Powering Through Yellow

If you've been reading my posts of late, you'll know that I've been struggling to design and make a quilt for the MQG's "Pick a Color Challenge" for QuiltCon 2027 (Atlanta). I started this project by looking through scraps to see which color I have the most of - yellow won. 

I asked AI to design something for me, and after looking through several possibilities, I picked one. I thought it looked simple enough to piece, including the pieced the background. Silly me. Perhaps if I'd redesigned this for foundation paper piecing, I might have accomplished it. But since I don't know how to do that, I plunged in "Linda's way." Ha!

I imported the design into EQ8, then: 

• I manipulated the design by drawing lines to define each triangle, and
• printed the design on gridded 8 ½" X 11" paper

Then, I: 

• manually drew a 3" grid on a huge sheet of paper
• manually (square by square) drew the same design onto the huge sheet of paper
• manually traced each triangle, adding a quarter-inch to each side

• individually cut out each triangle, and 
• machine-pieced triangles together. Yes, with nothing but Y-seams. 

Even after picking out and restitching several intersections, the center part does not lay flat. But I went ahead to prep the burst for appliquéing to a background of Banana Painter's Palette Solid. I cut 1"-wide strips of Heat 'n Bond Lite and affixed them to all the burst edges. 

After removing the Heat 'n Bond paper, I pressed the burst onto the 68" X 68" Banana background, and then used Bernine stitch #15 and an appliqué foot to raw edge stitch the burst.

The whole design turned to mush for lack of contrast between the burst and the background. 

A 68" X 68" blob of mush. 

I scrambled through possibilites to try to save this, first thinking to add contrasting thread color to the appliqué edges Perhaps big stitch quiltign? I pulled out my yellow thread possibilities. 

No go. Not enough contrast. Well, maybe the Auriful wool (red spool, center, second from top).

Instead I landed on adding me-made bias tape to the perimeter of the burst. (I've had bias tape on my mind a lot lately because I'm creating a presentation and workshop on the topic.)

Not wanting to add thickness, I first cut away what I could of the background fabric behind the burst. Then, I began hand-appliquéing the bias tape. (Sigh.) 

I'm using Scanfil 50-weight thread, Sew Fine beeswax on the thread going through the needle eye...

... and a Sewline glue stick to baste tape to the edge, covering up the machine appliqué. 

What a wreck, huh? Not only is this taking forever, but I've appliquéd only one side of the tape! My plan is to get it positioned correctly on one side of the tape, and then go around the perimeter again to appliqué the opposite side. (Sigh again.)

Sometimes I feel like such a doofus maker. 

Will Plan F work out? Or is this Plan G?

As for the not-so-flat pieced center, my thought is to use Quilter's Dream Puff batting to add thickness, and perhaps allow poof to ease out wrinkles, followed by strategic big stitch hand quilting. 

I think you'll agree I have quite a way to go yet to make this quilt viable. All criticisms and suggestions for making it better are welcomed. And as always, encouragement is gratefully accepted! Linda

Catch-Up

How did it get to be July 8 already? Being that it's summer, and the days are supposedly slower and more laid back, I think time's whizzing by. It's certainly not like me to be so long between blog posts!

I haven't been idle. Though several of my regular activities aren't happening due to recreational centers being refurbished, I continue to exercise (more frequent power walks), and spend much time in my sewing room. I'd take a picture of my room if I wouldn't die of embarrassment. When I look around the space, I count seven projects in the works! I have touched every one of them in the past week. 

Yarny projects still tend to be in the forefront of my mind and in my hands. That's been more so this week because I'm participating in the online "Oh That's Why" Knitting Summit. This is a free four-day online event where knitting and crochet experts give 15-20 minute talks on a variety of topics at the rate of eight presentations a day. I'm watching most of the video presentations played back at 1.5 or 1.75 speed, and taking notes. Thus far I've learned about reading a knitting chart, why it's important to check gauge so as to knit/crochet with the correct size needle/hook, and the physics of knitting. Today I'm looking forward to learning how to knit backwards instead of purling. The summit has been made available through Hortense of Knitting with Chopsticks. 

I especially enjoyed learning about the chain row counters made by Twice Sheared Sheep (Pocatello, Idaho). Here's a video of how it works. Are you familiar with it?

It's timely for me to begin using this row counter as I've been knitting my Summer Soul Top. I also bought a container of knit extension cords that will be useful. If you don't know, rather than push your project off onto a strand of yard while you use the knitting needles on another part of your project, you push your piece onto these temporary cords. I'm learning so much about knitting!

Though, round loom knitting is more in my comfort zone. I've begun working on another batch of Tiny Dolls. As you can see, only one is finished. Others are in various stages of completion needing stuffing, arms, hats, faces. I work on these when hubs and I watch TV in the evening. 

Planning ahead, I'm round loom knitting a Santa hat. Might these be appropriate for grandsons, in November? Of course making them involved a trip to Hobby Lobby for "I Love This Yarn" in red and white. I'm using a 41-peg loom and following Denise of Loomahat's YouTube Santa Hat video. 

And still there's diamond painting... another handwork project... a bias tape quilt... and... 

... my Pick a Color Challenge quilt, Yellow Smash (for want of a name). Painter's Palette "Banana" background fabric arrived Monday and has been washed in readiness for completing the quilt top.

I have a vision. It remains to be seen whether it will work out. 

I'll use the G > ⌃ ⌄ in the pieced backing. Do you know what it means? 

My friend Rondelle, who visited from Iowa a couple weekends ago, shared this picture with me of the Tiny Doll I gave her. She says they're her prayer partners! 

Linda

End of June Fabric Use and Book Recommendations

June's fabric use is disappointing, but indicative of my focus on yarn-made projects.

Outgoing yardage totalling not quite four yards is abysmal, especially when more than 2½ yards of it was weighed as scraps for pet beds! Otherwise, outgoing yardage included only: 1) making another headband, and; 2) piecing ten Modern Maze quilt blocks. 

Oh well. 

Book Recommendations

On the flip side, June was a delightful month for book-listening! I not only listened to nine titles, but all of them earned a 4.0 and higher! 

Start with this one! Without a doubt, Theo of Golden by Allen Levi is my favorite read for 2026. 

It's about 86 year-old Theo who has arrived in the city of Golden for an unknown reason. Theo is soft-spoken and uber-polite - agentleman originally from Portugal, who starts making friends by his bestowals. These are in the form of thought gifts of a portait of each individual who has been drawn by local artist Asher Glisten. Each person Theo meets in person has a story that Theo manages to draw out, ponder and consider.  

I adored Theo, and all the characters he befriends. His story is liberally sprinkled with profound wisdom, humor, pieces of Scripture, and sadness. Upon Googling, I discovered that Columbus, Georgia is considered the "Golden" location of this book. Linda's score: 4.8/5.0

My sister gave me a heads-up about The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold, and I'm glad she did. The story may have meant more to me because it takes place in Kansas City (where most of my family lives) but it is also completely Spirit-inspired writing. 

Mrs. Kip is an elderly woman who has just moved into Hospice Care in a nursing home. She has a lifetime of experiences that add up to more than a typical life. A Kansas City Star junior reporter, Aidyn, is assigned to interview Mrs. Kip and get her story of helping refugees in Kansas City. In spite of Aidyn's stick-to-the-facts approach, she is exposed to Mrs. Kip's gift of caring for others, and is unknowingly guided toward greater understanding.

I don't want to give the impression that the book is overly theological or is meant to convert anyone. Rather it's a touching portrayal of how a well-lived, considerate life impacts others. I totally admire Ms. Brunsvold's skill as an author and am looking forward to listening to her other titles: The Atlas of Untold Stories, and The Divine Proverb of Streusel. Linda's score: 4.5/5.0

Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser sounded really familiar as I began listening to it. Then it hit me - it's the story of Cinderella!

However, the author has taken pains to completely turn the tables on the character of the "wicked" stepmother, Lady Tremaine, and her two sisters - all of whom are caring and very considerate. It's the stepdaughter, Elin ("Cinderella") who's the problem child and causes angst. I was totally engaged in the story that involves falconry, plotting for an eligible husband, behaviors of the royal court, and subverting male dominance. Linda's score: 4.4/5.0

The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick is a great piece for getting a glimpse into life for housewives in the 1950s. While I could understand and relate to some of the social structures of that time (thinking of my own Mother), I also appreciated the determination of this women's club to not allow social norms to dicate what they could and could not do.

Each female protagonist in this book club has her own internal desires to cope with, and it was good to consider how times have changed. I also liked that Ms. Bostwick included an appearance by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.

Linda's score: 4.3/5.0

This book photo represents the four Mary Stone books I listened to in June. I am thoroughly enjoying the FBI Agent "Winter Black series." 

Books 2, 3, 4, and 5 follow Winter and her partner through various killing sprees by psychotic men and women. In each case that's solved, Winter's special ability for identifying important clues is critical, though she strives to keep her gift hidden. In every book there's intrigue among FBI co-workers - the annoying agent; the tempermental agent; and the "could it be love?" relationship Winter has with FBI Agent Noah Dalton.

My only complaint is that the author sometimes - in my opinion - spends too much time on relationship dialoge and internal conversations, rather than just getting on with it. Still, I'm enjoying Winter's experiences. Linda's overall score for the series: 4.3/5.0

The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith relates the story of down-and-out Cormoran Strike whose girlfriend has tossed him out (he's living in his office) and his failing detective agency. A temporary secretary arrives, Robin Ellacott, and manages to set him rights. With an affinity for assisting Cormoran, Robin managed to help him with a case - is it suicide or murder? - that has suddenly dropped into his lap. 

This is definitely a who-done-it story that's engaging with an unexpected ending. 

Linda's score: 4.2/5.0

I hope you enjoy reading every one of these books! Linda

Twistee Treat

‘Nuff said?

Me with the Twistee Treat COO on Saturday, at their soft opening. All treats were free, so I got a Creamsicle Swirl. 

Happy lady! Whoo-hoo! Linda

Two Crocheted Finishes, and More...

The days since my last post have been full of happy moments.

Last Saturday was spent with a delightful Iowa friend, Rondelle. She and I met through our weekly virtual Women's Bible study at Lutheran Church of Hope. She came to Central Florida to visit nearby relatives so we spent most of Saturday together, meeting for coffee, visiting Ancient Olive to taste and buy yummy combinations of flavored balsamic vinegars and oils, golf-carting to my house for chattime on the lanai, and then visiting 4-H Club. At the Club meeting Rondelle left numerous "little Jesus's" behind. I discovered she left this keepsake for me too 

I sent Rondelle home with two knitted dishcloths and a round loom knitted tiny doll to which she affixed one of my FlourishingPalms pins. We had a wonderful time together.

A new toy tool arrived for me - a Stanwood 7-ounce manual yarn ball winder. I spent some quality time with the winder, turning most of two large bags of stashed yarn into cakes. (Some are already in cakes.)

It's great to have my small yarn stash organized.

I have two crocheted garment finishes to share. This is Lace Summer Top. 

 

This is Summer Cardigan. Both patterns are by KnitCroAddict.

I'm continuing to knit Summer Soul Top by Julia Piro Knits. 

A couple other tidbits... 

Thanks to a recent post by Debbie at A Quilter's Table, I learned about a book she has used as inspiration for improv. Though the book is out of print, I was delighted to find an inexpensive copy through Ebay. 

Bold Expressions is a picture compilation of mostly unidentified-maker quilts collected from Southern states by Corrine Riley

These quilts were displayed May 15 to November 6, 2011 at the Mingei International Museum in San Diego, California.

It was delightful to see where the book came from... Bellevue Arts Museum in Bellevue, Washington. It looks like no one ever checked it out from their docent library. 

I've already thoroughly looked through the book, and can see how these quilts - similar to Gee's Bend quilts - will provide improv inspiration.

A quick drive through Twistee Treat, and...  It's still not open! But signage is up. They're close. Others are as anxious for it to open as I am because two cars followed behind!

Open in "two weeks" according to a paper sign taped on the menu board and drive-up window.

From the day I stopped to ask an employee, "two weeks" is July 4. The rumormill is saying July 1. Either date, I'll be there! 

One more noteworthy mention... Tuesday, June 23 marked the anniversary of our move-in to this house in Florida 14 years ago! It's still incredible how time flies - faster the older I get. Linda

On the Design Wall

I'm doing a little sewing and these items are on my design wall. The large yellow burst represents my efforts thus far to create a quilt for the QuiltCon challenge - Pick a Color Challenge. At least ten different fabrics are to be used in a single-hued quilt. My stash and scrap bins led me to choose yellow because I have it in abundance. 

The design is fairly convoluted. I first created it in EQ8 printing the design into a grid on 8½" X 11" paper which I then printed with different values of yellow.

Then on a gigantic piece of paper I manually drew a grid, and drew each individual triangle shape on the paper. When the life-sized paper was done, I used it as a template for each piece. With transparent paper, I'm in the process of drawing around around each triangle, adding a quarter-inch seam, from which I cut each piece of fabric. A few of the triangles are "made fabric" from print scraps. It's a tedious, slow process. 

On the left side of the design wall is something much easier to work on. Modern Maze was designed as an Along by Debbie of Big Cypress Quilters. These are the small blocks (larger blocks to be revealed later) that measure 6" X 12½" unfinished.

Since we've be given free rein to make this however we wish - from yardage or scraps - I will continue making blocks this size, so as to use-up pieces exclusively from scrap bins. 

The third item on the design wall is this Patchwork Sashiko, made according to instructions in Diane Fitzgerald's book Patchwork Sashiko. I came across the book after reading that Diane will be an instructor at QuiltCon. I don't care for this method of using scraps because they're raw-edged. 

A sewing machine is needed to baste the raw-edge fabric to a muslin background. I used red thread for basting. 

Hand stitching is with crochet thread (I prefer Wonderfil) across lines marked at quarter-inch intervals. I'd prefer to eyeball the distance. Anyway, my least favorite part is leaving exposed loose threads on the surface. 

I'd prefer to make my fabric with turned-under edges because the made fabrics would be more durable. Still, I like several of the projects in the book - those slippers! If I make fabric in more of a Kawandi style, I'm sure I'd be happier with the result. 

                                

Now that the 7" X 9" made fabric is washed (per instructions), I need to decide what to do with it. 

While power walking on Thursday, I stopped because this hawk, perched on a roof, was squawking at me! I sure appreciate seeing that blue sky and pink crape myrtle. 

Last Saturday, at the Central Florida MQG meeting, I was unexpectedly honored when President Betty invited me and my friend Karen to the front of the room to be presented with a gift and thanks for founding Central Florida MQG 13 years ago.

The thoughtful gift was the cute green clock in center of this picture. The swaying pendulum is a pair of scissors. 

On this short wall and shelf in my sewing room are a few of the gifts I've been given by friends - postcard, framed piece, "L" in a hoop, ice cream sundae pin cushion, Lego sewing machine, handmade coaster - and a few special award ribbons.

Post-knee replacement surgery hubs is more mobile, walking with a cane as directed and taking a 10 minute outdoor walk each day. Since our neighborhood doesn't have sidewalks and streets are designed with a curve for water run-off, I golf cart him to a grocery store or nearby postal station so he can walk on flat surfaces. He needs only a little assistance with wound care and putting on a compression stocking, so he's back in the kitchen for limited amounts of times, doing a little cooking. Ah... much better. Linda