April's Monthly Minis

 This month's mini is actually five small pieces, three are full size 12x16 inch placemats, a smaller perhaps luncheon size placemat, and a hot dish mat or mug rug.

These are mostly leftover pieces from my Marrakesh quilt of a few years back.  After piecing all the 2-1/2 inch squares and assembling the larger mats, the remaining small bits were randomly pieced into rows for the mug rug.  Some leftover less-than-a-fat-quarter size pieces make up the bindings.

I had this piece that was just large enough (with some seaming) to make the backing for all the mats.

Another swiffer box of scraps emptied, but why does the scrap pile in the corner of the room keep growing??

After two lovely 80 degree-plus days early this week, we've had a day of snow and this morning there was snow on the deck and a cold north wind blew all day, though the sun shone brightly.  We've covered the iris plants tonight as our low temp is expected to be in the low 20s.  Brr!

I hope it is warm and sunny where you are!  Please check out Wendy's blog at The Constant Quilter to enjoy more monthly minis.

Seasons

The seasons change, and so too the seasons of life.   Quilting is slowing as other demands on time and energy for caregiving for my sweet DH increase.  I'm still enjoying reading your blog posts in the quiet moments, though you'll have to forgive me if I don't always comment.  

Over the past couple months I have been able to complete two simple quilt tops, both will eventually become donation quilts through our little ministry.  This first one used up a bunch of 2-1/2 inch squares that had accumulated in the bottom of my "work box" that travels back and forth to our meetings, and was completed entirely during our weekly get-togethers over the past several weeks.  The top measures 56-1/2 x 60 inches.

When I made the "Black Magic" triangle quilt last year, there were quite a few leftover triangles and I knew there would be another one for donation to the yearly camp auction.  One of the names suggested for the first version was "Puffins and Penguins" though that quilt contained neither.  So I scouted out some penguin fabric, and when I won a recent giveaway from Sally at Objects of Design I asked for a square of puffin fabric if she had any, and she responded with several swatches of sweet little puffins. Thank you Sally!  The new quilt flimsy will be "Puffins and Penguins" and it measures 73x73 inches.

Shown in all its rumpled glory on the guest bed since the critters are all shedding their winter fur and this is the only room that remains relatively fur-free at the moment.

There are all sorts of wild and sassy animals and other wonderful I-Spy things in this top!

Have I exhausted my enjoyment of making these triangle quilts? Nope!  When our lives become more normal again, I'd love to make a Panama Pyramids quilt, maybe using some Kaffe Fassett pieces I've been accumulating. For now at least, I think black and white "might" be out of my system.

There might be a mini project at the end of the month, just the binding left to add if time permits.  If we are fortunate enough to have some good weather several of the kids and older grands are going to have a work party outside to help clean up all the branches, rocks, logs and other debris on the property left from last winter's windstorms and floods.  We surely need the help, and soon, the grass is growing gangbusters after our warm 70-80s weekend.  On a happy note, the daffodils have begun to bloom!

Til next time, happy stitching.