I finished the first Neutral Granny block and am quite pleased with how it turned out. When I purchased these fabrics from the 3 Sisters Cascade collection, I had in mind to make an entire quilt with it. The idea of a neutral table runner is really appealing to me, however. Can't you imagine it on a table with a centerpiece of white roses or peonies? So pretty. It will be perfect in my sister Andrea's house.
I have to admit, as much as I love this block, it sure wastes a lot of fabric! All these 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inch strips that get trimmed off really go through the yardage.
I used my Lori Holt Cute Cuts 12 1/2" trim ruler to get my blocks trimmed just perfectly.
Lately there have been a lot of blog posts and Facebook comments on finishing up UFOs that are leftover from 2024 and earlier. I suppose it is natural at the beginning of a new year to take stock and make a plan to finish up all those projects one started and set aside. I took a look around my sewing room and tried not to be too discouraged about all the projects I want to finish or even begin in 2025. It's a lot. Admittedly there are a few projects that I wouldn't mind setting aside permanently, but there are some I truly would love to get finished. That's a topic for another post I think!
How about you? Do you make a list at the beginning of the year of the quilting projects you want to finish or perhaps begin? How about sew-alongs? I have a feeling I should step away from those for a time and work on my list of unfinished projects instead.
17 Responses
Wow you’re making some progress! When I look around my sewing room and see the number of projects, it’s dizzying!! Each new year, I vow I will sew at least thirty minutes a day. Somehow that always falls apart.😉 When I can do that, it makes me happy and fulfilled. Maybe your getting into your new “normal” and that will help too. One thing is for sure, we are never bored!😄
I made a king size all neutral quilt in 2024. It turned out lovely. It was the first time I had worked with all neutrals. It was a great exercise in looking at, working with, subtle color.
I have never made Granny block. Is that the usual method? It puts bias edges on the outside. That seems like it is asking for trouble.
If that were a full size quilt, blocks on point, the assembly method would be to cut triangles with straight of grain on the outside, bias on the inside. That method would also reduce waste.
I am interested in how you are doing all machine binding. If you have time to explain, that would be much appreciated.
Also interested in how you pick your long arm quilting patterns, what you look at, how you decide, and dealing with the quilters long distance. My daughters and I get on my quilters computer/machine and look. Yours must have them on line?
Vickie
I don’t make a list – I just take a look at what’s going on. I am determined to finish more and start less this year; we will see how that goes. As morbid as it sounds, I don’t want to leave half-done projects in case something happens to me. My children don’t know which end of a needle to thread, and all my lovelies will be wasted.
I’ve made a list just to get organized and see what got lost in the shuffle. I do have a few I really want to finish and several I want to start. I’m overwhelmed with the list but at least it’s there if I forget one. I have Lori’s granny book and am also wondering about all the waste. I have been saving others’ granny quilts and I may look at one of those. For me the quilting itself is the hangup. I may seriously have to look into a longarmer for my big quilts.
I don’t make a plan on what I am going to finish at the beginning of the year. This year I plan on buying less fabric again and having less than 10 quilts waiting to be quilted. This year I did terrible on the purchasing side (oh look it is on sale and pretty with no plan on how I will use it) but I did well on the quilting side with only 9 quilts waiting. I don’t write down my plan but maybe I should.
Good Morning! I love the Granny Square block and have yet to see a color way that doesn’t show it off! Your table runner will be gorgeous! I do keep a running list (usually about 12) quilts that I want to make during the year and it is generally based on a pattern I want to make. I am trying to purchase less fabric and use what I have unless I need yardage for a backing.
Last year I finished a neutral log cabin quilt that I gifted to my son and his bride. I loved adding my scrappy neutrals to the quilt.
Every year I use spreadsheets to inventory my projects: Previous year(s) unfinished projects, Projects I need to ‘kit’ and start, and a current year list of quilts I’d like to make but have not yet put fabrics together. I have columns to tick off what I’ve completed – cutting, piecing, completed top, etc.- so I can see at a glance what needs to be done. Every month I pick a project from each list and work on it. This method may not work for everyone, but it keeps me on track to get my numerous projects finished, and done!
Here’s how I look at it. I quilt for my own personal enjoyment and relaxation. It’s not my job. So, I quilt what I feel like quilting. What brings a little happiness into my life?
That said, I have a spreadsheet where all of my projects are listed, and as they are finished I move them to an area under the year they were completed. About 5 years ago I worked on whittling down my projects—give it away, donate it, or work on finishing it up. (Of course I still got new stuff—let’s be real). I have to a more manageable level now. And it feels great.
I really like that soft neutral look that you’re working on! And, scraps/schmaps…at this point if you’re enjoying some sewing time please just let that go!! Reading what others have written I think maybe I’m hearing a different ‘drummer’! In day-to-day life I’m organized & a list-maker. However, not when it comes to sewing where I have a.lot.of.project.boxes. Some hold leftover fabric from a finished quilt while others hold kits or fabric waiting to be used. I feel like, for myself, making quilts, runners, wall hangings & other random projects should be enjoyable & not planned in any particular order. I’m fortunate to have a long arm quilter who is also a dear friend & an artist on her machine!
The runner is going to be beautiful! I’ve made a granny square project using Lori Holt’s method of construction, definitely more waste. I like her method because you aren’t adding triangles to the ends of the rows, just squaring up the block. I’ve only participated in one sew-along and failed miserably. I don’t make a list of projects to work on, that causes me anxiety and takes the fun out of it for me. Have a good day!
I’ve enjoyed reading the comments regarding UFOs and how to handle them. I have a list of projects…but it can be depressing. I have taken some kits apart and moved the fabric into my “regular” fabrics and I still have waaayyy too much . One of my problems is spending time on FB and Instagram. I constantly see new patterns and finished quilts that I add to my list.
I am trying to use my stash but you know that you always need at least one new piece of fabric to complete that project!
I am very interested in red and green quilts at this time. Not necessarily Christmas but could fall into that category! It never ends but brings me much joy! Meanwhile, I have enough to keep me busy for a lifetime without adding red and green quilts to my list! And why do I keep buying patterns??
Glad so see you getting to sew! Such pretty colors. Stitch on.
I look forward to seeing the finish runner. The inspo photo you shared the other day and now your blocks today are so pretty – it will be a great project. I struggle with projects I started and abandoned. About a month ago I cleaned up my sewing space and rid myself of some projects I knew I never wanted to finish. I beat myself up a bit over past decisions but then I moved on. I’d liken the feeling to when you decide you simply can’t read another page of a book you don’t like and you close it up and never look at it again – liberating. Thank you for sharing your work!
The table runner is beautiful. I have made a granny square quilt before, and it does waste fabric. I do make a list of quilts I need to finish or wish to make at the beginning of the year. Then I try to work on one of those quilts each month.
Love how your table runner is coming along! I’m thinking you might be able to use those cut off triangles for something else, like a scrappy quilt. I did start making a list this year trying to get organized and just got overwhelmed looking at it 😳 so hoping to try and downsize or reorganize my list so it isn’t so daunting. I’m also keeping a list of stuff I didn’t do like BOMs so I can pretend I saved money 🤣
I usually make a list but it doesn’t always mean it gets done, more of a reality check so I am not so impulsive on starting new projects.
However, this is a hobby and entertainment so finishing is not all that important.
I avoided the list this year and just started playing making small quilts with reproduction fabrics. The weather has been horrid so mostly housebound with lots of sewing time. Just tops, not quilted. Anyway, the projects are small enough to have something done while I decide on old or new projects for 2025.
Your block looks really good, it will make a lovely quilt. I do take stock of things at the start of the year – I keep a list of my UFOs handy so that I can move them along over the course of the year. I am happy to have worked down the list a few each year…but then I add a few too so the number of projects stays about the same.