I finally opened up the Riley Blake Thomas the Tank engine fat quarter pack I got earlier this summer. I had seen two quilts with panels and one without. I searched all over to find the one without the panel, but only came up with a kit (bottom right) and another idea with a different panel (bottom left). Maybe I was confused (probably) when I saw the kit, thinking it was a free pattern. I did find another idea though, a split nine patch using all the prints and some white yardage. I need to add borders to the smaller panel top, that fabric should be here Thursday. The three tops made a large dent in this stash, there is probably one more possibly with the addition of some solids.

I finished the Wonderful Wallaby sweater last night. I made a decision to skip the hood, and do a rolled collar. The recipient doesn’t like hoods/hats at this point in time, removing them within a few seconds of application. The hoods prove to be frustrating, as they are pulled more firmly on and not off. All the yarns I ordered for the Coastal butterfly hats have arrived. Naturally the hand dyed merino wool is much nicer than the Cascade mill spin, I am debating on whether to order some Malabrigo in black to go with them. Or I could search through my stash for something appropriate. I am planning on making seven hats for holiday gifts this year, possibly eight. It is time to get clicking so to speak. Some may have to be one color, maybe cables or striped yarn plain stockinette. Will have to see – planning stages.

Since the Christmas count down has begun, I feel like I should be working on a few designs for the shop. Maybe two or three full size quilts. I ordered a stacker of Holiday fabric (should be here this week) so I could make a tree themed Cluck Cluck Sew quilt. It is the same layer cake/stacker quilt that I made for the Pumpkin Patch ones, called Evergreen. I also have a Craftsy kit I bought from Fabric depot, for another plaid pines quilt. I sold this one a few years ago, it was popular. I have a big bag of scraps from all the Winterly fabric from last year too. I really liked the Merry Christmas Darling pattern, and may make it with that bag of scraps. Also the batik tree quilt was popular, I could make it in regular cotton, I have lots of green from my stashing of green for the Emerald City quilt I wanted to make. I lost my mojo for string piecing before I started that one. Still would like to make one though.

Lastly, I picked up two fabric packs, at a Fab-Mo sale, from AvalonBloom. AvalonBloom is the shop that does the one block wonder cut kits. They are 39.00 and up, I got them for 4.00 each – so even if they don’t really work out, its not a huge loss (a learning experience) The pieces are from an OLD Robert Kaufman line, the original Scala, they are up to 7 or 8 now. I was able to track down a few co-ordinating yards for borders and sashings. I think I found some that will work from the current lines of metallics from RK too.

What I really need to get done before Thanksgiving, is the pile of tops for long arm quilting. The two customs especially, the Halloween one will get done first, the black batting will be here today. Then I will have to get a message out to remind the client that he still needs to pick a panto for the Santa Land quilt.

Be kind.