Wow, it's been over 5 weeks since I last posted. Now I get to figure out the 'new' blogger format (I hate computer changes). I haven't sewn on a sewing machine since July 13th (almost 4 weeks). I'm also w-a-y behind on blog reading (sorry, I hope to catch up soon).
I have been sending and receiving squishy's in the mail. My Treadle On group has had 3 exchanges so far, with 2 more to be mailed by mid October.
The first exchange was our Spring Basic which was half square triangles this time. I made 4 sets of 8 blocks (32 blocks total). Hmmm... I can't seem to put text below each photo, so I guess I'll have to write it before each photo. I also can't seem to center the photos (the icon doesn't seem to work)(changes, grrr!).
All blocks for Treadle On exchanges must be made on either a hand crank or a treadle (people powered machines). The first machine was a gift from Debbie several years ago (she doesn't blog anymore) and is a 1950's Class 15 that I turned into a hand crank.
These are the blocks I received in the exchange. I got 32 blocks back.
The next exchange was an Apron Exchange. I made Linda a reversible apron and some matching hot pads. I tried to put the binding on by machine on the hot pads (no stitching down by hand) and I don't like how they turned out. I'd rather stitch the binding down by hand. These were made on my 1927 Singer 15 hand crank. The green paper (the pattern I made) is sticking out of the pocket, since it is hard to see the pocket otherwise. There is a pocket on both sides of the apron. (showing both sides of the apron, too).
The last completed block exchange is the Monkey Wrench block. I wrote a tutorial for this exchange back in December, so I got a head start on this exchange.
Here are the blocks that I made for the exchange. The first set was made on my 1927 Singer 15 hand crank. I used the same sewing machines that I used for the Spring Basic exchange above.
Here are the blocks I got back. There are 32 blocks (broken up into two sets of 16 blocks).
The hostess included a face mask that she made. It has crystals on it, and the elastic is adjustable. I didn't have a mask in this style. I'm wondering if it will be better with my glasses (not fogging up hopefully).
I have another Treadle On exchange that is due in September. I still need to finish 4 more blocks (started on a different machine, so I haven't pulled that machine back out to finish the blocks yet). Here are the blocks I've made so far. All of these blocks were made on my 1927 Singer 15 hand crank. I stitched a few of them at the Missouri TOGA in late June. I would have been done with these ages ago, but I stitched them the wrong size, and had to start over.
I've also finished 3 more sets of Striped circles. Most of the blocks for this quilt are done now. Only 18 more blocks to go. I hope to have another set done by the end of next week.
I also finally finished the last of 4 baby quilts early in July.
Now, to the reason that I haven't been in my sewing room since July 13th. I pulled out a UFO that I started back in 2010. It is a quilt for my in-laws. I'd hand quilted over 122 hours on it and got burned out on hand quilting. I hadn't worked on it since June 2011 (9 years ago). Well, since July 11th, I've put in over 80 hours of hand quilting on this quilt. I still have another 25-35 hours before the quilting is done. I keep track of how many hours I quilt by listening to audio books. Each CD tells me how many minutes and seconds, and I add them all up. This time I started with Harry Potter #1, and now I'm on Harry Potter #5. The quilt is on a frame that hubby made me when I first started quilting back in 2001.
Now, to get back to hand quilting! Please tell me what you have been up to, since I'm so behind on reading blog posts. I'll get caught up when this quilt is done.
The mask generally doesn't fog up until they are worn for awhile, but as a glasses wearer myself, it was the best I have found for the fog issue.
ReplyDeleteYou are a no-reply commenter. I can't reply to you directly. I hope this type of mask is better. We'll see.
DeleteMy heart melts over those spool blocks. And so in love with the circles!
ReplyDeleteThe apron is lovely and the sewing machine made me smile. I have been involved in exchanges where people back down without a word. I am not a seamtress or an extremely creative person vut I always take part with full knowledge that someone is waiting for a gift from me and that makes me work extra hard to make it special. ENjoy your weekend and thanks for sharing with us. You sure are creative! HUGS across the miles XO
ReplyDeleteI amhere annesphamily.blogspot.com too Blogger and I seem to butt heads quite often lately.
Nice work, even though you haven't been at the computer!!! I was just thinking about your absence yesterday... Love the spool blocks and I had an idea... may have to play with it... some day soon... LLLOL!
ReplyDeleteWow....you have so much going on! But first...the aprons you made. What pattern? I really like them and would love to make a couple. Your swaps are so great and love the spool blocks too much. Your gang of machines is amazing. So much time and love in your hand quilting project. It will be priceless gift.
ReplyDeleteSo nice to hear from you! I used to love hand quilting until my hands decided I didn't - your quilt will be priceless and loved. We wear that style of mask with a nose metal and have very little trouble with fogging. I have found that if glasses are fogging, pushing it slightly down on the nose makes a difference. I'm not too fond of some of the changes in blogger but am trying to get used to it - good luck. ~Jeanne
ReplyDeleteBeautiful blocks! Those spools are really cool. I haven't been sewing yet, but I have a kitchen back and have been busy in it. I have been buried in zucchini, and fought hand-to-hand combat with Godzilla the Zucchini with minor injuries. Tina
ReplyDeleteI've found the shaped masks as opposed to the side-pleated masks are much better for me since I wear my glasses all the time now instead of contacts (prescription keeps changing too fast so glasses are more forgiving). Still get a little fogging but it's less. And I love spool blocks, especially string spools! The beige mottle is a great color choice for the wooden top and bottom.
ReplyDeleteWow, you've been doing a lot! I have yet to switch permanently to the new blogger. All I know is that I'm hating the photo issues I have to deal with. Any chance the apron got lost in the mail? Getting that hand-quilted project done will be huge, I'm sure! Good way to keep track of the hours!
ReplyDeleteGood to hear from you again. I love seeing what you have created & the lovely machines you use. Last fall we picked up a hand crank to modify one of my vintage singers but haven't actually done it yet. I'm sure your exchange recipients enjoyed your creations! You have a great way to keep track of your hours hand stitching.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful spool blocks! Aside from practicing FMQ on my domestic Janome while waiting for my Capri to come home from reprogramming, my 8 year old grandson and I have a joint quilt top from 10 inch squares he chose that is in the queue for the longarm. We used the sweet 99, Minnie. He cranks and I guide the needle. Hopefully he will crank and guide the blocks next summer but he still thinks he will get his finger caught under the needle. Our summer is not heating up so next week I am squeezing in a Friday tie dye day before I have waited too long for a hot August day. Your hand quilting project is ambitious. Can't wait to see your handiwork close up.
ReplyDeleteOops, that should have been, I guide the fabric.
ReplyDeleteAs of today, the photo fix is to click on the photo then click on the button to the right of the increase size option. That should move your photo to the center and add a spot for you to type in your caption.
ReplyDeleteWow, you have been busy. I would also love to know what apron pattern you used. Would like to make a couple for myself. I hate aprons that tie behind my neck. They bother me. Your spool blocks are great! Must get going with mine. Always love seeing your machines!
ReplyDeleteGreat post and I absolutely love the striped circles.
ReplyDeleteTry using the icon to Center the text and then add the photo there. That has worked for me.
Sweet blocks, especially love the spools. Happy you can sew with your grandson. My GD isn't quite old enough, but she does like playing on my flannel wall.
ReplyDeleteWay to go - enjoyed catching up on everything you've been doing! All the TOBE blocks look great. So nice to see more complex blocks than the Rail Fence blocks we started with way back when! Looking forward to seeing your completed in-laws' quilt!
ReplyDeleteLove all your exchange blocks. The churn dash with the retro fabrics, and the spools are lovely. Good job working and almost finishing the UFO. I am working on a Christmas stocking for a grand daughter (cross stitch) and an embroidery project.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you back! I'm having to get used to the new blogger platform too, and I was never very good at the old one. Why do they need to 'improve' things?
ReplyDeleteSorry your apron exchange didn't work out. It is disappointing when people don't follow though!
I like your spool blocks!