Not Finished, But Check It Out!

How's this for flying by the seat of my pants again? 

This is what I've been working on this week.  I was digging in my rulers and came across the Tri-Rec rulers.  I've had them for years, but had never used them; don't know why not.  I just decided to try them, and had a lot of fun.  At first I made the three large stars and decided on the on-point set, with only solid setting triangles, cornerstones, and the sashings from a multi-stripe border fabric.  Before stitching them together, I studied it a few hours and decided it was boring though I really liked the stars. 

I decided to make the four smaller stars, and of course, that created another spacing problem, so I added the other small squares and some more strips.  I had no problem at all until I began to add the border print on the sides under the four small stars.  By that time I had already sewn everything together except those four strips, and of course, because of the changes, my setting triangles were too large, making it difficult (for me!) to know exactly where those borders had to be sewn! 

So-o-o-o --- that meant I had to "unsew" from those three cornerstones on each side in order to get the correct angles on the border prints.  With no pattern of any kind or even a picture, let's just say I did some creative cutting and sewing to get everything as close to "right" as I could.   It took me longer to get those four pieces on than it did to do all the rest of it!  But I learned a few things; that's for sure!

Actually, I'm pleased with the outcome, and quite frankly, very surprised!  I've still got to quilt it, and then add the binding.  I can't decide whether to go with the gold binding, or the wine color.  It is 60"x22".

Can you believe I still have NOT gone to the quilt store to get my gold metallic thread for one of my panel projects?  Maybe tomorrow or Saturday; maybe not. 

Have a great week-end, wherever you are and whatever you have planned!  Be safe too!

---"Love"

Did Someone Say Christmas is Coming?

Don't tell me it was me! *wink*

If you were to walk into my sunroom, you would know it!  Piles of Christmas fabrics here, there, and everywhere!  When I went to the quilt store last week, I found a couple of little Santa panels on sale; didn't need them, but I got them!  I merely tried to stitch on the lines (tried is the key word; I needed the practice!).  Then I added the striped borders.  Each one is 27" x 21", and finished except for labels.  No, that's not quite right.  I think I'm going to hand stitch a red lower lip on each one.  Somehow the printed black line just doesn't do it for me.   These will probably leave here as gifts, but they do look cute on my couch.  They have revved up my Christmas Spirit already!

I have a couple more really pretty panels to do, but I want to stitch them with gold metalic thread.  I've never used that before.  Got any hints for me --- brands, methods, needles, etc. --- ?   (I should have practiced with that on these Santas, but it's too late now!)  I'll probably start some pieced project tomorrow since another trip to the store will be required for the gold thread.   What a shame, right?

I did a little more Civil War applique, but haven't finished the block yet.  Maybe this week.

Hope everyone in the U.S. has a great Labor Day Holiday tomorrow!  I usually "labor" in the yard on that day, but I think it is going to be too hot out there for this old lady!

---"Love"