What I've Worked On

I haven't taken time to write a blog post, wanting to be sure I have everything ready in the run-up to QuiltCon. I also thought I didn't have anything to post about, but then I realized... I have continued to create in between other pre-QuiltCon obligations.  

As happens to many makers, I had a squirrel moment about a week ago when I saw a foundation paper-pieced hexagon made by Canadian quiltmaker, Cristina @shipsandviolins.

(At left) Cristina's Good Morning, Mom! quilt hanging at QuiltCon 2025 in Phoenix is how I found Cristina, and first started following her on Instagram. She made this quilt after seeing her infant son smile at her one morning. 

Good Morning, Mom! got my vote for "People's Choice" (it didn't win) mostly because it made me smile too. It's now among those in the QuiltCon traveling show. 

Anyway, Cristina's Scrappy FPP Hexagon block pattern is being sold by her guild - Toronto MQG - as a fundraiser. 

Scrappy FPP Hexagon, 12" X 12"

For just $5, I got to "torture" myself sorting through bins of print and solid scraps to create color and value gradations, and sew lots of narrow seams. 

First I pieced the gradated aqua to green hexagon half. 

Then I pieced the gradated orange to yellow (and back to orange) hexagon half. 

The template makes a 15" square block that can be sewn into anything you wish, or follow pattern instructions to mount it on a 12" X 12" canvas. 

I'm pleased with this finish, and recommend the pattern to anyone who likes foundation paper piecing. Removing the ¼" pieces of paper (I used newsprint as foundation paper) was a bit tedious, but the result is worth it. 

On the round loom knitting scene, I'm making another Tiny Doll - doll #7 to add to the collection I will donate.

Pretty in pink. Her cap is in the works; then eyes and a nose. 

I've joined a newly-formed monthly knitting group, and already got a new-to-me pattern for a Waffle Knit Dishcloth using size 6 needles. The pattern is a freebie from a 2007 blog post by Homespun Living.

I knitted with "Loops & Threads" cotton yarn from Michael's, and struggled a little with the P2, K1 row. It seems that purling by the Continental method is awkward for me, perhaps because I've been using old aluminum needles from my Mother's knitting supplies. I'll be watching for a chance to buy bamboo needles. 

For those of you following along on my braided rag rug progress, here's the latest. Don't see much progress? Well, it's slow-going now that it's 47" X 60". On Saturday I stopped at a thrift store and shopped for color from the $1 men's t-shirt clearance rack. The lime and yellow shirts have been washed and are ready for cutting and braiding.

Will I see you at QuiltCon next week? Linda

Slow-Going; Little Sewing

I tried. I really, really tried to again get into piecing the improv quilt that's been on my design wall for several weeks. I'm feeling the disappointment that comes from an inability to "get it right." 

Here's an honest picture of how it's going. 

Ugh. Not well. I'm thinking to take it down so I don't have to stare failure in the face. 

Avoiding sewing altogether, I've been round loom knitting. Ah yes... something that is turning out.  

Two more cute "Tiny Dolls" made using Denise's (loomahat.com) YouTube video. It's interesting to me how using two strands of "super-soft yarn" and a little too much Cluster Stuff poly fill (from Hobby Lobby), made one of them a tiche taller than the other. 

Then, my friend Sherry @otterbeequilting let me know that Denise has a Teddy Bear YouTube video, and I was all-in on that one. Teddy sits 5½" tall, and loves my braided rag rug. 

All the stuffies I've been making have come off a 24-peg round loom, and are filled with Cluster Stuff. I plan to donate these to the local police department who will give them to kids who need comforting. 

It's slow-going on the rug. I'm up to braiding/weaving with 16 strands, and it now measures 60" long. I'm still using only upcycled clothing, leftover garment-making fabrics, and bed sheets. 

Don't forget that if you're interested in learning "Braided Rag Rugs," Ilka White (of Australia) is offering a six-hour workshop (over two days) in April. Go here for more information. Her workshop is how I learned!

I'm trying to get all my ducks in a row in anticipation of the rest of February, which is turning out to be packed with exciting activities - Central Florida MQG meeting (and me writing the monthly member newslettter); QuiltCon in less than two weeks; houseguests; and presenting a program and workshop to South Florida MQG.

Though "going" won't be slow, sewing will no doubt remain "little." Linda