A Quilt Top Is Finished

 Yesterday was sunny with a high of -9C (windchill -15C). This morning it is clear and -17C (windchill -23C). Today is supposed to be sunny with wind and a high of 3C. 

Lifestyle

Yesterday morning I hunted for things to do upstairs and found nothing. The place is clean so I went downstairs to the sewing room. I spent the day down there. 

I got the two tubs of patterns off the shelving unit and took them to the family room. I went through everything and was able to put a few patterns into a donation box. I kept a few garment patterns and my quilting patterns. I actually found 2 apron patterns I had forgot I owned. I did toss into recycling paper that I no longer need. Everything fit into one tub. 

My next job was to round up the doll patterns and organize them into page protectors and put them into their tub. It wasn't a hard job as most of the patterns were together on a shelf. 

I tossed one small ironing board as it is totally worn out. I got it 40+ years ago and used it until the last five years. 

I put the fabric from the bottom shelf onto the shelf with the patterns. It is slowly moving upwards with hopes it will be sewn sooner rather than later. The sleeve ironing board is on that shelf also as I do use it regularly. 

I am thinking how all of this will be stored as I do want the shelving unit out of the sewing room. 

Sewing

I got the last two 9 patches ripped apart and the squares are ready to be cut in to 2" squares. That job is now done and I can start sewing the squares together a block at a time. I hope to have two toppers for my bedside tables by the end of the month. 

I worked on the quilt yesterday and it was an interesting and somewhat frustrating sew. The pattern is rated as a beginner and it isn't. It has mistakes in it which would turn a beginner off quilting. 

I made rows 2 and 4 and was wondering why it was shorter than rows 1 and 5. I left them on the floor as I built the body of the quilt. I framed the panel which went together really easily. I then sewed the strips on each side which also went together really well. Success was felt at that time. 

I looked at rows 2 and 4 and had to make one block over again as I cut the pieces 1" short. My mistake when reading the pattern. I got them sewn on to the top and bottom of the quilt. 

I then looked at rows 1 and 5. I removed one block off it (which they called for) and cut down the long strip to its proper length (my fault) and it fit the quilt. I sewed it on and the quilt was finished. It was 5 pm. 

I am happy with how it looks and I know how I will sew the next one which is for daughter and a bit of a different size. I will frame the panel and then put the side pieces on before attempting the top and bottom rows. The only pieces I need to measure are the long strips. I will cut the smaller pieces according to the cutting instructions. It is a much easier way of sewing the quilt together. 

I have to put the quilt top away for the next week. I need to cut the binding for it. The scraps need to be folded and put away as I am going to make place mats from the remaining print. I found a pattern when cleaning up that I want to make. I will have to get fabric for it which I will do a bit later on. 

Knitting

I cast on the stitches for the hat and got 5 rounds knit. I had issues as I am still learning the pattern. By the time I got the last round finished, I was getting the rhythm of knitting the pattern.

Thoughts

    Our weather is going to warm up starting today. It is going to snow tonight. I will miss having the sun shining in the house all day but will not miss the cold temperatures. The snow should disappear. The warmth in the sun has already shrunk the piles of snow a lot. 

    I am pleased with how the purging on the shelving unit is coming along. I did keep some garment patterns as I do want to make sew a few items for me. My next shelf is the top one. I have a bit of a plan for it. I am hoping it won't take long but knowing me, it could take a bit of time to get it done the way I want it done. 

    My sore spots are getting better. I am sure I had a flare up and that tightened things up. I had several good cracks last night when stretching. My next thing to do is to start walking outside some most days. I need to strengthen the muscles around the joints. I have been walking inside and doing the stairs a lot more and it is helping. 

Today

I have osteopathy this morning and hope to get a few things in Lower Sackville before coming home. I need to a few things upstairs so doubt if I will get into the sewing room today. I will knit tonight. 

Until the next time...........................................................