In Focus: Little Quilts

It's been awhile since I've posted an In Focus on my favorite books and/or patterns. My goal is to highlight one or two per month, and now that Momcat's over her retreat phase perhaps I'll be able to get back on schedule.

In Focus

Little Quilts All Through the House


This book is an oldie but a goody. Published in 1993, it's one of my favorite ways to bust stash, and with today's focus on using up what we have, I wouldn't be surprised if the popularity of this little gem finds a new audience.

Here's one of the quilts made from the book, using just various scraps from other projects. It's called Hopscotch.


It's the perfect size to use as a table topper, a doll quilt, to throw onto a basket to hide the contents, and of course, for me to sit and purr on. I particularly enjoy the buttons.

Many of us use Bonnie Hunter's method of cutting and storing our scraps. Little Quilts allows us to make use of even smaller strips. Whenever you're cutting, don't throw away those strips that are less than two inches. Cut them into various widths of 1.25", 1.5" and 1.75". Many of the designs also use squares of various sizes such as 3", 5.5" and 6". If you've been collecting nickels or charm squares it would be quite easy to adjust the patterns to use up those squares.

Remember that the idea is to USE YOUR STASH! Although we have a lot of darker country colors in our stash (think Thimbleberries) I'm curious as to what some of these designs might look like using today's more contemporary colors. A little quilt using one of the patterns, but Amy Butler fabrics, for instance, might give a room the happy kick it needs.


Retreat Report #3

Momcat, who never wins anything, was the lucky winner of two raffles and a round of the most lame Quilt Bingo ever. Here's the winning card.


Momcat said that if she ever hears the word "variegated" again she might have a meltdown. At least she was able to continue sewing while she played. And the prize was terrific!

Here are her various winnings, with one very special item not having come to the surface yet. It was in a raffle and made by fellow Peep Regina the I. It's a bag that was filled with cool tools. It's buried somewhere and I'll post about it when it comes to light.

The Patterns



Books, More Patterns, Retreat Gifts from the Organizers

In the center of the picture above, you'll see a credit card holder and pin cushion. At each meal the retreat organizers had a gift at each place setting. Most of them were handmade by one of the gals at the retreat. What a nice thing to do!

Here's a better look at the credit card holder when opened. I really think Momcat is going to enjoy using it, although I think she needs to keep the credit cards IN it and not have them come out to play.


We have plenty of patterns and books to keep us busy for years to come. Better get busy.

Happily occupied,
Piwacket

Retreat Report #2

Although the St. Jude's Retreat ended on April 26, Momcat is still reveling in all the fun and companionship. Not to mention the mess that remains around the house. Who would have realized that just a short weekend away could result in so much stuff entering the house! I assure you, it's a joyful chaos.

As is the fact that Philip came home from university last night. This is what moving home from college makes the living room look like. It's a playground!



We have our fingers and furry kitty toes crossed that an upcoming meeting with the Dean allows Philip to graduate now rather than having to wait for one class in Spring of 2010. Next step is job-hunting and figuring out what to do with a degree in Comparative Religion. All I know is that as soon as he sat at the computer I climbed up onto his lap and started purring. It's so good to have him home.

Back to the retreat, however. Cathy and Linda stopped at Valley Quilts in Trenton, Ohio on the way to the retreat center. Momcat (Linda) had never been there before. Here are the cute patterns she bought.

I can hardly wait to help her make the darling confectionery pincushions. Maybe looking at a doughnut pincushion will help her with her diet. The great retreat food sure didn't.

When arriving at the retreat center there were hugs and introductions. Jill pointed out Momcat's sewing spot to her. Look at the neat gift items from the Peeps (the group from Prolific Online Quilters who met at the retreat).

The great sewing caddy is from Jen, the beautiful red rice pack is from Jill, I can't remember who made the coaster, Jill made the cool name tag (yeah, that's right...MY name is on the tag) and Jennifer made the yellow thingy.

The Woman Behind the Cat

Notice how delighted Momcat is by her/my name tag.


Meanwhile, the rest of the Peeps were thinking "You crazy clueless woman...there's a quilt right there. Open it!"


To say that she was overwhelmed would be an understatement.


This picture shows how nicely quilted it is thanks to Jill's long-arm and her hard work, plus some passes by Jen.


Now about that yellow goodie...here it is on the couch at home.



Here it is being modeled by Momcat. It's a finger pincushion! However, Butch and Sundance are convinced it is the very best cat toy they've ever batted around. Now really, is anybody surprised by that?



May you live in a joyful chaos, too.

Piwacket