Sew Sampler Box

I've been getting the Sew Sampler monthly box from the Fat Quarter Shop since June of last year. Every month I mean to share it and every month I forget. So it's a new year, and when I got my box this month I finally remembered!

This is the box that comes in the mail. I was talking to a friend recently and she says she waits a couple days to build anticipation for what's inside. Not me, I open it asap.

When you open the box, there is a cover telling what the theme of the box is.

When you remove the cover, you can see the jumble of items included. This month's box is from Lori Holt of Bee in My Bonnet.

This Cute Cuts ruler was right on top. It is 1-1/2" x 6-1/2". The half inch margin in pink is textured and helps keep the ruler from slipping. This is handy size to keep by my machine. I am working on a paper-pieced project right now with lots of small cuts, so this is perfect.

The fabric is a 21 piece, 10" Stacker from the Butterflies & Berries collection from Riley Blake Fabrics. I love all of Lori Holt's fabric lines - they are modern but I think they have a retro feel.

The Flitter lap quilt an be made with the addition of background fabric using the 10" stacker. I think this is so cute! I'm a fan of 30's era fabric and quilts and butterflies were hugely popular. The pattern has a twin version that requires a second stacker and more background fabric. I've already ordered this because I have a twin bed.

Also included in the box are Bee in My Bonnet Bandages by Lori Holt. These are average size bandages in four sewing themed prints. There is a package of Just Pins with three cute tops. Finally, there is a needle carry card by Emma Creations. It has six slots to hold needles and would be perfect in your traveling sewing box.

There is also a monthly block pattern from Lori Holt. Since April 2017 the pattern is a basket block. I had every intention of making the block each month but there are just too many things I want to sew and not enough hours in the day!

Visit Lori Holt at Bee in My Bonnet and see her fabric lines at Riley Blake Designs.

I am heading out for two retreats over the next couple weeks. I hope to get lots of sewing done, and relax with friends. It's so nice to be able to focus on your sewing and let someone else do the cooking and make the bed. Hope you get some sewing time!

Mary

PS. I've waited a couple days since I received my box so as not to spoil the surprise for anyone.

New Toy

I signed up for a Saturday Sampler block of the month today. Each month, you bring the previous block completed and you get the next one free. I've participated in this program at Knight's Quilt Shop in Cape Neddick, ME, since I closed my shop in 2011, with the exception of last year. This is the quilt we will be making this year.

I bought a new Accuquilt Go Big Cutter the beginning of January. There was a package deal with the electronic cutter and 6", 8", 9" and 12" basic block die sets. Plus it came with 2-1/2" strip cutter, a 6" flying geese cutter and some Edyta Sitar applique shapes. It just arrived on Friday so this was the first time I used it.

The block to be made for January is all half square triangle units. I pulled the die for that shape and size from the block set. It was very easy to use because the kit had strips of fabric already cut. 

I folded the strip till it was the correct number of layers needed. The die has two triangles on it so I needed half the number of fabric layers as pieces needed.

Place the cutting mat on top of the fabric. (not the same fabric but you get the idea.)

Then run it through the machine. I love that you don't need to crank it through. You just push it against the rollers and it pulls it through.

Remove the cutting mat and you have your pieces. So quick and easy. And my arm won't hurt from rotary cutting any more!

The pieces are notched, making them super easy to sew together.

My block was made in no time. I'm very happy with the cutter so far. It hasn't really been put to the test yet, but it was easy to use and worked great.

Stay warm!

Mary

I'm taking a class!

I want to share one thing I've been sewing in addition to the Quiltville Mystery. I saw this quilt, Enchanting Stars, in an email from a local quilt shop, Compass Point Quilts in East Kingston, NH. I've known Lisa for a number of years, having met at a quilt guild meeting. I finally stopped by her shop one day last fall. Wow, I've never seen so many batiks in one place. Heaven! There was a quilt hanging on the wall that I fell in love with. It was the sample for this pattern.

It is being offered as a 6 month class meeting once a month. I missed the first class while at a nephew's wedding, and the most recent class due to illness. So I'm going for an open sew day on Saturday, and I wanted to make some progress before I get there. I'm able to piece the sections; it's the assembly that's tough. 

This is the first section assembled. I had completed everything except putting the center star into the block at the last class. It's sort of like inserting a sleeve into a shirt. Not too bad with a lot of pins and patience.

This quilt has me hooked, and I've enjoyed the process so much, that I've signed up for a retreat with the author of these patterns in April. Take a look at the new kits and patterns coming here. I can't wait to tackle the next one!

Thanks for visiting,

Mary

Happy 2018!

Just a short post to show my first Quiltville mystery block. I'm still working on the steps but jumped ahead to see how it would look. I'm happy with how the colors go together and can't wait to assemble the whole top. It will definitely be bright and cheerful.

I have been sick since Christmas with a cold. Just when I think I may be getting better, I get worse again. And then there's the weather. We've had weeks of frigid temps, going way below zero with the wind chill. And we have a lot of snow piled up outside. More than I remember in several years. I managed to find someone to plow my driveway, but no one wants to shovel. So whatever has to be done is up to me.

Since I am retired, and I've been sick, I haven't been going out. Till Friday when I had a doctor's appointment and had to go out. Snow had blown in around my back door. Well, after prying it open it wouldn't shut. I have a locking screen door but I wasn't thrilled about leaving the back door open. I texted my nephew two states away for guidance. He ended up driving up Friday night and changing the door on Saturday. He thought the old one was probably original which dates it to 1900. I'm very thankful he would drive three hours up and back to do this for me. I never even got to the point of calling around to find a handyman.

Forgive me for the poor lighting on this bag but I just finished it and wanted to share. It is from Sue O'Very Designs and is made with your embroidery machine. The blue top and corners are cork fabric. This zippered bag was so easy to make. It took me a couple hours between choosing fabric and ironing it, then cutting everything. Sewing was a simple step by step process with very detailed photo instructions. The next one will go faster now that I know the process. Love it!

Mary