HQAL: T Quilt & Baby Blanket Update

In my last post I shared I had finally and joyously finished all of the blocks for the T Quilt

Beginning to piece it together I ran into some problems with the block sizes. They are not all uniform. I tried adding and removing borders on some of them. Using my design wall curtain, (the only work space available in my home if you can believe that other than on the bed) you can see I had run into some serious construction problems.

Initially I decided to not use sashing, thinking maybe a patchwork kind of feel would work because of the 4 different T patterns along with my lack of uniformity in the size of the blocks. But it was simply a mess. In looking back at when I began this project it is evident now that the basic 2 color choice was called for: red & white, blue & white ~ something traditional

This T block quilt has been a claw in my side since I began but a true skill stretcher for me. Wanting to get her done, I have told myself – no rush, take your time, get her right, as right as you can and then get her done.

Starting over I squared up the blocks and went with a maroon 2″ wide sashing.

This just may work.

Baby Quilt

I have also been working on the baby quilt and I may have it completed in time for the baby shower in mid January. I have finished piecing it together.

All three layers are together and I have begun the hand quilting process.  I am stitching  around the inside square of each block with the plan to then stitch around the inside of each larger square by the sashing. I’m using a light gray thread. All the inside squares are done and I have begun the outside squares last night.

 

Wishing everyone health and happiness in the coming new year and a big thank you to Kathy for hosting this Hand Quilt Along. Thank you to every one for your encouragement over this last year.

 

Hand Quilt Along Links

This Hand Quilt Along is an opportunity for hand quilters and piecers to share and motivate one another. We post every three weeks, to show our progress and encourage one another.  If you have a hand quilting project and would like to join our group contact Kathy at the link below.

Kathy, Margaret, Emma, Tracy, Deb, Susan,  Nanette,  Edith, Sharon, Karrin, Gretchen, Kathi,  Bella, Daisy and Connie

SAL: Project Choice

 

Last posting of 2019 ~ I can hardly believe how quickly the year has passed. At my last posting I had finished ‘The Owl and Cactus’. Sadly it is still in the shop being framed. I had hoped to have this done and in the mail to my daughter, living in Okinawa (Military) for Christmas. That didn’t happen but something else did. My daughter surprised me the other day and I learned she is actually following the blog. I had no idea! In fact I said “you never comment and say nice job mom” lol ~ her surprise became my surprise.

I’ll be sure to post the framed finish before I send it off.

Before moving on to my next project for this SAL, I finished up a few gift giving projects I had started. A cross stitched greetings card for my favorite uncle and a bunch of lavender infused 3.5 sachet pillows. Bagged in baggies to let their fragrance steep 🙂

 

Now to decide on my next project for the SAL

I thought I should get a jump on projects for next fall because considering how fast this year went by ….

The first is this Pumpkin cross stitch.

The second choice is this absolutely adorable “Trick or Treat” Victoria Sampler

Notice the bottom section ~ Hardanger, I knew I should joined in when Kathy (below) hosted her Hardanger stitch along ~ darn it ~ this just might determine my choice.

To everyone ~ I wish you lots of great projects, good health and lots of laughter in the coming year.

This stitch-a-long is organised by Avis, we post our progress on our chosen project every three weeks, please follow the links to see what every one else is stitching.

Avis, Claire, Gun, Carole, Sue, Constanze, Christina, Kathy, Margaret, Cindy, Linda, Heidi, Jackie, Sunny, Hayley, Megan, Deborah, Mary Margaret, Renee, Jenny, Carmela, Jocelyn, Sharon, Daisy, Anne, Connie

 

 

Lavender Christmas Dessert Plate

Holiday dinner out with friends called for something a little extra special to say how much their friendship meant to me. 3.5 x 3.5 these tiny sachet pillows are stuffed with lavender infused stuffing along with lavender grown in my garden this summer. I edged with a string of pearl beads to capture that winter falling snow feel.

I wanted material that said ‘you light up my life’

I kept it simple and wrapped in a plastic sandwich baggy to both catch falling lavender buds and help the infused lavender scent steep.

Christmas Card Cross Stitch

 

In a world with virtual cards for every occasion, I still send out Christmas Cards, do you? I picked up this sweet kit at the Goodwill for $1.99

Setting out straight a way to get it started, it took me some time, extra strong reading glasses, and good lighting.

Recipient is my one and only Uncle who is extra special to me

What is really funny about this card is he loves virtual cards, and I mean LOVES them. In fact, starting Dec. 1, have been sending him a virtual card every morning almost like an advent calendar of sorts. He may love virtual cards but I think he may like this one better.

HQAL: T Block Update

Time once again to post our progress. Looking back, it appears I started working on this  in November, 2018. Wow – I can hardly believe a full year has flown by since beginning this.

I have completed all 16 blocks for my “T” block quilt. Below are the last 5. (Actually I miss counted and I have 17 blocks in all, 2 of the same one)

 

 

All the blocks

 

 

Now to begin to think about putting her together

Please take a moment to blog hop and check out the amazing hand work of the others in the group ~ enjoy!

Kathy, Margaret, Emma, Tracy, Deb, Susan,  Nanette,  Edith, Sharon,
Karrin, Gretchen, Kathi,  Bella, Daisy and Connie

This Hand Quilt Along is an opportunity for hand quilters and piecers to share and motivate each another. We post every three weeks, to show our progress and encourage one another. If you would like to join along please contact Kathy above.