Friday, December 2, 2022

This 'N That

November has been jammed full of activities. I haven't had time to sit and power sew quilt blocks but I have made some progress on various smaller projects.

Four of the five quilts that Lori quilted have had the binding attached but poor orange sherbet is still waiting for her finish, maybe next week?

The little blooms/bouquet quilt has  her borders now, machine quilting will happen sometime this winter. I'm not sure if she'll become a charity donation quilt or not. She won't be going anywhere though until she's finished.

I had bought autumn fabrics and made napkins to be used for autumn and Thanksgiving.


I thought the grandsons would especially enjoy the fabric with the squirrels.


Then I decided to make winter napkins. Nothing says winter more than red cardinals and blue snowflakes! These will be used through the winter, not just at Christmas.


The zigzag stitching was done on my mother's old Elna which was probably purchased back in 1966 or '67? I use it all the time to wind bobbins. New modern machines don't fill bobbin completely full which I find very annoying. 


On my way to the Jane Stickle retreat in Shipshewana, I browsed at Gohn Brothers in Middlebury. The prices were so reasonable I bought 4 -1.25 yard pieces of baby flannel to make receiving blankets. The raw edges have also been finished with zig zag stitching. These have since been delivered to The Center in Nappanee. It's been cold here and they'll be used!

If you're wondering how to pronounce Gohn, most people pronounce it so it rhymes with John. However my mother always scoffed at that and said Goon Brothers. I assume that is the German pronunciation.

While searching through the Christmas fabric tub, I came across several yardage pieces. I hemmed them with my rolled hem foot. They turned out very nicely and will be used this Christmas season as table toppers.

I've also sewn bindings on several comforters that were knotted at church. There are several women who sew bindings besides me. The pictured comforter is one I pieced. 

It's probably a good thing I've been busy because I haven't started any new quilts. I was so inspired by all the quilting beauty I saw at retreat that I was ready to start at least 5 quilts the first day home!

It probably sounds crazy to most of you but December is actually a slower paced month for me. I'm glad, I'm ready for some stay at home sewing time.

Linking to Needle & Thread Thursday, Put Your Foot Down, TGIFF!, Peacock Party, Whoop Whoop Party, Finished or Not  Friday, Off the Wall Friday, Patchwork & Quilts

17 comments:

Katie said...

I love all of your seasonal napkins. Those seem like such satisfying projects. I love that you still use your mother's sewing machine - I'm always amazed by how sturdy older sewing machines seem to be!

Little Quiltsong said...

I too love full bobbins - and just discovered lately, that my sewing machine repair man, tweaks those areas - and the length of the thread left after a thread cutter cuts it. So you can get someone to tweak your new machines so that they fill the bobbin totally full too :)!
On the note of older sewing machines. My 45 year old Kenmore foot pedal has still not worn out, but the ones from my new machine......well, I finally got a metal one, as the plastic ones don't last long for me :)!
Happy sewing, always love seeing what you work on and am amazed at all the lovely projects you finish - and your hand quilting is just awesome!

Michele McLaughlin said...

Love your napkins and all your projects! That flower quilt is sure pretty! Such wonderful quilts your church is making! Glad you will have some sewing time this December!!! Hugs!

Ray and Jeanne said...

I love all your projects especially the napkins. They are so pretty! It's so nice to finish some things before starting more. Next time I'm in the area, I'll have to check out Gohn Brothers. It's always good to have a reason to return. ;) ~Jeanne

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

I agree new machines do not seem to fill the bobbin all the way - I wonder why that is.

Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nana said...

Hi Gretchen, I had to go back and check out that comforter. What a great pattern and how clever to use the yellow as a constant. Thanks also for the link to the pattern. Meanwhile, what a nifty idea to sew napkins and such pretty ones. THey never go out of style and I love the squirrel fabric too, not just the kiddies, LOL.

maggie fellow said...

fun projects with the joy of small finishes. Happy more relaxed December.

Julierose said...

Your seasonal napkins are so pretty; I love using cloth napkins... in our house when I was growing up, each family member had his or her own napkin ring made of carved wood with different designs...it is so nice to use cloth instead of throw-away ones...nice job on these hugs, Julierose

Cathy said...

What a fantastic array of "this and that"! I use cloth napkins that mostly have come from the thrift store but I'm always tempted to make some fun ones when I see what others use for napkin fabrics.

Pat at Bell Creek Quilts said...

your seasonal napkins are so cute! sure to be enjoyed by everyone! your flower quilt is adorable and will be loved by whomever receives it!

Jenny said...

Napkins, receiving blankets, binding and table toppers top - thrre has been a lot happening in your seeing room lately!

Gwyned Trefethen said...

I love your seasonal napkins. What a great way to use novelty fabric. I know my grandchildren would enjoy choosing their favorite napkin from your collection.

Susan said...

You may not have been power stitching, but you were certainly sewing a lot!

Sylvia@Treadlestitches said...

Sure seems like power sewing to me! Napkins, table runners, quilt borders, binding, and receiving blankets! All great projects. Well done!

Raewyn said...

Gosh you have been busy, getting lots of nice little bits and bobs done, adding up to a lot of sewing!! I have just bought a rolled hem foot for skirts so it's nice to see it used elsewhere too - hopefully it will be a useful tool :-) I asked my machine service person to adjust my bobbin filler one time - it used to overfill so I couldn't get the bobbin in the case, now it slightly underfills - that might be an option at machine spa time? I love the flippy corners I am seeing on your blog, with the Orange Sherbet quilt, and also this lovely blooms quilt - such a nice way to add an extra bit of pizzazz to a quilt, especially with the cornerstones - I'll have to remember that idea!

Deb Thuman said...

The napkin fabrics are gorgeous!

Chopin - A Passionate Quilter said...

I am so far behind on commenting..... For Christmas I want to not have to deal with companies! LOL
Love the little Bloom quilt, and the napkins are so cute! I remember the quilt that you made and did the binding.
Have a great week-end. Hope I can clear out the email box. Hugs