Hello September

Well, hello September.

You snuck right up on me.

That's OK, I like you.

Our 44th Anniversary is this month.

Fall is almost here-seems like it today as it's chilly and rainy out.

Perfect for sewing because

it's National Sewing Month!!!

The month in which I strive to sew every day.

Even if I have to hop out of bed and sew a couple things together.

Yes, I have done that.

My husband swears I'm nuts!!

Yesterday I prepared and sewed a few strips together.

Today I sewed all I had prepared and see that cute tumbler on the bottom,

that's my leader/ender that I'd love to finish this month.

I'm preparing more kits for the On The Road Quilt from MD Quilts.

That's what I've decided to call it because it will be on the road with me.

I'll tell you all about that when it's set in stone.

My M&Ms are ready for a quick snack.

Funny thing about these little candies,

usually a couple are enough for me.

This may or may not last all month, 

depending on who knows I have them.

My goals for the month:

• sew every day
• kit up more On The Road pieces
• finish tumbler leader/ender top
• baste one quilt top
• make backpack for customer

It's time to get this party started.

Will you be celebrating National Sewing Month with me?

Design Wall Monday

It's that time of year again...Retreat Time!! WhooHoo. I need a retreat!  I decided this retreat was all about working from my stash. Instead of focusing on Pineapple Crazy like I have at past retreats, I decided to make a couple new quilt tops.  They have a purpose, I just can't talk about it yet and NO, there are no new babies or weddings planned that I know of.  

I went to my stash of batik strips and strip books to create one project. I had another kit started and finished cutting for the blocks for the second. Then yesterday I was wanting to consolidate a couple of UFO bins into one and found these tumblers all cut with a note that said 12 x 12. To the wall I went! There were 7 different fabrics so I started playing. This is the design I went with. They are all stacked and pinned into rows, ready to sew. But with a project like this where each row needs to be sewn together one at a time, I need a good stash of leader/enders. I need to think of this one a bit!

 I found a bag with this charm pack and 2 pieces of yardage together. I had a plan at one time but there are no notes. I haven't a clue what I was thinking. I have a couple books with charm pack designs so I'll figure something out.  I also found this jelly roll and 2 yards of the green and 4 yards of the tan batik together in a bag. No note, no clue, no problem, again to the books I'll go.

I finished A Little Bit Hexi! found on Quiltville's free pattern page.  I can't wait to hang it on my wall. I learned that my Morse machine is not a good machine for free motion quilting but I had fun using it. (I could be the machine operator too.)

Last weeks plans went pretty good. I still haven't taken my Brother machine to the shop. Won't happen this week either because it's Retreat Week!!!  Lots to do before I go.  Lots planned to do while I'm there!

See great projects happening at Patchwork Times-Design Wall Monday.

Slow Stitching Sunday

It's been a while since I've done a Slow Stitching post.  Over 2 months! But I've been stitching. I chose last year's BOM from The Hexi Blog as my next UFO to work on.  I have these 4 designs machine to applique to the background squares. Only the green 4 leaf clover is pinned on and I see I need to adjust it before stitching. The others are just laying there.  It feels good to be over half way now with the designs. The next block is a basket and it's half finished already.  My goal is one block every 2 or 3 days.  I think I can, I think I can!!!

It's been fun digging in the scrap bins that were sorted by color for just the right fabrics. I think my biggest challenge is finding pieces large enough to cover my 3/4" hexies. I am wondering if I will ever be able to lay something out on my bed without help from Miss Shirley. If that happens, I'm sure Miss Polly will be right there to help me.  I've raised very helpful kitties!

I have worked on my Castle Wall project too. Lots of hand stitching happening in my living room. Ernie asked me if I have given up knitting.  No Silly Man! Stitching is my current obsession, knitting will crowd it's way in again one of these days, don't you worry.

After the 20th block, I had to put it up on the wall to see and share.  It's now back in it's protective bin. The next block is in my to go box for working on at Wednesday's Binding Friends group.  I can talk and stitch and laugh with the ladies while making good progress on my block.

Check out what others are doing with their Slow Stitching Sunday at Kathy's Quilts.

Design Wall Monday

 I finished the Framed 9 Patch top I showed last week . My original plan was to make it 4 x 5 and decided to go 5 x 5 instead. I added 2" and 5" borders.  54 inch square quilt is a nice sized cuddly quilt. Covers both mom and baby. Now it's time to piece the back, make the binding and get this quilted.

I decided to work on a UFO from last year. This is the 2014 BOM from The Hexi Blog.  When I opened the bin, only 2 blocks were completed. All the background fabric squares were cut and waiting for applique.  Including this sun, I now have 3 more blocks ready to applique.

My plans for the week were interrupted by the flu bug. 2 sick days and another to recoup put me way behind. Good thing I had the hexies ready to work.

I'm just going to copy the goal list from last week and keep working on it. It's nice to have at least one thing marked off the list.

This week I continue the list from last week: 

• Finish this baby quilt.  Done
• Make a second baby quilt.
• Pin baste both of the baby quilts.
• Finish cutting strips for retreat swap.
• Piece batting for the next big quilt. (My roll is gone so now I must use up what I have stored away in boxes.)
• Baste the 2 baby quilts and the next big quilt.

See what Blogland friends are working on this week at Patchwork Times Design Wall Monday.

Design Wall Monday

A while back, I participated in a bright and white 9 patch swap with an internet group. I swapped 6 sets of 10 blocks so I have a very nice variety of 9 patches.  I think I only got one of my own back. That's a lot of block swapping!!!

It's so nice to have something on my design wall......it's been a while. I love simple framed blocks. These will finish at 8 inches so I am thinking a 4 x 5 setting with 2 borders will make a nice size crib quilt.

I quilted 2 quilts this week. They are finished-complete with labels.  I kept thinking Sunday would have been a good day to take them outside for pictures but kept getting sidetracked.  Today will be another sunny day so I'll make sure to get photos before the rain returns to the Pacific Northwest.

My goals for last week were surpassed. I surprised myself. A good audio book helped keep me at the machine.

This week I would like to:

• Finish this baby quilt.
• Make a second baby quilt.
• Pin baste both of the baby quilts.
• Finish cutting strips for retreat swap.
• Piece batting for the next big quilt. (My roll is gone so now I must use up what I have stored away in boxes.)
• Baste the 2 baby quilts and the next big quilt.

This should keep me out of trouble.

See what others have on their design walls at Patchwork Times.

Design Wall Monday

I have nothing on my design wall.

It will be a week full of quilting.

I had a very successful week of reaching my goals from last week's Design Wall Monday post.

So successful that I was able to start quilting this quilt Saturday afternoon 

after basting it and another in the morning. 

Why not baste 2, the tables were already set up 

and Jersey Boys was on tv.

The elk quilt for hunting club is finished!!! 

(I need to hang it up to take a full picture.)

Yeah-2 months ahead of time.

Monday afternoon I sewed the binding on and started to stitch it down that night.

Then a bit more on Tuesday.

Wednesday I took it go Binding Friends group

and left there with it finished!!!  

Great help from Marian and Granddaughter Taylor 

(who is now officially a Binding Friend since this was her first binding.)

Thank you so much ladies!

Next up I finished the Della Wallets from Swoon Patterns.

I delivered them to Taylor and Lacey.

They both loved them. 

Friday afternoon I made backs for the next 2 quilts.

Goals for this week are pretty simple:

• Finish the batik boxy quilt.
• Start quilting the 2nd Sister's Choice.

Finishes

Goal number 2 has been marked off my list. The top wallet was made for camo and Duck Dynasty loving Taylor.  The bright pink was made for Lacey.  I delivered them this morning and they both love them.

This afternoon I made the backs for the two quilts I want to baste tomorrow.  Everything is ready to start bright and early. I'm crossing my fingers that I can be quilting by afternoon.

Meeting Goals

I'm working hard to meet the weekly goals I set for myself.

First up is to finish the elk quilt.

Monday morning, bright and early, I set up my table and trimmed the quilt.

While the table was set up, 

 I cut out 2 Della Wallets.

Why not keep cutting, I have a retreat in a few weeks.

I took out a bin that said bright 2 1/2" strips to cut a new quilt.

When I opened the bin I found that I already had a plan for those strips.

I decided to go with that plan and cut and made kits for several blocks.

This will be a baby quilt when it is finished.

I even have the pretty pink flannel for the back.

May as well get the batting and binding ready too.

Where did that plan come from??? 

After dinner, I sewed the binding on and started stitching it down.

My goal was to stitch and watch The Voice.

I made it through the first hour before my eyes gave up.

This quilt will be finished soon.

I am going to start basting this quilt in a few minutes.

Yes, I am a bright and early person.

On a farm related note, 

I forgot to write about the new babies.

Friday, April 3rd, 12 baby chicks followed me home.

5 Buff Orpingtons

2 Black Australorps

and 5 Golden Sexlinks

Sadly one didn't make it but 11 are growing like baby chicks do. 

Today is going to be a busy day.

But first, I need another cup of coffee!

Design Wall Monday

I'm happy to say the elk quilt for the hunting club is quilted. Today I will trim it and sew on the binding.  I will be happy to mark this project off my list for another year. This quilt measures about 72 x 94. Whoever wins it will be quite cozy bundled up with the flannel backing. I did a medium meander for the quilting. I think Quilt Inspector Polly approves.

I didn't do very well with my goal list from last week.  I now need to make 2 Swoon Della Wallets.  I decided to have the gals pick their own fabrics. Once you've made one, they go really fast. I love using mine. I've bought several of the Swoon patterns and have been real happy with the ones I have made.

I did work on a couple Pineapple Crazy Blocks but I put them away again. I have the next quilt ready to pin baste and I hope I have enough pins to baste another one while I have the tables set up.  I think it takes longer for me to set up the tables and get started than it does to pin the quilt.

I'm quite excited about the next 2 quilts. I can't wait to start quilting them.  I like that I already know how I want to quilt each of them.

My goals for this week are short and sweet.

• Finish the elk quilt
• Sew 2 Della Wallets
• Pin baste 2 quilts

See what everyone is working on at Patchwork Times.

Design Wall Monday

Look at me recycling an old photo of my Pineapple Crazy blocks.  I'm too lazy to go take a picture of the newest blocks and I love how it looks with them layed out. It inspires me to sew like a mad woman.

Sadly these have been put on hold while I work on the elk quilt for the hunting club. Sort of on hold, I ran out of papers and coincidentally out of printer ink. So new ink has been bought and installed and as I write this post, blocks are being printed. I'm hoping to stay focused on the elk quilt and not call squirrel on itty bitty pieces of fabric.

After some household chores this morning, the tables will be set up and the basting of the elk quilt will begin.  Maybe the quilting will start today too.  What I really want to work on though are these Pineapple Crazy blocks.

I have a list of goals for my sewing this week.

• baste, quilt and bind the elk quilt 
• I think I need to buy some brown thread for the binding-I'd better check on that
• finish the wallet I'm working on
• make a few more Pineapple Crazy blocks

That's probably enough for this week.  First I am going to see what others are working on at Patchwork Times and drink another cup of coffee.

Design Wall Monday

I've had a pretty productive week in the sewing room considering

 I am still dealing with this hacky cough and cold. 

My list for last week:

Goals for this week:

• Finish last 2 months of Tell It To The Stars.  Done and excited for the September clue.
• Make back for hexagon quilt.  Done!!  Used lime green shirting that I'm sure my recipient is going to love
• Baste hexagon quilt.  Nope. 
• Re-arrange sewing table.  I worked on this for quite a while.  Scraps that were out of control are now in control.  I still need to move machines around the way I want them.
• Do a UFO Parade blog post--want to join in and make your own list?    Done (it's here) and printed off, pinned so I can see it while at the machine.  :)

I refilled my Circle of Jewels box after working several more jewel sections. Now I'm working on 3 more flowers before going back to the jewels again. This one is finished and the 2nd started.

While working on Tell It To The Stars, I used these 3 blue star blocks for Smith Mountain Morning as leaders and enders.  Then I was on such a roll that I sewed 7 more using the border pieces as their leaders and enders.  Yes, Bonnie and Judy L playing together again this week.  

After seeing someone's Pineapple Crazy picture on Facebook, I had the urge to work on mine. So I pulled out the box and made these border blocks.  Now I really want to work on this again. (See how easily I get sidetracked.)

Right now my design wall is empty but others are not. See them here at Patchwork Times.

Goals for August 25 through August 31:

• Baste Hexi quilt.
• Quilt Hexi quilt.
• Bind and finish Hexi quilt.
• Finish blue star blocks for Smith Mountain Morning.
• Sew 5 Pineapple Crazy blocks.

This will keep me busy enough.  Have a great week.

Working The List

In Monday's post, I made a short list of things I wanted to get finished this week.

I'm happy to say I've marked everything off my list and then some. 

This is the back for the lime green and brown quilt. 

Notice the pins?

The quilt is basted and ready to quilt.

Here are 6 blocks-3 months- for Tell It To The Stars.

I have 2 more months to do and I'll be caught up,

ready for September.

Can you believe that's only a few days away!

September!!! Already!

I got my brown stars sewn for Smith Mountain Morning.

Here are 11 blue stars laid out on my little design boards ready to be sewn together.

I used the brown blocks as leaders and enders for Tell It To The Stars.

Bonnie and Judy L working together. 

snicker, snicker

I'm going to a retreat next month so I made the lottery blocks.

These are Exploding Blocks from Missouri Quilt Company.

These were so fast and fun to make.

Now I want to wind bobbins, 

clean and oil my machine, 

insert a new needle

and start to play.

Sweet Surprises

On Monday, I set a few goals for myself for the week.

On Tuesday, I crossed one of them off.

Today I started cutting my blocks for Tell It To The Stars.

I am such a procrastinator!

I am not happy about that!

Last week I printed the instructions and as they come off the printer,

I picked them up and stapled them together.

I didn't even check to see if everything printed.

I love that my printer prints the last page first.

This morning it's all quiet

 (meaning the kittens are taking a nap!)

and a good time to cut some fabric.

I cut blocks for 3 months

(Yes! I am that far behind!)

 and pulled out the June instructions.

I was reading them and this is what I found on page 3.

When the grands are here and want to draw, 

they get paper from the printer.

When they leave, I put the paper they didn't color on back in the tray.

I missed this paper in the stack and I'm glad I did.

2 1/2 year old Corbin likes markers and he drew Gramma a picture.

He must have put it back in the pile of papers for me to find.

Totally made my morning!

Back to cutting,

3 months kitted, 3 months to go!

I know once these are all cut and ready to go, 

I'll want to sit down and sew like a mad woman!

Who knows,

I might be caught up before the next clue.

November Getting It Done Challenge

 October goals for the Getting It Done Challenge were:

•  Judy L's mystery for August and September and October
• Bind Orca Bay 
• Bind TUSQLJ
• Make Rainbow Scrap blocks for August and September and October

I am all caught up on Judy L's Back to Square One Mystery

and ready for the next clue.

Orca Bay and The Ultimate Scrap Quilt Like Julie's 

are both finished.

The Rainbow Scrap Challenge blocks were not touched so I'll start November with those.

November Getting It Done Challenge List

• Get caught up with the Rainbow Scrap Challenge--I think this will be a great retreat project.
• 10 more Pineapple Crazy Blocks
• Work on Reach For The Stars
• Work on Hexi Wall hanging

See how others are doing with their lists at Patchwork Times.

Mid Month Getting It Done Report

I've been working on my October list for the Getting It Done Challenge.  I said my goals were super easy but they are all super easy if I just sit down and start.  Which is exactly what I have been doing.

So Octobers Goals are super easy.

•  Judy L's mystery for August and September and October
• Bind Orca Bay 
• Bind TUSQLJ
• Make Rainbow Scrap blocks for August and September and October

I'm finished with the August and almost finished with the September steps of Judy L's mystery. All the parts for October are cut and ready for block construction.  

The binding for Orca Bay put on this morning and is on the list as retreat project #1 if I don't get it done today.

The Ultimate Scrap Quilt Like Julie's is finished.  I just love a scrappy binding!  This quilt makes me happy and I can't wait to put it on my bed. After I show it off at retreat. 

Looking back through the blog, I see I started prepping for this quilt 2 years ago for this retreat. Almost to the date!  I'm so happy it's finished. 

The Rainbow Scrap blocks are on still on the list. October's block is picked and fabrics chosen.

It's nice to make progress on my list. I just need to keep myself focused......that right there is the funniest thing I've said about myself in a long time...........

January Quiltathon-Day 1

Judy L is hosting another Quiltathon. You can see the dates on the left sidebar of her blog.   After not spending much time in the sewing room this week, I really looked forward to this weekend Quiltathon.

I made a list of goals for today.

• sew 16 Easy Street A blocks  
• do step 1 for Judy L's BOM
• make 2 Midget blocks
• make 2 Grandmother's Choice blocks
• cut batting for Ultimate Scrap Quilt

I think I can do it.  I took a spaghetti casserole out of the freezer--part of my clean out the freezer plan--so dinner will be whenever Ernie wants to eat.  Easy Peezy.  I'll check in at lunch time.........

Afternoon Update.........Easy Street A Blocks are DONE!!

Judy L's JAN BOM steps DONE!!

Ernie has been getting up at 0 dark thirty to plow snow for the log truckers so that means he's home just after noon...... Messes with Quiltathon.  He has a craving for fish and chips instead of the casserole I took out of the freezer that turned out to really be taco soup instead of spaghetti.....so we'll have soup tomorrow and go to town for fish and chips.  I'm hoping to be able to sew after he goes to bed tonight.

A Finish, A Finish, Finally A Finish!!

Can you hear me singing? If so, I'm sorry. I can't help myself. I have finally finished this UFO. I have not been very successful with the 2011 UFO Challenge. I posted about my February project here and here and again here.

Today I will post that it is finished! My new goal for August is to get a couple more of these UFOs marked off my list. I am motivated now more than ever before to reduce that pile of quilt tops. I would love it if I could have a year when all of my planned projects are complete. Realistic? Maybe not but I'm sure going to try. So 2 finishes with 7 left to be caught up. Can I do it? Let's see. I may need a push now and then, but please be gentle.

Now I must do something to get ready for company tomorrow....

2010 Memories

This is a photo taken at The Pomeroy Farm Quilt Festival this summer. I loved this display! It makes me smile thinking that my husband and my father would never, ever have worn that shirt or those pants. Now that pink dress, I love! I had several dresses that style but I was never brave enough to wear that pink!

I went back through my blog to see what I had accomplished this year. I was amazed at the number of quilt tops I made! 19! I made 19 quilt tops and turned 8 of those into quilts. That means I have 11 more on Mt. ToBeQuilted.

This is my list of finishes for 2010:
19 quilt tops, 8 quilted
5 UFOs
3 bags
4 wall hangings
1 rug
6 pair of socks knitted
4 hats knitted
2 scarves knitted

WOW! That surprised me. Of course there are some projects that have been started and are in the can't be counted yet category. Which leads me to my word for 2011. FINISH

My 2010 word was Simplify. My 2 goals were to learn to quilt feathers and learn to use my EQ5. Well, I did quilt feathers on one quilt....decided maybe I really don't want to do them, I do pantographs and meander much better. Maybe I'll try again, maybe not. I did learn to use EQ5 and then bought EQ7 and have been using it like crazy. And we did simplify our lives even more. We got rid of alot of crap that we never used. We aren't done yet but we are well on our way.

My goals for 2011 look pretty simple:

• Continue to simplify.
• Concentrate on finishing one project before starting another.
• Stay current with the BOMs, quilt alongs and challenges that I have committed to.
  

I think that's enough motivation for me for now. I can always add to my list if I want to.

I hope 2010 was a fabulous year for you and I hope 2011 will be even more fabulous!

2011 UFO Challenge

Each year on January 1, I make a list of my UFOs. I don't do it to torture myself and promise to get them all finished up because I know I won't do it. I do it purely to see what I have finished and what I had started and not finished.

2011 is not going to start that way. I am not going to make a list of all my UFOs. I am joining in on Judy L's 2011 UFO Challenge so I am only going to list 12. Click the link and see what I'm talking about if you don't already know.

I made my list, I checked it twice, I've been naughty and I've been nice---sorry, I get carried away! 2 are sets of blocks, 5 are competed tops and 5 are completed tops with the backings and bindings made. I have lots of others in case I get crazy and want to do more. Really my goal for 2011 is to quilt lots of quilts.

Here's my list:

1. 2009 BOM-blocks are finished, setting decided
2. Scrappy Twin Sister with back and binding
3. Depression blocks top
4. Hearts & Flowers-set of 12 blocks
5. 9 Patches & Posies top
6. Double Delight Quiltville Mystery with back and binding
7. Corn & Beans with back and binding
8. Lime green butterflies top
9. flannel Baby Yellow Brick Road with back and binding
10. Carol Doak BOM with back and binding
11. Tumbling Blocks top
12. Bright Trip Around the World top

Stash Report 12.5.10

Only 3 more stash reports left for the year and I am thinking of my goals for 2011. I am wondering if I will continue with the stash report. Although I found it quite interesting to see how I acquire my fabric, I know I am not out of control with my buying habits. If I would have kept track of how much I purchased new vs. how much I was given or bought from yard/thrift sales, I think that may have been pretty even. I have used lots more fabric than I ever thought I would. That part impresses me.

Used this Week: 6 yards
Used Year to Date: 245 yards
Added this Week: 0 yards
Added Year to Date: 175.25 yards
Net Used for 2010: 69.75

I now wonder if I will make it to my goal of 100 yards net. I could sit down and knock out a few quilt backs before the end of the year to use up a bunch, but if I don't, it isn't a matter of life and death. I have impressed myself with the fact that I have not missed a week of reporting, even on weeks when I've done nothing. Even on weeks when the added number jumps up 25 yards!

This has been a very fun project. Thank you Judy L of Patchwork Times for hosting the Stash Report. Go there now to see how others are doing.