Sunday, January 29, 2023

Just a Few Little Things

So much for being a better blogger in the new year! Oh, well--I still have hopes to improve.                       
I have just been sewing tiny things this month. Every block in this post finishes at 2"! This is the one that looks the most complete, though it is just a flimsy. I'm thinking I'll call it Sea Glass and Sand.


Sometime early last year I agreed to teach a class for a local guild, and we set it for February of this year. That gave me lots of time to get the pattern and samples ready. You know how that goes--in your mind you think you have plenty of time, so you push it off until you realize there isn't that much time left. And what time is left is called "Crunch Time"!

Here it is again with the inspiration piece I did a few years ago with some blog friends. It was our Indigo Challenge, issued by Sandy at My Material Creations blog. I had already written up patterns for the blocks in this piece, and used them to create the new piece that is a little smaller.
I am rewriting the patterns to be a little more user friendly for people who may not be used to making 2" blocks. When I wrote up the original patterns they were directed to a group already sewing 2" blocks by the boatload.

In my own guild I am still teaching the Tiny Blocks designed by Lynn Hopkins (patterns and specialty rulers available through Fran at Village Dry Goods). We tackle two blocks each month. These were the story boards for the construction process this month.


The one on the left shows a few different cutting technique options for a rather easy block. The one on the right shows a step-by-step way to make those tiny flying geese (finishing at 1/2" x 1") used in making the star, very accurate.

The other little thing is that I finally got the last four ornaments finished that I was making from my Dad's plaid shirts. The year after he passed I made five of these for my Mom and two of these for each of my siblings as their birthdays rolled around. And then that Christmas I made two for each of my daughters. But I never made them for my sons--until 5 years later!                                      With the border, these ornaments finish at 2 1/2" inches--the pineapple itself is 2". Now that I am finished with Dad's, I need to start making them for the family out of the scraps from Mom's quilts. She didn't really wear cotton clothing that would work well, so I decided her quilt scraps would be the best option.

I also spent a little time with Chooky and the Chookshed Stitchers on Friday. Even though I wasn't there long, any time spent with them is always a delight.

Now I have a confession to make--don't laugh. I bought ANOTHER nativity. I just should not go in that bookstore after Christmas. I went in to buy something my daughter asked me to send her, and the nativities were 75% off. I was just going to look and not buy, but when I saw one of the ones that I had admired before Christmas was still there--and it was the LAST one (the display model)--I had to check out the price. How can you argue with $17 dollars (it was originally almost $75)??

The lighting in this photo doesn't do it justice. It is made of Springstone, and comes from Zimbabwe. I don't know anyone who has been to Zimbabwe, but I'm sure I can find somebody. :)

I was trying to get this post finished before midnight Saturday, but it is a few minutes after now, and I need to be up early for choir practice. I'd better close, and wish you a good Sabbath.
Until next time,
Be creative and be kind!
Janet O.

Had to include a sunset from Tuesday evening, when I drove a mile down the road to visit a friend. It looked like the sun was trying to burn through the clouds that shrouded the mountaintops.





31 comments:

  1. Oh how sweet Janet.
    Those 2” blocks would make lovely fridge magnets or badges. Mmmm I might have to explore that idea. Very cute.
    Lovely nativity set

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  2. I treasure the mini block Ornaments you made for me. Lol on buying a new Nativity. We have a YSA Sister Missionary in-Zimbabwe. I bought a Peanuts one on Amazon, haha. It called to me. Happy Sabbath, I'm up later than I Planted. Fun that you get to teach at Guild.

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  3. Your tiny blocks are just amazing!!! Such fun Sea Glass and Sand going on. Your ornaments are so meaningful and pretty. Happy January!

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  4. The above comment was from me. Have a happy day!

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  5. I thought I had seen every way to make flying geese but that method is new to me, looks so accurate for such small pieces. Is there a cutting guide for the sizes somewhere?
    Love the sunset photo. So peaceful.

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  6. I love the nativity from Zimbabwe. I have been there and I have a (large) sculpture of that same stone. It is a gorgeous material for sculptors to work with. Enjoy

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  7. The name Sea Glass and Sand is perfect for your beautiful quilt. Your ability to create these tiny pieces is incredible. Getting ready to teach a class is no small task especially when you're a good teacher. The ornaments for your family are a special treasure. Ones to be enjoyed for many generations. I love the simplicity of your new nativity. It was meant to be added to your collection.

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  8. Your little quilt is amazing! Love the way you set the blocks and named the piece Sea Glass and Sand--absolutely perfect! That was a great idea to make Christmas ornaments from your Dad's shirts. What lovely gifts for your family. to cherish. There isn't anything that says you can't buy another Nativity--except when it's on sale, of course! That is one beautiful sky! P.S. I tried 3 times to leave a comment on your previous post to no avail. Hoping this one goes through.

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  9. I had to get a ruler out to remind myself just how small two inches is and then looked at these blocks and can't even imagine it!! The patience you must have....or very small fingers.

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  10. Seaglass and Sand is the perfect name for your tiny quilt, the batik sashing fabric is the shining star of the fabrics! But your tiny precise piecing always amazes me. I definitely won't laugh at your new nativity, it's beautiful in its simplicity and the stone is so amazing. I wouldn't have let it get away either!

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  11. Sea Glass and Sand is so lovely! I'd say your year is off to a good start. The tiny blocks for class are rather amazing and the ornaments honoring your dad and soon for your mom are heartwarming.
    We had a ton of rain here then some gorgeous sunny days. We are back to just a bit of rain today. We're thankful for all of it! Some birds planted some sunflowers for me in my front yard. I've had to cover them with stakes and thin mesh to keep the deer from eating them before I get to see them bloom. The birds seem to do such better planting then me!

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  12. Your tiny creations always amaze me. Good to see you on Zoom.

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  13. You are so amazing with your tiny pieces. I just don't see how your do it. Maybe we ought to trade. . . I could applique the block of your choice and you could make me a tiny ornament. All I can say is it's a good thing we have so many people in the world with a plethora of different talents. Your little quilts are darling and the sunset is dazzling.

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  14. Sea glass is beautiful! And I love the ornaments! :0)

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  15. Your precision with small--no, microscopic--piecing is always impressive. They are so cute! Glad to see some time with fabric, needle, and thread is happening again for you. Love all the pineapple blocks from the shirts. Such a lovely remembrance to make.
    Wow, that is a fantastic scenic photo!

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  16. a post full of wow! lovely littles and i agree with the name....it does evoke seaglass indeed...such a unique nativity...

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  17. You're the master of the itty-bitties; hats off to your precision piecing! They're gorgeous and such a testament to your patience; not just anyone can teach, let alone teach minis! The ornaments from your Dad's shirts are truly treasures to cherish; what a precious memory to share. The lovely nativity is so unique and and that sunset simply spectacular!

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  18. Those tiny blocks are adorable!

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  19. I can’t comprehend making blocks so tiny without paper piecing. They are exquisite. Of course you had to take the nativity home. That was a no brainer. It was nice to see you briefly on Zoom the other day.

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  20. 2" blocks! My not very fancy machine would chew them up and jam. And my eyes would not even see. If I lived not a continent away I would so love to take your class. ///Your final snowy scene photo is glorious.

    lizzy

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  21. It is just so fascinating how you make the tiny blocks. They are amazing. Your ornaments are going to be treasured heirlooms. What a beautiful spare nativity from Zimbabwe. You made a good buy! You live in an absolutely gorgeous area! What a sky! Beautiful photograph. Stay warm!!

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  22. Once again, you amaze me with those tiny blocks. I love them all!! Your sons must be thrilled to finally have those wonderful sentimental ornaments. Time gone by doesn't matter when the end result is so satisfying. I don't think you should ever fret about buying another nativity. You should feel good that you rescued it from a year of obscurity in the backroom of a bookstore. Have a happy day!

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  23. Your blog post is a feast for the eyes! Love the new nativity you found!
    And those tiny blocks.... swoon! Maybe you would teach an online class so we could learn your tips and tricks!
    And the views in your neck of the woods are spectacular!

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  24. Oh my goodness, you always amaze me, Janet! Your 2" blocks--I can't even imagine! Sea Glass is so bright and beautiful, cheerful, really.
    It's interesting to see the process for making some of the blocks. I'm sure it helps to have the step-by-step visual.
    The ornaments from your dad's shirts are delightful. Somehow, the pineapples seem perfect for the plaids. They are great remembrances for your family to have.
    I was thinking the other day how often we post sunset and sunrise photos on our blogs. It seems like we would get tired of seeing them all the time but I don't think that's possible considering that every single one is different from all the others. This one is gorgeous! Thanks for sharing it.

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  25. Janet, that comment above from "Anonymous" is from me, Nancy at ndmessier @ gmail, https://joyforgrace.blogspot.com.

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  26. Janet, I love what you've been working on, your fabric choices are always so wonderful!
    Hope you have a lovely weekend
    *hugs*
    Tazzie
    :-)

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  27. I'm sure your class will be amazing! Love the pineapple blocks with your dad's shirts. Those are special!

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  28. Teeny Tiny bocks - You really are a master at them!! I haven't seen that method of making the flying geese before (second storyboard) so I'll have to do a bit of a search. I love the pineapple ornaments you have been making. The baby quilt I made from Dad's shirts has just gone to a new great grandchild - so lovely to have those memories and hugs to pass on.

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  29. WOW!! You continue to amaze me with every post!! Which Guild are you doing the class for? I too want to be better about writing posts for my blog!! Love ya lots!! And miss you!!

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  30. Your work with tiny blocks is nothing less than amazing. You are so precise and understand the need for contrast. I wish I could take your class!
    I have a little pineapple ornament you sent me years and years ago. I still treasure it.
    The last photo is breathtaking! Along with the cloud color the composition and landscape is just lovely. So peaceful and calm.

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  31. always great to see you on zoom.........one day we might need to have a lesson on making a tiny block...........they are so cute..........
    love the last photo.......the light is so pretty........and yes you did need to buy the nativity..........

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