My parents came out to visit at the end of September / beginning of October. For the first few days, my dad helped my husband with some wiring gremlins on our Wabi-Sabi Overland project while my mom and I got some sewing done together.
Specifically, my mom signed up to be a part of an individual group as part of the 2019 QuiltCon Charity Quilt Challenge. The challenge theme this year is small piecing, and I have to admit that although I have loved participating in the challenge over the past two years, I decided that the small piecing theme was just too much for me to take on this year (as the quilts are supposed to end up at a twin size). Well… actually, I did mull over creating this design for a skinny minute:
Small Piecing QuiltCon Challenge Quilt Design Concept
I know it’s hard to see but my design concept was for a 65″ x 88″ twin size quilt top in white with an off white 1/2″ finished square. I figured it would be perfect for a lot of quilting fun. I also thought it was completely not in line with the intentions of the challenge.
Anyway, I *love* that my mom signed up to participate for the challenge this year and approached it with gusto. She brought a lot of skinny strip sets that she pieced and with my assistance pressing seams (lots, and lots of seams), she was able to complete her 24″ finished block to send off as her contribution for her team.
QuiltCon Charity Quilt Tiny Piecing 24 Inch Finished Star
Even with the random placing of the fabrics and scrappiness, my mom was able to pull most of her purple fabrics toward the center and outer edges of the star. I love the kaleidoscope effect her block has, and it really shimmers in person. I will definitely be on the look out to see how the quilt finishes in person in Nashville in February!
Fidget Blanket
Because my parents were here while I was also hosting a baby shower, my mom dove into my stash and supplemented what she found with a few key (haha!) purchases locally, she created this sweet flannel fidget blanket to gift. She added in loops of ribbon, some shoe laces, spiral (!!) shoes laces, and an old Aurifil spool.
Fidget Blanket Details
She threaded the Aurifil spool on a shoe lace and securely pieced the shoelace into the patchwork to create a fun shuttle to move back and forth. I love that detail and creativity!
It was nice having a sewing buddy here with me for a few days. I so rarely spend time in person with other quilters that I find it a super treat to get to press seams and trim things when I have the opportunity!
Your mums star is so gorgeous and that little fidget blanket is adorable I’m sure both will be well loved.
So nice that you got to spend quality time together
Quilty hugs
Anne xx
That star is stunning! It’s certainly a time consuming project this time round and I have been grinding my teeth (ouch), trying to sneak in some extra sewing time and constantly re-visiting my plan for my sections to see if I can simplify them. I would be really happy to be making your design!
Oh, the tiny square i nthe large expanse of white is HILARIOUS, I love it.
Great block by your mom! I am glad you both had time to sew together!
That was my first thought too! I really does look like a kaleidoscope image. It’s exquisite and I love purples. I’ve done a lot with strings and paper piecing 2″ squares to make little “jelly rolls”. Wish I had the patience to do what your mom did.
Sewing with friends is the best, but with a family member the absolute BESTEST!! (Brady is mine). Glad you got to spend quality time like this creating. Your mom’s block is just wonderful, jewel-like; can’t wait either to see it with the others and quilted!
I would love to see that quilt design made up and submitted! But then I’m a cheeky quilter and often miss or mis-interpret “how well does your design fulfill the parameters of the challenge”.
And yay for sewing with your mom!
I’m with you about the scrappy nature of the challenge…that’s why I still have so many scraps! Kudos to your mom and how great it was to be able to sew and visit with her. So wonderful your dad and husband can work side by side on Wabi-Sabi.
Great that you got to hang out with your mom and enjoy hobbies you both love!
You are so lucky that you and your Mom share this common interest in sewing and quilting. I am the only “needle arts” person in my family, even though I have 2 sisters & my mom!
Quality time with parents is so precious, particularly when you can create something together. Both projects are inspiring and lovely! Thank you, as always, for sharing!
What a wonderful thing! Love that you and your mom had so much fun creating and sharing the process.
How lovely to spend time in creativity with your Mum – very special. Her star has got to be a show-stopper!
How fun to get to spend time sewing with your mom! I really like her block, especially the color placement. And your “entry” is a hoot!
Your mom’s star block is really stunning!
I always love seeing what you and your mom do together. Her star block is beautiful.
How fun to be able to sew with your mom. Her star is amazing and will be a great contribution to the quilt.
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. I see where you get your creativity!
good job! I love the star!