To be or not to be, that is the question.

First seen in a book including Country Threads patterns by Connie and Mary, making this table runner moved to the top of my list.

 That was about 5 years ago.  And finally I've carved out time to complete it.

 Using one and three quarter inch strips, I delved into lights, tans, and blues.

 One of Roberta Horton's books reminded me to incorporate plaids and stripes for interest.

The only question now is whether or not it's too wide for my seven foot harvest table.  So we'll see how much shrinkage takes place once it's quilted. 

My bright blue Roseville bowls will look quite at home sitting on top of this textile treasure.  Quilts of all sizes make a house a home.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

The next long-term project . . .

The recent postings by both Liliane and Lucy, which show their exemplary, museum quality quilts, reminded me of the box of triangles waiting in the wings.  

 Teeny tiny is not my usual forte; however, I loved the possibilities seen on Pinterest.  Thus I began.
And no one can deny that the long-term efforts of both Liliane and Lucy is nothing short of show stopping!

My method begins with dark and light 3.5 inch squares sewn on all 4 sides then cut on the diagonal.  Of course, and by that I mean "they must" be starched or that pesky bias edge will show up when least convenient.

After trimming down to 2", each square is carefully chosen and placed in sequence on an acrylic ruler, carried to the sewing machine, and sewn in order.  

Seams are pressed open, then row 1 is sewn to row 2, etc.   Since I'm not one to press seams open, I'm re-reading Jo Morton's careful instructions on sewing small, very small.

We're so fortunate, aren't we, to have access to so many great and influential teachers. 

Thank you Liliane, Lucy, and Jo for sharing your incredible talent. 

Until then, keep stitchin' . . . 

What to do with leftovers.

Every project has them.  Blocks that didn't make the grade on the first top.

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 While sewing yesterday's 16 patch, which I've decided to name "Tea for Two", my brain moved on to other possibilities.

The left over blocks will be turned on point and sashed with white using 2" solid blue cornerstones.

Since I work with many young married folks, it's a good idea to have an extra baby quilt or two on hand.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

All Together Now

It's a top,

 albeit a slightly wobbly one.

Some of the seams did not want to nest nicely.  I'll add a border of plain white and cross hatch quilt it with cotton batting, which will allow it to shrink well.

But first, I really must clean up the sewing area.

There's barely enough room for Dolly and her blankets.

Until then, keep stitchin'.

Side tracked

The sewing room must have been invaded by gremlins, as several quilt tops seem to be in progress simultaneously.

 

 The one and three-quarter inch strip bins were overflowing, which led to pulling 1930s colors.

 Cutting a length of 16 and one half inches, light and dark fabrics were sewn lengthwise

 Cut in half and sewn again.  Seams pressed in one direction.

 Then cut into 4 units.

 Initially lights and darks were matched willy nilly.  After the mains sections were laid out, specific units were sewn and placed so everything would balance.  Special attention was paid to the yellows.  They kept shouting louder and taking over.  Yellows and oranges can get pretty rowdy you know.

 

Each unit of 4 squares is pinned in place, not sewn as a 16-patch.  It's easier to sew a lengthwise section and assemble the horizontal rows, rather than try to match seams in a sewn block.

Temps here got down to 28 last night and we only had a very light dusting of snow yesterday.  The coming weather was announced far enough in advance that I was able to adjust my work hours and stay home for the day.  In this area of the country, it's just not smart to drive on snow and ice.

For our neighbors to the west where the temps are really dropping,  please be safe and check on your outside critters often.

Until then, keep stitchin'.