In My Sewing Room - Monday

I love my sewing machine. So, I decided it was high time I got out the instruction book to see how to maintain it.

The only thing listed under maintenance is to clean out the bobbin case. No oil. So I dutifully followed the instructions and this is what I found:



That lint has a red tint. Would probably have something to do with the fact I have been sewing a red and white quilt for weeks!



I'm sure this machine will run much more smoothly from now on. And now that I know how to take care of it, I can clean out the bobbin case regularly!

Razzle Dazzle

I finished sewing the blocks together, and then the rows and borders on the red and white double nine patch quilt.

I've decided to name this quilt "Razzle Dazzle". Why?, you may ask.

Although technically this isn't an NC State Quilt, it does have the red and white colors, which is a winner at my house! If while watching football the Wolfpack makes a trick play, my hubby yells, "Razzle Dazzle". So that's why this quilt is named Razzle Dazzle.



I hope to start quilting this quilt soon.

Friday Night Sew In Report

Each night I have been making three of the blocks for the red and white double nine patch quilt that I have been working on for..... ever. Last night I was really tired and got a late start, but was able to complete three more blocks.

Here are the blocks laid out on top of a white blanket.



Only six more to go!



I will start sewing the blocks together this weekend. Then I will cut and sew on some borders.

Friday Night Sew In

Won't you join us in doing some Friday night Sewing?

Tonight's the night ... (that's a song isn't it?)

I've missed the last couple of months, but tonight I'm IN!

Go HERE to sign up.

Bloggers Block of the Month

I've been thinking about doing a block of the month (BOM). I should be able to handle that, just one block a month, right?

Jackie at Canton Village Quilt Works has introduced a new BOM and I'm joining. The place to sign up, if you are interested is HERE.

The Block designs will be free and will be designed by 12 fabulous quilt bloggers, one each month. You can use the fabrics provided by Canton Village Quilt Works, or your own. Since I'm trying not to buy any new fabric, I plan to use what I have on hand.

I'm ready for September's BOM!!!

WIP Wednesday

Its WIP Wednsday at Freshly Pieced. Here's my progress this week:

1. I have been working really hard on the red and white double 9 patch quilt this week! My goal has been to complete three blocks each week day and six blocks on each weekend day. Each of these blocks contains 49 pieces. Of course, strip piecing helps a lot, but still each block takes a little time to complete. I try to work for just a few minutes in the mornings before work, even if its only 5 minutes. Then after work I start to work on quilting while supper is cooking

I'm up to 57 blocks and I need 72. So just a few more days and the blocks will be finished. Then it will be time to sew all of the blocks together and match up all those seams!

The Stack:



Working on more blocks:



2. The Jacob's Ladder Quilt Along.

Here are the first two blocks. I really love how they turned out and am looking forward to making more. I made a decision not to buy any fabric and I've come up with some nice fabric combinations using what I have in all those plastic containers in the sewing room. I Can't wait to show you the blocks as I make them.



Here are close ups of the lighter fabrics in the blocks:





3. Crumb blocks

Here are a couple more blocks made from the crumbs I am accumulating while working on the red and white quilt.




4. Hand quilting the Grandma Quilt..... well it makes a great place to put projects.

Jacob's Ladder Trial Block

In preparation for the Jacob's Ladder Quilt Along, I made a trial block on Saturday. I carefully followed the directions provided by Bonnie at Quiltville. I have to say that this block came out great. It lays very flat and is square. I'm ready to roll!

Information for joining the Jacob's Ladder Quilt Along can be found HERE.

Bonnie at Quiltville's instructions can be found HERE.




Spinning the seams on the back of the four patches worked!



I went through most of my scraps, remnants and other fabric this weekend and found some great combinations for the blocks. It will have a scrappy, yet masculine look.