Welcome to tales of my stitching life, home, family and friends.

Saturday, January 10, 2026

Blue for January, and Fred Dagg

 Blue is the colour chosen for January for those of us taking part in the Rainbow Scrap Challenge (RSC).  As I've got a multitude of UFOs from taking part in previous years RSC I was in two minds whether to start any new blocks this year or not.  But we all know how that turned out, I just couldn't help myself.  I had seen a scrappy quilt top on Lou's blog, and thought, why not.  Just a simple square, bordered on two sides, so it makes a zig zag line when the blocks are stitched together.  Thanks Lou.

I had found several long strips of 5in wide white fabric scattered with tiny pale blue flowers.  That would make a pretty little baby quilt, I decided, so found some blue floral scraps to edge the the blocks with.  

Baby blocks

But why stick with one block set when you can  make two?  This one utilises a rescued duvet cover featuring rather cool looking dinosaurs with sun glasses and head phones.  These blocks are cut larger, and I stitched four in blue.  I plan to  use solids or near solids for this one.

Dinosaurs

That didn't take me too long, so then I got to work on the blue heart blocks I'm making for a secret quilt, and stitched around each block.  That's one step further on, I'm pleased to say.


Hearts all stitched down

I had a trip to the movies last week to see all about the life of comedian John Clarke.  Kiwis and Aussies know all about his character  Fred Dagg, the iconic Kiwi sheep farmer, but I'm not sure how far his fame had spread world wide.  His signature clothing of black singlet, shorts, floppy hat and gumboots are forever enshrined in Te Papa Museum in Wellington.  He left New Zealand at the height of his fame to live in Australia and became a well loved comedian, writer and satirist over there.


Fred Dagg

The weather has been quite hot lately, and will get even hotter, due to high temperatures wending their way  from Australia.  The Met Service is giving heat alerts for some areas - I don't remember this happening before.  This is what Gemma thinks of it all - there is nothing for it but to stretch out full length on the carpet and try to cool her tummy down!


Gemma says "I'm so hot"

12 comments:

The Cozy Quilter said...

Hi Gemma! Belly up must feel cooler…
Lots of blue blocks for the RSC this week! I got started on some light blue blocks for one project. More sewing time is needed!
Gail at the cozy quilter

Helenchaffin said...

You've got a nice assortment of blues going there!

Linda at Texas Quilt Gal said...

Your hearts are beautiful. I've honestly never tried applique on my machine, sad isn't it. Gemma is a beauty.
What a beautiful place you live in - do you have a view of the mountains all the time?

scraphappy said...

Great progress on both of your projects. Every step gets you one step closer to a finished quilt. Try to stay cool! Hope the heatwave doesn't last too long.

Deb A said...

It's always fun to start new at the beginning of the year. Gemma has the right idea! Hope you are able to keep cool during those heat spells. I've not heard of Fred Dagg. I'll have to look him up!

Sara said...

Poor Gemma! Her fluffy fur coat is probably hot. I'm totally understanding your need to make new blocks while you still have UFOs. That describes me to a T.

Maria said...

Your new blocks for RSC with make up into great donation quilts….
Poor Gemma with all her fur… stay cool girl.

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

it is fun taking part in the RSC, a good way to get a quilt done in a year and still work on other things too.

Nancy J said...

Blue on two sides, that's a natty way to get the zig-zag. Our Boris lies on the concrete by the wood shed, in the shade, thank goodness we are not as hot as Australia. Josh said it was 31 in Christchurch and 21 at night.

Sue said...

Love your logic as it makes perfect sense to me: why make one set when you can make two? This is why I have so many project boxes full of WIPs!!!! Loving your blue hearts!

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

These are fun blocks, Jenny! I love the dinosaurs, and the hearts, too, with their plaids and stripes. Stay cool - both of you!

Jackie said...

Simple blocks are the best and I really love these. Your hearts are gorgeous by the way.
You are getting a heat wave and we are supposed to be entering another very cold spell starting towards the end of next week.

God bless.