Don't Break the Chain

July 31st.

Wow!

How can that be?

We're still waiting for summer up here!

I have been piecing quilts for over 30 years,

and it still amazes me

 that there is something new to learn every day.

My latest discovery:

I already knew that the drawn line is actually my fold line,

and my stitches must just kiss the line.

But I did not know that my unit would be more square

if I pressed it open BEFORE I cut the excess.

It has made a huge difference in my blocks,

especially when I am working with small squares,

such as these star points.  They only started out at 1.5" square.

I enjoyed making my niece's "Reach for the Stars" quilt so much,

that I decided it would be fun to make another.

This has been my leader-ender project 

while I construct my zebra quilt and my houndstooth quilt.

It's almost a flimsie!

My goal has been to see how long I can chain stitch

without breaking the chain.

When working on three projects at once, 

you can go for days!

One little finish that I can show you.

This was a UFO from last fall.

I made a darling wallhanging from the bonus half square triangles,

but gave it as a gift without taking a picture of it!

I kid you not!

Although it's been chilly, wet, and usually windy,

the birds still flock to the feeding station.

My sewing machine is set up 

front row, center!

(Who needs t.v.?)

There are babies everywhere...

Here's a quick pic of two baby Purple Finches,

waiting atop a tree for someone,

anyone,

to come feed them!

Both parents assume that responsibility!

I had four breeding pair of Purple Finches this year,

and the babies are everywhere!

They are so cute.

Long (non-holiday) weekend in Canada...

and the weather looks a little better for the next few days!

Hope everyone enjoys!