I eeked out the last few blocks from what was left of my blue scraps. Most of the scraps went to the Blue Improv #2 donation top. Mostly they are too small for the blocks, so were perfect for an improv top.
I have also included some blocks I am making for one of the upcoming Sidewalk donation quilts. As mentioned before, they are half 16 patches. I am so used to making the 16 patch blocks that it feels weird to include these half blocks. Still, they make up really nice quilts, so I am trying to get over the weirdness by including them.
I updated the Tutorials page with the new Sidewalk tutorial and also a zipper tab making technique. If you make the Sidewalk quilt top and want to give me constructive feedback, please email me privately.
I added a pattern to the tutorial for the Sidewalk quilt. The first pattern is for the improv version. When I have time, I’ll create the half 16 patch version.
I talked a little about this pattern after the guild organizer swap. Christine found it and I think it is a fun pattern. It is only a video pattern. The link shows what to cut and then you have to watch the video to make the basket.
Need a reading glasses case? I found a free pattern on the Spencer Ogg site.
I can’t tell the size of this fabric basket tote, but I really like the shape. Finished dimensions are listed as approximately 16” wide at the top and 11” tall (not including the handles).
I have been kind of immersed in boxed corners lately. It occurred to me that there must be a list of calculations to use for boxing corners. Even better! I found a boxing corners calculator! The site talks about the formula and what each part of the formula means. Then it gives an example of a calculation.
Julie posted about Feral Notions on her blog, so I went to take a look. I really like their sparkly rulers. Those confetti rulers might make great gifts.
Moonlight Quilters purchases – July 2025
I bought some fabric for backgrounds and gifts at Moonlight Quilters
After working with Lynette on anchoring the lining to the bag exterior, I went looking for boxing corner templates. I have a ruler that works pretty well in certain circumstances, but not for the process Lynette showed. This was a “I know how to break Google” search, because I really didn’t find what I needed. The closest I found was Carol’s Box Corners ruler. I didn’t buy it because I thought it was too basic.
Latifah Saafir showed us some fabric by Emily Van Hoff while we were on Zoom together. I am thinking of making a giant HRT quilt with the HuRTy and this fabric was very appealing. It might be great combined with some Philip Jacobs giant flowers.
If you are a Bonnie Hunter fan, then you might want some of the fabric that was designed for her. Get it on Spoonflower!
Fabrics from Rhonda
I picked up some fabric from Rhonda’s stash at the last guild Sew Day.
I was contacted by Quilted Joy. They wanted to exchange links and they mentioned some older, but not ancient posts. They wanted me to link to a post called Cats in Pajamas Quilt, , which was really about cats. The post included the Elizabeth Hartman cats pattern. I was really confused, because I saw the links they mentioned were to some of my travel/quilt shop review blog posts. When I went looking for their address I found it is in Kentucky, so it was even more confusing.
Exhibits and Organizations
The Santa Clara Valley Quilt Association is hosting their 2025 quilt show on September 27-28. The theme is 50 years of quilted memories and possibilities. Hours are 10-5 Saturday and 10-4 Sunday at Club Sportiva, 521 Charcot Ave, San Jose 95131, $15 at the door, $12 in advance. There is free parking as well!
At the Fair, we womanned the booth across from other guilds. I went and talked to all the other people booth sitting, because I was on a mission to get new BAM members. One was the Pacifica Quilt Club. It is pretty close to my house, so I went to check it out when DH was at one of his meetings. The people were nice and the dues were low so I joined. I don’t know if they are my people, but it won’t hurt to go and see what they are making. They have an arrangement with Coastside Quilt Studio to host their BOMs on her site.
Or get some Mary Engelbreit “Engeldark” postcards** and send them to the !#$holes making you angry.
**N. B. : Obviously, you should shop at local quilt shops and small businesses. However, if you are too busy or can’t find what you need there, I use Amazon affiliate links and may be paid for your purchase of an item when you click on an item’s link in my post. There is no additional cost to you for clicking or purchasing items I recommend. I appreciate your clicks and purchases as it helps support this website.
I finished the Handbag Sampler and it is now with Colleen getting quilted. I am pleased with the way it came out. I am even more pleased that it is done.
I am kind of amazed at the colors and fabrics I chose for this quilt. It is super bright and there is a lot to look at.
I rearranged the blocks before I sewed it together. I thought I needed to move some of the diamond fabrics away from each other. They were sort of concentrated at the bottom of the quilt, so I moved the Nosegay block to the top.
I have to admit that I feel slightly bereft finishing this quilt. I have others on my to do list, but this one seems like it might be the oldest.
I was really pleased to see this quilt come back from quilting and binding. Lee Ann did the binding. I was pretty unhappy with this quilt when I finished it, but I think it came out really well in the end.
I used the leftovers from the Angel Family pillowcases and some scraps from Melinda. I was pleased to be able to use up as much of the fabric I bought as possible.
Today’s is Lil Sissy’s birthday and I was able to finish her Zeppelin pouch and send it off.
I am really pleased that I was able to fussy cut the fabric so that main Paris motif is, essentially, centered.
This was a very easy pouch to make, if a little fiddly.I know I talked about the shape of the pieces the other day. The construction was genius! I am constantly amazed at what Sara comes up with. I don’t know how she figures out these bag patterns.
Zeppelin end
The one part that was a little confusing was the ends, where the zipper tabs and sides come together. I had to watch the video and that made it clear. You have to know what to do, then it works out.
The photo shows mostly the handle, but if you look behind the handle at the zipper, you can see the zipper tab, which is longer than normal sewn in. Super clever. It also reminds me of what I was trying to do the other day with the zipper tab technique.
Zeppelin back
I also remember to put on my label! It is pretty prominent, because I remember after I had already assembled the pouch. I think it is ok to have it be a little prominent for once.
The fabric I used is such great fabric! I was so pleased that I found more of it. I love all the different motifs.
Zeppelin lining anchored
I was also able to anchor the lining to the exterior even though there was no way to box the corners. I took a look at the Hackney pattern, which shows one method and kind of followed those directions.
I am probably ridiculous, but I love the concept of using chocolate fabric to make Sweet Dreams pillowcases.
I bought this fabric on a whim at Quilts & Things. Last week I made the pillowcases so I could bring the to my Mom. These were not for my Mom, but for the Angel Family parents. The Angel Family was on vacation for about 3 weeks and I wasn’t going to see them, but I was going to see my Mom. She agreed to bring a plethora of gifts to the family.
Julie and I made the pilgrimage to drop off quilts with Colleen the other day.
Old Town top complete
Chain Link Top finished
Finished: Triumphant top
Handbag Sampler – all the blocks
Four of my quilts and Julie’s City Sampler are all in the capable hands of Colleen. I also left a small panel quilt of my Mom’s there. That was a mess. It had no backing or binding. Colleen had some perfect backing fabric and I will send her a binding in a few days.
I learned from making the pilgrimage with Tim that I have to plan a lunch break. We stopped at Black Bear Diner because the area is a mecca of chain stores and restaurants. Fortunately, they have gluten free options, so I indulged in a BLT and ate the french fries.
Bay Quilts, July 2025
On the way back, we stopped at Bay Quilts. They close at 3pm during the week! We only had about 15 minutes to shop, but we both found a few things. I like that shop. It is big and they have good fabric.
The two background fabrics I purchased are from the same line as the fabric I used for the Triumphant background. I didn’t realize it until the clerk was cutting the fabric.
I also finally indulged in that color set of fat quarters. I have been looking at it for a year at least. I need to find a good way to use it.
I couldn’t help myself. I said I wouldn’t, but I really couldn’t help myself. I made two more blocks for the Handbag Sampler.
I decided that the quilt needed a few more blocks and I took the time on Sunday morning to choose a couple of easy blocks. I chose Sawtooth Star, because it is a favorite. I also chose Fox & Geese, because I thought it would look good with the other blocks. I really had to stretch that blue fabric, because I had barely enough to make the background.
Handbag Sampler – all the blocks
The blocks went relatively quickly and I think they look good with the other blocks. I am well on my way to finishing the quilt.
SIL#2 led at swap at the meeting on Saturday. As mentioned, I made a pencil roll. I decided at the last minute to make another organizer in case a new member or potential member came and wanted to join in.
I found the pattern in a book I reviewed some time ago called Make It, Take It: 16 Cute and Clever Projects to Sew with Friends by Krista Hennebury. I am glad to say that I did notice this project when I reviewed the book.
Make It, Take It needlecase
I am very pleased with the needlecase I made. It is kind of a portfolio and holds quite a bit of stuff. I like it because it is useful and practical, but also has scope for creativity.
I used some of the leftover improv piecing from the latest improv donation top. I think it would work to use Quilt-as-you-go to make the cover as well. I could just as easily use one piece of fabric for a very quick finish.
I was also pleased to see the way the zipper was installed, because I thought it would help me with another project on which I have (mostly not) been working.
Make It, Take It needlecase – open, inside
This was a fairly quick project. I had all of the supplies, which helped. You do need some wool felt and a long zipper.
Each section could be used for a different type of needle, if one were that organized.
One of the reasons I am pleased with the pattern is that it gave me a different way to install a zipper on a circular piece. I can use this technique. I need more practice, but it came out better than my other project.
Make It, Take It needlecase – open, outside
I am also pleased because the exterior looks really good. There is ton of scope for creativity with the outside, as I mentioned. This might be a great project to work on in a group.
The other day I went over to Tim’s to sew. He planned to longarm and I planned to work on my flock of pouches. I was very well prepared and got some new pouches sewn so I could give Mom an even 10.
I was able to get them done except for the zipper tabs. I forgot to bring extra fabric for that.
After making good progress on the Open Wide Pouches, I switched to the Zeppelin pouch, which I had cut out the day before.
I was able to do the prep with the interfacing and foam and get started on sewing the pouch. I had some trouble understanding the zipper tab sewing. Good thing Continue reading “Sewing with Tim.. Again”
As mentioned, we had an organizer swap at the guild yesterday. I was not the organizer of the swap, but I was put in charge of selecting swap items for a couple of people who weren’t able to attend.
Christine and Mary thought the swap was at Sew Day. Since it wasn’t, they gave me their organizers and put me in charge of selecting something for them.
Mary’s Atlas
Mary made the Atlas again. I made a couple of these and still want to make one for myself. Remember one was Cal themed? I am not done with this pattern yet, but I have other things to finish first.
Mary did a fantastic job on hers, as usual. The fabric is so fun! She also used some specialty vinyl with sewing motifs for some of the inside pockets, which is super cute. I normally stick to the glitter vinyl, but some of the specialty vinyl is tempting me.
Mary’s Atlas – open
As I have said before, this is a great portfolio. It is so useful and I think it would be used much more if you had one as pretty as Mary made.
Mary’s Atlas – zipper pull
I really love her zipper and zipper pulls. The actual zipper reminds me of the zippers I found at Sewlarium.
Mary’s Atlas – zipper ends
Mary has been experimenting with different methods of finishing zipper ends and the photo on the right (above) shows one of her favorite current methods. The pattern has the maker fold the zipper under into a kind of curve. I have had mixed results on my efforts using the recommended method. I haven’t tried Mary’s method yet.
Christine’s swap divided basket
Christine made a very interesting divided basket. I went and found the pattern, because I thought it was so cool.
There are a lot of pockets and storage areas included in this pattern. I think it is a great idea to have some slip pockets on the outside.
Christine’s swap divided basket
We discussed the construction and decided it would be worthwhile trying some different interfacings to see if they made a difference.
The shape and positioning of the handles reminds me of the One Hour Basket. I have made several One Hour Baskets, but I put the handles on the sides as I find it more useful.
I also like the shape of this design. The skinniness would make it easy to tuck into certain spaces.
Christine’s swap divided basket
Christine used some great Philip Jacobs fabric for the outside.
As I have mentioned recently, my sewing time is short these days. My job isn’t especially demanding, but it takes a lot of my best hours.
Pencil Roll open
Back in May, I decided I needed to do a two birds one stone project. I needed something for the Fair and a swap project, so I pulled out my Pink Chalk Studio Pencil Roll pattern and the fat quarters from Family Threads and got to work. I was done in time to enter the project in the Fair. Today it will go to its new home as part of the organizer swap at the guild.
I am trying to squeeze as many projects as I can out of these fat quarters, so I cut enough strips to make another pencil roll.
Somehow the Zeppelin pattern from Minikins Season 1 got lodged in my mind. I decided to make it as a birthday gift. July is a birthday extravaganza! There is one almost every day.
Once I decided to make it, I got a little nervous, because I could remember what the pouch looked like, but not how many pieces it had or how difficult it would be to make.
Zeppelin: Crazy pattern shapes
I went looking for templates, thinking that I had some. When I couldn’t find them I looked at the pattern and realized there was no way an acrylic template could be made in that shape, which was weird!
I couldn’t imagine how the pouch would go together from looking at the pieces, but I did once I went through the pattern and was impressed with the design. I cut everything out so I could take it to a Sew Day I was having with Tim. There weren’t very many pieces, so this might be a good pattern to have as a quick make when I need a project.
I was pleased that I was able to start and finish this pouch very quickly. This was destined for Tim’s birthday and I wanted to take over to him before he left on his trip.
This is another Retreat Pouch, which is pretty easy to make and comes out very well. I have made both sizes, which come in the pattern. I still want to make the handbag version I talked about last summer, mostly to use the border print. In general, I prefer the small size. The large size is hard to carry.
I also like it that it has a frame (not free). I like the open wide aspect that frames create. They sometimes have the required type of frame on Amazon, but I don’t see it today.
Tim’s Retreat pouch – interior
The interior fabric was printed by Sonja about a million years ago and gifted to me. I thought Tim would really appreciate her artistry and he did.
The high quality of the greige goods she used is another pleasure.
Tim’s Retreat pouch – interior
I consulted with Lynette to confirm my anchoring of the lining to the exterior. I am working on that technique and trying to do it with every bag. It worked well with this one using the same technique as I used on the Open Wide pouches. It is a difficult technique to explain in a pattern, which I why I want to do it over and over with different pouches and bags so it becomes second nature. You can see a little bit that the seams are tight against the bottom of the pouch.
Tim’s Retreat pouch – top
Tim said he would probably use it for travel. I thought he might and would have added Odicoat** to the pouch if I had planned ahead. He is going on a trip so I said I would do it after, if he wanted. He wasn’t sure how he would use it for traveling, but pouches are super useful for organizing stuff in your suitcase, so I am sure he will find a use.
Anyway, the pouch was a success!
**N. B. : Obviously, you should shop at local quilt shops and small businesses. However, if you are too busy or can’t find what you need there, I use Amazon affiliate links and may be paid for your purchase of an item when you click on an item’s link in my post. There is no additional cost to you for clicking or purchasing items I recommend. I appreciate your clicks and purchases as it helps support this website.
My appointment with Colleen is coming up quickly and with Triumphant well on its way to being finished I went looking for the Handbag Sampler. That project was found a year ago and nothing has happened, so I decided to sew it together and get it quilted as is.
OMG! I have no idea what the deal is with this project. It has hide and seek in it’s seams. As mentioned, I couldn’t find the blocks. I KNOW I put them somewhere easy to find. I took boxes off the top shelves of the fabric closet and looked through them again. Stay tuned for some posts on the projects <insert eye roll here> I found.
Handbag Sampler July 2025
No dice so I started working on zipper pouches, but I couldn’t get my mind off of these blocks. I had a couple of more ideas for where they could be, which didn’t pan out, so I looked through my project boxes. I found them, eventually, in a box of random blocks. They were easily accessible, but not visible. Now they are on the design wall and will be sewn together soon.
I am not putting them away until the top is done and it is ready to go to Colleen’s.
