy to hear you were able to get your Bernina fixed and have it back home in working order...
I am taking a bit of a "fabric" related crafting break--I look at all my (false) starts in boxes and just am feeling SO overwhelmed. I am seriously thinking of going through them all and chucking out those I know I really will never finish up--I had stopped making those for a REASON, right??--something didn't ring true for me about them...
I've also realized that in my paper crafting I don't like to do mixed media--don't like getting my hands all messy and my work area either--So that stuff will be packed away for my two granddaughters who love that stuff..a surprise little gift for them...I like to work from magazines and maybe a few sprays or sparkles...why does it take so long to figure out what you like to do??? A sort of a Spring cleaning in my crafts room and space...
Hugs for you to enjoy your machine's return...Julierose
These are so beautiful, Astrid.
I am so glad you finally got your sewing machine back - she was gone for what seems like 6 months!! it must feel like a new machine now. The log cabin block you did with the star center looks so nice I have not seen that pattern what do you call it? I love your scenery photo - is the weather a lot cooler in the mountains like it usually is here in the US? it is so pretty
Welcome back, Nina and Astrid. I missed hearing from you. Happy to know Nina is now in top shape. Love all your blocks in Pink or otherwise. For the basket quilt, is the difference between border one and border two big enough to add yet another border in between? I have done this before; lay the quilt down, lay the border next to it and measure the difference between the two to add a border instead of removing some of the pieces in the pieced border. Gosh! I hope that makes sense to you. Good luck with it. ;^)
So glad you got your machine fixed! I love pink so I love the blocks you made with one of my favorite colors. Your other blocks are gorgeous! You're really getting so much done!
Astrid, you've been a busy lady with all the decluttering and then catching up on projects! All those pink squares make darling 9 patches. And the BOM log cabin blocks are just beautiful. Sorry you're having trouble with your quilt borders. I'm having a similar struggle with my star swap quilt, but I'll figure it out eventually as will you! :)
Hi Astrid! I know you’ve been without Nina for quite a while, so my Nina (Bernina 570QE) who was named after YOUR Nina, and I are happy that you’re back sewing together!! Your blocks are all lovely, but those little pink 9-patches are so precious!
I'm glad to read that you were able to get your sewing machine fixed and it is back home. You've made some beautiful blocks. I do love all the pink 9 patches.
Good for you to tackle those BOMs & get some blocks done. It always feels good to make progress.
So glad that Nina is back and working well. Sounds like she had a pretty extensive overhaul. Now you'll be able to sew up a storm (not that you haven't been, even with Nina away at the spa).
So glad to hear they could get the replacement parts for your Bernina! And it looks like you're making great use of your sewing machine now with so many different blocks! I see the pinks are a combo of batiks and prints, plus an Eiffel Tower!
Such a bunch of pretty fabrics in your pink nine patches, they look so cheery, and the log cabin is lovely. So many nice things happening here, it's nice to get some stalled projects worked on, or finished. Glad you have your machine back, do you have a back-up?
I wish I had your backbone in throwing away patterns. I haven't been able to do it, but you have give me some courage. ;) Glad you got your beloved Nina back, all fixed and ready to play!
Your pink blocks are really pretty, and I love the February block in the pretty pinks too. All your blocks are just beautifully done.
I'm still trying to wrap my head around where you live - wow! Although I know it is "just home" to you, it sounds like a dream world to me.
The little pink 2" squares are absolutely wonderful, just like the blocks you've sewn, and I'm so happy when I see this view... what a great hike. Fantastic.
Love, Viola
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