I can't believe how fast August went and now we're in the first days of September already which for some means Summer is almost over. It seems like it took forever for Summer to start and once it did, we definitely had a range of weather from heat, cool, drought and heavy rains. Last week heavy storms, took down our Willow Tree which has graced our backyard for almost twenty-five years and it has been used it as a backdrop for several of my quilt photos. And speaking about another range is my activity on my project lists which I have to confess I did not follow much at all. I have twelve projects on my UFO list which I committed to finishing for 2018 for
Tish Adventure in Wonderland Quilty Confessions UFO Addition. So far, I've only finished five of the projects but we still have four month left and maybe I can finish a few more. I'm happy with my latest finish which is my Scrap Vortex II which last year was another UFO finish when it was completed as a
top and now I can say it's a Finally Finish and a check off on my UFO Project List.
Here's a close-up of Scrap Vortex II which has scraps of fabrics from quilts past made and fabrics I still love: Cotton + Steel, Denyse Schmidt, Lotta Jansdotter, even my beloved IKEA Nummer fabric and lots more. I love the idea of sewing scraps together and have enough to keep me busy for years. I do plan on sewing more scraps to use for blocks and make quilts like the ones in Kelly Young's Stash Statement Book.
Like Scrap Vortex I, Scrap Vortex II is what I consider a patchwork throw since I only backed it with a plush fabric like Minkee and did not use any batting in the middle. I take Scrap Vortex I with me when traveling to use in lieu of the blankets in the hotel rooms, it's cuddly and warm and I know who's been using it--just me. Making patchwork throws is a quick way to finish quilt tops and one of the benefits is it only needs to be likely quilted. I quilted it 6" apart vertically and 8" apart horizontally. You do have to baste it like you would a quilt and I use a Jersey/Knit sewing machine needle plus polyester thread--I do like the ones from Missouri Star Quilt Co. I used Silver color thread, both top and bottom and I like how it blended with the lime green pseudo Minkee.
And here's a photo of the two Scrap Vortexes Patchwork Throws together. For Scrap Vortex I, I backed it with another type of plush fabric which has a chenille look which I like very much and used it for several other throws. Both of these plushes were purchased from Walmart which seems to have the best prices but limited colors and variety. Scrap Vortex I measures 52" x 70" and II measures 52" x 75". Scrap Vortex I, which was made several years ago, has been washed in cold water and dried on a low temperature at least five times and have held up well. In fact, after each washing it feels more softer on the top, as well on the bottom. These really should be called Adult Blankies and make a nice gift. Several years ago, I made one for my Godmother with some HST blocks just waiting to be made into a quilt top so I quickly made a patchwork throw to give her when she was recuperating from leg surgery and it was very much appreciated.
Here's a close-up of the two Vortexes side by side so you can see how well Scrap Vortex I looks. The top of the quilt does not look wrinkly and has a nice washed look--that's my opinion.
I'm looking forward to taking both of these patchwork throws with me when we go to Washington D.C. in September. Sadly, this month's upper state New York trip was cancelled due to my hubby having unexpected laproscopic surgery for an external hernia. Scouts Honor, Halo Up and Horns Down, this hernia had nothing to do with his gig being my Master Quilt Holder and 99.99% sure it did not involve carrying massive shipments of fabrics into my studio. As for him being the FacilityManager for my studio, I plead the Fifth.
I hope everyone is enjoying the last holiday weekend of the Summer gone by too quickly. It's much too hot and humid here so I do plan on finishing two more patchwork throws.
Linking up with:
Tish Adventure in Wonderland UFO Busting,
Cooking Up Quilts, Main Crush Monday,
Quilting is More Fun Than Housework, Oh Scrap!,
My Quilt Infatuation, Needle and Thread Thursday,
Confessions of a Fabric Addict, Can I Get A Whoop Whoop Friday and
Crazy Mom's Finish It Up Friday.
