Over the River and Through the Woods - It's a FINISH!

 FINALLY! ...after 16 years...!!!!

Over the River and Through the Woods is completed! 

My goal was to finish it by the end of this year (2025), and here it is: 

It took me some time deciding how to quilt it. I had a look at several quilts on Pinterest and it looks like many of them are longarm quilted, which is not an option for me. 

I decided on crosshatch design on the stitcheries. I was worried I'd mess it up if I tried something else! (I did not press it before taking photos).

Did you notice? I did fix the sides of the stitcheries. You can see 'before' here. 

The sashing is quilted in straight lines one quarter inch from the seam

Star blocks are quilted in a star design. 

To avoid bulk, all seams in the blocks are pressed open. 

The Flying Geese border;

I have outlined the 'geese' and the background is free-motion-quilted

Pieced backing

I decided on browns. 

Happy to say most of these fabrics are used up.

I've had that faux floral border piece for years. An old lady in Norway (known through a friend) got a box with lots of goodies at a quilt shop. Sadly the shop had to close down and there were lots of bargains. Oh what fun to open that box! I didn't know what to do with that piece of floral border, I don't know how many times it has been in and out of the shelf! I think it was waiting to be used on this quilt! 

The block contains 'Flying geese' blocks I found too dark (not enough contrast) and one too red, for the border. Several other brown pieces are used up. 

Size: Approximately 51.5 x 57.5 inches / 131 x 146 cm

Fabric used: Approximately 10 yards (all from my stash) 

Floss / thread used:

- Floss: ThreadWorx #10351 Rustic Brown Cherry (overdyed floss)

- MasterPiece 180, 136, 167, 153

- King Tut: 997, 900, 983

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Pattern bought: June 2009

Fabric purchased: 2010 (Norway)

Stitchery preparation: January 2023

Completed: December 14, 2025 

Over the River and Through the Woods - Progress! Other stitchery updates and the Destiny of Dear Nina

Hello dear readers and followers! I hope you all are doing well.

It has been way too long! I call it 'vacation' (from sewing)! 

As you may remember from my previous post, 'dear Nina' had to go to the spa. 

The handwheel (mechanical part) got fixed. Unfortunately, the S-board (motherboard) is pooped and has to be replaced. To make a long story short; the S-board is not available from Bernina Switzerland!! The S-board is not made anymore since the 440 model is +20 years. The S-board is available at Bernina SA, hence a dear friend has offered to take the machine to SA to see if Bernina there is able to do something! 

This has been dragging way too long and finally I have ordered a new Bernina! It should be here by the end of August. I'm sew excited! 

While waiting for the destiny of my old sewing machine and the purchase of a new machine, I'm keeping myself busy doing cross-stitching. 

One of my oldest UFO's is seeing daylight, again! 

This year, I've spent a few hours off and on in the evenings stitching on 'Over the River and Through the Woods'. 

The goal was getting it done before Christmas 2023, that didn't happen! (here). It didn't happen before Christmas 2024 either! Maybe 2025?? I doubt it, but I shall see... 

This is how it looked like end of December 2024. 

There are two sections; sceneries at the top and bottom.

 I started section #3 (bottom) May 9, 2024 (just for my records)

...and this is how it looks like now: All stitchery sections DONE! 

Can you guess I got tired of stitching all those tree branches?! lol

The middle section (verse) are fancy letters. First I thought it was satin stitches (YIKES!). On the pattern it looks like backstitches and not 'filled' completely. And there are those dreaded French Knots too! Oh well, it gave me some practice. 

While waiting for 'dear Nina' to return from the spa (if ever!), I picked up this one again. 

It went really fast stitching the letters; 4 evenings. I even managed the French knots! 

I pulled out the fabrics intended for this quilt to have a look. The pinkish-reddish fabrics are not as pink as they look on the photo.  Stash shopping in Oslo 2010.

The wall hanging can be used all year long since the fabrics are not typically Christmas fabrics. 

These are the fabrics intended for the quilt, but now I don't know.... 

The fabrics are beautiful, they have a rustic/vintage look, but.... a bit too pinkish for me, maybe.... 

I may use these. They are mostly brown, but also red, beige, gold and cream. I may mix some of them with the pinkish. Yet to decide what goes together. 

If I was to buy fabrics for this quilt today, I may have chosen something else, but not sure what.... I think it had been Christmas fabrics.

I'm using Threadworx embroidery floss #10351, a beautiful variegated rustic brown cherry. It may go together with the pink fabrics. Pink and brown, maybe not the red? 

That was a lot of 'maybe'! LOL 

UPDATE: I decided to use all the fabrics; red, pink and brown. All pieces for the stars and flying geese are cut and ready to sew! 

It took me some days getting used to being without the sewing machine, but there are always other things to do. I have prepped a lot of Christmas items for my shop and enjoying cross-stitching again. 

First up; I finished the 'Bits of Blue' sampler! (Plum Pudding Needleart). I've had the pattern for years and started stitching it January 2023 while 'Dear Nina' had another spa appointment. Since then, I didn't touch it, until a couple of weeks ago. It's finished! Another UFO off the list! 

Stitched on 28ct Pearl Linen using #7037 Freedom from The Gentle Art, Simply Shaker Collection. 

I may do the pincushion, mini pillow and peg hanger later. I ran out of floss and more is on the way.

I have a soft spot for Little House Needleworks designs. 

I finished (almost) 'Snowflakes' (Second row, right). I ran out of Crescent Coulors 'Bamboo' and 'English Ivy'. According to Crescent Coulors chart, the 'Bamboo' can be substituted with DMC #822, but it won't be the same. 

It is originally stitched on 32ct Natural Raw Linen from Zweigart. I don't have the 32ct, instead I use 28ct. I'm not sure my eyes had liked the 32ct. 

Another cross stitch pattern I bought years ago, is 'Cinnamon Stick Santa XVIII', 'Wishing Thee Merriness', designed by Sandra Sullivan / Homespun Elegance.

I'm stitching it on 28ct Cashel Linen Zweigart, 'Vintage Beige'. Originally stitched on 28ct 'Sandstone'.

I ran out of floss for this one too. Just not enough to finish the letters. 

Next up is Cinnamon Stick Christmas XIX - 'Rejoice in Peace'. 

As you can see, it's almost done. Satin stitches are used on the tree and sheep. I did not like how the tree turned out with satin stitches. I ripped it and did cross stitches instead. The sheep is done the same way, I'm going to do cross stitches using Wisper. 

I have a couple of cute Christmas ornaments / mini pillows that are done too, but that will be for another post. 

Too Many Men Wall Hanging - A Finished UFO

I have a few FINISHED UFO's to show. I'll start with this one.

This post has been in draft mode since April, just waiting for photos. 

Photos were finally done today, but due to strong glare from the sun and blue sky, they didn't turn out as good as I hoped. Oh well... I'm not a photographer! 

Since I finished my goal for April early (Dwellings), I thought it would be nice to finish a smaller quilt; the snowmen wall hanging. 

I'm not sure when I started working on this one. 

I purchased the panel - 'Too Many Men' - April 2022 and it is on my 2023 UFO list #17 Snowman wall hanging. At that time; already thread basted. 

It is small (in comparison to the big quilts I have finished this year), but a lot of work goes into it.  

I could have done the quilting easier, like FMQ or crosshatch design. Instead, I quilted it by outlining all the detailed designs to make it stand out better. 

There are some pretty cool snowmen hiding here and there; behind houses and trees, one poor guy has lost his head (!!!) 

and there's even a snowman head on the weathervane! 

The moon! 

Other details are the stars, snowflakes and holly berries, hardly not seen from a distance. 

I have added seed beads and small bugle beads to make them visible and sparkle in the lamplight. 

A lot of work, yes, but well worth it! 

The back

Size: 30.25 x 36 inches / 77 x 91.5 cm

Panel purchased: April 2022

Thread basted / to be quilted: 2022? UFO list 2023

Fabric: Purchased panel, border fabric and backing (in 2022). The backing fabric was on sale to half price. Squares from my stash

Mill Hill Beads: from my stash 

Finished: April 30, 2025

Next Up / My goal for May:

UFO #16 (on my UFO list); 'Tomten's Quilt'. 

Who sent the Squirrel?!

Since last Saturday I've been doing a little bit tidying on the sewing table. 

Before I packed away the red fabrics (RSC April), I made these two small hot pads. Aren't they cute? 

The rectangle one measures a bit shy of 6.75 x 8.75 inches

The round one is 8.25 inches across

But that was not what I was going to talk about! 

I had finished some items for my Etsy Shop, the hot pads, and the 'plan' was to sandwich another UFO (my goal for May)

After a delicious morning cuppa, I was going to start working on that UFO.

Update (one week later): the UFO is under the needle!  

SQUIRREL DISTRACTION!!!! 

While my DH was preparing tea, a squirrel disturbed my UFO preparation!!! I've made some place mats for my shop recently, and that squirrel reminded me I have place mats panels in the (fabric) buffet upstairs! 

Of course I went to have a look, and this is what came with me to the sewing room; 

8 Paris place mats 

+ backing 

Last year I ordered 2 Advent Calendars from a well known online shop in the US.

This is what they sent me; 2 Place mats panels!!! LOL 

8 cupcakes / birthday place mats!

Eventually I got the calendars and where told to keep the place mats. What to do with them? Not exactly what I would have chosen, but I ended up purchasing backing and binding from the same fabric line. After all, I think they are quite cute and great for cupcakes party or birthday. 

I have a big (I think?) selection of Coffee fabrics and I just love these small mug rug size panels! 

I even made one mug rug! (Forgot to take photo!)

What else came with me to the sewing table?

A UFO! A small wall hanging

I don't know how many times (and years!) this one has been pulled out of the shelf for so to go back in again! I know how I want it, but.... I'm worried I'll mess it all up!

The background is black & white squares pieced together, from light to dark. My idea has always been to fussy cut the poppies and applique to the background, using the raw edge quilting method and maybe add seed beads to the poppy centers. 

Any tips / suggestions?  

A fun chicken / farmhouse panel

I had to laugh out load of these chickens, they are really fun! 

Maybe some potholders? Or mug rugs?

Fun chickens, what about these? 

What can I make of these hilarious cats?? Each panel measures 7.25 x 11 inches, I have two panels. Place mats with some coordinating fabric ( I have only the panels and busy background fabric from that fabric line), or small wall quilts? 

Any suggestion is welcome! 

I'm currently quilting 'Tomten's Quilt' and hope to get it done by the weekend. 

A glorious morning today, however meteo has issued a 'heavy rain watch' for this afternoon. I'd better get ready to do some yardwork before it gets wet! 

Keep the Home Fires Burning - A Finish

I reached my goal for March!

(I'm late in posting my finishes)

'Keep the Home Fires Burning' is FINISHED! 

This quilt was started when I had a squirrel moment in February 2024, and also a result of the RSC - Rainbow Scrap Challenge 2024. 

In December 2024 I made a pieced backing, using up more bits & pieces of fabrics I know I'd never use for anything else. I got two leftover blocks I added to the back.

Deciding on a quilting design is always a challenge. I do all quilting on my domestic sewing machine; Bernina 440 QE. The throat size is 7.5", not a big space for big quilts. It involves quite some wrestling (arms exercise!) and usually a bucket of swear words! Does it sound familiar?! 

This quilt wasn't the worst to quilt. I did straight lines and there were not much wrestling! 

Straight lines on and around the Heart, half inches between the seams. 

(Click on the photos to enlarge)

Pinwheels, 9-patches and an interesting border

Friendship Star blocks, Bowties, 4- and 9-patches

9-patches, Friendship Stars and Bowties

4-patches, Bowties, Friendship blocks and border

Size: 72 x 72 inches / 183 x 183 cm

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Fabric Requirements (Pattern):

 

Top: Approximately 9-1/4 yards 

Back: 4-7/8 yards - pieced back requires more

Total: Approximately 15 yards (all from my stash)

Progress: 

First blocks made: February 2024

All blocks (except the border block): August 2024

Pieced backing: December 2024

Quilted: March 2024

Thread: King Tut 961 and 997 front, Masterpiece 152 back

Total hours to quilt & hand sew binding to the back: 46 hours

Finished: March 12, 2025

A Flimsy and Pieced Backing

'Dwellings' is a flimsy!

'Dwellings' was born Dec 2022, after drooling over the pattern in Sept/Oct 22 issue of Love of Quilting. 

I can't believe I haven't posted updates on this quilt! There's only the post linked to above.

I've been hoarding Moda Marbles as long as I've been quilting. I had a good selection and realized it is unlikely I'd use those MM any time soon. Using them in small projects don't make a dent! Then I decided 'Dwellings' is the perfect quilt to use some of the MM. 

I have used MM for all the houses, background and sashing, approximately 8 yards. For the roofs I've used grey batik as well as dark pink/purple batik for the cornerstones. I ran out of MM grey and had to purchase more to finish 4 blocks. 

Moda has discontinued a lot of their MM and many I have used in this quilt is not available anymore, sadly. I.e. I had just enough of MM 'wine' for the sashing and inner border. It's a beautiful fabric, and sadly it is one of the many that is Out of Print. 

I wanted something fun for the outer border and came across this colorful houses and trees fabric. Since it is directional, I had to purchase the full length of the quilt. 

That is what I thought I did! My mathematical skills failed (again!); just too short! The fabric is very busy and I think one has to look carefully to see where the two pieces are joined. 

I had a big piece of the house fabric left (approximately 44" x 63") after the border strips were cut. Enough to make a pieced backing without too much (brain) work and measurements! I went through my stash and found a leftover piece of 108" Stonehenge used for backing on another quilt. It was just enough for the top and bottom. Don't you just love those Stonehenge fabrics?!

I had to add more to get the right width. More MM were cut into wide strips and pieced together. 

Most of the time (!) I listen to DH's suggestions. In this case, he suggested I cut the house- and Stonehenge piece into two pieces and add the pieced strips in the center. 

So said, so done! I did listen, but not sure I agree 100%! lol 

I think this will be my goal for April; to quilt and finish 'Dwellings'. 

RSC Week 10 - Not Much to Show

As the title says; I don't have much to show today.

I haven't made more yellow blocks (RSC for March), as I intended to.

I got busy quilting 'Keep the Home Fires Burning' and I'm happy to say about 3/4 of the quilt is done! I'm quilting it in straight seams only, rather tedious, but I like how it looks. 

And there are some yellows too! I have quilted a few yellow blocks, which should count?! lol

Can you spot Mini-Bug? He fell asleep after helping me choosing the right area to quilt and to be sure the seams are straight!  

My goal is to finish it by next weekend. 

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

  

 

New York Beauty Quilt is Finished!

When the weather calls for 'no venture out', what do you do?!

SEW! EAT! Drink COFFEE! SLEEP! REPEAT! 

Well, this apply to all rainy days, not only last week when 'Garance' passed close by. 

My February goal was to finish the NYB quilt, and I did! 

It has 48 blocks + 4 corner blocks.

It measures 74 x 58 inches / 188 x 147 cm

All batik from my stash, except the backing (batik too) I had to purchase. 

Once again thank you to those of you who suggested thread color and design!  (here). Much appreciated!

You may remember I'm on SSD (Strict Stash Diet) this year. I didn't want to purchase thread and pay a fortune in shipping! I went through my Aurifil, King Tut and MasterPiece. I kept in mind some of the suggestions were 'light lime green'. 

The only suitable thread I had, and enough for the quilt (except grey), were two light green Aurifil. I used Aurifil 2902 Light Laurel Green for the top and Aurifil 2912 Platinum for the back. It blends in perfectly. I forgot to take photo of the back, but you can see it here. I'm not a big fan of pastels, but I think this one suits the quilt.  

Closeup of the quilting. Click on the photos to enlarge.

It took me 'forever', but I'm so glad I decided to custom quilt each block. It took me about 60-65 hours to quilt the blocks only. 

This is the corner block. Isn't it cute?! 

It measures 4.25" / 10.5 cm

It was a cloudy day, not the best light for photos. 

First block made 2020 (no records, maybe during Covid lockdown and no I-net connection) 

All blocks done March 2021

Thread basted January 2023

Finished February 18, 2025

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Next up to quilt: 

'Keep the Home Fires Burning'

It's a big quilt, but should be relatively easy to quilt, depending how I decide to do it. 

This is my goal for March. 

Updates to follow.