Getting It Done Challenge

Here's my list for June and how I did.

What to do for June?

1-Stay current with mystery and BOWs. 
I am current with the mystery but didn't touch the BOWs.

2-FINISH THE HUNTING CLUB QUILT---I'm yelling at myself!
Yelling at my self seemed to work, the quilt is finished and now resides at the winner's (my daughter) house.

3&4 Quilt those 2 finished quilt tops from last month.
I didn't quilt those 2 quilt but I did quilt 2 Pineapple Blossom quilt. You can see them here and here.

So what will I do for July?

• This month's mystery step and work on BOWs
• Quilt and bind Orca Bay
• Quilt and bind The Ultimate Scrap Quilt Like Julie's
•  Make 5 more Pineapple Crazy blocks

I'm trying to focus on the projects in the works and on getting some quilting done. These 2 quilts already have the backing and binding done and the batting is cut to size. The bobbins are even wound.  I'm really trying not to start any new projects.

I'm linking up to Patchwork Times. See how others are doing with their lists.

On The Needles

I have several knitting projects happening.

I don't want to get bored working on one thing.

That's my story.....

Last Friday was a few hours of waiting room knitting time.

I doubled the size of my Noro Bias Lace Scarf.

These socks have the heels turned and 

the gussets are about finished.

That means they can be worked on mindlessly again.

I didn't have anything I could work on and 

talk at the same time for Wednesday group.

So I started a new pair of socks.

Tuesday I bought the new circular needles I needed for Wingspan.

If I would have gotten them out of Crystal's car, 

I would have started this again on Tuesday.

But I didn't get them until Thursday and gosh,

I couldn't just let them sit idol so I restarted Wingspan last night.

See what others are working on at Patchwork Times.

Design Wall Monday

Saturday I sewed.

Sunday afternoon I sewed.

Right now there is nothing on my design wall, 

but I accomplished a lot!

  

I completed June's step of the Back To Square One Mystery. 

I used the blades for the Dresden Plate block for my Rainbow Scrap Challenge as leaders and enders.

I have to get out my other machine to use the blind stitch to applique this to the background.

I used the half square bonus triangles from Pineapple Blossom #2 

as leaders and enders for the Dresden Plate Block. 

These will go into the orphan block bin.

Under my Sewing Mates table, you can see the stack of 10 finished 

card trick blocks for my Row Quilt.

When I still wanted to sew, I pulled out my Pineapple Crazy blocks to make a few more.

I didn't get very far with those, just a few rounds on one block.

Go to Patchwork Times to see what others have on their design walls this week.

Sewing Machine Setup on Scrappy Saturday

Remember back at the beginning of the month when this little beauty came to live with me? I've wanted to set her up to be my main machine but haven't gotten around to it.

Until this morning. I decided to just get to it. First things first, it had to come out of that nasty base. But I couldn't figure out how to do it. So I asked on the Vintage Sewing Machine page on Facebook.  Within a few minutes I had some suggestions.  See those 2 screws? I didn't see them until someone mentioned it. So within a couple minutes of finding out about them, I had the base off.  Then the real fun began.

Bonnie Hunter has talked about the Sewing Mates Sew AdjusTable several times. I broke down and ordered one a while back. After just a few adjustments, I had the table just right for this machine. The best part is if I use another machine, I don't have to buy another table, just adjust this one-pretty cool.  I got my quarter inch guide set and started sewing on my card trick block for my Row Quilt that I am making as part of the Rainbow Scrap Challenge.

Today I am going to see how many blocks I can finish up between laundry and garden.  So far, 1 done.
See other great Rainbow Scrap Challenge projects at SoScrappy.

On and Off The Needles

Or maybe this should be titled Under The Influence of Judy L and Denise. Both of these ladies have posted about the Wingspan shawl. So I had to go look at it and loved it and printed it. You know, just in case I wanted to ever make it. Then they both start talking about Dreambird-here and here. So far I've resisted that one but I do keep looking at it. And now they are talking KAL later in the summer. Oh Boy!  Reminds me of being asked if my friends jumped off the bridge would I follow.....probably........

What's a girl to do??? Jump!!!

So I jumped at Wingspan. I looked at the projects at Ravelry and searched out the yarn I wanted to use.  I like the way the Felici sport yarn is striping on this. (FYI this yarn is being discontinued and as of right now there are only 2 colors left.) I don't have the correct size needles so I have to start over. I'm afraid of running out of yarn. 

In the meantime, I'll work on this Noro bias lace scarf. I'll be doing some waiting room time today and that's the perfect time to make major progress on this scarf. I'm using a new to me yarn found at JoAnn's called Red Heart Boutique Midnight. It contains 6% metallic so just a touch of shiny. Sometimes you need a little shiny.

My 3S Shawl is done except for the blocking and the one place I missed when burying the ends. I'm still on the fence about keeping it or gifting it.  

Check out Judy L's Wingspan. I can't wait to see how far Denise is with her Wingspan--she's probably done--and to see what everyone else is working on. Link are here at Patchwork Times.

Pineapple Blossom #2

Yeah!! Pineapple Blossom #2 is quilted and trimmed, ready for binding tonight.  I am so happy to have both of these quilts ready to gift to 2 special ladies.

I quilted this one with free hand swirls. It was fun and I'm happy to say everything went smooth. No thread breaks, no middle of the row empty bobbins, no tension issues and thank heavens there were no timing issues.

This is a free pattern from Quiltville. The instructions include cutting for both 2" and 2 1/2" strips. I liked both of them but I think if I ever make another one, I will use 2" strips. Thanks Bonnie for another great design.

Design Wall Monday On Sunday

I've been quilting Pineapple Blossom #2. I have this last pineapple section and then the 10" of borders. Hopefully Monday morning will see this beauty complete.  I'm freehand quilting swirls because of the swirl fabric using a nice light sage green thread.

On the design wall is my Bow Tie center. I am thinking about borders.  That's all I've been doing is thinking, not even pulling fabrics because I don't know what colors I want to use. What do you think?  I want a 2" inner border and a 4" outer border. This will go into my need a gift quilt bin.

I'll be spending Monday morning looking at other design walls that have linked up to Patchwork Times.

Picnic Day

Today was the annual hunting club picnic which is held in Larry (striped shirt) and Jean's (red vest) shop.  This is the most amazing shop I've ever been in! Door prizes and bucket raffle prizes are layed out to be admired and argued over. I'm sitting over to the side in charge of tickets and I look up to admire the quilt and jumping out at me is a great big mistake right up on the top row in the center....UGH!  Right then and there, I decided whoever won the quilt was going to have to give it to me so I could fix it and then give them their quilt.

The Pit Masters are checking out the grill.  They do a fabulous job cooking up the roasts.  Then they are all sliced up and devoured.  Elk, venison, moose and mountain goat and all the delicious pot luck dishes.  So much good food.

Grandson Elliot got a lesson on cleaning fish.  He was so engrossed and told me he knows how to clean a fish so when we go fishing, he will do it but I have to use the knife.  OK.

Then it was time to draw for prizes.  My family did very well.  Daughter DeeDee won the quilt and refused to give it up so I could fix it.  You should have heard her, she was thrilled.  Hubby won the chain saw, Daughter Crystal's family won 5 door prizes and Granddaughter Taylor won a door prize.   Me, I'm still pouting.......as are a whole bunch of other people!  Gift bags were given to each of the kiddos and they were thrilled. What a fun, fun day spent with family and friends.

Sunny Scrappy Saturday

When I walked into the sewing room this morning, this is what I saw-completely unstaged. Look at all that yellow! I've got 4 blocks finished for the Row Quilt.   Since today marks the mid point of the month and I am not at mid point of my blocks, I need to get busy. Maybe I'll just have a card trick block fest.

The blocks on the table are bonus triangles from Pineapple Blossom #2 that is headed for the longarm later today. The blue with the yellow dots is for the binding for that quilt.  I love all my little yellow accessories.

See other yellow goodness for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge at SoScrappy.

On The Needles

I've been working on my 3S Shawl. I am very close to being done.  I added 3 rows of eyelet just for the fun of it. Now it's just knit like crazy until the skein runs out, tie on the last ball, knit one more row or not and bind off.

Do you block a shawl made with acrylic yarn? I don't know, I'l have to look that up.

I've  also added one more color section to my socks.  I've been working on these in the afternoon while I watch some mindless tv instead of taking a nap.  Getting up at 4 am is starting to take a toll but I can't seem to unwind enough to nap so I knit.

I can't wait to see what everyone has on their needles this week.  Links are at Patchwork Times where Judy L is working on her 3S Shawl.

Pineapple Blossom #1 Done!

I am so happy to have finished Pineapple Blossom #1.

I cannot wait to give this one to the recipient.

She is going to be thrilled. 

The flannel backing helped reduce the flannel stash bin.

Odds and ends make a cozy, cuddly back. 

Design Wall Monday

After fixing Friday's whoopsie with the too short backing, Pineapple Blossom #1 is almost finished. The binding is stitched down except about 3/4 of the long side. I think it will be finished today. (With the help of a couple of shows on HGTV, it is now finished.)

So last night I decided to pull out these Pineapple Blossom blocks that I won last spring at retreat.  These are 12" blocks where the other quilt is made from 9" blocks.  I need to make 7 more blocks and I want to make a piano key border. I think I have enough bright strips to make this work the way I want it to.  I have to decide whether or not to sash these blocks but I don't have to decide that until later........I'll think about that as I sew the blocks.

Pineapple Blossom is a free quilt design at Quiltville.  Bonnie gives cutting instructions for using both 2" and 2 1/2" strips. Its a fabulous design to use to clean out your strip bins.

See Judy L's fabulous quilt and check out other fabulous design walls at Patchwork Times.

Scrappy Saturday

Not much scrappy sewing has gone on this week. Instead of sitting in front of the sewing machine, I've been in front of the long arm. I've been busy quilting.  And that is a good thing.

Last week someone said they would get themselves too confused using the card trick block as a leader/ender.  I am happy to report that so far I'm doing OK.  I sew the l/e and then start my next seam, clip the l/e off, give it a quick press and put it right back where it belongs.  And I have those 2 road maps right there close.  I love my little flannel design wall.

See other great scrappy yellow projects at SoScrappy.  I'm going outside to enjoy that bit yellow ball in the sky before it disappears again in a couple days. Happy Weekend.

Pardon Me While I Cry

I was so excited when I started to roll the last row of the quilt.  SO VERY EXCITED!  I was going to get this quilt done tonight!

And then I saw this. My backing is too short! Damn!

Now I wonder if I have the backing on sideways.....too late to worry about that now.  In the morning, I'll take this off, dig out some more flannel and add to the backing.  This is an advantage to using the Red Snappers.  An advantage I don't want to use too often.

Now I am going to turn off the light in the quilting room and shut the door.  I think I'll put on my jammies and knit for a while.  I know for sure I have enough yarn to finish my socks.......

On The Needles

Remember my toe up socks from last week?  I decided I don't like knitting toe up socks. Sorry Kat. It wasn't in my comfort zone. They felt too big and sloppy and confusing, so I pulled them off the needles and started again. Plain Jane simple socks, cuff down, not much thinking on my part.

I've worked on these every evening but it's hard to make good progress when the eyelids fall closed and the needles don't move.

It's On The Needles Friday at Patchwork Times. I can't wait to see what everyone is working on.

No More Pressure

This morning I sat down, determined to finish stitching the binding on the quilt for the hunting club picnic raffle. I the picnic is next Saturday and I feel good to have this one marked off the Getting It Done Challenge list for this month.

Again, a big thank you to the quilting angel that sent this quilt kit for our club.  I can't wait to see who wins it. Secretly (or not so secret) I'm hoping it's someone in my family.

For the back, I used up some stash fabric from past deer quilts.  It was quilted with a large meander using So Fine brown thread for top and bobbin.

I Tried To Resist...

...really, I did.  I saw the ad for this little beauty on Craigslist last Friday.  I drooled and almost called. Then I sent the link to my friend thinking she might want it.  When it was still listed last night, I told Ernie about it. He wondered why I hadn't already went and got it.

So this morning I checked again and sent the message.  Immediately she called me and I was on my way.  To heck with that long list of other things I had to do today. I want this.  The poor little gal was almost in tears when I paid her. She loves vintage machines and proudly showed me her Morse machine-which I offered to also buy.  But as a college student with her finances the way they are, somethings have to go and she loves to sew and had to choose.  That has to be tough.......and I'm very glad I'm not in that situation because I probably would cry.  It was a pleasure to meet her and talk about our passion for the older machines.

This is an Ambassador Deluxe 100, made in Japan.  I'm thinking maybe a Singer Class 15 clone, but I'm not sure.  Are you???

Now about that to do list..............

Design Wall Monday

Happy June!!  I just turned on the TV to catch the weather and I'm thrilled there is no rain in the outlook for the week.  That means the garden will finally get everything planted in it.  I'm way behind most everyone. Like normal!

On my little design wall is this month's Rainbow Scrap Challenge block for my Row Quilt. Using this block for my leader/ender means each block will have to be laid out and carefully put back where it belongs. On the sewing table are my bow tie blocks ready to be sewn into rows 1 and 2.

See that orange J on my tablet?  That is my note to tell me where I am on my latest tablet viewing. I discovered the BBC series The Great British Sewing Bee. Someone posted it on Facebook-I couldn't resist. It can be found on YouTube here.  I am a long time fan of Project Runway but so far, this series is so much better. Mainly focusing on the sewing and not the drama.

I'm going to spend some time in Blogland this morning. See Judy L's great design wall and those of others at Patchwork Times today.

Sunshine Yellow-Yeah!

I'm so happy to be using yellow for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge from over at SoScrappy.  I need sunshine in my life and my sewing.  June 1st is bringing just that.  After several days of miserable cold rain, today starts a few days of sunshine.  I'm not complaining too much about our weather here, not at all.  I am so sad for all the people that have been affected by the tornado devastation.

This month, I chose the card trick block for my Row Quilt. Earlier this morning, I pulled out my yellow scrap box, surprised by how much was in there.  I started cutting for my block kits.  But today there will be little sewing. There are clothes to be hung out, the garden to be planted,  grass to be mowed and the weed whackers will get a workout, as will I.

Visit SoScrappy to see other great Rainbow Scrap projects.