I thought I share an update on the projects I am currently focusing on. It is true that I love working on multiple things at one time, which can be overwhelming. I do enjoy the variety, and I definitely never get bored. I am concentrating on a couple of newish projects, but also finishing up a thing or two.
The photo above is my progress on the Pumpkin Gatherings sew along with Lisa Bongean of Primitive Gatherings. Each week there is a new "clue" of multiple blocks to make in one pattern. The first week was 24 pumpkins, the second week we made 24 churn dash blocks, and the third week we made 36 triple triangle blocks. Those triple triangle blocks were easier to construct than they look, but there were a lot of them, so it took me a couple of days to complete them. Today the fourth clue will be released and I hope I can continue to keep up. This project will finish up before the end of the summer.
As I have mentioned, I did not continue with the Designer Mystery 2024 project once I saw the setting and some of the blocks. The fabric is lovely, though, and I didn't want to waste it. I found a free sew-along that Erica Arndt is sponsoring, and thought her blocks and setting would work great with my fabric, which is My Summer House by Anne Sutton. Both sew-alongs feature blocks that finish at 12 inches, so I figured they were interchangeable. What I didn't factor in was that the Erica Arndt blocks are actually 10 1/2", surrounded with a narrow frame to make them finish at 12". The first four blocks in the photo are framed, and the final one on the lower right is from the DM 24 patterns, with no frame. I am hoping to incorporate that beautiful block into the setting somehow.
I'd like to finish this one up this summer as well, and get it to the quilter and off my guilty conscience!
I just had to share the fabric that came in the monthly pattern envelopes for the Designer Mystery 2024 BOM. Fat Quarter Shop is notoriously generous with the amount of fabric they give you to make their projects, and this was no exception. I did have to order a bit more of the taupe for the lattices I am making, but just look at that pile of fabric! And that isn't even all of it! Every month, we must have gotten a full fat quarter of the background fabric. I took all the fabric pieces out of the pattern envelopes, starched and pressed them, and sorted them by color.
This is the seventh Cali & Co block. That is a free sew-along Corey Yoder from Coriander Quilts is hosting. I love these bright colors. Every block is made from half-square triangles and some squares. There is an elaborate frame that goes around each block that will create an alternate design once the blocks are assembled. This one has been super fun to make, and Corey always has a YouTube tutorial, so there is no confusion about construction.
Here are all seven blocks.
This beast is finally about done. I have to assemble the large sections and attach a pieced border to the two sides. This is Strawberry Garden, from a book by Joanna Figuroa of Fig Tree & Co. I was going to bring out my Halloween Figs project next, but I think I need a break from a Fig Tree project for a while. They are a bit much.
So, there you have it, my four current projects. Cali & Co only requires me to pay attention once a month. Strawberry Garden was an ongoing project that I forced myself to focus on and finish up so I can get it off my design wall.
The Designer Mystery 2024 is something I am a bit obsessed with finishing because Designer Mystery 2025 just started up (it's a once-a-month BOM), and I don't want last year's project still hanging over my head. I think it will be pretty fast going to make seven more blocks and get them set in a simple lattice layout.
Finally, the Pumpkin Gatherings Sew Along should go fast because Lisa Bongean is not one to fool around. She is rapidly laying the weekly blocks on us and I, for one, am motivated to keep up so I don't fall behind. There are eight clues to be given once every week for eight weeks, so this will wrap up fast! After today, I will be half done making the blocks.
12 Responses
Your projects all look great! I am always impressed with FQS and their generosity with BOM projects. Today, I am working on a Christmas (in July!) version of the Arkansas Crossroads pattern, as well as a wall hanging of hearts that I am embroidering onto pale pink fabric. I am also making lots of project bags for my cross stitch projects. I am in central Florida, and Summer is basically our Winter (too hot to go outside!), so I am getting several projects completed.
It’s such a good feeling when all the little parts start to make a whole. Like you, I tend to work on four or five things at once, sometimes I feel like nothing is getting finished or I’m just treading water. Then one day whole quilt tops magically appear, lol.
In regards to BOM programs, I’ve done a few with other stores than FQS, some can be stingy, but FQS is one of the more generous ones. I have learned to measure twice and cut once, always.
It is fun to track your many projects!!!!! I love the new setting with the bow at the top for the 2024 blocks. And I love the bright colors of the Yoder quilt. Keep us in the know, Nicole!
I’m glad when you give us the update on your multiple projects! The only area of my life I have ADHD is quilting as I am working on six projects. How was your procedure? I hope you continue to get good news.
Your projects are all just wonderful! You’ve certainly been productive. I never noticed how complex the Fig Tree quilt are, lots of variety and never boring. I prefer weekly instead of monthly quilt a longs, I find I lose interest when I have to wait for the monthly kit. I’m finishing up a couple of projects that I want to enter in our county fair next week, mostly stitching down bindings. Have a good week, I look forward to seeing more progress. 🍓
You have to be super organized to keep up with all of those projects at the same time! I’m enjoying your progress updates! Thanks for sharing!
Your project varieties, colors, designs, are so fun to follow along with. Multiple projects invite happy decisions for each day. I, too, enjoy walking into my sewing room to be inspired with choices for the day.
the incredible variety in colors and blocks you are working on is amazing. that fig tree quilt has been a pain in the ass but it really is gorgeous.
hope you either had no polyps or they were benign. ;p
You must have a good system for keeping projects together! Perhaps you could show that some time. My cutting table is covered with my current projects. I have begun making quilts for my grandsons for Christmas. Different patterns but many of the same fabrics. I’m also adding blocks that are specific to each boy’s interests. Lots and lots of cutting. I also am following Barbara Brackman’s Civil War BOM. These are challenging blocks so I’m glad it’s only a monthly! Plus, I have a long term L/E I’m working on slowly.It’s a medallion and has lots of identical blocks like your Primitive.
Applause, applause!! You’re surely on a roll!!
My computer monitor died and am just now back in business.
Hugs!!
Oh my goodness, I am behind with seeing what you are working on! You have so many gorgeous projects on the go! I’d like to know how you keep your fabric, pieces and blocks organized for each project. I am only working on one project right now and I have eight feet of fabric strewn across my floor! Do you have 32 feet of fabric on your floor haha!?! You have me anxious to see your drunkard block progress!
Wow! That’s a lot of fabric! It’s very pretty too, I’m sure you’ll find something amazing to make with it!