First challenge month finished and new one started

January was my first month of participation in the Chookshed Challenge, where we work on a particular project each month, using an individual numbered list and having Deana draw that month’s number to decide what we work on. 

6 was January’s number so I certainly did progress the Quatro quilt, hand piecing at least thirty flowers in the month and I’ve started joining them to the medium grey crosses for the next round of the quilt.  Since this is what I work on in the evenings while watching TV, it wasn’t hard to progress it and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the next round of the quilt will all be attached by the end of March.

This is the quilt top so far.  There will be three more rounds of blocks.

February’s number is 10. On my list this is work on stitcheries while travelling. Since I’m not away much this month, I’m swapping numbers so will work on quilting and binding Mason’s quilt. I should make the most of the free motion quilting now working on my machine. 

My rearranged list is as follows:

1. complete strip sets for blue strip twist quilt
2. quilt and bind A's quilt
3. second backstitch embroidery kit (for while I'm travelling)
4. quilt and bind S's quilt
5. quilt and bind R's quilt
6. continue flower blocks for J's quatro quilt
7. complete bunny Fat Quarter Mixer quilt top
8. start on Amelie's quilt
9. backstitch embroidery kit (for while I'm travelling)
10. quilt and bind Mason's quilt

Sewing machine repaired and I'm off and running!

Finally made it to the larger town near us, where there is a sewing machine mechanic who could fit my machine in for a service and repair.  Since late November, the tension had been playing up.  I could piece without any problems but the free motion quilting was dire.  I had tested needles, thread, settings, and nothing made much difference to the free motion quilting.  Funnily, quilting using the walking foot didn't seem to be a problem.  Apparently it was the bobbin tension that was the issue and of course, with a computerised machine, I couldn't change that myself.  It needed a service anyway, since I can't get into the innards myself to clean out all the fluff.  

So finally, I've finished the free motion quilting on August's quilt.  It will be handed over in the next couple of weeks.  Now to finish the three other baby quilts that have been waiting since November.  The babies will be at school before they get the quilts at this rate!  😄

    
These photos are a bit dark, sorry.  Too breezy out in the open today.  

August's quilt:  finished size:  56.5" x 74.5" (143 x 190cm).    Pieced back, odds from other quilt backs and a big piece of space fabric that I hadn't found a use for.  Quilted with Signature threads Rainbows on top and Bottom Line in bobbin.  

January 2025 fabric tally

Finishes in the month:   bike basket cover = 0.75 m; August's quilt = 5.5 m

Purchases in the month:    none

Fabric used:  - 6.25 m         Fabric acquired:  + 0 m

Running tally for 2025:  - 6.25 m

Each year, my fabric clock goes back to zero.  Otherwise I don't think I'd ever catch up.