My friend, Missy, founder and CEO of the Davis Direction Foundation asked if I could complete a quilt top hanging on my rack and donate it to the organization’s annual fundraiser benefitting their substance abuse, addiction and recovery programs.

What you see pictured above is my completed quilt. The pattern is Windmills from one of the 3 yard quilt books by Fabric Cafe. This top was actually a former class sample that was on my list to be completed and donated to a children’s charity later this year.

Missy’s request turned out to be a win for both of us! I have one less quilt top hanging on my rack, one less package of batting in my stash and can mark my to-do of donation quilt for Q3 as now complete! I was also able to try out a quilting design I’m thinking of using for hubby’s quilt.

Hopefully, the auction is successful. There are so many items up for auction that I wonder if my quilt will even receive a bid. If it doesn’t, I know the quilt will be utilized by teens at The Zone. I did a donation quilt for a different group several years ago. While the baby quilt didn’t raise as much as other items, the winner was so appreciative of all the workmanship that went into the quilt. She was beyond thrilled at being able to afford such a “nice handmade quilt” for her new grand-daughter. I’d classify this lady as definitely quilt worthy!

Don’t know about you, but every quilt that leaves my studio takes a tiny piece of my heart with it. There’s a lot of thought and care that goes into making every quilt – from commissioned to charity quilts. The biggest compliment to me would be for the quilt to be so well used that it’s worn out to the point that it becomes the dog’s quilt.

Happy mail arrived this week from the Fat Quarter Shop – Lori Holt’s newest book! This one may surpass Vintage Christmas as my fave book from her. In case you’re interested, Fat Quarter Shop features a video preview of the book on its YouTube channel. Tutorials of several of the blocks can also be found on Lori Holt’s YouTube channel, as well.

I was itching to try out a 6-1/2″ block, so I chose the Grandma’s Donut Block and dug into my stash. While cute, this practice block is not one I would include in a quilt (see #4 & #5 below). I’ll turn my sample into a potholder as a thank-you gift for a friend.

Here are my notes to self moving forward:

1. Remember to press seams OPEN on 6-1/2″ blocks.
2. Set stitch length for 1.8 – 2.0 & backstitch so seams don’t come open when joining rows.
3. Folded corner trimmer ruler speeds up the process!
4. More contrast is needed in center economy block. Solid, mid-dark fabrics on outer triangles would be a better choice. White on white fabric for center and corners if making an entire quilt perhaps?
5. Pay closer attention to match points on center economy block.
6. Good candidate for die-cutting multiple blocks.
7. Perfect project for FW or Elna STAR.

In summary, you take the time to make a sample block, so you can “practice” before cutting into your “good” fabric. This allows you to check seam allowances, cut measurements, fabric selections, sewing sequence and tools required before you get started on the “real” project.

1. Die-cutting pieces will require slightly more fabric.
2. No need to draw lines on back of squares for triangles if using folded corner trimmer.
3. Due to amount of cross-seams in the block, use FW or small Janome machine. The 1/4″ foot on those machines has an easier time going over the thick seams.

I prefer a little background noise in my studio while I sew – podcasts, audiobooks or a playlist on Spotify. This way, I can continue listening as I move around the house or need to travel somewhere in my car. I did learn that I cannot listen to foreign language lessons while driving. I get too involved listening to the speaker and don’t pay enough attention to driving.

As mentioned in previous posts, I’m making the most of my library cards. If I see a book at Barnes & Noble or on amazon.com that interests me, I check to see if one of the regional libraries has a print or digital copy available. One of them usually does. My hold on The Four Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz audiobook finally came available this week. I tried to read the actual book as part of a professional development initiative at the former day job, but just couldn’t get into it. My neighborhood book club leader suggested listening to audio versions of books we couldn’t seem to get into, so I gave it a try. The particular version I checked out was a condensed version of the actual book. In less than an hour, I listened to all the main ideas and important takeaways from the book. Perfect!

In case you’re wondering, the Four Agreements are essentially:

(1) Your word (communication) should be impeccable. [No gossiping, keep opinions to yourself]
(2) Don’t take anything personally.
(3) Don’t make assumptions.
(4) Always do your best.

I liked the book summary in e-audiobook format. Going to have to see what else is available!

Keep quilting!