KLOSJEDAG AND MORE

I made another nine klosjes this week, bringing my total to 19. I also stamped and cut some more, to keep my work basket full of supplies.

Today I met DJer, Alice from Central Florida, at a quilt shop for a sit and sew. We had such a good time, and found we have much in common, including daughters with the same name, Melissa, we have the same profession, elementary school teachers, we both took a class with Thimble Lady while she was here, etc., etc. Alice worked on her DJ and I worked on my klosjes.

The shop, The Apopka Quilt Co., had all FQs on sale for $1. Not just the picked over, left-overs, but ALL. The batiks, the blenders, the geometrics, etc. All. Well who could resist that? I also picked up a 'Ewe Old Bags' kit. It is knit, then felted, then appliqued. I'm into felting right now, so............

KLOSJESDAG AND KLOSJE CLARITY

Here's my klosje progress for the week -- nine little 2 3/4" spool blocks.

Elni, from Holland, was so kind as to leave a comment on my first klosje post explaining why we have 'Klosje Day' (klosjedag) on Saturday. It is not because we make them that day, it's because Saturday is the day that you post about your klosje progress on your blog. I'm so glad to know!

Elni, I tried to email you a thank-you for this information, but when I tried to reply to your comment it was a no-reply email setting. It is something in your settings. But thank you here, and good to have a friend from SBS drop by.

WORKING OUTSIDE ON THE LANAI

I'm back working outside today, but without Jack, the Ripper, this time! Today I stamped spool blocks, using my Cindy Blackberg stamp, and now I'm outside cutting them out. I haven't cut out templates using scissors since rotary cutters came out. How long ago is that? 20 years? 30 years? I feel like a pioneer woman with my sewing basket, sitting outside, cutting my pieces with scissors. It's very relaxing and feels like getting back to our roots.

Here's a peak inside the basket. It is perfect for klosje work! It has 4 compartments. One for each part of the spool block and one for tools. This is one of those Longaberger Baskets that I 'just had to have' years ago, and never found the perfect use for. Now I know why I had to have it, LOL!



My dogs keep wandering by and are in the picture. They are practicing their 'catching flying insects mid-air' skills today. I don't think they're getting many and have resorted to sniffing the ground.

KLOSJES SATURDAY

Have you heard of the klosje craze? It started in Holland, spread through Europe, and now is across the pond to the USA. Klosjes are tiny spool blocks and are hand-pieced. Traditionally they are made on Saturday, so I started today. Now I have no idea why klosjes are made on Saturdays, but I can only imagine, because it was frugal to use up those tiny scraps from the week's sewing on Saturday. But that is just my personal guess.

If you google "klosje" you'll find many blogs, etc., where they are being talked about.

There are many tiny spool patterns and you can, of course, draft your own. I'm using a Cindy Blackberg stamp set for my pattern. You stamp the back of the fabric with Versa Craft ink, and then cut on the cutting line, and stitch on the seam line. I've only made one, but it went together in a flash. I have pulled tiny scraps from the scrap basket to stamp and cut. I rarely throw away any scrap over an inch square, so I have lots of tiny pieces to work with. My DH often comments how itty bitty my pieces are in the waste basket in my sewing studio.

Even though DGD, Brianne, culled through my scrap basket this morning, and took a nice lot home with her, I still have plenty to work with.
Here's my first klosje. It is made from leftover print from the Friendship Swap, and black from the Amish Swap. My klosjes finish at 2 3/4". I think this will make a fantastic take-along project, Saturday, or not.