Gee, Linda, that's frustrating when your machine isn't right after servicing! I've had that happen, too. One time Sears lost all the feet for the machine (they were in the little tray where they belong - I didn't even think to take them out ahead of time). I fought with Sears about replacing them for a long time, then when they did one was no longer available. :(

I'll be doing some major housecleaning this weekend getting ready for my sister's visit! I'm so excited she's coming! We don't see each other often, and she hasn't been down here to see Mom in several years.

I hope to squeeze in a little sewing time when I need a break from cleaning.

Donna

I've finally gotten going on quilting again. We had a cold, rainy week here, and I was able to quilt guilt-free because I couldn't do anything outside. I've been making the blocks for the Antique Star quilt I'm working on. Each block takes just under a half hour to make, and I need 84 of them. And that doesn't count the time I spent cutting the 9 squares needed for each and deciding which fabrics to use in each star. Thirty-six down, 48 to go. Then I have to fussy-cut the striped sashing and assemble the whole thing. This may be the most time-consuming quilt I've done. It will finish at 91" square. It's for some good friends of ours who do so much for us. I can't wait until I can give it to them. I hope to work on it a little more this weekend, although the sun has come out and the yard, gardens and boats need attention.

We have company arriving Saturday for an overnight visit. Spent the week straightening up the house but took rest periods sewing! Got another Sweetheart Twister started, just have to twist cut and sew those pieces together. Below is a picture of the before cutting.

Also got a self binding baby blanket sewn. It calls for jumbo ric rac around the inner square, but I didn't like the look, so I may just do a decorative stitch. What do you guys think?

lindaoh, I'd love to see a pic of the advent panel.

lois I like your stars, 84 is a lot to make!

Great stars, Lois! I look forward to seeing your finished quilt.

I have a Civil War wall hanging kit that I keep wanting to start. I'm planning to hand piece and hand applique. I won't let myself start it until I finish a few other handwork projects first!

Donna

Carol, I haven't made a twister. Do you sew the whole top together then cut it apart?

Donna -yes, that's exactly what you do! the cutting scared me, but as I completed each row I got more confident that I could do It! Below is the pic of the one I made for my ds and bil. She told me its hanging on their bedroom wall!

Since hot weather is on it's way soon, haven't done any sewing in a couple of months. Have to get as much done as possible in the garden before it's too hot to do it. But I have a project that is waiting for sandwiching and when the major chores outside are done (including going blueberry picking) I will be getting back to it.

I plan to work some more on putting together my Allietare quilt. I also have an applique quilt that I want to get started on. It is supposed to be raw edge but I think I will do needle turn as I want it to be a baby quilt instead of a wallhanging. I will work this weekend getting all the patterns cut out and the fabric pulled for it.

No quilting for me this weekend. I sent Tobey and the dog off camping (it was snowing when they left here!) because I am having a girls' scrapbooking weekend at our house. What a good husband! The girls should arrive any time - it's a 2-night sleepover. Hope I get a lot done. DH did call and say it was barely raining where he is camping, and the forecast in NE Colorado is better than here. YEAH!

Sue

It's the week-end again? My, how time flies. Looks like y'all have your plans made and here I am doing this that and the other thing. I have another scrappy novelty waiting to have the blocks sewn together and have started on one of the Patch Pal quilts......the puppy. It calls for 2 1/4" squares........like that's going to happen. lol I have one part (of 6) made using 2 1/2" squares, so I'll probably work on another part and see what I have for backings for a quilt top or two.

Carolnv, I've made a couple of twister wall hangings and thought they were fun.

Lois, You might speed up your block making time by making 2 or 3 blocks at the same time....and/or cut fabric for each block, pin together then cut the next one. I never did like making quarter-square triangles. Those directional fabrics do take extra time.....have at it, girlfriend. lol

Toolgranny, what a difficult chore! It sounds like you need that trip to France. Have a great time!

D

Yes, Linda, try to relax and enjoy. Come back refreshed and ready to roll.

Theresa

Linda, France is so wonderful. Try to relax and enjoy it as much as possible. This is a lovely time to be there. What part of France will you visit? Is this your first trip there or a return visit?

I'm so sorry that all the work of disposing of your mom's house is falling on you. We did that in 2009, but my sister and brother also helped.

Sharon, I've had the 2.5" and 4" squares all cut for months now. Sometimes I just sit and work up the fabric combinations without sewing at all. I have started sewing two a a time. That does help. I haven't timed it, but I bet I can get two done in 45 minutes. I suppose if I did four at a time, I would save a little more. I'll just have to be very organized so I don't get confused. Trimming all those hourglass squares does take a lot of time too.

Sue, I can't believe all the snow you're getting in Colorado. We have kids in Denver, so I follow the area weather.