Chookshed Stitchers 2024 Challenge February Update

The February Chookshed Stitchers challenge number was #2; the 365 Challenge quilt for me.

This is a large quilt, and my plan to move this project forward was to get it basted.

365 Challenge

365 Challenge

Goal accomplished!

365 Challenge

I had no idea how I wanted to quilt this, but I thought about it while I was pin-basting, and stitching-in-the-ditch.

I am not quilting this monster in a large space, but it hasn’t been difficult. If I need more space, there is a sewing machine to the left of the Juki that I can move off of the table.

365 Challenge

I am not using a walking foot. That is a better choice no doubt, but I chose to quilt the entire quilt with a free motion foot.

365 Challenge

After quilting the center, I suffered from a lack of sewjo. Who could be in the mood to sew with an automatic thread cutter running amuck? The cutter would do its thing whenever it felt like it!

After a bit of searching, I found the following solution, and it is working for me so far. Maybe it will help another Juki user.

My bobbin tension was very tight, so I loosened that. Almost everything is working great now.

Almost.

I am also having a problem with the thread shredding whenever I sew backwards. The Hubster found a tiny burr on the face plate and sanded that down. I haven’t sewn yet, but hopefully, that solves that issue.

The sun has shined, too, so that calls me outdoors to get some much needed exercise and Vitamin D.

And, hey, I now have a defrosted and clean freezer, and a clean refrigerator!

Back to sewing. I have a border that I can show you. The thread looks dark, but that is because it is wet. I use a blue marker to mark registration dots to keep me sort of on track while I free motion quilt the border. Then I spray the border with water to remove the dots.

365 Challenge

I am linking up with other challenge participants at Dreamworthy Quilts.

January completed blocks.

February completed blocks.

March completed blocks.

April completed blocks.

May completed blocks.

June completed blocks.

July completed blocks.

August completed blocks.

September completed blocks.

October completed blocks.

November completed blocks.

December 2022 OMG Update

Have fun and carry on!

Scenic Drive

The Hubster and I took advantage of a beautiful day this last week and took a scenic drive around our neighborhood.

Douglas Falls Scenic Drive

I meant to share the photos sooner, but pretty photos are fun to share and admire anytime!

*Clicking on a photo will give you a closer look!

Douglas Falls Scenic Drive

Douglas Falls Scenic Drive

Douglas Falls Scenic Drive

Douglas Falls Scenic Drive

Douglas Falls Scenic Drive

Douglas Falls Scenic Drive

Douglas Falls Scenic Drive

Douglas Falls Scenic Drive

See the world around you!

Trivets/Potholders

I shared what was on the design board in this post: January Chookshed Challenge #6.

Trivets/Potholders

Since then, I have made lots more scrap blocks made from the 1.5″ strip drawer.

Trivets/Potholders

Trivets/Potholders

Trivets/Potholders

Trivets/Potholders

I have scrappy blocks, batting, Insul-Brite, a freezer paper template, and backing all ready to go.

The template is a 10.25″ circle.

Trivets/Potholders

I quilted each block, with batting and Insul-Brite (not the backing).

Then I ironed the template to the fabric pieces (one by one, since I only made one template), traced around it, and cut circles from every block and backing piece.

Trivets/Potholders

No photo, but I sewed the backing and the quilt sandwich right sides together, leaving an opening for turning.

Turn, press, and topstitch.

Ta da!

Trivets/Potholders

Trivets/Potholders

Making potholders has been on my to-do list a long time. I really needed some new ones!

Trivets/Potholders

Trivets/Potholders

One can quilt through all layers, including the backing, and add binding instead of turning and topstitching. A pocket for the hand can also be added. Any size can be made.

One can also add hanging loops.

Trivets/Potholders

I don’t hang my potholders, and I don’t concern myself too much with appearance. These are made to be used. They will be stained and burned.

Having said that, there are a whole lot of fun and pretty potholder ideas to be found on the internet!

The best part…these are made from scraps! Although, I don’t think my scraps went down all that much.

Trivets/Potholders

I’ll be placing a couple of these in my kitchen drawer. The rest will go into the gift box.

Trivets/Potholders

Have fun and carry on!