Wyoming Breezes

close up of a Twinkle block shown with sashing February 2023 Here’s a sneak peek of the blocks I was sewing last week. The blocks are large (16.5 inches) and fun to make. 

working on a new QOV January 2023 After I finished binding the two Quilts of Valor the longarmer returned, I started working on a kit I prepared last year. This new QOV is being made from two charm packs donated by Judy J. in July 2022  and backing scraps from other QOV.  I using a pattern that is new to me for this quilt, and so far it’s been a pleasure to sew.  My sewing mojo seems to have returned after a long hiatus. 

Two Quilts of Valor were recently returned by a volunteer longarmer, and I set to work adding the bindings and labels. I sew the binding on the backside before flipping it to the front. I press the binding and secure it with clips so it’s easier to machine stitch the binding into place.  The final step is to launder the quilts with color catchers. Frequently, it’s the red dyes that are captured, but blue fabric can also release dye.  Once the quilts are removed from the dryer, I allow them to air dry for a couple of days before preparing them for shipping to the coordinator who awards the quilts to the veterans. 

Two empty 3000 yard spools amounted to the  thread used in 2022: full spool for comparison I emptied only two spools/cones of thread in 2022, but one of the spools was new and held 3,000 yards of thread and the other had about half or 1,500 yards. The empty spools/cones allowed me to make fourteen  Quilts of Valor  and some small projects for myself and friends as well as do some mending.  It’s interesting to compare my thread usage over the years.               2021 spools                          2020 spools                2019 spools                2018 spools              2017 spools On Wednesday, I cleaned and oiled the older sewing machine and swapped it with the one I normally take to retreats. I like to use each of them similar amounts of time. 

Glory 59 x 74 inches Quilt of Valor #228 Glory started with a panel designed by Kathy Schmitz and donated by Karen M.  in July. I used the Bear Sees Colors pattern by Deborah Stanley and altered the borders to meet the QOV size requirements. The pattern works up quickly, but the center stalled on my design wall for over a month before I was motivated to add the borders. I’ve used this pattern a couple of times and have been pleased with the results each time. 

Our hostess, Sue welcomes everyone to the Noon Year’s Eve celebration  Sue discovered Noon Year’s Eve during the early days of the pandemic, and this year she and her husband hosted the celebration in their apartment for ten people. They provided party hats, noise makers, sparkling cider, and a light lunch of soup and sandwiches.  We sang Auld Lang Syne and toasted the new year and friendships. We even celebrated a special birthday - Marilyn, seated to Sue’s right and played a game once the dishes were washed.  Sue’s invitation  I’d never heard of Noon Year’s Eve, but a quick online search revealed it is popular, especially as a way for children to join in the holiday festivities. I’ll admit it was a fun way to usher in the new year.