I have spent the last two days helping clean out my LQS, which has officially closed it’s doors. It had been in operation for 18 years, and was my go-to spot for picking up quilting threads, even if I didn’t buy too much else there. It is a sad day, but we do have another few shops in town, so I am still well served for quilting fabric, in the unlikely event that my stash should run low.
When not taking apart furniture and generally straining muscles in my arms and back, I have been getting prepared for the Gypsy Wife QAL.
For me, this has in part consisted of getting rid of my scraps, or “The Ghosts of Projects Past”. I am slightly embarrassed by the heap of scraps currently piled up in the garage. I had previously assumed I would use my scraps, and kept every last little piece. But they were accumulating everywhere, and after deciding they were a major contributor to my growing discontent with my projects, I decided they had to go.
My scraps are piled up with the donations from the LQS, which Daughter#1 and I are transporting to the Arts Recycling Centre.
I’d like to say I have a nice clean Quilt Room now, ready to launch into the QAL, but I don’t. Maybe tomorrow, after I have chased the spiders out, and vacuumed the floor. But it’s certainly looking better.
My plan for the quilt is to diverge from the pattern a little. Having (mostly) completed two Gypsy Wife quilts already, I want to replace some of the larger blocks with alternatives. Even if I only substitute out half a dozen blocks, it will be enough to give it a different vibe from my earlier efforts. I really want an alternative to the pinwheel blocks too, since I have developed a strong dislike to creating them.
I must admit I started early, and have already sewn a few blocks. I’m still trying to make up my mind about the strips running through the quilt though. I am used to sewing the sections together at the end, once my fabric choices for all the blocks have been made. I have been cruising fabric shops online, and quite like the idea of using more Art Gallery fabrics for the strips.
More browsing is required.
Linking up with Hydeeann at SplishSplashStash.
quilts across the aisle 
you’ve had a busy weekend! i bet it feels good to clean things out and let some things go. i love scraps, but you have to do what works for you. so good job! and if you decide you do still like scraps, there will always be more soon, right? =)
how fun that you are going to substitute blocks! i look forward to seeing what you come up with.
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I shall be watching with interest for your substitute blocks. I too am using some of my scraps and fabrics pulled specially for the GW. I gather you are in Palmerston I am up in a hot and humid Auckland!!!
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Actually in Palmerston North, and unfortunately just as hot and sticky here. Shooting for 32C here tomorrow, which will be just horrible. Hanging in for autumn!
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