A Mixed Bag - Literally!

I was so tired this week that I was afraid I wouldn't get much done, but I did.  I think I was still getting over the jet lag from Guatemala, plus helping out at VBS every morning this week and a few other commitments.  But knowing that this was a week of my summer break that I wouldn't get back was motivating.

Before .... Half a bag (suitcase)

I got the fabric I brought back sorted into what Grown Up R wanted and what I would keep.  Instead of putting my part in a separate bin so I would remember it came from Dona Cristy like I did last time, I sorted and cut it down if needed and put it away right away!  approximately 5 yards added

After ....  My part already processed!

I finished the burp cloths for N&A.  They will get tucked away until the next trip down to Guatemala.  I am still trying to figure out how to do a blanket with flannel squares sewn so that I can make the edges raggedy on one side, but have the other side be a whole piece of the large print coordinating fabric.  I'll figure it out eventually.  1.13 yards used

Three burp cloths done.

Little S needs a bigger project bag for her cross-stitching.  She wants it to have a star on the front.  I got the star made from the fabrics she chose, but the rest needs more brain power than I had this week.

Star block for Little S's project bag.

My sister asked for 40 10 inch squares of solid fabric for a craft project at the public library where she works.  Since I was at a lull between sorting fabrics and figuring out how to do the flannel quilt and how to do the next step of Little S's project bag, it was the perfect time to choose fabrics and cut.  I am way ahead of the July 4 deadline!  2.78 yards used

40 10" squares for library project.

15 Minute Report

15 minute days/last two weeks = 7/7

15 minute days/June = 16/21

15 minute days/2025 = 171/190

Success Rate = 90%

Fabric in and out this week.  I keep waiting for gaps and holes to appear in the shelves, but nothing yet!!!  

2025 Stash Totals

Used last week: 3.91 yards for burp cloths and 10" blocks

Used year to date: 70.64 yards

Acquired recently: 5 yards from Dona Cristy

Acquired year to date: 24.5 yards

Net used in 2025: 46.14 more yards used

Linking up to Life in Pieces to share progress.

Linking up to quiltpaintcreate to show stash movement.

Dog Toys from T-Shirts for a Friday Finish

Most of the read alouds for my class this year included a dog as an important character.  I look for things that are age appropriate for the students to show kindness and compassion, so it seemed like a natural next step to make dog toys when I found myself with a huge stack of t-shirt parts left over after making a t-shirt quilt.

A quick check with Grown Up R who works at Brother Wolf Animal Rescue in NC confirmed that this was a realistic idea.  She had done it.  They didn't last long, but it worked.  Next a search for how to.  I used a variation of this DIY tutorial.  Then I put out an all call to the parents to send in old tennis balls.  

Since the shirts I had had already been cut, my strip width was whatever I could do with what I had.  Some of the toys ended up looking like they had little bonnets and that was okay.

The first try with the students (4th graders) was a lesson in patience, but they were motivated.  We had to determine who even knew how to braid - most girls and one boy who explained that he had a little sister!  They had to form a pair or trio and choose colors.  For the first try they did the cutting of the strips to braid, but it turned out to be way too difficult with school scissors.  

Thankfully I had taken my small mat and rotary cutter, so I precut the next round.  At first they couldn't figure that they were precut, but once they did it was smooth sailing.

This was one of the only projects this year in which the boys and girls worked in harmony.  No fighting, not bossing, just work.  It was so good to see those who could not braid be the "holder" for the "braider" with just as much confidence and ownership.  Since each t-shirt strip was cut in 3 smaller strips, it didn't matter how many large strips there were, the braiding would work when they mixed colors.  It made me think this would be a good project when we learn multiples.  They loved making different color combinations.

Over two work sessions the last week of school we ended up with close to 30 dog toys.  Each student who wanted to took one home and the rest will be donated.

What I'm Working On

 How did I do on the list for June 2-8?

• prepare a backing for the dragonfly quilt DONE
• prepare binding for the dragonfly quilt DONE
• try yet again to pack that box to send out to the quilt finisher!  DONE - Not just packed, but mailed, and received!
• prepare hand work to take on our trip this week - yikes! DIDN'T HAPPEN

Lots of potential in this mess!

To Do List for June 16-22:

• sort fabric brought back from Guatemala - some will go to Grown Up R and some will stay with me
• make burp clothes for N&A from the baby bear fabrics
• add border to hexagon quilt
• work on Little S's baby cross-stitch

It's a random list, but since I finished several big projects before the trip, I am having a hard time figuring out what is next.  Also, we are helping with VBS at church every morning this week, plus some other commitments.  School is out, but there is still a lot going on.

Good Trip to Guatemala!

Warning: We just got back from a trip so this might be long-winded and picture-heavy! 

It had been 1.5 years since Little S and I had seen the family in Guatemala.  It is the country of her birth and the timing was right to celebrate her birthday there this year, so we went for a visit.  

Birthday lunch with her abuela!

Right before we left, I got a quilt made for my nephew and his wife who just found out they are expecting.  It was a quick quilt from a panel and coordinating fabrics.  I didn't know that their baby theme is bears, so that made this even more special.  They were very touched and that is what makes it worth it.

They loved it!

My MIL and I share a love of all things fabric!  When we moved from Guatemala to Florida she was the recipient of my stash, which was considerable since we had an outreach within our church to teach women to sew while making baby quilts for children dedicated in the church.  

We helped organize her stash, since she doesn't let anyone else to touch it except me! Mostly that involved straightening the shelves and filling in the gaps with fabric from the boxes.  She is still sewing quite a bit at 81, but it is helpful to have things organized and with poor eyesight she appreciated us matching up fabrics that would work well together.  

We emptied 2 large boxes, which just made a small dent, but it is progress. I took enough fabric for myself and Grown Up R to nearly put us overweight on our return luggage!  We were also able to purge stuff that had accumulated on the shelves that had not purpose whatsoever. She ended up with a large pile of projects that are already finished that could be gifted or sold and also a pile of quilts that just need backing and finishing.  Some we were able to easily find a backing for.  I told her about the challenges in the US to finish projects and use up what you have.  She seemed interested, but time will tell, especially since she is recovering from eye surgery.  No matter what, it was time well spent on something we enjoy together. 

Little S and Cousin E

Little S took her embroidery to work on in the down times.  Her little cousin (7 yrs) was fascinated and wanted to start her own project.  Well, I knew where all the possible supplies were!  We got her a piece of scrap aida (much softer than what we have in the US), a big needle, and thread.  She sat beside Little S forever working away on her project of Xs and dashes.

Little S ended up giving Cousin E her project bag.  I need to make her a larger one, so this seemed like the perfect recipient for the small one. 

15 Minute Report

15 minute days/last two weeks = 9/14

15 minute days/June = 9/14

15 minute days/2025 = 164/183

Success Rate = 90%

Time to catch up on recent acquisitions!  

2025 Stash Totals

Used last week: 4.39 yards for baby bear panel quilt 

Used year to date: 66.73 yards

Acquired recently: 12.5 yards for bear panel and coordinating fabrics

Acquired year to date: 19.5 yards

Net used in 2025: 47.23 more yards used

Linking up to Life in Pieces to share progress.

Linking up to quiltpaintcreate to show stash movement.

Baby Bears for a Friday Finish

Just after we found out that my nephew and his wife were expecting their first child, I found this fabric at my favorite thrift store.  I have been very good at not buying anything new, but Little S pointed out that this was not only super cute, but would be a good gender-neutral quilt for N&A.  The price was right - total 12.5 yards of fabric for $20!

I had planned to work on it during the summer and send down to Guatemala with Senor G in the fall to arrive in time for an early December baby.  But school was in its last days, so I decided to try to get it done to take down on our trip now.  The panel made it easy.  I just added the coordinating block fabric as wide borders and the backing.  

The block fabric wasn't wide enough to go all the way around without piecing and I didn't want to piece it poorly, so I looked for something in my stash for corners.  The yellow cherry fabric was perfect.  The red plaid was an option, but is better as the binding.  One of my favorite combinations ever I think.

For quilting, I went with my current favorite of a diagonal grid in the center panel.  Then straight lines in the borders, overlapping in the corners.  It was done in just a few days.  Whew!!  

They loved it.  N could not take his eyes off of it for a photo.  That made me glad that I had rushed to get it done in time to take now.  I had not known that their baby theme is bears, so this was just perfect for them.  Photos just aren't the same as being there to see someone's reaction.

Later this summer I will work on a flannel backed blanket with the large print coordinating fabric and some burp clothes.

May PhD Report

Another productive month.

I finished the cute dog panel baby quilt.

Puppy Baby Panel

I also had a new start and finish!  When I was packing the box to head to the quilt finisher for Hurricane Helene relief in WNC, I had space for one more.  Since I didn't have anything the right size in the works I decided to try for a "quick" quilt.  Large bricks for the win!!

Dragonfly Bricks

June is the start of my summer vacation since I'm a teacher.  I have had a really productive spring.  We will see if it carries over into the summer.  Other than a trip this coming week, I have no firm plans.  But there are a lot of things that need to be done on the house.  When I get back from the trip I am sure I will get into a summer groove and figure it all out.

 Linking up to Miss P Designs USA to share PhD progress.

What I Am Working On

 How did I do last week May 26 - June 1?

• sew the columns for the impromptu dragonfly quilt  FINISHED
• prepare a backing for the dragonfly quilt  NO PROGRESS
• prepare binding for the dragonfly quilt  NO PROGRESS
• try again to pack that box to send out to the quilt finisher!  NO PROGRESS
• cut 300 2" squares from linen for a VBS craft project  FINISHED
• cut strips from t-shirt for students to make dog toys  FINISHED
• prepare hand work to take on our trip the following week  NO PROGRESS

I knew that I had possibly over-planned and with the addition of the emergency dress hemming, I am still pleased with my progress.

This week includes my one and only day of post-planning to pack up the classroom for the summer.  Then I will focus on preparing for our trip.  I will make a list and accept whatever progress I can make.  I would love to get the dragonfly quilt completely ready for shipping before the trip.

 To Do List for June 2-8:

• prepare a backing for the dragonfly quilt 
• prepare binding for the dragonfly quilt 
• try yet again to pack that box to send out to the quilt finisher!
• prepare hand work to take on our trip this week - yikes!