Another zoom, aqua top completed and shopping

 I was sewing the rows of my aqua quilt and Chooky called another zoom session. 

All one way was sewn together. I ironed all the seams flat and my ironing board decided to collapse. It’s the only one I have owned and I have only had it since 1980 so I’m probably due for a new one. As I am sewing a large quilt I need it to help with the weight of the fabric as I sew the seams the other direction. I have propped the board up with containers and have it resting on the table too.

Zoom in the background and only a seam or two to go.

Top is all done and sits on my bed beautifully. I wanted it nearly to the floor so it covers everything for a great winter quilt.

The foot end will be tucked in between the mattress and wooden end.

I couldn’t complete the ironing so I went shopping. Our daughter was home from holidays and came for a visit so I could do some groceries. I went to Big W first. Wow, prices have gone up. This ironing board was $75. Well, I need it.

A few years back, at our quilt show, a member was selling her ironing board covers. They are thicker fabric and extra padding. I hadn’t got around to using it. Now is as good a time as any. I can now iron my top.

While I was there I thought I’d buy myself a new iron too. I don’t buy expensive ones as I have a habit of dropping them. This one was only $25 and I am happy with that.

Now off I go to iron my quilt top.

My drawing out, cutting board and ironing mat folder.

 Many years ago when I was a member of the Sunbury Patchwork group we made these cutting and ironing folders. I am talking about over 15 years ago. I used up some appliqué blocks from a friendship group I was in at Pixie Patch Kilmore.

On the inside was an ironing mat and cutting mat. This has been very well used as I take it to all the workshops I attend.

I decided that I needed one for my caravan case as my travelling sewing folder.

I already had the bits and pieces in my sewing room. So with hubbies help to cut the wood I have all the pieces at a nice compact size. I am even putting in a sandpaper board so I can trace the templates easier onto the fabric.

Approx 6” x 8”.

Now I just need to design and sew an outer cover for it.

Back to my hand piecing days.

 When I first started patchwork I made so many projects and quilts by hand piecing. This meant tracing around a template with pencil and slowing sewing them together to make blocks. Since we have just ordered a new caravan we hope to use frequently I would like to take my Hand sewing along so I always have something to work on that won’t be finished in a day.

About 10-12 years ago I went to the Melbourne quilt show and loved this pattern. 365 Star a Day.

Make 1 a day for a year. Well that didn’t happen. Life changed and I didn’t even get 1 block made. These blocks finish at 3 inches. I would prefer to make these than EPP.

These are the tiny templates used to make the blocks.

I had thrown in scraps of fabrics into this case years ago too. It also had a kit with scissors, needles, thread, sandpaper and pencil. All ready to go.

It needed updating and to be more organised.

I sat and measured out what size scrap I needed to collect to make it easier and hopefully neater for me. 

That will be next.  Sorting these scraps out.

Look at the gorgeous case I have for it.

Now I need to make the preparation folder. Sandpaper board, cutting mat and ironing board folder.

On to planning it.