I was looking through the Electric Quilt program (EQ) for a block that I could use with these greens that maybe I hadn’t used recently.

I found this spools block.

I had used the individual one before - in fact, a couple of times with the blues series.

But I hadn’t used it like this - with four together. (EQ actually calls this block the Arkansas Traveler block.)

I decided to do it. I even used the colors in the EQ program to inspire me. The original has these odd colors in it. So, I went with it, since I did have these, or similar, colors in my stack of green fabrics.

I tried to make it with these blocks just side by side or with sashing. I really didn’t like them that way.

I wanted them broken up a bit. So, I once again went to an on point layout with different colored side setting pieces.

At first I thought I’d use that sashing that is made of three strips, but each strip at 1” (photo to the right) and the middle strip is every other piece - light/dark/light/dark. At first I did design it that way.

Then, I was thinking and I wanted to call this one “Spools ‘n Stiches” meaning Spools AND stitches and I thought that a square dotted line would look less like a stitch than an elongated one. So I decided to shrink up the sashing so the middle piece is only 1/2” wide finished. I did not dare try for a 1/4” - I’m just not sure about that or how much anyone would actually want to make it.

After thinking about it while I made the last couple of quilts, I ended up with this layout. I wanted it a bit wider than it was so I added the outer border as well, following the theme of the stitching.

I chose to use the greenish gold for the stitching simply because I had a whole one side of a duvet cover for it. You could easily go scrappy with it as well!

In the end, even though I do not have the exact fabrics I used in the EQ layout, I think it turned out pretty close - even though I was just using the fabrics that are in the program.

Here are a couple of closeups.

And oh, yes, I do like it quite well without the extra outer border! Let me show you! It is very nice this way as well!

And now you know! This is my latest of the UP Greens series! The pattern will be finished by the time I finish the quilting.

Let’s review once again! Here they are to date.

This quilt isn’t very subtle. There isn’t really any shading or secrets to guide your eyes to where I wanted them to go. It’s a simple “play on the spools block”. if you don’t think of thread spools - then maybe you can if I tell you I think of thread when I see a spool.

I know…people use spools for hoses, extension cords, elastic and other notions, and cables of various kinds, etc. But I think of thread! And thus, this is why I made this design.

I hope it inspires you. My collection, err…pile of second-hand green fabrics is getting smaller - if not noticeably, at least a little bit!!! I mean, it has to, right? This is quilt top number 11 - and even if I’ve not finished #8 yet, a lot of the strips are cut for it. I keep thinking as I look at it, I will see that it has gone down some - maybe even a half of a box. Not sure. I suppose I should take the time to fold it up nicely if I am going to do that! Then I could actually tell how much or how little I have. At current it is all still tossed together.

Anyway.

Have a great day wherever you are reading this! Stay safe!

Be sure to check out what my sis has for you in the store here!

Here’s one of the beauties we have!