The last couple years I have been trying to use up older fabrics and supplies- in other words try to use what I have before buying what I want. There will always be something great and new around the corner and I live in a condo so I don't have unlimited space!
One of my latest projects was to use up an old jelly roll from 5 or 6 years ago. I had loved it once but not anymore. I decided it would be perfect for gifting so I just starting making easy nine patch blocks. When they were done I went through my stash and picked out fabrics looked good with the colors from the jelly roll and then I started putting it together. ( It still needs a good pressing!)
I often think about how I am going to quilt a project as I am sewing and this one was no different.
About half way through piecing the top, all of a sudden it hit me that I COULD NOT machine quilt this quilt and I COULD NOT give it to anyone but me! I was smitten...in love...and I couldn't wait to get started quilting it by hand. I decided to big stitch it and with the same idea of using up things, I found spools of old thick Mettler thread which I believe is cotton in my thread stash. It will be perfect for big stitching but I just don't have enough to do the whole quilt in one color so I picked out all the colors that complimented the quilt. I am so excited to get this basted but it will probably not be for a couple of weeks. I am putting in extra hours at work for the next while so I don't have as much free time as I am used to.
I have also started machine quilting sections of a large pineapple quilt. These first sections are about 28" square. I have 4 of them done. Next I will be quilting sections that are 2x3 blocks. I have 4 of those. I'm using a wool batting that is a little puffier than I am used to but this will be a wonderful cozy quilt for my bed.
I don't know whether it is that it is winter, but I have been knitting more than usual lately. I just finished a new pair of socks. My LWS, The Naked Sheep Yarn and Fibre Emporium has a fun monthly sock knitting challenge and in February the theme was of course all about hearts. I picked up some beautiful hand dyed wool in a color that was somewhat love like and got going...here they are.
The pattern is Diagonal Lace Sock and the wool is from Dye for Ewe and it is so soft. I usually do not not indulge in such expensive wool for socks but I know my feet will LOVE these!
I have 2 days off now so I am going to use them to make backings for all these projects I want to get quilting!
Happy Stitching!
