I know some of you have mentioned how surprised you are that I can find enough coordinating fabrics to add to the tops. A lot of times I have been too.

But this is how my shelves looked - at least a while ago. That’s a lot of stash. And this isn’t where I have my florals and novelties. This was back in 2016 when Rachael came over and organized it. I should go get some newer photos. But I have these and while I’ve taken a lot out and replaced some, in general, you get the gist. The shelves are more full than back then. Maybe not quite as neat, though.

I think from now on I will be stretched a bit with that. I am willing and able to use a lot of my stash - and will continue to use it. At first I wasn’t willing to use just any of it but I’ve changed my mind about that and with few exceptions, I’ve decided it’s okay to use it for charity quilts - just it up. Go for it. Why am I saving it?

I don’t want to use up all my very special (Polish) and fabric I have planned for projects, but otherwise, I’m looking at my shelves and pulling from what I have. Lately when I’ve gone to FL, I’ve been filling up my suitcase with blenders and bringing them back. I’m finding myself going to them first as I’m making these tops.

With these, I’m starting to work with the centers that Ewa’s mom has sewn up.

You may find some of these tops rather funny looking. I know I’m starting to laugh at what I’m doing. We’ll see how they work out. She’s been using mostly second-hand fabrics and some of them are rather soft colors - as I write this, I’m really curious how these are going to turn out. I appreciate her creativity in doing what she can with what she has.

These end up being about 59”x80-82”. That’s the goal I’m heading for (about 60x80) for a single European size.

Eventually I will run out of my blenders that area easy to use - I may start making some really ah-hem “?” tops. My only consolation is that at least they are “interesting” and I will make them double-sided with the back side all one fabric that is a print, hopefully appropriate for the age group inteded, so people can choose to use the back side as I have seen seen they do. I’ve seen plenty of times that people show me the back side with pride - as if that is the side that is the main one. While I smile, part of me wants to go up to them and say, “That’s the back - show the front!”

However, of course, I hold myself back and realize that once you give something away - it’s theirs to use how they want. And that makes me happy!

I’ve spent a bit of time this week working on these tops. Once I finish all the ones I’ve got going now I do still have four (!) boxes of Fran’s tops to open and inventory and see what I can finish in 2022.

There you are - thanks again so much if you’ve been one of those who has donated tops and/or fabrics to this project! I appreciate you so much - and so do many people here in this part of the world. I’m trying to finish up some of my charity quilts for this year - as I got stopped at 40 early in the year. I NEED to get more done as I’ve been asked about them already. I was down to exactly zero when the war in Ukraine started. Those of you who sent just tops in the boxes - well, I’m finishing them up now and going to use them for Poland. I discussed this with Rachael and she said people understood that they would be used however I need to use them. Thanks.

Oh…this has been very, very good for me to do. I feel like I can do a lot quickly when I work on these. But I’m starting to get itchy fingers/mind about getting back to doing some more creative things. And that’s a good thing.

When I’m so busy and feeling pulled in all different directions, my mind doesn’t have the freedom to just relax and think about designs. I also was just trying to stay on top of everything - and the idea of actually sewing was daunting. The weather has turned a lot cooler and my schedule has cleared somewhat…so I’m glad. Very glad.

As the weather is cooling, I’m ALMOST ready to start pressing, and getting then ready for quilting.

Thanks again for coming along with me on this journey.

Have a great day wherever you are reading!

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