Tidy Up Tuesday - Tale of the Missing Rotary Cutter

Welcome to the next edition of Tidy Up Tuesday!!  The mystery of the missing rotary cutter has been solved.  At long last!  I believe that the story MUST be told!  (YOU might be able to relate.)

How many months has it been missing, Joyful?

Honestly, I can't recall.  I know that I've been lamenting about it for the last several months (MINIMUM!)  It will take further investigation to discover just when it went missing.  There's no time for that!  For now, you get the story of how it was found.

Which do YOU want to hear???  The LONG or SHORT story??

Here's the abbreviated version...

It started with a phone call from DS1 and ended with me yelling OMG!  OMG! in his ear.  :P

This is the extended version...

While gathering fabrics for a new small project, my phone rang.  It was DS1 answering my request for a call.  Yay!  As we chatted, I continued to look through my scrap baskets to find just the right squares to incorporate into a special little project.

As the conversation went on, I ran out of options in my color bins.  Hmm...  What to do?  What to do?

The answer was, pull from the off-cut barrel, of course:

SEW...

I took a few pieces off the top.  I dug around a little and found a few more scraps in the colors that I was looking for.  At that point, I decided to REALLY churn up those small squares, triangles, and other shapes.

But, WAIT!!!

What is THAT bright yellow bit???  It doesn't exactly look like fabric, does it???  Hmm...  That looks vaguely familiar:

Picture my surprise upon scooping out my (favorite) longsincegone 60mm Olfa Rotary Cutter:

WARNING!!!  You may want to plug your ears.  Otherwise, it's quite likely that you can randomly STILL hear me exclaiming, "OMG!!!  My giant rotary cutter!!  It's been here all along!!"

Until next time...

Life is SEW good!!!

Mail Call Monday - Anchors Away

Welcome to a new edition of Mail Call Monday!!  I received a package in the mail today.  I've been expecting it (even though, originally, it was quite a surprise.)

Here's how the story goes...

I recently commented on Cherie's blog at Quilted Jonquil.  She found a delightful anchor print and it just so happens that I absolutely LOVE anchors!  You can see it on the bottom right of the photo she shared in that post:

Cherie had been on a shirt shopping spree at her local Goodwill.  The photo above was of the deconstructed shirts.

This is the comment I left:

The Joyful Quilter

June 16, 2019 at 9:22 pm

OMG!!! Those tiny anchors!!!!! If you decide not to use that and want to get rid of it, please let me know.

To which she responded:

Hi!  If you'll use the tiny anchors, I'm more than happy to send them to you :)  I almost never have a plan for any of the shirts I acquire.  They get added to my stash and pulled to use at some point because they are the right color for what I'm working on.

Shoot me your snail mail address and I'll send you a squishy.

Cherie

Fast forward a week and this package arrived...

... With a sweet little bundle and a lovely handwritten note encased in a small plastic zipper baggie:

Of course, the little bundle was this darling (deconstructed) shirt:

More to come...

If you've read my blog for any length of time, you KNOW that I can't have someone send me a squishy and not reciprocate, don't you?!?!

SEW...

You'll hear more about this, since I asked Cherie what her favorite color was and told her that I would love to send her one of my quilted mug rugs or thread catchers.  She didn't specify which she would prefer.  Hmm... What shall I make???

I'll give you a hint!!

Her favorite color is lime green and she currently likes orange.  And purple.  I've done a fabric pull:

Hopefully, I'm on the right track!!

Until next time...
Be SEW careful what you wish for!!!
You just might get it.  :o))

ScrapHappy Saturday - RSC 19 - Week 25

Welcome to Week 25 of the 2019 Rainbow Scrap Challenge!!  I had high hopes for getting a bit more done in the Color of the Month.  You know how it goes...

SEW...  How did it REALLY go, Joyful?!?!

SUNDAY - Taming the dark BLUE explosion that happened:

Once THAT was under control, I cut the necessary patches for the Noname block for (last week's?) Tiny Tuesday tutorial:

Here I am, sewing some of the components:

MONDAY - Quilt Guild was tonight.  Look who won a door prize!!  Two tickets to the Sewing Expo in Raleigh!!!

The program was a lecture/trunk show of math-based quilts which was truly mind blowing.  Prior to his retirement, our guest, Roger Winchell, was a mathematician, an engineer, and more!  His post-retirement quilting style makes this quite apparent.  If you can believe it, THIS was his FIRST quilt:

Another on of his earlier works, a rainbow of blocks arranged like a strand of DNA:

One of his more recent works gives a new perspective on the Cubist movement!  The center is an Apollonian Gasket based on a mathematical formula that I can't BEGIN to explain!  Read more about that concept HERE on Roger's website:

TUESDAY - Before dinner, I did the last little bit of quilting needed to complete the BQG3 donation for the Carolina Hurricane Quilt Project - and there's still time for YOU to contribute:

After dinner, Cynthia's Tiny Tuesday pattern became my focus for the evening.  With the block sewn, I gave it a finger press...

... And then, REALLY pressed it - better than the photo shows:

I'm not sure WHAT was going through my mind when I chose these fabrics.  Apparently, I was thinking that they would look good together.  All sewn up, they are nothing but a mess.  Cats fenced in the flower garden?  I think NOT...  LOL!!

WEDNESDAY - After dinner, I put away the items purchased on my last (1st) trip to Pineapple Fabrics... 2 YEARS ago!!  This shopping bag is now empty and has since been properly recycled:

THURSDAY - My Weekly Quilt Group is taking a trip to Pineapple Fabrics today.  And I'm going with them!!  I've made a list....

1. Backing for my Blooming 9-Patch.

2. Nothing else!

I tried any number of fabrics with my quilt top.  Ultimately, there were two contenders.  After some consideration... Mission accomplished!!  THIS was the winner:

You'll get to read more about the trip in a later post.

Once I recovered from the trip, I took some time to gather my projects for tomorrow night's sewing event.  They will be stationed by the door for ease of departure.

But WAIT, there's MORE!!!  Kevin the Quilter has opened up Scrap Club for ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Grab a button and make the Simply Sensational Summer Scrap Quilt in THREE easy steps:

FRIDAY - I worked on a new Design Floor Friday post this morning.  It was released just before lunch.  Find it HERE.

You read about the plans, but now, it's here...

Friday Night Sew-In!!!!

What did YOU get done, Joyful???

Well...

Here is the view through my (cell phone) camera lens:

Trimming of the BQG3 Donation quilt:

Photo Currently Unavailable!!!

Three out of four panels sewn on my Pecking Order quilt:

Here it is before I picked it up I'd the floor:

I studiously ignored my dark BLUE scraps:

Don't worry!!  They will soon get their turn under the needle.

SATURDAY - Today is jam-packed with (quilting) activities!!

First, there's the LINK PARTY for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge.  If you like dark BLUE or need some inspiration for your next quilt project, head over to Angela's So Scrappy blog.  It won't disappoint.

Next, Quilt Bee.  I better hurry or I'll be late.

Then, I wanted to sneak in some time at the Donation Quilt Workshop.  I've got a kit that I picked up a Guild a couple of months ago, but haven't found time to assemble it.  The workshop would have been the perfect opportunity to make some headway!  Alas, reason won out over desire.  The timing made it impossible to get there with much time left to actually sew.  :o((

After all that, my plan to attend Quilters Night Out with B got push forward.  Because who doesn't need MORE time to sew?!?!  I went over right after Quilt Bee and got started on seaming my Pecking Order quilt into a top.  Yay!!

I'm not sure if I'll update this post or create a new one in a few days.  Either way, I hope to make further progress on several of my projects during my waking hours today.

One of my readers will recognize this beautiful (two-sided) mini:

It was designed as a table topper, but I'm really enjoying it on my kitchen wall during dark BLUE mouth.  Thanks, again, Chantal!!  At least, I think that's who made it.  I'll have to look back in the blog posts or the maker should step forward, as my memory is lacking.  Two-sided quilt = no place for a label!!

Until next time...
Get SCRAPPY!!!

Design Floor Friday - Sue Sew Style

Welcome to another edition of Design Floor Friday!!  This week, I'm here to share last week's visit from my friend Sue.  She brought a couple of quilts for a consult.  Unfortunately, I forgot to take a photo of the quilting consult with Needleb.  :o((

Below, is the process we went through with Sue's newest quilt project.  It's Missouri Star Quilt Company's Courtship Quilt pattern.  You can also find a video tutorial by following THIS LINK.

First, I set a (rough) perimeter and put out the center squares:

Then, we stepped beck to check the value placement:

Next, we made a few adjustments:

Sue decided there was too much purple, so we switched things:

I was left alone while she went to get her DH.  You KNOW what happened then, don't you?!?!  I played with a couple of the stars:

Upon her return, Sue decided that she liked what I had done, but the color balance needed some love:

Here is a closer look at each of the stars...

Star One is a royal blue and medium of teal (?) or aqua:

Star Two is a grassy green and deep purple:

Star Three is medium purple and light blue:

and...

Star Four is dark green and lavender:

After dinner, we did a quick layout of the inner border:

Sue's is smiling in the photo above because...

This is the product of our efforts:

Until next time...
You would be smiling, too!!!

ScrapHappy Saturday - RSC19 - Week 24

Welcome to Week 24 of the Rainbow Scrap Challenge!!!  This week, I thought I might sew the rows of my Pecking Order quilt together and use up some of my dark BLUE scraps.

Here's what happened instead...

SUNDAY - I thought you might like to see the scraps that I have for this month's project, SEW...

I dug them out of their hiding spot and took a picture for you:

What will I be making???  A new Large Quilted Basket, of course!!  All of those scraps need to be contained.

MONDAY - I did some additional quilting on BQG3 Donation quilt... AFTER making the necessary repairs from Friday night's mess that I made.  It's not wise to start ANOTHER row when you run out of bobbin on the row you are quilting.  It's also NOT a good idea to position your hands where your thumb can accidentally hit the STOP button on your longarm quilting machine WHILE you are trying to quilt!!  :o((

TUESDAY - Did YOU see today's Tidy Up Tuesday post??  I've been waiting for MONTHS to share the news!  Waiting.  And waiting (and WAITING!!)  DH moves at his own pace.  Sigh...

Evening Quilt Bee was tonight.  I brought BQG2 for trimming:

My machine was in the car, so I made the binding for second of three quilts that I'm quilting for the Brunswick Quilter Guild to contribute to the Carolina Hurricane Quilt Project:

The blinds don't work on the window behind me, so you'll have to ignore the squinting photo of me and focus on the big old pile of binding.  Thanks, Britt, for the fabric donation!  It's going to be the PERFECT finishing touch for this quilt.

With time remaining, I decided apply the binding to the back of the quilt in preparation for machine sewing it down on the front:

Now, all that remains is attaching the ends and sewing it down on the front of the quilt.  Maybe BEFORE the NEXT meeting!!  :o))

WEDNESDAY - Today, I went to Knit Group first thing and found something wonderful in dark BLUE:

There is a new cozy nook at the coffee shop, too:

I also released a new Wonderful Wednesday post.  You DID want to see what went on at this month's Sew/Craft Friends-zy, didn't you???

I had a New Patient visit at the doctor's office in the mid-afternoon.  The appointment included a shingles vaccine.  By bedtime, I was a total mess!  Aches, chills, and the whole nine yards.  Lucky me!

THURSDAY - Three Advil did the trick for overnight, but this morning, I felt more ill than last night!  I tried to go about my business.  I really thought I'd be fine.  After lunch, I caved and went back to bed... for a THREE HOUR nap!!

I really thought I would have a this week's Tiny Tuesday block to share, but OBVIOUSLY that didn't happen.  :o((

FRIDAY - The afternoon was spent working on BQG3.  I showed a photo of the beginning of the quilting in last week's POST.  (Scroll down to Friday's entry for the best view.)  Here's a better look at the freehand motif I'm using.  The only difference is that I'm now approaching the bottom of the quilt:

Out of town guests this evening.  Still not at my best, so bringing in Mr. Clean would have been a delightful option.  Too bad that didn't happen!!  The guests will just have to be horrified by our creative clutter.  :P

Who's there, Joyful???

My friend, Knittingsuek, and her DH are in town for the weekend.  We all went to dinner with Needleb.  :o))

Unfortunately...

I FORGOT TO GET A PICTURE!!!  :o((

It was a wonderful evening (even if I wasn't in tip top shape!)

SATURDAY - It's LINK  PARTY day over on Angela's So Scrappy blog.  You are sure to find more (SOME) projects in dark BLUE over there!  I'll be along shortly.  Or tomorrow.  :o))

Since I got up at oh-dark-thirty this morning, I looked at my dark BLUE scraps with fresh eyes.  I was able to choose bits for Cynthia's Tiny Tuesday block and will see if I can get it cut and sewn later today.  For now, here are the scraps I've chosen:

Right now, I have to do some grocery shopping and prepare to cook dinner for our guests.  Some deep breathing and some yoga may be in order, as I haven't cooked for guests in quite some time!

Until next time...
Get SCRAPPY!!!

Wonderful Wednesday - June's Sew/Craft Friends-zy

Welcome to another edition of Wonderful Wednesday!!  This week's post will share the happenings for the Sew/Craft Friends-zy for the month of June.

Let's run through the day... AFTER my wonderful DH and I finish cleaning up the FULL travel mug of tea I spilled on the way out the door.  Sigh...

When I arrived, Tiffany was already working on a new rainbow mini quilt for her sewing room:

Lisa Shop Hop Sampler blocks were waiting for her to arrive:

Lisa found this block in the trash, as it's a little wonky:

Where are the scrapbookers???

The rock painter has returned:

Just LOOK at her selection of paints:

Tiffany made this mini out of the Bonus HSTs leftover from her Pecking Order quilt:

What's this pretty piecing???

Tiffany is working on filling the walls of her sewing room:

Kristen is planning her next scrapbook page:

Oh!  Colorful threads:

The rock painting station is open for drop-in artists:

Lisa got busy cutting her next block:

Carol is cutting out blocks, too:

Denise completed her Sew Together bag since last month:

She completed her Fence Rail quilt from the month before:

Here is Denise in a cozy quilt cocoon:

This is the BACK of Tiffany's Rainbow Star block:

She's also working on a larger version of the block that Lisa found in the trash last night:

Tiffany also brought her recently completed Bionic Gear bag - with built-in M&M holder:

Carol is piecing more blocks from her Grandmother's clothing:

Lois worked on a Quilt of Valor...

... Made from this pattern from the Grateful Threads Chapter of Quilts of Valor:

Here is Lois's quilt top, waiting for borders:

Joy is doing an "expansion project" on her Pecking Order quilt:

A new bag in process on Tiffany's table:

Lisa's blocks are laid out to assess color balance:

Britt prepares to pin baste her Butterfly quilt:

Colorful zippers await Denise's attention:

She is happy to oblige:

Tiffany is busy with her second Bionic Gear Bag:

Placement of Joy's background squares is complete:

This is the moment when Britt realized that her backing fabric had been applied... upside down:

Nice job, Denise!  You are making quick work of this bag:

Tiffany works one step ahead of her "student" on this bag:

"Star" points are in place and waiting to be (double-) sewn:

Pockets galore, Denise...

... And you have attached side panels, too:

Joy switches gears and Britt is right there to help with just the right binding fabric to marry the front and back of this Donation quilt:

Here is BQG1 Donation Quilt quilted and bound (by Margaret.)  It's ready to be dropped off at Cary Quilting Company for inclusion in the Carolina Hurricane Quilt Project:

Joy prepared BQG2 Donation Quilt for binding, trimming edges:

Tiffany has completed ANOTHER Bionic Gear Bag:

Britt cut binding strips for BQG2 while Joy trimmed the quilt:

Members of Brunswick Quilters Guild made this Donation top:

Joy quilted it on her longarm with free motion loops:

Hurry up and fill this space, Tiffany!!  I want to see this block:

Smile, Lisa!!  Your shirt coordinates with your quilt project:

Here's Tiffany, filling in the spaces of her new block:

Have an M&M, Joy!  Carol brought some, too:

Ta-da!!  Denise's Bionic Gear bag only lacks the final zipper:

After dinner, she was ready for her paper-pieced Agave project:

Tying tassels for a new project:

Waiting for paint to dry on the largest canvas he's painted in years:

With "expansion project" complete, Joy works on a scrap quilt:

Looks like a good stopping point, Denise:

Tiffany has begun cutting a quilt project that has been on the back burner for months:

Lisa worked on sashing and cornerstones for her blocks:

Carol was kind enough to unpack her blocks for a photo:

Tiffany was speed sewing strips for her new quilt:

Lisa's blocks are all laid out and ready for assembly:

Joy completed her quilt top for Jack's Basket made from Dee Dee's 4-Patch castoffs:

Look how busy I've been!  And dark BLUE was included, too:

Packing up the M&M stash and heading home...

The artist cut his painted panel to create this backdrop:

Here's a close-up of the stunning canvas:

Until next time...
Quilt the day away!!!