Auditioning Borders

You have to work for the pictures in this post.

Quilt #1

Red, Green or Blue? Note there are two different shades so describe which one you prefer.

Quilt #2

Green?

Thoughts? Opinions?

I Feel Special!

Look what came in the mail. Sharon made these just for me! I went to the mailbox on the way to the store and there was the package. When I got there I took my socks and shoes off and put these on. They fit wonderfully and Rascal even approves.

Finished Pinwheels!

I rushed home last night and started trimming the remaining 20 HSTs. I ended up trimming for about an hour after I posted Sunday night. I immediately went to my sewing machine and sewed the HSTs into pairs, pressed and right back to the machine. I now have all my HSTs together.

I started playing with the layout last night but don't have good floor space to lay everything out. It is my group sewing date this weekend so I will just take it all over there and lay it out on the floor. I can get group input that way as well!

I think I will play around with the three charity quilts I am working on that were someone elses UFOs. That should keep me busy through this week.

Stash Report, Week 2 of 2009

Fabric Purchased this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Purchased YTD: 0 yards

Fabric Busted this Week: 3.5 yards
Fabric Busted YTD: 7 yards

Net Used YTD: 7 yards

Quiltathon Progress for Sunday

2:05 p.m. I have the 6, 9 and 12 inch blocks done. Now to make 22 3" pinwheels. That is 88 2" HSTs. Pray for me and my sanity! LOL!

3:05 p.m. 44 2.5" squares cut and marked. Sewing has begun!

9:44 p.m. 11 3" pinwheels are done. That is 44 2.5" HSTs. I have the other 44 HSTs made. I just have to trim them. So with this post my quiltathon is coming to a close. I will trim a little until bed but will sew them later this week.

Quiltathon Progress

5:15 p.m. I have to make 12", 9", 6" and 3" blocks for this QOV. I have a test block made in the three biggest sizes and all the HSTs are sewn now for those sizes. I am trimming them now. I will sew the blocks in the larger sizes then will embark upon the 3" size next. Pictures later tonight.



11:41 p.m.




All the 12" blocks are done. All the 9" blocks are done. 7 of the 6" blocks will be done before I go to bed with 6 left. Then I have to make all the 3" blocks tomorrow. I should be able to top it tomorrow!

Quiltathon Goals

Judy is hosting a quiltathon this weekend. My goals are:

• Finish the QOV top
• Decide how to finish 3 sets of blocks sent to me for charity and pull fabrics

I have been cutting on the QOV so have a good start.

QOV - Burger Queen Mystery

I am making a QOV using the Burger Queen Mystery recipe. You choose the block and follow the recipe to arrange various sizes of the same block. Here is a 12" block to give you a peek. Stay tuned for updates.

January Goals

I talked about my goals for 2009 but not specifically about January. It is easy. I am working on things that I "owe".

• baby quilts (2) for a friend. I just shipped them
• QOV that I pledged to Alycia

It should be easy to meet these goals. My issue is that I don't have a plan other than the QOV and have already caught myself spinning my wheels while I decided what I wanted to accomplish next. I just suggested the theme for the Stashbuster retreat as "Gifts for 2009". I should heed my own advice.

• quilt my daisy quilt for me
• start piecing batik blooming 9 patch for ds
• find oriental print fabric I bought to make a quilt for dd

This will keep my January full!

We Have Pictures!

This is the Easy Breezy pattern and is a gift to a man that worked for me a few years ago. I called to see how his son (now 2) is doing and learned there is another baby!!

I had seen a friend make a simple double 4 patch and thought I could make one up quickly. The red and black OU fabric already looks patched so this is just a simple patch quilt. These are both in the wash and will be bundled up to be mailed off tomorrow.

Here are the three aprons I made from the free pattern I got back in November. I made the first and did not like how the ties were done so made a small change there. I am not sure about the pocket so will add it to the two at the bottom later if I decide I need it.

Stash Report, Week 1 of 2009



Fabric Purchased this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Purchased YTD: 0 yards

Fabric Busted this Week: 3.5 yards
Fabric Busted YTD: 3.5 yards

Fabric Gifted to Me this Week: 3 yards

I am showing the gifts since they do increase my stash. I will include them in the year end totals but will track them separately for now.

Do You Own This Book?

Look up the model for The Peacock quilt. That is mine. I was very proud of this accomplishment. To have a model in a book. It wasnt quilted in time for the photo session but they hid that well.

Goals and Accomplishments

December Accomplishments

• Finish piecing FILs quilt and quilt it
• Quilt Fuschia Chevron Posy quilt
• Quilt Golf quilt
• knit my socks
• Finish RR's on time - they are all done!
• made 3 aprons
• made body pillow case
• pieced 2 backs and pin basted 2 baby quilts

I have been thinking about my goals for 2009. I am going into the New Year with 6 unfinished quilts. I am calling 3 UFOs and 3 WIPs as I have been working on 3 of them actively. The 3 UFOs were created with the intent to use them for free motion practice.

So what do I want to accomplish in 2009?

• make and donate a QOV
• make a scrappy quilt
• make a blooming 9 patch for ds
• make one of dd's quilts
• finish what I start within a reasonable timeframe
• low buy. I accumulated too much this year
• organize and cull my sewing room/supplies
• continue kitting fabric and patterns. This is really eye opening.

Nothing earth shattering. Just a guide for me.

Busily Working Away

Since I finished FILs quilt last week I have been busily working on some small items. I finished loom knitting a pair of spa socks for myself. Remember the "free" apron pattern? I have all three made now. I also made a pillowcase for my hubby's body pillow. Nice to have those finishes!

With no other fast finishes I went back to my cutting items from my last sew in. I sewed the backings together for the 2 OU baby quilts and have added the borders on my chevron posey quilt. I still have to miter the corners on that one and then make the back. The batting for the 2 baby quilts is "resting" now. The weather is nice today so I plan to go outside and pin baste them today. If I have the energy I may whip the back together and baste the chevron posey quilt too.

Yes I owe you pictures. Will work on that.

Mom and Dad's Quilts

Hope you can see the quilting.

Mother's First Quilt

I did not grow up in a quilter family. In fact, I don't think there were really any other craftiness other than garment sewing. I learned to crochet from the lady across the street when I was young. My mom learned later. I learned to quilt. Mom didn't express much interest until a few years ago. When I was visiting her a few summers ago I made a few tote bags. She was interested and she later made several of her own.

Earlier this year we were talking about what I was working on. She said something to the effect that she was doing something but didn't want to tell me. She relented and let me know she was making a quilt. I was so proud of her. She had quilted the center and was talking about stippling and that she didn't like how it looked so she was picking out the stitches. I haven't even stippled anything yet myself!

I present to you mom's first quilt. She did a great job and I am so proud of her!

Out of Swaps

I sewed my step on two RRs today and went straight to the post office with them. They are on their way to LA and I am done with swaps for now.

There are a few mystery quilts scheduled over the next week or so. I was going to do one but I think I will just stick to my list of things and work on those. Otherwise how will I ever get that list knocked down? And of course there is more queued up behind that list!

Finished!

I just talked to Mom and Dad. Their presents arrived today. Yeah! Plenty of time to spare.

FILs quilt is in the wash now.

It's Coming Along!

I went to my sew in and met up with the usual suspects tirane, Babs, mimi and tirans mother Nancy. There was some gif giving. A calendar and pen from Nancy, a FQ and candy cane from mimi and a tin of homemade cookies from tirane.

I cut backings for the two OU quilts, borders for the daisy quilt and 3 aprons. I didn't even think about taking the backing to cut for the daisy quilt. Oh well. I have plenty to keep me busy in the coming days.

I picked up FIL's quilt. As of last night two sides are bound. I will be ready by Christmas Eve to deliver it. Pictures later today.

Goal!!!!!!!!

I dropped my parents quilts in the mail. Mom reads my blog so she knows what she is getting. I will ask her to take and send pics. My timing never worked where I could take them myself in good light. So I feel like the pressure is off a little bit.

My LAer tells me that my FILs quilt is coming along nicely. On target for me to pick it up tomorrow. As soon as I get home I will start binding it. I can easily have this bound by Christmas eve day. Did you know I am cooking at his house again? At least I know what he has in his kitchen now!

Tonight I am going to see if I can put together something to take to my sew in tomorrow. I probably should take the quilts that need borders and backs and get those together. I also have two small purses I could cut out. I will be set for my vacation with quilting to do. Shoot, I honestly think I am set for a few years!

Christmas Sewing Progress

The golf quilt and fuschia quilt both got the extra quilting I wanted to do. They are both bound and sitting in the washer right now awaiting their turn in the dryer. I will package them all up this morning and have them in the mail first thing tomorrow a.m. I am so excited to have these done.

I dropped FIL's quilt off at the LAer yesterday. I can't wait to see what she does to it. She sent her proposed quilting design and it is right up my alley! I will be picking it up Saturday and then start binding it. This one will be hand delivered Christmas eve.

To Tell or Not To Tell

Some things I just do not need to be shared. I have been sitting on this for a few days trying to decide if I blog this or not. I will share since help tends to come from the must unexpected places.

This past Friday (I knew last Tuesday) I was given a 60 day notice. That means I have until 2/10/09 to find another job within the company or I am layed off. Me and several hundred other folks are looking so there will be a lot of competiion for the few jobs currently open.

On a Quilty Note. I finished binding the golf quilt. Now to bind the fuschia quilt.

House Keeping

Well my ticker for my UFO's has "expired". I haven't updated it in several months so it gives me an error. It is time to clean up my blog and remove some of these things. Thanks for cheering me along on my progress.

Stashbuster Retreat Progress - Day Two

I have been busily working on the Fuschia quilt today.

As of 2:00 p.m.

- stitch in the ditch done (may go back and add a little more)
- stitch around inside of border

I am going to free motion on the border after a short break. I will be making and attaching bindings next and go back to add a little more quilting on both later.

As of 3:00 p.m.

- I have the border quilted. A simple meander along the vine of the fuschia
- selected the fabric for the bindings. I started cutting but think 2" is too narrow

As of 6:30 p.m.

- binding is attached to the golf quilt
- binding is in progress of being attached to the fuschia quilt

As of 9:00 p.m.

- binding is attached to both quilts now. Let the hand sewing begin!

Stashbuster Virtual Retreat Progress

as of 3:00 p.m. Saturday

- golf quilt back made
- golf quilt basted
- backing fabric for FILs quilt washed

as of 9:00 p.m. Saturday

- fuschia quilt is basted
- golf quilt is about half way quilted. Working on stitch in the ditch. Will have to decide what to quilt in the big blocks.

as of 11:00 p.m. Saturday

- stitch in the ditch is done.
- have selected two possible motifs for the big blocks

I am done for the night. See you tomorrow.

Christmas Sewing Progress

- Fuschia quilt borders are now mitered. The backing is sewn and ready for the basting step.
- Golf quilt is measured and the plan for the backing is stirring in my head. I will put it together tonight.
- I have 50% off coupons for JoAnns and will be buying the battings today and opening them in the car so they can start to "relax". If I get home in time I will start basting the Fuschia quilt.

The yahoogroup Stashbuster is having their stay at home retreat this weekend. I plan to sew until I can't see straight! My goal is two quilted lap size quilts by Sunday night with bindings made and hopefully attached!

Busily Working Away

I am quilting. I just haven't taken pictures. Boooriiiiiiiiing.

I have FILs quilt topped. I have my eye out for a backing. I am going to try to find an appropriate 108" wide back if possible. It is 90" square and I don't want to buy 9 yards of fabric if I can just have 1 solid back.

I sewed the borders onto my Mother's quilt last night. In fact I did it twice. They are mitered and when I sewed the first two sides it didn't dawn on me that the length wasn't right. When I sewed the third side on and it was way, way too long it made me take a second look. Grrrr... I ripped those puppies off and sewed them back on immediately. I had procrastinated long enough and I was not about to put it off again. I did leave the mitering of the corners for another time. I hope that will be tonight. I am going to google instructions to see if I can find some tips and tricks.

Now that these tops are together I will be getting backings made and plan to be basting and quilting this weekend. I think I can make it!

Another Smackeral of Fabric

A little washing and drying. Some cutting. A little pinning and sewing. Some more pinning. I just have to sew the pinned on borders to FILs quilt top and it is ready to be quilted! I will try to post a pic tonight if I still have light when I get home.

Quiltathon Day 2

The bit of fabric I bought is in the dryer as we speak. Turns out I underestimated and have to buy another half yard. I just have to add the border on the last two sides of FIL's quilt. I consider this mission accomplished. I will be able to add one side tomorrow and will get the other side later this week. Now to make backings and start quilting on Mom and Dad's quilts.

Hope you had a quilty weekend too!

Quiltathon Progress

Judy is hosting a quiltathon this weekend.

My main goal is to get FIL's quilt topped. I am not there yet. I am still putting together sub units. I did have to buy a little more fabric for borders. I got that done today. As of this posting I have to add the subunits to either side of the blocks. Unfortunately I am still piecing those subunits. Before I go to bed I plan to finish piecing those and may pin them to the block for sewing first thing in the a.m.

Non-Quilty UFOs and FILs Quilt

I made a committment to find and complete my non-quilty UFOs and WIPs. I finished the spa socks for both dd and dh and I finished my plastic bag holder last night. I now have all my grocery store sacks stored safely in it. So much neater. I use these bags for pooper scooper duty. Fun stuff eh!

I spent time on my spa socks (toe up) and turned the heel on the first one. I need to decide how high a cuff I want. When my favorite t.v. viewing ended last night I worked on FILs quilt a little. I would like to get it finished by Friday night, or as far as my fabric will take me as I am afraid I will need a little more of one of my fabrics and that store is closed on Sunday. I have to cut out 4 more squares of that dark blue on the center of the block I showed. I will try to get that done tonight and then get all those side pieces sewn into the two piece sets tonight. If I still have the time and energy I will sew the corner triangles on the center blocks as well.

Diamond and Nosegays

Here is a sneak peek of FIL's quilt. One block down, 15 to go.



Here is what happens when Gorgeous George hair meets his sisters flat iron. I think I prefer the wavy myself.

Quilter's Gift Wish List

Many of you already have a sizeable stash so I ask this question with the intent of not getting a fabric answer. What is on your wish list gift wise? Is your wish different if it is coming from a quilty friend? That is even though you know how and are able to make quilts, etc for yourself, would you still like to get quilty items from quilty friends?

This is a hard question even for me. I don't know what my gift wish list is. I have so many of the items that I desire(d) that I think my favorite gift is spending time with my family and friends and using some of that quilty stockpile with my quilty friends. A sewing date to be specific.

What are your thoughts? Your gifty desires?

November Accomplishments

• piece another OU quilt - DONE
• finish piecing the fuschia and daisy quilt - need borders
• quilt the 2 OU quilts, golf quilt and fuschia quilt - not done. I gotta get busy!
• finish the RRs I receive - I got one off. Have another here.
• knit dd's socks - not on original list
• knit dh's socks - not on original list
• cut out and began piecing FILs quilt - not on original list

December Goals

• Finish piecing FILs quilt and quilt it
• Quilt Fuschia Chevron Posy quilt
• Quilt Golf quilt
• knit my socks
• Finish RR's on time

I will also have to try not to stress out about the quilting even though they are Christmas gifts. Yikes!!

Friday Night Quilting

I went to the cutting table and started cutting fabric for my FILs quilt. It is one of the quilts in the "7 Day Quilts" book. I cut and I cut and I cut some more. I cut out almost 500 3" squares in addition to all the other pieces needed for this quilt. I am very frustrated with this quilt and pattern so far. The cutting directions are too meager and assume you have a nice full 44" cut of fabric. I ended up cutting extra strips to get all the pieces I needed. At one point I even calculated the number of pieces just to make sure that their count was correct. Luckily the yardage was generous although I still have a small amount of cutting to do for the borders. I quit cutting as I started making mistakes and wanted to stop the bleeding, so to speak.

Saturday Fun

I can't recall how I found Linda's blog. She had posted something about an event at Richardson civic center which made me ask a question since I work in Richardson. I wondered if it was in the same town since the state was not mentioned. It turns out it was. Linda and I exchanged a few emails and realized we had met at Quilter's Connection. She remember me better than I did her. I felt a tad guilty about that since I usually remember people a lot better. She even remembered my dd and dd's friend.

We talked about meeting but made no specific plan. Then last week I saw her talking about her Thanksgiving plans and asked her if she wanted to meet up. She suggested Saturday. We started at Stitchin' Memories. She got lots of goodies and I came away with a "free" apron pattern and some fabric to make that apron. You will see shortly why I say "free". It turns out all the fabric was 25% that day so it was nice to save a few bucks.

From there we went to Quiltworks. It wasn't planned but we had to drive past there to our ultimate destination so what the heck, right? While there I bought some Christmas fabric to make two more aprons from that "free" pattern. Are you getting the idea now why I am using quotes. Their Christmas fabric was 30% off and I was not complaining. I also bought a jacket pattern that I had seen in their newsletter. They did not have a model but I was just too curious. I have other jackets planned. I need to bite the bullet and get one made.

Our final destination was Blue Ribbon Quilt Shoppe. This is a relatively new shop. They had lots of variety and fabrics that you don't see at other shops. If for no other reason that is a good reason to check it out. Her notions wall had a wide variety as well. A friend of mine uses a Hera marker. They had them on their notions wall so I picked one up. I also got one of those Cotton Picker mitts. They say to use them to get thread off your fabric and clothes. My intent was to use it on my cutting matt to clean up the threads. It works great for that!

Linda and I went to a little shop across the street and I picked up a few items. She got more of her Christmas shopping done. She made a huge dent in her list from what I saw ;). We then went down the road to a restaurant that she had heard great things about. I had a bacon, mushroom, onion cheeseburger with sweet potato fries. Yes it was on the heart healthy menu! It was good. Peach tea that I could sweeten myself. Yum! They gave us a sweet potato and raisin muffin afterwords. Maybe it was pumpkin. Delic'!

We made our way home. We talked about guilds, quilting friends and family. Linda is a sweety and we really seem to hit it off. I look forward to spending more time with her. She has already invited me for a sewing date!

Saturday and Sunday Sewing

I started sewing the pieces for FILs quilt. There are two block sets that are mirror images of one another. I have made 64 of one set and am over half way through the other 64. I plan to finish sewing those tonight and hopefully get the 64 HSTs sewn together as well. This pattern is very wasteful but for a beginner it is probably easier. To make the sets I mention above I sew across the diagonal of 2 3" squares onto a 3 x 5 1/2" brick. Once I do this I then have to trim the seam to a 1/4". I am already thinking I will just sew those pieces together to make smaller HSTs. The HSTs are the same way. Sew through the diagonal of two 3" squares and trim the seam. Think about this....500 3" squares. Plus I had to draw a diagonal through all those little boogers too for a sewing line!

Ah well...I am considering writing this publisher to share my observations on this quilt.

Hope you all had a quilty weekend!