This week started with delivery, in pieces, of the long-awaited cabinets for the studio. There were some cabinets to be installed in another part of the house, as well, so that was a lot of pieces. These are just the ones for the studio, which got new cabinetry in three locations.

Cabinets in the studio, awaiting installation

I was happy to get new storage! Of course, that required moving everything out of the old storage and stashing it elsewhere in the house, so it was a busy time and sort of a mess.

In the same time frame, my computer developed a burning-plastic smell and DIED! To be honest, I’ve known for some time that I needed a new computer, but I was hoping to wait until next month. No such luck. (Well, OK, one of my favorite Zen fables is “Good luck, bad luck, who can tell?” but I won’t tell you about that!)

We zipped over to Costco and got a new computer, and I spent many hours transferring data, installing programs, and learning the idiosyncrasies of Windows 11! Therefore, this post may or may not look right, and the photos may or may not be good, because I had to get new photo editing software and learn to use it, too.

So, it’s been a week for lots of learning, and the new cabinets in the studio look great.

The vendor will eventually deliver the rest of the door pulls, I’m sure.

I’m hoping for a quieter week coming up!

First, I mentioned that I’m taking Tara Faughnan’s Block Studies class, here. The first assignment was to make designs with hourglass blocks. Here are mine so far. These are large blocks, not finished quilts, and they’re experimental..

I don’t know that I’ve learned/done anything great yet, but I do know I wouldn’t have taken the time to experiment without this class, so it’s already worthwhile.

After “playing” with those, I got the binding on the second quilt for the boys’ bunk beds. (The first one is here.)

This used Laurel Burch fabric in two different colors because that’s what I had!

Quilt Stats

Name: Cats!

Finished size: 73″ x 61″

Pieced by: me

Pattern: BQ4 from Maple Island Quilts

Quilted by: Linda Nichols

I’ve been focusing on getting my UFOs done, along with a few other things, of course. Here’s the latest.

Although a friend suggested a table runner, I decided to put this mola on a black shirt that I use as an optional wrap when I’m out and about.

The other two molas are still waiting for inspiration, but look at those tiny stitches on the back of this one! I almost feel like I need to frame it so it’s open on both sides. That’s a 2 inch square those hearts are in.

Meanwhile, I’ve signed up for a series of classes with Tara Faughnan, here. 

Tara mentioned that one of her uses for orphan blocks is to make pouches. I quickly found a rectangular orphan block and made this pouch. Here’s the tutorial I used.

It’s not something from the UFO box, but the orphan block collection needs love, too 😀

And finally, I got the binding on this Quilt of Valor.

QOV made from Krista Moser’s “Strips ‘n’ Stripes” pattern

Quilt Stats

Name: Hexie QOV

Finished size: 61″ x 71″

Pattern: Strips ‘n’ Stripes, by Krista Moser

Quilted by: Linda Nichols (who is an official QOV longarmer)

I recommend this pattern. It’s easier than it looks (always a plus), and is free from Krista Moser here. I made it with my 60 degree triangle ruler, though of course Krista recommends the 60 degree diamond ruler designed by her. The pattern is well written and easy to follow.

I got this fabric from an auction at one of my guilds. It’s Laurel Burch, and I’ve always loved her designs.

I also love the BQ patterns from Maple Island Quilts, so I used BQ4 to make a giraffe quilt. The BQ patterns all make good use of large prints, and most of them can be arranged in at least two different ways.

The grandsons have a bunk room at our house, and I thought this would be perfect for one of the bunk beds. I have another in progress for the other bunk with a different Laurel Burch print but the same quilt pattern.

Quilt Stats

Name: Giraffes!

Finished size: 71″ x 63″

Pieced by: me

Pattern: BQ4 from Maple Island Quilts

Quilted by: Linda Nichols

PS: Just so you know, these BQ patterns are quick and easy 😀