Had a question about Deep Cleaning. It’s doing the big stuff. Husband helped me…we pulled the living room rug 13′ x 20′ wool rug out onto plastic in the drive-way. We powered washing it, we went over it and over it to get the water out…Pulled the plastic and rug into the garage EVERY night for four nights. It’s finally dry…probably will not do that again. But, it’s deep cleaned and perfect. Deep cleaning is to get the corners clean so when needed, you dust, vacuum and ready to go. It’s true many hands make light work, other’s live in the house? Pick a day, afternoon, weekend and everyone helps, it’s everyone’s holiday, not just yours. Make a plan. NO signing up for anything, Click on link and GET !
The idea of no drama is what my slow and steady has become these past few years. Nothing makes me happier than a list so I’m loving my Holiday To Do List here.
This is one of the traditional quilt block pattern. There are many names for it to me it’s a Friendship Star. This quilt block have a finished size of six inches by six inches. Triangle tutorial link below
My First Quilt Story and a Free Quilt Block Pattern
My great – great grandmother was a master quilter, and that one quilt lives on today with me. I, too, decided to try my hand at quilting, and boy did I learn some hilarious lessons along the way.
Make this quilt block pattern link below
I signed up for a quilting class because I loved quilts and had attended some estate auctions in Burlington, Iowa and I couldn’t afford any.(1980’s) I had sewn my own clothes for years and I am pretty good with directions.
My First Quilt
Now, I’m not one to toot my own horn, but I’m pretty crafty. I’ve tackled painting, crochet, and embroidery with relative ease. Always purchasing the worse house in the best area.
Quilting, however, was a whole different ballgame. I mean, how hard could it be to sew a bunch of squares together? Very, it turns out. I spent hours measuring, marking(in the days before a cutter and mat), cutting, and sewing, only to discover that my seams were wonky, my corners uneven, and my quilt resembled something a drunk toddler might produce. After multiple seam rips and profanity-laden outbursts, I finally managed to sew together a passable quilt top. Or I thought.
Frist thing learned, choose Your Fabric Carefully. If there’s one thing I learned from my quilt making experiment, it’s that not all fabric is created equal. I have made the mistake of using cheap, flimsy cotton on a quilt, and boy did I regret it. The fabric pulled, puckered, and frayed at the slightest touch. Lesson learned: always invest in high-quality 100% cotton and my rule is purchase at the price you can afford. Your future self will thank you. I started my quilt with a clear vision of what I wanted it to look like: it was a class we all came with square cut and share. Yes, I took a class with VERY seasoned quilters and they were terrible in their not welcoming someone new. But I had paid the fee, it was a national teacher, I was young and dumb, I had a babysitter for the day and was determined to learn to quilt. And…it was pretty good, if I do say so. Well…I thought, I am not giving up and attended 3 weeks later a quilt guild meeting. Not knowing that corner should be square, my were curved, I hand quilted with huge stitches and laughed at, because my binding was quilted down. See my Quilt Here I was crushed, but I made a quilt, my quilt may not have been a work of art, but it was cozy and functional, and that was enough. And, I still use it to this day. I think of those days, not with found memories but with look what I do now !
Despite my initial struggles, I found myself drawn to quilting like a moth to a flame. There was something therapeutic about the rhythmic, repetitive motions of cutting, sewing, and pressing. I find myself lost in a sea of colors and patterns, my worries and stress melting away.
Whenever I wrap myself up in one of my handmade quilts, I’m reminded the time, the cutting the sewing the pieces of fabric to create something beautiful
So, if you’re feeling like a quilt, get one of my pattern books, grab some fabric, thread, and a sense of humor, and join me in the wacky, wonderful world of quilting. Who knows what hilarious lessons you’ll learn along the way! I love things with a beginning, middle and end.
I knew it was in the closet and seeing it again, well…
It’s been a very long time
I had to say good-bye to it’s original box years ago and this carpet bag is perfect for it.
A Singer Featherweight Sewing Machine My mom gave this to me years ago and I used it for classes for years.
She tells the story behind it. This sewing machine was the first thing that her and my Father purchased together. She remember is being around 70.00 dollars. If they did it on payments my Grandfather would have to co-sign. They saved and purchased with cash, she said with a very large smile. The pedal was replaced sometime ??
This month’s quilt block pattern is about moving the outside quilt blocks around the center. Color placement is fun and don’t over think it, have fun with it. Finished quilt block is 12″ x 12″ and you can get all 2023 Quilt Blocks here on my site
Center Block
Cut 18 Assorted Colors – 1 ½ x 2 ½” Piece as shown for the center
Cut 2 Blue – 1 ½” x 8 ½” Sew to the left and right side
Cut 2 Blue – 1 ½” x 6 ½” Sew to the top and bottom Sew as shown
Cut 32 Assorted Colors – 1 ½” x 2 ½” Sew 2 together long side, to form 16 blocks,
Cut 4 White – 2 ½” x 2 ½”
Sew as shown – top and bottom Sew as shown – left and right
With Christmas in July sales, I started picking up a few things here and there for the holidays. Christmas in July at our house, should be called let’s purchase for ourselves July. July done, August hot and kids back in School, my quilt project off to long arm quilter. It’s time to plan.
I have added September to my holiday To Do calendar this year, I am planning to take a bit of time in November and December. Part of my slow and steady plan.
Knowing myself and not being able to let things be. That’s why it’s important for me to start getting ready now, or think about getting started?!?
I loved my enjoyed my slow and steady holiday last year and I am going to tryhard to do it again. Click below and with NO Signing up for anything you will get mySeptember PDF To Do List
I enjoy the process of sharing quilt blocks with you all. And from everything, I think you like them too. These five quilt block patterns have to most views on my site here, The Quilt Ladies site and Pinterest !
I have had The Quilt Ladies for many years, lots of quilt blocks, quilt patterns drawn, loads of quilt blocks made, quilt patterns on Etsy and even my quilt books in Print, Kindle and on Prime. These are the quilt patterns here from this site that are always asked about and for !
Here, I think it’s the color and the movement this quilt block has that all like. It’s finished size is eighteen inches by eighteen inches, using cut 2 1/2″ squares.
This quilt block star quilt pattern has a life of it’s own. It’s all over Pinterest, all over other’s sites as a link to get you to their quilt sites (not paid for OR asked for) and it’s been viewed here over 26000 times. Have to say, it’s liked !
No additional cost to you, this post contains affiliate links. I receive a few cents if you click to my links and purchase. It helps with my fabric obsession. Beth Ann, Thank you for stopping
Time to Sew a Quilt Block, Pattern is here for YOU
I hope you are enjoying my monthly quilt blocks. September’s Quilt Block Pattern is a fun turn on a log cabin with lots of pieces. Break the quilt pattern down as shown and you will have no problem sewing it together. Finished quilt block is twelve inches by twelve inches.
Center Block
Cut 18 Assorted Colors – 1 ½ x 2 ½”
Piece as shown for the center
Cut 14 Tan – 1 ½” x 2 ½”
Sew as shown
3 to left and right
4 to top and bottom
Cut 20 Assorted Colors 1 ½” x 2 ½”
Cut 10 White – 2 ½” x 2 ½”
Sew on top and bottom
Sew into rows and shown.
Sew on left and right side
Deep cleaning is to get the corners clean so when needed, you dust, vacuum and ready to go.
Cut 2 Blue – 1 ½” x 8 ½”
