Fabric Report - Week 1, 2015

I am off to a good start on my fabric management goals for 2015.  I made 8 pillowcases from wild fabric that came to me as a surprise.  Oh, I bought it, no surprise there, but didn't check closely what I was getting.  The price was right and home it came with me, thinking this would be good for a backing or two on a wild and crazy quilt or a scrap quilt that needed a little punch. It was in a plastic bag and I could see the colors, but I didn't take it out to inspect it better.  What a surprise I got later.  I am now the proud owner of 40+ yards of flame orange/red/yellow with a black scroll design pre-cut into 27" lengths.  Hello pillowcases.  It will be a challenge to come up with enough different fabrics for the cuffs to make sewing them fun, but here are my first ones for the year.

That floral one is thrown in there to rest your eyes. Not really, it is one of two for a gift. I needed a break from all the orange and black.

Fabric Added - zero
Fabric Used - 8 yards
YTD Added - 0
YTD Aused - 8 yards
Net Used - 8 yards

You can hop on over to Patchwork Times to see other fabric starts for the year.

Welcome 2015

Here it is 2015 already.  Where did 2014 go so fast!  It seems like only a few months ago I was thinking about what I wanted to accomplish in 2014 and now it's gone forever.

Many of you have already posted your goals and new year resolutions for 2015.  I spent a good amount of time reading them last night.  It reminded me that I had not done anything about that.  Heck, I usually don't make many resolutions any more, but there are a few standard ones each year that come to mind.

- Eat healthier - Did somewhat better in 2014
- Get more exercise - (More steps on my Fit Bit) - yes! Increased daily miles to 3/day
- Use more stash fabric and don't buy much fabric - No on first half,  yes on last part.
- Learn to do "something" that I've always wanted to learn - yes - knitting socks
- Finish up more UFOs - NO - not even one of my UFO's finished. Bad me.
- Keep in touch with friends more frequently - Needs more attention
- Post more frequently on blog - Needs more attention
- Quilt 12 Charity quilts -  finished 16 in 2014 - Yipee!

My goals for 2015 will be to continue last year's list with major improvements on
- finishing UFOs - I have way too many and at least 16 flimsies are ready to quilt
- fabric management - much more out than in
- keeping in touch with friends
- posting on blog more frequently
- trying new knitting patterns and stitches

In addition to these, another main focus for me will be to Declutter and Organize my sewing areas and my life.  I want to slow down and enjoy the process and not be so stressed and rushing all the time.

I'm in complete agreement with Bonnie Hunter who says her mantra for the new year is "More with Less."

What are you looking forward to in the new year?  I hope you make those dreams and goals come true.

Year End Finishes & Week 52 Stash Report

Warning !  This post is photo heavy. 

Well, I hope everyone survived the Christmas holidays and enjoyed your time with family and friends. Things were pretty quiet at our house, so I got down to business and tackled some of the "to do" projects that were scheduled to be finished this year. The following are now done.

First up was from the Yellow Brick Road pattern, quilted in the "Here and There" panto by Keryn Emmerson.

Then a simple pattern with modern fabrics.  Since the design was boxy and lots of straight lines, I thought a curvy quilting design would look nice. I chose one called Pretty Paisley.

Next were some small table runners and toppers

These last two are belated Christmas quilts for friends that I hope to see very soon. 

A scrappy stash quilt using string neutrals and 6.5" red squares.  I still need to add the binding.

close up 

And last is the picture of the pillowcase I mentioned last week.

I still have more to finish before next Friday, but the yardage will be added to 2015.  

Fabric Added this week - zero 

Fabric Added in 2014 -  39.5 yards

Fabric Used this week - 16 yards (includes 2 backings and 1 huge binding)

Fabric Used in 2014 - 71.9 yards  

This is way short of my goals this year, but having used more than I bought was a "good thing", as Martha Stewart would say.  Next year I hope to use much more and still keep the enhancement to a minimum.

This is a fun exercise for me each year, and I know there are lots of others who feel the same way. To see what they did, go to Patchwork Times.  Thanks Judy for making it possible to play along with you.

Stash Report - Week 51

Since the last Stash report , I've made a binding, pillowcase and cut the backing for the Honor Flight quilt.  Still have a few more projects to finish up before the end of 2014 to get my increase the usage numbers for this year.  

Fabric Added this week - 0
Fabric Added YTD - 39.5 yards
Fabric Used this week - 3.02 yards
Fabric Used YTD -  55.9 yards

Linking up to Patchwork Times Stash Report.

Off The Needles - Dec. 19, 2014

I managed to get in a little knitting this week in between cleaning and decorating for a Christmas party, cooking and a start to my shopping.  Still way behind.  I did finish the purple wash cloth and looked over my yarn stash to see what was next on the needles.  No decision made yet.

I also took a little time here and there to sew the rest of the star blocks for the Honor Flight quilt, added small navy sashing strips between them and completed the top. Now all I need is time to quilt and bind it, which I hope to do before the end of 2014.

What have you been up to this week. Are you as far behind as me and rushing around to get everything done before Christmas? I know many of you are making knitted gifts.  Would love to see what you are making.  Stop by Judy's OTN and see what others are finishing this week.  

Here's What's On and Off My Needles

Here's what I've been working on this week in the knitting area.  First, I finished my 4th pair of socks. These were made with Diversity yarn, which has an elasticity and but feels like cotton.  They are fun to make because of the self striping and feel so good on.

Then I did a little more on my faux infinity cowl from months ago.  This yarn is awful to work with so I'm not too excited about knitting with it.  I love the color and look of the yarn after it's knitted though.

Maybe part of the problem is I'm using an interchangeable circular needle, and because of the fibers in this acryllic yarn, it seems I have to constantly re-tighten the tips almost after every round.  Not fun.  I do it because the alternative would be awful -- having it coming apart midstream.  You cannot see your stitches with the yarn even though it's all knitted.  I would never be able to find my stitches to get them back on the needle correctly.  It will be the last time I buy any of this yarn. 

Since I was so frustrated with the handling of this project, I decided to cast on a simple facecloth for some easy, peasy knitting.  I give these as gifts, so it's always good to keep a supply on hand for those occasions.  I add a good smelling facial soap with each cloth as a little Thank You gift, or "just because" gift.

That's about it for this week's knitting.  I am waiting until after the busy Christmas season to concentrate on learning toe up socks on circulars.  If you have been following me, you know, I've been saying that for a long time, but I WILL get there. lol

I'm linking up with OTN over at Patchwork Times.  Check out what others are up to.

Stash Report Week #48 & 49

It's been a couple of weeks since posting my stash usage, but there has been some progress. Still trying to use up more fabric, but life keeps throwing roadblocks in my way and it just doesn't happen.

I did manage to make another pillowcase for charity,  pieced a few Ohio stars for an upcoming Honor Flight quilt, made and sewed on a binding on a Quilts of Valor,  and pieced 4 blocks for one of the ladies in my block exchange group.  

Ohio Stars

Stash Numbers - Week 48 & 49

Fabric Added  - none
Fabric Added YTD - 39.5 yds
Fabric Used for 2 weeks -  6 yds
Fabric Used YTD -   52.88 yds

Linking up with Judy at Patchwork Times. 

Where Did the Week Go?

It seems impossible that is it Sunday already.  This week has flown by and I didn't do much sewing to reduce my stash.  I did make a binding (red with tiny white stars) for this Quilts of Valor top that was pieced and given to me by Mary C.

Most of the week found me in the quilting studio trying to finish quilts for others to give as Christmas gifts this year. 

My friend Kevin asked me to quilt three quilts that he pieced for his neighbor from shirts of the neighbor's husband who passed away this year.  They are to be given to each of her sons.  I think he did an amazing job of designing and piecing these. The squares are from many different thicknesses, T-shirts, dress shirts and some had very thick commercial embroidered patches to navigate while quilting. The backgrounds, sashings and backings are made with flannels that resemble houndstooth, herringbone and tweeds resembling wools that would be used for men's suits and very appropriate for these memory quilts.

That's about it from me this week.  I'm working on more UFO's and some blocks that have been languishing on my design wall for quite some time.  Maybe next week they will get their turn.

Stash Numbers - Week 47

Fabric Added this week - 0 *
Fabric Added YTD - 39.5 yds
Fabric Used this week - 1/2 yard -binding
Fabric Used YTD -  46.88 yds

* I did receive some fabric from a friend, but I'm not sure I will count it. lol

Stop by Judy's at Patchwork Times to see other stash reports for the week.

Stash Report and Some Finishes

This week was a good week for finishing up some projects.  First I got two more pillowcases finished. A cute Micky Mouse fabric and fabric with International Harvester tractors on it.

Also finished the other two blocks for my applique group.  A blue whale and purple bear joined the black kitty. I was not happy with the purple bear.  Trying to make his face and head show up with embroidery was not very successful.  I auditioned white, black and dark purple embroidery threads and went with the purple.  It didn't do the trick; but up close his eyes and nose are more distinguishable.

Pieced a backing for the square in a square quilt from some scraps.  Thanks to those who gave me suggestions for a name.  I'm considering several that were mentioned.  Maybe after it's quilted, one of them will speak to me. 

Backing

Sorry that the colors look washed out on the picture below.  The outer border is closer to the color of blue on the backing.

Stash Numbers

Fabric Added this week - 0

Fabric Added YTD - 39.5 yds

Fabric Used this week - 7.11 yds.

Fabric Used YTD - 46.38 yds.

Net busted in 2014 - 6.88

Linking up with Patchwork Times Stash Report. 

On The Needles Friday, Nov. 7, 2014

This week I did cast on for my 2nd sock with the self-striping yarn.  I love watching the colors change. I was a little worried if I could make the two socks match, but surprisingly, it is working out perfectly --so far.lol  Who knows what might happen when I get to the heel flap and heel turn area.  I'm not real good about keeping track of rows and just eyeball the length of each phase.

My good friend Sheron, who is my go to person when I need help on knitting socks, introduced me to Lenora, a good friend of hers.  She is a master knitter and and has a large drawer full of beautifully hand knitted socks plus a plethora of amazing sweaters, jackets, cowls, vests, scarves, hats, you name it and she can knit it.  One is more beautiful than the next.  While we were visiting her recently, she asked me to try on a garment that she had made.  Would you believe that it fit me perfectly and the yarn colors are my favorite colors! To my amazement and delight she asked me if I would like it. I didn't have to think twice, absolutely. I am now the proud and happy owner of one of her handmade vests.  Just look at the pattern it makes when it meets in the front and back (see that cute little curve divet vee in the middle).  I love the way it feels too, so soft and warm. now that it's getting cooler I plan to wear it a lot. Thank you so much Lenora, I LOVE it.  

Front

Back

I'm looking forward to finishing up my socks and getting something new on my needles.  Maybe a hat or pair of mittens before Christmas.  Or maybe I will try another pair of socks from toe up with Magic Loop -- so many choices and so little time.  Drop on over to Judy's OTN and see what everyone else is up to this week.  Stay warm and have a great weekend doing what you love.

A Finished Top and Stash Report

It's been a few weeks since I posted my stash numbers but now I have something finished, so it is time.

First off, at retreat I worked on this top and now it's a flimsy and ready for a backing.  I need a name for this one.  The fabric line is a mystery to me since it was given to me by a friend, so no help there as to a name.  It's not speaking to tell me what it wants to be called.  Any ideas??

Next up are the 8 pillowcases finished at retreat. Some fabrics were 1.5 yds so there are two of those.

All forms of aviation --hot air balloons to stealth bomber

More plans and biker flames

Pink leopard and tropical fish

Baseball and the 2nd plane one.

These finished projects are helping my numbers, but my stash is still not moving downward. I'm breaking even this year.  Lots of tops are done, but they are awaiting pieced backs.  We'll see if I can break this roller coaster of up and down but no changes in the space on the shelves. lol

Fabric Added  -        12 yards since last reported

Fabric Added YTD - 39.5 yds

Fabric Used -           11.05 yds

Fabric Used YTD -   39.27 yds

Linking up with Judy at Patchwork Times.  

On the Needles - A Day Late

Oops, I missed Friday and almost lost Saturday too.  I'm a little late for the party, but I did get the first sock finished with the Diversity yarn.  I was concerned that I might run out before the end of the toe, but I actually had quite a bit left over.  Now I'm upset that I didn't make the leg longer.  I do love the way it striped though and it feels so soft on my foot. Now to going on the second one.

I also spent a little time and added a few more inches on the Faux Mobius Cowl.  The weather is getting colder, so I need to get this finished soon. 

I'm linking up with Patchwork Times' OTN party.  If you haven't been there, go see what others are knitting up.