I intended to start the New Year out working on some anniversary quilts, but started out going back to my solid apron scrap fabrics. I was so excited to finally have those red ones done that I started on a bag of pale blue/grean/pink/peach ones and have them all sewed and cut into HST (1546 units!) and couldn't find my colored pencils to scribble layout ideas on graph paper for there pale fabrics, so last night I cut and paired up my bright fabrics to make them into HST units too. Calliope - I'm so glad you said you're using the Missouri Quilt method of HST - that is the one I'm using too and I have a question. With the edges being on the bias, are you starching your units before you work with them (Press open, piece together?) and how are the holding up as you piece them together? Is there a lot of stretching? Lois - I love that City Lights pattern. I don't think you need to worry about horizontal lines - the batting today does not break down the way it used to, and quilting every 2" should be more than adequate to hold it all in place. Karlene

I go the other way -- as skinny as possible. I cut my binding strips 2" wide, then sew with exactly 1/4" seam allowance, or cut the binding strip to 1 and 3/4" wide, then use a scant 1/4" seam allowance. But there's no reason you can't get a "stuffed" binding while using a wider strip. I think the hardest part would be figuring out how to position the binding strip as you sew it on. You will want to sew at least 1/4" from the raw edge of the binding strip, but you will be farther than 1/4" away from the raw edge of the quilt sandwich. Perhaps you will need to draw a chalk line, then place the raw edge of the binding strip on the chalk line, then sew with the 1/4" seam allowance that the raw edge requires. When you flip the folded edge of the binding over, it will need to cover the seam line that attached the binding to the quilt. That might require a few practice pieces, just to be sure you get all the numbers to come together and result in the right proportions.

I have quad outlets everywhere. I did them anywhere I d@mn well pleased in the kitchen, too. I can't tell you how many people said I didn't need them. Until I reminded them that electrical needs of the 30s and 40s changed dramatically in the 80s and 90s. Imagine what they'll be in the next 50 years. Just the list that looklakelaborcamp listed isn't even the beginning, if you really think about it. How many chargers? How many battery operated tools and cleaning implements do we have these days? OT: I had my windows and sliders on the front of the house taken out. I think I'm going to brick the front (after much research here on GW/Houzz) but first things first. I'm replacing my horrendous windows and sliders with Anderson casement windows and two sets of beautiful, 2" thick antique doors where the sliders were. Those sliders just plain sucked, as did the windows. Talk about leaky... My house looks like it's foreclosed upon, all boarded up. Doesn't help that my lawn was up to my waist. Who needs to buy grass seed? Just grow your own. I'm sure, though, that the scummy neighbors figure it's now mowed because it's going up for sale. I'm kind of afraid to leave! CL: 7 new windows $500. 4, exterior, antique doors $200. Labor: to take out? Free. To put back in? $100 a day and they will be PERFECT. If it takes longer than a day, given my weird house, it's $100 until that window is done! I can afford this.

I did a grocery store run this morning - 7-8 am for seniors. I was so excited that I got "carded" at the door!!! We are now pretty well stocked and can stay in for quite a while. I kind of like not having outside commitments - but not the reason for it. I'm planning to bake some cookies then I am going to put the binding on a baby quilt. After that, I will start pulling some of the tops haning in the closet and start sandwiching (my LEAST favorite part of quilting). My DIL is a teacher and they are on Spring Break this week. The district said they are supposed to start online teaching next week, so not sure how that will play out. I will happily watch our grandddaughter if she needs to teach! I don't want them taking her back to daycare. Everyone stay safe! Sue