SPRING STRING BLOCK SWAP 2024

ATTENTION ALL SWAPPERS! DEADLINE TO SIGN UP IS FEBRUARY 15TH. YOU MUST EMAIL ME WITH YOUR ADDRESS AT thepinkquilter@gmail.com.

DEADLINE TO SEND OUT BLOCKS IS APRIL 10TH.

Let’s start planning before December turns into January 2024. Wow, the time sure does go by quickly!

Shall we try the same standard block or try a different variation on strings?

This one is really very pretty and can be found here:

https://magnoliabayquilts.blogspot.com/2010/01/string-blocks-tutorial.html

I think that the maximum size should be 9.5 inches squared.

Another idea is to make postcards or mug rugs.

If you have any ideas, please post below, all suggestions are welcome.

And yes, this group was set up for swapping originally and I know that not everyone wants to swap and that is fine with me. But you do have the option of following along and making your own string blocks for yourself.

Depending on how many sign up, shall we do, if more than 6 players, 3 blocks to each person, and if we have less than 5 players, 4 blocks to each person. I think that this is a fair number, please let me know otherwise.

Please post below and also email me your choice at thepinkquilter@gmail.com before February 15th.

Thank you!

PS: We will be doing it along with our sister group, SQ String Theory.

BUST THE BITS AND PIECES PARTY 2024

FEBRUARY 8, 2024

Is your stash starting to expand and invading other areas than your sewing studio? Are your muffin bins topped and about to explode at any minute? 

Do you feel overwhelmed? Not sure how to use it or what to do with it, and almost to the point of giving it away? I feel that way too, at times!  Not to worry! I believe I have a cure for this common ailment. Let’s bust our scraps, especially those little pieces that seem to multiply when your back is turned. Each Thursday I will find some patterns that will deal with the little pieces and even some of the larger and odd pieces that we all tend to accumulate.

Here are some fun ideas to bust the ever growing stash.  

Our first one is a short video showing how to Cut On The Diagonal:

1.  (64) Scrappy Crumb Quilt Block – How To Diagonal Cut Scraps – YouTube

Or how to use up 5 inch squares and 1 inch strips to make this pretty quilt:

2.  (64) Such a simple quilt! – 5” squares and 1” strips – make it today – YouTube

And for the finale, from Jordan Fabrics, A Sweetheart Quilt:

3.  (64) Valentine’s Day “Sweetheart” Table Runner + Pre-cut Kit Giveaway! – YouTube

That’s it for today and I will see you again next week.

Thank you for dropping by!

BUST THE BITS AND PIECES PARTY 2024

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

Is your stash starting to expand and invading other areas than your sewing studio? Are your muffin bins topped and about to explode at any minute? 

Do you feel overwhelmed? Not sure how to use it or what to do with it, and almost to the point of giving it away? I feel that way too, at times!  Not to worry! I believe I have a cure for this common ailment. Let’s bust our scraps, especially those little pieces that seem to multiply when your back is turned.


Each Thursday I will find some patterns that will deal with the little pieces and even some of the larger and odd pieces that we all tend to accumulate.

Here are a few more Valentine gift ideas. 

From Missouri Star Quilts, a tutorial on how to Make a Heart and Kisses Table Topper:

1.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSpGTUgxaDg

From Simply Delilah some Quick and Easy Valentine ideas:

2.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5v4rc1LIHY&t=402s

From Erica Arndt, Quilty Heart Ornaments:

3.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovRF-WI8CN0

That is all for today, and I will see you next week!

Sewing with Grandma, 2018

These pictures came up on my memories this morning and I thought I would share them with you. Annalee, Sam and I all in the studio. What a blast from the past!

We celebrated Sam’s 16th birthday today at Texas Roadhouse and as a reward he got to sit in the saddle!  We had a yummy lunch of ribs and the fixins and he had a bowl of ice cream afterwards! What a wonderful day!

BUST THE BITS AND PIECES PARTY 2024

JANUARY 25, 2024

Is your stash starting to expand and invading other areas than your sewing studio? Are your muffin bins topped and about to explode at any minute? 

Do you feel overwhelmed? Not sure how to use it or what to do with it, and almost to the point of giving it away? I feel that way too, at times!  Not to worry! I believe I have a cure for this common ailment. Let’s bust our scraps, especially those little pieces that seem to multiply when your back is turned.


Each Thursday I will find some patterns that will deal with the little pieces and even some of the larger and odd pieces that we all tend to accumulate.

Let’s look at some more Valentine projects or maybe a few Spring ideas!

Here is a fun Scrappy Heart Quilt Block tutorial from Pin, Cut and Sew:

1.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlsu78e_7wI&t=80s

Or a Simple Spring Flower Quilt Block from My Sewing Room:

2.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ylVh59_2gA

And from Sew Much Moore in Store, how can you resist these adorable bunnies?  It’s really hard not to go down the rabbit hole with this one!

3.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9j2RMA87EbE

That’s all for today and I will see you next week!

Remember to click the links above to watch the videos!

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

I went to Vac and Sew this morning and I was right. The bobbin case was scratched up and had holes in it, just like I thought. The thread kept getting caught in the bobbin and caused a bird’s nest mess, the needle would break and then scratch or punch a hole in the case. I had a similar problem with my Brother machine a few years ago. It was an easy fix, $22. for a new case as opposed to having it stay in for a spa day. Wow, the prices on that have gone up!!

Just a reminder that if your needle keeps breaking, it’s most likely that the bobbin case has needle strikes, holes or shaved off sections on it. It’s easy to check and cheaper to replace. Take it in and have it checked.

Now, I will be working on my sewing for 2 weeks while waiting for it to come in.

BUST THE BITS AND PIECES PARTY 2024

January 19, 2024

Is your stash starting to expand and invading other areas than your sewing studio? Are your muffin bins topped and about to explode at any minute? 

JANUARY 19, 2024

Oops!  I forgot to post yesterday! 

Do you feel overwhelmed? Not sure how to use it or what to do with it, and almost to the point of giving it away? I feel that way too, at times!  Not to worry! I believe I have a cure for this common ailment. Let’s bust our scraps, especially those little pieces that seem to multiply when your back is turned.


Each Thursday I will find some patterns that will deal with the little pieces and even some of the larger and odd pieces that we all tend to accumulate.

Since Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, how about some patterns and ideas for that special person in your life!

From Shabby Fabrics a Pocket Prayer Quilt tutorial:  

1.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O15gjzAHFtY

From Carolina Sew & Vac, A Perfect Heart Block and she shows you how to make a table runner with it.  So pretty!

2.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTikk6SHkH8&t=53s

And from Debs Days, some fun Heart Drink Coasters using homemade fabric:

3.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wWrE6DhIDk&t=168s

That’s all for today and I will see you next week!

VALENTINE MUG RUG SWAP

Let’s Have some fun. Time to jump in and play. This month we are doing a Valentine Mug rug swap. Recommended No smaller than approximately 6 x 9 inches (15x23cm) no larger than 10 x 12 inches (25x30cm). You can start making your mug rug while you’re waiting for your partners name.

Sign up now partners given on Jan 17.

Please mail your Mug Rug no later than January 31.

Please contact me at thepinkquilter@gmail.com or Karen Wythe at karen.wythe@gmail.com for more info.

Thank you!

BUST THE BITS AND PIECES PARTY 2024

January 11, 2024

Is your stash starting to expand and invading other areas than your sewing studio? Are your muffin bins topped and about to explode at any minute? 

Do you feel overwhelmed? Not sure how to use it or what to do with it, and almost to the point of giving it away? I feel that way too, at times!  Not to worry! I believe I have a cure for this common ailment. Let’s bust our scraps, especially those little pieces that seem to multiply when your back is turned.


Each Thursday I will find some patterns that will deal with the little pieces and even some of the larger and odd pieces that we all tend to accumulate.

Today we are going to focus on our tools of the trade, our Rotary Cutters and Scissors, how to use and keep them sharp!  Yea, I know that you know how to use your cutter but some of us might need a reminder.

First up from Karen Brown, How to Use Your Rotary Cutter, 10 Tips For Better Results:

1.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCPw7I0qJrI

How about the right scissors for sewing and quilting?  Here is a quick video on the different types of scissors from the National Sewing Circle:

2.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4m-guqqbT8

And of course, we can’t leave out Jack, our favorite tool, the seam ripper!  From Missouri Star. Quilting 101, Seam Ripping Tips:

3.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m6-b_4ehOI

See you next Thursday!

BUST THE BITS AND PIECES PARTY 2024

JANUARY 4, 2024

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  I still have to catch myself from writing 2023!

Is your stash starting to expand and invading other areas than your sewing studio? Are your muffin bins topped and about to explode at any minute? 

Do you feel overwhelmed? Not sure how to use it or what to do with it, and almost to the point of giving it away? I feel that way too, at times!  Not to worry! I believe I have a cure for this common ailment. Let’s bust our scraps, especially those little pieces that seem to multiply when your back is turned.
Each Thursday I will find some patterns that will deal with the little pieces and even some of the larger and odd pieces that we all tend to accumulate.

To start off the new year, how about some Quilt As You Go patterns!  It’s a quick and easy way to get some UFOs finished or even some quick new starts.

From Teresa Down Under, 9 Different Ways to Do QAYG:

1.  How to do Quilt-As-You-Go (QAYG) 9 different ways (youtube.com)

Or from Pattern PooleTV, How to Make A Crazy Patchwork Quilt:

2.  How to Quilt As You Go: How to make a CRAZY Patchwork Quilt! (youtube.com)

Or if you are brand new to QAYG or need a refresher course, maybe you should start with this video from Mom and Pop Quilt Shop:

3.  (7) Learn To Quilt As You Go UPDATED VIDEO Link in description – YouTube

Happy New Year and I will see you next year!