February's UFO Finish

Wow--by the hair of my chinny chin chin!  Thank goodness it's Leap Year and I got an extra day!

Actually, I did have this done on Monday, but couldn't find time to post it until now.  

This is a sampler quilt I designed for a Beginning to Quilt class I taught last year.  I usually don't quilt my samples until after the class due to the weight of hanging them. It's much easier to hang 'flimsies'.  But it was time to get it done.  

Summertime Fun

Summertime Fun

Summertime Fun close up of Flying Geese block

Summertime Fun block
Fussy Cutting, HST's, 9 Patch

Summertime Fun

I also got a few wallhangings finished over the weekend, although they aren't that old.  I had to do the machine appliqué and then quilt them.  The February and March quilts are from the Calendar book by Kim Schrader.

February Calendar Quilt

  I'm doing a monthly series based on her pattern.  They are a small enough project to get some good technique teaching and practice in and get them done! 

March Calendar Quilt

 I'm working a month ahead to miracles of all miracles happen…we get them done in time to hang in the month they are supposed to! 

Mission Accomplished!

Joy's Parting Gift

My first UFO of the year done!  Okay...so it wasn't that old, but it was from last year and now it's done. I was in a hurry to get it mailed off, so only got one good shot.

Joy's Parting Gift

There is a pattern out there like this, but it make a big quilt, I thought I would rather have it be wall hanging size.  I just sewed jelly roll strips together, adding a wide "ribbon" 1/3 of the way over.  Then I cut off the top third of the strips and added another 'ribbon' of fabric  Added the bow...wishing now the tails were a bit longer. :(   I had a party and had everyone sign good bye wishes to her.  I quilted it with various size swirls. And now it's on it's way.

Sample sewing

It's that time of year again....getting all my samples done for Spring. Actually, this is later than normal as I decided to take January and part of February off and head south...where it has been deliciously warm! I love it! Sure makes it more enjoyable to sit and sew, looking out at bright sunshine and taking the afternoon walk to stretch the legs and back.  Especially when I have 11 quilts (ok--some are just blocks) to make!

Here is what I've been working on...

This is a fabric line from a few years ago...Oz by Sanae (Moda).  I had just a FQ bundle that hubby bought me and thought I would wing it on the border...more on that later....

sewing strip sets.....

making cornerstone units

making sashing...

is it ever going to end?

all done but the border...

Ta da! Slide Show (a pattern by Atkinson Designs).  A scrappy border just wasn't going to look right, so a quick internet search yielded just enough fabric for a border and some for the binding. I am loving this quilt, even without the border!

Sew It's Finished...

Well, they will be this year!  I joined the group "Sew It's Finished" in hopes that publicly admitting my need for accountability for getting UFO's done will work. :)  And so here they are:

1. Be Attitudes
2. Pop Star
3. Dresden Plate
4. Folk Art Christmas Stars
5. JOY's Parting Gift
6. Shakespeare in the Park

Shakespeare in the Park Blocks

7. Red & Black Row by Row
8. French Lone Star
9. Pink & Black Pinwheel
10. Folk Art 16 patch
11. Nana's Garden

Nana's Garden block

12. Diamond Scrap Star

And so there they are--the UFO's I'd like to finish this year. Some are 8+ years in the aging barrel and others were started last year. And I have plenty more, but I chose these to be done first. I also have flimsies to do as well, and would like to get 12 done of those.  But it's an ongoing project and wonder if I will EVER be caught up there.

Project 365- Week 2

Week 2 of 2012

I decided that I would try to do Project 365 this year.  I have been sporadic about taking photos, kind of a feast or famine thing.  I'm hoping that my picture quality will improve.  But more important to record our daily life, as it is.  So when we look back, we can see what our life looked like. Very real. Not perfect.

I haven't gotten Week 1 compiled yet. I made the mistake of using 3 different cameras.

iPhone 4s

So thought I would share the end of Week 2.  It's really hard to narrow down your photos to just ONE per day! Some days I would have several and then other (lots of other) days, I would have one.

Canon sd1300is

Week 2 had me finishing up a big tournament that my hubby holds and I have to feed staff/coaches and I had just a small plate of brownies left over. It has become synonymous with the tournament. Tournament = lots of fudge brownies.  :)  Picture 1

Nikon d90

Then I headed to my daughter's to watch the 3 youngest grandkids for 9 days while they all traveled to Europe. My Mom came up to help so it's been fun!  Pictures 2,3,4,5

By Saturday night, we were a bit whipped. Mom went to bed at the same time the kids did, and I was too pooped to do anything but cruise through Pinterest.  Picture 6

Sunday was a beautiful sunny, yet cold day.  God's Frosty Beauty...as seen on the way to church. Picture 7


 I did get to cut some kits out at night, after the kiddos went to bed.

 But no sewing. That's okay, I didn't need help from a 20 month old!  I'm headed to SC for a month after this week--I'll need it! Haha. No, they were good..just anxious to get to a bit warmer weather for a while.   So I thought I would cut kits to take down with me to make samples for my Spring classes.

Photos not making the cut for my Project 365;

for "Taxi" quilt....need more yellows though..

Auditioning for Taxi-the quilt, not the show! Oh wait, does that 'date' me?

Ready for a "Slide Show"

Cutting kits to sell (from my stash).  Great way to make some 'moolah' for new fabric!

2011 Finishes

I've been seeing these photo collages around blogland and thought what a great idea to recap my year. I ended up with 18 finished quilts, 18 ANGRY birds, 3 tote bags and 8 pillows.  Not bad considering I was gone 100+ days last year! I didn't realize I had been gone so much until I started adding up the days!  I also made a book of my finishes.  I hope to start doing that to have record of how I spent my time. 

Row 1: Scrappy Zig Zag Diamonds, Granny's Bloomers, Triple Irish Chain, Circlin' Round Kaffe, 4 patch and friends
Row 2: Split Daisy, Scrappy Fall, Poppy Baskets, Picture Perfect, Beckam T Shirt Quilt
Row 3: Scrappy Trip Around the World, Buttons and Bows, Scrappy TOW, Hexagons, Railing Beauty
Row 4: Circling Tweets, Second Helpings, Angry Birds, 16 Patch and Pinwheel, Dresden Plate Topper
Row 5: Ticker Tape Pillow, Apple Core Pillow, Figgy Tree, Tote 1, Tote 2 (Tote 3 not shown)
Row 6: Cathedral Window Pillow, Twister Pillow, Dresden Wheel Pillow, Hexies Pillow and Tumbler Pillow.

Lots of finishes, but I hope this year brings more quilt finishes!

Folded (fabric)

My birthday present. 

FQ bundle of Daisy Cottage by Lori Holt 

A stack of folded fabric. 

Love. 

*sigh*

I have a fabric closet that rivals a small quilt shop. I do NOT need fabric. In fact, after tracking my stash for a year through Judy L's Stash Challenge, I realized that I don't need to buy any fabric. Ever. Again.  But of course, I do and will, but not at the speed and tenacity that I used to accumulate it. I mean, collect it. :)

And I have done very well these last 3 years. I've purchased fabric, but not very much.  And this year I could count on 2 hands the amount of yardage purchased by me.  Until...

I stumbled on Lori Holt's blog, Bee in my Bonnet. And saw her latest line of fabric, Daisy Cottage. And I fell.in.love.   As in, I want the whole line! I love her patterns. It kind of shook me up because I haven't felt that way about fabric for a while, to the point of wondering what was wrong with me! hahaha  

Never fear. I'm fine.  I did show patience by asking for it for my birthday instead of rushing out and buying it. By the way, the grays are showing up a bit on the brown side. Sorry--was kind of a yucky day outside and was hard to get a good picture. But it is gray, pink, and gold mostly. 

{oops, I just looked at that stack and 3 Moda Marbles jumped right into that stack!  They hid themselves pretty well!  A light pink, light blue and hot pink. See them?  just trying to blend in.}  *cwazy fabwics.*

one little word...

this is my 'one little word' this year. Do you do that?  I started a few years ago....in 2010 it was JOY (as in  I choose JOY), 2011 brought FOCUS ( and I didn't do so well!! LOL) and thought I would do it again.  I really don't like to make resolutions, but instead have a word to help focus my intention of the direction I want to head in my life.

Nourish. 

My mind--reading more. My body--overall health. My soul--continuing growing closer to God. Family--being a positive influence in my family, especially the grankids lives. Community--giving back to others. Imagination--getting the creative juices flowing again  (how do you like the little logo I created above?)

Another thing I would like to do is participate in the Project 365...taking a picture a day.  I'm a little worried about that one...it all sounds so good, but come March, will I fade away?  I really wish I could stick to something...anything...more than a few months.  I get so distracted, unmotivated, forgetful or whatever you call my lack of stick-to-it-ness(is that a word?) that I never finish out the year.

Why is it that a New Year feels like you get to start over fresh?  Something about a new year that wants you to be able to start that new diet, renew your gym membership, start that Read the Bible in a year program, or any other self improvement project.  

Whatever the reason, I'm hoping that announcing it publicly will keep more on track..for my sake. I know you all have your own issues! LOL  So..wish me luck!

This is Day ONE of the new year and yes, I did take my photo. I don't think I'll post them everyday, maybe in 1 week batches.  In keeping with my new word of the year, I need to start NOURISHing my body and the first thing is getting more rest! So took a photo of my bed!  Hubby made a comment about how much better I looked while on vacation..no bags under the eyes because I was getting more sleep.  Guess I should get off the computer earlier. I hate to admit it, but surfing' the net keeps me up in the later hours of the evening.

Nourishing my creativity will hopefully get me back into a more regular schedule of quilting. I went more days than not last year of sewing and it was almost always for something other than for me. Not that I don't like creating for others, but nurturing my own creative urges makes me happy.

And in all this, I hope to be a bit better blogger.  I miss it.

Here's to a BRAND NEW YEAR!

Almost here...! Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

I wish a very Happy New Year to all and hopefully a fun, quilt filled one as well.

What a blur this last month was! We took a little R&R trip and I really thought I would be able to do some sewing! What was I thinking? LOL  We had gorgeous weather, unlike last year's trip, so we spent all of our time outside.  Met a cute little friend..who really wanted to share our lunch...we obliged.  We watched him a day earlier jump on a woman, trying to get food and scratched her. Scared the crap out of me, I screamed and it wasn't even me!  So when we saw him stalking the pool area the next day, we just got up, warned the others and let him help himself!

Our iguana friend..who loved nachos! OURS! 

Time to get back into a regular routine again.  Making samples for classes...again! 

February Wallhanging of Month

I had a FQ bundle of Moda's Quilt Pink "Love", which I used and then created 5 kits with the leftovers.

This is the pattern pack that I used and I plan on having a class once a month. We are starting with February, so hopefully the wallhangings will be done in time for the actual month, rather than being behind. What a novel idea!  I bought my pattern at a LQS, but found them at JoAnn's now! Yeah, with a coupon. Sheesh.

 This little guy is such a cutie...it's a pattern by The Wooden Bear, and I'll admit, I used my friend's idea. She made hers with a sports team fabric.  Since Ohio State University does not have licensed fabric, I bought a T-shirt and used that!  And embroidered Ohio State on the hat brim. I should have curved it a bit, but oh well.  Eyes still need attached and all the blanket stitching needs done.

Hanging Snowman

Close up of hat

Back to work and hopefully I can get more photos uploaded of what other things I've been working on.   In the meantime, stay warm and enjoy the calm that settles in after the Christmas festivities.

Our parting picture as we left Costa Rico. What a great place!

Fall fun

Sheleah at pumpkin farm

Making grape jam--sure wish you could smell how heavenly it smells!

Fall is such a fun time of year, with the cooler temps, to the beautiful changing tree colors, lots of pumpkins...apple cider...making jam and so much more.  It's hard to stay motivated to stay in or home with it being so nice.  Which is how I find myself in November, wondering what the heck happened to the rest of September AND October!

I've been sewing some...

costumes for school plays....

costumes for Halloween....

purses for Christmas (shhhh..)

having PJ parties with 11 year olds..making bags...

11th Birthday Party Fun!

Row by Row commitments...oops, forgot to take pics. But then again..when you are working right up to the deadline MINUTE....it's hard to remember to take a photo.

Then the excitement on the home front with hubby coming home from a 3 week trip from France/Russia/China and got shingles the next day. Whoa!  I heard they were painful, but seeing it firsthand is something else. My sympathies go out to all those who are suffering or have suffered from it.

And as always, things are always changing with our youngest daughter.(she's in the top photo) She is now 30 and we are trying to decide if she is starting to suffer from early onset dementia.  Unfortunately, a common affliction for adults with Down's Syndrome. :(  She wandered off from her new day care place last week, a police found her on the side of the road, repeating that she is a client.  God sent an angel in the form of a friend who happened to drive by at that time and helped the poor bewildered cop out who wasn't sure what to do with her!  We were all way more scared than she was. She said she was just walking. Obviously more secure measures need to taken with her. This is the third time in a month she has done this (from different places).  Oh the adventures she brings into our life! Thanking God for blessings this week.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Winner!

I knew that wouldn't take long!  Julie (floribunda) gave the correct answer...ANGRY BIRDS! 

Yellow Bird's feathers

Yellow Bird's beak

Yellow Bird--and yes, he looks angry!

Some of his buddies...

All the others are waiting in line to be stuffed or have their beaks sewn on.  And then on to the pigs!  I'm going to give these to my grandsons along with a big set of basic building blocks so they can play the game in real life. When I asked my girls if the boys would like this for Christmas, they wanted to know which boys? The big ones or the little ones!  LOL

The website where I found these great patterns is Obsessivelystitching.  She has done a great job with her tutorials. And there is still time to get some made before Christmas!

now off to more stuffing and making ONE more yellow bird for Julie--her choice!

Nana's workshop and FREE giveaway!

 See the FREE giveaway below...

Whew!  If I'm this busy with just two grandson's toys, I can't imagine Santa's workshop! LOL  I need some elves of my own I think. Actually what I am working on is not so hard, but does take time. Here are some sneak peeks, I hope to have these done by Thanksgiving.

Here is what I started out with....

And this from a great website..(I'll share later :) )   

work in progress....

Anyone guess what I'm making?  I will send ONE of these

FREE to the first person who correctly guesses what I am making.  Easy peasy if you have kids or grandkids!  Just because I'm nice like that. :)

I'm also working on a few things for the girls in my family..and here are two that are done. Sorry--no freebies on these! :)

These two tote bags/large purses are for my daughters. They sure hold a lot..the one inside pocket holds an iPad..that's how big they are.  Great pattern and directions. Which is good to know, because there are a lot of patterns that leave a lot to be desired, including one big name person, who shall remain nameless, but I'll NEVER make one of her patterns again.  Anyway..this is

My Favorite Bag by Katie Cupcakes.  I think she has a smaller version of the same bag as well.

Now...back to work!