RSC Week #26 - Last of the Blues

 ...for this month, that is.

It has been a busy sewing week, working on Advent Calendars for my Etsy shop.

As I mentioned in my previous post, I ran out of Silver Metallic thread for the Blue Holidays calendar. It was delivered a couple of days ago. I got to it right away and now they (3x) are waiting for binding to be attached. 

4x 'Tomten's Forest Friends' - binding to be attached

2x 'Tomten's Village - binding to be attached too

...and finally...

 ...the table runner for the buffet!

I bought a charm pack some years ago; 'Indi-Glow' by Studio Mousseau / Wilmington Prints. Never knew what to do with it, until recently. The buffet needs a new table runner and these prints are perfect. I had to trim the squares to 4-7/8", since none of them were 5x5", they were 5x4-7/8", some even smaller! So irritating! That's why I seldom buy precuts. 

As you can see, binding is missing on this one too. I found one print in my stash that can go. 

All blues stored away for this time! Waiting for Angela to announce the RSC color for July.

Update: July's color is AQUA. 

'Winter' has definitely arrived. It's raining almost every day and with the high humidity it feels sooo cold! It was +16C / 60.8F and 72% humidity this morning. BRRR! You are allowed to laugh! lol

Keep sewing, it keeps my fingers warm! 

Linking up with Angela and RSC - Rainbow Scrap Challenge

 

RSC Week 30 - End of the RED for July

Hello everyone! Have you missed me? lol 

I can't believe my previous blog post is dated beginning June! Where did those weeks go?! It was not my intention not to blog, it just happened without any particular reason. 

July has kept me busy making Advent Calendars for my Etsy Shop. There are some new calendars this year and some that sold out last year. So far 36 (no, it's not a math mistake!) calendars are done, left to sew binding on some. The pockets can be a bit tedious, but it is mindless sewing and I do love making them. 

Sewing took a break at the beginning of July. DH and I were down with a sort of 'plague'. It may have been Covid or a flu, we didn't bother to get tested. I'm back to normal but DH's coughing is dragging a bit although he is much better. 

Goodbye RSC RED - Welcome the color YELLOW for August! 

July and the color red is at its end. I don't have a big variety of Red either (mostly Christmas reds) - same with orange - but enough to make the blocks for the Swirling Star Quilt. 

Small blocks

What else have I done in red? Not scrappy, but they are red! :) Two Advent Calendars

New Scandi 2023 Makower UK

Festive Magic by CocoGigiDesign for Dashwood Studio 

Backing is red dots on white, from my stash.

This weekend I'll take a break from Advent Calendars and finish up some Halloween / Fall items - she said hopefully! lol 

Linking up with Angela and the Rainbow Scrap Challenge - RSC

RSC - GREEN for March, February UFO Finish

Happy March!

How come it's March already?! Many of you are waiting for spring. Living on the Southern hemisphere, I'm waiting for 'winter in Mauritius'! 'Winter' here does not mean snow, it means the cold season. Beginning April the days are getting cooler. One more month to go, can't wait!

RSC (Rainbow Scrap Challenge) color this month is GREEN

Do I have green? Ha-Ha! Silly question of course!

Update: Approximately 30 yards! 

What do I do with green? My goal is to use up as much as possible. Just got a bright idea to make a bed quilt for the little girl's (to whom I made the pink quilt) brother. I may not do the same D9P pattern, rather a 'rail fence'. I got so inspired by Cynthia over at Quilting is more fun than Housework, admiring several of her Rail Fence quilts.  

A dear friend has ordered two pillow cases in green and brown, hope to get them done this month.

A Christmas UFO I would like to finish. This is UFO #14 on my UFO list.

Any progress on your UFOs? 

I've not been working on UFOs so far this year as I intended to. However, I do have one finished UFO for February:

This is my UFO #13 - UFO list 2023

It was an easy finish. I ran out of Superior quilting thread and had to purchase online. Shipping is slow and when it arrived, it was passed the Advent Season. Well, now I can say it is done in time for this year's Advent Season!

Off to measure green fabric yardage!

HAPPY GREEN MONTH!

Linking up with Angela and the Rainbow Scrap Challenge (RSC) 2023  
 

The Travel Adventure of a Fully Tracked Parcel and a Finished UFO

At the end of last year (Dec 27, 2021) I ordered some needed fabric (to finish an Advent Calendar) from an online shop in the US. I knew it would take longer time than usual due to the pandemic, but little did I know it would take 11 weeks due to the fact USPS at O'Hare Chicago missent the parcel to Dublin (Ireland) as many as 3 times! Yep! 3 times!!! It was processed by a US carrier January 5, arrived at Chicago the next day. Next stop IDC Jamaica NY, Newark NJ, first time Dublin, which returned it to Chicago! After ping-ponging between these airports 3 times, I contacted the online shop and asked them if they could contact USPS. So they did (super customer service!). I also informed them usually parcels from the US to Mauritius transit through either London, Paris or Dubai. Finally, March 5 the parcel left Chicago for Dubai and it arrived in Mauritius March 7. It was sitting some days at the Customs and I finally got it March 18! What baffles me is why no one at O'Hare Chicago noticed the 3 times missending to Ireland?!  

...and I have the first FU (Finished UFO) 2022! 

Woodland Christmas Advent Calendar

Last year, when I made this calendar, I ran out of the fabric I used for backing, sleeve and binding. I had only enough for backing and the sleeve. I could have used another fabric for the binding, but you know.... I had to have it the same! 

I pulled it out from the shelf last night and added three rows of pockets. Today I did the remaining two rows, the sleeve, the binding and hand stitched the latter. 

It feels good to tick off one item from the UFO list!  Not sure which one I'm going to work on next. 

What's on your sewing table....

...and chair, that needs to be finished? 

This is my sewing table today. It doesn't look that bad, eh? A couple of projects, right? 

The chair; overflowing! Some WIP's hiding there!  

I'm determined to work on UFO's, but in between I need a break to work on smaller projects. After doing a little counting today, I've decided to finish (most of) the projects laying on the table and chair, before I touch anything else! (Easier said than done!) I've not set a timeframe, because that won't work for me! I didn't take photos of all, here are some of the WIP's.  

- 'Migration to Africa' (UFO) - binding

- 3 Tea Cozies, Cardinals - all pieces cut

- PSQ blocks - ongoing project

- 3 Advent Calendars - quilting

- 3 Advent Calendars - have to purchase backing fabric

- Christmas Card Holder - quilting

- Christmas Wall Hanging - quilting

- Christmas Table Topper - quilting

- Pineapple Quilt - make a pieced backing. 

There are a few other finished quilts on the chair that will be available in my Etsy shop, need to take photos. 

So lets see in about one week if the list is shortened. Wish me luck! 

Since my previous post, the tea themed place mats, mug rugs and teapot mat are done! 'Migration to Africa' quilted and trimmed. (Photos later).

HAPPY QUILTING!

This, That, a Finish and Christmas in May

Hello everyone! I hope you all had a good week and got some quilting done. Since my previous post, I've been busy with several projects. I usually work on one project at a time, although not always get them finished. That's quite normal, isn't it?! :) 

First of all, I have a finished UFO! 

Yep! Another Postage Stamp Quilt! This is #9 (my UFO list). It's the same size as the other PSQ I finished recently; 72 x 95 inches / 183 x 241 cm. 

This is the one I struggled to get the 108" backing straight. We (with help from DH) did manage to stretch and pull making it a little bit better, but still.... UGH! The colors are pastels on almond colored background. I didn't really like it when I prepped the quilt, but after finishing the quilt, I'm in love with it! :) So soft and cuddly! For the binding I have used a dark teal fabric that has been in my stash forever! 

Do you give your quilt a name? Usually I don't, but after spending hours quilting the 'flying geese' blocks for this UFO (that was meant as backing on another quilt), I've named it 'Migration to Africa'. 

It consists of several 'Flying Geese' blocks and dancing African ladies. There are groups of triangles on the dancing ladies fabric. Interpretation; groups of migrating birds. 

Quilting 'Migration to Africa' is time consuming and for not getting bored, or worse; getting fed up with it!, I've done some smaller items in between. Going through my stash, I decided to make a few 'Golf Ladies' mug rugs

Aren't they cute?! 

The Advent Calendar is done! 

While searching my stash for backing for the Advent Calendar, I pulled out some other Christmas fabrics. I had enough to make a card holder, small wall hanging and scrappy table topper. I even found backing fabric for these projects! 

Is searching my stash for fabric good or bad?! LOL Earlier this year (or was it end of last year?), I made this tea cozy. At the time I made it, I intended to make a matching teapot mat, but that did not happen at that time. I pulled out these fabrics again and from what I had left I prepped a teapot mat, 6 mug rugs and 6 place mats! 

This blog post has been in draft mode for some days. I have a few updates: teapot mat is done, all mug rugs are quilted and 2 (out of 6) are done. I'm working on 'Migration to Africa', about half the border is left to quilt. Why on earth did I decide to do diagonal straight seams with 1' in between each seam?! My-O-My! It takes F-O-R-E-V-E-R!!! I love how it turns out though! :) 

HAPPY WEEKEND & HAPPY QUILTING! 

A FINISH! ...and that's a UFO!

Good Friday morning from a rainy and windy Mauritius! 

It's the beginning of 'winter', or 'cold season', as the locals refer it to. It's past middle May and the last days the weather is typical for July/August; rain, wind and drop in temperature. Meteo predicts the temperature drops to +11C  / 51.8F on the plateau this 'winter'. BRRR! Some of you may be laughing, but with high humidity and wind, this sort of weather IS cold! Time to wear warm sweaters and socks! 

We took advantage of the sunny weather and did some long overdue yard work. Can't believe how overgrown it was! Not really a surprise; the summer has been hot and lots of rain, perfect condition for all plants, and WEEDS! 

If you have read my latest posts, you know I'm determined to finish as many as possible of the accumulated 15! UFO's. I'm happy to say I do have a few finishes and here's the first one: 

This is #12 (my UFO list).  1728 squares pieced together! Most of the squares are from my stash and others from swaps. There are a few duplicates. 

I made the blocks last year, but never made them into a quilt. 

The back! Yep, I decided to piece the back. Makes it more interesting, doesn't it? 

First I chose the pretty floral fabric and added some matching fabric that picks up the colors of the flowers.  

What was left is cut into strips, and squares measuring 2', 2.5', 3', 3.5', 4' and 5'. Happy to say all these fabrics are used up.

After working entirely on big quilts, I needed something smaller to do. I know I've said I'm not going to start anything new until some UFO's are done......... but.... After finishing 3 quilts recently (posts later), I think it is justified! :) 

I admit it; I have a soft spot for Advent Calendars! I used YLI gold metallic thread for quilting, but I didn't find it easy to use. Usually I use Superior Threads' metallic (my favorite), but I didn't have more and to order to get it shipped FedEx Express costs about $50! Better use what I have, I thought! I've left to hand sew the binding.

Speaking of metallic thread, has any of you tried Yenmet for quilting or embroidery? 

I'm working on another UFO. This is the one that was supposed to be the back for another quilt, but I decided against it.

 

I've quilted (stitch-in-the-ditch) all the 17 'flying geese' blocks. I'm enjoying the process and due to the nasty weather today I'm going to continue quilting the orange rectangles, I think... that's the plan, but with me plans always fail! I may also find something small to work on in between...

HAPPY QUILTING!

Advent Calendars

Hello everyone!

Not much has happened in the quilter's household lately, except I have been and am working on Advent Calendars. These take time to make, especially when there are +100 pockets and felt bags to be made.  

I have a few finishes

A fun and cheerful calendar to make. It has 24 pockets, some pleated, randomly placed. I have used a green holly with white berries fabric for the binding. 

Available in our shop

https://www.etsy.com/listing/707335936/quilted-advent-calendar-christmas-wall

It's also available with red/green binding

https://www.etsy.com/listing/526684152/advent-calendar-quilted-wall-hanging

...and here's one of my favorites

It has 24 red felt bags tied to brass rings and it comes with a drawstring bag to keep the felt bags safe when not in use

https://www.etsy.com/listing/707788880/quilted-advent-calendar-houses-winter

More Advent Calendars available in our shop
https://www.etsy.com/shop/RedNeedleQuilts?section_id=22038126

I'm sewing almost every day and trying to get a few days off doing something different. 

Last Sunday was such a gorgeous sunny day and I know I had felt bad if I'd stayed at home. 

Tranquility! Away from cars, pollution and people! 

The first cuppa of the day is empty. Time to start my day. The goal today is to finish .............??? Yes, your guessing is right; two advent calendars! :) 

HAPPY QUILTING! 

Advent Calendars and Tortilla Warmers

WELCOME JULY! 
Where on earth did the first part of 2019 go?! I'm sure someone stole it, as one said! 

I'm busy as ever and determined to finish some Advent Calendars. 

Over the last days I have quilted, added pockets and sleeve to four of these. I have one left to do, I ran out of fabric for the back! UGH! More on the way, expected to arrive end of July. 

There are 24 single small pockets, measuring 2 x 2 inches. They are tedious to add and I must say I was relieved when all 96 pockets where done! 
This calendar is one of my favorite. It's a Debbie Mumm design; Jolly Christmas. 

The four Snow Village Calendars are done as well

The brass rings are sewn to the calendar. I hope to get a photo of the complete calendar - brass rings and felt bags - one of the first days, if the weather permits. 

Currently working on a tea cozy. Love those cardinals. 

I have new table runners listed in our shop

https://www.etsy.com/listing/704644280/quilted-table-runner-daisies-turquoise

https://www.etsy.com/listing/704769706/quilted-table-runner-turquoise-daisies

I've made a few tortilla warmers (cozies) for the upcoming Christmas Fair in Norway

These are easy to make and a fun addition to the table

Made of 100% cotton, the tortillas can be heated in the microwave oven.

Last night - after being in limbo for a few hours, lol - I pulled out one of my scrappy UFO's. Yes, there are more than one! :)  

It has been put aside for more than a year because I couldn't decide on light or dark sashing (first border). Last night I decided on a dark brown scroll fabric after trying a few light ones. Black is suggested by some, but I'm not a big fan of black. Not brown either, but definitely better than black, in my opinion. :) After all, it is scrappy, right?! :) All the squares (centre) are from swaps. The pinwheels are fabric from my stash. 

HAVE A NICE JULY 4th AND HAPPY QUILTING! 

Scrap Challenge and more

Midsummer came and went, can you believe we are heading towards Christmas and New Year again?! 

I've been super busy and I'm not sure where to start. Quite a lot to share, I may share it into two posts. Why don't I post more often?! :) 
OK, let's start with the Advent Calendars.

 When I wrote the previous post, four Calendars were already quilted and the binding thread basted. A little progress; the 24 felt bags and a lined drawstring bag (to keep the felt bags) are completed. Next step is to add 'gold' metal rings (to hang the felt bags). I may do one with buttons - instead of rings - as well, IF I get the right buttons. I went to the neighbor town earlier this week, but the shop where I usually buy buttons were sold out on those specific buttons. 

The Quiltsy Team's Scrappy Spring Challenge is done

(see previous post for details)

I made a scrappy star wall hanging. All batik are from my stash. 

I love how it turned out and have yet to decide whether to keep or list it in our shop. 

2019 is my 'year of batiks'. Ever since I started quilting I have 'collected' batiks, and batiks are often too beautiful to be cut, right?! LOL This year I'm trying to use up some of the batiks and after making a few quilts it has not made a dent! 

I have made scrappy star blocks off and on. After 35 blocks I pieced the blocks together

I'm not sure about the size though... As it is now, it measures 60 x 84 inches / 152 x 213 cm. Isn't that a bit too long for a lap quilt?? If I add one row (7 blocks) to the width, the size will be 72 x 84 inches. If I remove one row on the length, it will measure 60 x 72 inches.

I'd love to hear your opinion, please! 

I've bought the most beautiful batik for the back! 

I had in mind a multi-colored backing, but when I saw this one I couldn't resist! 

I've been naughty! In spite of SFD (Strict Fabric Diet), I have bought some fabric, BUT defending myself; only some FQ's I didn't really need! Haha! 

These fabrics are for binding on some other Advent Calendars

...and here's the brown batik FQ's I didn't really need! Well, yes, somehow I need them, because I have not more than a couple of brown batik left in my stash! Always excuses to buy beautiful fabric, isn't it?! :) 

Nasty 'winter' weather these days; rain showers and strong trade winds.

Birre-Liten knows best

...the best place in the sun! 

I have more to share, but that has to be another post. 

HAVE A FABULOUS DAY AND HAPPY QUILTING!