June Monthly Report

Tuesday, July 6, 2021


It's time for the June monthly report. See past reports here.

I can't believe we're already halfway through 2021! I know things have been pretty quiet around here this year. Most of my posts have just been my monthly reports. I wish I could promise that more regular posting was right around the corner, but I'm not sure it is quite yet. It's been a tough year so far personally, and I'm just trying to keep my head above water lately to be honest. I know that I will feel better both physically and mentally, but it's just going to take some time. I still love blogging, but I've also become more private over the years so it's a bit of a balancing act. I actually have a good number of finished projects to share (including three quilts!), but haven't been able to take photographs of everything. Michael is going to help me try to get some photos this weekend hopefully. We'll see. Thanks for sticking with me through this lull in posting!


Most of my sewing this month was focused on this courthouse steps quilt made using fabric I've indigo dyed over the years. I made three or four blocks for this quilt last year but then let it sit. So this month I cut out all the pieces for the the remaining blocks, sewed all the blocks and got the top put together! I am now working on the backing, but it's almost done, just a few seams left. I'm excited to get this one done!

I haven't gotten an indigo dye bath going yet this summer, but hope to at some point. If you're interested in indigo dyeing, I have a post about it here: DIY Indigo Fabric Dyeing Tutorial


I made a few drawstring bags this month, including this strawberry inspired one! This is the snack size from my lined drawstring bag pattern. I got lucky and was able to use a set of extra strings that I made when I shot the video tutorial last year, bonus! It's finished off with some beads because why not. The strawberry fabric is by Heather Ross*, tie fabric by Carolyn Friedlander*, and unfortunately I don't know who designed the green accent fabric. Beads and pattern can be found in my online shop here:

Lined Drawstring Bag Pattern
Round Wooden Beads


I can now share this make from May, a bucket apron I made for my Dad for Father's Day! It fits around a 5 gallon bucket. I thought it would be useful in the garden, he can throw weeds in the bucket and keep tools in the pockets. I used leftover binding scraps from a quilt I made him a few years ago, paired with some plain canvas. I followed this tutorial with some adjustments.


I shared a similar shot of my double gauze quilt in my last post, but wanted to actually talk about it here. It's now finished and it got plenty of use on the couch last month! Just need to photograph it.


To keep myself accountable for my stash goals, I track my yardage for fabric and yarn each month. Read more about how I track here. Here is how I did in June:

June Fabric
Used up: 24 yards
Brought in: 2 yards
Net: -22 yards
Year to date: -40.75 yards

June Yarn
Used up: 0 yards
Brought in: 0 yards
Net: 0 yards
Year to date: -1823 yards

Happy with my totals this month! I finished a quilt along with a few other small projects. I also shared a decent stack of fabric with a friend, so all in all a good mix. I bought some Dana Cotton/Modal* knit fabric this month to make a few t-shirts! I made a t-shrit with it years ago and it has held up so well. Hopefully I don't let it linger too long. I haven't made any clothes in a long while. No yarn related finishes, but I have still been weaving and I picked up a languishing shawl project which has been fun to knit on again.



June was the month that I finally returned to the thrift shops!! I missed going so much. I love to buy secondhand and see what kind of treasures are waiting to be found. Here is a mix of a few things I've found in my first month back! No vintage sheets, but a few pillowcases. I can't leave behind this style vintage towel either, they're one of my favorite things to thrift. A few metal goodies for the sewing room and a little sewing chest of drawers that needs some serious TLC.


This month we also went to our first flea market here in CT which was fun. Picked up a record and some vintage ornaments. I absolutely love this style ornament so I was thrilled to add so many more to my collection. Can't wait to display them on our tree this year.

Have a great month!

*Note: Any links marked with an asterisk in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click through and buy something, I make a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

7 comments :

  1. I love reading your monthly reports, they inspired me to keep track of the fabric I'm using and projects I am making. Last year was a bust for me in that regard. But I also wanted to say that I am one that is glad you are taking time for yourself and as a result the blog is getting less posts. I really do love the monthly reports, and I find that for myself it is hard to keep up with a greater amount of posts.

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  2. Your projects are all lovely Jeni. I'm glad you can share here, whenever you feel like it. I love your courthouse steps. I was so happy to see you using your indigo dyed fabrics. They are gorgeous. Happy summer to you.

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  3. Thank you for inspiring me with your fabric yardage accountability posts. I started doing this in January and it has really helped me to buy less new and use more stash! A simple, easy and effective habit that I've learned, thanks for sharing it.

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  4. I am glad to see that your post came through on follow.it with no problem. I have had a problem with other blogs, but as of yesterday I started receiving them as will. I suppose whatever the hangup was has been fixed. I am so happy to hear from you whenever you can manage it. So many people have had to step back and regroup.

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  5. Your blog post is great..love your vintage etc...everyone deserves a break..I for one feel like I need one as well...it seems like the bloggers aren't really blogging except for a few like you...i love to read other's blogs..but I know it is time consuming especially when you have a built in audience etc...anyway if you can great if you can't you can't...take care and best.

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  6. I did not understand the negative yarn usage in June. Could you explain a little bit more?

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    1. I didn't use up any yarn in June, but I have used up 1823 yards of yarn so far in 2021. You can read more about my tracking here: https://www.incolororder.com/2017/01/how-to-track-your-fabric-and-yarn.html

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