From Small Things: Episode 17: Winter WIPs

Welcome back!
This week is just a little episode chatting about what I've been working on lately. I have several projects in the making, one of which is my main project, and several others which I pick up here and there as suitable scraps accumulate.
Firstly, I have finished a fourth quilt top to donate to my sister's quilt guild, who will finish them into complete quilts and donate them to charity. I made these tops in order to keep certain boxes of scraps in check, and now I know they will be put to good use.
Next, I wanted to share an update on my Trip-Around-the-World quilt which I had started way back in Episode 4. I've been working on these blocks for a few weeks, and am fairly close to having enough blocks to make up a full quilt. For this I am using 2 1/2" squares, since that is the size scraps that need to be used in my stash right now.
I've also continued on my Plus block quilt, and I think I have about half the blocks I need for a quilt. This one is meant to come together slowly, as scraps are created in my sewing room, and it's coming along nicely!
Next: my Hunter's Star blocks. This block was on my list of quilts I wanted to make in 2025; I wanted to practice the block before starting on a whole quilt, so I made four of them and put them together to make a wall hanging. It went well, so I have also started on blocks for the full Hunter's Star quilt! This will be using red and black men's shirts. The block I am making starts with 10" squares of white and your color, to make a block which measures 8". (When you put four of these together, they create the star, and these four blocks measure 16".)
Finally, I am so close to finishing my Carolina Chain quilt! I am hand quilting the final side of the outer border, then it just needs some binding. There should be a finish next episode!
Happy quilting, everyone!
You can find me on Instagram @fromsmallthings509

[@gaylerichardson900]

Thank you for sharing. I’m in awe of how much you can get done and such beautiful work! Have a lovely week and stay warm.

[@deannafarrell4291]

You are the opposite of lazy! You complete so much! Love your videos!

[@barbaradavis4180]

I enjoy your videos. You accomplish so much! I am amazed at all the ideas you have for using your scraps and you turn those ideas into beautiful quilts.

[@leaannebrummett9159]

Sippin my morning cup of coffee while watching. Great way to start my day!

[@fromsmallthings509]

Welcome! I hope you have a great Sunday!!!!

[@DonnaHaft]

I agree, I can't wait to watch the next episode. Great way to start the day 👍😀

[@cherylbrown4058]

It’s amazing how much you can get done each week. I kind of smile at all the different cardboard boxes you use to stay organized! You inspire me to get my projects more organized!

[@michele6708]

Thanks for the new content. There aren’t many people posting content on KZbin on traditional quilts and hand quilting. Almost to 5000 subscribers! I’ve been replaying your videos to keep the algorithm pushing them.

[@DonnaHaft]

I'm doing the same, and sending the likes.

[@brendamartinez3068]

Me too

[@janfusco80]

So many wonderful quilts. I love your hand quilting and do miss being able to do that. How lovely that you can donate so many beautiful quilts. I’m sure they bring a blessing to everyone who is a recipient. Stay warm. More ice coming Tuesday!

[@melaniekey-k4o]

I love your quilts. The coziness of each one. And I can just imagine sitting in your old house and feel the coolness and to grab a quilt Thank you sue for your time to show us

[@FredaM]

There’s a free pattern called Puzzle Box, by Christa Quilts. It’s perfect for 2.5”x4.5” scraps and makes a very effective block. I made one and gifted it to my nephew and now I’m making one for myself. I used jelly rolls for his and now I’m using layer cakes for my quilt.

[@marlenemcculligh8176]

Sue, I am so glad that I found your videos. I thoroughly enjoy the quilting you do and you have inspired me to go back to hand quilting. As I wait for your new video’s, I enjoy rewatching your previous ones. Happy quilting and stay warm. ❤

[@helenfields2318]

I really enjoy your videos. I love watching progress others make which encourages me to keep on going.

[@deborahbaxter27]

Thank you. I love to watch your videos. So inspiring. And I love old houses. The quilt on the wall for warmth❤❤. Your videos are some of my very favorite. Your charity quilts are so comfy.

[@patcorona5979]

Good morning Sue, I just wanted to say that I really appreciate and enjoy your videos. You’re an inspiration to me. It amazes me how much you make and most of your work are large but gorgeous, quilts. You bring calmness to my soul. ❤

[@rosesoderberg4089]

Such beautiful quilts. My head is spinning for all the good ideas for my overwhelming scraps. Thanks😅

[@Chipper6032]

My goodness you sure are productive. And every thing is lovely.

[@loism7453]

I LOVE Deb Tucker’s rulers and her process!

[@AnnEmery-ps5wx]

Love watching you You are blessing so many with your gifts. Thank you. Goes to show we can all use our talents to bless others.

[@susannichols2497]

Enjoyed my tea while watching your video. I thought your Irish chain was beautiful as well as your other quilts. You are my inspiration for using scraps. Thank you.

[@DonnaHaft]

I love all of your episodes. I get so many great ideas from you and the way I organize has improved so much. I'm getting so much more done. Thank you for another great episode!

[@nadinelogan4261]

Bonjour Sue, Always a real pleasure to watch your video. 😍 Sending you a little sunshine and warmth from the South of France (Yes I'm French ...Nobody is perfect ....lol)

[@fromsmallthings509]

I will gladly accept your warmth, we just had an overnight ice storm, and although it is stunningly beautiful, it is also dangerous so I guess I will stay inside and sew all day!

[@SarahWilcher-rh7cy]

I always look so forward to watching your videos Sue. You are such an inspiration

[@vikkirountoit497]

Your boy's quilt with the blue sashing and diagonal white squares is SO gorgeous! I love seeing all of your projects:) Thank you for sharing!

[@cathyriles3063]

It was great to see you this morning! All your quilts are lovely…..thank you for sharing!

[@KathleenKing-c1l]

Hi Sue! Your hand quilting work on solid blue border is stunning. 😮 Enjoying your content, always glean something good. ❤ Also feeling more & more enthusiastic about fabric & scrap management every time I watch. 🎉

[@violaqueen2234]

Hi Sue, one of the first things I noticed when I found your channel was your house, it’s a lovely old farm house like ours. Talk about no insulation, I can relate. We have plaster and horsehair walls over lath. Needless to say they’re somewhat textured, which we love., but insulation is scarce. However, we love this old beauty, as I’m sure you do. As much as I dread the cold winters I wouldn’t trade this baby for anything. I enjoy your channel so much, you’re very inspiring and motivating. Love all your quilts, thank you for sharing.

[@fromsmallthings509]

Thank you so much for sharing your story about your house, you are right it is a joy to have a house with character! I have worked in hundreds of new construction homes and they just don't have the same feeling as these old ones do I think I may make a few more small quilts to help cover some more outside walls. I'm ok with being that kind of crazy old lady!!! hahaha!!!

[@donnafrancis9163]

I am so excited that you posted another video! I love seeing your contented cat! I enjoyed the update on your projects. You truly inspire me. I am recovering from foot surgery and you are giving me so many more ideas! Thank you so very much for sharing!

[@judyzeigler3980]

I love the quilt and colors of the quilt in the beginning. Well really all your quilts. So pretty. Gave me so many ideas with watching you videos. Thank you 😊 have a great day.

[@nancysharon931]

Another delightful video. Love the work you have done on all the quilts. ❤

[@agnesyoung2917]

I so enjoy starting my Sunday mornings with one of your videos and a cup of coffee. Thank you for all the inspiration.

[@plansandprocrastination]

What an amazing inspiration you continue to be...and such a wonderful thing to have your smiling face as the first thing to check in with on a Sunday morning! TY! (thanks to the videographer as well ;)

[@KimberlySmith-pc7lj]

Great job

[@sandyvotel3484]

Another wonderful video. Wow. All your work. Beautiful quilts. Gorgeous quilting. Loved the swirls. Thank you

[@yolandasager5307]

Hi there! Another awesome video. I truly 😮enjoy you so very much! 🤩🫶🏽

[@gretchenmctavish7823]

Thank you for your thoughtful and inspiring videos. I also love working with scraps and have gathered many ideas from watching you. I'm a native of northern Chester County, now retired to Florida, and miss Pennsylvania's beauty. I love when you include glimpses of the landscape.

[@fromsmallthings509]

Chester county has so many beautiful old farms, but we also have the cold winters, You are lucky to have the Florida winters!

[@renestovall9226]

Good to see you and your beautiful progress! The hunters star will be a beauty😊

[@preppedforeternityhomestea2848]

All beautiful work!!! Thanks for sharing

[@angiec2509]

I was so happy to see your video pop up. You give me so many ideas and inspire me to keep my scraps under control with various slow sew projects. Show us a picture of the Hunters Star when you get it hung.

[@judyzeigler3980]

I love the Hunter star and the colors are beautiful. Well done. And really a use for it.

[@handiworkshoppe]

Thank you again, you are inspiring me to keep going on my Wisps, which I found I have very many, besides my new project of waterproofed quilted bedrolls with back pack harness. You are so beautiful to allow me the freedom to work on more than one project at a time.❤😊

[@NellieShannon-p9g]

Thank for a wonderful episode. I’d like to see a tutorial on the Carolina Chain. And a tutorial on the double Irish Chain.

[@shelly5505]

I was thinking about you this morning and you popped up! Thank you for sharing with us. Have a good week!!!

[@janmatthiesen4142]

Always enjoy your videos!

[@reneecorbin8501]

Thanks for showing us all your work ,,,I wish I was half as productive as you are,I work at it every day, but have health issues that interfere with my days. I Enjoy all your shows, May God Bless you and yours,,❤

[@beckipugh8124]

I just found your channel about 3 weeks ago and I'm thrilled. Your quilts are so wonderfully done and you show love in each one you show us. You're so easy to listen too also. Happy Quilting!

[@bbymks5]

You've been busy!! The hunter star blocks are beautiful! Love seeing the kitty!

[@emrushquilts69-c7g]

I love your videos. They're very inspirational. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@sherrilharris6036]

Thank you for sharing. For your red & black shirting fabrics, try a log cabin quilt block where one half of the quilt block is the red shirting or the black shirting, and the other half is white fabric. The center square on the block can be a solid red or solid black fabric. The quilt layout options are endless, and I think you would really like the outcome in the finished quilt.

[@jeanettewithrow9641]

Enjoyed seeing all your beautiful quilts. Thanks for sharing

[@malindahawkins6551]

That's a great idea for the hunters star and it makes for a beautiful wall hanging ❤

[@rebeccajonesbrooks2408]

I love the "boy's quilt! The blue really makes it spatkle!!! I agree anpther blue border would be pretty! Thanks again for sharing. We live in a old brick house and it is cold! So i know how it is for you. I wear sweaters and have quilts around to snuggle under.

[@normathompson3369]

You're such inspiration! since I found your channel I completed a full size quilt that had been in my longarm arm frame since last sept or longer. I also made and quilted a small donation baby quilt. I look forward to your Sundays program.

[@fromsmallthings509]

Congratulations! It's always so satisfying to finish a project! Thank you so much for sharing your time with me!

[@connieking9873]

You have been busy. Your charity quilts are so nice. I like the idea of having a couple projects going but have found I need to make notes where I am measurements etc and keep it all together. I found one set of blocks last month when going thru decluttering and I don’t remember if I had a plan or was just making blocks to whittle down my scraps. They are in the pile of need to finish. I noticed in the intro you had some bulbs poking thru. Spring is just around the corner. We lived in a 100 year old farm house for about 40 years. I hear you about insulation.

[@fromsmallthings509]

That has happened to me in the past, I came across blocks and could not remember what my original intention was. I was also gifted some blocks years ago and they definitely belonged together but I just could not figure out what the pattern was supposed to be. I remember that I put them on the back of a quilt because I had no fabric to match them and no idea of how to use them. It made me feel good to still have them all together in one place and they are being loved--just in a different way now.

[@charitytrivett4502]

Thank you for sharing! Beautiful work!

[@bjoyp7463]

I love Moonkin Stitchery as well. There are just too many wonderful patterns out there. I sure appreciate all the inspiration and good advice you provide including your quilt insulation. Had to chuckle and agree on that one!

[@nancypotter3075]

❤❤ love you work!

[@grandmakuhl]

Good to see your smiling face! Happy Sunday! Thanks for the thimble tips! I'm cleaning up last year's scraps. Starting with 1.5 x 3.5 strips. And Lord, where did all of these half square triangles come from!! And 4 will make a 2.5 square, then what? An ongoing saga. Thanks Sue

[@brendamc3535]

It's sooo wonderful to see what you've done. Have you ever done a crazy quilt? Maybe with some of the leftover shirt pieces that would be a neat thing to put them into. I made one once and they are soooo fun to do. Have a nice day sewing and I'll see ya soon.

[@elainedabney8221]

Another lovely video. I was so excited to see a new video from you. Can't wait to see the Carolina Chain quilt finished. I made all the blocks for this quilt but haven't put the top together yet. You have inspired me to get it out and work on it. I am quilting a quilt right now so it may have to wait. I ordered the needles and markers you recommended in your quilting video. I can't wait to try them. Have a great week.

[@fromsmallthings509]

That was a fun pattern to make, and once I had all the blocks together I was pleasantly pleased with overall pattern. And now that it is quilted, it is even better! I hope you have a wonderful week of quilting!!!

[@juliemiller2658]

They are all beautiful Sue!

[@gloriagandy9721]

Oooh, thank you for sharing! Love everything! ❤

[@rosehixon2790]

I reward myself by taking a break to watch your video. I love your smile and your industriousness. On the last video, you were talking about your receiving finger when you do hand quilting and that you didn’t use a symbol on it because you need to feel the needle. May I suggest you use a product called second skin? It is a liquid bandage more or less is very thin so you would still be able to feel the needle, but it wouldn’t pierce the skin as easily. I’d love to be on your charity list but since I Quilt I guess that would not be fair to those who have less than I do. I admire everything you do and everything about you and your daughter who does such wonderful videos.❤

[@lorettahenderson8979]

Sue...lovely quilts...thanks for sharing ❤

[@ShellyFuqua-t2q]

Oh my goodness you do amazing work. I love looking at them all. I love hand sewing small squares and you've given me a lot of ideas. I've never seen the Carolina Chain pattern. It's gorgeous ❤

[@papercents]

Beautiful projects! Thank you for your video; so enjoyable. Lazy is not something I would ever consider you to be ... lol What a great idea for quilts to help with insulating your home. I've not tried the Hunter's Star pattern yet - perhaps one day :) Thanks again and Happy Scrappy Quilting!

[@singing-bird]

Using quilts as insulation was often done by our pioneering foremothers to make their cabins warmer in the winter. And tapestries on the walls of medieval castles was a common practice many centuries ago. I have a friend who has made door quilts to help block out drafts. She also hangs quilts over the windows of the unused rooms in her old farmhouse.

[@fernwoodfarmshomestead4412]

I just enjoy watching your videos. I am working on trying to finish my oldest quilt o started in the 90’s. Can’t wait to share a finished quilt for my first quilt- floss tube😀

[@annierouse101]

Thanks for sharing your scrapping ideas.

[@davidhatfield5714]

Your videos are like stopping in to visit a friend! “Hey, show me what you are up to this week”❤ I’m heading your way in two weeks to visit my son and his family. Hope the weather isn’t so cold! (KH)

[@Noreenlee1]

Lovely work, and so much of it!

[@lindaramadori4655]

🥰🥰🥰

[@evelynfunda141]

Thanks, Sue. Now I really want to try a Carolina Chain quilt. I bet it’s a good in between projects/15 minutes at a time kind of quilt. I always look forward to your videos.

[@nancyshaner8548]

So many great ideas.

[@kathryndarley2903]

Bonnie Hunter's Ladder Star is great for leftover shirts fabrics! Love your channel ❤

[@jaynecarreiro5005]

Such an inspiration. I need to get back at it!

[@renasiscoe7443]

Love watching your WIP’s. I have a couple of books where plaids are used in the quilts. One is Contemporary Classics by Becky Goldsmith & Linda Jenkins. The other is Quilting From the Heartland by Sharlene Jorgenson. They are older books so you may have trouble finding them. If you cannot find them let me know and you may have these two. Attempting to declutter my sewing room. Those are some beautiful quilts you have made.

[@RobinKulp]

I have used the Deb Tucker ruler and pattern for a queen size Hunters Star in dark and light green batik. It turned out great, really accurate. I did find it fiddly and not what I remember terribly quick or easy. This is based on my memory from quite a few years ago. Love seeing what you are working on. I too make charity quilts from all those scraps that accumulate. I want to keep making quilts but can't keep them all!

[@ShadowMoonFarms]

Thanks for sharing

[@susanrascone2098]

❤❤

[@priscaklatten5278]

Fabulous WIPs. The quilt as insulation is a great idea; I was thinking of making a guilt to use as a curtain for my outside door; very chilly when the wind is on it. For your left over shirt fabric; 1,5 inch strips and a log cabin ? Have a nice sunday.

[@kathleenmayhorne3183]

You could put 4-patches made with 2" suares, with your plus blocks, no seams to match, and 3 1/2" squares. Does your sister have a bigger design board? Can she cut pre-cut sizes from one box at a time? Then when she's done for the day, she could put the design board on top, ready for next time. She could put the pieces she has cut elsewhere, or leave them until next time? Put them in the box when it's empty? She could make up kits, with a note of what is in there for the ladies to grab and sew when they want mindless sewing. Larger pieces can do quilt backs, she could pre cut bindings or jelly roll borders? Write how many strips are in there and tie them up with selvedges. A bunch of odd fat q's cut into strips, equal 2 layer cakes, 4 charm quares and a half jelly roll strip. With sizable scraps left, do a few each session and soon you could have 42 piece scrappy kits? Try doing piano key borders on a roll if the scraps are the same length, wdth don't matter as long as they are straight. Sew a bunch, then unroll a bit of the end and sew it on the roll. Put all the 2 1/2"strips together, take out the squares, and you can make any number of things. Hst's, Squares, flying geese bases, potato chip pieces? Do you like jelly roll race quilts? Sew up all sorts of colour ways, or go really scrappy or add contrast squares between, press 2 side by side strips and roll them up on a cardboard tube, they are ready for the second seam, but take up less space to store. Cut them both off when it's a bit bigger than a lelly roll, you won't have a tight middle. Orphan blocks can be framed to get to one size, to go into the same top or lined for pockets? Do all the ladies have snuggle kits in totes? For that down time to read, play or watch movies and sew? With all the bits to make it fun, ice-cream bowl cosy or popcrn or soup? Mug rug etc... have fun!

[@angiej9956]

Ooh such lovelies today. I especially can't wait to see how your Hunter Star comes out. I love Moonkin Stitchery patterns, especially the ones that don't have nesting seems. (Those are my nemesis, hence why I do alot of EPP). You have definitely been staying busy in the colder weather. Take care and see you next time.

[@NellieShannon-p9g]

Number three is one of my favorites. I know you didn’t like the tan color but I think that’s what really sets it all beautifully. I wanna do a double sharing myself, but I don’t know how.

[@heleneshannon4737]

What a treat to wake up on a Sunday morning and find a new video from you Sue ☕️ The Bonnie Hunter star is just beautiful. I have a question? Do you starch your fabric a little? Your blocks look so flat, maybe it’s your iron? Or maybe you steam them. Anyhow, beautiful work and looking forward to see your progress ❤

[@carolbell8825]

Lovely quilts. Have you thought about what your borders for the Hunters Star quilt. You could make a pieced border from your smaller pieces.

[@SpeakTruthBeKind]

❤

[@pbar8439]

How about a Dresden Plate for your leftovers?

[@ColeJones-r6k]

Hi Sue. I always love your videos and am amazed by your talent. I’m stuck. I can’t decide what quilt to do next. I have lots of fabric and patterns but can’t put the two together. I’m an experience beginner ( 20 + quilts made) or maybe even at the intermediate level in some areas😊. How do you jumpstart yourself when you want to start a new quilt but can’t decide? Any suggestions? Stay warm.

[@malindahawkins6551]

Hi ❤

[@kathleenmcginley4827]

Good Morning Sue! I really enjoy seeing what you have been up to since your last video. I had to laugh at your custom way of insulation. My mom grew up during the depression and had that mentality...which was passed to me. She saved everything and I'm still using my Gerber's baby food jar for cinnamon sticks (her handwriting on the jar, I'm 72). The donation tops must be really freeing to sew together and have it end there, to pass off. I am guessing out of all the steps to making a quilt, the sewing the pieces together into blocks is your favorite step. And just for curiosity's sake, how many rooms & chairs in the house, do you sew in?🪡

[@lorineidtinytoadplot744]

Those red shirts would make nice Strawbery blocks :) I have strawberies on the mind becouse I need to make one for my grandaughter :P but first I need to make giraffes for her sister

[@yvonneHavens-l4l]

Have you ever used thr button hole section from shirts. Just put ( sew on ) a button on this . Then just button up the plants . Instead of tying . I found this works out nice.

[@lorrainemcgeough9596]

I really love your videos. I am a scrappy quilter too so your videos are so enjoyable. I do have a question-do you starch your scraps at all since some of the scraps are quite small? Especially like your colorful Carolina Chain quilt.

[@hollykarlsen1792]

I love my Deb Tucker rulers!

[@Heywoah73]

I'd suggest a 3rd fabrication method for your next Hunter's Star--- the pattern I followed used HST and solid color squares. No bias edges!

[@nancyshore2987]

A bowtie block would be pretty from the men's shirts

[@deborahlunsford6983]

Such beautiful quilts.. I have a question. Do you prewash your cotton fabrics that you use to make quilts when combining with used shirts? I find the idea of making quilts with recycled clothing interesting, but I was wondering about this point. Thank you for your videos. Always inspirational.

[@DeborahGrissom-p8z]

I love that last quilt you showed and I have a question for you, on the back how do you keep the seams going straight so that it doesn't turn out wonky? I pieced a back on one of the quilts for my middle grandson and it turned out crooked even though it looked straight at the beginning before it was quiltd.

[@mrjinglesfmd]

Thanks for sharing. Love your videos. What kind of machine do you sew on? Just curious. Love to scrap quilt also. Can’t wait for the next video.

[@julies3223]

Such beautiful quilts! How do you sandwich and square up a quilt? Ive done 1 quilt and never finished it because when it came to sewing the sandwiched it keeps puckering no matter how many pins I put in to keep it all in place. Any secrets you do?

[@SewitSeamswithNana]

I love the Hunter Star? Is that what it is called? beautiful. I love it