Cutting, Cutting, Cutting

 I got busy and cut a lot of what I needed for the mystery blocks. I was determined not to use yardage or FQs, so I really dredged through the scraps trying to find what I needed. That's what I love about mystery quilts; they use up so many dribs and drabs of fabric that have been hanging around. I may have to use yardage for that first little border, but first I'll try to make it out of various lengths of scraps and see if that's acceptable. I'll need a lot more of the Flying geese units for the border, but I'll deal with them once I have the top in one piece.

I have most of the needed units cut and pieced, but they all have to be trimmed to size. I've learned my lesson about that; I'll only do a few at a time to avoid any injury side-lining me like last time.

I haven't decided what I'll work on after that. There are so many projects that are at an interesting place, and I'm not ready for something new, though several ideas are percolating. 

These Hole In The Barn Door blocks are made from 2.5" HSTs and 3.5" strips. I make a lot of quilts that need 3.5" strips, so I have plenty to choose from.

                           

My problem is, light backgrounds or dark? Or some of each? I will continue making them on a whim until I reach a decision. I like both equally, so a design that uses both would be ideal. They are so easy to sew, and will be easy to cut too.

My modern fabrics are overflowing every drawer and box, so I will definitely tackle them this month. More storage, and some drastic strip cutting will help deal with that.  What I'd really like to do is a jellyroll quilt that uses 42 strips or more; what a great way to get rid of a lot of fabric without a lot of decisions. The problem there is choosing the right pattern among so many available.

I have good intentions of doing the Declutter Challenge, but the temptation to sew instead wins. I'm not hopelessly behind, so I'll start this week with one of the easy categories, like Squatters or Rubbish. And my sewing table and machine are still spotless, I'm glad to say. I'm really enjoying my new machine.