I had a day free on Tuesday, and it was a rainy day, perfect for hiding out in my basement and putting thread into fabric. I have had a total lack of inspiration lately, and I think it is because I just don’t need anything for myself or for a gift. So I turned my attention to charity, as this often can get me rolling again. I haven’t made anything for Project Linus in over a year, and I had a pile of children’s prints that needed using up. I pulled out the bag and set to work, determined to do something.
I had a long bit with Beatrix Potter figures on it printed in a mock piecework print. Cute, but I didn’t have a lot of it. I cut it in half and trimmed it up to two rectangles. I had the green check leftover from the Hungry Animal quilts, and enough to make some bars between the prints.
The letter print had the same soft colors, and I had just enough for a border.
The final border is a Mother Goose print, again in soft greens and blues.
There is Mrs Tiggy-winkle and Squirrel Nutkin on the top row, with Mr Jeremy Fisher and another bunny on the bottom. I cannot quite figure out if it is another Mrs Tiggy-winkle, or somebody else.
The Mother Goose print has lots of characters and farm scenes with cozy cottages and fields.
What was left after making that top were some smaller rectangles of cute prints meant for very young children. I measured them and figured out that a 10-inch square could be cut from all with very little waste. So, I did that. Then I went through my fabrics and came up with a few more to total 20 blocks.
I put the squares on my sewing table and sorted them into five sets of four, making sure I didn’t repeat a print in any set.
I sewed the rows that day as well. Next will be to arrange them to distribute the prints nicely, and sew them into another top.
On Wednesday, I had some time after my set up chores at the show to get back to the sewing room. I needed to join some batting scraps to get a piece large enough for the little quilt. I use an edge joining foot that has a center flange. Sew with the widest zigzag stitch your machine has, and a longer stitch length. The flange will lift just enough extra thread to keep the pieces from puckering.
Then, I was able to load the first top unto the longarm. I chose a light green Glide thread with light green Bottom Line in the bobbin.
The pantograph is called Fascination, and is one of my favorites. It has long flowing lines, and two passes on one sheet so fewer advances of the quilt.
I got it about halfway done, and it will be there for a quick pass as I have time over the weekend and into next week. Then, I’ll quilt the second one. I hope to be able to turn them into the Project Linus chair at our guild at the June meeting. It’s a month away, so shouldn’t be a problem.
Our Western North Carolina Quilters Guild “Garden of Quilts” show begins today, and I am so ready for it to finally be here. We have been working on the show for a year in planning. I hope if you are within a couple of hours drive to Flat Rock, that you’ll come see it. There are over 250 quilts on display in traditional, modern and art categories, from miniatures, to wall hangings, to king size bed quilts. I will bring you some show scenes next week as I’ll be taking a lot of photographs for publicity next time.
What are you working on this week?
From My Carolina Home 
ah would love to see the show but alas way more than 2 hours away….delightful, adorable little quilts that will excite any little one…
The Beatrix Potter is beyond wonderful. I love and am so inspired by her art and it’s really a wonderful little quilt with that pretty border too. (I know what you mean about lack of inspiration. That’s where I am these days.)
It’s always exciting when all the work is done and it’s time for the Quilt Show!! Our yearly trip to NC is always in July, but I’d love to see your show if I was close by!! I’m in charge of our show for the second year in a row, but ours isn’t until October, so we have plenty of time to get everything done. Your Linus quilts are great!! I need to start getting some quilt tops made here, too!! Keep up the great work!!
Bless your heart…You are such an inspiration. ME??.I’m still in the pitiful stage until the apt. for the spine clinic comes through..Some bearable days ..some almost not. Living alone there is no one to wine to so my Lord and I converse most of the day.Regardless of my pain there is so much to be grateful for and much more to ask forgiveness for..Our country is in such a mess..God’s mercy please! I look forward to your guild report.
What a great way to get inspired — Project Linus quilts. Love that pantograph design too. Swirly & sweet! Good luck at the show this weekend!
Such sweet projects whipped out of scraps! There will be two extra lucky kiddos receiving these blessings very soon! ❤️
That is sweet as can be, Carole! I love the soft colors, too. Have a great day/weekend at the show!
Enjoying your posts. I have oodles of children’s fabrics to make. I just have to get moving and stop stashing these fun collections!
Adorable! The perfect way to get back in the groove. Comfort Quilts are my favorite thing to make. Everyone I know who’s interested already has a quilt or two from me. Better to make one for someone who needs a hug. Just got back from my 1st visit to our quilt show – I bought a weekend pass. Today I looked at the quilts I didn’t get to see while hanging them. Tomorrow I’ll get to visit the vendors. Sunday is the fashion show. Monday I’ll be taking a rest.
Giving sparks enthusiasm. What better project than a charity quilt! Like what you’ve done with the children’s prints and love the pantograph!
Good luck with your quilt show!
I am currently working on 6 BOM of Zelda from Modern Welsh Quilts. I know…crazy huh?
Elana here: Congrats on winning two ribbons!! The show looks like so much fun. I bet you guild folks start planning the next one right away. It looks very professional and well laid out. No wonder there was a long line! Have you shown close ups of the beaded quilt? i’m curious now to see it in more detail. Enjoy the rest period and thanks so much for sharing!!
Thank you so much!! We plan a year in advance, but we only do it every other year. So, planning for next time will begin in May 2025 for the show in 2026.
You can see closeup of the elements in the Japanese quilt construction on this link – Progress on the Japanese Art Quilt.
Looks like making charity quilts was the right decision to get you inspired and using up your stash. The quilts are looking good!