Two Finishes! Tomten's Quilt and BOM 2024

How come I've forgotten to take photos of these two finished beauties?! 

 I think the distraction of my faulty Bernina (in June) is to blame. 

Now, for about two weeks, I've been waiting for nicer weather to take photos, but 'of course' the weather went worse. Today (Jan 1, 2026), the sun is shining from blue sky.

Tomten's Quilt (Keep Believing), #14 on my UFO list 2024 / #16 UFO list 2025

6 blocks were done in 2024 and the remaining 24 in 2025. 

My intention was to make it into a flimsy at that point, which didn't happen. 

 I ran out of the red fabric (Moda Marbles Brick Red) and had to order more. When I got it, I decided to finish it.

There are 9 duplicate mini panels. I wanted to make the blocks all unique, but that meant buying a coordinating panel and that was no-no! As many of you know, I purchase fabric from abroad. International shipping has become extremely expensive. Sometimes the shipping cost comes to more than the item price! From this year (2025), I'm on SFD (Strict-Fabric-Diet)! That doesn't mean I'm not going to buy anything at all, it means only buying what I really need to finish a project. So far, so good! 

How to quilt it, is always my question. Depending on the design, it doesn't always fit the quilt to do FMQ. For me, that is meandering or loopy swirls design. I decided to custom quilt the blocks. It takes time of course, but is well worth it for the final result. 

Aren't these guys too cute?! 

First, I quilted in-the-ditch (in the seamline) around the star spikes, then the snowflakes background. The four cornerstones got an X and I did another seam half an inch inside the HSTs. 

I needed to do something with the small panels (star centers). I did in-the-ditch around the star center panels and from spikes to spikes. Quite a lot of quilting, AND wrestling (arm exercise!), for not to forget those not so nice words! LOL

The backing has small gnomes on dark blue. 

First blocks made: 2022 (or maybe 2021?)

Flimsy: April 2025

Thread basted and quilted: May 2025

Finished: May 17, 2025

Sherri McConnel's BOM 2024

I was not going to do any BOM! 

...and see what happened! 

I couldn't resist Sherri's BOM 2024. 

I had sew much fun making these blocks in RSC (Rainbow Scrap Challenge) colors. 

I like how it turned out in RSC colors. 

You may notice there are two red blocks. I ran out of RSC colors and decided to make one more block in red.

Each block is custom quilted. 

The sashing has white dots on black and small corner stones in a variety of colors

The border is a batik I've had for years. You know the phrase; 'too beautiful to be cut'! lol 

I did a pieced backing for this quilt.

First block made: January 2024

Flimsy: Dec 2024

Finished: June 8, 2025

Flimsies, Pieced Backing and Frankenbatting

 I'm happy to say I have two RSC (Rainbow Scrap Challenge) flimsies!

Keep the Home Fires Burning

I had sew much fun adding all these blocks together! 

...and Sherri McConnell A Quilting Life BOM 2024

Finding the 'right' fabric for the border and sashing for a scrappy quilt can sometimes be a challenge. Since it has 'all' colors, any of these colors could be used, I guess. My DH suggested black for the sashing. Hm.... What do I have in my stash? Definitely not a big choice. A few strips left of Moda Marbles, one yard black Grunge is hiding somewhere... I ended up with a fabric I've had 'forever'; white pindots on black, that was just enough, only a few strips left! For the border I've chosen a gorgeous batik in dark blue, purple and turquoise.

The last days I've worked on pieced backings for both flimsies.

I've pulled out fabrics from my stash, some been there 'forever'. You know those fabrics that are pulled in and out of the shelf until you get damn tired of them, leave them and forget about them. That's the case for these pieced backings.

'Keep the Home Fires Burning' is square, approximately 73"x73" (185 cm square). I have to get the quilt (all three layers) on the table to see if the backing fits. The sides are only an inch bigger than the quilt! YIKES! (Don't ask me where the math went! ...or my brain?!!) I may not get it straight on the table, I may have to get it on the floor getting it straight. I shall see... My poor old knees won't be happy!

Fabric requirements for this quilt is approximately 8-1/2 yards for the top and 5 yards for the backing (total 13-1/2 yards) 

It was easier to do the pieced backing for the BOM. I found some half yards and FQ's hidden at the bottom on a shelf, under a lot of Christmas fabrics!!! I know why they were 'hidden' there; I had no clue what to do with them and not sure I liked them that much either. A few were a challenge win years back. 

Fabric requirements: Approximately 11 yards for the top and 4-1/2 yards backing (total 15-1/2 yards) 

For these two quilts: All fabrics from my stash, a total of 29 yards. This is according to the fabric requirements. 

Even if not visible (as I can see!), it sure has made a dent in my stash. 

Some time ago I learnt a new word; frankenbatting. 

If that is new to you, you can learn more here. 

I have done frankenbatting for years without knowing it's a word for it. lol 

Do you do frankenbatting?

A couple of days ago I had to go into the city again. On my way home I stopped at Bagatelle Mall to get a few groceries and have a look at the Christmas decor. I'm not a big fan of malls, I find them rather boring. Malls have popped up everywhere on the island the last years. 

One of the entrances

...and even a decorated Banyan tree

 I enjoyed admiring their Christmas display

Have you decorated the tree? That's what I'm going to do this weekend!

Mindless Sewing, RSC, and BOM 2024

 First of all, to those of you who commented on my previous post; THANK YOU for your comment! I was not able to message all of you, because you were set on 'noreply comment'. I know I haven't had that problem earlier, unless you have changed the setting recently? Or is it Blogger that has a problem/change? Does any of you face the same problem? 

Are you done making Christmas items? I am! Almost all Christmas fabrics are stored away for this time, although I do have a Christmas Card Holder (UFO!) I may finish this year (she said optimistically!). And there's another UFO; a snowman wall hanging. OK, when I feel for it! 😀 You can see them here. The card holder is #5 and wall hanging #17. As you can see, almost NO progress on UFOs at all this year!!! However, I have 3 finishes; #8 (pineapple quilt), #10 (Irish Chain) and #20 (Bases Loaded purple quilt). I finished them earlier this year, but have not got around taking photos! Oh, and that Norwegian Flag TR is finished too. That makes it 4 finishes, out of ..... YIKES!!!! Good, but still too bad! 

I've done some windows and house cleaning. My goodness, that was needed! Now the neighbours don't look foggy! I have left to do one kitchen window. To do that one, I have to climb on the countertop. It feels so good when it's done, doesn't it?! 

A couple of weeks ago, we got rain and a little bit wind from 'Bheki'. We welcomed the rain, it was dry. But of course, after the rain and heat, the garden looks like a jungle! Yard work has been done too. I got sore, as expected! I have a tendency to overdo! 

A few hours sewing in the evenings, it has been. There was an accumulation of 2.5" squares I want to take care of. (They DO multiply during the nights, I'm sure!) 

36-patches

9-patches / 16-patches

So far, 810 squares pieced together; 2 36-patches, 27 16-patches and 34 9-patches. Mindless sewing is good for some days, but needless to say I got bored after some days! 

A month ago or so, I cut fabrics for black / grey zipper blocks. They were moved around on the table until I got tired and got them done. 

10 blocks

I'm caught up on all RSC blocks I've been working on this year. 

This is #12 and last of Sherri McConnel's A Quilting Life BOM 2024. Doing the blocks in RS colors, I ran out of colors. I was thinking I make it in a color I have the most of; red, blue or yellow. I already have one red block, but going through already cut red squares, I could make the block in red with only one duplicate fabric. 

Together with block #12, the quilt assembly was published. 

I needed fabric for the sashing... Since the blocks are made in Rainbow Scrap colors, any of those color could have been used, I think? Then my DH suggested black... Hm... Yardage in black is not what I have the most of. Going through my stash, I ended up with tiny white dots on black and cornerstones in bright colors. 

I had to go into the city again yesterday for some paperwork. People have got their salary and there are chaos everywhere! I have to admit I do like the hustle and bustle, but only for a short time! 

Caudan Waterfront usually display a huge decorated Christmas tree. You can see last year's tree here. 

This year's 'tree', or should I say star?! 

Somehow I expected a huge decorated tree, what can I say about this one? I like the modern look, and I'm sure it looks nice in the evenings. I'm a 'big tree' fan, I got a bit disappointed. lol

Pont Lakorite, the bridge between Shopping/Restaurants and Caudan Arts Centre

'This bridge dates back several years and its name was coined in August 2013 to symbolize connection; the strengthening of ties of friendship, love, fraternity, sharing and solidarity. 

To seal all these relationships, the public was invited to hang padlocks from the railings. In fact, the term 'Lakorite' is translated as Harmony.

As one of the bridges on our site, Pont Lakorite bears the identity of Le Caudan Waterfront, enabling visitors to move from one experience to another. As our tagline puts it so well; 'Le Caudan Waterfront, Bridging Experiences' 

(Courtesy by Le Caudan Waterfront).

RSC Week #33 - ORANGE

Hello!

It's already past middle August! How did that happen?! 

I've been busy with this, that and everything. Finally this week I have the time to dive into the RSC color for August; ORANGE!

As said, I've been busy sewing the last days and here's the result.

First up is the August block from Sherri McConnel 'A Quilting Life'

182 Day Solstice Challenge - Pat Sloan

Block #2 - Day Into Night

Block #10 - The Coffee Shop

Don't you just love that black cat?! 

Keep the Home Fires Burning

5 Four-patches

1 Friendship block

1 Bowtie block

1 Pinwheel block

2 different Nine-patches

...and if my math is right, ALL blocks - except one - are done for this quilt! 

I'm sooo looking forward to get the top done, but that won't happen now. First priority are fall and Christmas items for my Etsy Shop

Linking up with Angela and RSC - Rainbow Scrap Challenge

(I'll do that as soon as her today's post is up).

RSC Week #29 - AQUA

HAPPY END OF JULY!

How come it's second half of July already?! 

I haven't posted anything this month. July is the start of prepping Christmas items for my Etsy shop and is always a busy month. I've worked mostly on Advent Calendars, mug rugs and trivets. 

Angela at SuperScrappy has chosen AQUA for this month's RSC  (Rainbow Scrap Challenge) scrappy color, shades of blue leaning towards green. 

Hmmm.... That's a tricky color for me, as I don't have many prints in that color. I've done a mix of aqua, turquoise and teal. It's scrappy, after all! 

Let's see what has been done so far this month.

 

First up is July's block from Sherri McConnel 'A quilting Life'

182 Day Solstice Challenge - Pat Sloan

Block #11 - Quilt Math

Block #21 - Tile Time

Keep the Home Fires Burning

'Friendship' block

6 'Four-patches' 

Only a few blocks since I'm almost done, waiting for RSC Orange to complete the last blocks. 

4 Split-9 blocks

I have two aqua/turquoise approximately half yards, I may turn them into a couple of table toppers. 

Linking up with Angela and RSC - Rainbow Scrap Challenge

 

RSC Week #23 - More Blues

June is a busy month here at Grandma's Red Needle. 

BLUE was selected by Angela at SuperScrappy as the RSC - Rainbow Scrap Challenge - color for June. 

I have several blue WIPs and with the head start last week, I made several blocks for some of the WIPs. 

This week I've made 

4 Scrap Jar blocks

New BOM block from Sherri McConnel, 'A Quilting Life'

I'm currently working on BLUE Advent Calendars (no photos yet) for my Etsy Shop 

I like to start early, to avoid 'stress-sewing' closer to the Advent Season. 

Linking up with Angela and RSC - Rainbow Scrap Challenge

 

RSC Week 19 - more PINK

 It's PINK - again! 

Pink is May's chosen color for the RSC - Rainbow Scrap Challenge 

I ran out of background fabric for the BOM from Sherri McConnel; 'A Quilting Life'. 

For the previous blocks I have used Moda Marbles 'cream' (not available anymore). 

Instead, I purchased 'Baby White', which is slightly more yellowish, but that's OK. It's scrappy, after all! 

BOM: May 

When I joined RSC last year (2023), I sorted most of my fabrics on color. 

After I made Arreli's quilt, I don't have much pink left. I had to dig deep into my stash and found only one I had missed earlier and one I knew about (purchased for a custom order), just enough to make the outer border on this block. 

Love this block, but it was a pain to make with all its HSTs! 

...and I think this is the last pink for me, this month!

Linking up with Angela and RSC - Rainbow Scrap Challenge

RSC Week #14 - Yellow for April

 HAPPY APRIL!

Easter came and went, I hope you all had some relaxing and nice days. For us, it was all normal days. In Norway, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Monday are all public holidays. None public holidays for Easter in Mauritius. I never get the feeling of Easter here, except seeing the odd chocolate Easter bunnies and Easter eggs in the supermarkets.

New month and new color!

Angela at SoScrappy has chosen YELLOW for April's RSC - Rainbow Scrap Challenge.

I don't know about you, but I prefer doing the RSC blocks the first week(s) in each month. When the blocks are done, I can concentrate on my 'to-do' list. No, I don't make a 'to-do' list for every month. That had freaked me out and I hadn't been able to do anything! LOL I don't even make plans for the next day. 

April's BOM block from Sherri McConnel , 'A Quilting Life'

All the blocks for 'Keep the Home Fires Burning' are done 

6 four-patches

2 Pinwheels

4 bowties

3 friendship stars

2 nine-patches

2 nine-patches

Split-9 blocks in yellow. These are fast and fun to make

...and I had all these (already cut) 2.5 inch yellow squares. 

A box containing quilt shop samples were gifted to me some years ago. (Quilt shop in Norway that had to close). I didn't like these yellows, a bit too modern for me. I cut the samples into squares and I have used some in scrappy 36-patches and there were still a lot! 

First I thought of making two placemats, but 'of course' there were not enough (by one square!) for making two! 

I was playing with the layout and this is how it turned out

...a small bright sunny table topper! 

I think it needs a narrow black border, what do you think?

I still have the Scrap Jar and Zipper blocks to make.

The green table quilts and coasters are finished and off to Norway they fly next week! 

I have neglected housework for ..... I don't dare saying for how long!!! It's long overdue and I have to get to it soonest. 

But first; COFFEE!!! 

Second: Housework (ugh!) 

Linking up with Angela and the RSC - Rainbow Scrap Challenge