I’ve been so busy in my Sewing Room I haven’t written a post. It has been wet, gloomy and dreary here, but there are promises of drying out, sunshine and rising temperatures. Although I will believe it when it happens. I’m sitting here in a sweat shirt, sipping hot tea and my computer tells me it is 48F outside.
Fall Quilt Alongs – Monday & Tuesday
Monday QAL – Around A Star
Monday was Step 7 of the Around A Star Mystery QAL on Needle Spot. I can’t believe it, but there is only one more clue next Monday which will give us the assembly instructions for the top.
This step required taking 8 previous blocks, sewing them together and adding another strip of background. This resulted in 4 very large blocks. I assume the Star block, which was made on Week One, will be in the center and there are 4 other blocks which already have been made plus these four blocks to be combined for the finished top. This will be a 36-1/2″ x 36-1/2″ large wall hanging or table topper.
Even though there will not the any more clues and the QAL will officially be over, I will have to find some backing in my stash, sandwich the top/batting/backing, quilt it and bind it.
Tuesday QAL – Christmas Time Mystery QAL
Tuesday’s Quilt Along is Sponsored by the Fat Quarter Shop. This was originally planned for the summer but the fabrics were delayed for the kits they made for this project. Like Monday’s QAL, this has one more week. Yesterday the final block was released and next Tuesday we will get the assembly directions.
I did not get the block made yet. I am using leftover fabric from last year’s QAL. Last year I did buy the kit and had left over fabric which is what I decided to use for this year’s Christmas Time Mystery QAL. The pieces for this last block were all cut and organized, ready to stitch
This Fall, while I am doing multiple projects, I have spent days cutting for several projects and other days stitching the various blocks. It has been kind of interesting. I have to keep my mind switching between techniques, but surprisingly I have been fairly productive.
Saturday QAL – Project Linus 2022 Mystery Challenge QAL
Project Linus 2022 Mystery Challenge QAL releases their clues on Saturday. This week’s clue was actually 3 paper pieced blocks. Monday I managed to make blocks 2A & 2C and Tuesday I pulled fabrics and cut them for Block 2B.
I’m visual and sometimes I need to audition fabric combinations. Here I’m trying to figure out which colors to use for Block 2B. Sometimes I will take a picture in Black & White to help visualize color values & contrast.
Finally made a decision and got all the pieces cut. Sewing will wait until another day.
I’ll post pictures of all three Week 2 Blocks after I finish this block and trim all of them.
Multi-Project Organization
If you’ve been following me, you know that I am currently working on four Mystery Quilt Alongs, plus two other projects. Add into the mix will be Autumn Jubilee, another Mystery QAL for the month of October and a Table Runner Sew Along with Julie of Jaybird Quilts.
Doing multiple projects requires a bit of organization. I love recycling items to be used in my Sewing Room.
My Quilt Alongs are organized on recycled Styrofoam boards, recycled mailing boxes or in piles next to my cutting board. When they get larger I will sometimes hang them on pants/skirt hangers to keep them from being wrinkled.
The two other projects are also stored on Styrofoam Boards or recycled boxes. This keeps cut fabric separate and avoids accidentally using the fabric for other projects.
Everything is then stacked on a table next to my sewing machine and current stitching available on my sewing table. I may sit and stitch on two different projects before moving to the ironing board to press everything at one time.
There won’t be too much stitching done today as I am scheduled to donate platelets again today. There is an urgent need for donated blood & platelets. If you are eligible, I’d like to encourage you to donate and help save a life! If you are in the US, Click here to find a drive near you.
Happy Stitching!
Quilt Mouse
QuiltMouse 