Happy Friday! Yesterday I decided to make a few changes to my red and white quilt…
There were a couple of blocks that were bothering me, and as it got closer to the time when I knew I’d be taking the quilt to be quilted I knew I had to make a couple of changes. When I first started the quilt my plan was to include a lot of text prints and a variety of low-volume fabrics that included darker greys and blacks. So a couple of blocks made in the beginning used those types of fabrics. As I kept working on the quilt over a period of months, though, I didn’t keep using the text fabrics and backgrounds with darker colors. My quilt really became a red and white quilt other than those early blocks.
So yesterday I remade one block and switched out 4 sections of another. It took a few hours, but I’m so much happier with the quilt. I know I would have always wanted to change it up if I hadn’t taken the time to do that. Although I actually like the block pictured above with the text print better, the other version looks better in my quilt. I took it to the quilter last night, too, so I’ll be sharing the finish soon!
I have a couple of favorites to share today, too (Friday favorites items are just things I have found to be useful, they aren’t sponsored product reviews). The first one is the Beam n Read LED 6 Hands-Free Task Light; Extra Wide & Extra Bright Light from 6 LEDs Plus Clip-on Orange and Red Relaxation Filters [2015]
. I first found out about this in May while traveling and noticed a glow coming from one of the other passengers on the bus I was on. When I realized she had perfect light for stitching, I had to find out what she was using! This wearable light gives you bright light exactly where you need it for stitching, needle work, or even binding. It’s great for travel or even for working at home when the lighting isn’t good.
I also love this handy thread cutter which was a gift. It’s lightweight yet has a base that makes it stay put. It’s perfect for trimming threads quickly and even better for cutting apart blocks or block pieces that have been chain-pieced together. I keep mine right by my sewing machine and also use it at the ironing board.
I’m really hoping to do a lot of sewing this weekend. Hope you get to do some sewing too! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Karen - Quilts...etc. says
I had the light and ended up giving it away – the band that goes around the neck was very scratchy in my opinion.
Michele says
Glad you are happier about your quilt and thanks for the product reviews!
Sue Kaiser says
Do you use the red or yellow filters on the light? I think it is brilliant. I like the block change. Can't wait to see your finished red and white quilt. I have plans for one in the near future.
paulette says
I LOVE my Beam n Read…I can't (and won't) stitch without it! I have never noticed the neck strap being scratchy…I don't even notice it. It is worth it's weight in gold! Now it looks like I am on the lookout for this thread cutter…looks brilliant!
P
Needled Mom says
I can't imagine doing my cross stitch without my Beam and Read light. They are amazing.
Hildy says
Love both your blocks! A quilt just with these would be cute … but then everything with white polka dots on red is great:-)
Karen Dobbs says
I LOVE your red and white quilt! I'm sorry I don't remember what pattern it is. Is it perhaps on your Etsy site?
Rosebud says
Thanks to you, I ordered a Beam and Read light with the magnifiers and power source kit. I figure it will be good for both myself and my husband who does woodworking. We can both use the magnifiers. Again, many, many thanks. I love your red and white quilt. I'm saving up on both red and blue fabrics and hopefully, one day I'll make one. Hope you have a wonderful day.
Liz says
I really like the block with the text background too, but then I'm pretty partial to text-y fabrics these days. Looking forward to seeing the finished quilt!
mascanlon says
I love these kind of product reviews! And will order this light for sure. So difficult to do some hand sewing, the worst was the time I thought a black binding on a black quilt… Well the last border that Is ..was a good idea. Have a great weekend!