Just sit and sew!

If you want to get results, at some point you just have to put the computer away so you can sit down and sew.  And that is exactly what I have been doing this week.

Last Saturday, I was working on the binding for the Stars of Spring quilt I completed over Christmas.  I was thinking about the lovely ladies in my Mom's quilt group, and wishing I had a group.  I went to the computer and found that there was a guild meeting close by that very day, and I headed over.  I was so warmly received, and very inspired to work on my quilt when I got home.  They even introduced me to a nearby quilt store I didn't know existed!

Energized by the meeting, this week I have finished the binding on my Stars of Spring Block a Day challenge quilt.  I used the Shortcut binding tool by the Franklin Quilt Company.  Using it, I was able to completely bind the quilt on the machine.  I will post pictures using the tool in an upcoming post, but for now, you can visit The Quilting Squares website to learn more.

I have also been working on my January UFO, which is the Summer Shoo Fly Block a Day from 52quilts.com.  I have made great progress this week, and I am finished with most of the red blocks.  I look forward to starting the blue blocks, and really seeing the quilt take shape.

In order to finish the binding on the Stars of Spring quilt, I bought a yard of this yellow with stars.  I liked it so much, I went back on Wednesday and bought another yard to use in my Summer Shoo Fly quilt.

I also picked up 18 fat quarters to bolster my selection of pinks and purples in my Winter Log Cabin Block a Day.

And last but not least, I added a panel.  My thought it that I will use it in the center of the back of my Summer Shoo Fly quilt, but I haven't decided for sure.

So with the finish and purchases, my totals for the year are:

Added this week:         7.25 yards

Used this week:          17.00 yards

Net Used this week:     9.75 yards

Added YTD:                7.25 yards

Used YTD:                 17.00 yards

Net Used YTD:            9.75 yards

Thank goodness, I finished the quilt this week.  It was good to put the computer away and sit and sew!

Happy 2015!

Happy New Year!  

I know...I'm a day late, but I spent yesterday fighting with my Mom's longarm machine.  I've been trying to quilt the Spring Block A Day quilt.  I'm almost finished, with 3 rounds to go.  We had to pause to fix the machine though.  My goal is to get it finished before we leave for my sister's house this evening.  Here's a picture before I got it on the machine.

I'm excited to get home, and work on my #2 UFO for Aunt Marti's 2015 UFO Challenge at 52quilts.com.  It is the 2014 Summer BaD (Shoo Fly Blocks).  I also need to work on my log cabin BaD, and try to stay caught up.  I'll also be working on completing the Temple Sentimental quilt repair and the Keepsake Quilt for my Mom's quilt group.  I really enjoy spending time with those ladies, and wish I lived closer so I could see them every week with Mom.

That's it for right now.  I'll try to do better at making blog posts, but no resolutions about it.  Have you made your list of projects you want to complete in 2015?

Blessings,

Joy

A New Normal

I spent last week trying to make lists and figure out what I wanted my new normal to look like now that both boys are in school.  Today, I actually get to try those lists out.  The clothes and dish washers are working, and I'll head upstairs to clean my bedroom and bathroom.  After that, I have to pick up toys downstairs from the littlest man's birthday that seemed to explode all over the family room.  Once those "Must Do's" are out of the way, I am free to play in my sewing room.

What's on my agenda to work on?  First, I have to pull all of my supplies for a quilting class tomorrow at The Quilting Squares.  It's a free motion technique class called "Let's Doodle".  My free motion quilting is coming along, but I need to practice, practice, practice.  I'm hoping to pick up some more pointers to make me better.

After I've pulled the supplies, I'll go back to my Spring Block a Day.  No...I'm still not finished!

Here is where I am on it:

I've had to rip out several color combinations, and even had to go buy more fabric.  I have a few more blocks to add that are in various stages of completion.  I was using this as my 'Leaders and Enders' project, but it has now become my primary project.  I really want to get it done today, so that when I get home from class tomorrow, I have something to practice free motion quilting on.

IF, I get all of that done, I will spend some time working on my Buttercream Block of the Month (Year).  It is my hand project, and great for the boy's karate classes and TV time.  If I embroider just one flower a night and spend some time Saturday morning adding the french knot embellishments, I'll be done with my current block this week.  That's my goal anyway.

Here is what it currently looks like:

Have a great day everyone.  I hope you accomplish all that you want to today.

"Oh the places you'll go!"

Congratulations!

Today is your day.

You're off to Great Places!

You're off and away!

by Dr. Suess

My littlest man has started Kindergarten this week.  Today is his second half day, and next week he will be in school all day.  It is a time that is a little exciting and sad at the same time, for both he and I.  After 9 1/2 years of having a little person at home with me, I am suddenly hit by a quiet.  It is a quiet that I have longed for at times, yet has been elusive in the hustle and bustle of life.

But today...I sit listening only to the hum of the refrigerator and air conditioner.  I have great plans for this time.  There is a house that will always be clean, workouts to be done, projects that will be thought of and completed, projects and quilts to be sewn, and I'm sure other thinks that I haven't thought yet.  But today...I just sit.

I know that left to myself, I would just squander this precious gift of time.  So I must begin making lists and setting goals of what I want to accomplish.  Some lists I'll save for another day. But it is time to share with you some of the sewing projects that beckon and nag for completion.

Quilting UFO's:

• Buttercream Block of the Month
• Block-A-Day - Spring 2014
• Civil War Celebration
• Temple Sentimental Quilt
• Heart of Worship Quilt Repair
• Kristie's Cowboy Wedding Quilt
• Block-A-Day - Summer 2014
• Quilter's Academy - Strawberry Fields
• Quilter's Academy - Double Rail Fence
• Quilt Across Texas Quilt
• Fall Pillowcases
• Hexagon Table Runner
• Christmas Table Runner
• Summer Table Topper
• Birthday Table Topper

Sewing UFO's:

• Leigh's Purse
• Baby Shoes
• Lounge Pants & Shorts
• Jewelry Pouch
• Fleece Baby Blanket
• Quilt Across Texas Tote Bags
• Napkins
• Fall Dress
• Black Out Curtains
• My Purse
• Bootbag
• Christmas Placemats
• Christmas Napkins
• Cash and Carry Pouches

Whew!  That is a lot of sewing.  And those are just the ones I've thought about and know I want to complete!  I participate in Aunt Marti's 12 in 2014 UFO Challenge at 52quilts.com  If you would like to participate and want more information, click here.  You can see what others are finshing by clicking on the UFO Parade tab at the top of her website.  As for the sewing UFO's, I still plan on completing one a month, even though I am not participating in a challenge.

This weekend I plan to complete the top for my Spring Block-A-Day.  It has been a source of agony over the last weeks, as I still am not happy about it.  But I have determined just to get it sewn together and ready for quilting (again).  On Tuesday, I have a free motion quilting class.  My plan is to practice what I learn in that class on the quilt.  And then it will be back to the Temple Sentimental Quilt Repair.  That will be my August UFO completion, and I am ready to get it off my plate and finished. 

For the rest of my quiet time today, I will sit a little longer and embroider on my Buttercream Block of the Month.  Have you figured out where you want to go today? Let's use Dr. Suess as our guide and be on our way!