Great video! For those “Anything Goes” blocks, since you didn’t include the square in each corner which would create a 4-patch when the blocks are sewn together, you could always snowball the corners, using one colour for top left and bottom right corners, then a different but complementary colour for the other two opposite corners. This would create a diamond four-patch in joins between blocks. Just a suggestion, you seem to have enough scraps to do this! 😊 (And for your new fat quarter bundle, Misty Doan has a recently posted great Puzzle Block Quilt pattern and tutorial that really shows off beautiful print with large pieces, large blocks).
I really enjoyed this video. I'm amazed at how much you get done. I am loving that you are getting more comfortable in front of the camera. Just sharing your passion and the freedom of retirement to do it brings me joy. So sew on and I will be along for the ride!
I love what I do but I don't think I'll ever be comfortable in front of the camera. My whole life, I've been the one behind it! Thank you for your lovely comments, and I hope you have a very good 2025!
I love watching your videos! I’m amazed at the amount of large quilts you were able to complete in 2024! I would love to spend time making quilts with you! I’m retired also, and being in my sewing room is my favorite way to spend the day also! I wish you a happy, healthy new year!🌺
I love the scrappy star quilt. If you ever get the chance, I would love to see a video on how you created the blocks in that quilt. I kept staring at it to imagine the construction. Love your videos.
That star quilt has really piqued the interest of so many! I assembled it in the same manner as a sawtooth star would be made, the center is 6x6 inches and the squares finish at 1" so that means there are 36 squares for the center block. The star legs were a challenge, and because I worked on this quilt over the course of about 2 years, even I forgot how I did them each time I came back to it!!!! My goodness!
Thank you! And I enjoy having you in mine! I had no idea I would reach so many people, and that everyone would leave such positive comments. I really appreciate it!
Thank you for this video - it was great as always! I can't wait for the next video about processing scraps and how you keep your scraps "ready to use".
I hope it will give you some ideas that are useful in your sewing room! It's nothing fancy, but then again it doesn't have to cost a lot of money to help stay organized!
From one Pennsylvania Sue to another I say thank you! I love being thrifty when it comes to quilting! Your quilting MO appeals to me in every way! Do you save your selvedge? It’s endlessly fun to sew with! Thank you for sharing your quilt world with us.
Hi Susan! Funny, the selvedge is the one thing that I never save! I have saved them in the past only to give to someone else who can use them. I love the things that people can do with them and I certainly love the idea to use every bit!!! Thank you so much for joining me!
I would like to add to the praise of the many regarding your videos. I am very grateful to have found you on UA-cam and being of a certain age l enjoy the simplicity and naturalness of your presentations. Like you l do not need to declutter, reason being that living where l am in France, there is no 'patchwork' culture as such and it is difficult to find patchwork materials. So l make do. However watching videos from other quilters who all seem to have a tremendous 'stash' l can't help but being a bit wishful. Yes there is the internet and you can buy from the USA or UK but let's not mention the postage costs and customs duty. So keep going dear because your videos are much appreciated.
I have spent the majority of my quilting life "making do", as you are. A few years ago I had a very generous amount of fabric donated to me after the death of the mother of one of my friends. What a drastic change, having so much when I previously had so little. I too used to have fabric envy when I saw online studios, all perfect and all completely stocked with gorgeous fabric. But, I have now come to fully embrace my frugal ways and even though my quilts are not so perfectly planned and perfectly coordianted, I like them because they are distinctly mine. I hope you will love yours just as much!
I do like your shoe boxes. I like to see quilters work rooms that have fancy storage but it’s not practical for me. A good shoe box does the same job as a bought clear plastic container.
I agree! I try to keep in mind a lot of those rooms are from people who are running a business so their thought process is different than mine. I think my shoe boxes are a very good size for the job of organizing smaller pieces of fabric and for certain block sizes.
Thank you and your sweet daughter for your videos. I appreciate how you think out and adjust as necessary. You would make a lovely neighbor to share a cup of coffee or tea with. I like to hand quilt too. It’s clear that you enjoy your process and very organized. I salute you. ❤. I’m hoping this year 2025 is a better productive year for me. Bless you.
Oh Sue, I feel like a quilter when I watch you. After making my babies quilts, I put my quilting dreams on hold for 25 yrs due to lack of space, time and economics. I began again 4 yrs ago at the kitchen table and my fabric lives under my double bed. I live in a tiny house with 4 other people. 3 of us work from home. Yikes. There is no dedicated sewing space. My sewing lives in my head and heart and that is where I track it. I wait for my husband to go on work trips to FMQ my tops. I live in Canada in a HUGE city with NO fabric store, so most of my fabric is thrifted. New fabric works out to $18 USD/yd. I work with my hands by day, so doing hand quilting is a no go for now as my fingers already cramp after a long day. Needless to say, I love watching UA-cam, but I feel like I am watching how people quilt on a different planet or alternative reality. It looks nothing like my life. You are a comfort and an inspiration and I feel less of an oddball watching you.....wasting time on Pinterest the other day I thought of you.....This has to do with your vintage fabric.... There was a simple quilt made with precious Liberty fabrics. To showcase them, they were 4 inch squares, sashed in off white, no corner stones to distract, and it was trimmed in hand-crocheted lace. It was hand quilted in 3 lines on the sashing. So simple. It said: look how special these fabrics are to me. I think it would be perfect for both your lace and your vintage fabrics. Thanks so much for everything and thank your daughter as well.
Just huge hugs to you! I loved hearing about your life. Quilt on in your heart and steal any time you can to make it happen. I have been living on free scraps for years and it's very fun. New fabric is at a crazy price and the quality is questionable.
Thank you so much for sharing your story, I think a lot of quilters relate to those constraints! For years, my only work space was a small card table in the corner of my bedroom. That had to fit my sewing machine AND my cutting mat. I had to set up my ironing board each time, and then pack it away when done. What a pain! Sometimes I could use my kitchen table but then I had to drag everything out there. Then I was able to move to a small closet area where I could actually put my sewing table but my ironing board was directly behind me, almost touching my chair. And almost NO storage space! But then, one day, my kids grew up and were gone. Now I have my own room! I completely understand how you feel, but I encourage you to keep creating and don't compare yourself to the big popular quilters who have more money and more resources. Just do what you can with what you have, it matters!
I can relate! For me, the lack of space has more to do with uncontrolled clutter, so I try to find things I can do with my hands in my lap. Hexagon English Paper piecing became a bit of an obsession with me when I found a Fiskars Extra Large hexagon punch online which produces 1” hexies (meaning each side is 1”). I use the real estate flyers that multiply like rabbits in my mailbox to punch out hexi papers, then I thread baste fabric scraps to them (you can also glue-baste if you have a table on which to rest your work). I use the flat-back seaming method to sew hexies together into hexi flowers, and plan to cut some scrappy background diamonds from mens’ shirts or other thrifted fabrics on which to hand-appliqué my scrappy hexi flowers, using the ‘Kingfisher Quilt’ online sewalong pattern from a few years ago. The information is still up on their blogs, Rachel from @stitchedincolor and co-designer Jodi (whose blog name I forget). Check Instagram for some gorgeous examples of this #kingfisherquilt, most of it is hand sewing that can be done in very little space!
Oh my goodness I can learn so much from you're organizing skills! Love your tips and tricks! My goals are to get my hot mess room in order and be more organized going forward. 😮
Sue, I have never thought about piecing back pieces ahead of time. I think that is brilliant! And I'm going to try it for I have lots of scraps too. thank you for your videos; I love watching.
I know, I thought the same thing! Brilliant idea! I'm going to start doing the same thing! The strip sets look fast and easy, and maybe I can throw in some orphans too.. She has so many good ideas!
It works best for me if I try to keep those back pieces in color families since I never know where they'll end up. So far, I seem to use them almost as fast as I can make them! I hope they work for you too!
Hi Sue. My DIL requested a baby quilt for a friend and I am almost finished with it. But last evening I got that itch to pull out my 2 1/2 inch squares and worked on getting them put together. It was such fun after the distractions of the season to revisit my “mindless” comfort sewing. Happy New Year. The prairie point quilt is lovely.
I just pulled out MY box of 2 1/2" squares today too, after watching this video! I had been hand stitching some applique and dropped it like a hot potato when I saw what Sue is doing with making her none patches and strip sets. I know it's mindless sewing, but it IS progress, and it WILL be used in a quilt at some point. She is really stirring me on!
@@bathens4971absolutely! I am fascinated how Sue has blocks and units ready to be put into future projects. I have a lot of juvenile and whimsical scraps from making baby quilts and hopefully this year will make a dent and donate some quilts.
I love to hear what everyone is working on! There's just something so calming and soothing about 'mindless' sewing and hand quilting. It's just the BEST! Happy New Year to you!!!
I love watching your videos because I feel like you are a kindred spirit! I too organize my scraps in the sizes I most often use. I also have a couple of running projects that I gather the scraps for as I am quilting other projects. Mine are scrappy star blocks. I have gone through and listed all of my quilts in progress and will be focusing this year on finishes! I pulled a bin of small star blocks and opted to not finish them as a full size quilt and made them into a table runner which is my first finish for the year! I love it! And I have an empty bin!! Happy quilting ❤
Thank you for watching! I really hope you continue to work on your projects, even if a little at a time. Even if I only quilt for an hour a day, that means I've done 7 hours in a week! It all adds up!
I wish I had your energy and talent. I have too many UFOs and too much fabrics. I enjoy watching your videos because it inspires me to get up and work on my UFOs. I have a quilt on my frame for over 3 months and I actually work on it yesterday. I cannot wait for your next video. I'm also working on the Carolina pattern but I'm thinking of changing the size from 2" to 2 1/2 but not sure. Thanks for sharing your talent.
I had a quilt last year that I know sat on my dining table at least 3 months while I quilted it! Part of the reason it took so long was because it was winter,and I keep my heat down, to save money, and it was too cold for my hands to work on it. Right now, I have 2 tops, ready to be quilted,but I'm waiting for spring to start on them. So for now, I'm doing piecing,on my machine. It's still making progress, on the next ones!
you can easily use your 2.5' pieces for the Carolina Chain quilt. If I make that pattern again, that's what I will do because I just seem to have more squares and WOF strips in that size. Plus, you won't have to make as many blocks to get the size quilt you want.
I didn’t make any goals. I make lots of tops that will eventually go to a hospital in Africa or our service people overseas. I make any pattern I want, send it to a friend in ND who puts the batting and backing on, then they are shipped wherever they are needed. Right now I’m sewing strings together to make blocks.
That's really great that you have a friend that puts the batting and backing on. My favorite part is the designing and piecing and seeing how it all comes together. When it comes to putting the backing on and finishing it....well, you know!
How generous of you to do all that work! Wow! It sounds like a win/win. You get to do what you love and make what you want, and then they go to a very deserving place where I am sure they are appreciated and loved! Thank you for putting such kindness out into the world!
Thouroughly enjoy your videos. I can’t imagine you dragging your feet on anything! You get so many beautiful things made, while I must be stuck in the mud😂. Take care and Stay warm😊
Thank you for watching! I think we all have our own internal pace that we feel comfortable with. In the jobs I had before retirement, there were so many deadlines all the time and I think that has carried over into my sewing room, even though I know I can do what I want whenever I want to! It's just habit I guess.
Hi Sue, I really enjoy watching your videos! The quilts you make are so creative and pretty using all those scraps! I started quilting during Covid. I learned watching UA-cam. It’s been a wonderful journey for me with help from quilters like yourself. I’m originally from Southeastern PA so I recognized your accent right away! 😊 Take care
When Covid hit I found myself really really hoping that people would use that time during lockdown to be creative in any way. Writing, drawing, knitting, pottery, basket making etc, and of course quilting. Welcome to our quilting community! I hope you are enjoying the process and I'm glad you're finding a lot of good information on UA-cam!
I love your approach to quilting in general as it is about the love of the craft. It’s easy to get caught up in the whole marketing process and forget to keep ourselves at the center. I’m loving your scrap quilts and have many little plus blocks like yours ready to put together for a grandchild turning 8 soon. It’s bright and fun. Have a wonderful year with your fabric and projects!
I really do love what I do and I'm glad that comes through. (I'm not so keen on being recorded though) Thank you for joining me, I really appreciate it! Will you use a straight setting for your blocks, or set them on point? For now I think my idea is to do it on point but since the finished quilt is so far off that may change. Who knows? haha!
@@fromsmallthings509I’m doing the on-point setting and letting them turn into little X’s - following an older Kim Brackett book of scrap quilt patterns. Cute.
Hello from England! I wish you a very Happy New Year and thank you so much for joining me! What part of England are you from? I like looking at maps and finding places!
As always, I enjoy your video and was, again inspired by you. While I listened/watched your video - I cut some scraps into 2 1/2 square - so, thank you for helping me get through that box. I never thought of using prairie points as a binding - I’m working on a Pat Sloan scrap quilt that the prairie points may work… I have 7 projects I want to complete this year (half year???) - 4 are projects that are in process and 3 quilts I need to start for 2 babies (including my soon-to-be granddaughter) and a graduation quilt. Wish me luck!!
Funny thing about quilters, while working on ONE project we already have the next dozen planned in our heads! If only we could make them ALL! I hope you make a lot of headway on your projects, keep going!!!
I love your videos! I like seeing how you do things and just hearing about your process and progress and a bit of the the day to day. I noticed the Carolina Chain is a Bonnie Hunter quilt and very similar to her County Clare leader ender project from July 2024 (free on Bonnie’s Quiltville website). I just finished assembling that one-168 blocks! 😅 If anyone is looking for the Carolina Chain pattern, it is also available as a free download on the CT Publishing website. I was complaining that I am sick of making those blocks but now I want to make this one! It will go on my list because I definitely need a break. County Clare uses smaller pieces, so I have to decide if I want to use my left overs and make Carolina Chain blocks smaller, or save those for something else and do something not quite so small scale-that was a LOT of piecing! I did the first 100 blocks as leaders and Enders, but converted it to my primary project and finished it off as about 85 x 100 before I add a small border. Almost 5000 pieces-my biggest (and heaviest!) quilt yet!
It is so satisfying to finally finish a project, especially one with so many blocks! That County Clare quilt is going to be beautiful, and I bet it will be a cherished one. Bonnie's patterns do use a lot of pieces but it's worth it! She is an inspiration to me too!
Good morning!!! As always, you have such good ideas, and so much inspiration! I have been telling myself that I need need make a list of what I want to get tackled this year. I have 2 quilts that need to be quilted and bound. Either on the machine, or by hand. I have not hand quilted since I very first started quilting, but you have me thinking about it. They are both generous queen sizes, and will be very difficult to do on my domestic machine. Having them sent off is just too cost prohibitive right now. I also have SO many kits that need to be done. I'd love to get some small projects done, some big quilts done, and some children's throws for donation done.
A list really helps me, too, keeps me on track. Plus,it feels good crossing things off! I am in the same boat as you are, with quilting, I can't do them on my domestic machine, and can't afford to send them out. I am slow with hand quilting, but I do get them done, just not very many. My quilting stitches aren't as small, or close together as Sue's, but I try not to beat myself up about it
@bathens4971 You're right, there is no reason to beat ourselves up about it. Big stitch quilting is really trending now, but I don't know when to use it. I don't feel like it would fit my quilts. I do tie some charity quilts, and quilts that are purely utilatarian.utilitarian. Have you tried tying any?
Keeping lists is a great idea. I find it helps me if I view the list as "ideas" rather than "need to finish" items. "Ideas" feels more fun, whereas "need to finish" sounds more like a chore, at least in my mind. I encourage you to give hand quilting a try again even though the quilts are large. I find that the more my hands are involved with a project, the greater my sense of accomplishment is and I feel a greater attachment to it. I know what you mean about the cost of having them longarmed, I would never be able to make a quilt if that were my only option. I am so lucky that I like to hand quilt.
my hand quilting stitches are not super small, nor are they all perfectly consistent. Once the quilt is washed and on my bed I never look at the hand stitching, even though I'm the person who DID it!
Love your star quilt! It really is very warm and cozy looking. And the Anything Goes quilt is looking just as promising. I like how you say there are no mistakes but you sure have a talent of working any “mistake” into a beautiful quilt! I think your methods of scrap organization and moving things along takes some experience so thank you for sharing your tips. I’m having several ‘aha!” moments listening to you. I have 6 quilts I want to complete as planned gifts in 2025 and also a few for Project Linus. And I have one 1930’s quilt top I restored and am hand quilting that needs to be completed. But your red quilt collection reminded me how I have always wanted a blue collection so I want to start a blue tumbler quilt for myself from my growing collection of blue scraps. I love making quilts for others but it’s good to do something for ourselves too, right? 😊
It sounds like you have a wonderful year of quilting ahead of you! I usually get a lot more done in the cold winter months because I don't like going out in the cold! I hope this year is good to you and I hope to help inspire you to keep going! Your quilts sound so lovely, and I also love blue and white quilts!
Love your videos. My daughter made me a beauty sign for my sewing room...Quilters don't have clutter laying around...just ideas. I too like my stuff, and if I get tired of working on one project,I just switch gears to another one and then go back.
Good morning Sue I'm having coffee and staying warm. It's good to find your video. I'm sew loving your channel. I've subscribed, thumbs up for ya and keep making beautiful things and sharing.
Thank you! I don't know what part of the world you're coming to me from, but here in PA we seem to be much colder than normal this winter. And windy too! Stay warm!
You got this! Just take it one step at a time. It can seem daunting to tackle big plans, but if you do just a little bit every day it really does add up!
All my coworkers have decided to have babies so my first three quilts of 2025 will be baby quilts. I have one top done, am working on the second and I have a plan for #3. You are inspiring me to put some order to my scraps as well. I'd love to make a blue and white scrappy quilt like your reds.
You're off to a good start! I think I probably have more blue and white quilts than I do red and white quilts! I have a weakness for 2 color quilts and would love to do a yellow and white, or even an orange and white! I'll have to put it on my list. .. . so may ideas!
I forgot to mention. THANK YOU for not jumping on the declutter bandwagon. I also have my stuff the way I like it and it’s not all pretty but it’s what i want and what i love. I appreciate doing what works for you
I'm so glad you appreciate my approach! I think it's good to see different perspectives and be able to pick and choose which things will work for you and your sewing room.
Thank you for reminding me of prairie point, I had actually forgotten about those since I have never actually used them. I am going to put them on a quilt I am finishing up this week!
That's good! I know they can also be used on an inner border, but I think they would have to be smaller so they don't flop around too much. I've never seen it done in person, only in magazines. I like that it's a really good use of some squares that have been accumulating for a while!
This year's goals are to continue working on my patchwork curtains, and attempt to finish up at least 1 EPP quilt completely and have another 1 ready for the hand quilting. I also think I'll finally assemble my sun bonnet sue quilt. I hope you have a wonderful 2025 filled with lots of sewing. Now off to work on finishing hand quilting a simple patchwork with the Baptist Fan. Have a wonderful week.
Sounds like a busy and fun year ahead! I have also made some patchwork curtains in the style of Kate from The Last Homely House. It sounds like you do a lot of hand sewing and hand quilting. There is just something about doing hand work and then seeing the completed project that makes it special. It's just so much more personal. I love the Baptist Fan pattern too!
@@fromsmallthings509 I first learned EPP in Spring of 2019 from a friend that had been nagging me to take up quilting as a hobby.From there I took up hand piecing and branching out into different shapes with EPP. I thought myself how to hand quilt without a frame at the same time. Even though I can do a very basic seam on my sewing machine, I just feel I have more control doing it by hand. Have a great rest of the week.
haha! Been there! I have boxes all over the place, but I tend to know what I have and where it is. I am working on making more space but then I keep coming home with more mens shirts. . . . oh well. . . !!!
Always happy to see a notification that you’re sharing another video with us. Watching you helps to keep me grounded and not caught up in the “stuff” going on in the news. I agree, I don’t really want to declutter my workroom. I do a lot of charity sewing but I take breaks and work on things for fun, too. Happy New Year, Sue🥰
Thank you joining me! Our sewing spaces are so personal that I feel we each need to keep them in a way that works best for us. Maybe that means it's as neat as a pin, maybe that means it's a hot mess! I happen to be somewhere in the middle, I think. All I know is that I feel happy and productive in my space, and I hope you do in yours too!
So inspiring !! Looking forward to your next video . Organizing my room now because I was spending too much time looking for things . I used to know where everything was and where it was . Not anymore . But your ideas for scrap quilts are awesome. Blessings
Sue, you are amazing!! I love your quilts and the usage of scraps. Also you have me as a comrade when it comes to the clutter, not being clutter, but my own system of organization. I know where everything in my space is and what the intended purpose is. This can drive some of the people in my life off the rails, but they just look the other way most of the time. Can't wait for the next episode. Take care.
Our sewing spaces are each so personal, a special place just for each of us to create and work in a way that best suits us. Some people need everything perfectly neat and tidy before they can begin working and some can create amazing things amidst a mess. I like to think I fall somewhere in the middle. To each their own! You will get a better look at my "mess" in the next video!
❤ Another winning video! I really really like the nature shots and outdoor shots that your daughter has videod for you and shared with us. Goals? I am still trying desperately to finish things. I have started over the years and cleaning out my folding fabrics in a similar fashion and lining things up to get ready so that when I put in a new piece of furniture in my sewing room, everything will fit perfectly on the shelf. I also want to clean out everything in my basement that’s in bins that I haven’t seen in years. that goes not only for my fabrics, but also for holiday decorations. I would like a clean and organized basement. And the third goal would be to clean out my closets and get rid of all the clothes I don’t wear anymore. Retirement gives you a whole new wardrobe. I am snuggled in in a blizzard in the middle of Kansas. And yes, I sewed a red and white schoolhouse block today.
Those are very big goals! I hope you can tackle them or at least make some noticeable progress, but I hope that you will still find the time to do things creatively that will bring you joy! Remember, those big projects don't happen all at once. I am getting a tiny bit of the storm that you had. Luckily I am on the northern part of it and we are only getting a few inches. We typically get much more with a storm of this size.
I love how honest & relaxed you are about your organizing, planning & getting projects done! You seem to truly enjoy each day as it comes❣️ Thank you for taking the time to video & share with us. May God bless you in 2025 🥰
Thanks again for the inspiration! I've dug out some partly-assembled fabric that I was using decades ago to make a quilt -- and lost the magazine that contained the pattern. I've decided to slice it up and make large four-patches, and think that at last it will amount to something!
That sounds perfect! It's much better to change course and have a finished project than to just hang on to something unfinished. Good luck and have fun with it!
I love this time of year, too...revving up for new projects!! I made a Hunter's Star last year and LOVED it. Will probably make another at some point. Cheers Sue!
❤ Another winning video! I really really like the nature shots and outdoor shots that your daughter has videod for you and shared with us. Goals? I am still trying desperately to finish things. I have started over the years and cleaning out my folding fabrics in a similar fashion and lining things up to get ready so that when I put in a new piece of furniture in my sewing room, everything will fit perfectly on the shelf. I also want to clean out everything in my basement that’s in bins that I haven’t seen in years. that goes not only for my fabrics, but also for holiday decorations. I would like a clean and organized basement. And the third goal would be to clean out my closets and get rid of all the clothes I don’t wear anymore. Retirement gives you a whole new wardrobe. I am snuggled in in a blizzard in the middle of Kansas. And yes, I sewed a red and white schoolhouse block today. Also, when Fabric is out of print, does not mean that it is not a great use. People don’t need to know exactly what fabric line it is to make a duplicate of your quilts. To know the color choice should be enough. You are teaching How to make quilts without patterns, how do use scraps and what you have on hand without having to run out and buy things and how to put colors together. You’ve been very good at telling us what size blocks you were using, and your techniques and methods. I agree with everything you do!❤
Thank you so much for your kind comments. Stay warm, I hope you didn't lose power in the storm. I am so happy to connect with such a large community of like-minded quilters, such as yourself. It makes me happy to realize there are still a lot of us who are still creating and making quilts even though we don't have the money to buy all the newest fabric and gadgets. Keep doing what you do! And Happy New Year!
I’m soooo happy I found your videos! I’m a scrap quilter too! I haven’t bought yardage since 2020. I get scraps from another quilter and love cutting up shirts for scraps. Your quilts are my inspiration and your videos make me feel like I’m visiting with a friend.
I made a hunters star for one of my sons. I used Deb Tucker's ruler for it and that ruler really made it easy. Now I want to make another. I would love a deno on the prairie points. That sounds like a great way to use up some scraps!
I was going to ask the same thing, how are the prairie points sewn? I assume they're sandwiched between the front,and backing? Does that mean you have to turn under, by hand, both the top, and backing? Seems like a lot of extra, tedious work! But, I do like the way the prairie points mimic the star's points, a really thoughtful thing to do!
the prairie points are very easy, and very forgiving. I can do a small tutorial in the future, I will put this topic on my list! I also have the Deb Tucker ruler for the Hunters Star, I bought it at a fabric sale for a very good price. I'm glad to hear you had success using it. I will watch her video before jumping in! I love her rulers..
Thanks for sharing your real life with us. So inspiring making use of everything and taking time to think through the quilts you want to make and miss giving away. I had never heard of the Burgoyne Surrounded Quilt. Really pretty.
Another great podcast. Love the prairie point edge. So glad you showed it. Not looking forward to the snow we are going to get Monday since I’m still working part time on Tuesday.
I enjoy ALL of your videos, so thank you for sharing. How in heaven's name do get such perfect points on the stars made up of 1" squares?? If you see this and if you would like to show us, that would be great. I can't imagine, that after 2 - 1/4 inch seams on each side of the points how you make that work. I am a newbie... Thanks and cheers from Minnesota
Hello from Minnesota! My points on that star quilt are not perfect but if you stand back far enough it looks good! I did struggle with this one but I'm glad I did not give up and that it is finished!
Just beautiful. Scrappy never gets old!!! And you do it so well!!! Maybe sometime show us when you machine sew something??? Happy new year!!!❤ SueAnn from Idaho
Happy New Year SueAnn! I've never been to Idaho but I hear it is just so very pretty! Maybe I will show some machine sewing in the future, but I somehow don't feel qualified even tho I've been quilting for so long! The other channels just seem so professional and me. . .. well, not so much!
My goal is to use scraps. My definition of scrap is generous... But I have too many "those are scraps" containers. (Right now I am doing a variation on economy block, I want to do a spiderweb with fussy cut novelty prints in the kites, this may be the year that I tackle a pineapple quilt...)
I love the economy block, so simple yet so may variations possible. And doing a pineapple block, well that is a lot of piecing! I started one during the pandemic but I hated my color combinations and ended up donating it to charity. Funny, after it was quilted it looked great!
I thoroughly enjoyed this video. I would love to see how you approach the Burgoyne Surrounded quilt - a pattern I had never heard of until now but wow what a beauty !! I look forward to spending 2025 learning and being inspired by you. Happy New Year!
I'm not sure when I will do that one, but I will keep you posted. The first one I made (and the only one so far) I just used graph paper to figure it out from a picture. Now I have a book from Eleanor Burns, purchased at a sale for $1! I think that will be more helpful.
Thank you, I appreciate your honesty about how long you've been working on something and that's great. It's no longer relaxing to sew if there's a task master with a time clock. Lol. I have been repairing the first strip quilt on machine i made in 1993. It was a sort of sampler I made up. Well I didn't know much about quilting as I made and sold kids clothing and other products. The material started to tear and became shredded. It's 84x94 now I had to remake alot of it and rebat and new backing and quilt the 4 layers together and bind it. Hoorah that's all done by new years, I have 2 sides of memory patch of original quilt back to hand sew then wash it.
That sounds like quite a feat! Good for you, for taking that on! You must really love that quilt to have done all that, and I hope it continues to bring you many more years of enjoyment and satisfaction ❤
Repairing an old quilt can be just as rewarding as making a new quilt. I had a very old trip around the world passed on to me but it was coming apart and some fabrics were worn thin and ripping. I tried to find fabrics from my stash that had the same look and feel as those vintage fabrics and I appliqued my new ones on top. I would do a little of that each year, and then my daughter took over the job of finishing it, even putting some patches on the back. I'm so glad you took the time to fix your quilt!!!
I just thought of something to do for the back of a memory quilt or gift to a man. Using neck ties made into strip piecing would be great for the back.
Thanks for sharing your inspiration and ongoing projects. I have so many projects on the go, too, including crumb blocks, which I love making (perfect for some mindless sewing). Your long pieced strips on the hanger reminded me of reading about Freddie Moran sewing up things in that spirit and stashing them to use in future quilts. She calls her stash of sewn bits her "parts department."
I like that name too, Parts Department! I like having them ready ahead of time. When the time comes that I need something like that for the back of a quilt, I have choices, and I'm also happy that I get to use things that are not just in the bottom of some random box or bin collecting dust.
@@tokyorosa I have some crumb blocks going, too! Yes! when I’m a bit overwhelmed with my first hand quilting project (a queen sized); I take a break a do the “mindless”, fun crumb blocks ☺️ And that gets my scrap stash down some, too.
Happy New Year. I am planning on a Faceted Jewel using my batiks. My guild recently showed one and I love it. Last year I made a Hunters Star. It is lovely but I should have planned it out better as the stars aren’t dominate.I used batiks for that too. They have been sitting on the shelf for years so I have to use them up.
Thank you! That one is finished now, the binding is on and it has been washed. I am just waiting for a day of decent weather so I can photograph it, and then it can go to its new home. My daughter claimed this one as soon as she saw me start working on it.
Hello Sue! Hope you are ok and not getting too much snow! In Virginia, we are getting hammered. I am learning so much from you. Thank you! Organization doesn't have to be pretty, that is just the Instagram culture telling us that. I love that you use spare boxes for your organization, so frugal. Cannot wait for your video on clutter. My husband said he is afraid of a fire in my sewing room (yes, it is bad, new box of donated fabric put it over the top). What size are the squares for your plus sign 9 patch?
Hello! I m not getting too much snow, maybe 2" or so. It is actually a very pretty, softly falling snow. Of course snow always looks prettier when you don't have to drive in it! My squares for my plus size are cut at 1.5" and will finish at 1' each. The block will finish at 3", that is why this one will take a while but it's a good place to put the smallest of scraps.
I also enjoy your videos, I found you before Christmas and have watched most of your video’s. I’m hoping to retire this year. I would love to know if you have any you-tubers you watch or where you get your ideas.
I hope you are able to retire this year and will have more time to quilt. I also watch others on UA-cam, like all of us I think. I watch Missouri Star, Pat Sloan, The Sewing Channel, Laundry Basket, to name a few. All have something that sparks my creativity!
I don’t know why I have never heard of you before today. I ❤scrap quilts. They are my favorite makes. I appreciate your down to earth speaking, but don’t hesitate to read us your selvages. I just used one dated 1976 in the selvage. Lol. I feel happy because I gave it purpose finally. 😊. Subscribing now!
Great video! For those “Anything Goes” blocks, since you didn’t include the square in each corner which would create a 4-patch when the blocks are sewn together, you could always snowball the corners, using one colour for top left and bottom right corners, then a different but complementary colour for the other two opposite corners. This would create a diamond four-patch in joins between blocks. Just a suggestion, you seem to have enough scraps to do this! 😊 (And for your new fat quarter bundle, Misty Doan has a recently posted great Puzzle Block Quilt pattern and tutorial that really shows off beautiful print with large pieces, large blocks).
I really enjoyed this video. I'm amazed at how much you get done. I am loving that you are getting more comfortable in front of the camera. Just sharing your passion and the freedom of retirement to do it brings me joy. So sew on and I will be along for the ride!
I love what I do but I don't think I'll ever be comfortable in front of the camera. My whole life, I've been the one behind it! Thank you for your lovely comments, and I hope you have a very good 2025!
You do beautiful work.
I love watching your videos! I’m amazed at the amount of large quilts you were able to complete in 2024!
I would love to spend time making quilts with you! I’m retired also, and being in my sewing room is my favorite way to spend the day also! I wish you a happy, healthy new year!🌺
My goal is to watch you all year. 😊
aw, thank you!!!!
I love the scrappy star quilt. If you ever get the chance, I would love to see a video on how you created the blocks in that quilt. I kept staring at it to imagine the construction. Love your videos.
That star quilt has really piqued the interest of so many! I assembled it in the same manner as a sawtooth star would be made, the center is 6x6 inches and the squares finish at 1" so that means there are 36 squares for the center block. The star legs were a challenge, and because I worked on this quilt over the course of about 2 years, even I forgot how I did them each time I came back to it!!!! My goodness!
I enjoy your posts. Thank you❤
Homespun fabrics make really good rag quilts!
Love all your scraps!
I agree! I think that would be super cozy!
Thank you for making your videos. I was so excited to see that you posted another one this morning. I love having you to watch in my sewing room.
Thank you! And I enjoy having you in mine! I had no idea I would reach so many people, and that everyone would leave such positive comments. I really appreciate it!
Hi, from Northumberland in North East England! Really enjoying your channel, and getting lots of new ideas.x
Welcome from Northumberland! I think you must be getting some snow now too. Hope you stay warm and cozy while nestled in for the winter!
It was Nice again to have you visiting me ( via UA-cam :) in my living room
Thanks for watching!
I really enjoy your channel and look forward to each new video. I hope your subscriber count continues to grow during 2025
Thank you for this video - it was great as always! I can't wait for the next video about processing scraps and how you keep your scraps "ready to use".
I hope it will give you some ideas that are useful in your sewing room! It's nothing fancy, but then again it doesn't have to cost a lot of money to help stay organized!
Thank you for saying you don't 'declutter'. I don't have clutter, I only have stuff with potential! Happy making :)
Exactly!!!
From one Pennsylvania Sue to another I say thank you! I love being thrifty when it comes to quilting! Your quilting MO appeals to me in every way! Do you save your selvedge? It’s endlessly fun to sew with! Thank you for sharing your quilt world with us.
Hi Susan! Funny, the selvedge is the one thing that I never save! I have saved them in the past only to give to someone else who can use them. I love the things that people can do with them and I certainly love the idea to use every bit!!! Thank you so much for joining me!
I would like to add to the praise of the many regarding your videos. I am very grateful to have found you on UA-cam and being of a certain age l enjoy the simplicity and naturalness of your presentations. Like you l do not need to declutter, reason being that living where l am in France, there is no 'patchwork' culture as such and it is difficult to find patchwork materials. So l make do. However watching videos from other quilters who all seem to have a tremendous 'stash' l can't help but being a bit wishful. Yes there is the internet and you can buy from the USA or UK but let's not mention the postage costs and customs duty. So keep going dear because your videos are much appreciated.
I have spent the majority of my quilting life "making do", as you are. A few years ago I had a very generous amount of fabric donated to me after the death of the mother of one of my friends. What a drastic change, having so much when I previously had so little. I too used to have fabric envy when I saw online studios, all perfect and all completely stocked with gorgeous fabric. But, I have now come to fully embrace my frugal ways and even though my quilts are not so perfectly planned and perfectly coordianted, I like them because they are distinctly mine. I hope you will love yours just as much!
I absolutely adore your quilts. You could do a snowball in the corners and still have a four patch in the corners. Thank you very much for sharing.
Good suggestion, I am also thinking of setting it on point. It's amazing how much a change that makes to a quilt.
I just have to say that I love that star quilt with the prairie points. I’m going to have to think thru how to do something similar this year.
thank you! New Year, new goals!
I do like your shoe boxes. I like to see quilters work rooms that have fancy storage but it’s not practical for me. A good shoe box does the same job as a bought clear plastic container.
I agree! I try to keep in mind a lot of those rooms are from people who are running a business so their thought process is different than mine. I think my shoe boxes are a very good size for the job of organizing smaller pieces of fabric and for certain block sizes.
Beautiful star quilt💚
I love that one too! I would never have thought to use green for the stars but I absolutely love it! That color makes all the difference!
Thank you! When my daughter first saw me laying out the blocks, she said "aw, you made a quilt for me". So now this quilt will go to her!
You plan a lot like me and how you use scraps…love love love!!
we are kindred spirits!
Thank you and your sweet daughter for your videos. I appreciate how you think out and adjust as necessary. You would make a lovely neighbor to share a cup of coffee or tea with. I like to hand quilt too. It’s clear that you enjoy your process and very organized. I salute you. ❤. I’m hoping this year 2025 is a better productive year for me. Bless you.
Even a tiny bit of progress is progress! Best of times in 2025
I'm glad to connect with so many other quilters who hand quilt. I do love what I do, and I'm glad that comes through. Best Wishes for the New Year!
You are such a joy to watch! Love your ideas and quilts!
I'm so happy to hear that! I love making quilts.
I don't really set goals either, I just keep working on things until they are done. Loved seeing the snow fall, really pretty.
It's a good approach-- just keep quilting! Works for me!
Oh Sue, I feel like a quilter when I watch you. After making my babies quilts, I put my quilting dreams on hold for 25 yrs due to lack of space, time and economics. I began again 4 yrs ago at the kitchen table and my fabric lives under my double bed. I live in a tiny house with 4 other people. 3 of us work from home. Yikes. There is no dedicated sewing space. My sewing lives in my head and heart and that is where I track it. I wait for my husband to go on work trips to FMQ my tops. I live in Canada in a HUGE city with NO fabric store, so most of my fabric is thrifted. New fabric works out to $18 USD/yd. I work with my hands by day, so doing hand quilting is a no go for now as my fingers already cramp after a long day. Needless to say, I love watching UA-cam, but I feel like I am watching how people quilt on a different planet or alternative reality. It looks nothing like my life. You are a comfort and an inspiration and I feel less of an oddball watching you.....wasting time on Pinterest the other day I thought of you.....This has to do with your vintage fabric.... There was a simple quilt made with precious Liberty fabrics. To showcase them, they were 4 inch squares, sashed in off white, no corner stones to distract, and it was trimmed in hand-crocheted lace. It was hand quilted in 3 lines on the sashing. So simple. It said: look how special these fabrics are to me. I think it would be perfect for both your lace and your vintage fabrics. Thanks so much for everything and thank your daughter as well.
What a wonderful note! You fit right in here ❤
Just huge hugs to you! I loved hearing about your life. Quilt on in your heart and steal any time you can to make it happen. I have been living on free scraps for years and it's very fun. New fabric is at a crazy price and the quality is questionable.
Thank you so much for sharing your story, I think a lot of quilters relate to those constraints! For years, my only work space was a small card table in the corner of my bedroom. That had to fit my sewing machine AND my cutting mat. I had to set up my ironing board each time, and then pack it away when done. What a pain! Sometimes I could use my kitchen table but then I had to drag everything out there. Then I was able to move to a small closet area where I could actually put my sewing table but my ironing board was directly behind me, almost touching my chair. And almost NO storage space! But then, one day, my kids grew up and were gone. Now I have my own room! I completely understand how you feel, but I encourage you to keep creating and don't compare yourself to the big popular quilters who have more money and more resources. Just do what you can with what you have, it matters!
I can relate! For me, the lack of space has more to do with uncontrolled clutter, so I try to find things I can do with my hands in my lap. Hexagon English Paper piecing became a bit of an obsession with me when I found a Fiskars Extra Large hexagon punch online which produces 1” hexies (meaning each side is 1”). I use the real estate flyers that multiply like rabbits in my mailbox to punch out hexi papers, then I thread baste fabric scraps to them (you can also glue-baste if you have a table on which to rest your work). I use the flat-back seaming method to sew hexies together into hexi flowers, and plan to cut some scrappy background diamonds from mens’ shirts or other thrifted fabrics on which to hand-appliqué my scrappy hexi flowers, using the ‘Kingfisher Quilt’ online sewalong pattern from a few years ago. The information is still up on their blogs, Rachel from @stitchedincolor and co-designer Jodi (whose blog name I forget). Check Instagram for some gorgeous examples of this #kingfisherquilt, most of it is hand sewing that can be done in very little space!
Oh my goodness I can learn so much from you're organizing skills! Love your tips and tricks! My goals are to get my hot mess room in order and be more organized going forward. 😮
Organization is an ongoing process, it's not a once and done chore, so don't push yourself to get a perfect sewing space.
Sue, I have never thought about piecing back pieces ahead of time. I think that is brilliant! And I'm going to try it for I have lots of scraps too. thank you for your videos; I love watching.
I know, I thought the same thing! Brilliant idea! I'm going to start doing the same thing! The strip sets look fast and easy, and maybe I can throw in some orphans too.. She has so many good ideas!
It works best for me if I try to keep those back pieces in color families since I never know where they'll end up. So far, I seem to use them almost as fast as I can make them! I hope they work for you too!
Great little "leader/ender" videography at the beginning and end of the vlog. Very, very nice touch.
Thank you! That is the work of my daughter, she does all the filming. She has a great artistic eye!
What you call a hot mess I would call creative art lol 😍
I am so obsessed with using every scrap, that sometimes I lose focus on what the end piece will look like. But, that shows where my focus is!
Hi Sue. My DIL requested a baby quilt for a friend and I am almost finished with it. But last evening I got that itch to pull out my 2 1/2 inch squares and worked on getting them put together. It was such fun after the distractions of the season to revisit my “mindless” comfort sewing. Happy New Year. The prairie point quilt is lovely.
I just pulled out MY box of 2 1/2" squares today too, after watching this video! I had been hand stitching some applique and dropped it like a hot potato when I saw what Sue is doing with making her none patches and strip sets. I know it's mindless sewing, but it IS progress, and it WILL be used in a quilt at some point. She is really stirring me on!
@@bathens4971absolutely! I am fascinated how Sue has blocks and units ready to be put into future projects. I have a lot of juvenile and whimsical scraps from making baby quilts and hopefully this year will make a dent and donate some quilts.
I love to hear what everyone is working on! There's just something so calming and soothing about 'mindless' sewing and hand quilting. It's just the BEST! Happy New Year to you!!!
I love watching your videos because I feel like you are a kindred spirit! I too organize my scraps in the sizes I most often use. I also have a couple of running projects that I gather the scraps for as I am quilting other projects. Mine are scrappy star blocks. I have gone through and listed all of my quilts in progress and will be focusing this year on finishes! I pulled a bin of small star blocks and opted to not finish them as a full size quilt and made them into a table runner which is my first finish for the year! I love it! And I have an empty bin!! Happy quilting ❤
Glad to hear you already have a finish this year! That feels good! Thank you for watching!
I am so enjoying your channel. You have inspired me to get working on finishing things that have been sitting way too long.
Me too!
Thank you for watching! I really hope you continue to work on your projects, even if a little at a time. Even if I only quilt for an hour a day, that means I've done 7 hours in a week! It all adds up!
I wish I had your energy and talent. I have too many UFOs and too much fabrics. I enjoy watching your videos because it inspires me to get up and work on my UFOs. I have a quilt on my frame for over 3 months and I actually work on it yesterday. I cannot wait for your next video. I'm also working on the Carolina pattern but I'm thinking of changing the size from 2" to 2 1/2 but not sure. Thanks for sharing your talent.
I had a quilt last year that I know sat on my dining table at least 3 months while I quilted it! Part of the reason it took so long was because it was winter,and I keep my heat down, to save money, and it was too cold for my hands to work on it. Right now, I have 2 tops, ready to be quilted,but I'm waiting for spring to start on them. So for now, I'm doing piecing,on my machine. It's still making progress, on the next ones!
you can easily use your 2.5' pieces for the Carolina Chain quilt. If I make that pattern again, that's what I will do because I just seem to have more squares and WOF strips in that size. Plus, you won't have to make as many blocks to get the size quilt you want.
I didn’t make any goals. I make lots of tops that will eventually go to a hospital in Africa or our service people overseas. I make any pattern I want, send it to a friend in ND who puts the batting and backing on, then they are shipped wherever they are needed. Right now I’m sewing strings together to make blocks.
That's really great that you have a friend that puts the batting and backing on. My favorite part is the designing and piecing and seeing how it all comes together. When it comes to putting the backing on and finishing it....well, you know!
How generous of you to do all that work! Wow! It sounds like a win/win. You get to do what you love and make what you want, and then they go to a very deserving place where I am sure they are appreciated and loved! Thank you for putting such kindness out into the world!
Thouroughly enjoy your videos. I can’t imagine you dragging your feet on anything! You get so many beautiful things made, while I must be stuck in the mud😂. Take care and Stay warm😊
Thank you for watching! I think we all have our own internal pace that we feel comfortable with. In the jobs I had before retirement, there were so many deadlines all the time and I think that has carried over into my sewing room, even though I know I can do what I want whenever I want to! It's just habit I guess.
You make amazing quilts ❤
Thank you!
Hi Sue, I really enjoy watching your videos! The quilts you make are so creative and pretty using all those scraps! I started quilting during Covid. I learned watching UA-cam. It’s been a wonderful journey for me with help from quilters like yourself. I’m originally from Southeastern PA so I recognized your accent right away! 😊 Take care
When Covid hit I found myself really really hoping that people would use that time during lockdown to be creative in any way. Writing, drawing, knitting, pottery, basket making etc, and of course quilting. Welcome to our quilting community! I hope you are enjoying the process and I'm glad you're finding a lot of good information on UA-cam!
I love your approach to quilting in general as it is about the love of the craft. It’s easy to get caught up in the whole marketing process and forget to keep ourselves at the center.
I’m loving your scrap quilts and have many little plus blocks like yours ready to put together for a grandchild turning 8 soon. It’s bright and fun.
Have a wonderful year with your fabric and projects!
I really like those Plus blocks too! I'll be " borrowing " that idea for sure ➕️
I really do love what I do and I'm glad that comes through. (I'm not so keen on being recorded though) Thank you for joining me, I really appreciate it! Will you use a straight setting for your blocks, or set them on point? For now I think my idea is to do it on point but since the finished quilt is so far off that may change. Who knows? haha!
@@fromsmallthings509I’m doing the on-point setting and letting them turn into little X’s - following an older Kim Brackett book of scrap quilt patterns. Cute.
I love this, all the best from England.xx🐝🐝
Hello from England! I wish you a very Happy New Year and thank you so much for joining me! What part of England are you from? I like looking at maps and finding places!
@ I come from Derbyshire in the East Midlands .not far from me is hardwick hall famous for its tapestries.We have the Peak District also.xxx🐝🐝🐝
As always, I enjoy your video and was, again inspired by you. While I listened/watched your video - I cut some scraps into 2 1/2 square - so, thank you for helping me get through that box.
I never thought of using prairie points as a binding - I’m working on a Pat Sloan scrap quilt that the prairie points may work…
I have 7 projects I want to complete this year (half year???) - 4 are projects that are in process and 3 quilts I need to start for 2 babies (including my soon-to-be granddaughter) and a graduation quilt. Wish me luck!!
Good luck! You know what they say, how in the world can one person eat an entire elephant- one bite at a time!
Funny thing about quilters, while working on ONE project we already have the next dozen planned in our heads! If only we could make them ALL! I hope you make a lot of headway on your projects, keep going!!!
I love your videos! I like seeing how you do things and just hearing about your process and progress and a bit of the the day to day. I noticed the Carolina Chain is a Bonnie Hunter quilt and very similar to her County Clare leader ender project from July 2024 (free on Bonnie’s Quiltville website). I just finished assembling that one-168 blocks! 😅 If anyone is looking for the Carolina Chain pattern, it is also available as a free download on the CT Publishing website. I was complaining that I am sick of making those blocks but now I want to make this one! It will go on my list because I definitely need a break. County Clare uses smaller pieces, so I have to decide if I want to use my left overs and make Carolina Chain blocks smaller, or save those for something else and do something not quite so small scale-that was a LOT of piecing! I did the first 100 blocks as leaders and Enders, but converted it to my primary project and finished it off as about 85 x 100 before I add a small border. Almost 5000 pieces-my biggest (and heaviest!) quilt yet!
WOW you go girl! ❤
Wow! That's a major achievement! GOOD for you! 👏👏👏🫡
It is so satisfying to finally finish a project, especially one with so many blocks! That County Clare quilt is going to be beautiful, and I bet it will be a cherished one. Bonnie's patterns do use a lot of pieces but it's worth it! She is an inspiration to me too!
The Quilted Twins website has some free patterns that use two inch squares
Thank you for the info. I will have to check it out!
Good morning!!! As always, you have such good ideas, and so much inspiration! I have been telling myself that I need need make a list of what I want to get tackled this year. I have 2 quilts that need to be quilted and bound. Either on the machine, or by hand. I have not hand quilted since I very first started quilting, but you have me thinking about it. They are both generous queen sizes, and will be very difficult to do on my domestic machine. Having them sent off is just too cost prohibitive right now. I also have SO many kits that need to be done. I'd love to get some small projects done, some big quilts done, and some children's throws for donation done.
A list really helps me, too, keeps me on track. Plus,it feels good crossing things off! I am in the same boat as you are, with quilting, I can't do them on my domestic machine, and can't afford to send them out. I am slow with hand quilting, but I do get them done, just not very many. My quilting stitches aren't as small, or close together as Sue's, but I try not to beat myself up about it
@bathens4971 You're right, there is no reason to beat ourselves up about it. Big stitch quilting is really trending now, but I don't know when to use it. I don't feel like it would fit my quilts. I do tie some charity quilts, and quilts that are purely utilatarian.utilitarian. Have you tried tying any?
Keeping lists is a great idea. I find it helps me if I view the list as "ideas" rather than "need to finish" items. "Ideas" feels more fun, whereas "need to finish" sounds more like a chore, at least in my mind. I encourage you to give hand quilting a try again even though the quilts are large. I find that the more my hands are involved with a project, the greater my sense of accomplishment is and I feel a greater attachment to it. I know what you mean about the cost of having them longarmed, I would never be able to make a quilt if that were my only option. I am so lucky that I like to hand quilt.
my hand quilting stitches are not super small, nor are they all perfectly consistent. Once the quilt is washed and on my bed I never look at the hand stitching, even though I'm the person who DID it!
@@fromsmallthings509 all great points, Sue! Thanks for all of the encouragement!
Love your star quilt! It really is very warm and cozy looking. And the Anything Goes quilt is looking just as promising. I like how you say there are no mistakes but you sure have a talent of working any “mistake” into a beautiful quilt! I think your methods of scrap organization and moving things along takes some experience so thank you for sharing your tips. I’m having several ‘aha!” moments listening to you. I have 6 quilts I want to complete as planned gifts in 2025 and also a few for Project Linus. And I have one 1930’s quilt top I restored and am hand quilting that needs to be completed. But your red quilt collection reminded me how I have always wanted a blue collection so I want to start a blue tumbler quilt for myself from my growing collection of blue scraps. I love making quilts for others but it’s good to do something for ourselves too, right? 😊
It sounds like you have a wonderful year of quilting ahead of you! I usually get a lot more done in the cold winter months because I don't like going out in the cold! I hope this year is good to you and I hope to help inspire you to keep going! Your quilts sound so lovely, and I also love blue and white quilts!
I have enjoyed all your videos. Thanks for sharing your passion!
Love your videos. My daughter made me a beauty sign for my sewing room...Quilters don't have clutter laying around...just ideas. I too like my stuff, and if I get tired of working on one project,I just switch gears to another one and then go back.
That sign is perfect for our sewing rooms! It sounds like we work in a similar way.
Good morning Sue I'm having coffee and staying warm. It's good to find your video. I'm sew loving your channel. I've subscribed, thumbs up for ya and keep making beautiful things and sharing.
Thank you! I don't know what part of the world you're coming to me from, but here in PA we seem to be much colder than normal this winter. And windy too! Stay warm!
I'm making a list of ufo's I've got plans to finish. Watching you is the pep talk I needed. Thanks.
You got this! Just take it one step at a time. It can seem daunting to tackle big plans, but if you do just a little bit every day it really does add up!
All my coworkers have decided to have babies so my first three quilts of 2025 will be baby quilts. I have one top done, am working on the second and I have a plan for #3. You are inspiring me to put some order to my scraps as well. I'd love to make a blue and white scrappy quilt like your reds.
You're off to a good start! I think I probably have more blue and white quilts than I do red and white quilts! I have a weakness for 2 color quilts and would love to do a yellow and white, or even an orange and white! I'll have to put it on my list. .. . so may ideas!
I forgot to mention. THANK YOU for not jumping on the declutter bandwagon. I also have my stuff the way I like it and it’s not all pretty but it’s what i want and what i love. I appreciate doing what works for you
I'm so glad you appreciate my approach! I think it's good to see different perspectives and be able to pick and choose which things will work for you and your sewing room.
Thank you for reminding me of prairie point, I had actually forgotten about those since I have never actually used them. I am going to put them on a quilt I am finishing up this week!
That's good! I know they can also be used on an inner border, but I think they would have to be smaller so they don't flop around too much. I've never seen it done in person, only in magazines. I like that it's a really good use of some squares that have been accumulating for a while!
I look forward to spending ,ore time in your sewing room. 😉
Enjoy your videos so much! Your creativity and joy shines through!!
This year's goals are to continue working on my patchwork curtains, and attempt to finish up at least 1 EPP quilt completely and have another 1 ready for the hand quilting. I also think I'll finally assemble my sun bonnet sue quilt. I hope you have a wonderful 2025 filled with lots of sewing. Now off to work on finishing hand quilting a simple patchwork with the Baptist Fan. Have a wonderful week.
Sounds like a busy and fun year ahead! I have also made some patchwork curtains in the style of Kate from The Last Homely House. It sounds like you do a lot of hand sewing and hand quilting. There is just something about doing hand work and then seeing the completed project that makes it special. It's just so much more personal. I love the Baptist Fan pattern too!
@@fromsmallthings509 I first learned EPP in Spring of 2019 from a friend that had been nagging me to take up quilting as a hobby.From there I took up hand piecing and branching out into different shapes with EPP. I thought myself how to hand quilt without a frame at the same time. Even though I can do a very basic seam on my sewing machine, I just feel I have more control doing it by hand. Have a great rest of the week.
Hunkered down working on a contest quilt for the 50 years of Moda, but working on a list in my head.
Sounds like you're starting the new year with a fun challenge! Best of luck, remember to keep it fun!!!
Thank you for more ideas! Great videos! My sewing room has its own 'clutter pile', on the floor, lol! 🥰
haha! Been there! I have boxes all over the place, but I tend to know what I have and where it is. I am working on making more space but then I keep coming home with more mens shirts. . . . oh well. . . !!!
Always happy to see a notification that you’re sharing another video with us. Watching you helps to keep me grounded and not caught up in the “stuff” going on in the news. I agree, I don’t really want to declutter my workroom. I do a lot of charity sewing but I take breaks and work on things for fun, too. Happy New Year, Sue🥰
Thank you joining me! Our sewing spaces are so personal that I feel we each need to keep them in a way that works best for us. Maybe that means it's as neat as a pin, maybe that means it's a hot mess! I happen to be somewhere in the middle, I think. All I know is that I feel happy and productive in my space, and I hope you do in yours too!
So inspiring !! Looking forward to your next video . Organizing my room now because I was spending too much time looking for things . I used to know where everything was and where it was . Not anymore . But your ideas for scrap quilts are awesome. Blessings
Good luck in your sewing room. I think it's tough to keep things organized in a room where there are always projects being worked on.
Sue, you are amazing!! I love your quilts and the usage of scraps. Also you have me as a comrade when it comes to the clutter, not being clutter, but my own system of organization. I know where everything in my space is and what the intended purpose is. This can drive some of the people in my life off the rails, but they just look the other way most of the time. Can't wait for the next episode. Take care.
Our sewing spaces are each so personal, a special place just for each of us to create and work in a way that best suits us. Some people need everything perfectly neat and tidy before they can begin working and some can create amazing things amidst a mess. I like to think I fall somewhere in the middle. To each their own! You will get a better look at my "mess" in the next video!
You have me some great ideas. Thanks for video
I am glad you found some good ideas!
Loved your show today. And every time! Have a good year
Thank YOU!!!
❤ Another winning video! I really really like the nature shots and outdoor shots that your daughter has videod for you and shared with us. Goals? I am still trying desperately to finish things. I have started over the years and cleaning out my folding fabrics in a similar fashion and lining things up to get ready so that when I put in a new piece of furniture in my sewing room, everything will fit perfectly on the shelf. I also want to clean out everything in my basement that’s in bins that I haven’t seen in years. that goes not only for my fabrics, but also for holiday decorations. I would like a clean and organized basement. And the third goal would be to clean out my closets and get rid of all the clothes I don’t wear anymore. Retirement gives you a whole new wardrobe. I am snuggled in in a blizzard in the middle of Kansas. And yes, I sewed a red and white schoolhouse block today.
Those are very big goals! I hope you can tackle them or at least make some noticeable progress, but I hope that you will still find the time to do things creatively that will bring you joy! Remember, those big projects don't happen all at once.
I am getting a tiny bit of the storm that you had. Luckily I am on the northern part of it and we are only getting a few inches. We typically get much more with a storm of this size.
I just watched your newest video. I am also a scrap quilter. I love, love your “hot messes”!!!
I love how honest & relaxed you are about your organizing, planning & getting projects done! You seem to truly enjoy each day as it comes❣️ Thank you for taking the time to video & share with us. May God bless you in 2025 🥰
I appreciate you watching and thank you for the kind words!
Hi Sue. I love all that you make and really enjoy your joyful nature. Thank you.
That's so sweet, thank you so much!
Thanks again for the inspiration! I've dug out some partly-assembled fabric that I was using decades ago to make a quilt -- and lost the magazine that contained the pattern. I've decided to slice it up and make large four-patches, and think that at last it will amount to something!
That sounds perfect! It's much better to change course and have a finished project than to just hang on to something unfinished. Good luck and have fun with it!
Happy New Year Sue! I always love your little "weather report" at the beginning of your videos.
Me too, and the outdoor videos!
I love this time of year, too...revving up for new projects!! I made a Hunter's Star last year and LOVED it. Will probably make another at some point. Cheers Sue!
I will let you know how my Hunters Star turns out. I have 2 different methods, I may try both this year!
I want to list all of my wips and put them in order of most to least finished. Hoping that will give me the impetus to finish them.
I hope you find the inspiration to work on some of your projects, it's so satisfying to finish something handmade!
I love Burgoyne Surrounded! You are such an inspiration in all you do and accomplish so incredibly well.
One day the women in my guild just made a Burgoyne Surrounded as a Quilt of Valor this year, it's such a beautiful pattern
I love Burgoyne Surrounded too! Since I put it on my list, I guess I will have to fit it in this year!
@@fromsmallthings509 🥰
❤ Another winning video! I really really like the nature shots and outdoor shots that your daughter has videod for you and shared with us. Goals? I am still trying desperately to finish things. I have started over the years and cleaning out my folding fabrics in a similar fashion and lining things up to get ready so that when I put in a new piece of furniture in my sewing room, everything will fit perfectly on the shelf. I also want to clean out everything in my basement that’s in bins that I haven’t seen in years. that goes not only for my fabrics, but also for holiday decorations. I would like a clean and organized basement. And the third goal would be to clean out my closets and get rid of all the clothes I don’t wear anymore. Retirement gives you a whole new wardrobe. I am snuggled in in a blizzard in the middle of Kansas. And yes, I sewed a red and white schoolhouse block today.
Also, when Fabric is out of print, does not mean that it is not a great use. People don’t need to know exactly what fabric line it is to make a duplicate of your quilts. To know the color choice should be enough. You are teaching How to make quilts without patterns, how do use scraps and what you have on hand without having to run out and buy things and how to put colors together. You’ve been very good at telling us what size blocks you were using, and your techniques and methods. I agree with everything you do!❤
Thank you so much for your kind comments. Stay warm, I hope you didn't lose power in the storm. I am so happy to connect with such a large community of like-minded quilters, such as yourself. It makes me happy to realize there are still a lot of us who are still creating and making quilts even though we don't have the money to buy all the newest fabric and gadgets. Keep doing what you do! And Happy New Year!
I look so forward to seeing what you've done. Your videos are soooo uplifting and I can't wait for the next one!! Take Care!
I'm so happy you enjoy them! Thanks for watching! Happy New Year!
I’m soooo happy I found your videos! I’m a scrap quilter too! I haven’t bought yardage since 2020. I get scraps from another quilter and love cutting up shirts for scraps. Your quilts are my inspiration and your videos make me feel like I’m visiting with a friend.
It is so much fun to work with scraps, isn't it? Every quilt is so unique and has so much personality from the maker in it!
I made a hunters star for one of my sons. I used Deb Tucker's ruler for it and that ruler really made it easy. Now I want to make another. I would love a deno on the prairie points. That sounds like a great way to use up some scraps!
Yes, I would like to know how they are attached to the quilt itself. Love this channel!
Thanks for sharing your way. I have a laundry basket of last years left overs, or unmade quilts. They weigh a bit on my brain! Time to square them up.
I was going to ask the same thing, how are the prairie points sewn? I assume they're sandwiched between the front,and backing? Does that mean you have to turn under, by hand, both the top, and backing? Seems like a lot of extra, tedious work! But, I do like the way the prairie points mimic the star's points, a really thoughtful thing to do!
@grandmakuhl well, even if you only work on one of them, that's still progress!
the prairie points are very easy, and very forgiving. I can do a small tutorial in the future, I will put this topic on my list!
I also have the Deb Tucker ruler for the Hunters Star, I bought it at a fabric sale for a very good price. I'm glad to hear you had success using it. I will watch her video before jumping in! I love her rulers..
Thanks for sharing your real life with us. So inspiring making use of everything and taking time to think through the quilts you want to make and miss giving away. I had never heard of the Burgoyne Surrounded Quilt. Really pretty.
Another great podcast. Love the prairie point edge. So glad you showed it. Not looking forward to the snow we are going to get Monday since I’m still working part time on Tuesday.
Be careful on the roads! Too many people drive like the roads are dry
Be careful out there! Another perk about being retired is that I don't have to drive on those slippery winter roads! That's just nerve wracking!
I enjoyed your video. Thanks for sharing and for the inspiration ❤
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Love your videos and look so forward to them. Happy New Year!
Thank you so much, happy new year to you too!
I enjoy ALL of your videos, so thank you for sharing. How in heaven's name do get such perfect points on the stars made up of 1" squares?? If you see this and if you would like to show us, that would be great. I can't imagine, that after 2 - 1/4 inch seams on each side of the points how you make that work. I am a newbie... Thanks and cheers from Minnesota
Hello from Minnesota! My points on that star quilt are not perfect but if you stand back far enough it looks good! I did struggle with this one but I'm glad I did not give up and that it is finished!
Just beautiful. Scrappy never gets old!!! And you do it so well!!! Maybe sometime show us when you machine sew something???
Happy new year!!!❤
SueAnn from Idaho
Happy New Year SueAnn! I've never been to Idaho but I hear it is just so very pretty! Maybe I will show some machine sewing in the future, but I somehow don't feel qualified even tho I've been quilting for so long! The other channels just seem so professional and me. . .. well, not so much!
Thank you, very enjoyable video!
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Like you I have no real plans for the year. I just roll with it. Thanks for sharing.
My goal is to use scraps. My definition of scrap is generous... But I have too many "those are scraps" containers. (Right now I am doing a variation on economy block, I want to do a spiderweb with fussy cut novelty prints in the kites, this may be the year that I tackle a pineapple quilt...)
I love the economy block, so simple yet so may variations possible. And doing a pineapple block, well that is a lot of piecing! I started one during the pandemic but I hated my color combinations and ended up donating it to charity. Funny, after it was quilted it looked great!
I thoroughly enjoyed this video. I would love to see how you approach the Burgoyne Surrounded quilt - a pattern I had never heard of until now but wow what a beauty !! I look forward to spending 2025 learning and being inspired by you. Happy New Year!
I'm not sure when I will do that one, but I will keep you posted. The first one I made (and the only one so far) I just used graph paper to figure it out from a picture. Now I have a book from Eleanor Burns, purchased at a sale for $1! I think that will be more helpful.
Thank you, I appreciate your honesty about how long you've been working on something and that's great. It's no longer relaxing to sew if there's a task master with a time clock. Lol. I have been repairing the first strip quilt on machine i made in 1993. It was a sort of sampler I made up. Well I didn't know much about quilting as I made and sold kids clothing and other products. The material started to tear and became shredded. It's 84x94 now I had to remake alot of it and rebat and new backing and quilt the 4 layers together and bind it. Hoorah that's all done by new years, I have 2 sides of memory patch of original quilt back to hand sew then wash it.
That sounds like quite a feat! Good for you, for taking that on! You must really love that quilt to have done all that, and I hope it continues to bring you many more years of enjoyment and satisfaction ❤
Repairing an old quilt can be just as rewarding as making a new quilt. I had a very old trip around the world passed on to me but it was coming apart and some fabrics were worn thin and ripping. I tried to find fabrics from my stash that had the same look and feel as those vintage fabrics and I appliqued my new ones on top. I would do a little of that each year, and then my daughter took over the job of finishing it, even putting some patches on the back. I'm so glad you took the time to fix your quilt!!!
I just thought of something to do for the back of a memory quilt or gift to a man. Using neck ties made into strip piecing would be great for the back.
I agree! Actually speaking of ties, the quilt that I am currently hand quilting has some orphan blocks on the back of it, all made with ties!
Thanks for sharing your inspiration and ongoing projects. I have so many projects on the go, too, including crumb blocks, which I love making (perfect for some mindless sewing). Your long pieced strips on the hanger reminded me of reading about Freddie Moran sewing up things in that spirit and stashing them to use in future quilts. She calls her stash of sewn bits her "parts department."
Great name! The Parts department, I may have to steal that one 😂
I like that name too, Parts Department! I like having them ready ahead of time. When the time comes that I need something like that for the back of a quilt, I have choices, and I'm also happy that I get to use things that are not just in the bottom of some random box or bin collecting dust.
@@tokyorosa I have some crumb blocks going, too! Yes! when I’m a bit overwhelmed with my first hand quilting project (a queen sized); I take a break a do the “mindless”, fun crumb blocks ☺️ And that gets my scrap stash down some, too.
Wonderful video
Thank you for your video! Happy scrappy sewing!
I have a topic that I am unfamiliar with, the Thimble. How about an episode on using this tool!
Yay! always love seeing a new video up on your channel ❤
Happy New Year. I am planning on a Faceted Jewel using my batiks. My guild recently showed one and I love it. Last year I made a Hunters Star. It is lovely but I should have planned it out better as the stars aren’t dominate.I used batiks for that too. They have been sitting on the shelf for years so I have to use them up.
Happy New Year! Im glad to hear you are using your batiks! Your quilts sound lovely!
@ Today I borrowed a Bonnie Hunter book from a friend with the Carolina Chain pattern in it. Another scrappy one to make.
Happy New Year! Love the quilt you've almost finished with the quilting 😍.
My goals are finishing some ufo's and start a few new ones
Thank you! That one is finished now, the binding is on and it has been washed. I am just waiting for a day of decent weather so I can photograph it, and then it can go to its new home. My daughter claimed this one as soon as she saw me start working on it.
Im going to maje scrappy wuilts and donate them to axlocal charity that provides things for people struggling.
That's a great idea, and thank you so much for doing something so nice for others in need. I believe I have some charity quilts in my future too.
Hello Sue! Hope you are ok and not getting too much snow! In Virginia, we are getting hammered. I am learning so much from you. Thank you! Organization doesn't have to be pretty, that is just the Instagram culture telling us that. I love that you use spare boxes for your organization, so frugal. Cannot wait for your video on clutter. My husband said he is afraid of a fire in my sewing room (yes, it is bad, new box of donated fabric put it over the top). What size are the squares for your plus sign 9 patch?
Hello! I m not getting too much snow, maybe 2" or so. It is actually a very pretty, softly falling snow. Of course snow always looks prettier when you don't have to drive in it! My squares for my plus size are cut at 1.5" and will finish at 1' each. The block will finish at 3", that is why this one will take a while but it's a good place to put the smallest of scraps.
I also enjoy your videos, I found you before Christmas and have watched most of your video’s. I’m hoping to retire this year.
I would love to know if you have any you-tubers you watch or where you get your ideas.
I hope you are able to retire this year and will have more time to quilt. I also watch others on UA-cam, like all of us I think. I watch Missouri Star, Pat Sloan, The Sewing Channel, Laundry Basket, to name a few. All have something that sparks my creativity!
You are very sweet ...and hard working.
That's very kind of you, I appreciate that!
Love the prairie points!
I don’t know why I have never heard of you before today. I ❤scrap quilts. They are my favorite makes. I appreciate your down to earth speaking, but don’t hesitate to read us your selvages. I just used one dated 1976 in the selvage. Lol. I feel happy because I gave it purpose finally. 😊. Subscribing now!
I'm so glad you found my channel! I didn't even know that they dated selvages from so long ago! I'm so glad you've found a use for it, yay!!!
You are an inspiration. Thanks for sharing
Thank you so much for watching!