Delightful Designs

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  • PRESSING ISSUES

    Today, I am measuring 6 quilt tops that will be taken to Kiki’s tomorrow.  Actually I will probably only take 2 and get the others ready for the next time around.   I need to cut the batting and sew up a couple of backs for Kelly to quilt.  She comes in once a month and takes tops and quilts them for a reasonable price.  Hubby is balking at the cost but I figure it this way, they are too big for me to handle, much less to try and quilt.  Plus, it’s too hard on my knee to stand and try to quilt.  They are mostly queen sized or bigger, so it is worth it to me to get them done professionally as it would take me twice as long to do them.  A few of them are for donation to the Quilts of Valor program for veterans that our guild takes care of and the others will go to Marjoree Mason Center.  


    First off, I need to clear off my table and finish a few blocks, do some ironing, and so on.  Might have another finish coming up this week.  
    Sunday’s Goals:

    1.  Clean off table

    2.  Press 6 tops and remeasure for accuracy

    3.  Prep 6 battings

    4.  Work on Kat Patch blocks

    5.  Frankenstein a couple of backings

    6.  Redo blocks for Oh, My Stars

    7.  Work on kid donation quilts, 2

    8.  Stuff ready to go to Salvation Army and drop off at guild stash room
    Sounds like a lot but it goes fairly quickly when I have hubby helping.

    Update. I think I have enough batting for maybe one large quilt and possibly a small one. Can’t believe I’m almost out of batting except for medium sized pieces and I really do not want to frankenbatt especially if someone else is quilting for me. We shall see what happens.

    I do have a QOV that is ready and Oh, My Stars ready to go. Maybe I will add in an Asian top, or not. I want to try and keep it at 2 every month. But at least it will be ready for the next time around. My goal is to get them prepped so I don’t worry about it later, and then I can grab them from the closet and take them in.

    Quilt of Valor to be donated by SJVQG

    A Banner Day Mystery Quilt 2020
    Asian Panel (unnamed) This is from a Round Robin in 2020

  • OH, MY STARS!

    BLOCK #1 AND

    THIS IS A LONG POST, PLEASE READ!

    • There will be 48 blocks, 2 blocks each month until December 20, 2022.
    •  CLARIFICATION: Fifteen of these blocks will repeat, 9 of them twice. Four of them 3 times. And the final two, 4 times. I will inform you when the block will repeat and have a schedule ready on January 20, 2022.
    •  I will have suggested sashing and borders posted on December 20, 2022.  They will be posted under fabric requirements.
    • PLEASE NOTE I WILL BE POSTING ON MY BLOG ONLY!   Our group gets way too busy and posts get lost there, so please post comments and pictures to my blog only not at the group page.  I will only post a link on Scrappy Quilters, not the patterns, etc.   

    NOTE:  I will be posting 2 blocks each month.  Please remember that some blocks will have only 1 block needed, others will need 2, 3, and 4.

    If you wish to work ahead, please do so, but do remember that I reserve the right to change a block for whatever reason but I will let you know a week in advance of the change(s).  Also note that the block layout is not complete and may change as we do the quilt.  

    BLOCK #1 

    NELSON’S VICTORY

    PLEASE MAKE SURE TO SCROLL DOWN TO 6 INCH SIZE AND THEN DOWNLOAD THE PATTERN.  You will only need to make 1 block.

    This can be found at: https://www.patchworksquare.com/mf/nelsons-victory-quilt-block.pdf

    Here is my picture:

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_42841.jpg

    NELSON’S VICTORY

    I found it easier to make the pinwheel section first and then add on the outer units. Very easy block and makes a nice quilt on it’s own.

    Here is a tutorial on how to make pinwheels how to lay flat. This is from Quilting Digest:

    How to Make Fast and Easy Pinwheel Blocks

    BLOCK

    FRIENDSHIP STAR, BASIC

    PLEASE MAKE SURE TO SCROLL DOWN TO SIX INCH AND THEN DOWNLOAD THE PATTERN.  You will need to make 2.

    This can be found at https://www.patchworksquare.com/mf/friendship-star-basic-quilt-block.pdf

    And for making HST, this is from Spruce Crafts: https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/easy-half-square-triangle-units-for-quilts-2821466

    Here is my picture:

    Friendship Star, Basic

    I used the same fabrics but switched the centers and colors around just to make it a little different and fun.

    I will be back again with the next set of blocks on February 20. See you then!

    Hello Everyone!  Just checking in to see how we are doing with the first 2 blocks?  Are we caught up or do you need a little more time? 

    Remember to post pictures here so we can all share in the eye candy!  Just post a comment with a picture, please.   Thank  you!!

  • OH, MY STARS!

    Look! It’s HERE! Look above at the banner picture! And it’s a day early!

    I am still figuring out the yardage needed and that should be available tomorrow, so go ahead and have fun!

    Here is a better picture. Not sure what to do with the sashing yet.

    You are welcome to work ahead but please note that I reserve the right as creator of this quilt to change the blocks.  I will let you know the changes the month before.  

    Two blocks will be chosen each month, some just only 1 block needs to be made, but there will be others that will need 2, 3 or 4 made at a time.  

    As we finish the blocks, there will be a checkmark next to it just as a reminder that we have already made it, but the link will still be available.  This is just a list but doesn’t mean we will go in this order. All patterns will be found at Patchwork Square (patchworksquare.com). 

    I am not doing step-by-step instructions, but will be providing helpful tutorials with links and/or other information that may be pertinent.  I will post a picture of my finished block. ALL BLOCKS ARE 6 INCHES SQUARE.

    SCHEDULED BLOCKS

    LIST OF LINKS TO BLOCKS  1 BLOCK EACH

    1. Fan Waves: https://www.patchworksquare.com/mf/fan-waves-quilt-block.pdf
    2. Nelson’s Victory: https://www.patchworksquare.com/mf/nelsons-victory-quilt-block.pdf
    3. Dolly Madison Star: https://www.patchworksquare.com/mf/dolly-madison-star-variation-quilt-block.pdf
    4. Free Trade: https://www.patchworksquare.com/mf/free-trade-quilt-block.pdf
    5. Windmill: https://www.patchworksquare.com/mf/windmill-quilt-block.pdf
    6. Friendship Star Intermediate: https://www.patchworksquare.com/mf/friendship-star-quilt-block.pdf
    7. Catch As You Can: https://www.patchworksquare.com/mf/friendship-star-quilt-block.pdf
    8. Air Castle: https://www.patchworksquare.com/mf/air-castle-quilt-block.pdf
    9. Aunt Dinah: https://www.patchworksquare.com/mf/aunt-dinah-quilt-block.pdf
    10. Star on Star: https://www.patchworksquare.com/mf/star-on-star-quilt-block.pdf

    LIST OF LINKS TO BLOCKS  2 BLOCKS EACH

    1. Rio Grande Crossing:   https://www.patchworksquare.com/mf/rio-grande-crossing-quilt-block.pdf
    2. Princess Charlotte:  https://www.patchworksquare.com/mf/princess-charlotte-quilt-block.pdf
    3. Love in the Mist:  https://www.patchworksquare.com/mf/love-in-the-mist-quilt-block.pdf
    4. Friendship Star Basic:  https://www.patchworksquare.com/mf/friendship-star-basic-quilt-block.pdf
    5. Sarah’s Favorite:  https://www.patchworksquare.com/mf/sarahs-favorite-quilt-block.pdf
    6. Ohio Star:  https://www.patchworksquare.com/mf/ohio-star-quilt-block.pdf
    7. Millstone:  https://www.patchworksquare.com/mf/millstone-quilt-block.pdf
    8. Winged Four Patch:  https://www.patchworksquare.com/mf/winged-four-patch-quilt-block.pdf
    9. Springtime:  https://www.patchworksquare.com/mf/springtime-quilt-block.pdf

    LIST OF LINKS TO BLOCKS  3 BLOCKS EACH

    1. Wyoming:  https://www.patchworksquare.com/mf/wyoming-quilt-block.pdf
    2.  Maple Star:  https://www.patchworksquare.com/mf/maple-star-quilt-block.pdf
    3. Folded Corners:  https://www.patchworksquare.com/mf/folded-corners-quilt-block.pdf
    4. Forest Campfire:  https://www.patchworksquare.com/mf/forest-campfire-quilt-block.pdf

    LIST OF LINKS TO BLOCKS  4 BLOCKS EACH

    1. Nine Patch Square:  https://www.patchworksquare.com/mf/nine-patch-square-quilt-block.pdf
    2. Danny Boy:  https://www.patchworksquare.com/mf/danny-boy-quilt-block.pdf

    My only request is that you PLEASE POST PICTURES HERE so we can all share in the eye candy!

    FABRIC REQUIREMENTS:

    Note that this is a scrappy quilt and I am planning on targeting some large pieces of fabric from stash, so it is difficult to determine yardage.  That, and EQ8 is not cooperating, and is only willing to print borders and sashing requirements.  I am still trying to fix it, hopefully by this weekend. Until I am able to fix it, we will go with the blocks chosen and determine yardage usage from the patterns.  Just remember that you will need extra for the blocks that repeat 2, 3 or 4 times.  

    I will be posting the first 2 blocks on January 20.  This gives me time to play catch up as I have not been able to stand, sit, walk or sew for long periods due to my knee procedure a couple of weeks ago.  Also, not supposed to be lifting very much due to my knee.  Thank you for understanding.

    *******************************************************************************************

    I went shopping yesterday at Joann’s and bought some fabric.  Yes, I fell off the wagon but technically, I had 2 gift cards from my daughter and a dear friend.  I decided to forego the traditional bland colors that EQ8 chose and am going with some fun bright colors.  I love the turquoise blue, pinks, greens, and yellows and from my stash I found some fun coordinating stripes, polka dots, zigs and zags and fun colors that POP!  I love bright colors and this will be a fun quilt.

    I am figuring that about a yard and a half will be enough for each of the fabrics, but I am also using several different pieces.  If you decide to go with a different color wave you might need to go with a little more or less.  I like to overestimate on yardage just in case.

    For the background, I am using an off-white and I am estimating about 3 yards.  Remember the blocks are only 6 inches square when finished.  I am still looking but this is a start and I may change my mind on some of the colors.  

    Let me know what you think by posting a comment.  Thanks for stopping by!

  • Sir sam and the dragon

    I came across this photo from about 4-5 years ago and thought I would share it with you. This is an applique quilt that I made for my DGS and it took 4 days of solid quilting plus a few weeks of applique to finish. It was a monster to make but it was worth to see Sam’s face! You look closely and you can see Sam in armor fighting the dragon.

  • Relief at last!

    MONDAY MORNING

    PRAISE GOD!!

    I’m going in for a simple procedure on Monday morning at 7:15 am.  I’m having the Coolief procedure where they will numb the nerves by ablation (burning) which will give me some relief from my left knee pain.

    Anyhoo!  I’m so excited I want to shout out loud!! My covid test is negative and I can go ahead with the procedure.  I made it through this whole pandemic, from the start, without catching it or transmitting it to anyone!  Hallelujah!!  So happy as I have really been isolating for the past 2 weeks, haven’t been outside except for labs, and only visited close friends and family who were vaccinated.  And yes, I am fully vaccinated and boosted.

    Now my only problem is making sure that I am awake and ready to go by 4 a.m. Monday morning!  WOOHOO!!!!

    As for today, I am full of energy and am going to finish quilting Dinosaur Sudoku before I get on the Top 40 Queen’s list.  Yes, I stalled on it. 

    Catch up more later!! 

    I had my surgery this morning and am home. Dr. Huang says that it went well and I should be back up and around by tomorrow or Wednesday. My knee is sore right now and swollen and it will be a couple of weeks for the soreness to go away, so no dancing tonight! dang. They gave me a light sedative and I was awake during most of it. My left knee is bruised and swollen but that is to be expected, so I am going to lie down for a bit as I am tired.

    I just want to say that the staff, doctors, and nurses at Kaiser are wonderful and they treat each patient with respect and as if they were the only one there and make you feel special and cared for.

    Thank you everyone for your prayers and support, and even though I am a little sore, I am glad that I had it done. Will post more later.

  • oh, my stars! Preview Sample blocks

    Star on Star
    Catch as Can
    Dolly Madison Star
    Windmill

  • OH, MY STARS!!

    Okay, finally after having tech support helping me for 3+ hours, going inside and working on my issues, I am back and ready to go. What a headache it was but it’s over now. Just back from Kaiser, had to have my COVID test done before surgery on Monday. Actually had the appt at 9 am and we got home before 9 am. Very quick. easy and painless. Later today I will be posting the preview of Oh, My Stars! with a few pictures of the blocks we will be making. Still deciding on where and how the blocks will be laid out and that will be available on January 20 with the first 2 blocks available for download. Stay tuned! See you later. 🥰

    OH, MY STARS! UPDATE:
    There will be a delay in doing the preview today. Yesterday, my computer caught a virus and I’m in the process of repairing some issues because of it. Having problems with pictures, files, and whatever, so I will be doing a lot of repair work, even possibly repairing Windows 10. I will keep you updated.Thanks for understanding.

    OH, MY STARS!! SCHEDULE:

    December 29:  SNEAK PEEK of Oh, My Stars!! This is just a sampling not the whole quilt. I have the blocks chosen but not the complete layout yet.

    January 15, 2022: 

    • Picture of the quilt top will be available. 
    • Fabric requirements will be posted on my blog at Delightful Designs – For those with way too much stash (wordpress.com) under the heading Oh, My Stars!! 
    • Please note that the fabric requirements may vary depending on if you use yardage or if you go scrappy.  This is an estimate and I like to overestimate in case of technical issues or mistakes.

    January 20, 2022:  The first 2 blocks will be posted along with links to the pattern and tutorials on my blog.  All patterns from here on will be posted on the 20th of each month.  Pictures will be posted as well.

    • There will be 48 blocks, 2 blocks each month until December 20, 2022.
    •  CLARIFICATION: Fifteen of these blocks will repeat, 9 of them twice. Four of them three times. And the final two, 4 times. I will inform you when the block will repeat and have a schedule ready on January 20, 2022.
    •  I will have suggested sashing and borders posted on December 20, 2022.  They will be posted under fabric requirements.
    • PLEASE NOTE I WILL BE POSTING ON MY BLOG ONLY!   Our group gets way too busy and posts get lost there, so please post comments and pictures to my blog only not at the group page.  I will only post a link on Scrappy Quilters, not the patterns, etc.   

    Delightful Designs – For those with way too much stash (wordpress.com) under the heading Oh, My Stars!!

    DISCLAIMER:  Please note, I reserve the right as the creator of this quilt, to change positions of the blocks or to substitute a block at any time for any reason.  I will let you know beforehand the month before, of any changes.

    You are also free to change your mind; after all it is your quilt also.

  • SCRAPPY QUILTERS 8TH ANNIVERSARY AND FALL RETREAT

     
    Starting Oct 28 to Oct 31, we will be celebrating with a Fall Retreat. We hope that you will join us!
    Why, you ask?
     
    It’s free and is online and you can join in anytime. No packing required. Plus visiting with friends. Plus, sewing time!
     
    Lottery blocks! Make up to 6 blocks and those count as a chance to win all the blocks made during the retreat.
    Separate post will be up soon so you can get a head start on them.
     
    Tutorials available in group chat rooms on different topics. If you have (or want to add one, please do so).
     
    Fun games and prizes! Chance to win FQ bundles, etc.
     
    Preview of a new original Mystery Quilt to be started in January.
     
    Please join us!
     

    FALL RETREAT BLOCK 2021

    WOVEN FOUR PATCH   

     
    We will be doing the 8 inch size in warm fall colors. This should make a nice comfortable quilt.
     
    RULES: 
    Please email me (luv2cutfab@gmail.com) with Fall Retreat Block 2021 in the subject line. Please state how many you are going to make. Each block that you make counts as a ticket to be eligible for the drawing. If we have more than 24 blocks we will do an additional drawing to make it fair.
     
    Please sign up now. All blocks are due no later than November 15 and must be mailed to the sender by that time. Please post to the winner and to me when you send the blocks.
     
    If you sign up for blocks but decide not to make them for some reason, please let me know before the drawing. If you have an issue with getting the blocks made, please let me know and we have Swap Angels who are more than happy to help you.’
     
    Thank you.

  • SCRAPPY QUILTERS SWAP IDEAS 2022

    This is in no way a complete list. Please note that we can always use a hostess to help facilitate a swap, but you have to contact me first at luv2cutfab@gmail.com. Please scroll the way down for more information.

    NON SEWN SWAPS: *CHARMS: Size: 5 inch square *LAYER CAKES: Size: 10 inch square

    SECRET SISTER: This is a one-on-one swap, but you will not have the person who draws your name. Rules to be determined at time of swap and same guidelines apply as above.

    ROUND ROBIN: A fun way to get a quilt top made by sending it to fellow quilters.

    ANYTHING GOES BOX:  Pass along your gently used items to others.

    SECRET SANTA:  A one-time swap between two people to exchange gifts.

    ONE TIME BLOCK SWAP:  To be decided by the group, size, type and theme.

    CHARITY QUILTS:  A selection of different blocks to choose from and then donated as a quilt to the charity of your choice.

    ONE ON ONE SWAP: Make a block and swap with your partner.

    BLOCK SWAP:  To be decided by the group, possibly 2-3 times a year.  You make a block for each player.

    RETREAT BLOCK: Join in on the fun and win the lottery!

    SIMPLE SALLY:  Make a project, like a stocking or pincushion and exchange with friends.

    SQUIRRELS: Watch out for challenges to be announced such as new ideas, tips or projects.

    CHALLENGES: There may be a new quilt coming, watch for more info.

    PATTERN SWAP:  Do you have too many patterns?  Share them with friends.

    MODERATORS: ALL SWAPS MUST BE APPROVED BY ME FIRST.  All swaps, challenges, etc., will have a FB messenger group assigned. 

    If you are interested in hostessing one of these you will need to be a moderator; please contact me at luv2cutfab@gmail.com and we can work it out together.

    We are always looking for new swap ideas and people to help hostess. Please keep in mind that unless it is a Secret Sister Swap, all swaps are decentralized. That means signing up and then sending the list on to everyone. Please send your ideas to me and we can work it out together.

  • Prayers Please

    Hello Dear Family!


    Doug and our family can use some prayers and good thoughts please. Doug is in the ICU at Kaiser Permanente Hospital here in Fresno with complete kidney failure. He has 2 stones, one in each kidney. One is a small one and should pass easily. The other one is the size of a large boulder in comparison and is harder to pass.

    Kathy took him to the ER on Saturday as I felt she was stronger and calmer to take care of him. He was panting for breath and in a lot of pain. We almost lost him as his panting was keeping him going because of his acid levels in his lungs. He has been on emergency dialysis to help make the stones pass but that was not working.

    Today he is scheduled to have surgery, don’t know the time yet, to place stents in his back so they can catch the stones. He is/was still in shock and his blood pressure was very low and they needed to lower his pressors (med) so they can proceed. He will then come home later and return for another surgery to remove the stones and stents. He is very tired, and able to talk but not really sure what is going on at times.

    I am waiting to hear from the doctor about the time and all the other details but will keep everyone up to date. My apologies for not posting earlier, it has been a very rough few days.

    Doug is in surgery now. It should last 1-1.5 hours and then recovery room for 2-3 hours. They will call when he comes out of surgery and then when he is transferred back to his room. The small stone should pass on it’s own as it has gone down in size but the other one is large and it will have to be removed. He has very little output from that kidney and there is a VERY SMALL percentage of risk 3-5% of complications. That may include bleeding and at the very worst, not being able to use that kidney and having to be on dialysis 3 times a week. Let’s pray very hard that it doesn’t happen. They will keep me posted.

    Doug came home from the hospital today.  We weren’t sure if it was going to be today or tomorrow and all of a sudden, his doctor said he looks better and will be discharged.  He is looking better but very tired.  He has several appts (phone) coming up in the next week and labs to be drawn.  Since the larger stone won’t budge they will have to do lithotripsy to remove it later on.  I am relieved to have him home.  DD went back to Michigan last night with her hubby and it was so nice to be able and visit with her.
    Again thank you everyone for loving support, prayers and good thoughts, they are truly treasured and mean the world to us.  ❤❤
    Maybe tomorrow after I do my errands I can get into my sewing room and actually do some sewing!