Hi Quilting Friends,
So long, March! It has been nice, but it’s time to make room for the arrival of April. We’re hoping for rain showers, and a bounty of flowers!
March was more laidback than February, thank goodness, and so we had plenty of time for adventures! My favorite March outing was our trip to the Museum of Natural Science in Houston to see the “Terracotta Warriors” exhibit, followed by lunch at the Saint Arnold brewery. Here are a few of my pictures from the day.
We also enjoyed meals out with friends, book club at the library, a couple of classes at the college, and game nights with our dear neighbors.
I spent quite a lot of time removing debris and planting anew in our backyard. I hope to complete a couple more backyard projects before the temperatures get too outrageously hot, so we shall see if that happens. Here are two of my favorite spots, refreshed for Spring!
I’m still thinking about how we quilters end up with projects, half done. I’ve realized that sometimes our projects become PHD’s because we’re missing something important. What roadblock(s) are standing between you and that elusive finish line? Here are two questions to consider for each item on the PHD list-
- Do I have all of supplies and tools that will be needed to complete the project? If not, make a list and acquire what you need. This could mean taking a deep dive into your fabric stash, visiting the local quilt shop, or conducting an online shopping expedition. When everything you’ll need is on hand, you’re ready to settle in, fire up the sewing machine, and GO without interruption!
- For example, several of my projects for this year need to be quilted. That can’t happen unless I have backing, batting, and thread for each project. I made a list of supplies, placed an online order for batting, and visited the local quilt shop to choose threads for quilting and fabrics for backing, so now I’m ready to continue my projects when I have time to stitch.
- Are my skills at the level required to complete the project and still be happy with it? If not, it’s time to develop your skills. This might involve taking a class via your local quilt shop or guild, watching online tutorial videos, checking out a book from the library, or asking a skilled friend to guide you. Once you have managed the basics, consider using a smaller piece for “practice” before you tackle your primary project.
- For example, I used to have a big stack of unquilted tops. I wanted to quilt them myself using free-motion quilting (FMQ) techniques, so I watched many online videos and practiced my quilting moves on zipper bags and place mats before starting on the larger pieces. While I’m by no means a master of FMQ moves, I’m happy with the quilts that I’ve finished so far and (more importantly) I’m enjoying the process of learning new things.
If something important is missing, make sure that you’ve filled that void before re-starting your project. Remove those roadblocks, and then continue toward the finish line! I can’t wait to see how it’s going for you.
Here’s my PHD update for March. I have two finishes to share and progress on several other projects, finally!
Project #1: Stash-Bustin’ Scrappy Sampler
The quilt is layered and safety pin basted, ready to begin quilting! I’m excited to play with my FMQ moves and finish up this beauty.
Princess Nina is ready to get to work on this project, so I’ll probably begin right away!
Project #2: “Each Dawn A New Day”
Here’s a picture from February 26-
Here’s a picture from March 29 –
I’m checking off “upper borders” on my task list since they are done except for the outlines. I will probably begin the outlining soon, because I don’t want to do all of it at once. Maybe I’ll do it after I have completed the top section.
Unfortunately, I made one or more counting errors while stitching part of the top section, so I had to do some unstitching before I could continue in that area. Not fun, but necessary! Note to self: Stitch the borders first, and then count with care!
Project #3: Pinwheel Stars Quilt
I made 36 little bitty pinwheel blocks, 25 from the “bonus” HST squares that I created while stitching my Pinwheel Star blocks. Aren’t they adorable! My design is finally finalized, and my blocks have all been stitched.
I have started to cut scraps to use for the sashings, and so my next step will be to choose a specific layout for everything. That’s a challenge when each block is a different color! Time to set up the design wall and play. 😁
Project #8: A Quilt for Anna
Ta-done! You can read more about the finish, which was my “One Monthly Goal” for March right HERE.
Anna’s birthday was on March 28, and we met up for her birthday celebration, which included lunch and antique browsing in Round Top, Texas. She loves her quilt!
Project #11: Scrappy Zipper Bags X 12
Here’s the cute (large) RED zipper bag for March, made with pieces from my orphan block drawer, scraps, and stash fabric. You can read more HERE, and see all of the RSC 2026 zipper bags so far.
I also finished these two (large) zipper bags from leftover sections of my SAHRR project, and this brings my total for the year to six bags!.
Project #14: SAHRR 2026
Despite my challenges with care-giving and travel during February, I was able to finish my SAHRR 2026 project in time for the Parade of Quilts. Read more (and see all of the pretty pictures!) HERE.
New Projects
I have finished piecing the quilt top for Nick and Caroline’s little one . It is SEW adorable! I’ve always loved Winnie the Pooh and friends, and the quilt is made with the new collection from Riley Blake, which will be perfect for their nursery.
Here’s a little sneaky peek at what I have done so far. I’ll share the quilt at the end of April, after it is completed.
My “One Monthly Goal” for April is to finish making the baby quilt. The baby shower is scheduled for May 2, and this will be my gift for them.
Note to Self: Don’t forget to link up!
Ongoing Projects
Coffee Mug Blocks
Here’s a pretty RED coffee mug block for my March RSC.
“Signature” Blocks
I made 20 more “signature blocks” in RED for March!
Now that I look at it more carefully, that cow print looks out of place but it will probably work just fine when I have more blocks and other colors mixed in.
PHD Progress Update
This is my updated PHD task list, shaded to show the finished tasks and completed projects.
This is my updated PHD tracker, showing two finishes for March.
Party Time!
Now its your turn! Share your link and visit the others to support and encourage.
We would appreciate a link back from your post to this post. Here’s a link to copy and paste.
I hope that April brings beautiful, sunny days with lots of time for everything that makes you smile. Have a wonderful month!
Happy quilting,
Sharon
Ms P Designs USA 