Author Archives: joanspatches

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About joanspatches

I love being creative with my sewing and quilting
Jul22

Scraps

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Scraps

Today I started preparing for a demo I’ll be presenting at our quilt show in August. I’ll be using skinny strips of fabric, the size that usually go into the trash, and recycle them into cute little bags, like these.

Skinny strip bags


Now I have plenty of scraps that don’t fit in the category of “skinny strips” so I started playing with those as well. I used chunky scraps to make this one. While I was making it my thought was to cut it up for projects or quilt blocks. I really like it as is so it may become a wall hanging.

Crazy fat quarter


Then I used strips from a bag of scraps I purchased (uh, yeah, I didn’t have any of that line in my stash) a few years ago, to make this one. I like how it turned out, not sure how to use it yet.

Strippy fat quarter.


Playing with scraps has been a great way to spend the end of my vacation!

Mar19

Mending

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When my girls were young the mending pile only seemed to grow, never get smaller. When I did get around to tackling it, I’d find they had already outgrown some items so I really didn’t have to mend those!

Now when I get ready to quilt or sew, I find a few items have accumulated by the sewing machine, waiting for repairs. I’ve changed my attitude. I consider this mending to be a warmup exercise. It may involve simple repairs that can be quickly accomplished like sewing on a button. Or it may require more creativity like finding the right color fabric to patch a hole. Either way, I am accomplishing something and getting reacquainted with my sewing space. (Note–this is not an invitation for you to drop off your mending pile!)

Today’s stash included a couple pairs of spring slacks to hem for my aunt. As I pulled the hems out I remembered that we used to save that thread so we’d have a perfect color match for the new stitching. I don’t have to do that because I’m fortunate to have a large collection of thread to work with. This is only one small selection!

 

Now that repairs are done I think I’ll stay and quilt a while.

Dec31

Fans of the Past

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The center block, a found block from an unknown quilter, was provided as part of a challenge. The fan blocks came from my Grandmother’s leftovers. She was well known for her prolific quiltmaking. I felt a satisfying connection to my Grandmother and other quilters from the past as I constructed this quilt from vintage fabrics and trims.

fans-of-the-past

Mar27

One more block done

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IMG_4465What I thought would be easy enough–making one block a day in the Splendid Sampler sew-along–lasted one day. Until today! This pattern called for an embroidered motif in the center. I had a piece of tatted lace that my sister-in-love Marie had made some time ago. Unfortunately it had gotten stained and set aside, waiting to be useful. It was the perfect size and shape for this block! I used sharpie markers and alcohol to dye it. I like the result!

Feb22

More New Projects

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So, instead of getting any of the old projects finished, I’ve quilted a project for a friend and she is pleased. A group of us got together and made a quilt top to donate to Birthright. It’s a really cute and bright hugs and kisses quilt. I’ll get a picture when it’s finished.

Not what I had planned but satisfying and good things are done!

Feb14

New Projects

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In one of my quilt guilds, the president has challenged us to complete unfinished projects this year. She asked us to submit a list of projects. Then, as we finish projects, we bring them for show and tell at the monthly meeting. She has a point system with prizes at the end of the year. I’m not looking for prizes but I consider this a good way to make progress on projects I’d like to see completed!

So far I have started and completed a new purse for myself–not an unfinished project from the list, but a satisfying accomplishment. I used ByAnnie’s Soft and Stable to give it body and stability. I also upcycled some parts from old purses. I’m pleased with the results.2016-02-13 17.06.46

This morning I started another new project. This is a year-long project called Splendid Sampler. Over 80 quilt designers have compiled 100 six inch blocks that will be released one at a time twice a week. This sounds like something I can keep up with. The first block is a heart, perfect for Valentine’s Day.At least I am on track for today!

IMG_0902

As for the unfinished projects? Maybe later….

Jan26

Changed Plans

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It seems like every time I make plans lately they get changed. The surprisingly pleasant thing is that usually the changed plans are better than the original ones! My conclusion is that God’s plans for me are much better than my own.

The most recent change was precipitated by a medical condition. We had to cancel plans to fly which meant we were home to prepare for the impending blizzard instead of coming home just before it started. I’m sure our stress and anxiety levels would have soared had we been away from home! Big blessing!

2016-01-24 08.54.13

Nov1

Time for a change

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Since I had to take the clock down in my sewing room to change the time today, I decided to make the “Quilt in a Clock” kit that I purchased at Quilt Odyssey in July from Dianne Springer Designs. The kit included acrylic sheets cut for front and back, the clock and battery. I found a lonesome quilt block, quilted it and put the clock together. Now I can see a finished project and an enjoyable addition to my workspace!