Borders and ornaments

Has it really been almost two weeks since my last post? And I have so little to show for all of that time.
Faithful (from Lori's QAL) is a completed flimsy. I had planned to make all of the solid borders from the same black fabric, but came up just a few inches shy on the last round. Would you bind this in black or red, or maybe even orange?

I made more HSTs than I needed as I was making this. The leftovers went into a "baby sister" quilt which I think I will name "True". Faithful and True--it just seems fitting.




These little pineapple and log cabin ornaments have been my focus most of my sewing time. The first four are finished, the next four just need hanging loops and the last eight need stuffing, stitching closed, and loops. I believe I will have them finished for the craft fair/fundraising booth next weekend.

I know some of you have been making, or planning to make, some of these little ornaments, so I want to share a tip. If you enlarge this photo you should be able to see that where I leave my 2" opening for turning, I stitch onto, and off the fabric edge as I start and finish, backstitching each way. This keeps the stitches from pulling apart as you turn it right-side-out. It is a tight fit, and can stress the seam. It also helps keep a more uniform line after turning, when you fold the sides down to stitch closed. Maybe this is not new to you, but just in case you are like me and didn't know that already, now you do. : )

A few wool ornaments have been completed. When we were in NH last month we visited a Shaker Colony historic site and I picked up this small peg rack in the gift shop. Makes a great place to hang little ornaments.

This mini is now to flimsy stage. The small 9-patch blocks were assembled months ago from the scrap basket. As usual, I had stalled on the borders.

A couple of days ago, while rummaging in the sewing room, I came across this fabric that I thought would be a good border. Now it is marked and ready for basting and quilting. It may need tea dying, too.

View from my sewing room a couple of mornings ago.

I am heading to a distant favorite quilt shop today, to celebrate the birthday that I have tomorrow. Stay tuned. I believe I feel a giveaway coming on. : )
Janet O.

In The Works

I didn't have a chance to sew all week, but I managed a little time Saturday night. These are the projects currently "in the works"--at least the ones that I can show. Holidays are coming, you know.
Faithful
This is the beginning of my version of Lori's (Humble Quilts blog) most recent QAL. Recognize the center block? I deconstructed its previous setting. I'm starting to wonder if adding that outer row of HSTs will overpower the compass in the center. Maybe this will be the end, as well as the beginning, of this little quilt. I'll have to ponder that one.

Crabapples (aka It's So Vermonty)--Bonnie Hunter pattern from Adventures With Leaders and Enders.
I only stitched up one more block, but during the week I had purchased a green, leaf print batik and had cut the setting triangles. What do you think? The greens in the tree blocks are brighter, but I don't know that it matters that much.

Pineapple ornaments
I put borders on three ornaments that I had stitched up last month. I had finally picked out the paper foundations earlier this week (I guess I was hoping the paper foundation removal fairies would find my home). When the backs are on and they are stuffed, they will finish at 2 1/2 inches.

After these three are completed, I have 8 more to make for DD#2's fundraising booth at a craft fair Thanksgiving weekend.

Here are the completed ones DD#1 and I have made so far, adorning my little sewing room tree. I think we will need a bigger tree. : )
For those of you accustomed to my rather wordy posts, don't go into shock or anything, but that's all for now!
Until next time,
Janet O.