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Saturday, March 5, 2016

What a hodge-podge!


What started out as a simple leader/ender project quickly became my main focus.
Wanted to get these little log cabin blocks made and sewn together. I've only ever made small log cabin blocks using foundation paper piecing, and that's not how I did these.
So I was a bit nervous when I began squaring up the blocks, afraid I would have very wonky ones that wouldn't look good once they were trimmed. I was pleasantly surprised. To the right is all that came off as I trimmed thirty  3 1/2" finished log cabin blocks. Just a fuzz pile! Whew! That means all of my piecing of minis has paid off in more accurate sewing.


I am certainly my own worst enemy when it comes to finishing up the pile of little flimsies. I keep adding to it! The leftover 1" log cabin strips were sliced into 1" squares and now these little blocks are taking shape.




I did complete the smallest two little quilts from my last basting binge. The one on the left was a block gifted to me by Vic. Quilting on it was pretty basic--SITD and a scallop in the border.
The batik quiltlet was one of my test pieces when I reviewed Lisa Bongean's Itty Bitty Eighth rulers. I used her Pinwheel Garden pattern.

I ditch-stitched this as well, and then added some swags in the white and the border.

All of the HSTs in this were from a swap I did quite a while back with Sandi. I have made a baby quilt, ornaments, a pincushion and now this little quilt, all from those HSTs. There are still a handful left. I think I definitely got the better end of the swap!







Have finally chosen a spot for my Lori Smith Fit to Frame piece, which is still nameless. It now radiates its charm in the dining room--at least for a while, until I change my mind and move it somewhere else.

And through it all, I continue to plod along on the mammoth T-shirt quilt, which has now spilled onto the floor. My design wall accommodates a queen size quilt, but this beast exceeds the limits.
All of the blocks have been bordered to bring them to a uniform size and the fussy-cutting of the plaid sashing has begun. The shirts are not in their final layout yet. My OCD-ness will not allow the colors to have such random placement. I've just been too lazy to bring in the step stool I need in order to reach the top blocks and rearrange everything.


It is this time of year again on the farm. Twins and triplets will soon be frisking about the pasture and I will have full view from my sewing room window. I can't wait!


Until next time,
Janet O.

40 comments:

  1. I continue to be amazed by the variety and beauty of all your little quilts. Logical observation--how high numbers of the little ones have helped with the accuracy of your piecing. Sounds true.
    A growing pile of flimsies at this house too. At least they're to that point, and the time consuming steps are already done.
    Your posts are always a great source of inspiration, Janet.

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  2. Fine work on "The Beast" :)
    I love the quilting on the pinwheel garden...so perfect for the design.
    And those log cabins are great! Impressive tiny pile of trimmings :)

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  3. I love all of your little quilts! And the quilting on the little batik one is perfect. I haven't been brave enough to make little log cabins without using paper piecing. Yours are lovely.

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  4. Wow you certainly have been busy!So much beauty in all you do.

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  5. Wow!! Your T-shirt quilt is going to be spectacular!! I just adore your log cabin quilt and that IS impressive - that small pile of lint!! And it's a good thing I have my sunglasses - I am not used to seeing such bright quiltlets on your blog!! ;-0 You just never cease to amaze me!!

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  6. Your log is sooooo beautiful ! And the other doll quilts are pretty ! The quiltjng is perfect !
    Great work Janet !

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  7. Wow, I don't envy you at all on The Beast quilt! Just thankful nobody has ever asked me to make one. From that miniscule pile of shreds, I'd say your stitching is fast approaching perfection. Those minis are always gorgeous and certainly there is no fabric wasted on your cutting table. I love the batik mini, especially that purple border, and the scalloped quilting motif.

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  8. Another post of lovely minis. My favorite is the purple batik one. Log cabin quilts have always been my all time favorite. Your is awesome.

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  9. The log cabin blocks look very well done and my kind of colors. You are the only one I know that keeps using left overs for even smaller quilts made from left overs. Are you planning on doing more guild programs with your mini quilts?

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  10. Goodness gracious, how did I miss this post? I confess that I don't recall sending you the little HST's block, but you made it look really nice, thanks! I just love your log cabin flimsey and the little nines will be darling. Your tee shirt quilt is coming along nicely and I like what appears to be a sort of blue/grey gingham sashing. Oh, the spring lambs will be wonderful to behold, and I'm jealous of that, LOL!

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  11. Haha......I did laugh at your leader ender 'problem'......it sounds oh so familiar!! Cute quilting with the mini swags. I have never made or quilted a t-shirt quilt, they seem very popular in America and Canada. At some stage I will be making a quilt for my sister who lost her partner last year, I offered to make a quilt from his clothes, there will be a real mix of stuff, so some thinking and planing might have to take place! BTY........the log cabin is a work of miniature art!!

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  12. Love everything you do! Your log cabin quilt is scrumptious! I like the way you hung your quilt!

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  13. Your piecing must be spot on if that tiny fuzz pile was all that your trimming generated. Great job. All of your mini's continue to show such variety. Each one a little gem. Can't wait to see your babies. Spring is a wonderful time.

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  14. Your log cabin looks great. You must sew very accurately to have such a small pile of trimmings. That tee shirt quilt is going to be a monster

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  15. WOW!! Do you sleep? Your log cabin is wonderful and it's hard to beat a Lori Smith quilt! This one sings!!

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  16. I love that log cabin....so cozy. You have it mastered I think with fuzz only trimmed....so precise you are. The small ones are great and I love the swag quilting! Just perfect. The bordered stars looks lovely hanging on the wall. As for the monster.....ugh, only you would have the patience and persistence for one this size. But it will be loved I know. And that check is great for the sashing.

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  17. Beautiful work! Can you tell me where I can purchase the hanger with the clips attached? I would love a couple of those. Many thanks
    prudencelay@gmail.com

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  18. Nice job. The 2nd picture of the Pinwheel mini shows the quilting best. I like that some of the T-shirts have your last name on them.

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  19. Those leader-enders have a way of doing that! Happens to me all the time. Love the baby picture, too.

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  20. I love your log cabin quilt! I found it amusing that I also posted a picture of a log cabin arranged the same way today. I also started it as a leader and ender project, but it became my main project.

    If you want to see it, its on www.angelscrapsquilting.blogspot.com. Thanks.

    I also love all your mini quilts. Inspires me to make some of those.

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  21. Love those swags on the batik quiltlet! And how fun to watch the baby goats (kids!). Spring must be coming my way as the cardinals have started singing again.

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  22. lovely little projects as always janet...and yes, spring is finally coming...

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  23. What can be more endearing than to see new lambs playing - all legs and boundless energy! Log cabin quilts - no matter the size, are a favorite. It is the one pattern that I have made often - love, love, love the scale of yours and all the bits of fabric. Beautiful piecing as always....

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  24. You are SO close on the t-shirt quilt!!! I know you will be glad to have that one off your plate. The nameless quilt is so cute - the center just seems to glow :*) And of course your little log cabins are perfect - you can't have made all of your sweet tiny quilts without learning a thing or two about precision!

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  25. So many fun projects!! Love your sewing room view.

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  26. Your sewing is definitely accurate! Those log cabins are adorable and your little quilts are all so sweet--love it all!

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  27. Well, you said it yourself when you described the nameless quilt, so call it "Radiating Charm". I love the plaid you have chosen for your sashing stips. It brings all the differing t-shirts together into a wonderful whole.

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  28. Goodness mini's to tshirt quilts, what a contrast in size and stitching style! Great idea T shirt quilts, but I am not so keen on stitching stretch - being a non dress maker. Hope it goes well for you. The mini's are looking super cute, love the bright coloured one.

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  29. All your little quilts are beautiful, but I LOVE the little batik one! :0)

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  30. Such beautiful little quilts! Looking forward to seeing what you do with those little nine patches.

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  31. You definitely have used those HSTs to create some wonderful pieces. Sure didn't expect to see them go so far... Happy to see you sewing. Enjoy the soon to come babies. Sandi

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  32. I love your mini log cabins and even mini-er 9 patches!! So adorable! You're doing great on the tshirt quilt too...that's a big undertaking!

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  33. Another great post! Those little log cabins are so sweet. And I applaud you for doing the t-shirt quilt. I have done a few and have said never again. I know they are appreciated when finished, but... I'm sure you are happy to go back to your mini's after wrestling with it!

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  34. WAY impressed with your super accurate sewing on those little log cabin blocks - so sweet! And great idea to stitch up little 9-patches with the leftovers. Nice finishes - I bet you enjoy having them displayed in your home. The tee shirt quilt is progressing nicely - I know your son will enjoy having it when it's finished and gifted to him!

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  35. Your minis are just super grand. The log cabins are so special, love them. It is amazing how much you can get out of all those HST. What a dream to look out into the fields and watch the sheep, I can just imagine the little ones playing, so dear. YOu have gotten pretty far on the T-shirt quilt, it is very nice and your son will be so happy with the quilt. Is it a surprise?, great job. Like your choice of quilting on the batik purple quilt, love the scallops.

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  36. Beautiful projects, Janet. Well done on such accurate sewing on your log cabin - that's a very impressively small pile of fuzz from all that trimming! And from minis to a huge quilt - I'm sure it will be well appreciated when it's done... and the sewing won't be any less precise even though it's a monster sized project in comparison to your minis!

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  37. What a nice group of projects. I am loving the little log cabins and the Pinwheel Garden quilt.
    The little lambs are so sweet.

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  38. You've got some perfect little bird nest bits! Oh my word....I just knew if I popped in here that I'd see some delightful pieces! So envious .... they all go in my home! (surprise...it is me!) LOL!

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  39. 2 more finsihes? You are fantastic. I really like your log cabin, what an incredible leader/ender.
    Your quilting looks wonderful as always.
    Thanks for a fun update of all your ongoing projects.
    Wee - baby animals are so delightful, lucky you!

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