Stash bee blocks

I was delighted to get these courthouse steps blocks sewn on the first day of the retreat and passed onto their recipient, Jane. She was receiving blocks from several attendees, so I hope they go together as she has planned. I had only printed out the instructions and chosen some fabrics, so I had to cut the strips ready to sew. I was surprised how many neutrals with small pink accents are in my stash.

I am now back from Liverpool and the first job to do is unpack my suitcase! I am always slow to do this on my return.

One final push

I had nothing planned on Tuesday so I focussed on quilting Lizzie's sealife runner. I played thread chicken and lost and also lost at backing chicken. That annoyed me as I had to take the runner off the long arm and add some extra fabric to the backing.

It is now finished and ready to take to the UK for Lizzie to bind. Fingers crossed that my flight has gone to plan and I'm safely in Bradford. Retreat starts at noon and I plan to start with Stash Bee blocks first as a quick make.

Lizzie’s Christmas present

 

I started binding the place mats and table runner on Sunday. I had not had much sleep the previous night so expected to be only able to finish two table mats. I was pleasantly surprised to finish all six place mats and the table runner. They are now rolled up together and, in my wardrobe, ready for gifting at Christmas.

Next, I need to see if I can quilt a quilt for Lizzie before tomorrow. I haven't been given any backing so I need to see what I have in stash.

Jingle all the way finish

I finished my October UFO challenge piece, just under the wire. Those embellishments took me longer time to embroider (four hours) and attach to the quit. I decided against adding the ribbons to the bows as I couldn't get a neat finish, so I just pleated the bows and stitched the pleats down on my sewing machine before attaching them to the top of the presents.

The lights were added without the string between them for a simpler finish too.

I am delighted with the finished quilt and now need to prioritise what to complete over the next few days before going to retreat. My flight is on Thursday afternoon and I return home on Monday lunch time.