What’s Next and UFO Challenge

The quilts are boxed up and winging their way north.  It’s in the hands of UPS now.  They said Saturday delivery so we shall see.  I’ve really gotten to know my machine in quilting nine quilts in a row.  Now that I warmed up I decided to join a UFO challenge on the stashbuster io group.

The entry fee to join is $1 and 2 FQs.  If you’re selected queen based on a rolling list then you have one week to complete a quilt or pay a FQ penalty.  You also have to complete one UFO per quarter.   I think most people can not be crowned by simply finishing oneUFO each quarter.  The number of participants also determines how often your name will bubble up to the top.

Another unofficial challenge they do is the random UFO challenge.  You list your UFOs at the beginning of the year.  At the first of each month they draw a low number and a high number.  The low number is 1-12 and the high number is 13-?  Where the highest number was the number of UFOs the leader of the challenge has.  Last year it was 80.  She had a lot of finishes so will be interesting to see what high number she uses.

For lists of UFOs I made three lists of 12.  This way there will be 3 items randomly drawn to inspire me to finish that month.  One list is of tops that I have a recipient in mind for, the second list is of tops that I wanted to complete but it turned out I had 20 tops with someone in mind.  These two categories just need quilting and binding.  The third list is of piecing UFOs.  I was able to quickly list 9 and that was without really looking.  There is a cutting party going on to hurry and make more UFOs so they can be counted in 2023.  I’m going to cut to grow my list.

So I’m warmed up and ready to go.  I started loading one of my UFOs with  an intended recipient.  The top needs a good pressing and I have to cut the batt.   I’ve chosen my thread.  I sketched my quilting plan and need to load a bobbin.  My goal is for a 1/6 completion because I will be seeing the recipient then.

  I’ll be using that lime green!  More to come!

Quilting Progress #9

I’ve completed the quilting on the last one!  I met with my friend and handed it o er.  While she applied the bindings I sewed the labels on.  She too the last two home with her to do quality control.  I’m picking her up in the am. and we’ll ship the box off and grab a bite to eat.

I have been asked if I would do this again.  Yes!  My fear of “messing up” has really subsided.  Doubt really whispered in my ear but here I am!  9 completed quilts in time for Christmas!

Quilting Progress #8

I just pulled this one off and am loading the LAST one!

I spent around 6hours making and handwriting labels.  6 are applied.  My friend is binding #6 and I’m taking her the other two tomorrow.  I had set a goal to get them in the mail tomorrow but Tuesday is looking like the day.  I feel like I have time.

Quilting Progress #7

Yes.  Two back to back.  See previous post.  I want to place some long stitch lines in the skirt but will get it bound first.

I had a few wobbles but I don’t think the little girl will care.  Two more to go.  Hope to be done and ready to ship on Monday!

Quilting Progress #6

I just pulled this one off, taking a short break and loading the next one!

The last three are panels.  Chugging along!

Quilting Progress #5

I just pulled #5 off my frame.  #6 is in progress of being loaded.  Past the halfway point!

My friend is keeping up with my bindings!

Quilting Progress #4

This one went so much better and I’m really getting to know my machine.  Troubleshooting things will hopefully turn into prevention for future quilting.

Number 5 is in progress of being loaded now.

Quilting Progress #3

I finished the third.  It was a struggle with thread breaking repeatedly.  I consulted Facebook groups, YouTube, friends and every other source I could find.  I tried all the things.  I finally just finished it breaks and all.  Not my proudest moment.

I read a tip that said loosen the top and bottom tension.  I opted to loosen just the top by two full turns and then started stitching. It was surprisingly close and I was able to stitch quite a bit without a single break. I consulted with a friend and she suggested an eighth of a turn tighter on the bottom but it ultimately needed a full quarter turn. Stitches look great and I’m gonna try again, fingers crossed. The fourth quilt is in progress of being loaded.

Quilting Progress #2

I finished this one today.  It was almost done at midnight but I had to pick out and redo a row.

Quilted flames across the whole thing.  Quilt #3 is underway and I have 3 more ready to go.  The first 6 will all be quilted in cream.  The last three in a lavender.

Quilting Progress #1

I’ve quilted #1 of 9.

I have a friend that is going to bind them as I finish them.  All the bindings are ready to go!

I wish I had gotten right on the quilting like I did the piecing.  I did spend the month of November preparing all the backs and binding.

Quilt #2 is on the frame and well under way!