Monday Meanderings -- 6 - 16 - 2025

52

You might ask what 52 is all about... that's how long Pat and I have been married! Yep celebrating our 52nd anniversary 6/16.  Not sure we're doing anything special -- maybe going out to an early dinner.  Tuesday is a primary election and Pat works at the polls so he'll be leaving the house around 4:30 am or so.  No late night here! 

Now on to my regular blog post. Here's last week's goals list. WOW - look at all those green boxes. 

6/9/25

✅Make dignity bibs with Craft group

✅Finish current hat and start next one

✅Quilt one of my tops

✅Make more string blocks 

✅Sew Whirl blocks together

✅Plan another quilt for future retreat

Last week I brought a couple of flannel shirts home to finish on my Bernina. We learned that a lot of our travel sewing machines didn't have the motor power to sew through a lot of layers. The Bernina handle them well.  I've cut out a few more bibs from cotton like the one I showed last week.  They'll get finished in the next week or so.  

One hat was finished; two hats got pompoms made and applied; and another hat (pink yarn) was started.  I'l be working on the pink hat this week. 

Check out the top I was quilting last week on Friday's post. It's  Button Box a 3 yard quilt from Fabric Cafe.  It's trimmed and waiting for binding this week. 

I got the Whirl blocks sashed and sewn together. 

My next job is to figure out a border.  Do you want to help?  Here are two photos of possible borders for my Whirl top.  Both the pink/purple and light purple are leftover pieces.  I really want to use something from my stash.  If you have other color idea feel free to share them. I'll check the stash! The blocks are pinks, purples, and blues. 

What do you think. Let me know in the comments. I'm leaning towards the light purple... but it isn't fabulous. It isn't bad. Eh, undecided is the best I am right now. 

Yes, I did get everything on the list done this week. In fact I was pretty well finished by Saturday.  I decided I needed to figure out the next quilt I want to kit up. I have a retreat coming at the end of July and I'll need at least 4, probably 5 projects to work on.  I need to see if I have a batch of blocks I can sew together too. That's a great project to bring as I only need to lay them out and then sew. 

So this pattern was next to my sewing machine. It was from Quiltmaker March/April 2001. Yep, I had ripped out the pages, punched holes in them and stuck them in a notebook.  24 years later I'm ready to make it. Here's Cornerpost.   

Here are the major fabrics I'm using. If you note the directions above there are some large rectangles -- the space fabric. The navy, grey and orange will be the rails. I have some charm squares of some of the other fabrics in the line. I'll pick 8 for the center of the quilt and 4 more for the corner stones. The space fabric will also be the borders.  Should be a great quilt and use some fabric I've had for a while. Remember Craftsy? The space fabrics were a kit from there.

This week I've new goals and hopefully I'll be as successful as I've been the last couple of weeks. 

6/16/25

Quilt another quilt

Make binding and bind my quilt

Add borders to Whirl

Cut Cornerpost top 

Attend Gathering of the Guilds 

As you might guess I also did really well on my 15 minutes to sew. Here's the details. 

W/ending 6/15/25. 166 days of 2025

• 15 minute days/June = 15/30 
• 15 minute days/2024 = 166/166 days
• Success rate = 100%

Several quilt guilds in central Virginia are gathering for a day of fun and friendship.  I'm looking forward to it next Sunday afternoon. 

Now, please check out these Linky Parties and see what quilters across the web are up to! 

Stitching Stuff

Oh Scrap

Design Wall Monday 

Monday Musings

Happy Quilting All!  Bonnie 

National Sewing Machine Day & Some Finishes!

June 13th is National Sewing Machine Day.  I read that we should share our machines.  I have no idea where I saw it but I thought I'd give my machines a little love and attention. 

So here are my machines from oldest to newest. 

This is my trusty Singer Featherweight.  It is from the early 1950s.  It's a slow workhorse that I take to sewing days and retreats.  Unfortunately it doesn't sew fast at all.  Some day I may see if there is something that can be done to speed it up some but in the mean time it is slow, steady and reliable. 

Meet Ruthie the Nolting Long Arm and her computer.  I've had her for 9 or so years when we traded a smaller one in for her. She's quilting away on one of my 3 yard quilt tops. 

I bought this Viking Topaz in the last 8 or 9 years.  I use it mostly for embroidery. I found I perferred my older Bernina for piecing and some quilting. I keep this one set up for embroidery. 

This is my newest sewing machine, a Bernina B 570. I've only had this one for 8 months or so.  It has way more bells and whistles than I need.  It's been fun to learn what it can do for me.  I want to try making quilt labels with the built in alphabets.  Someday I might buy the embroidery module and then sell the Viking. 

I also have a very old Elna Carina which weighs under 20 pounds. It's also good for taking to sew ins and retreats.  I might start taking it along with the Featherweight and see how it does. 

Now on to the two finishes from earlier this year. First up is the framed 9 patch in blue. The FCQ Equilters made the blocks for me a couple of years ago.  I finished the top last year but didn't get it quilted until this year. (I have a couple of smaller tops waiting to be quilted.) This pic was taken this spring -- note the azaleas in bloom. 

And, a close up view. Below that is a picture of the front and back. 

Next up is Traffic Jam, quilt pattern is by Pat Sloan and a free version can be found on her web page here. She also has a pattern for sale which has 3 additional sizes. You can check out a couple of different colorations here as well as finding the link to purchase the pattern. 

I've made a couple tops/quilts using the pattern. One I decided to use 2" squares since I had a ton of them. But I don't remember if this was it or one of the others I've got hanging around.  I used Susie's magic binding on this one.  

I don't remember the exact measurements but both of these quilts are basic lap quilts.  I'lll have to check my pile of finished quilts to see whether these have been donated or not.  

Please take some time visiting the following Linky Parties.  I used to post often on Fridays and these were my go-to blogs. 

Needle and Thread Thursday 

Beauties Pagent

Finished (of Not) Friday 

Off the Wall Friday 

I'm leaving you with a picture of my friend Sharon's really old sewing machine. She doesn't use it but it is fun to see it and the booklet and supplies for it. 

This is a National Rotary sewing machine that was owned by Sharon's grandmother. Sharon has the Certificate of Warranty dated September 9, 1938. Notice the boxes (tied with string!) and the manual by it. Evidently it had a table it could be set into also.  

Do you have any antique sewing machines in your life? 

Happy Quilting All! Bonnie

Monday Meanderings --- 6 - 9 - 2025

Earlier this week I added June Mysteries and Sew Alongs to my Mysteries and Quilt Alongs Page. If you didn't already see it, hopefully you will check out the offerings if you are looking for a new sew/quilt along or mystery.  I've been adding little tidbits of info about free patterns or special quilting info.  Check it out if you want to see what's on offer for the summer. 

I've had a very good results for my goals this past week.  I spent every day doing some sewing or knitting. When Sunday rolled around I had 2 or 3 goals unfinished. So I really got busy and got them at least started if not completely done.  There are a bunch of check marks with this goals list. Yeehaw! 

6/2/2

✅Bind my quilted top — done. 

✅✅Bind 2 placemats quilted after the UFO project — done. 

✅Cut out the project for upcoming retreat — done. 

✅Make additional blocks for June UFO project — 3 purple blocks made. 

✅Add borders to May UFO project — done! 

✅Make some more string blocks — 2.5 blocks finished. 

Here are some photos of my progress. 

Last week I added two placemats after I finished quilting one of my tops. I found a cool rectangular design that Ruthie quilted for me. The quilt and the placemats sat on the long arm most of the week. But finally I took them off, trimmed and figured how to pull the back to the front and have a couple of nice finished placemats. You can see the circular hatching Ruthie quilted on them below.  These will go to one of my guild's community charities. 

And here are the two finished placemats. Yep, the backing was more of my purple bolt of fabric. 

My June UFO project is to make some more Whirl blocks and then make them into a top. Here are the three new Whirl blocks. I've found on way too many occasions that darker colors -- especially purples and blues -- look black in pictures.  All of these are different colors of purple, really, they are! These were my Rainbow Scrap Challenge blocks from 2022.  I had 6 blocks left -- 3 pink and 3 blue.  I decided to make 3 more blocks in purple as red and blue make purple.  

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Here's all 9 blocks together.  The blocks are 9" so, as shown it would 36" square.  I'm thinking of using a 1" (or so) finished sashing and adding corner stones in one or all of the colors.  It wouldn't add all that much to the size but it would add enough.  I'll probably make that decision in the next week or two.

Here's the finished top I've been showing for the last few weeks.  It still needs quilting which will happen eventually! I was trying to make the pieces of each border color different sizes but, rats, they look very close to the same sizes. Oh well. 

Sunday afternoon I decided to use the string blocks as a leader ender to the 3 Whirl blocks I wanted to make. I trimmed off the edges of all that I had already finished. The phone book pages were cut to the correct size so all I needed to do was grab my blue centers and then build out -- half lights and half darks.  Here's what I got done on this project.  Basically 3 are done and one more is started. These will end up as 7" blocks. I've got 22 done.  But I'm thinking I want to make the quilt 42" by 56" so I still need to make 26 more blocks.  Hum, I need to step up the pace on this project.  Heaven knows I have bags of scrap strings hanging around. 

So that's all I have to show from my goals last week. So here are my goals for this week. 

6/9/25

Make dignity bibs with craft group

Finish current hat and start next one

Quilt one of my tops

Sew Whirl blocks together

Plan and cut another quilt for future retreat

Keep working on string blocks 

I did make one more item this week that was not on my list.  The craft group in my neighborhood is making Dignity Bibs, now called Dignity Aprons, for people living in skilled nursing homes. These are generally made from button up, woven shirts.  Evidently in the past we've either had many donated or gals were able to buy a number of them from thrift stores. So far our collection isn't that big. So a friend recommended we make some out of our excess fabric.  I took the challenge and made one with a light blue plaid on the front and a royal blue with eidelweiss flowers on it for the opposite size. I had bought the eidelweiss fabric many years ago on vacation in Switzerland. I've been trying to use it up as it is a bit too heavy for quilts. But it's great for these "aprons." Here's what I made. It is approximately 18 x 27.  I still need to put the velcro on top.  I'll try to take some pictures of the shirts finished as aprons.  -- I may break down and make myself one as I am forever spilling food on my shirts! (And, that's just eating at home! Yikes.) 

 I've maintained my daily 15 minutes of stitching this week. I'm not sure whether I'll keep 100% for the whole year but there is a good possibility I might.  We aren't planning any vacation this year so no travel plans that would disrupt my stitching! 

W/ending 6/8/25. 159 days of 2025

• 15 minute days/June = 8/30 
• 15 minute days/2024 = 159/159 days
• Success rate = 100%

I'm linking with my normal parties. (OOPS -- I just realized I didn't remember to link to Design Wall Monday nor Monday Musings last week.  Must have gotten engrossed in something last Monday as I usually link up then.) Hopefully this week I will link up with them on Monday morning.

Stitching Stuff

Oh Scrap

Design Wall Monday

Monday Musing

I'm ready to call it a night.  All the quilting I did today wore me out -- but in a good way! 

Happy Quilting! Bonnie 

June 2025 Mysteries and Sew Alongs

 June 2025 Mysteries and Sew Alongs 

Wonderfil started a quilt along in April called Coffee Break. You’ll have access to all blocks that have already been shared once you sign up. There will be 9 blocks. This is foundation paper piecing and wool hand embroidery. Kits may be available still. Go take a look and sign up here: https://shopwonderfil.com/bom-2025/ .  

Blockhead 6 is starting on May 28th.  Join in the fun as a new block is released each week. Read more about it here: https://modafabrics.com/inspiration-resources/blockheads-6-kick-off

The Fat Quarter Shop has started their newest sew along called Stardust Charity.  It offers a quilt version and a counted cross stitch version. The Fat Quarter Shop uses this event as a fund raiser for their local Make-a-Wish foundation. Check out the pre-start info post: https://blog.fatquartershop.com/lets-get-ready-for-stardust. And also Release 1 post.  

Here’s a heads up for several mystery quilt alongs that the Fat Quarter Shop will be sponsoring.  This link takes you to information about several upcoming mysteries.  https://blog.fatquartershop.com/mystery-quilt-alongs-in-2025/. I’ll post about each before they begin.  

Just some reminders for those who are fans of 3 yard quilts. Fabric Cafe posts one of their patterns free every few months or so. Currently there are 3 of their 3 Yard Quilt patterns and 2 additional patterns. They add a new one every few months. https://www.fabriccafe.com/Free-Patterns-s/2014.htm. You can also go to their home page and click on Free Goodies. 

Material Girlfriends continues their year long event posting a new free pattern. May’s offering is 3Yd Papa.  You can find it here: https://materialgirlfriends.com/2025-sew-along/ . I’m thinking of finding some 1.25 yard fabric and use my die cutter for this one. 

Monday June 2, 2025

Welcome June.  Or maybe I'd rather have a few more days of May.  USA Today says summer forecast calls for "overwhelmingly above normal" heat starting in June.  We've been in the low 70s this weekend. By Wednesday it'll be 87 and continue for several days. That's seems too hot, too soon. Hum, I guess I'll just spend more time in my basement studio.  It's generally much cooler than the main floor.  So, how did I do on my goals this week?  Not bad, not bad at all.  See below. 

5/26/25

✅Bind 3 yd project & make label — done and given to recipient. 

Add borders to UFO project —  nothing done.

✅Quilt one of my projects — quilted top from 2022 or so.

✅Pick a project to cut out for future retreat sewing — picked out but didn’t verify there’s enough fabric nor cut it out. 

✅✅Sing two shows with neighborhood group — two great concerts with appreciative audiences from our neighborhood. 

The private project I was working on was a quilt for Rochelle who has been the Spotsylvanian's accompanist for many years. She and her hubby are retiring to Michigan. She is a terrific pianist, a giving person, and makes us laugh.  She will be greatly missed.  I was asked to make her a quilt to be given to her by the group just before our concerts the first week of May. First problem was finding music fabric but not instruments. Luckily I found some musical notes of various colors on a beige background by Quilting Treasures at Marshall Dry Goods. I was also lucky to find a red, light blue, and navy blue from MDG. Considering the time limit I decided on an easy 3 yard quilt. I chose Pretty Please that had been a free pattern recently. 

Here are the pictures I took as I made it. 

Blocks . . . 

And with the borders . . . 

I decided to use Susie's Magic Binding. Mainly because I cut too many of the lighter blue strips. I decided it really looks good with the light blue flange. 

I bought a new quilting design called Aria from Urban Elemenz.  Stars and musical notes -- bonus! You can see the design on the blue/red block but not so well on the print. 

Here are Darrel and Rochelle showing off the quilt. (Aren't those hydrangeas beautiful!) Darrel was one of our bases -- so we will miss both of them -- a lot. 

Last picture is of the backing fabric and the label.  I used a EQ Printables to make the label.  I may have gotten a bit wild on the font size. 

I was able to use the top of the fabric sheet to make some basic labels to put on quilts I've made this year and am actually keeping.  Hum, am I even keeping four of my quilts this year? Time will tell. 

Now on to this week.  All concerts are done, there are no rehearsals to go to. I should be able to spend time quilting, knitting, and reading. Awe -- a perfect week! 

6/2/25

Bind my quilted top 

Bind 2 placemats quilted after the above project

Cut out the new project for upcoming retreat

Make additional blocks for June UFO project

Add borders to May UFO project

Make some more string blocks

That seems like enough to keep me busy, especially if I try to do a little studio cleaning: put fabric away, do a little dusting, get rid of old catalogs.  Maybe some of that will happen or maybe not! 

Just a note about Marshal Dry Goods.  I give them kudos for helping me with a problem. The blue fabric I purchased from them for the backing ended up having a lighter streak on the fold line.  They were willing to refund my purchase when I told them about it.  I would have bought something else from them but I was lucky to find a dark blue with lighter dots from what was left at my local JoAnn Store.  I will be buying more backings from Marshals when I use up the last few backings I currently have.  

And, related to backing fabrics -- I'm making a decent dent in my collection of tops needing quilting.  At the beginning of the year I had none of my plastic hangers available to add more tops.  After quilting another top today there are six (6!) coat hangers waiting for new tops. I am not finishing tops at a high rate these days which is probably better. 

I've maintained my 100% 15 minutes of stitching. Amazing. 

W/ending 5/25/25. 152 days of 2025

• 15 minute days/May = 31/31
• 15 minute days/June = 1/30 
• 15 minute days/2024 = 152/152 days
• Success rate = 100%

As usual I'm linking up with these parties:

Stitching Stuff

Oh Scrap 

Design Wall Monday

Monday Musings

Happy Quilting All! Bonnie 

Here's a bit more info on what is in the budget bill. These are a few of the items mentioned in USA Today earlier in the week. 

There's a provision in the bill that would restrict judges' ability to hold people accountable for violating court orders. To me this means weakening the judicial oversight that is part of our Constitution's balance of power.  This is definitely an important area of my concern. 

There would be a ban on federal regulations on Artificial Intelligence. It would prevent states from creating new regulations for AI and block states that have regulations from enforcing them.  (Side note: In my reading this week there was an article about AI refusing to stop its programing when instructed to.  EEK That just sounds awful to me. AI maybe a great leap forward but it must have regulations about its use and purpose.) 

New fees would be charged people who are trying to immigrate to the USA. Here are a few suggested fees:  $1,000 to request asylum, $550 payments every 6 months for work authorization, $500 to apply for temporary protected status. 

There is a lot more in the bill but those stick out to me. I keep waking up in the middle of the night worrying about what the United States will be like for my grandkids.  That is one reason I pay attention to multiple news sources regarding the happenings in Washington and across the country.  If you are worried about the ramifications of this budget bill write your congressional representatives.  Send them a post card. I've read where that is a much more visual way of communicating your opinion.  The cards end up on someone's desk. And if enough people do it, it can be overwhelming.