SAL: Christmas Greetings

Time again for the SAL 3 week update. At our last posting I had finished ‘Wild Flower Jar’ but did not post what I would be working on next. Scanning ebay and amazon I settled on my next project, a Christmas in July pick.

It’s a kit by Joy Sunday from amazon. Titled The Skating Santa Claus, I will be calling it ‘Christmas Greetings’

It’s an interesting kit. I have never worked a kit with the pre-colored stitching directions. I admit I was a bit shaken when it arrived and I opened it. Was it because it was something new, was it too challenging, or was it that it’s actually pretty darn simple to follow? Notice it says ‘Ecology cotton floss’ on the above photo.

The 14 ct aida cloth came with the edging bound – that was nice. Once I began the kit, I discovered the cotton ecology floss seems cheap and low quality. With my small start to this project I can already tell it will be a challenge to work with. The floss splits and tangles easily. I toyed with the idea of changing out the floss but decided to keep going. I really loved the design but I am sitting in the fence with this.

I also bought a second kit. I am not the best online shopper – This kit was also by Joy Sunday and is exactly the same. It arrived just a few days ago. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. I am sure I was drawn to the whimsie ness of these kits. We’ll see how this first one proceeds before deciding if I will be working the owls or these become Goodwill items.

This SAL is organized by Avis. Below is the list of fellow SAL members. Everyone is working on different projects and live in many different time zones and around the world. So check back often. Our next posting will be August 15th.

AvisClaireGunCaroleConstanzeChristinaKathyMargaretCindyHeidiJackieSunnyMegan,

DeborahReneeCarmelaSharonDaisyAnneAJLauraCathieLindaHelen

About the SAL

Please note this SAL is not accepting any more new members until further notice but this is what it’s all about anyway. This SAL (Stitch Along) is slightly different to other SALs in that we don’t all stitch the same design at the same rate. We choose ONE unfinished project, or ONE new one, and show progress of its completion over a series of three weekly updates. There are no deadlines and no set amount to stitch. The result is that the space in our drawers full of WIPs (works in progress) is gradually being freed up to store lots of new crafty goodness. It’s surprising how much motivation I’ve gained from being in this SAL.

Another Dahlia Panel Quilt

Back in mid December, 2020, I completed a Dahlia panel quilt. Almost immediately I had heard from a cousin, Eric, asking if I would considering making one for him.

How could I say no. (he is one of those very precious dear ones)

Here is his quilt

The panel is from the Fat Quarter Shop (online) and is from the Hoffman Dream Big collection

We had fun picking out (all via texting) his favorite color panel and then the backing – all his choosing

I loved his backing choice.

It’s relatively easy to use a sewing machine to piece a basic quilt pattern and then quilt it – one most certainly can be done in a few days. I let him know this would be no next week process. I was able to complete her in 7 months.

Now I am off to send her in the mail.

From Washington to Florida with love

HQAL: Log Cabin Update

I am always amazed at how quickly the three weeks pass but this time around I am amazed at the amount of hand quilting I got done. I wanted to remind you that this was a Quilt Block of the Month kit I had picked up at our local Goodwill. The design and instructions seemed way to complicated and time consuming for me so using most of the material included and adding a few choices of my own, I tweaked the design and went with a basic log cabin pattern.

At our last posting I had completed 5 out of 12 blocks. At this posting I have completed 3 more. On most of my updates I’ve simply shown the same 1 block since the process is just repetitive quilting. Today a peak at 4 blocks together.

The back is taking shape with some puckering showing too.

I have a number of other hand quilting projects in the works that I am dividing my time between. I am so thankful for the accountability of this quilt along to keep me on track and moving forward with this one. I should have her done for a fall roll out: and so appropriate with her fall colors.

Until our next posting ~

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.

KathyMargaretDebNanetteSharonKarrin, and Daisy

SAL: Wild Flower Update

For our July 4th update I am happy to report I have a finish on Wild Flowers in a jar.

I have not picked out my next project so I guess it will be a surprise for both you and me 🙂 See you all in 3 weeks 🙂

Please check out what everyone else has been up to by clicking their names below. There are some amazing projects in the works.

AvisClaireGunCaroleConstanzeChristinaKathyMargaretCindy

HeidiJackieSunnyMeganDeborahReneeCarmelaSharon

DaisyAnneAJLauraCathieLindaHelen

And if you’ll indulge me for this posting – a few of my wild flowers from the garden ~ wouldn’t they make a gorgeous arrangement in a mason jar!