UFO Parade

Judy L is hosting a UFO Parade at Patchwork Times. Facing the cold hard truth is hard.  Acting on the cold hard truth is going to be fun.  I have a lot of UFOs.  I am not counting them. I want each of them to be finished.  I'm parading one bin at a time.

Last year when I cleared out my sewing room for the big move around, I put my UFOs into big blue bins. I have 4 of them, they are all full.  Each bin has a list of what is inside. I keep that list in my notebook. 

Today I picked the closest bin to me.  Bin number 4.  Here are the contents. As I pulled each project out of the bin to take a picture, I made notes on what is needed to finish. Most of them had that info already on it.

There are 2 that I want special backings for so that went on my shopping list.  OK, let's start the parade of Bin 4.

Go! Scrappy 1- started  October 2010

Blocks complete, red sashing with black cornerstones.

Batik Blocks - started November 2010

This kit contains fabric and instructions for more blocks.

Also sashing and border fabrics.

This top if FINISHED!!!

Hanky Panky - top finished October 2010

There is enough of the blue fabric to use for binding.

I want to use a soft blue flannel for the backing.

Oh, Orca Bay, how you haunt me!

This has been waiting to be quilted since January 2012.

Last week I made the backing, the fabric has aged for about 5 months now.

It should be good to go now. 

Binding is made.

9 Patches and Posies - top finished February 2010

I'l like an antique looking floral print for the back of this one.

Binding is made.

Ultimate Scrap Quilt Like Julie's - top completed December 2012

Backing is ready, binding will be very scrappy.

New York Beauty Scrappy Batiks Table Topper

October 2011

Why hasn't this been quilted???

Yellow back string blocks - February 2011

I need to make 4 more blocks.

These are quilt as you go blocks.

That's the end of today's parade.  We'll have another parade on another day. I still have 3 bins full and probably enough new UFOs to fill another bin.  But I'm not talking about that today. wink, wink

Design Wall Monday

Quite a while back, maybe 2 years, my friend Sharlene gave me 10 Irish Chain blocks that she won at Quilt Party.  She didn't really like them and knew that I would use them for something.  About a year after that, I played in EQ7 and came up with this quilt design. I know I wanted to use the bright green as the focal point.

I took the blocks to the LQS and headed to the 40% off room to find a treasure.  I did, I found all 3 of my fabrics in that room.  I bought them, brought them home and made a kit with my design, the blocks and the fabrics and put it away.  Fabric needs to age.

After more time, I took out the kit, showed it to Crystal and she curled up her nose. She didn't like my green and pink print. NOT AT ALL!  So that stalled me a bit but I really like it!  Finally, I decided to put it up on the design wall and let it talk to me for a while. I move colors around but kept coming back to my original placement. I'm glad I did.  Isn't it funny how one little nose curl can stall your project.

I now have all the side triangles up on the wall and the parts for the corner triangles are cut and partially sewn.  I can't wait to sew on the borders. This will become a new topper for my treadle sewing machine.

Visit other great design walls that have linked up at Patchwork Times.  I love Monday in Blogland.

On The Needles

My socks are not cooperating with the yarn pooling challenge.  I thought for sure once the gusset was finished and I had decreased the stitches a bit more, the Sweet Georgia yarn would pool.  No. But it is doing something a bit interesting. It is striping in long sections.  See the heel? On the other side is a different colorway of stripes.  It's doing the same thing now in the foot section.

The Prince Henry sock on the left is going to be unknitted and I'll start over. I think the needles are too big for this yarn.  I also think I am going to do a ribbed leg instead of plain jane. I'll concentrate on Sweet Georgia first and get those finished.

I've been working on my Greta vest.  I like how it is starting to take shape.  I am going to work the armholes on this pretty soon so I can take those stitch holder pins out before I snag something major with them.

One thing I discovered about working all 3 of these projects this week is that I rather enjoy working on more than one thing at a time. Maybe it's working on the challenge or the changing of needle sizes from vest to socks or maybe it's just my lack of concentration with one project. I don't know. Whatever it is, it's working for me as I've made a bit of progress on all 3.

What Are You Reading?

I love Judy L's new link up What Are You Reading?  I'm not a fast reader, mostly only read before going to sleep.  Not too long ago, I found Barbara Bretton's book, At Last as a Kindle freebie at Amazon.  (Always check the price  before hitting buy--yes, been there, done that.)   So far it's a sweet story and I like her style of writing.

Now I'm going to go see what others are reading at Patchwork Times and what I want to add to my Amazon wish list.

Farm Tales

The baby turkeys are almost 4 weeks old now.  Saturday we moved them into their big home.  They looked so big in the tub they were in and now they look so tiny!  They are quite adventurous and so fun to watch.

 The front of the chicken house needs wire across the bottom. I keep forgetting to do it.  The other day I happened to spot an egg.  Then I found 5 more.  Today I spotted 3.  I had the camera in my pocket so decided to set it on the ground and take a picture.  I see 3 more eggs I couldn't reach.  I'll have to get the tennis ball flinger and a kid to lay on their stomach to get the eggs out of there before they get nasty.

Saturday was bee day.  We lost both of our hives last year so we are giving it another shot.  Cross your fingers that we get some honey this year.

The littles were getting bored with watching bees fly around and decided the chickens needed a snack.  See the big rooster in the front?  That's Fred. He isn't mine, he lives next door but likes it here better.  He's a nice rooster so he's welcome.  The neighbor kids came and got him the other day and the next morning he was strutting down the road.  Makes me wonder if they gave up on him.

Design Wall Monday

I've become obsessed with my hexi wall hanging. The green section was from a long abandoned project that became an idea for a wall hanging back in September. That last row of blue is going to be added today. Then the borders have to be figured out.

I was so excited when I received my book,  Pieced Hexies by Mickey Depre. After flipping through just a few pages, I spotted the perfect hexi that would become my sun. Honestly, I cannot wait to get started on a project from this book. 

It's the embellishing that I am super excited about now and since I know myself so well, I know the borders have to go on first. Even though I do have a few of the flowers ready, they have to wait.

I spent some time this weekend making Taylor's little bag  from our quilt show purchases. This pattern had me wanting to pull out my hair. I like straight forward instructions. Tell me to cut this many this of piece A, then this many of piece B, don't make me read your mind. It's an easy bag to sew once you figure every thing out. These instructions have been Judyfied for next time. I'm sure there will be a next time!  

Check out other great design walls at Patchwork Times today.

We're Goin' Green

The Rainbow Scrap Challenge color of the month is green.

My Row Quilt Block for the month is Monkey Wrench.

I think this is my favorite quilt block.

10 Monkey Wrench blocks were kitted up for leaders/enders.

The Dresden Plate parts are all cut and ready.

For added green cuteness and

because I can't resist,

Cousins Corbin and Estella.

Check out other great greet goodies

at SoScrappy.

On The Needles

I'm not having much success with the pooling of my sock yarns.  Prince Henry-on the left-is showing just a teeny tiny bit of pooling, Sweet Georgia, not so much.  I wonder what kind of results I would have if I weren't wanting the yarn to pool.

There was a bit of a mishap with Sweet Georgia. Someone forgot to turn the heel before she started the gusset.  (Shakes head and sighs!) So that brought about some needle pulling and picking up of stitches.  Now someone needs to get her book out and read up on heel turning before she goes any farther.  She will probably do that today.v

What's on your needles?  See other fabulous needle projects at Patchwork Times.

And just for the fun of it, here is Mae modeling her sweater.

Good News Thursday

Today's good news is I got to spend a wonderful day with my granddaughter. I picked up Miss Taylor and we went to the local quilt show.  These gals put on a wonderful show.  I came away so inspired.  The venders got a nice little chunk of change.  We spotted this bag pattern and had to have it.  Then we saw the fabric. Tay picked the green and black and she loved the purple, I had to have the pink. We bought ourselves some new Goat's Milk lotion.

I was on a mission to find some sky fabric for my wall hanging.  I'm so excited to finally be at the sky section and have very little light blue. We found these 2 fat quarters to add to the mix.

Then we went out to lunch and did some zipper and inner facing shopping at JoAnn's.  Now I am going to sit and stitch some hexies while I watch some tv for a while.

Today was a much needed feel good day. See some other good news posts here at Judy L's.

Orange Scrappy Blocks

March is over and so is my love of orange. 

Not really, I'm just done sewing orange blocks.

Or maybe I'm not,

I could make a couple stars, 

a few 4 patches.

No pressure.

Check out fabulous orange projects at SoScrappy.  

Design Wall Monday

I haven't spent much time in the sewing room this week so nothing is on my wall. I was pretty busy finishing up this sweater so my sweet Mae could "wear it tomorrow". That's what she said whenever she saw it. How could I not hurry and get it ready for tomorrow.

I got this little wall hanging from the free box at a retreat a few years ago. I kept picking it up and thought about starting it. Then one day, I decided to work on the embroidery at my Wednesday group.  That was finished and then it was set aside again.  I found the bag while looking for something else and told myself to sit down and get busy.

One episode of Wild at Heart on Netflix, I had all the preprinted fabrics bonded with wonder under stuff and  the shapes cut out.  So why not start another episode and iron them on to the button fabric.  Everything was preprinted so that part went really fast.  Next thing I knew, I had started a 3rd episode and was playing with machine stitches.  All I have left to do is stitch around the outside and decide which of my shirt plaids I'll use to bind it with. I didn't care for the way they say to finish the edge.  I'll add some button establishments too. Soon it will hang on my wall.

Getting It Done Challenge

March's Getting It Done List

• Continue to try keeping up with Block of the Month and/or Week, Midget Blocks, Rainbow Scrap Challenge and Judy L's Mystery.
• Buy the fabrics needed for the hunting club quilt.
• Get the long arm ready to use.
• Use the long arm.  Quilt 2 quilts this month.  

I didn't do too great this month. I did more knitting and crocheting than sewing.  

• I did finish the BOM blocks but haven't put the top together yet.
• I'm caught up with Judy L's Mystery.
• I worked on the Rainbow Scrap Challenge.
• A quilt kit was donated for the hunting club quilt and that top is finished, ready to quilt.
• I didn't touch the long arm!

April's Getting It Done List

• The long arm!  Get it ready to use.
• Use it!!! 
• Sew the Carol Doak blocks into a quilt top.
• Continue to work on monthly challenges.

Mae's Sweater

This is my super model, Mae,

showing off her Flower Sweater.

Isn't she just adorable!

Big Dog, DJ had to be right there with her.

Pooling Sock Yarn Challenge-Yarn 2

While working on my Sweet Georgia socks last night for the Pooling Sock Yarn Challenge, I decided to get out another skein of yarn to see if I could get it to pool on the leg portion by playing with the stitch count.

I chose this Opal yarn from Simply Socks Yarn Company.  This is a yarn that was gifted to my by a dear, sweet friend and is no longer available--the yarn, not the friend. The color is called Prince Henry, so that is what I will call these socks. I'll use size 2 needles and start with 60 stitches. If I don't get some pooling started soon after the ribbing, I'll add 4 stitches to see what happens.

I'm only going to knit these 2 pair of socks for this challenge.  Anyhow, that's what I'm saying right now.

This is the photo I took last night before I started knitting. I couldn't decide which size needles to use, 1 or 2 and ended up choosing size 2.

Pooling Sock Yarn Challenge

This is sock 1 of Judy L's Pooling Sock Yarn Challenge.

I'm using Sweet Georgia, Tough Love Sock Yarn 

from The Loopy Ewe.

The color is called Darkshore.

I'm knitting 60 stitches using size 2 needles.

It isn't pooling the way I would like it to.

I don't really care.

I'm hoping after the heel turn, the pooling will happen.

If not, no biggie.

Click here to see how other knitters are doing 

with their pooling socks.

On The Needles

I was so excited to start my socks for Judy L's Pooling Sock Yarn Challenge.

I'm so disappointed.....

there is little to no pooling.

I LOVE this yarn though!

Maybe it will pool after the heel.

I should knit all day to find out for sure. 

I made myself sew the zipper in Ernie's vest.

He is happy he can wear it now. 

I'm happy is finished!

He teased about wearing it to work.

Silly Man! That's NOT gonna happen!

Now he wants one with sleeves!

Sweetie, we call that a sweater

and no, that's not gonna happen either.

Unless I can make him a sweater like this one. 

The Flower Sweater is sooooo close to being done.

All it needs is buttons.

I'm making a special trip to town today to shop for buttons.

She tried it on the other night and is trilled.

You'll have to wait to see the whole thing until she can model it for you.

It will be worth the wait. 

This sweater is so darn cute, it makes me giddy!

See other great on the needles projects at Patchwork Times.

Design Wall Monday

This quilt top for the hunting club is so close to being done.

The final green border is cut and ready to sew on.

I love the way the outside quarter square triangles frame the top.

I'm positive this will raise lots of money for the club.

See other fabulous design walls at Patchwork Times.

Turkey Update

We've had the baby turkeys a little over 2 weeks now.  Sadly one didn't make it but the other 4 are doing great.  They aren't real friendly but are quite curious and look at us when we talk to them.  When I try to catch them, they run away so I leave them be, I don't want them to have a panic attack.

Saturday Doin's

I started the day in the sewing room.

I am using my orange basket blocks for my leader/enders.

I have 1 more basket block to sew before I work on something else,

like my Dresden block.

I am having a good time working on the deer quilt.

I have 12 quarter square triangles to square up for the last border row,

then the final border goes on and I can make the back.

I love my 6 1/2" ruler and the Brooklyn Revolver for trimming.

See those shelf liner hunks?
I use washable school glue to glue them onto my ruler to keep it from slipping.

When I' done, they peel right off and a damp cloth cleans the glue off the ruler.

Ernie spent the morning up in the woods with Doug and Jonah cutting firewood.

When he got home, I earned more good wife points by helping unload.

Funny thing about the first load of wood for the year, 

I found all those muscles in my sides and back.

This was a big old log.

Doug counted 117 rings before he lost his place. 

That old log has lots of rotten sections in it. 

I think now I will put on my pjs and work on Mae's sweater for a while. 

Pooling Sock Yarn Challenge

Judy L has issued the Pooling Sock Yarn Challenge.

Per the requirements set, 

here's my photo of my fabulous yarn from The Loop Ewe,

the needles I'm using, size 2 dpns

and today's date.

My yarn is called Darkshore.

Sweet Georgia, Tough Love Sock Yarn.

the tag says 

sweetgeorgia

passionate + relentless + unapologetic colour

My note says they are so glad to have me there.

You know who is getting the blame for my first order from The Loopy Ewe.

It's just gorgeous!!!

Chocolate brown, deep purple and aquas.

I have until June 1, 2013 to get these finished.

On The Needles

Today's project is on just one needle/hook.  I'm crocheting 5 year old granddaughter Mae a special sweater. It's called Flower Sweater-probably because of the awesome flowers.  I had great plans to use the fingering yarn that the designer suggested but my local JoAnn's didn't have anything that made me happy so I went with Caron Simply Soft. It is so soft!  That means a larger crochet hook-size 5.00mm/G and pattern modifications.

The pattern is designed for a 3 year old and 5 year old.   I started out with the 3 year old numbers. After the 3rd start, I got my increases where they lined up like they are supposed to. I don't know if it was me or the pattern and really now it doesn't matter. This is a really fun sweater to make. And my little girl is thrilled.

I tried it on her yesterday after the 2nd green yoke stripe and it was a nice fit with a little grow room. I measured her and know how long to make the body and the sleeves. She asked if it would be done so she could wear it today. Sorry, Sweetie, it will be done soon if your Poppy doesn't mess with Gramma's plan of sitting and stitching all weekend.

Today is my Baby Girl's birthday and I finished her 3S Shawl just in time. I hope she likes it.  It was a super easy pattern and I'l like to make one for myself using bigger needles and worsted weight yarn.  I know I have enough Wool-Ease in my stash to do that!  This is finish number 6 for the Sticks 'n Strings Challenge 2013. 

What's on your needles? I'll be linking up with Judy L at Patchwork Times.  See her post on the Pooling Sock Yarn Challenge????  Oh yeah, I'll be starting that as soon as my box of fun gets here!!!

Design Wall Monday

I spent Saturday-International Quilting Day-working on the deer quilt for the hunting club.

It's fun to work on a project that goes together so easy.

When looking for this pattern online for a friend, 

I found it at Checker Distributors on the South Sea Imports page.

They have several free patterns for panels.

The free resources page has oodles of links for more free patterns.

It's a treasure trove of eye candy.

See Judy L's fabulous Road To Round Rock Quilt Along 

and other great Design Wall Monday Posts 

here at Patchwork Times.

International Quilting Day

How did you celebrate International Quilting Day?  I had an at home Quiltathon.  I took a few breaks but for the most part it was nose to the cutting mat and sewing machine.

I spent a couple hours cutting for this quilt.  And then got myself all confused when I went to cut the second set of quarter square triangles.  There was a piece of fabric missing. The gal that sent me the quilt said she thought it was short a piece of fabric and she was right. No worries, eBay to the rescue and the exact missing piece will be in my mailbox later in the week.

This quilt is called Big Sky Country but I call it the deer quilt.  I think hunting club is going to be thrilled when they see it.

What a great quilting day.  Now I am going to park in the recliner and knit for a while.

Baskets Full of Oranges

Yesterday I spent some fun, fun time with my sewing machine and my basket blocks for the Row Quilt.  I love how they are turning out. I started out using them for leader/enders but soon I was using the next block for the leader/ender. You know how that goes.

I'm sure there are going to be some fabulous oranges over at SoScrappy today.

Turkey Farmers

Today we became turkey farmers. After the grand kiddos were out of school, we went to the local farm store to buy four turkeys. There were five in the tub and we couldn't leave just one there so he came home with us too.  It was so fun to look at all the baby chicks, geese, ducks and turkeys.  I say these are the only birds we are getting this year.  Time will tell.  This reminds my of my friend last year with her chicks.  

We don't know if they are girls or boys, we'll find out soon enough. It doesn't really matter. These are being raised for meat. I'm glad I don't have to explain to the kiddos about this.  I think it's best to dump that chore on to the parents. They are so darn cute! 

Friday Fun

  

This morning I sat down and spent some quality time with Back to Square One Mystery.  

You can find everything you need to know about this mystery right here at Patchwork Times.

I cannot wait for the next clue but I have to.

It's due April 1st.

On The Needles

I'm so close to being finished with the 3S Shawl.  I'm at the point of being a tad nervous about how much yarn is left. The instructions say to have close to 200 stitches on each side of center. I counted the other night and place markers so I wouldn't have to do major counting again.  With increases at the beginning and end of each row and the center increases, I think I am now about 8 rows from 200.

My next step is to weigh the shawl, knit 2 more rows and weigh again, then weigh the yarn ball. I would melt into a big puddle of tears if I didn't have enough to bind off and had to unknit.  There is no way I would just pull the needles on this one.  Know what I mean???

See other great On The Needles posts at Patchwork Times.

More Good News

Today I split my to do list up.

I  listed my must dos then added 45 minutes of sewing.

In 2 sessions, I completed my Carol Doak BOM blocks.

I'm ready for the big reveal.

I must say, I hope she has the center like I have mine.

I really like that.

Back to the list!

Good News Thursday

 Every day I am thankful for simple pleasures.

It doesn't take much to make me smile.

Like these daffodils ready to pop open.

And that red wagon that the kids play with and

I use to haul my basket full of wet clothes to the clothesline.

Every day my girls give me some of these.

Not that itty bitty but those always make me smile.

And when I make a mistake like this, 

I'm happy I have enough extra fabric that is doesn't matter.

The best new of all is that our health insurance has finally been straightened out.

I can stop fretting about that.

What kind of good news do you have today?

Share with us at Patchwork Times.

Design Wall Monday

It's almost time for the reveal of the 2012-13 BOM at the Carol Doak Yahoo Quilting Group.  And guess who is 3 blocks behind???  Yes, it's me!  Everything is cut and kitted up, I just need to sit and sew.  Today will be a good day for that.  If I put my nose to the grindstone aka sewing machine, I will have them done in a jiffy.

See fabulous design walls that quilters are sharing at Patchwork Times.  I think I'll spend some serious coffee time there this morning while I get used to that Daylight Savings Time thing!

Sandie has asked for info on the fabrics I'm using.  Sandie, you are a no-reply commentor so I'll answer you here. I bought both at our LQS where she has a room of 40% off fabrics, that's where I found these.  The back ground is Elizabeth Golz Rush for Robert Kaufman, Shell Grotto, Screen Print # 8484.  The pink is called In the Pink 2, designed by The Buggy Barn for Henry Glss & Co, Pattern 1746.