Thursday, September 20, 2018

Last block sewn!

You've seen a lot of this one, I know. It was started back in March, just a couple of weeks before my shoulder surgery. Since the logs were mostly already cut (thanks to Karen), this was one of the few things I could work on when a rotary cutter was off limits.
Can't wait to start trimming the blocks and sewing things together! A fun story about this--while we had all the family staying with us in August, our youngest son was using my sewing room for his room. During his stay there he had a video job interview for his dream job and he filmed it with this as the backdrop. When he got called in for the live interview his video backdrop was one of the first things the interviewers mentioned. And yes, he got the job! :)
It is a good thing they couldn't see the whole wall, because it isn't very neat. 
This is things as they really are. I am often pinning things onto the edges of my design wall, and as my main focus project grows, I remove or squish together those items, as needed.
Notice on the left side, about midway down, I have the recently made tiny 9-patch flimsy hanging from a cute little quilt holder a sweet blog friend had sent a few years back. I was auditioning it to see how it would look in that holder. Then I noticed the fun contrast to see those tiny blocks next to the large ones in the half log cabin.



I also have my Jewel Box mini blocks made and have started stitching it together since I took this photo. But I am running into all kinds of issues with seams not being pressed in directions that will nest together. I don't want to press seams open because I want to stitch in the ditch, so where I can, I need to do some repressing.





 
And remember this mess in the sewing room closet?

Now it looks like this...

This makes me so much happier when I open the closet doors!
In two weeks I cut up 14 dozen shirts, piled up another 2 dozen to go back to the thrift store , and threw away about a dozen that I had started to cut apart and realized the weave was too coarse, or too textured, or too loose. Many of those were purchased in my early days of collecting. Now I know better what works and what doesn't.
And I can look forward to working with more of these plaids and stripes in future projects. I have a few in mind already. No surprise there. :)

In the past four months I have tried to give this pattern and scrap bundle away twice, but each time I picked a name and posted the winner, asking them to get back to me with their address, they never responded.  

They say the third time's the charm, so I am putting that to the test. If you are interested in this doll quilt pattern and CW repro scraps, say so in your comment, and then please check back to see if you won. To sweeten the pot, last soap making session I made some fun Fall shapes, and I will throw in a couple of bars.

Next month I will be in the Lenox, MA area for a few days. Anyone know of a quilt shop in the vicinity that would be a "must visit" for a CW repro fabric lover?

Until next time,
Janet O.

64 comments:

  1. i'll take a chance on this giveaway....love your quilt and my design wall is much the same with all sorts of stuff that get moved around....what a gorgeously organized closet! well done...

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  2. Love the megaquilt - I’m soooo not used to seeing you make something so BIG. LOL!! And now that your son has secures his sream job after interviewing in front of the quilt, maybe it has a bit of luck sewn into it? Doll quilt? I’m game so throw my hat in the ring, please. Sorry, no advice on MA quilt stores but I hope you have a grand time.

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  3. Congrats to your son for landing his dream job! You think maybe his boss is a quilter? :-)
    Love how organized your sewing stash is....all ready for autumn stitching!
    If I show up as commenting twice....it's because my browsing is goofing up...still working on that.... have a lovely weekend!

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  4. Love the barn raising top. It's huge compared to your normal size. Those itty bitty blocks are cute!!!

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  5. Wow - doesn't it feel great to make that last block. I love the story of you son and his interview. I'm sure it was the quilt that got him the position. also thanks for the reality shot of your DW. I also pin things up on the edges.
    I can't believe you had winner who didn't jump at the chance to collection on that prize! I have loved your soaps and those are fun shapes.
    Your organization is a thing of beauty.

    here is a shop I found 10 mins away form Lenox I don't know if they have repros. Have you been to the Quilt Museum in Lowell?
    http://www.pumpkinpatchquilts.com/43mainst

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  6. We should all have our job-hunting kids sit in front of a quilt for their interviews! I love that story! And the quilt too! I can't even imagine how many yards of fabric you gleaned from 14 dozen shirts, I think you're all set for a year or two, lol! I will happily take the scraps/pattern off your hands if I'm fortunate enough to win your drawing. The soaps look almost too yummy to use, the color made me immediately think of butterscotch.

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  7. I would love to have your giveaway--thanks for being persistent!

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  8. Great story about the barn raising quilt and nice to see the reality of your design wall. I have a design bed and it is currently buried under parts and pieces of three different projects. I sure hope we don't get unexpected company any time soon! Thanks for the chance at your giveaway a small project sounds perfect right now.

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  9. I would love to be in the drawing as well. Love your quilt and so nice that your son used it as his backdrop...must have brought him good luck.

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  10. Ha, your design wall looks like mine! Hope you get more done! I can’t believe that the pattern wasn’t claimed- so cute! That’s an awesome prize and homemade soap!!!!!! wow, put my name in that pot for the drawing. Thanks fir the chance.

    Love that quilt! Made a great backdrop- I like to use things in ways that are not necessarily their first function.....

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  11. Just love the log cabin.....It seems to be a lucky charm for your son! Congrats on his job. And yes, my design wall has parts and bits tacked to the sides too. So glad I learned to crop photos. The shirt assortment closet looks much better and so I know it makes you feel better and more productive. The Jewel box looks great.....I need to thing about my seams now and see if I will also have that problem.

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  12. CREATIVE BACKDROP FOR THE JOB INTERVIEW ,CONGRATULATIONS ON THE JOB. WOULD LOVE TO BE IN THE DRAW FOR THE KIT , I LIVE IN CANADA BUT HAVE A DAUGHTER IN CALIFORNIA. ENJOY FOLLOWING YOUR BLOG.
    hjrogers@sympatico.ca

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  13. Congrats to your son and his new job. And to you for the neatness of your shelves. I am amazed at the teeny size of the quilts hanging near your beautiful log cabin quilt.
    I would love a chance at your pattern and scarps. Thanks!

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  14. The log cabin quilt is wonderful!! -- can't wait to see it done! What a fun story to always associate with that quilt. Different ones of mine bring back great memories, as I think about the time, or where, I was working on it. Good job on organizing your closet!! I would love a chance at your pattern and the wonderful soap!

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  15. Congratulations for the new job of your son and this fun interview ! :)
    I love both of your quilts but the Log is amazing...wow ! All these tiny pieces...
    xo

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  16. Hurray for a long term finish! I hope your shoulder is stronger so you can tackle the quilting of this beauty. I can envision feathers up and down the light areas... but if you are like me, I like to send the big ones to my long arm friends. ;-) And so glad your son got his job, and I'm not surprised that they asked about his backdrop. It's gorgeous, and they must have known that he was resourceful. A good quality in an employee. I hope it is the start of a good career with this company. (P.S. Your design wall looks like mine.)

    Kudos on the shirt reorganization! I really should allot time for mine... and I'm very proud of you for culling the shirts. It's so hard to get rid of things when you know that they could have good use.

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  17. Who can resist a log cabin quilt? Especially in the barn raising setting—my favorite! Cute story about your son. I wish I had a design wall! I may try to sneak one in when we repaint the family room. Love your little jewel box blocks. I ran into the same issue with my big ones and just folded the seam over. Once it is layered and quilted, no one will ever know. However, I’m not stitching in the ditch on mine. Great organization and clean out! So happy your shoulder is allowing you to do more.
    I would love to win your sweet giveaway.

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  18. A new log cabin quilt is on my list, too...in Americana! Why would no one respond?!? I would LOVE Your doll pattern and CW scraps!

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  19. Please put my name in the drawing! I would love to win - I love the pattern, homemade soap and I love scraps!!! My favorite kind of quilt is a scrap quilt! Thanks so much!

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  20. I would love to take those scraps off your hands--not that I need them---lol! Your log cabin quilt is quite striking and now has a fun story to go with it--love it! I wish I had your ambition to get things organized around here.

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  21. I did not know that story about James! That is so cool :)
    Count me in to the drawing!!!

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  22. I would love to win your CW giveaway. I will be busy with the cuffs and button plackets from all those shirts!!... but this is just too cute to pass up.

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  23. Your new storage looks great in the sewing room. I love that your son used the quilt as a back drop for his interview. You know "new boss" is secretly hoping for a quilt for day. :-)) I was staring at the jewel box quilt, trying to figure the breakdown of blocks. Is it two different four patch blocks,(larger block) sort of flipped around? Or is it a half square unit and a four patch (smaller units)? I really like it. Your soaps are pretty, as are the little quilt pattern and fabric... count me in!

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  24. Your closet makeover is a picture to behold. Although I am not into shirts, good for you for getting it all organized. I would love to win the doll quilt and civil war scraps. AND i promise to check back in. I am a fairly faithful reader.

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  25. Your log cabin quilt is amazing, so glad the backdrop helped your son get his job! There has to be side benefits to being a quilter LOL! I tidied my sewing area last weekend and doesnt look as nice as yours, so going to try a bit harder this weekend. Love your doll quilt pattern, very sweet!

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  26. Your Log Cabin top is going to be a beauty! Love those colors. So interesting that the job interviewer ask about it. I had collected SO many shirts I had to downsize, just keep the ones I really liked and knew I would use. Good for you getting yours cut up! Add my name to your giveaway please.

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  27. Your quilt is a Jewel indeed! Would love to win the prizes!
    Blessings

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  28. Love your jewel box mini quilt. Would love to win some more scraps, am slowly working on Farmers Wife quilt blocks.
    sallyclarkgray@hotmail.com

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  29. What a beautiful quilt! I love repro fabs & will put them to good use if they come my way.

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  30. I would love to win this mini quilt pattern and scraps and I promise to get back to you. I keep seeing that particular doll quilt on Pinterest and I just love it! And did you say you cut apart 14 DOZEN shirts? What could you be making with all of those shirts? I can't wait to see.

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  31. Your quilt looks amazing Janet! No wonder your son got his dream job (wink). Your baskets are a great idea for all those cut up shirts. 14 dozen ... gosh thats alot of shirts my friend! Yes please I would LOVe the opportunity to enter your giveaway ... can't believe no one contacted you when they won !

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  32. Of course, your son got the job with that beautiful backdrop. Your "tidy up" makes you feel better, doesn't it. I know it does for me. Great storage. That's a ton of shirts you've worked on. Glad you able to sort, cut and move some on. I've been the lucky recipient of your wonderful giveaways before. Please let someone else be the lucky winner. :O)

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  33. I love your backdrop quilt...it is the perfect thing!

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  34. I would love to win the Small Joys pattern and civil war fabric scraps! I have not seen that pattern before. Very nice! Congratulations to your son getting his "dream job". What a fun story!

    Linda W.

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  35. Who doesn’t love a mini quilt-think that should be my middle name�� I would love to win this, thanks for the chance!

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  36. WOW Janet, I'd say that quilt has magical powers, not just in how lovely it is on one's eyes but it has job getting powers! :-) I'm sure your son got the job on his own merits but the quilt was just some colourful eye candy. How are your hands after cutting, or 'de-boning' so many shirts?! Lovely baskets for your fabrics. Quilty Kiwi Hugs xoxo

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  37. wow, I love the quilt top! And I would also love the pattern and the fabric, but as I live in The Netherlands I probably won't qualify. Keep up your beautiful work.

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  38. Love the idea of the quilt as backdrop for the video interview - a real eye-catcher! I'd love the pattern and scraps if I win!

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  39. That quilt puts ideas in my head for another quilt. Another added to the already long list. Would love to win the pattern, scraps, and the yummy soap. dorthac at aol.com. Have a great day.

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  40. Civil War book and fabric too - what a deal!!!
    Love your Goodwill shirt cutting and organizing tutorial. I'm going to try that.

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  41. Wonderful piecing on your quilt! I can see why it was a great conversation starter for your son’s interview and help to land the job for him. Always fun to see everyone’s design wall arrangement. Mine looks very similar with bits and bobs, odds and ends pinned to each side. Your newly organized bins look super neat...what a feeling of satisfaction you must have.

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  42. I go with my daughter to estate sales and am always on the lookout for fabric remnants in small plaids, checks, and stripes, but never thought of men's shirts from the thrift stores. Great idea. I would also love to be entered in the drawing for the pattern and scraps of civil war reproduction fabric. I follow your blog and love all your little quilts.

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  43. LOVE your scrappy log quilt! Would love to be the "third time's a charm winner" of the pattern and civil war scraps. Your fall theme soaps are cute! Thank you for a chance to win a fun giveaway. bfiresheets@bellsouth.net

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  44. I bet that quilt sealed the deal for your son! (lol) Would love to win the pattern and scraps, and.... I will respond if I win! Thanks for the chance! HUGS... and stitches

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  45. Your little jewel box mini is lovely! Sometimes, when seams don’t nest, I’ll clip the seam in the middle and make it go the way I want it to. I clip to the stitch, not to the hole where the needle went down. Would love a chance to win your giveaway.
    Tina in oregon

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  47. Wow, Janet, that HUGE quilt is gorgeous!! So what are you going to name it? Man, next to your new mini quilt on the hanger, it looks like it King Kong should be sleeping under it!! As always, love your post!!

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  48. I love your log cabin quilt. I have never seen one with logs quite like that. I would love to be in the running for the little doll pattern. Yesterday, my great granddaughter was born so I feel the need to start making girl things. We have had generations of boys in this family so I am going to love shopping in the pink isle. Thanks for the opportunity.

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  49. How exciting to have your son get a job... DUE to the quilt in the background!? It shows that he is likely more empathetic to women's concerns because of a crafty mom! Oh, and I would LOVE to win your give away of doll quilt pattern, fabric, and soap!

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  50. I am so happy to see those rectangles being put to use!

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  51. I *love* civil war fabrics and would love to win the giveaway. I promise to keep reading (to see if I win AND to see your beautiful projects)!

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  52. So cute about your sons backdrop! Congrats to him on the job!!
    Congrats on that lovely quilt top too!!
    I'd love to win your package deal:)

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  53. First off, I wish my quilting closet looked as neat as yours! Your large flimsy is gorgeous! Your jewel box blocks are looking really good. Our church group recently finished a quilt very similar to them. I'll include pictures in my next post, whenever that is! ---"Love"

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  54. I'm glad you are able to do some sewing. Love the video background:) My design wall is smaller, but looks about the same with things squished on the sides as a quilt gros in the middle.

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  55. LOVE the log cabin! Pretty cool that it was your son's interview backdrop. Quilts make a difference!! LOL! Your Jewel Box mini makes me *swoon*!! And nicely done on the organizing! I need to do that SO badly. My 'tubs' of fabric have gotten a little out of control. I need Todd to go on a four day weekend trip and to take the tubs into the RV before he goes, so I can spread it out and really get it under control. LOL!! :)

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  56. please put my name in for your giveway for the civil war kit. I'd love to have it.

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  57. I enjoyed seeing your wonderful progress on the log cabin, very impressive! The jewel box blocks are so sweet but sorry to hear that they are giving you pressing headaches.

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  58. Hello my sweet friend! Your log cabin quilt is stunning!! And who could resist those sweet minis!! Have fun in MA!

    Blessings and hugs!

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  59. I would love to win this great little package! I love that pink near the top of the pile! Looks like a fun and quick little project. And, you know, everyone else's scraps are always better than your own!

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  60. I'm sure your son wowed the interviewer and would have gotten the job without the quilt, but it added a little extra umph -- "You remember the candidate with the quilt behind him? Let's hire him! It is a beautiful quilt, Janet.

    I'm so impressed with your shirt cutting and organization. I don't know if I could have won the marathon of 14 dozen shirts in two weeks. That'a a dozen a day!!! Very impressive. I still have a few shirt fabrics that I bought in my early quilting days with fabric that doesn't quite measure up for a quilt. It takes a while to realize that some fabrics work and some don't, and why.

    Your jewel box is also beautiful. Such a simple pattern creates such a stunning design.

    The Civil War legacies book and scrap fabrics -- who wouldn't claim them. I'm in if the third winner doesn't want them. (And you know if I am the third winner I do want them. Ha ha.)

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  61. What a great story about the backdrop of your son's interview - of course he gor the job! It's good to see what you've been doing - I feel the pain of your Jewel box blocks. While we're being real - my design wall is looking 'a bit jumbled' too :-)

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