What is Joz making- October
Hi everyone! I had so much fun writing the last tutorial and it kept me accountable so I thought I would continue on with the series talking about what I’m currently working on. And of course included some of my recent favourite listenings!
What I’ve finished since my last update!
Reading through the September update, I’ve actually finished more quilts than I thought!
First up, I finished hand quilting and binding my first Sawtooth Star quilt (which is the pattern for the beginner quilt-along which is happening now! (It’s not too late to join :-)
I usually use cream thread when I’m hand quilting but really like this royal blue DMC. If you would like a tutorial on hand-quilting, you can find it here. (And bonus plug, I’ve got this quilt listed for sale if you don’t have it in you to make one yourself :-)
Next up is my Irish Chain quilt which I finished hand quilting as well! I made this one for my sister and her husband’s baby which is due in November and I wanted to have it ready for their baby shower.
I wasn’t especially secretive about this quilt on instagram but didn’t tell her I was making it for her (and she follows me). I was also a little bit unsure on the colours that I had chosen so when I posted a picture to my stories of me putting it in the wash the night before the baby shower, I was VERY happy to receive a message from her saying, “can you make the baby quilt in colours like this please” ? It was meant to be! :-)
I also finished my big square and rectangle quilt which came together surprisingly quickly in the end! I have a tutorial if you want to make one yourself just here.
New quilts (and quilted items) I’ve started:
I chose my fabrics for my next Sawtooth Star quilt I’m making for the beginner quilt along and couldn’t resist making the HSTs for my first block!
I’m also using the same pattern but just two colours for a cushion i’m making for our little under the stairs nook - I just need to finish hand quilting this one!
I’ve almost finished the two backing panels too- just a little bit more hand quilting to go before I assemble them to make them into a giant cushion! (Isn’t Duffron just the cutest?)
What quilts I’m thinking about/ planning
I’m thinking I would love to make a double Irish Chain quilt using a dark navy linen I have in my stash :-)
I also want to make my sister a quilted floor mat- I think I know what I’m going to do but watch this space!
What I need to quilt
I need to baste this St Louis 16 patch but in case you haven’t figured it out by now, I really do not like basting! So I need to get around to that- maybe I’ll do that after I’ve published this blog post. (P.S. If you scroll down to the bottom of the page and sign up for the newsletter, I’ve got a free pattern available if you want to make one yourself and Scribbly Gum Quilt Co has kits available.!
I’ve made zero progress on my Ramona quilt since last time- need to get onto that one too :-)
What I’m hand quilting
And I’ve also only made a few lines of progress on my Ramona quilt- i’m almost there though so just need to stick it out :-)
What I’m listening to
Recent books I’ve listened to:
The Making of Us by Lisa Jewell- I’m about halfway through this so no rating yet but I’m really really enjoying it- but I’m also pretty sure I’ve read it before (it was published in 2009 so it’s likely)- I love Lisa Jewell’s mystery thrillers- this one is not in that genre but equally good!
The Boy from the Woods by Harlan Coben- I have to give this one a 3/5. I really like Harlan Coben but this book was a struggle to get through! I actually read the first half and listened to the second half to try and help me get through it. Good ending but a bit of a slog for me
Normal People by Sally Rooney- 4/5 I also really liked this one even though nothing really happened- just a really enjoyable listen
Recent books I’ve read :
I’ve included a list of some books I’ve read (as opposed to listened to)- I can’t vouch for the audiobook version which as you know can be good or bad but I did enjoy these books!
The Last by Hanna Jameson- I’m not sure what to give this book. I really enjoyed it- it’s about a group of guests who are at a hotel when the world ends due to nuclear war. I also keep thinking about it and I got through it really quickly. But it quite often annoyed me while I was reading it… still recommended though!
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides- I’m also not sure what to give this one! It kept me hooked the entire time but I didn’t love the twist? I actually told Tim to read this one when I was about 1/3 of the way in then told him not to bother once I got to the end
Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson- 4/5 A really easy read about a rich family in Brooklyn.
The Night She Disappeared by Lisa Jewell- 4/5 I really liked this one even thoguh the ending twist was a bit absurd in my humble opinion :-)