Friday, 6 June 2025

Summer Machine Stitching Plan, Pretty Blooms, EPP Starry Hexagons, Fine Hair Help

Well, it's June and someone should tell the weather that. We had an overnight frost warning one night last week and someone told me there were snowflakes in the air one afternoon. I didn't see that, perhaps because of all the rain pouring down in spits and starts around us here at the wooden house. And it's been cold, single digits most of last week climbing into double by day's end. This week it's been climbing higher and yesterday we had a hint of humidity- so maybe the sputtering start is about to end. 

But the blooming doesn't seem to mind the cooler temps. I have about ten of these flower bunches on my old Lilac tree. Such a striking colour and a shame the tree is so elderly. This pretty bicolour is called Sensation or English Lilac

The Bridal Wreath Spirea is starting to put on a show too and crowding the other bushes. It's a very hardy, low maintenance bush that I highly recommend.
And though sadly only briefly in bloom, the Primrose flowers added bright colour to the back yard beds. 
The colour for this month's RSC is also a bright one- orange, not a colour I use much. I like it for pumpkins, fall leaves and oranges (the fruit), but not so much in my quilting. As a result, I have very little orange in my stash but I did turn up a couple old pieces, enough to make these two starry EPP hexagons. Still loving this project...easy night time hand stitching. If you want to see lovely hand stitching check out Kathy's Slow Stitching Party HERE.

Summer Machine Stitching Plan

Most of you folks do not need an actual plan to get in the sewing room and stitch but apparently I do. But since moving my sewing room back to the original little one and making it so comfortable and cozy in there, I'm determined to use it more. I thought I'd further encourage myself by choosing a quilt pattern totally suited to easy machine stitching. Of course, a string quilt probably qualifies best for just that and it happens I have lots of strings in the scrap bin. To that end, I'm sorting to begin a string quilt. Think I'll start with blues as there are far more of those for some reason ?? Wish me luck! 


It's so easy to find inspiration on YouTube too and turns out, there are many variations of String blocks.  But I also enjoyed this post by Emily at Quilty Love and followed her advice for a couple of things. One, to use a foundation piece of fabric to help with stability and accuracy. 
And two, to choose one colour for the center string of each block to add a little oomph to the final overall look. 
So I'm stitching my traditional string blocks using 9 inch squares and because they're blues, a pretty middle yellow stripe will brighten the overall look.  
I'd thought of using the red for the center string to make it a patriotic project. 

So Block #1 went together quickly... I just have to get in that room and keep the blocks coming! Hopefully I'll have several to show you soon.

I've found a new texturizing hair product that I like, the Kenra Platinum Whipped Taffy. I was careful to use a tiny amount the first time but have worked up to the recommended bit. Though pricier than my usual products, it definitely makes my fine hair look thicker. I first saw it recommended by a Youtuber and ordered it from good old Amazon.
Well, it's off to pick up Tony's meds and treats for the dogs. Here is beautiful music if you are in need of something soothing to listen to today... Anne of Green Gables: Joy of Spring but equally lovely if you are moving into winter where you are. 
Have a great weekend!

  Do drop over to Not Afraid of Color where folks are sharing their likes for this week. Also wonderful to have linky parties to share with like these...The Inquiring Quilter, Alycia Quilts and Creations Quilts Art.





21 comments :

Anonymous said...

Don’t we all have lots of strings hanging out in our sewing rooms?!! Yellow and blue go very well together. I use light weight non fusible interfacing as a foundation for my string blocks. It works really well and doesn’t add weight to the quilt. You string blocks are a great summer project …a few here and a few there, and you soon have enough for a quilt. I have lots of orange fabric. It’s one of my favourite colours! What a gorgeous lilac! Gail at the cozy quilter

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

sounds chilly for June, our weather has been strange and my tomato plants are not doing well, I'm beginning to wonder if I will be making any sauce this year for canning Marinara

Robin said...

I so enjoyed seeing your spirea. /They are so gorgeous when in bloom. When I was a child I would see them blooming all over our neighborhood. But, I don't see them much anymore. In fact your bush is the first I have seen this year. I hope your weather warms up.

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

June has been chilly and wet here in Colorado, too, although maybe not quite as chilly as you! Love seeing what's blooming there, Jocelyn - pretty color. Enjoy your string blocks - I find them very relaxing to sew!

Jenny said...

Hi Jocelyn, I've got a couple of string block sets from previous RSC years, not put together yet. I like to use fabric for a base, old thin sheets work well, a d I have also used some left over tracing vilene from dressmaking days. Enjoy your warmer temperatures, we are into winter with a icy blast coming this weekend. I have some French Oinon soup simmering in the crock pot (slow cooker) I do so love winter cooking.

Rosemary Dickinson said...

We had a very warm stretch of weather this week but now it's storming and expected to get a bit cooler. Spring is very fickle! It just can't decide what to do! I've made one string quilt but I didn't use a foundation. I started in the center and worked my way out on both sides. Then, I trimmed to my desired size. It's one of my favorites. Scraps always look great together!

Janice said...

I do like your lilac with that tiny light coloured edge to the flower. I think of lilac as a lovely old fashioned flower. There was a huge old one in my Grandma’s front yard and we always had one until this latest home. Enjoy playing with your strings and I hope your weather starts to warm up. We are getting our first week of quite wintry weather with frosts and the expectation of a light dusting of snow on the surrounding hills.

Linda said...

It does sound chilly for June, even in your location! I grew up with a spirea next to our front door and as I've grown older, I appreciate it for the lacy white blooms every spring. When we shared an acreage with my SIL, she wanted to cut down every bush on the property so she could "just mow without having to go around the da**ed bushes"! Fortunately I was able to save the spirea from her chain saw - lol! Looking forward to seeing your scrappy strings. I love Kenra products, I'll have to look for the taffy. My hairdresser has them in the shop, and they are pricey but we are worth it, right?

Juliann said...

I love using a foundation for my string blocks. I am currently filling another bin with strips and look forward to making another quilt in a few months.

Magpie's Mumblings said...

I love string quilts but there's not enough cottons in my stash to consider making one. It will be fun to watch yours evolve.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for recommending such a beautiful piece of music - excellent for stitching to - currently making felt flowers with a friend, fiddly but enjoyable nonetheless. xx Elaine in UK

Deb A said...

That lilac variety is just so delicate and beautiful! We had the standard light purple in the front of my house growing up and a white one out back. I love the smell of lilacs and they are my favorite flower =). The yellow strip with the blues will make a lovely string block and a neat design in the final quilt. The orange stars are so pretty to add to your collection. Enjoy your Sunday.

Vivian said...

So many pretty blooms your way both outside and in your quilt space! String quilts are fun and the blocks can help those strings reduce. Not guaranteeing they'll disappear completely though, LOL!

Michele McLaughlin said...

We've had a cooler than average spring. I love your stars! I was surprised that only one primrose bloomed. Have fun with your string quilt! Sending hugs!

Jeanna said...

We are finally having some consistently warm days, some even hot. I look forward to watching your string quilt come together. I've made one string block for a sampler type quilt and used foundation paper.

Jackie said...

Such a pretty lilac. I am looking forward to seeing your string quilt blocks.

God bless.

Jennifer Fulton Inquiring Quilter said...

The tour of your garden was so lovely! Can't believe you are still getting snow. Let's hope the magic of spring visits you soon. Great idea to make string blocks! Love the idea of blue and yellow. Thanks for sharing on my weekly show and tell, Wednesday Wait Loss.
https://www.inquiringquilter.com/questions/2025/06/04/wednesday-wait-loss-435

Jade said...

Love your EPP blocks! Excellent use of the orange color, it can be tough to use orange without getting the feeling of road cones and safety vests:)

K Reeves said...

We have been somewhat cool here too, which has been lovely. Sometimes we hit 90's in June and that is no fun. (We don't have AC, though we can keep the house pretty cool with our foam core in the windows.) The cabbage is really loving this weather!

K Reeves said...

I am starting to think about a new quilt project. I have been busy with gifts for my student's book recitals but that is starting to wind down. I have several tops hanging, and need to see what's left so I can decide what I really want to do. It's a ways off, because I have a long standing knitting project to finish, and then it will be Christmas in July when I work on getting the studio Christmas ornaments completed.

I really enjoy the link to Anne of Greene Gables...loved that series!

Alycia~Quiltygirl said...

Hunh - snow even - that's crazy!! love you little orange blocks - orange is such a pretty color - we just don't use much of it do we?