2021 Temperature Quilt WIP

How I'm making my 2021 Temperature Quilt!

And here we are again old friend! Back to the blog we go :)

Here we are to talk about my year long WIP.

One of my very favorite places to seek inspiration is Instagram! That is were way back in 2016 I believe, I learned of this thing called a temperature quilt. I was immediately hooked on the idea and knew I just had to make one...but how?!?

It honestly took me until 2020 to really get the facts and a plan in place to do one for myself. 

Sure, I have followed the temperature quilt hashtag on Instagram and saw oh so many ways I thought would be fun and exciting! But, none really said, THIS ONE to me until I laid my eyeballs onto the "squircle" block! That was the jumping off point for me and here is how I am doing this!

First, I knew I wanted my quilt to be from January 1st until December 31st of the same year. I've seen many quilts that are different days and I do like that idea, start where and when you are and just go! is a great plan. But being that I needed to figure stuff out I gave myself time to do that. And January 1st just felt right to me :).

Next, I needed to figure out what temps I was going to use. I knew that I would do this in Fahrenheit but what would my range be??? This took me a couple of months to figure out and to be honest I actually feel like I might not have this just right.

I searched the historic highs and lows of my current city (Ypsilanti Michigan) and in that search I learned that I would need something that went very cold to very hot.

I did a google search and came upon a free printable that I used for the temps AND look at that, it had color suggestions that I think work for me too! She based her quilt on the rainbow with purple being very cold and red being really hot. Perfect idea! Go HERE to see that post. *she also has fabric bundles too! but I didn't buy those and now am a bit regretting that as I don't have colors for 61-71 as yet!!

Next, I needed to pick sizes for my blocks and the squircles. I did some math and feel like a 4 inch block for the daily high square is the right size for me so that's what I am doing there. For the squircle I needed to pick a size that would fit nice in the middle of that 3.5 inch square (seam allowances of 1/4 inch reduce the size of each 4 inch sewn block).

I did a google search and found a free printable of a squircle and used my printer/scanner to help me resize it to be about 2.5 inches.

I took this print out to my table and got out my Reynolds Freezer Paper roll (purchased at Walmart forever ago) and traced the squircle using a pencil onto the paper (non wax) side.

I know in the videos I have watched people use one or just a couple layers here but that does not work well for me. The edges tend to turn up on me and I don't get a nice even squircles. So I like to use 4 layers of freezer paper.

To do this I take that traced page and stack it on top of three other blank cuts of freezer paper and iron them (wax sides down) to a scrap piece of paper. Once they are all "melted" in place I remove the template (once it cools off) and cut around the traced lines. And now my template is ready to use.

Now, I have a good idea of what I am doing!

I know I want to start January 1st and I know my temps and what colors to use. I have purchased most of the colors I will need and guessed that I would only need 1/4 yards for the coldest and hottest days and got 1/2 yard for the moderate "middle" temps. 

This is so far working ok BUT I think I will be running low on the green fabrics for those 40-21 degree days. 

I had planned for a cold winter and it wasn't so cold in January. But, I used Kona solids and can easily go buy more when I do run out. So, no worries there!

So each day starting on January 1st I go to the weather app on my iPhone and look at the ever so handy daily high and low for my city.

I start with the high and go to my chart and find what color represents that temp and cut out a 4 inch square. Then I look to the low and cut a 3.5 inch square for that color.

I use a pencil and jot down the month and day on the squares (on the back where no one will see it but me, just to be sure things stay organized. Ya just never know!

So, how do I stitch down those squircles?! 

I did a YouTube search and found a cool video that has a technique called freezer paper needle turn applique. Go HERE to see that video.

I now have the daily high and low pieces ready to stitch on. To do this I watched THIS video for tips on how to get those close to invisible stitches to stitch the applique block down.

I am all "done" with January...Well, I have all the blocks and squircles cut and ready but I haven't completed all but that first row. My plan for my "free time" this week is to get the second row of squircles sewn on and then sew row two to row 1. Let's see how well I keep up with that goal 😀.

Also, I knew I wanted to mark the months some how. So, off to Instagram I went and looked high and low on the hashtag temperature quilt posts and found a quilt that had printed "tags" for each month. I love this idea and decided to use that as my inspiration. In the picture below you will see  the two gray squares with January and February on them. I did this will my ink jet printer and freezer paper again.

To do this I just ripped off a piece of freezer paper from the roll and used my matt and cutter to make a printer sized (8.5x11) piece of paper. Then used this and ironed it (wax side to the fabric) and trimmed the fabric to the size of the paper.

With this I can then just put it in my ink jet printer paper tray and print right onto the fabric.

These blocks (rectangles) are sized/cut to 4x 7.5 inches.

I am also far enough into the year that I was able to do a lay out of my rows. I wasn't so sure how the math would work out so I held off sewing everything up right at first. I want to be sure that my quilt will be longer than it is wider, that's just how I roll 😉.

BUT! I also know my terrible habit of procrastination so I also knew that I can not leave this to sew up until later this year or even next year. I must keep going on this right now as the days happen. Basically, I need to get to December 31st with a mostly completed quilt top!

What I have settled on is each row will have one month and 18 days of blocks. I am planning for the quilt to go horizontal and not vertical as it's shown in the picture.

But, like all things we do on the fly this may change...as I say, it's all a work in progress!

 

Stash Bee April 2015 Hive 8

I am so excited to see my stash bee quilt for 2015 all done and ready for gifting!! 

My original plan was for 12 cabins and larger sashing but the ladies in my hive were so generous!! I received more than the 11 blocks planned. So that idea was scrapped a new design undertaken and wallah!

But what did remain from the original plan was the handquilting using #8 Pearl cotton. I just love how fast the quilting goes with those big stitches and I adore the results!! 

As for the backing fabric I used two different cabin in the woods themed flannels that I pieced. It was so warm to sit under and quilt! Maybe not such a great July plan?!?!

My label is on but that I can't show because this is a surprise gift. Spoilers dearie 😄

It's all packed up and waiting for its recipient!

And finally a huge shout out to the wonderfully talented sewists of hive 8 for helping me create this family treasure. 

Melodee 

WIP/UFO Farmer's Wife Quilt

It's that time again. Time to dig out an old but not forgotten project and put some work into it. This time I'm going at my Farmer's Wife Quilt. 

On Instagram today I stumbled upon a post that just excited me!!! Yep! A quilt a long!!! QAL :)

It doesn't begin until September 2015 but it's over at Very Kerry Berry. http://verykerryberry.blogspot.com/p/farmers-wife-1930s-quilt-along.html

I have quite a few of the blocks already completed but lots is not all so I'm going to follow along and work on mine. In fact, a couple of mine I think will be redone. I was not completely happy with them but once you just finish something it needs time to rest before one chucks it and goes again... Right?!?! Haha 

She plans to do hers with reproduction 1940's prints and I love that BUT I started mine with a scrappy approach of using anything quilters cotton and ima gunna stick with it. 

A month or so ago I put the project into a plastic bucket so it's very accessible and all together. So no excuses not to do this! I'll have to see where I'm at when the QAL begins but the plan is also to add the saashing and begin putting the top together as well. So, if she does a block that I've already done... Add my sashing and bam... An easy sewing day!

The exciting part is I found another post on Instagram that shows in enough detail how to finish the top in a way I like more than the original design.  It is now time to bump this project to the top of the in progress pile! Yeah :)

Follow along on Instagram with the hashtag... #fw1930sqal

Quilters Choice Quilt Along

 BLOCK 6 CHURNDASH

MAY 5 OR BLOCK 5 BROKEN DISHES

With so many ways to have laid this block out I chose this sort of random one.

 

I was thinking of using just 4 fabrics for the colored (non dark blue background color) and arranging them to make a cool pattern of sorts. I finally decided to pick nine colors and just make individual squares of them.

 

I am pleased with my results!

APRIL 21 OR BLOCK 4 JACOBS LADDER

Well, so far I'm keeping up :) here is my version of the block. I love that I took the "risk" and chose the dark (navy) blue for the background fabric. I am really liking it.

 

This time we got to make a Jacob's Ladder block. I have actually never made one of these before and that really surprises me! Once again, it is a block that I can totally see making an entire quilt with some day.

 

Also, I am not sure if it was ever mentioned or not but I am curious about sashing?!?! It's on my mind as I select the complimentary fabrics to go with the background fabric. It may just have to be a what I feel like when it's time to cut it thing lol :)

April 7 or Block 3

votes were tallied and the winner was...

 

Rolling Stone :)

 

I really like this block! I did the corners without the recommended paper piecing and things came out great! Also, I wanted to try something "out of the box" for me with the blue background (so not white like usual) and I am pleasantly pleased with my results!

 

 I  am also thinking that this would also make a great scrap stash quilt some day too!!

 



March 24 or Block 2

 

And the votes were tallied and ....yep! another Bear Paw block for me lol! I am a real professional at this block now!! This being my 3rd this year :)

 



March 10 or Block 1

And here I go again... another super cute find that I just had to get into!! ...another quilt in the making.

At this point it could be winter forever and my family will be just fine in the warmth department!

But how do you turn them down! they are so cute and fun!!!

This time up I've discovered a quilt along that is not the typical neat sew this do this...we are taking votes for the next block and the block with the most votes wins!! I just love this idea! I feel so in on all the action lol!

It is over at Little Bunny Quilts. Blog owner Alison is pulling this all together...thank you Alison for being so super cool!!

The first block is called Sister's Choice and I think it is a darling block :)

The block has been adjusted in this QAL to make it work for a 12.5 block. I really didn't notice this adjustment until I was cutting my pieces and things were not "lining" up. Meaning that most of the time all the blocks in a "patch block" are the same size. Here, we have some that are a half inch smaller than others. Not a big deal just something to keep in mind when you are slicing up fabric.

It did take me some time to figure out what fabrics I wanted to use. I have decided to just go with what I have on the fabric shelf and see what happens...risky business! But no hard rules saying I can not go buy anything if I just can't figure it out :)

Here's hoping I can keep up the sewing momentum!!

Happy Sewing!
Melodee :)

Once Upon a Time BOM 2014

APRIL 2014

 

I just loved stitching up this months block :) Goldilocks and her three Bear friends! Look how sweet, 3 bowls of porridge!

 

 

And here is my sampler overall progress to date...until next month :) Happy sewing!



MARCH 2014

 

Here is my March block all cute and finished :) Three little pigs and one adorable big bad wolf.

 

this makes the first row of stitching done and I just think it is so adorable!

 

 

I am already thinking up ways to finish this piece once all the stitching is done. Traditionally cross-stitch pieces are framed and hung on the wall, and I may do that, but I am also thinking up something different :)

FEBRUARY 2014

I am really getting to posting this really late but I have had this done for a little while :) promise!!

 

I just love that February was all about lovey dovey kissie stuff!!!

 



JANUARY 2014

And here we go again...another block of the month :)  I just love them!

This time I am breaking from the traditional quilt block and working on a cute kawaii cross stitch. This pattern is designed by and available all year long at The Frosted Pumpkin.

And just like the traditional quilt block, this sampler has space for 12 months of stitching fun!

The theme for this sampler is Once Upon a Time and thus fairy tale stories and characters! How cute is that! I was not sure I wanted to do another BOM cross-stitch this year. I did the Woodland Sampler one from The Frosted Pumpkin for 2013 and while I liked it I wasn't sure I needed another stitchery around the house. Truth be told, I am running out of wall space to put them :)

But, I really got into Fairy Tales last year via television. I just couldn't get enough of them. Then when the email popped into my mailbox and when I saw that it was fairy tale inspired I knew I had to do it!

 

This month I stitched Snow White and two of her dwarves. They are so stinkin' cute! I really took my time and had fun! Nothing complicated about these patterns.

That is part of the appeal for me. I am not bogged down with the drudgery of tons of color changes and lots of blending threads and I can easily pace out the work by picking tiny goals. Like one day I stitched the top row of two dwarves and the clothes line. Next day was clothes on the line and the apples.

I did get off to a late start with this sampler. The pattern itself was not available (I get each months pattern pack emailed to me) until January 10th. Then, I had a hard time finding the fabric to stitch the design on. I finally found what I needed at a some what local cross stitch supply store. I am using an even weave linen in a sea-foam green color with strands of sparkle woven in.

Initially I wasn't quite sure about the green. The pattern creator used a brownish fabric that I could not find in my area and while it was available online I didn't have the $30 needed to special order so I went local and found green.

After completing January's stitching I am very happy with the results! The white on Snow Whites shirt does not really pop at you but it is still visible and not really blending in so all's good there!

Even with getting a late start I was able to call this months block done in the nick of time lol January 31st!

Today, the first of February, I was emailed February's chart. I took a quick peek and it has a frog on it! So I will sign off now and get that one printed off and ready to stitch up soon!

Happy Sewing!!
Melodee :)

Triangels Triangels everywhere!

I have decided that it is time to sew up a new quilt...I know I sew every day but that is sewing small bits that will fit into a larger bit, or a block a month stuff. This time from start to finish all at once is the plan.

I was nervous about this idea. I am not always so great at getting down the business on big jobs and getting them done in a timely manner. I do have quilts that have taken me 20 years to do!!!

I have decided to just jump in there and go for it! I also was not to easy about the idea of sewing a ton of bias stretchy edges into a quilt!! However, I was taken in by the possibility of how cute this could be!

The pattern is from The Sassy Quilter and the pattern is called The Triangle Quilt Along .

It is set up so that in about a month you could have a finished quilt. I did get off to a late start on this, being that I was undecided that I even wanted to try such an adventure. But once committed I am sort of keeping pace with the group. (In all honesty I am a wee bit behind and missing out on all the give-aways but I am totally ok with my pace).

Now that I am 9 rows in I am so glad I decided to sew this up!

 

Check out all my poka dot fun! I went shopping with the hubbie and littles and asked each of them to pick out four poka dot prints and as long as they adhered to that rule what ever they chose was going in! They listened and here is what they chose :)

 

The pattern calls for 12 rows but I think I will end up making mine longer or bigger...however you see it :) I have some 6 foot men in my house and it would not do to have a short quilt on the couch!!

 

I have used up all the heavily starched triangles I had cut so tomorrow I will be doing more starching and more cutting and more assembling.

 

And I shock myself with this but I actually for once it seems know how I want this one quilted! I plan on doing multiple circles. A small center with outer rings...not sure if there will be three per or what but I have it in my mind and we will see what comes of it when I get to the point where I am actually quilting it :) pictures to follow!

 

But up next I have committed myself to quilting my stash bee quilt! I almost have a hand quilting plan for that one lol... I am such a mess when it comes to the quilting part! Tops I can do...quilting it up...not so much!

 

Well gotta get back to the grind stone!

Happy Quilting,

Melodee :)

 

Classics Meet Modern 2014 BOM

April 2014

 

I was not so sure about this block at first. I knew the fabrics from the first pull, but how to arrange them I really had a hard time deciding.

First, I knew I did not want to do the obvious double Z more modern pattern.To me this looks like two sea horses kissing...ok not a bad thing but not something I really wanted to sew lol.

So I ended up here with a center pin wheel and and X border.

 

 

March 2014

 

\

 

Oh how I really don't like to sew the drunkards path! I just wish I could be one of those people who can drink and function!!! well, not really but man these blocks give me a super stress out!!! and they don't call it the "drunkards" path for nothing!

 

Can we all just scream bias cuts!!!! and trouble is this block needs the stretch to keep things neat so I can't use the finicky sewers helper can of super extra strength starch on them!

 

But, as you can see I was successful!!! yeah me :)

 

I just love the color selections in this one! I had this one swimming in my head as I was selecting the fabrics. I just new the center was going to be black...seems to be the "theme" on this quilt. but I also knew that I wanted to do a dark vs light for each of the outside blocks. I did lots of sorting and resorting and selecting and finally found the colors that suited my "vision".

 

And here it is in all it's glorious doneness!!!

 

 

 

 

FEBRUARY 2014 Amethyst Block

 

Busy busy busy! and I am loving it!

 

Here is my version of this months Classics Meet Modern Block of the Month.

 

Look at that!!!.... Y seams...ahhhhhhhh!!!!!! but it really wasn't all that bad, granted mine are not perfect but good enough for me to love :)

 

FYI... I don't know what my camera did with the white on this block but those 4 pink looking bits are in reality white (Kona snow) fabric?!?! I really need to get better lighting in my sewing room lol!

 

My goal/rule for this quilt is to try my hand at more modern looks. I haven't the faintest idea if I am really achieving this but hey, I love these two blocks that I've made for this quilt thus far!!!

January 2014 {Polar}Bear Paw Block

 

 

And here I go again... haha... another block of the month quilt. This one was intriguing to me because I have no idea what this quilt entails or what the finish will look like-- at all! I just decided to join this sew along because I have never and have always wanted to make a bear paw block! We shall see where this adventure takes me. For further information on this BOM check it out Classics Meet Modern 2014 BOM. offered by Sew at Home Mummy.

 

Now for the bad news...and I just figured this would be the case!!!

 

I recently bought just enough white Kona fabric to use in making the Vice Versa BOM that I have posted about before. I just knew at the time that I was in for trouble later if I didn't buy more...just in case. But like a dummy head I didn't give in to that just buy it feeling...UGH! 

 

Well, here we are at the just in case moment. After I decided to join this BOM I went to pull some white out to make this block. I debated on robbing Peter to pay Paul from the Vice Vera fabric stash but decided to just go to the white bucket and pull from what I had on hand. Unfortunately, all I had with any sort of quantity was a white that I used on my Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt as part of the backing. It is kinda thin and has a bit of a sheen to it.

 

Yesterday I cut out all the squares needed to sew the {Polar} Bear Paw block and today sat down and sewed up the block.

 

 

I am not happy with the turn out at all! and the main reason is my use of that shiny thin white fabric. I took a gamble and used what I had before purchasing more idea and this time it was a big fat rotten goose egg failure .

 

Back to the cutting board...sorry Peter but Paul will pay you back in a couple of days, I promise!

Here is to better sewing luck tomorrow...


BREAKING NEWS...update...I redid the block...I knew I would lol

In the end the need to feel happy about this block just overtook me. It isn't a very difficult block to do so I said, GO FOR IT!
 ***plus I have my machine back from the shop!!! super happy dance over here right now!*** it sews like it is bran new!!!
And here is my new and improved (in my mind any how) Polar Bear Paw Block :)

I used Kona white for the white and not the shiny thin stuff I used on the last block. Plus, I found a new print for the center. I thought this blue would be more pleasing to my eye than the other and I was right. I am now satisfied and can say the January block is done!

 

Happy sewing!

Melodee :)