New to Me Book

I like to make blocks.  Not a whole quilt--just a block or two.  When Henrietta described her *new* book to me, well, I had to order one too!  

Henrietta's review of the book is here.  My first block, (pink bottom) was to learn the method.  The 2nd block (blue roosters) in another color/bigger print.  The 3rd block in two colors to test how the points came out.  These were the basic block pattern in the book. 

Notice the *lines* in the bottom block.  You don't *see* those lines at first, but stripes would be interesting with this method.  Yes, there is some waste, but this method is PAINLESS.  Please enlarge my pictures, check the points.  I have not trimmed these blocks.  I was not particularly careful (other than following the diagrams) when I made them.  Followed the directions as far as cutting, marking, and pressing.  This book has GREAT tips and directions.  Tables for blocks in different sizes.   30 different 8 pointed star blocks.  These blocks came out to a perfect 12" finished.


Stars by Magic was bought used through Amazon.  I paid $6.45 plus 3.99 shipping.  Total--$10.45.  The book arrived quickly, less than a week.  The book is in like-new condition.  It was well worth it!

Most my quilt books are bought used.   Do you buy used books??

 

Monday Goals

Time to check last week's goals.  I've made 11 3/4 Sister's blocks--one strip had an accident.

There is progress on more Cherry Tree blocks, its just not very picturesque--

I'm working on three blocks, and two of them have lots of "cherries" on them.  


Goals for next week---

1. Lay out the Sister's Choice blocks and decide if I need more blocks
2. Work on Cherry Tree Blocks
3. Make another block "for fun"

I've been trying to "keep it simple" here.  I made beans in my pressure cooker.  It was simple and they tasted great.  But, my pressure cooker needs a new gasket.  Oh, this one works and I need to remember to oil it before using.  It "sticks" if I don't.  And then I can't open the lid and need to use this cooking utensil---

No, I'm not trying to pry the lid off, I'm trying to turn the handle sideways!  My pressure cooker is very old.  If I were to guess, I'd say 40+ years old.  There's nothing wrong with it.  I know the rubber gasket has been replaced over the years, and another one is due.  


And speaking of things being "due"---a recent quilt book suggested a new needle and oiling of your sewing machine before starting a project.  Good idea!  I never notice that I need a new needle (my old Singer isn't picky) or remember to oil.  A new needle every 20 hours or every new quilt was a suggestion--but I can't REMEMBER when I put a new needle in!  My machine is ready for another 20 hours.  Or more.  


Have you checked your needle lately?

 

Sunday Stash Report

My numbers have changed.  I bought 1.75 yards.   Mailed a friend 1/2 yard as a present.  Stuffed a priority mail envelope full of fabric to another person.   There was at least 6 yards in that envelope.  That would make my numbers---

1.75 yards IN
6.5 yards OUT
That means I have 4.75 yards OUT

Check how everyone is doing here---- 

Monday Goals, Design Wall, BCT #5, Judy's Rolls

Weekly goals.  I like short term goals.  Henrietta feels better with monthly goals.  She says weekly goals stress her.  Do you set goals?  Oh, I better make mine!

1. Start #6 of Beyond the Cherry Trees
2. Finish 12 more Sister's Choice blocks
3. Make a block "just because"

Last week I wanted to set my log cabin blocks together.  I laid them out several different ways and didn't like ANY of them.  So set them aside to think.  Jay had some good suggestions--thanks Jay!

There are 30 Sister's Choice blocks on the wall.  Bonnie used 72, but think that might get quite big.  They are 10" finished.   A couch quilt?  A queen bed cover?  I'm not sure yet. 

I am math challenged.  Last night I realized I had cut twice as many neutral pieces as I needed.  Can you believe I used a calculator and wrote my calculations down?

Here is Beyond the Cherry Trees #5.  On to #6!

A couple of posts back Judy had these luscious looking cinnamon rolls.  And the recipe!  Last night I made them.

They raised beautifully.  Smelled heavenly.  How did they taste?  I told Henrietta they were positively orgasmic!

I was going to take some to my sisters and my dad tomorrow, but I'm sure they won't want any--after all, they will be "day old rolls".  Just to be safe, I'm locking my door.   And hiding them.  


My stash report--still all zeros.  Going shopping in the frigid weather is not for me.   No internet purchases either.    

 

Motivation Update

Some sewing done this week.  I have 14 Sister's Choice blocks put together from my 9 patches.   I think the brown works well, what do you think??

There may not be enough of this brown, but I can always use another brown.  

Laid the log cabin blocks out but didn't like ANY of the ways I laid them.  Set them aside for now.

Still working on the Cherry Tree #5.  I'll work on it more this weekend.

The weather warmed up for a few days, but it's going to get cold again.  The best thing, I know we are getting closer to spring.  Remember--warm breezes.  Green grass.  Lawn chairs.   I am so ready for spring!

 

 




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Thursday

Les the handyman finished today at our house.  Our main bathroom has a new toilet and sink.  This project began because the sink needed a new faucet.  

A pedestal sink--I've always wanted one.  Painting isn't done, I'm still thinking about colors.  And I hate to paint.


Next Les moved the old sink and toilet to the basement.   Added a "shower in a box".  

Nothing fancy.   Needs a mirror and a place to hang your towels.   Worried about privacy?  There's a locking door to that room you don't see.  If you want to peep in that window--you have to lay in a flower bed and crink your neck down in the window well.  Requires a dedicated peeper!

(Psst--the REAL reason Ken wanted a bathroom in the basement was for DD and her husband.  They travel with lots of HAIR PRODUCTS and now they won't have to carry them up and down the stairs.)


This is the last of my 9 patches (I hope) and I'm using Bonnie Hunter's Scrappy Sister's Choice for setting them.   I think brown star points unify them and tame some of the wilder 9 patches. 

What have you been working on??

 

What's in YOUR cupboard??

Ken was whining that my pantry and cupboard was "disorganized".  I knew what was in there!  So he was drafted to help organize it.  

Cupboard

Pantry

Sorted the soup cans into one spot.  Turned all the cans right side up with the labels facing the front.  (mostly) 

Were there any surprises?  Not really.  I see Ken bought several cans of chicken noodle soup.  And I have 8 cans of chocolate frosting!  I knew I had a shelf of cake mixes and brownies.  And green beans.  Lots of green beans.  

Maybe Ken is a bit spoiled.  I have always cooked/baked a lot.  My resolution of "more simple cooking" is NOT what he likes.  Hungry?  Open a can of green beans!   

 

Monday Goals

Time to think about the next week.  The Two Lips blocks are waiting for some pastels Henrietta is sending.  So---

1. Finish block #5 of Beyond the Cherry Tree
2. Set the Log Cabin block together

I didn't have a stash report this week.  I haven't left the house or poked any buttons, so my numbers are still all zeros. I did finish block #4 of Beyond the Cherry Tree.

Block #4 of Beyond the Cherry Tree

There are errands to run and Les the Handyman is working on a mud room type bathroom in the basement.  South Dakota is still gripped by winter.  

A few days ago in the fridge I found this---

Mason's Bug Juice

We know Mason left it, we miss him.
 
A few pictures from today--

9:00 am, before the storm

4:30pm--Nanook blowing snow

 

Motivation Friday

Quilting is slow when you do applique.  But, I AM enjoying it!  I finished Block #3 of BTCT.  I redrew the "fingers" at the base of the pineapples.  Mine have five, the original quilt had seven.  

Block #4 is almost done, and I've started #5.  A couple more Two Lips blocks done.  Henrietta is sending me some pastel pieces for more Two Lips blocks because my stash has very little pastel fabric.  

I need to work on some UFO's.  Found a pile of OLD log cabin blocks I want to lay out and pick a setting.   There is a large pile of 9 patch blocks.  Q is for Quilter Martha added snowball blocks and the 9 patches look like stars.  The Farmer's Daughter block uses 9 patches as a center and adds the star "points".  I love my 9 patches and either of these two settings would work.  I have a soft brown for the points, my 9 patches are scrappy and one fabric/color for points would help pull them together.  Finished and done is better than a perfectly planned UFO.  This should be my mantra! 

I REALLY wanted to start a new project I saw.  I printed the pattern out and even had the color picked.  I've been thinking--do I enjoy starting projects, or do I just enjoy cutting them out?  Hmmmm........

PS--the weather is much warmer at the moment--47F--and bright sunshine.   

Still Plodding

Ken and I both have caught one of those winter bugs.  Achy, headache, no energy.  Fuzzy brain.  

I counted my Two Lips blocks--there are 42.  I have to pin a note to the stack, I never remember how many are there!

I have blocks 3 & 4 of BTCT almost done.   I prepped #5 tonight.  

Red circles.  Yes, BTCT has lot of cherries.  I practiced making circles, I am going to use them for a different block.   I know there are all sorts of methods and tools to make those pesky circles.  Can you see what I used??

Quarters and some washers.  Pennies and dimes work well too.  I have all sizes of washers.   Do you use household items for quilting??

Sunday Stash Report

Nothing in, but nothing out!  My sewing, well, I'm plodding along.   I have been baking.  Using the oven keeps the kitchen toasty.  First, I made caramel rolls.

Last night I made cookies.  Ken had talked about these cookies, but I had never made them.  

They are orange slice cookies.  Remember, the ones with orange slice jelly candies in them?   I love transfer ware dishes--these are from England.  Henrietta--can you refresh my memory?  I know they feature famous "houses" from England.  Transfer ware comes in all colors, blue is the most common.   I also have a few green pieces.  If you come for coffee, I promise to serve fresh cookies on my transfer ware!

Ken is getting on my last nerve.  And jumping up and down.  I made cookies after he went to bed.  (He went to bed about 7:30pm!)  He got up this morning and whined I hadn't made him chocolate chip cookies.  Grrrr.  Anyway.....

Today is bright and sunny.  A few pictures--

To the back yard.  You can see the snow is too deep for Ruby the quilting dog--she floundered back onto the deck--the look was "do you think I'm crazy??!!  I am NOT putting my tender parts out in that cold snow!"  And she trotted down the ramp where the snow was not so deep!  

The snow is about 8 inches deep on top the railings.   

I am going to try Judy's recipe for beans and sausage.  Bake some bread.  And sew.  Yes, definitely some sewing!