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! 

Plenty of Variety

It was the last week of school with students.  I had thought maybe I would not get much sewing in, but I was motivated to get the dragonfly brick quilt top finished this week.  No lesson plans or papers to grade worked in my favor.  I got a few columns ironed and added each day and then it was done!

Not the best randomization, but it will do.

My progress was interrupted by cutting up the remains of t-shirts from a huge t-shirt quilt for dog toys.  Most of the books we read aloud in class this year had a dog, so it seemed fitting to make dog toys.  I had intended for them to be donated, but the students were so excited and quick at making them that they each took one home - and there are still plenty left for donation.  

Lay out the strips and tie around the tennis ball.

Super successful!  I will write a detailed post about that project later.  Since the t-shirt remains ended up in my stash after giving the quilt to the client, I am going to count that as fabric out of the stash as well.

Choose 3 and braid!

I was distracted by a last minute call for help from an old friend who needed a formal dress hemmed.  Thankfully, it was a relatively simple hem.  She didn't want to keep the train and the lining was not attached at the hem.  Bonus: time spent catching up while pinning!

I surprised myself with 100% stitching time in May.  Woohoo!  All those little bits of time are adding up to finishes.

 15 Minute Report

15 minute days/week = 7/7

15 minute days/May = 31/31

15 minute days/2025 = 155/169

Success Rate = 92%

2025 Stash Totals

Used last week:  5.37 yards for dragonfly brick quilt + 10.5 yards for dog toys

Used year to date: 62.34 yards

Acquired last Week: 0 yards

Acquired year to date: 7 yards

Net used in 2025: 55.34 more yards used

Linking up to Life In Pieces to share progress.

Linking up to quiltpaintcreate to share stash movement.

What I'm Working On

 How did I do on last week's list?

• plan & add borders to the Hexagon Baby quilt  NO PROGRESS
• prepare a backing for the Hexagon Baby quilt  NO PROGRESS
• send the red & green fruit quilt, the Illusions of County Clare quilt, and the HST quilt to the quilt finisher who will then send them on for hurricane relief in WNC  PROGRESS  
• prep more parts for leaders and enders  NO PROGRESS 
• reclaim the sewing room  NO PROGRESS

When I was packing up the quilts, I saw that I could fit another quilt in the box.  Not wanting to waste the space I made a quick decision to start a new quilt.  I went with something quick and that took all my sewing time last week.

Columns are ready to join. 

Here's the list for May 26 - June 1:

• sew the columns for the impromptu dragonfly quilt
• prepare a backing for the dragonfly quilt
• prepare binding for the dragonfly quilt
• try again to pack that box to send out to the quilt finisher!
• cut 300 2" squares from linen for a VBS craft project
• cut strips from t-shirt for students to make dog toys
• prepare hand work to take on our trip the following week

Hmmm.... Considering it's the last week of school I might have over-planned.  But some of it has deadlines.  We'll see!

Unexpected New Project

Things took off in a totally different direction this week.  I was packing up the box of quilt tops & backings to be sent for finishing and was surprised to find that I potentially had room in the box for another quilt.  I didn't have anything larger than a baby quilt that was in progress.  Starting a new quilt was not on my radar, but why not?!

All that is left of the original focus fabric.

I had just seen a video of a simple looking quilt made of layer cakes cut in half and arranged like bricks.  I didn't have a layer cake, but I could cut fabric in bricks.  I found a focus fabric and built from there.  I cut my bricks 5.5 x 10.5 to maximize the amount of fabric I had available.   

Placement has undergone many changes since this first try.

It turned out that what I pulled from my stash that remotely went together were not large pieces, so it got all used up.  A few bricks needed to be pieced, but I doubt they will be noticed in the end.

Barely anything left.

15 Minute Report

15 minute days/week = 7/7

15 minute days/May = 24/24

15 minute days/2025 = 148/162

Success Rate = 91%

2025 Stash Totals

Used last week:  0 yards

Used year to date: 46.47 yards

Acquired last Week: 0 yards

Acquired year to date: 7 yards

Net used in 2025: 39.47 more yards used

Linking up to Life in Pieces to share progress.

Linking up to quiltpaintcreate to share stash movement.

What I'm Working On

This was truly a slow week of just getting the bare minimum done, but even that saw some finishes!

How did I do on the list for May 12-18

• bind the dog panel quilt  DONE
• prepare binding for the red & green fruit quilt  DONE
• send the red & green fruit quilt, the Illusions of County Clare quilt, and the HST quilt to the quilt finisher who will then send them on for hurricane relief in WNC  NO PROGRESS 
• prep more parts for leaders and enders  NO PROGRESS 
• reclaim the sewing room  NO PROGRESS 

To Do List for May 19 - 25

• plan & add borders to the Hexagon Baby quilt
• prepare a backing for the Hexagon Baby quilt
• send the red & green fruit quilt, the Illusions of County Clare quilt, and the HST quilt to the quilt finisher who will then send them on for hurricane relief in WNC    
• prep more parts for leaders and enders   
• reclaim the sewing room

All Binding, All Week

A bit poofy, but cute!

The binding on the dog panel quilt was interrupted by a simple fix on College S's dress for a job interview, but otherwise it was all binding, all week!

Backing has white rather than cream, but it works.

The binding is made for the red, green, and fruit quilt.  I realized why I had not made it when I finished the top & backing - there was not enough of the red dot border fabric and there was nothing in the stash that worked or was enough of.  I am usually very open-minded about what "works", but this one had me stumped. 

Works on the front!

I ended up thinking way outside the box and digging deep into my mother's stash.  Yes, she has been gone 12 years this week and I still keep her fabric separate from mine.  I came up with this succulent fabric that she had used for a kitchen curtain.  The colors are right and I think with just 1/2" showing it will work.  It is just dark enough to finish off the quilt, but not too dark like the black was.  I know my mother would especially approve of its use for this project, since it will ultimately be given as relief for Hurricane Helene.

Works on the back!

15 Minute Report

15 minute days/week = 7/7

15 minute days/May = 17/17

15 minute days/2025 = 141/155

Success Rate = 91%

Since I have some finishes, I have some movement!

2025 Stash Totals

Used last week:  3.25 for dog panel quilt and red fruit binding

Used year to date: 46.47 yards

Acquired last Week: 0 yards

Acquired year to date: 7 yards

Net used in 2025: 39.47 more yards used

Linking up to Life in Pieces to share progress. 

Linking up to quiltpaintcreate to show stash movement.

What I'm Working On

I didn't get it all done, but I made progress and that is just fine. 

Quilting is finished, ready for binding!

 How did I do on the list for May 5-11?

• decide on additional borders for the dog panel DONE  No more borders.
• prep for quilting DONE
• quilt the dog panel DONE
• prep more parts for leaders and enders NO PROGRESS 
• think about how to use the orange/blue 9-patches that are on the design wall  NO PROGRESS
• reclaim the sewing room after shoving stuff in there to make space in the guest room two weeks ago NO PROGRESS  I just worked around the boxes!

This will probably be another slow week, but I am likely to finish the binding with time to spare, so having a plan will be helpful.

TO DO LIST FOR May 12-18

• bind the dog panel quilt
• prepare binding for the red & green fruit quilt
• send the red & green fruit quilt, the Illusions of County Clare quilt, and the HST quilt to the quilt finisher who will then send them on for hurricane relief in WNC
• prep more parts for leaders and enders
• reclaim the sewing room

A Slow Quilting Week

I thought about borders for the dog panel, but it turned out that I had already added the wide cream border and the narrow black border.  Thinking back I remember the black was an existing strip and was all that I had.  Absolutely nothing else in the stash that was remotely close to match, so this is as big as it gets. I had already purchased a potential fabric when I used the last of my Joann gift card, so I just got right to the quilting process.

39" x 41"

I did the diagonal cross-hatching in the center since I liked it so much on the baby panel.  At first I thought I would try something new in the borders, but because most of them were part of the printed panel, I ended up just following the lines as much as possible.  The batting was leftovers from a while back and was thicker then what I have been using lately, so it ended up a bit poofy - but comfortably so.

Diagonal Quilting in the Center

All in all I am pleased.  The binding is made and ready to attach the next time I sit down to sew.  These baby quilts are finishing quickly, so I don't know why it takes me so long to get them done.  Now I have to think of what is next.  

Despite a tough work week with some long days, an after school appointment, and picking up College S later today, I managed to sew every day.  Those 15 minutes are really quite manageable and motivating.  Knowing what to work on makes it the perfect combination for progress 

15 Minute Report

15 minute days/week = 7/7

15 minute days/May = 10/10

15 minute days/2025 = 134/148

Success Rate = 91%

No stash movement to report this week, but definitely next week when I finish the dog panel.

2025 Stash Totals

Used last week:  0 yards

Used year to date: 43.22 yards

Acquired last Week: 0 yards

Acquired year to date: 7 yards

Net used in 2025: 36.22 more yards used

Linking up to Life in Pieces to share progress.

Linking up to quiltpaintcreate to show stash movement.

What I'm Working On

The end of the month was very motivating.  I eeked out a finish just as April was finishing!

So how did I do on the list for April 28 - May 4.

• finish quilting the blue/yellow/green baby panel DONE
• trim & bind the blue/yellow/green baby panel DONE
• prep more parts for leaders and enders  PROGRESS
• think about how to use the orange/blue 9-patches that are on the design wall NO PROGRESS
• reclaim the sewing room after shoving stuff in there to make space in the guest room this past weekend PROGRESS

A big finish last week means I need a new focus project to keep up the momentum.  I think it will be the dog panel.

Next in line for finishing!

TO DO LIST for May 5-11.

• decide on additional borders for the dog panel
• prep for quilting
• quilt the dog panel
• prep more parts for leaders and enders  
• think about how to use the orange/blue 9-patches that are on the design wall 
• reclaim the sewing room after shoving stuff in there to make space in the guest room this past weekend

Here's hoping for another productive week!

April Finishes Bring May Motivation

I have to keep saying it because it is true.  Having a list is really keeping me focused.

My focus project this month was the HST Quilt.  I got the top all finished, and prepared a backing and binding to send with it to a generous finisher on its way to WNC for hurricane relief.

Then there was time left to get busy on the baby panel quilt.  Just enough time to push myself to an April finish!

Linking up to Miss P's Designs USA to share PHD progress.

Sewing Chicken Soup with Rice

At school when the kids need to hurry up, I will sometimes say "going once, going twice, going chicken soup with rice."  This week one student asked "why do you say that?"  Yesterday we had a Buddy Drill where we practice going to a classroom on the adjacent K-2 campus in case of an emergency on our campus.  While there, a student found an old copy of Chicken Soup with Rice.  It turns out that "going" is not actually in the poem!  But as I was thinking of other things that work, I landed on "sewing"!  I might need to come up with an sewing version of the poem!  Cutting once, ripping twice ...

Since it was the end of the month, I was motivated to get a finish.  I got the quilting and the binding done just in time.  I tried something new by quilting diagonal lines in the center and straight lines in the borders that resulted in cross-hatching in the corners. I am pleased and I think it helped to accent the center rather than distract from it.  Senor G really liked this one, so will take it on his next trip to Spain for friends there who are expecting.

Baby panel is done!

Thursday was my "day off" this week.  A very long day and I knew the best thing to do was just go to bed!  

The backing was exactly the right size.

Friday I rebounded and got the bucket of scraps dealt with while I listened to an audio book.  After that I was in a better frame of mind to grade papers. 

Processed scraps ready to join their like-sized friends.

I dug out the orange & blue project again, but I still don't have an plan I love, so I think I will pull out a different UFO to work on next.

15 Minute Report

15 minute days/week = 6/7

15 minute days/April = 26/30

15 minute days/May = 3/3

15 minute days/2025 = 127/141

Success Rate = 90%

Since I got the baby panel finished, I have stash movement to report.  

2025 Stash Totals

Used last week:  3.31 yards baby panel quilt

Used year to date: 43.22 yards

Acquired last Week: 0 yards

Acquired year to date: 7 yards

Net used in 2025: 36.22 more yards used

Linking up to Life in Pieces to share progress.

Linking up to quiltpaintcreate to show stash movement.

What I'm Working On

It was a boring week on the sewing front.  I got in the bare minimum and I didn't feel like I was creative at all, but I did make some progress.  During an on-line training I was cutting leader & ender parts!  I saw an idea I liked potentially for the orange/blue blocks, so I rearranged them on the design wall.  No rush, so I will stew on that for a while longer.

How did I do on the  To Do List for April 20-26?

• quilt the blue/yellow/green baby panel  - PROGRESS
• prep more parts for leaders and enders - PROGRESS
• think about how to use the orange/blue 9-patches that are on the design wall - PROGRESS

To Do List for April 28 - May 4

• finish quilting the blue/yellow/green baby panel
• trim & bind the blue/yellow/green baby panel
• prep more parts for leaders and enders
• think about how to use the orange/blue 9-patches that are on the design wall
• reclaim the sewing room after shoving stuff in there to make space in the guest room this past weekend

Quick Check In

Later this afternoon is my niece's engagement party and I'm heading over shortly to help prepare.  Then Middle E and her husband will come for the event and the night.  The house is ready, but I want to spend as much time with them as possible, so this will be quick.

It was a busy week at school, so it was good that my sewing for the week had already been planned.  I was able to get a bit of quilting done on the panel quilt most every day. I'm using the walking foot for straight lines - that all I know how to do - so it is easy to work at in in short bursts.  15 minutes is adding up!

Baby panel getting quilted - slowly but surely.

Surprisingly, it was Monday that I was too tired to do anything.  I suspect that was a result of a three-day weekend that included travel.

15 Minute Report

15 minute days/week = 6/7

15 minute days/April = 23/25

15 minute days/2025 = 121/134

Success Rate = 90%

No finishes this week, so stash movement remains the same.

2025 Stash Totals

Used last week:  0 yards

Used year to date: 39.91 yards

Acquired last Week: 0 yards

Acquired year to date: 7 yards

Net used in 2025: 32.91 more yards used

Linking up to Kate's Life in Pieces to share progress.

Linking up to quiltpaintcreate to share stash movement.

What I'm Working On

How did I do last week?

To Do List for April 13-19:

• make a baking for the HST quilt - DONE
• make binding for the HST quilt - DONE
• prepare the blue/yellow/green baby panel for quilting - DONE
• possibly start the quilting - NO PROGRESS
• prep more parts for leaders and enders - DONE
• think about how to use the orange/blue 9-patches that are on the design wall - PROGRESS

Can I get this quilted this week?!?!

This week is more straight forward since I'm at the beginning of a project.

To Do List for April 20-26:

• quilt the blue/yellow/green baby panel
• prep more parts for leaders and enders
• think about how to use the orange/blue 9-patches that are on the design wall