I'm so sorry for more photos of this quilt so soon. When I'm working on only one or two quilts or projects it's hard to share something new with every post.
I finished hand quilting to the middle of this quilt today, or just above the middle. In the photo below it's to the middle of the fourth row of blocks counting from the top of the quilt, the row with the pink and white skinny plus block.
I considered quilting from the top down on the rest of the quilt so the fans would meet near the middle. But when I quilt from an edge the fabric seems to shift forward ever so slightly, so I've decided I should probably keep going the direction I've been quilting. Why risk a small mound of fabric in the center of the quilt? I'm not sure why that happens.
My monthly goal for February is to hand quilt two rows of fans across this quilt. I think I should be able to accomplish that.
On a health note, my vertigo seems to be gone--has been gone for longer than a week. I can't tell you how happy that makes me. The physical therapist recommended that I continue the eye and balance exercises the rest of my life! Vertigo is one of the maladies that, once you've had it, can return unexpectedly at any time. The exercises aren't so bad and they only take a few minutes.
I'm linking this post to
> February One Monthly Goal at Stories from the Sewing Room and
> Finished (or not) Friday at Alycia's Quilts.
Thanks for hosting, ladies.
--Nancy.
joy for grace
Friday, February 7, 2025
Thursday, February 6, 2025
Help for Mending Clothes (or To Mend or Not to Mend)
Two things about me. First, when I find clothes I love to wear, I wear them until they are almost threadbare. Second, I really dislike repairing clothing. These two facts are in opposition to each other, but I do mend clothes sometimes. Until lately my thought was that mends should not call attention to themselves, should be as close to invisible as possible. These days, along comes the idea that patches on clothes can be an accent, a point of interest, a fun way to show individuality. I'm not quite there yet. After all, how can a 75-year-old lady not look like a bag lady when she's walking around with patches covering her clothes?! But I'm game to give obvious mends a try on the clothes I wear only at home.
I think these three books I found at the library are very helpful. Mending is a popular topic these days!
Disclaimer: To be honest, I did not read every word of every page of these books. I used them more as reference manuals.
Make Thrift Mend. Stitch, Patch, Darn, Plant-dye & Love Your Wardrobe by Katrina Rodabaugh
Topics include
The author's choice to make, thrift, and mend is based on sustainability, ethical soundness, and creative satisfaction.
The Mending Directory. 50 Modern Stitch Patterns for Visible Repairs by Erin Eggenburg
Eggenburg's reason for mending is to honor the work of the many hands who grew the fiber, wove and dyed the cloth, cut, and stitched the garments we wear.
Yes, this book is primarily stitch patterns for both woven and knit clothing. She moves from planning the mend, explaining how to patch, the tools to use, and then explanations of how to mend. Following those explanations are large photographs showing the stitches and how to create them.
Also included in a pocket at the back are iron-on transfers for each of the stitches.
Mending with Love. Creative Repairs for Your Favorite Things by Noriko Misumi
The author says, "Mending is love." She makes sketches of ways to mend items of clothing.
She covers
Of all three books, this is the book that encourages me to mend the old clothes I have that I so dearly love to wear. I have a silk/wool blend sweater that I've worn for years. I've mended it many times, but finally, a year or so ago, a worn place from just below my collar bone and about six inches long appeared. Do I dare try to mend it--a large mend right over my breast? The sweater also has holes in the sleeves.... My underwear wear out after a few years and I can't buy the style I like now. They are starting to have patches on patches. Cotton socks, elbows in knit shirts,....
The most fun mending I've seen among bloggers is in this post (scroll down) at Cynthia's blog. She's shared other mends but I couldn't find them.
Do you have favorite clothes that you don't want to let go, and do you mend them?
--Nancy.
I think these three books I found at the library are very helpful. Mending is a popular topic these days!
Disclaimer: To be honest, I did not read every word of every page of these books. I used them more as reference manuals.
Make Thrift Mend. Stitch, Patch, Darn, Plant-dye & Love Your Wardrobe by Katrina Rodabaugh
Topics include
- making new, embellishing, making something new from used fabric
- making natural dyes and dying clothes
- mending, tools, techniques; darning knit clothing (socks, gloves, sweaters)
The author's choice to make, thrift, and mend is based on sustainability, ethical soundness, and creative satisfaction.
The Mending Directory. 50 Modern Stitch Patterns for Visible Repairs by Erin Eggenburg
Eggenburg's reason for mending is to honor the work of the many hands who grew the fiber, wove and dyed the cloth, cut, and stitched the garments we wear.
Yes, this book is primarily stitch patterns for both woven and knit clothing. She moves from planning the mend, explaining how to patch, the tools to use, and then explanations of how to mend. Following those explanations are large photographs showing the stitches and how to create them.
Also included in a pocket at the back are iron-on transfers for each of the stitches.
Mending with Love. Creative Repairs for Your Favorite Things by Noriko Misumi
The author says, "Mending is love." She makes sketches of ways to mend items of clothing.
She covers
- Mending socks. My mom taught me to darn as close to invisibly as possible. These socks have bright, colorful heels, toes, and balls of the feet. Lots of detailed instructions.
- Mending holes and frays and to cover stains in ways that they seem natural to the item of clothing and blend in or enhance the item of clothing. In this section, she covers felting to repair wool clothing.
- Basic patching techniques
- Covering stains with stamps
- Remaking old items into some other useful thing
Of all three books, this is the book that encourages me to mend the old clothes I have that I so dearly love to wear. I have a silk/wool blend sweater that I've worn for years. I've mended it many times, but finally, a year or so ago, a worn place from just below my collar bone and about six inches long appeared. Do I dare try to mend it--a large mend right over my breast? The sweater also has holes in the sleeves.... My underwear wear out after a few years and I can't buy the style I like now. They are starting to have patches on patches. Cotton socks, elbows in knit shirts,....
The most fun mending I've seen among bloggers is in this post (scroll down) at Cynthia's blog. She's shared other mends but I couldn't find them.
Do you have favorite clothes that you don't want to let go, and do you mend them?
--Nancy.
Sunday, February 2, 2025
Slow Stitching Today
After debating with myself for a week or so, I decided to participate in Ann Wood Homemade's 100 Day Stitch Book. The idea is 15 minutes a day of slow stitching for 100 days (or 5 days/week) on 20 pages of fabric cut to 5½" x 7". I like the idea of play and lack of rules. And small. No grand effort to make a whole quilt. I thought, I can stitch 15 minutes five days a week.
I've finished two pages (the second of which is a little too pink in the photo),
and am in progress with the third. Changes will happen to this page, below.
Ann works improvisationally, places fabric, stitches it, then adds to it. (But participants can create by whatever method they like.) I like her idea of "yes, and?" No mistakes, no pressure, just visual and needle play. I'm not second-guessing myself, not removing stitches, just choosing, cutting, and arranging fabric, then stitching, and there's lots of play involved with the choosing, cutting, and arranging.
I won't be stitching on the stitch book today but I will likely be quilting a few more fans on Everyday Patchwork. I'm nearly half finished!
I'm linking this post to Slowing Stitching Sunday at Kathy's Quilts. Thanks for hosting, Kathy.
I hope you all have a great Sunday!
--Nancy.
I've finished two pages (the second of which is a little too pink in the photo),


Ann works improvisationally, places fabric, stitches it, then adds to it. (But participants can create by whatever method they like.) I like her idea of "yes, and?" No mistakes, no pressure, just visual and needle play. I'm not second-guessing myself, not removing stitches, just choosing, cutting, and arranging fabric, then stitching, and there's lots of play involved with the choosing, cutting, and arranging.
I won't be stitching on the stitch book today but I will likely be quilting a few more fans on Everyday Patchwork. I'm nearly half finished!
I'm linking this post to Slowing Stitching Sunday at Kathy's Quilts. Thanks for hosting, Kathy.
I hope you all have a great Sunday!
--Nancy.
Sunday, January 26, 2025
Marking was the Right Thing This Time
I lost momentum on Everyday Patchwork about a year ago and the hand quilting stalled. Now that I'm using colored pencils to mark several fans, I can just sit and quilt without the interruption of having to mark as I go. Yes! I'm no longer stalled on this quilt.
I love using these homemade templates, imperfect as they are.
I'm almost halfway finished. I started quilted rows from across the bottom, upward toward the center. I'm thinking of turning the quilt around and marking from the top to the center, then finish by quilting the fans in arcs from the sides to the center. If anyone notices, it will be something interesting for them to wonder about.
My vertigo has been gone for a week! Hooray! I'm so very grateful. I hope it doesn't return. Having vertigo after a knee replacement prevented good improvement on my balance and gait. Physical therapy will help so I will finish the few weeks of appointments.
I continue to have the months-long headache. The doctor thought it might be one of my prescriptions so she asked me to stop it for two weeks and see. It's been 10 days and the headache persists. It may be that my eyes need a new prescription for glasses (appointment scheduled). Since nothing else has helped, I hope that's it. Also, sadly, my body chose stress-induced sciatica for the next challenge. Ouch! It's not as painful as the last time I had it but still painful. If I can manage the stress the sciatica will go, and it has been slowly decreasing. One of these days I should be back to or better than the old normal.
I'm linking this post to Slow Sunday Stitching at Kathy's Quilts. Thank you for hosting, Kathy.
--Nancy.
I love using these homemade templates, imperfect as they are.
I'm almost halfway finished. I started quilted rows from across the bottom, upward toward the center. I'm thinking of turning the quilt around and marking from the top to the center, then finish by quilting the fans in arcs from the sides to the center. If anyone notices, it will be something interesting for them to wonder about.
My vertigo has been gone for a week! Hooray! I'm so very grateful. I hope it doesn't return. Having vertigo after a knee replacement prevented good improvement on my balance and gait. Physical therapy will help so I will finish the few weeks of appointments.
I continue to have the months-long headache. The doctor thought it might be one of my prescriptions so she asked me to stop it for two weeks and see. It's been 10 days and the headache persists. It may be that my eyes need a new prescription for glasses (appointment scheduled). Since nothing else has helped, I hope that's it. Also, sadly, my body chose stress-induced sciatica for the next challenge. Ouch! It's not as painful as the last time I had it but still painful. If I can manage the stress the sciatica will go, and it has been slowly decreasing. One of these days I should be back to or better than the old normal.
I'm linking this post to Slow Sunday Stitching at Kathy's Quilts. Thank you for hosting, Kathy.
--Nancy.
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Links to Enjoy #29
Here are a few links that I thought had some interesting content. Maybe you will enjoy one or two of them.
How many times is a book's bar code scanned from the time it comes into the library, goes out, and returns again? (And how many times is a book handled even before it reaches the shelves for a patron to borrow it?) This video gives a glimpse of the travels of a book from library to patron to library.
These are photographs of junkyards for airplanes, ships, old rail cars, etc. Many of the objects are artfully arranged, and the aerial views reminded me of maps. We throw away cans and bottles (or hopefully recycle them) but how do you dispose of these huge objects when they have outlived their use? More photos here. From the photographer, Cássio Vasconcellos, "...objects do not cease to exist in the world when we throw them away. Rather, they inhabit other places."
What do you think of these quilt sculptures by Emily Van Hoff? I like the bright colors (in the dead of winter).
This article, Embroidering a life, one day at a time reminds me of temperature quilts but a whole lot more interesting.
Can you imagine sending a baby in the mail?!!! I don't know how common it was but yes, it happened.
There are two auctions in progress that I thought you might like to know about. For both, the bidding seems low, but it's early days.
--Nancy.
How many times is a book's bar code scanned from the time it comes into the library, goes out, and returns again? (And how many times is a book handled even before it reaches the shelves for a patron to borrow it?) This video gives a glimpse of the travels of a book from library to patron to library.
These are photographs of junkyards for airplanes, ships, old rail cars, etc. Many of the objects are artfully arranged, and the aerial views reminded me of maps. We throw away cans and bottles (or hopefully recycle them) but how do you dispose of these huge objects when they have outlived their use? More photos here. From the photographer, Cássio Vasconcellos, "...objects do not cease to exist in the world when we throw them away. Rather, they inhabit other places."
What do you think of these quilt sculptures by Emily Van Hoff? I like the bright colors (in the dead of winter).
This article, Embroidering a life, one day at a time reminds me of temperature quilts but a whole lot more interesting.
Can you imagine sending a baby in the mail?!!! I don't know how common it was but yes, it happened.
There are two auctions in progress that I thought you might like to know about. For both, the bidding seems low, but it's early days.
- First, Homestead Hearth is going out of business and is auctioning their fabric through an online company, Marquette Auction Services. The first of three auctions, this one ends on January 24. You can see what's up for bid here.
- Second, Dana Auctions is hosting an antique and vintage quilt and textile auction here. There are antique and vintage quilts, antique fabric, feed sacks, magazines, etc. This auction supports AQSG 2025 Seminar in Maine and ends on January 25.
--Nancy.
Friday, January 17, 2025
Quotes and Thoughts on Creativity
I used to be an avid collector of quotes but I'm not so much anymore. Occasionally, though, a quote or two will come along that I want to save. I thought I'd share with you, too.
From Kevin Kelly at The Technium.
From Miss Mustard Seed, who shared these thoughts after a relaxing, creative retreat with a like-minded artist. Of the experience she wrote,
I love this gentle reminder that creativity needs time, encouragement, energy.
--Nancy.
From Kevin Kelly at The Technium.
- You have 5 minutes to act on a new idea before it disappears from your mind. [This is often true for me. A half hour goes by and I find I'm scrating my head trying to remember what that wonderful idea I had was.]
- When you are stuck or overwhelmed, focus on the smallest possible thing that moves your project forward.
- When you find yourself procrastinating, don’t resist. Instead lean into it. Procrastinate 100%. Try to do absolutely nothing for 5 minutes. Make it your job. You’ll fail. After 5 minutes, you’ll be ready and eager to work.
From Miss Mustard Seed, who shared these thoughts after a relaxing, creative retreat with a like-minded artist. Of the experience she wrote,
. . . it was a time spent mulling over little things in my business, simmering on new ideas and thoughts, and, probably most importantly, it gave me time to plug in to a lot of creative encouragement from authors, podcasters, and [her friend] Shaunna. People spoke into things like time management, the energy required for good creative work, cultivating a flow of ideas, ways to prevent or deal with burn-out, some of the pitfalls of social media, failure, and more.
It was all a good reminder that rest is a crucial part of work and input is every bit as important as output.”
I love this gentle reminder that creativity needs time, encouragement, energy.
--Nancy.
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Dreaming of Possibilities in 2025
I might see these in my dreams but I'm not promising myself progress on any or all of them. Since what these need is so clear cut (except for Bramble Blooms), it makes sense I should be able to do something to move them forward to become finish tops or quilts. But then there is life....
These are quilts I might possibly work on/play with in 2025, in no particular order.
Blue (+ brown) and lights blocks
My idea with these blocks was centers with a square set straight or on point surrounded by a square set the other way, etc. But no stars. I chose blues and lights but when Lizzy of Gone to the Beach sent an antique brown block, I decided to incorporate several more brown blocks. The blocks will finish at 12" and I intend to use fabric in the pink/coral range for sashing and border. Four across will make a quilt about 65-67 inches wide. The challenge will be the length. Five blocks down will finish between 81-83 inches. Add one more block to the length and it will finish at about 93 inches which is perhaps a little too long. I intend to make square-in-square cornerstones. The patterns for all of these blocks came from Judy Hopkins's book, 501 Rotary-Cut Quilt Blocks.from where I learned that the same pattern may have different names depending on the color arrangement. Anyway, I need to make either three or seven more blocks.
Bramble Blooms
Dear, dear Bramble Blooms. What a failure I made of my first effort. I unstitched all but the center and a narrow border I'd added. My fabrics are still in stacks and I hope to get back to this soon.
rose fabric squares
I've cut about half the number of squares I need for the quilt. My intention was a one-patch but other ideas keep popping into my head. What about a few subtle stars? What about applique? What about a border around each block? What about . . . ? I have a length of toile with children in old-fashioned clothing, playing old-fashioned games, also with beautiful bouquets of roses which might work for the back.
Everyday Patchwork
The quilting is in progress. I just need to make progress--stitch and get it done.
scrappy stars in mostly the red range
I'm using these 6" stars as leader/enders, except when I'm not. Cutting takes time.... Still debating layout and size. Rows with sashing? Alternate plain squares? On point or straight set?
little 9-patch in autumn colors
This is also a leader/ender and, again, cutting takes time. I have plenty of scraps to cut. Layout and size yet to be determined.
100 Day Stitch Book
I don't have a photo for this because I haven't decided whether to participate or not. Ann Wood Homemade hosts the 100 Day Stitch Book sew-along in which we cut fabric pages, stitch on them for 15 minutes every day for a week (or five days), then move to the next page. Most of the finished books are not just stitches but have layers of fabric stitched in place. The appealing things about this are the aspect of play and that turned fabric edges are not necessary.
Will I have time? (It begins on Friday, January 17 and ends in April.) Will I have the energy or the focus or the concentration? I certainly have plenty of fabric for this.
I was looking online about vertigo and someone asked why he or she was so tired. The responder said the brain is working harder than usual to try to keep the person balanced. I translate that as, I wouldn't be so tired if I stayed in bed all day. However, that would absolutely not be good for me or my muscles, and I think both the doctor and physical therapist would agree. But it's sure tempting some days....
Another possible time limitation will be trying to sort and clear out some of the things in our home. Changes will be coming but I'm not sure when. We have too much stuff!
Yesterday it snowed. It was cold and beautiful.
Today, well, this afternoon, it's much colder even though we have clear skies and sun. I sometimes think how bored I would be if every day were the same, always summer or always winter. I love living in a temperate climate. How about you? Do you love the climate where you live?
Wishing you a good day!
--Nancy.
These are quilts I might possibly work on/play with in 2025, in no particular order.
Blue (+ brown) and lights blocks
My idea with these blocks was centers with a square set straight or on point surrounded by a square set the other way, etc. But no stars. I chose blues and lights but when Lizzy of Gone to the Beach sent an antique brown block, I decided to incorporate several more brown blocks. The blocks will finish at 12" and I intend to use fabric in the pink/coral range for sashing and border. Four across will make a quilt about 65-67 inches wide. The challenge will be the length. Five blocks down will finish between 81-83 inches. Add one more block to the length and it will finish at about 93 inches which is perhaps a little too long. I intend to make square-in-square cornerstones. The patterns for all of these blocks came from Judy Hopkins's book, 501 Rotary-Cut Quilt Blocks.from where I learned that the same pattern may have different names depending on the color arrangement. Anyway, I need to make either three or seven more blocks.
Bramble Blooms
Dear, dear Bramble Blooms. What a failure I made of my first effort. I unstitched all but the center and a narrow border I'd added. My fabrics are still in stacks and I hope to get back to this soon.
rose fabric squares
I've cut about half the number of squares I need for the quilt. My intention was a one-patch but other ideas keep popping into my head. What about a few subtle stars? What about applique? What about a border around each block? What about . . . ? I have a length of toile with children in old-fashioned clothing, playing old-fashioned games, also with beautiful bouquets of roses which might work for the back.
Everyday Patchwork
The quilting is in progress. I just need to make progress--stitch and get it done.
scrappy stars in mostly the red range
I'm using these 6" stars as leader/enders, except when I'm not. Cutting takes time.... Still debating layout and size. Rows with sashing? Alternate plain squares? On point or straight set?
little 9-patch in autumn colors
This is also a leader/ender and, again, cutting takes time. I have plenty of scraps to cut. Layout and size yet to be determined.
100 Day Stitch Book
I don't have a photo for this because I haven't decided whether to participate or not. Ann Wood Homemade hosts the 100 Day Stitch Book sew-along in which we cut fabric pages, stitch on them for 15 minutes every day for a week (or five days), then move to the next page. Most of the finished books are not just stitches but have layers of fabric stitched in place. The appealing things about this are the aspect of play and that turned fabric edges are not necessary.
Will I have time? (It begins on Friday, January 17 and ends in April.) Will I have the energy or the focus or the concentration? I certainly have plenty of fabric for this.
I was looking online about vertigo and someone asked why he or she was so tired. The responder said the brain is working harder than usual to try to keep the person balanced. I translate that as, I wouldn't be so tired if I stayed in bed all day. However, that would absolutely not be good for me or my muscles, and I think both the doctor and physical therapist would agree. But it's sure tempting some days....
Another possible time limitation will be trying to sort and clear out some of the things in our home. Changes will be coming but I'm not sure when. We have too much stuff!
Yesterday it snowed. It was cold and beautiful.
Today, well, this afternoon, it's much colder even though we have clear skies and sun. I sometimes think how bored I would be if every day were the same, always summer or always winter. I love living in a temperate climate. How about you? Do you love the climate where you live?
Wishing you a good day!
--Nancy.
Sunday, January 12, 2025
Slow Stitching Little Plaid Baskets
I wish I were a better photo-taker. It's probably me and not the camera, though it could be my phone's camera that's not up to snuff. Anyway....
I finished stitching the outside of this basket probably in October before vertigo arrived. Now I'm auditioning flowers and their placement along with the stems and leaves. Everything except the basket itself may be moved or changed before being stitched in place.
This is the basket I've been trying to stitch for a few weeks. After it's finished, I'll audition flowers, stems and leaves.
The stitching on this basket is of somewhat lesser quality that my usual. Thank goodness no one will see the back after it's been quilted, and hopefully won't look too closely at the front, either.
These baskets will finish at 10" x 12".
I'm linking this post to Slow Sunday Stitching at Kathy's Quilts. Thanks for hosting, Kathy.
I hope you're having a good Sabbath!
--Nancy.
P.S. This is just to say there are a total of four more baskets to finish, including these, lest anyone is getting as tired of seeing these baskets as I am.
I finished stitching the outside of this basket probably in October before vertigo arrived. Now I'm auditioning flowers and their placement along with the stems and leaves. Everything except the basket itself may be moved or changed before being stitched in place.
This is the basket I've been trying to stitch for a few weeks. After it's finished, I'll audition flowers, stems and leaves.
The stitching on this basket is of somewhat lesser quality that my usual. Thank goodness no one will see the back after it's been quilted, and hopefully won't look too closely at the front, either.
These baskets will finish at 10" x 12".
I'm linking this post to Slow Sunday Stitching at Kathy's Quilts. Thanks for hosting, Kathy.
I hope you're having a good Sabbath!
--Nancy.
P.S. This is just to say there are a total of four more baskets to finish, including these, lest anyone is getting as tired of seeing these baskets as I am.
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