Monday, July 3, 2017

I FINALLY GET TO SEW AGAIN! String Blocks

Wow!  It feels like forever since I've been able to do any sewing.  I FINALLY got to sew today.   Four 6 1/2" string blocks which will be sewn together to make a 12 1/2" block.


I was thrilled to find out that this is what one of my July stash bee requests was because the only fabric I have available to me right now is one grocery bag full of scraps.  Perfect!! This is probably the earliest I have ever finished a bee block!

If you don't want to read about our 5th wheel adventure, please read the last paragraph for a request for recommendations!

Since this is the first time I've ever sewn in a 5th wheel, it took me a while to get organized but I'll be better prepared for the next sewing session.  

Here is where I sew for the next six weeks . . . My mess in all its glory.  

And then all tidied up, sort of . . .
It is so hot today that we have all the windows covered up with reflective material to keep the heat out.  This is a very old 5th wheel and the cushions could definitely use new covers but I don't have a clue how to go about doing that!   

Way in the end, you can see just three pieces of our normal size sectional.  Two end pieces that recline and the middle corner piece.  They fit like a glove!  Of course, you can only recline one chair at a time or they run into each other.

I'm thinking about pinning up some batting on the back wall and just sticking blocks to it to brighten up the place.  I can see my daughter's laptop case has fallen off her bed and hanging back there.  Not the greatest decoration in the world.  Those string blocks were actually pretty fun to make and didn't make much of a dent in my sack of scraps!  

My husband is the best!  Instead of us having to pare down our wardrobes into what can fit into the 5th wheel . . . behold our new walk-in closet!  There is a door around to the right.

Here is the view from the inside.  We have this parked right across from the 5th wheel so its just a few short steps to pick something out for the day.  Two rods across the back and two long rows of rods along the left side.  We actually fit all three of our wardrobes in there!

It has also been suggested by several people that I get some kind of hand project going while living here.  I really like that idea!  I would like to do a small simple picture with an inspirational saying or quote that is cute and colorful (either embroidery or cross stitch).  Can you hand sewists out there direct me to a site or tell me about a designer I can search for?


Linking to:
Cooking Up Quilts
Em's Scrap Bag
Show and Tell Monday with Bambi




11 comments:

  1. Oh you are making the best of things for sure. I don't embroider...but it would be nice to make a sign for your new sewing room.

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  2. Suggestions for hand sewing: paper piecing so many videos and designs ( Sue Daley, a good reference or paperpieces.com, a great website with all kinds of templates). Embroidery is also a good suggestion, Jacquelynne Steves is starting a new block of the month with embroidery. She has some great freebies. Also Bird Brain, Crabapple Hill. There are several Australian designers who do both pieced blocks with embroidery: Hatched and Patched, Rosalie Quinlan also known as Rosalie Dekker, Lynnete Anderson. Third option is wool applique; Lisa Bongean of Primitive Gatherings, or Sue Spargo are two designers off the top of my head.

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  3. I'm having flashbacks to our two months in an RV this spring! Your space looks pretty neat and tidy to me :)

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  4. I am glad you are making it work to be able to sew a bit here and there for the therapy!! Are there no slide outs in this 5th wheel?

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  5. This is fabulous, Janice! I have to tell you, I am having closet envy... Your string blocks are beautiful. As for hand projects, have you considered needle turn applique? The projects in the Piece O Cake Best Ever Sampler book would be perfect for your bag of scraps, and their instructions make it easy and fun. Very relaxing hand projects for sure! This is the book I have: https://www.amazon.com/Best-Ever-Applique-Sampler-Piece-Designs/dp/160705471X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1499175863&sr=8-2&keywords=applique+sampler

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  6. I always enjoy reading about your adventures, sewing and otherwise :) So does that mean 6 weeks and you have a house??? Love the new walk in closet, that was a pretty genius idea your husband had.

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  7. I really like seeing your sewing on the table. It's definitely the decoration in the trailer!! Super closet! What a neat idea. Looks like you are making the most of a "tiny" house situation.

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  8. You are definitely making the best of things. When we moved back to Oklahoma, I only got to sew on weekends when we went back to my sisters. We only waited 4 weeks for our house to be finished.

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  9. Better late than never Thank you for your participation in this week's Show and Tell Monday !! Bambi

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  10. The good thing about living in a small space is it teaches you to be tidy, maybe I should move, hehe. Your string block is great, you could use those scraps to make a lap quilt for yourself, or a set of string cushions to use on picnics, or a crazy quilt, anything that doesn't need precise cutting and piecing when you don't have the room for all your equipment. One thing I can say about your posts Janice, they are always so interesting.

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  11. For nice embroidery, see:
    www.elefantz.com
    and
    allie-oopssweethappylife.blogspot.com

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