New Swaps

Besides the simple BOM Orange swap, the Table Runner, the Mini Quilts, I signed up for Summer Mug Rugs and a Summer Pincushion. Crazy.

I tried one of those easy Mason Jar tops. Couldn’t do it. So I went browsing for patterns. Watermelon is one of my favorite Summer fruits. It seemed easy enough.

First, it called for felt scraps. I spent time looking and drove off to town. $1.90 per cut. Then to find threads. Easy part done.

I’ve developed Essential Tremor. Both hands now. Keeping even stitches is a challenge.  This was a test, I guess.

I planned to make two different Mug Rugs. And because I don’t do assembly work, they are different though the same. This swap was assigned tonight, so I ca assemble extras and ship it off this week.

Funny thing, my partner likes the idea of appliqué as well as bright colors so, she will be happy. I went back into group archives to see what extras she might like.

Both projects gave me a sense of accomplishment.

Twin Log Cabin

Just need to do a final check before shipping. Good to have it done so I can get back to smaller projects.

I am more aware projects need to be smaller. Last night I made copies of various BOM patterns and swap ideas. This is a lovely quilt and I do hope my friend likes it. I am glad to have it finished. 

I have learned, finally, that people simply don’t get the quilting process. We live in a culture where things match...like walls, carpet, sofas.

Quilts are not about matching.

Quilts are different for people. What the quiltmaker creates is her vision. What a person receives is compared to what they can buy online, at Macy’s or Walmart for $50. A handmade quilt is worth hundreds or even thousands.

Well, I am off to do what I can.

Sending Mail

I sent 2 pieces of mail out for swaps. And one block from a swap came

Of course the Baseball mini went. This is the table runner, scrappy. I like the pattern and know how it works better. This is actually prettier than it photographs. The back is the same green print and while it is there, the binding is that dark purple.

I’ve never used table runners so this is new. In this house, I have a long redwood picnic table in the dining room. Table runners are perfect for it.

I also ordered the ‘deal of the day’ from MSQC because they let us order 2...they are charm packs so my plan is to use them in a lap quilt. It looked like Fall colors, and if so, then will go to one of the grandkids as a Hallows quilt. I will buy coordinating Hallows fabric for back and borders. This is an easy quilt to make. I will need six.

I Love Baseball

One of the swaps I joined was a mini quilt swap. Each month is a new theme. This month, for June, is I LOVE AMERICA.

I have a scrap of baseball fabric and made this. There is a sleeve on the back, laying quite flat so it could serve as a tabletop. I can’t think of a better theme. My entire family loves baseball.

Years ago when the Twins were in the World Series, my siblings and I got tickets for home games. We met at Brothers’s house, walked a block to the bus stop and stood in the aisle,hanging onto poles and laughing. Good memories.

I have a bit more of the fabric and may make a couple more of these as gifts.

I finished machine quilting the Log Cabin, and am clipping threads. It is trimmed for binding, and extra fabric for it. Thing is, it will need to wait til I return from my trip.