Marching Stars and All Kinds of Other Stuff

Marching Stars Flimsies

60 x 76

Back in Feb. - Mar. Alycia (Alycia Quilts/Quilty Girl) hosted a Winter 2026 QOV QAL called Marching Stars.  

 I usually make a scrappy version of Alycia's Mystery Quilts and Quilt Alongs. 

I was thinking I would not participate this year because my patriotic prints are down to very small bits and pieces. However, I looked around at some of my other options and decided to actually make two quilts. 

I gathered together some red, white and blue civil war reproduction and similar fabric scrap chunks for quilt number 1. For quilt number 2 I used shirtings, homespuns and plaids.

I actually got as far as webbing the two tops together in March and then my husband was unexpectedly hospitalized for a week so the webbed tops got set aside. Since then my husband has been hospitalized two more times so my webbed tops didn't get much attention because sewing together rows, making borders and adding borders really are not my favorite things to do. 

This month the theme in my sewing space is "reproductions". That means I'll work to move some UFOs forward that contain civil war repro fabrics or 30s repro fabrics or I might even work on my reproduction of a vintage quilt. 

I do like to challenge myself to see how many UFOs can be moved forward each month that fit my themes. 

One of these has civil war repro fabrics so I got down to business and completed the top. Then I decided to complete the other one. So now two UFOs moved forward! 

Also, another goal I have had for this year is to try to get all NEW STARTS except for Rainbow Scrap Challenge NEW STARTS to the flimsy stage. These two also fit that goal and are now flimsies. Out of 52 NEW STARTS so far this year 4 have already been finished, 40 are flimsies, 2 are complete block sets, 2 are kits and 1 is RSC project.

Civil War repro version

Civil War repro version.

Civil War repro version. 

Shirtings, plaids, homespun version.

Shirting, plaids, homespun version.

Shirting, plaid, homespun version

Shirting, plaid, homespun version.

And sew on...

Finished Or Not Finished Friday at Alycia Quilts

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Gardening.

The Meadow.

Some seeds can be sown in the Fall in zone 5. A lot of them are native wild flowers or hardy annuals tha need stratification.  Sowing in the Fall mimics the natural cycle of a lot of flowers that drop seed in the fall and need cool temps and light to germinate. 

I have a mostly sunny area in an old pasture that I call my meadow. It mostly has shorter flowers - bulbs like mini daffodils, crocus, fritillaria and species tulips bloom in the Spring. After those have finished blooming then not much is going on there after that.   This year I decided to add some shorter perennials to the area. The seeds above I sowed in my meadow.

This is the area. There is a wide path down the middle that I mow. The flowers sprout up on each side of the path.  And old pear tree is on the right top.  On the left top is an old apple tree.

The other day I added some bulbs to the area - alliums, species tulips and crocus.  I threw the bulbs out and then rolled along on my little stool to plant. As I planted bulbs, I pulled out any weeds and roughed up the soil in some bare spots for seed sowing.   Any place I sowed seeds I put a white flag as well as a label as to what was planted there.   Later on I will rough up some other areas and put in red flags and labels. Those spots will get seeds sown as early in Spring as the ground can be worked. They need cooler temps to germinate.  If I have the spots ready all over my different gardens it will be easy to come out and sow my seeds in my prepared spots. 

It is easy to plant small bulbs using a Hori knife (middle). I just make a slit in the soil to designated depth and throw in the bulb.  Larger bulbs require a shovel.  Not sure what that green handled tool is called but I've had it for 30 years. It has a rough edge on one side and that is what I use to rough up the patches of soil in preparation for sowing.  It is one of several attachments that can be snapped on a long handle. I think I bought it from Burpee. 

This year I'm trying to do some better documentation so I know what to look for in the Spring. And I want to make a few scrapbooks about gardens and flowers and the birds and the bees.

Now I am in the process of maintenance in the Prairie/Native Wildflower area. We had rain today and I think there will be more tomorrow. Temperatures are starting to drop. I still have a lot of garden tasks to complete. More later...

.

***

Books.

It's been a while since I documented books read. 

1. Out Of The Woods: A Girl, A Killer, and a Lifelong Struggle to Find the Way Home by Gregg Olsen. It's a true crime story of the 2005 kidnapping of Shasta Groene and her brother Dylan by serial killer Joseph Edward Duncan.   It's a sad story about Shasta's life after she escaped her kidnapper. Her brother Dylan did not survive. 

2. But Not Forlorn

3. But Not Formidable

4. But Not For Love

All by BJ Bourg. Books 7-9 of the Clint Wolf Mystery Series. I'm ready for the next one in the series of 38 books!

5. Snow Creek by Gregg Olsen. (Detective Megan Carpenter Book 1). A mystery thriller. I'm ready to read book 2 in the series. 

6. The Edge of Dawn by Mike Kraus. It's a post-apocalyptic disaster thriller. I liked the 7 Days series by Mike Kraus, also a post-apocalyptic thriller so decided to give another one of his books a try.  This is book 1 of 3. I don't think I will continue on in this series. I'm thinking the story might be okay if it was one book. There are so many unnecessary details and descriptions that seem to drag on forever. It's like I keep wanting to say "get to the point".  I so most of my reading in the middle of the night when I cannot sleep. This was a good one to read to put me to sleep. 

7. A New Home for the Irish Daughter by Kate Hewitt. (Maggie O'Halloran Book 2).  Supposedly historical fiction.  I read the first book because it was about a brother and sister who emigrated from Ireland in search for their father. Since I have Irish ancestors I decided I might like the book and learn a little history about Irish immigrants too.  The first book was set in New York. This one was set in Chicago.  There are two more books in this series. It looks like the next one is set in San Francisco. The books are so.so and light reading. I may or may not read books 3 and 4. 

***

Food.

In September I blogged about my herb garden.  Sage is one of the herbs I grow. Sharon M commented " If you brown sage leaves until they are stiff, you may crumble them and add the butter sage mix to pasta. That's a light lunch or a side dish in Europe. Please try it."   I did! I looked up a recipe for brown butter sage pasta and made it. I had it along with a salad of mixed greens, candied pecans, dried cranberries, feta cheese and balsamic vinegar dressing.  Yummy!   I had enough pasta left over for two lunches.  

With cooler temps I was craving some Fall comfort food like acorn squash and fried apples. So that's what I had for dinner tonight. I wish the squash had come from my garden. This year I didn't have any success with acorn or butternut squash. The deer ate most of the blossoms and the blossoms that remained did not get pollinated. Then beetles set in.  My husband has been in and out of the hospital so much that I guess I really neglected the veg garden this year and worked on flowers instead when I had the chance. There's always next year.

Also with cooler temps I like to make a lot of soups so stocked up on dried beans, split peas and chili fixings.  I used to make my own crackers but since I'm the only one in the household that eats any more I don't go to all the work just for me. BUT I am kind of hungry for them. (and for homemade sourdough bread)  Hmm...

*** 

Winner, winner chicken dinner..

I don't waste my money on lottery tickets; however, I do get a free ticket each month from the Iowa Lottery. This month I was a $7 winner! Not sure if that would buy a chicken dinner with all that loot but I'll take it!

And finally...both Nann and Donna surprised me with packages of scraps this month. Doesn't that just put a smile on my face! I always have a lot of fun sorting scraps. 

 

Scrap Processing: Multicolor on Black

The other day I finished a block set of 8 inch finished HSTs made with multicolor on black and solid scrap chunks.  I cut 4.5 inch strips from the scrap chunks to make my HSTs that I cut with my Easy Angle ruler.   After I completed my block set I had a lot of 4.5 inch pieces left over so I used them for other projects. 

1. Above - I cut 35 -4.5 x 8.5 rectangles.  I will add 2.5 x 8.5 inch rectangles (maybe red?) to each of the longest sides.  That will give me 35-8 inch finished Basket Weave blocks for a quilt kiddo quilt 40 x 53 inches. 

2. I cut 70 - 4.5 inch squares of both the multicolor and solid scraps. I will alternate multicolor and solids in a quilt 10 across and 14 down (40 x 56 inches.)

3> From the rest of the multicolor scraps I cut 2.5 inch squares.  Earlier in the year I emptied a box of 4 inch width scraps and one of the last things I did with the pieces in that box was cut rectangles 4 x 2.5 for a bricks and stones quilt with black multicolor for the stones.  I still need more bricks and more stones cut to complete this quilt but I can sew together what I do have cut as a leader/ender.  

And now I have emptied my baggie of leftovers from making the HST Four Patch blocks.

And sew on...

 

Scrap Processing: Pinwheels

It's a top!

Pinwheels

40 x 40

I recently finished making Starry Path blocks.  When I made those I started with some 30s repro and shirting scrap chunks. From those chunks I cut a 6.5 inch strip and a 2.5 inch strip.   When I finished the Starry Path blocks I had used most of the 2.5 inch pieces and the remainders of them I put in my 2.5 inch width scrap box.   

I decided I had enough 6.5 inch width pieces to make some pinwheels for a baby quilt. 

For the sashing I cut 1.5 x 6.5 inch rectangles off of the remaining 6.5 inch width darker pieces and I cut 1.5 inch squares for cornerstones.   The few remaining scraps leftover from making the Starry Path blocks then this top went into a box of miscellaneous sized 30s repro scraps. 

And now I have emptied the scrap chunk box I had with pieces for the Starry Path blocks. And I have made a bonus top from the scraps leftover from making Starry Path blocks. 

One of my goals for this year was to get any NEW STARTS made into a flimsy before year end except for any Rainbow Scrap Challenge NEW STARTS that may span years. So far so good.

And sew on...

***

Still pretty busy out in the gardens. More on that later. I also have a long list of books I have read that I will list later too. 

It's A Finish! Cheyenne (aka Pieces of Eight)

It's a finish!

Cheyenne (aka Pieces of Eight)

60 x 72

Inspired by a picture of a block I came across I started making blocks in August 2022. 

When I saw the block I decided it was a good one for some old '30s reproduction fabrics plus plaids and shirtings and muslin. That mix of fabrics always reminds me of the quilts my paternal grandmother made from old clothes.   In a blog post  I asked the name of the block and a commenter replied it was called Cheyenne. Well, I googled Cheyenne quilt block and found directions for it at several different sites if you are so inclined to make blocks yourself. I cut my HSTs with an Easy Angle ruler and don't usually use a pattern but Delaware Quilts is one of the sites that has instructions for a 12 inch block. 

In March of 2023 I assembled the top.

And now I've finally finished it! I quilted it on my sewing machine with horizontal, vertical and diagonal lines. 

The back.

This month the theme in my sewing space is "reproductions". That means I'll work to move some UFOs forward that contain civil war repro fabrics or 30s repro fabrics or I might even work on my reproduction of a vintage quilt. 

And sew on...

Monday Musings at Brenda's Songbird Designs

 

Hats And...

This week I finished three more hats for children of Rosebud School.  This is a project supported by the Ravelry group - For The Children of Pine Ridge and Rosebud.   "For Christmas 2026 we are providing each student a hat and snack in a re-useable bag."

Ridges Family Crochet Hat Free Pattern

I also packed up these 5 hats to send to another project for homeless veterans on the Pine Ridge reservation. It is also supported by the Ravelry group -For The Children of Pine Ridge and Rosebud.

 

"Our goal is to provide 50 Christmas Gift Bags for distribution via a small, grass-roots organization that serves Homeless Veterans on Pine Ridge Reservation. This is a pilot program that will benefit those Veterans who are consistently without basic necessities. "

There was a big list of other items that could be included for the gift bags. On the list was paperbacks. I I happen to have a lot of them on a bookshelf taking up space and gathering dust. I was able to fit 15 paperbacks in the box with the hats

While browsing through free patterns I came across one called Coming Up Roses Hat.   Well, I do love roses so thought I could use a new winter hat.  I've finished the hat and now I need to cross stitch the rose design on to the single crochet after I see if I can find some old yarn close to the colors needed for the rose design. I've never cross stitched on crochet before so had to look at a couple of tutorials. 

I also decided to make wristers to go with my hat.  I just need to sew up the sides 

Wristers Free Crochet Pattern 

I also decided I might need a curly scarf to complete the set.  I just have about 1.5 rows to go. 

Slow Sunday Stitching at Kathy's Quilts

For The Children of Pine Ridge and Rosebud

I've boxed up 12 quilts to send to:

Oglala Lakota Head Start/Early Head Start

Several folks have asked me about donating to projects on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud reservations so this post has further information. 

I first came across the Sew For Kids blog when I was looking for places to donate children's quilts. This groups also has a Facebook group; however, I'm not on Facebook nor do I wish to be so I did not join the group.  According to the blog it appears there are many projects , not just quilts, that could keep your sewing machine busy.    The Head Start program was looking for quilts so I previously sent them 12. Evidently the goal is 300 quilts and last I heard they have about 155. 

 Sew For Kids is a program under the umbrella of Lakota Friends Circle, a 501(c)(3) organization based in Porcupine, South Dakota.  

There is a tab at the top of the Sew For Kids blog - "Groups We Work With".  

I clicked on For the Children of Pine Ridge and Rosebud link. It's a "crafting group on Ravelry with volunteers around the world."   Again, the group supports several programs with knit and crochet items as well as purchased items. One of their projects is also the Oglala Lakota Head Start/Early Head Start program. So children in the Head Start programs will receive a variety of different blankets and quilts - knit, crochet, fleece, flannel, quilts. 

Since I have   had a little stash of yarn I wanted to use up I joined the Ravelry group and have been having fun crocheting hats. I kind of got addicted and might have bought some more yarn. More on that project later. 

Early next year I will be sending larger quilts and some other items to the White Buffalo Calf Women's Society.   White Buffalo Calf Women’s Society, was founded in 1977 on Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota as a non-profit organization and in 1980 became the first women’s shelter on an Indian Reservation in the US. They provide services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking. They can provide safe shelter for up to 36 women and children, they also serve teens ages 11-21 and men who’ve been abused. Men are provided safe shelter at local hotels.  White Buffalo Calf is supported by both Sew For Kids and the Ravelry Group. 

White Buffalo Calf Women's Society

From the Ravelry Group "For The Children of Pine Ridge and Rosebud":

They provide 34 bed capacity shelter. Maximum 90 day stays.
Wheelchair accessible.
Residents have access to community kitchen, children’s playroom and secure outdoor playground with slides and basketball court.
Art therapy includes quilt making and beading.

They need EVERYTHING in all sizes. They requested that donations be in clear plastic bags with a list of items included, and age and gender recommendations.

Warm items: hats, mittens, scarves, blankets
Clothing: infant to adult socks and underwear (men, women and children, all sizes)
Containers: bags, backpacks
Bedding: sheets (full and twin size) pillows, blankets, stuffed animals
Home goods: towels, washcloths, shower supplies, detergent
Pantry: basics, spices, snacks, can goods, staples
Kitchen: dishcloth, towels, potholders, cutlery, dishes, pots/pans, utensils, cookbooks
Toys: indoor and outdoor, board games, puzzles, dolls, cuddle animals
Art therapy: quilting fabric and supplies. Beading supplies. Sewing machines, thread, basic sewing supplies
Baby supplies: diapers (all sizes) and wipes, bottles, baby soap and lotions
Children’s shoes ( all sizes)
Paper products: paper towels and toilet paper
Hygiene products (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, sanitary napkins, tampons)
When residents leave the shelter they are allowed to pick items to help them in their new home. Constant need for housewarming items. Donations are first given to the shelter residents. Any extras are given to those in need in their community.

White Buffalo Calf Women's Society info on the Sew For Kids blog.

One thing to note is that for most projects a box can be sent for only $20 if a label is purchased through My Hope, Inc. 

And sew on...

 

Alternate Blocks

Alternate 8 inch finished blocks for Civil War Sampler. 

I now have 31 of them and am ready to assemble the top; however, I may wait until later in the month to do so.

 In 2011 quilt historian Barbara Brackman released a free 8" block pattern each week to celebrate the sesquicentennial year on her blog Civil War Quilts. Also each week she told a true story about persons who lived during that time. It was so interesting.

I ended up making 32 of the 53 blocks and have just left them stored in a baggie since then. Now they have some friends to alternate with in a top and I have moved this old UFO forward!

Barbara Brackman's Civil War Quilts 

Start of the 2011 sampler blocks  - last 2011 sampler block

This month the theme in my sewing space is "reproductions". That means I'll work to move some UFOs forward that contain civil war repro fabrics or 30s repro fabrics or I might even work on my reproduction of a vintage quilt. 

And sew on...

Finished Or Not Finished Friday at Alycia Quilts

***

Garden News

I'm still planting bulbs. 

I planted crocus along a few pathways in my Perky Goth/Moonlight (aka Kayla Memorial) Garden. 

50 Crocus Chrysanthus Panda

They are dark purple (almost black) and white.

25 Crocus Whale Shark

Also purple/white

Down around the bench and birdbath area 

10 Crocus Prince Claus

25 Allium Ostrowskianum

On the other side of the bench near the rose and clematis trellis I planted 

25 White Petticoat Narcissus

25 Allium Art 

That branch across the pathway is part of a tree that fell in this area in the spring. It is barely lodged in a branch of the upright tree. The fallen branch is directly over a rose bush, darn it. I was thinking I should wait until now and cut back the rose a bit and find something heavy to put over it. Then I can have my son help me remove the branch hoping for minimal damage. 

I also pulled the label for the petunias I started last year so I can start some of the same in the Spring - Petunia Tidal Wave Silver from Swallowtail Garden Seeds.  As seeds go they are rather expensive but they gave me the look I was after. This is a mound near one of the entrances to this garden area and I wanted it covered in black sweet potato vine and those petunias. Early on deer or rabbits or something ate everything I planted here down to nubs. After I sprayed with Bobbex a few times they kept away and some plants recovered. Since these are annuals I am going to try again next year to get the effect I wanted. 

I still have more bulbs to plant. Am going to move on to a little meadow area as well as the cottage garden; however, there is rain today so I think today's garden chore will be to ready the area in the house for the plants I need to bring inside for the winter.