Stories from the Sewing Room

Today is the first day back to school for the local kids. Way too early in my opinion! But they didn't ask me. So. Getting to the bus on time this morning...ugh.

I have completed my Betty quilt from the Just Two Charm Packs book by Cheryl Brickey. It was easy to sew and used a good amount of fabric I had on hand, all from Sweetwater's Elementary line from Moda (2014). There's probably enough left over for a mini quilt, but I did use quite a bit, so that's good.

Due to changing my mind mid-stream on the border/sashing fabric, I ended up needing to piece the backing with different fabrics. I opted for easy piecing.

I have finally received the fabrics I ordered to fill in for the Malted Mystery. Cutting instructions will come out tomorrow, so it's just in time. I had to order two yards, which became four due to the issues I was having from the original place I ordered from. And wouldn't you know it, both orders showed up the same day. I did change green prints from one order to the next and went with the one from the newer order from the second place. Everything else, including the backing, will be from my stash. Here are my fabrics, in order A - B, top to bottom, with background on the bottom. The striped fabric will be the binding.

Last week I was talking about the Bootstrap DIY dress form. I did go ahead and order the custom form pattern after watching a ton of YouTube reviews. The best one was by Diane Makes on YouTube. I learned a lot from her video and feel confident in the sewing now. She also explained some alterations she made in another video, so I know what to look for and how to make the adjustments if necessary. 

My husband helped me with the measurements. Good thing, because my self measurements were too large in the waist and hips. I placed my order and had my custom pattern within the hour. I did print it out, but haven't started assembling the pattern yet. I had everything I needed to make the form except for the outer fabric. I bought some clearance upholstery fabric at JoAnn. I can't wait to get started on this! But first, work.

The first one is Pat's, quilted with Ashley's Star Echo. I still need to bind this one. I did finish binding her quilt that I showed last week. 

Next is Paula's, quilted with Flirtatious Leaves. We decided on 60 wt thread on this one to keep the focus on the special fabrics. The leaf panto matches her fabric so well!

Next is one for SCQG. I decided on Flirtatious for this one. I really like the Flirtatious and Flirtatious Leaves patterns. I attached the binding to the front of this one and someone else will hand sew it down.

Finally, Shirley's quilt. She requested Primrose Stipple. 

I'll be finishing binding Pat's quilt today and have two more quilts to quilt and fully bind this week. Meanwhile, that dress form is calling my name. 

Moving outdoors, we have hired a crew to come put the sheeting and underlayment on the barn roof. That is supposed to happen this week. We also have a man lined up to put on the shingles. This necessitated renting a portajohn. The company we ordered from, whom we have ordered from in the past, is very quick to bring it out. They aren't maybe the best at following directions on placement. My husband called to order the unit and then we ran out to get lunch and go to Menards. Got home and found the thing up near the house at the edge of the driveway pad. And yes, it is leaning. It was placed on top of a coil of extension cords. We had requested that it be placed down by the road (blue circle in second photo)

I told my husband that I was going to back into it in its current location. He didn't think that was the case, telling me I had plenty of room to back up and that I could back up into the little turnaround area on the driveway. We had to go to Menards again that evening. Guess what he did? Yep, backed right into it. I told you so!

He used his forklift attachment on his tractor to move the portajohn out to the desired position roadside the next morning.

I haven't had time to visit the garden in a few days, but I did make three loaves of cheddar chive zucchini bread plus some sautéed zucchini for dinner from my one large zucchini. Trish brought me some fresh chives from her garden when she picked up her quilts and I had the perfect amount for the three loaves. Thanks, Trish! 💕