Well, how did I do on my January list of GID goals? In spite of being out of commission for 2 weeks with a bug, I didn't do too bad.
Here's what I wanted to get done in Jan.
1. Cut sashing and cornerstones for Joan's Stars - didn't get it done
2. Complete Step 7 and Step 8 on Easy Street - made progress, but still need some of both Blocks A (5) & Block B (3) - I did a lot of sewing on this project since I was behind and was playing catch-up.
3. Make 10 string blocks to add to my 70 - finished 5
4. Quilt one QOV quilt - YES, I finished it and even got it bound! You can see it HERE.
Not a very good showing, huh? but maybe February will be better -- I've got to stay healthy!!
In February my GID goals will be:
1. Finish blocks for Easy Street and put together the top (UFO). Picture HERE
2. Finish binding another QOV (UFO)
3. Make a set of pillowcases for a gift
4. Get the Edyta Sitar's Botanical Beauty block all prepped to start appliqueing. Pattern HERE.
5. Cut sashing & cornerstones for Joan's stars - (UFO)
I do think this challenge has helped me focus on specific projects instead of jumping around from project to project so much.
Stop on by Patchwork Times to see what others have done this month. I'm also linking up with Carrie at A Passion for Applique for finishing up my UFOs.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
New FO Project
Even though I have way too many UFO's to my name, I decided to play along with Barb for her New 2013 FO project challenge. After all, who doesn't like to start new projects. You can check out her rules over on my side bar.
So for January, my new project is a Disappearing 9-Patch. I've been wanting to try one of these for a long time, AND I also want to use up some stash for Judy's challenge, so I thought I'd combine the two ideas. I found I had lots of this retro plaid/checked tulip fabric in my stash and thought how can I get rid of lots of it FAST. My first thought was as a backing on a quilt. But since I didn't have anything that needed red plaid/checked tulips what else would work. That's how I came up with a NEW project -- make a quilt with blocks in these colors AND use it as the backing too. But into which position to put this "interesting" fabric was the next question. It's too big of a print to look right in any decent sized block, so cutting it up was the answer.
I tried in in the 4 side positions (to use up more of the fabric faster). Didn't much like that look, then I tried it as the center square.
Finally I decided to place it in the middle position and use coordinating colors around it. Since the colors are red, green, white and dark navy blue, I stuck with fabrics in these colors. I'm also asking my piecing group to make me blocks using the same focus fabric (which I provided to them). This will give me a lot of variety in the reds and greens. I think this last setting may be my choice, but I may change my mind after I get the other blocks to play with. I'm anxious to see what the blocks look like with scrappy reds and greens and whites. The only consant will be the center block of tulip fabric that I gave them to start with. Stay tuned for further development of this January project.
To see what others have started for their new FO Projects, go here.
So for January, my new project is a Disappearing 9-Patch. I've been wanting to try one of these for a long time, AND I also want to use up some stash for Judy's challenge, so I thought I'd combine the two ideas. I found I had lots of this retro plaid/checked tulip fabric in my stash and thought how can I get rid of lots of it FAST. My first thought was as a backing on a quilt. But since I didn't have anything that needed red plaid/checked tulips what else would work. That's how I came up with a NEW project -- make a quilt with blocks in these colors AND use it as the backing too. But into which position to put this "interesting" fabric was the next question. It's too big of a print to look right in any decent sized block, so cutting it up was the answer.
I tried in in the 4 side positions (to use up more of the fabric faster). Didn't much like that look, then I tried it as the center square.
I made up a square of each, cut them apart and arranged different settings to see what looked good.
Finally I decided to place it in the middle position and use coordinating colors around it. Since the colors are red, green, white and dark navy blue, I stuck with fabrics in these colors. I'm also asking my piecing group to make me blocks using the same focus fabric (which I provided to them). This will give me a lot of variety in the reds and greens. I think this last setting may be my choice, but I may change my mind after I get the other blocks to play with. I'm anxious to see what the blocks look like with scrappy reds and greens and whites. The only consant will be the center block of tulip fabric that I gave them to start with. Stay tuned for further development of this January project.
To see what others have started for their new FO Projects, go here.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Stash Report and First 2013 QOV Finish
Since I started off the year adding to my stash, now I'm on a mission to reverse my stash numbers from being in the red to the black. I did finish one of my ""Get It Done" items. This QOV top was donated last year by Cindy L. I put together a pieced backing and binding and hand finished it this week. It's quilted on my longarm using the pattern called Alfresco.
Pieced Back using left overs from the front and some from my stash.
Detail of quilting
I also made a scrappy binding for another another QOV quilt, but still have the hand work on the back to finish.
My stash numbers are this week:
Fabric added - 0
Fabric used - 1 yard - for bindings. Backing was already counted
Fabric YTD added - 18 yds
Fabric YTD used - 1 yd
Net balance for year - 17 yards in the hole
To checkout other stash reports, jump on over to Patchwork Tiimes.
Pieced Back using left overs from the front and some from my stash.
Detail of quilting I also made a scrappy binding for another another QOV quilt, but still have the hand work on the back to finish.
My stash numbers are this week:
Fabric added - 0
Fabric used - 1 yard - for bindings. Backing was already counted
Fabric YTD added - 18 yds
Fabric YTD used - 1 yd
Net balance for year - 17 yards in the hole
To checkout other stash reports, jump on over to Patchwork Tiimes.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Getting it Done Progress
- Back on the first of January, I made my list for Judy's
- 1. Cut the sashings and cornerstones for Joan's Stars
- 2. Complete Step #7 and any future steps for Easy Street -
3. Make 10 string blocks - made 4
4. Quilt one QOV quilt - Done
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Stash Report - Jan 20
This new year has gotten off to a slow start for me in several ways. After the holidays I decided to get sick and that really put a crimp in my lifestyle. When you don't feel well, nothing gets done -- cooking, cleaning, sewing or even reading. All I wanted to do was sleep and sleep some more. Now, I think I've finally gotten rid of the bug and life is picking up again.
One of our local quilt shops is closing and being sick is not excuse to miss a great sale, right?? I had a friend take me by this week before all of the fabric was gone. I did manage to come home with 18 yards of fabric for backings. The price was too good to miss - 70% off . I could have easily filled the van to the top, but there was the small matter of about 40 other quilters there with the same idea too and the lines were unbelievable--getting the fabric measured, cut and then into another line to pay. Sometimes you need lots of patience along with $$ to take advantage of a good sale. Since I was still ill, my patience was a bit shorter than usual.
Here's my first report for this year.
Fabric Added - 18 yards
Fabric Used - 0
Fabric Added YTD - 18
Fabric Used YTD - none that I can count yet
You can see other stash reports over at Judy's.
One of our local quilt shops is closing and being sick is not excuse to miss a great sale, right?? I had a friend take me by this week before all of the fabric was gone. I did manage to come home with 18 yards of fabric for backings. The price was too good to miss - 70% off . I could have easily filled the van to the top, but there was the small matter of about 40 other quilters there with the same idea too and the lines were unbelievable--getting the fabric measured, cut and then into another line to pay. Sometimes you need lots of patience along with $$ to take advantage of a good sale. Since I was still ill, my patience was a bit shorter than usual.
Here's my first report for this year.
Fabric Added - 18 yards
Fabric Used - 0
Fabric Added YTD - 18
Fabric Used YTD - none that I can count yet
You can see other stash reports over at Judy's.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Design Wall Monday
I've been off the radar for what seems like forever, and am still not back to normal yet. Before Christmas I was moving along on the steps with Easy Street, but since step 8 posted, I have not been well enough to do any sewing whatsoever. Here's my design wall for now. I hope soon to be able to get back to my normal routines and be in good health.
Check out others at Judy's Patchwork Times.
Check out others at Judy's Patchwork Times.
Monday, December 31, 2012
January 2013 Get It Done
Happy New Year to all my blogger friends. May you have many days spent sewing, sharing and laughing with friends and that you enjoy good health and happiness throughout the year.
In addition to my earlier posting of goals for 2013, here is a bit more about Judy Laquidara's new idea to take the place of the UFO Challenge of last year. The new game is called GETTING IT DONE. We list 4 things that we hope to accomplish in that particular month. On the last day of the month, we link up and show what we accomplished and list 4 more for the upcoming month. Come join us and see how much you can accomplish by taking smaller steps to your goals each month. If you want to have fun along with us, click the link here. Here's my first month.
What are you planning to work on in January?? Stop on by Judy's to see what others are planning to do in January.
In addition to my earlier posting of goals for 2013, here is a bit more about Judy Laquidara's new idea to take the place of the UFO Challenge of last year. The new game is called GETTING IT DONE. We list 4 things that we hope to accomplish in that particular month. On the last day of the month, we link up and show what we accomplished and list 4 more for the upcoming month. Come join us and see how much you can accomplish by taking smaller steps to your goals each month. If you want to have fun along with us, click the link here. Here's my first month.
- 1. Cut the sashings and cornerstones for Joan's Stars
- 2. Complete Step #7 and any future steps for Easy Street
- 3. Make 10 string blocks
- 4. Quilt one QOV quilt
What are you planning to work on in January?? Stop on by Judy's to see what others are planning to do in January.
Farewell 2012 -- Hello 2013
Well, this was a very interesting year and it flew by quickly. I learned some new computer skills, started a blog, finished lots of quilts for others, met new friends and did a bunch of sewing on projects to move them closer to being finished in 2013. I'm looking forward to the new year. I still have lots to get done and places to see and people to meet. I set a few goals at the beginning of 2012 to help keep me focused on some particular areas. I did well on some, others not too bad and some pitifully poor. Here's a recap of where I ended for the year.
- Read 12 books or 1 a month - yes - read 14
- Finish 12 UFOs - bad,bad - I only finished one
- Try 12 new recipes - tried 3 - if you count different smoothies I made, that number would be more like 30 or 40!
- Quilt or piece 12 Quilts of Valor - 5 quilted, several others ready to quilt, also made over 10 pillowcases for QOV
- Use 200 yds of fabric from stash - this was a stretch - If I had gotten some of my own quilts quilted, that would have taken me over 120 yds. These WILL be done in 2013 for sure.
- Use more fabric than I add to my stash - yes, Added 45 yds. used 91 yds. not too bad. Could improve.
- Stash Busting Challenge - I'm hoping to use more than 100 yards- maybe 150 yds. this year
- New FO Challenge - start a new project each month - you don't have to finish any of them!! This should be real easy. It's what I do best. That's why I have over 50 UFOs.. (side bar button)
- Strictly For the Birds - BOM - (side bar button)
- Get It Done Challenge - 4 mini goals per month
- Finish 10 or more UFOs
- Read a book a month
- Walk 7,000 steps a day
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Sitting Pretty on Easy Street & Stash Report
Well, I did it. I am finally caught up with all 6 Steps of Easy Steet, and am looking forward to the next clue to see if we will get a part of the reveal for this mystery. Bonnie sure has kept us in the dark. There are so many ways these units can be put together--wonder what Bonnie is dreaming up for us.
My stash report does not reflect any of the fabric that I've been using and cutting up for Easy Street, so actually more was used than reported. When the top gets finished, all the yardage for all steps will be calculated. That should make my 2013 used numbers look really good right off the bat!! The only sewing that counts toward the stash this week is part of a block for Nancy (block exchange group) and 2 pillowcases for charity. I didn't make the fabric usage goals for 2012; but I did manage to use more than I added--so all-in-all, I'm happy with the results this year on fabric usage. However, I'm really ashamed of my goals on finishing up some of my many UFOs. Actually I was a total failure in that department. Maybe in 2013 I'll concentrate more on those. I need the space all those boxes are occupying! Yes, 2013 will be the year to get serious about UFOs.
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| Step 6 - Easy Street |
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| Step 5 - Easy Street |
My stash report does not reflect any of the fabric that I've been using and cutting up for Easy Street, so actually more was used than reported. When the top gets finished, all the yardage for all steps will be calculated. That should make my 2013 used numbers look really good right off the bat!! The only sewing that counts toward the stash this week is part of a block for Nancy (block exchange group) and 2 pillowcases for charity. I didn't make the fabric usage goals for 2012; but I did manage to use more than I added--so all-in-all, I'm happy with the results this year on fabric usage. However, I'm really ashamed of my goals on finishing up some of my many UFOs. Actually I was a total failure in that department. Maybe in 2013 I'll concentrate more on those. I need the space all those boxes are occupying! Yes, 2013 will be the year to get serious about UFOs.
Fabric Used this week - 2.25 yds
Fabric Used in 2012 - 91.19 yds
Fabric Added this week - zero
Fabric Added in 2012 - 45.41 yds
Net Busted for the year - 45.78 yds
Drop on over to Judy's and see the last stash reports of 2012 for everyone else.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Gaining Ground on Easy Street - #4
I'm only one clue behind on the Easy Street Mystery from Bonnie Hunter. Here is Clue#4. We were to make another 64 flying geese with purple a goose and turquoise wings, then attach them to half of our 128 previous geese- their white winged cousins.
Well my geese were not behaving too well at first. I was about to wring their little purple necks!! It's a good thing Bonnie provides a visual for these steps, She said "purple & turquoise goose on the bottom". Well I had that, right?? But it didn't match her picture. My geese were heading in the wrong direction looking down at the ground instead of up at the sky. Maybe they drank too much eggnog at Christmas.
After unsewing and trying not to ruffle their feathers, I turned them around and got them going in the right direction. Thank goodness there were only a few renegades and not the whole flock!! The greens are cut and waiting for further instructions too. I ran out of the "proper color" greens, but decided to use what I had even though they are not the perfect suggested shades. After all, this is a scrap quilt and I wanted to use what was in my scraps and stash.
Well my geese were not behaving too well at first. I was about to wring their little purple necks!! It's a good thing Bonnie provides a visual for these steps, She said "purple & turquoise goose on the bottom". Well I had that, right?? But it didn't match her picture. My geese were heading in the wrong direction looking down at the ground instead of up at the sky. Maybe they drank too much eggnog at Christmas.
After unsewing and trying not to ruffle their feathers, I turned them around and got them going in the right direction. Thank goodness there were only a few renegades and not the whole flock!! The greens are cut and waiting for further instructions too. I ran out of the "proper color" greens, but decided to use what I had even though they are not the perfect suggested shades. After all, this is a scrap quilt and I wanted to use what was in my scraps and stash.
Now it's on to Step#5 which I need to finish today in order to finally be caught up with the other 200+ mystery goers. It is getting close to the end, so this will start coming together and we will see what it's going to look like. I'm certainly glad we are finished with all these flying geese -- at least I hope so. I didn't much care for them before. I'm more comfortable making them with the Easy Angle and Companion Rulers, but if I don't see one for at least a year, I won't be unhappy!
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Easy Street Update and Stash Report
Is everyone ready and waiting for Santa? All presents bought, wrapped, cookies baked and you are just filling your time leisurely sewing on your projects? If you said 'yes" to all of these, I'm envious. I'm not even close to being ready, but I'm still leisurely sewing on Easy Street. It's a bit addictive I will admit.
Her's my progress so far on Easy Street. I cut and sewed Clue #3, and have cut half of Clue#4. Hopefully I'll get #4 finished today and only be one step behind before the next clue is posted. After Christmas I plan to get all caught up and keep up-to-date! Right, we'll see if that happens.
First part of Clue #3 - making the flying geese units with a purple square in the corner instead of a triangle. (192 pieces to construct 64 of these).
Then trimmed the dog ears of above unit and added the turquoise HST. Now these puppies are pressed, trimmed and ready for their introduction into the quilt whenever Bonnie tells us.
Now I'm finally moving on to Step 4. I know most everyone is already finished with Step 4 AND Step 5. Oh well, I'll get there soon.
There was not a lot of movement on the stash this week except the fat quarters I lost in our Christmas fabric game. We play LRC (left, right, center) during our annual Christmas lunch every year and this year the winner picked up 33 fat quarters -- and it wasn't me.! So there is nothing to add to my stash (a good thing) and I can deduct 3/4 yd from the 3 fat quarters that I gave up.
Stash Report numbers for the week:
Fabric Added this week - 0
Fabric Added for the year - 45.41 yds.
Fabric used this week - 3 fat quarters
Fabric Used YTD - 88.94 yds
To see other reports on busting stash, check here.
Her's my progress so far on Easy Street. I cut and sewed Clue #3, and have cut half of Clue#4. Hopefully I'll get #4 finished today and only be one step behind before the next clue is posted. After Christmas I plan to get all caught up and keep up-to-date! Right, we'll see if that happens.
First part of Clue #3 - making the flying geese units with a purple square in the corner instead of a triangle. (192 pieces to construct 64 of these).
Then trimmed the dog ears of above unit and added the turquoise HST. Now these puppies are pressed, trimmed and ready for their introduction into the quilt whenever Bonnie tells us.
Now I'm finally moving on to Step 4. I know most everyone is already finished with Step 4 AND Step 5. Oh well, I'll get there soon.
There was not a lot of movement on the stash this week except the fat quarters I lost in our Christmas fabric game. We play LRC (left, right, center) during our annual Christmas lunch every year and this year the winner picked up 33 fat quarters -- and it wasn't me.! So there is nothing to add to my stash (a good thing) and I can deduct 3/4 yd from the 3 fat quarters that I gave up.
Stash Report numbers for the week:
Fabric Added this week - 0
Fabric Added for the year - 45.41 yds.
Fabric used this week - 3 fat quarters
Fabric Used YTD - 88.94 yds
To see other reports on busting stash, check here.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Off and On the Needles
The last time I posted about knitting these scarves here, I was having trouble with the straight needles. Then I change to the circular ones and they have been wonderful. It is going so much faster -- if only I had more time.
<-----Before and After ----->
This yarn has orange, rusty brown and a bit of grey and these are favorite colors for the friend that is receiving it.
The next one on the needles is teal green, burgandy and soft pink. I hope to finish it tonight then get back to work on Easy Street mystery quilt.
<-----Before and After ----->
This yarn has orange, rusty brown and a bit of grey and these are favorite colors for the friend that is receiving it.
The next one on the needles is teal green, burgandy and soft pink. I hope to finish it tonight then get back to work on Easy Street mystery quilt.
These are so much fun to do and the colors they have to choose from are limitless. If you haven't tried one, you should treat yourself. I'll warn you it's addictive.
Check out other knitting projects over at Judy's.
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