Fanciful Quilts

Fussy Crumb Blocks Restoring Ms Franklin Tax Time Fussy Crumb Blocks became a bit - uh, complicated.  No. Not complicated.  Way too busy.  4 rows of 6 1/2" FCBs are in the process of being de-frogged.  Or is it Unfrogged?  Or is it...unsewed?  And Crumb Blocks (without the fussy cut center) are in the works also. Goal:  sash each FCB and each CB with a not-very-wide sashing.  2"? - Maybe.  Then the Squirrel Moments came in....and Ms Franklin needed a bit more attention.....which happened right in the middle of the FCBs and CBs.  Squirrel Moments can happen any time, anywhere. What started out as - let's just strip the base.  Nope.  She needs to be stripped completely.  I still am finding it fascinating.  So many layers of paint - and despite the numerous cleanings - grime and dirt.  Have given some thought to paint her RED.  That is a long way down the road though..... As to Tax Time.......

First - 6 more days and I'll be in 3 months into the No Buy 2017. I think I may have discovered the reason for the multiple days of headaches..... Design Wall!   See the windows behind what are the two roller shades?  They measure 65" across....  The roller shades are both 65" in width.  They will be mounted above each window, leaving about a 1 1/2" (or 2" give or take) space between the two windows. See this batting?  It's the thinnest batting I could find.  Okay - so perhaps not the thinnest but close enough.  This will be cut to the width of the roller shades - with a length of 72".  Then glued (spray adhesive) to the roller shade.  Oh drats.  I need two packages.  If anyone finds my brain wandering around, kindly return it.   I read somewhere this method works.  Thankfully found the roller shades at a price that would not break the bank.  Nothing ventured, nothing gained. And next UFQ? A "...

New project, you ask?  Oh yes, new project. Word got out that I "sew" a bit....and was asked a few weeks ago if I knew anyone who would be interested in a treadle machine.  Treadle?  Did you say "treadle" ???  Stopping short of a minor heart attack, I managed a squeaky "I do - and it's ME".  Gifted!  I was warned it's in bad shape ...but who cares!  I have a treadle machine!  Yes, it is in parts for easier transport.  Yes, it is rough.   The desk portion on its back.....with the wheel of the treadle peeking behind it.   And then there's the mystery accessories in the drawers.  And the treadle part itself - taking a nap.   Oh - the machine???? I did say "rough", did I not?  A real challenge here.... But here is what completely won me over (as if I wasn't won over already).... That wonderful decal on the side of the machine....and that nifty thread guide.  And I forgot th...

After a short bout with some sort of intestinal flu bug (and yes, I did get the flu shot in October - but it's one of those hit or miss shots - one just never knows what strain is going to visit), today was an okay day.  Translation:  lots of sleep yesterday made for a decent day today.  Out came UFQ #4.  I had to go back and correct the posts....my numbering of the UFQs were a tad off.  I cannot remember completing this many flimsys in 3 months!  I suspect there will be a slowdown around the corner, but for now - yay, 4 flimsys! Curvy Rail complete:  Yes, it surely does need a good pressing.  And probably I need a better camera 😀... but then, a better camera couldn't be used as an excuse.   UFQ #5....too tired to even think about it.  Time for a break. Bring on the FCBs.....!!! Sharon

Fifteen minute sewing challenge has been part of an almost-daily routine now.  Today was no different.  UFQ #4, aka Funky Curvy Rails, met its first border - approved the color - and an hour later (never said I was Speedy Gonzales), first border completed.  Ahhh....I do like.  Border #2:  white on white tonal.   Border #3:  a purple/black swirly pattern Fifteen minutes a day really does make a difference!   A contented quilter, Sharon

Nice to have a plan.  Nice to finagle a makeshift design wall .... Not the best but it works. Layout for UFQ #4 - Funky Curvy Rail.  Did I share this was a class I took so many years ago?  Curved pieces have always been such a challenge - but this instructor (yikes - what is her name?) took the mystery out of it.  Bought the ruler and everything 😄 Layout?  Of course: First row sewn together.  Borders....yes.  Three is the plan.  First one black - then white - then purple.  Widths?  I haven't a clue right now.   Onward to UFQ #4! Sharon aka angel45402 P.S.  Kind of like using my own name versus angel45402......

Just prior to leaving for our trip to Cocoa Beach, Florida I took stock of the latest UFQ (as in Unfinished Quilt).  Not one of my finer ideas as blocks go.... After completing five more blocks, they were trimmed down - and there the problem revealed itself - along with the necessity of learning how to work with bias.  Out they went - and I felt absolutely no guilt or regret.  Nice! So on to the next UFQ..... I took a class so very long ago....Funky Curvy Rail.  Amazingly enough, the curves (when done correctly) are flat as can be when pressed.  Yes, this will definitely work. Angel45402

What better way to celebrate one's 65th birthday than a 4 day vacation to Cocoa Beach, Florida?  That's my dearest beloved's idea of a great birthday present.  He was right on the mark.  We left on Sunday afternoon on the 26th of February....and arrived in Orlando around 7pm...and then to the hotel in Cocoa Beach.  Stayed at the Best Western - right on the beach side.  While I didn't get a photo of the hotel, I did manage several photos of the sun rising - most of which are not right side up when posting.  Tilt to the side....! One of these days I'll learn how to get the photos to behave themselves when posted.   And yes....a little hand sewing was done..... On the plane....in the airport.....in coffee shops....   It was a wonderful get away! Angel45402