Teeny, Tiny Squares of Fun

What do you get with a rotary cutter, cutting ruler, and a muffin cup pan filled with teeny, tiny 3/8" batik squares??? You get the start of a really fun project. Let me explain.

I enjoy following many different types of blogs, especially quilting ones. One blog that I have followed for a number of years is that of fiber artist, Cheryl Lynch, so I had been aware of her mini mosaics. She was inspired to create these patterns and kits after becoming enthralled with both ancient and contemporary mosaics while on a visit to Israel.

Last year when I went with friends to the Vermont Quilt Festival, Cheryl was one of the vendors. Her effervescent personality drew folks in, and after her demo I couldn't walk away without a kit and neither could one of my friends.

It got put aside until this past week when I was down and out with my asthma. It was the perfect project on which to work, and I love the results!!!

 

If you are intrigued, please watch her ten minute instructional mini mosaic quilt video. I should also note that the instructions which accompany the kit are very clear and well written. All you need to add with the kit are batting, borders, and backing fabric. The kit comes with a wide assortment of two inch batik squares, stabilizer, the pattern, and 'toile'. You should also order the cutting ruler to simplify the cutting process.

Fair warning: The process was so much fun that I already ordered a second kit. "BEE" watching for it.

Here's something else to share with you. As you know I'm really enjoying working on Lori Holt's Let's Bake2 quilt. In the course of making the blocks you do some embroidery, applique, and use various weights of yarn and floss. I purchased her color coded needle set shown above and below. 

There are color coded needles for: Binding, Tapestry, Sewing, Embroidery, Chunky, and Applique. It's a great idea to have all the different types of needles all in one labeled, handy packet.

I'm happy to say that I was finally able to take Emma for a walk this afternoon and am feeling much, much better.

I have completed two items on today's docket, but there are still three more to attempt to complete today. I'm not too concerned though . . .  with glorious retirement there's always tomorrow.

Have a wonderful week.

A Whole Lot of Stitching Going On

I have done a bit more on the Lori Holt's "Let's Bake2" quilt. Isn't the milk bottle cute? I'm at a bit of a standstill on this project as two of my sewing machines are in the repair shop. It was operator error in each case. I ran over a pin with my small Janome which surprisingly threw off the timing. I'm embarrassed to tell you what happened to my big machine, but I will. I had run out of bobbin thread and had decided that it would be a good time to clean the bobbin case. etc.  Well, I unscrewed the top plate and instead of placing the two screws on the table, I left them on the bed of the machine. Big mistake!!! In a blink of an eye somehow they rolled into the machine. They were not even close to the opening, so I don't know what the heck happened. Gremlins!!! Since it has been a few years since this machine had been cleaned and tuned up, it too went off to the sewing center. I still have my original machine in the cellar that I could bring up to use if I wished, but I have quite a bit of hand stitching to do.

These cross-stitched gingham blocks will each have a tiny button as with the yellow block. They will  then each be pressed and trimmed to four and a half inches and become the center of larger patchwork blocks. These blocks will then constitute the border. It calls for about thirty blocks so I have maybe twenty-four more to do! Fortunately, they are simple to stitch. If I finish them, I also have my Soko Saito applique piece to work on.

Speaking of stitching, yesterday the Crosstown Quilters Guild had Diane Annis speak on "Redwork Through the Ages." She presented a program featuring a wonderful trunk show of both vintage and contemporary pieces. Many members also brought in their redwork pieces, and it was a veritable treasure of redwork.

Now for the best news of all. . .  I finally have my new car back, and they have extended my powertrain warranty which hopefully I will never need. Honestly, I am so relieved to have my "4,605" mile car fixed after being in the shop for eight days!!! Though I always appear cheerful and calm on the outside, inside I was really, really stressed over the whole situation. It feels as if a weight has now been lifted off of my shoulders.

Have a good week.