Welcome 2015 - The year of UFOs!

Happy New Year, fellow quilters! My wish for all of you is a peaceful year filled with love, happiness and no drama - the same one I am hoping for. 

 

Last year was a difficult one, but it's now in the past. Today is a new year and in just a little bit, I'll be spending part of the day with my favourite little ones!

 

The only resolution I am making this year is to finish what I start. I need to do this with everything in my life, from housework to my job to my hobbies. Funny, I chose "Finish" as my word of the year last year, but didn't really do what I intended.  This year, I guess I'm repeating myself, but I will also add my other "words", Joy, Focus, Change. I feel like that dog in the movie "Up", Squirrel could be my nickname!

 

 

I'm going to update my UFO page later, but in the meantime I am picking 12 projects to focus on.  The first 12 are all completed flimsies, so it means I have to quit procrastinating and become more comfortable with doing my own quilting. Once they are done, I will pick 12 more and so on, until they are done! (yes, I have that many!)

 

In no particular order (click on the title for more info about the project:

 

1. Table Topper for D.

 

 

This one is already sandwiched ready for quilting.

 

2. Pastel and Lace

 

I have actually already started quilting this one, it will probably only take me a weekend to finish it.

 



3. Thangles IV

 

 

This was a Thangles BOM project, unfortunately there wasn't enough contrast in the blocks so the patterns don't show up really well.  This one still needs a backing. 

4. Just Takes 2 Table Topper

 

 

I have finished the applique, sandwiched it, and have outlined the blocks.  Now I have to decide how I'm going to quilt it.

 

5. Strawberry Table Topper

 

 

This top has been finished for some time now, it's time it got done.  I sandwiched it with a green cotton that has a "quilted" pattern on it that I plan to follow for the border.  I would do it all over except for that flange inner border - not sure how I will figure that out.

 

6. Celtic Solstice

 

 

This is my latest Bonnie Hunter finish, I have a backing for it.  This one is destined for my grandson's bedroom. 

 

7. Gramma Quilt

 

 

I've sandwiched this one twice, but stole the backing for another project once so had to redo it.  This one will be here at my house for the grandkids to cuddle up under. 

 

8. Christmas Tree Skirt

 

 

After 4 or 5 Christmases under the tree unquilted, I am determined this one will get done this year.  I have sandwiched once, but stole the backing and batting for another quilt.  Time to redo it.

 

9. Pansy Rail Fence

 

 

Made 15 years ago when I first started back to quilting, it's about time to get this done.  My daughter wants it, so it will go to her (maybe in time for her birthday in March.

 

10. Charmed

 

 

My first Leader and Ender project, this is made from 2" scraps dating back to the 70s (some of my mom's scraps.  This will be a play/picnic quilt at my house.

 

11. Starburst Pillow Top

 

 

Sandwiched and ready to go - I even have the pillow form.

 

12. 6-Hour Quilt-as-you-go

Somewhere buried in this bucket of flimsies! Somehow I have never managed to take a picture of one of my oldest UFOs. About 15 years ago, when I started quilting again, I took a couple of classes.  I learned how to use rotary cutters (the best invention ever!), pieced the Pansy Rail Fence and then started a quilt-as-you-go. My machine did not like FMQ, so it got put aside and I've just never had the inclination to finish it. Since I have so many quilting projects that need to be finished, this will probably be a good one to start with, just to get the feel back. 

 

 Now that I have made my list, it's time to get sewing!  I plan to update my progress every two weeks.



Merry Christmas from British Columbia, Canada!

Just a quick post to wish all of you a Merry Christmas, or an enjoyable day if you celebrate a different holiday!  My oldest daughter and her family stayed overnight, so for the first time in a while I was able to enjoy the excitement of Christmas morning with a little one!

 

 

 

He was moving so fast, it was hard to get a good shot!

 

Now we are just waiting for the rest of the family, and pretty soon this will be opened!

 

 

Daisy will have a hard time giving it up!  (This snow is from a couple of days ago, it's all gone now and we have another typical green Christmas day - at least it's not raining!)

 

Have a wonderful day!

 

Sunday Stash Report, Week 47 - 4 weekends left until Christmas

 

Christmas is fast approaching, and for the first time in a long time, I am well on track to being ready!  Today I'll do the cleaning in prep to start decorating, and get the decorations down from the attic and into the basement so I can do a little each night this week.

 

Christmas sewing is almost done - maybe this year, I won't be finishing something on Christmas Eve!

 

The pillowcases are done - all eight of them:

 

 

The top five were finished last week and counted, this week I made two that matched the Easy Street quilt that is off at the long-armer's.

 

 

I like to make matching pillowcases when I gift a quilt - it serves as the wrapping, as well as using up some of the leftover fabric.

 

The last pillowcase is a little different:

 

 

I adapted it from Angela Pingel's Super Mario pattern.  It is for my niece's 6-year-old son, who has discovered video games.  I plan on making the full quilt for his birthday in May, as part of my plan to give everyone in my family a quilt someday.

 

I changed Angela's pattern a little, by using strips of fabric instead of squares, but I also used a quilt-as-you-go method, which made them go a little wonky.  I'll have to rethink my plan for the quilt.

 

In addition to the tote bag I made Zoey yesterday, and the one I made Alex a little while ago (and never counted), this week was another great stash-busting one.

 

Added since my last report: 0.0 metres

Added Year-to-Date: 200.5 metres

 

Used since last report: 5.5 metres

 

Used Year-to-Date: 87 metres

 Net used/Added for 2013: 113.5 metres

 

Only a little planned sewing left, an Advent calendar for Brianna & Ray, a Christmas wall hanging for Sarah and Rob, and some small gifts for friends - I'm thinking snappy pouches for those.  I've gathered a few tutorials I'm contemplating:

 

Snappy Bag (gift card size) from Just Another Hangup

 

Snappy Coin Pouch from SewCanShe

 

or the newest one from SewCanShe

 

Pleated Snappy Coin Pouch

 

If I can sew for an hour a day, I should be able to get all those done before Bonnie Hunter's mystery launches on Friday!

Be sure to check out everyone's stash reports at Judy's site Patchwork Times

 

 

Have a great week!

 

Terri in BC

PS:  The fabrics from my giveaway have been claimed - they will be winging their way to Glenda in Florida along with some more I found, to be used in charity quilts!  Congratulations, Glenda!

Sunday Stash Report, Week 46 - and are you lucky number 1?

The push is on to get Christmas sewing finished.  It sure is nice to see some numbers in the USED column:

 

Added since my last report: 0.5 metres

Added Year-to-Date: 200.5 metres

 

Used since last report: 12 metres

 

Used Year-to-Date: 81.5 metres

 Net used/Added for 2013: 119 metres

 

I got the backing pieced and pressed for Easy Street:

 

 

I got the backing at IKEA for just $3/m and because it was 60" wide, I only needed 6 metres and spent just $18.

 

 

(from IKEA website)

 

All packed and ready to go.

 

 

It was dropped off for quilting and will be ready the first weekend in December.

 

I also got five of the six pillowcases I need for Christmas finished  for another 5 metres out! Here is my favourite, destined for my granddaughter, Zoey. 

 

 

I only make these once a year, and last year had tried the "burrito" method of making them, but couldn't remember where I found the tutorial I used.  I found a couple that were close, so I mashed them together and made my pillowcases.  I had no idea how many different ways there are to make a pillowcase.

 

Now I have to take the time to thank my fellow bloggers and hats off to all of you that take the time to provide tutorials!  I decided to make a tutorial for myself so I don't have to hunt next year, and although I can whip together a pillowcase in less than 30 minutes start to finish, it took me 1 1/2 hours to sew one while I was taking the pictures.  AND that was having the fabric already cut and pressed...and I still haven't written the tutorial.  YOU GUYS ROCK!

 

I also did a bit of sewing for me.  My regular readers know I'm big fan of Bonnie Hunter and her leaders and enders method of sewing.  Often, I will put together a small project while I'm sewing another.  I made two projects in the last couple of weeks while I was working on my Christmas sewing:

 

First up, a cute Berry Basket from free tutorial by Anna of Noodlehead:

 

 

I didn't have a stiff fusible batting or interfacing, so mine's a little floppy but that is okay, once it was filled

 

 

with my collection of charm packs

 

 

it stands up quite fine!  Here it is in its new home:

 

 

Good for another half metre out.

 

Last but not least, I designed and finished a daybook cover, complete with credit card slots and a zippered pouch.  This was for a challenge put out by the Fraser Valley Modern Quilt Guild, which I've recently joined.  I've counted half a metre out for this one, even though there are a total of five different fat quarters used - the leftovers will show up in another project!

 

 

I'll do another post on it this week. 

 

And Debbie never claimed her prize from my giveaway last stash report, so I drew a new number:

 

 

Glenda in Florida!  I've sent you an email for your snail mail address.  Thanks for playing!

 

Hope you all had a productive weekend. For more stash reports, be sure to visit Patchwork Times.

 

Thanks for visiting,

 

Terri in BC

 

 

5 Weekends to Christmas!

 

I've already made a good start on preparing for Christmas this year - I don't know what is wrong - that's not like me at all.

 

I've made a list and checking it twice:

 

1. Quilt for B&R
2. Placemats for S&R (they'll get their quilt next year)
3. Christmas dress for Zoey
4. 8 pillowcases (6 for the goody bags, 2 to match #1)
5. 6 small gifts for girlfriends - not sure what that will be yet
6. Advent calendar for B
7. Christmas wall hangings for B&S
8. Start Celtic Solstice!

 

 

This quilt has been dropped off at Quilted Cats Hideaway:

 

 

Linda suggested her Circle Lord swirls pattern, which I think will be a lovely counterpoint to the straight lines and angles.  Pick up is scheduled in 3 weeks, so I have to plan binding this king-size monster before Christmas (I prefer the look of a hand-stitched binding).

 

My sister and I have carried on a tradition of "goody bags" for the little ones, that my mother started when our kids were little (read more here).

 

I make the six pillowcases and since my sister loves to shop, she usually ends up filling them.  I make or buy a few things, but in my opinion, she does the hard part.  All but one has been prepped, and I'm making two more to match the quilt above but need to make a trip to Hamel's today.

 

I've started collecting a selection of smalls to review and still need to decide what to make for my friends.  I'm leaning towards pouches.  I have a board on Pinterest to review today! 

 

To keep my sanity, I'll work on the newest Bonnie Hunter mystery quilt.  This year it is Celtic Solstice, in honour of her recent trip to Ireland.  Being of Irish heritage, I'm looking forward to doing something that will also reflect my background.  This year, she is offering two sizes, large double or king size, but I think I'll start with half the size and plan on using it in the kidlets' bedroom.  Here is a mockup using her colours:

 

 

Not my usual, but I think my grandson is going to love it!

 

Have a great day,

 

Terri in BC



Sunday Stash Report Week #1-2013

It's a new year, a fresh start and I am doing the Sunday Stash Report again this year.  It really helped me to be more mindful about my purchases, and gave me the incentive to get things done! I highly recommend it to anyone who overspends on fabric, accumulates Un-Finished Objects (projects not done - UFOs) or just needs some accountability, like me! I guess that might be a good reason to have a partner in life, when you've been single as long as I have, you can develop some bad habits when there's nobody around to catch you when you fall of the wagon!

I ended 2012 just slightly in the read - only 5.85 metres added to the stash (approx. 6.4 yds).  My goal this year is to decrease the stash by 25 metres or more.

I'm off to a good start - NOT!  The two places where I shop regularly both had New Year's sales, and this is when I stock up on batting, notions and thread, and any fabric that I need for upcoming projects.

Added this week: 18.25 metres

Added Year to Date: 18.25 metres

Used since last report: .25 metres

Used Year to Date: .5 metres

Net Used/Added for 2013: 17.75 metres

On a positive note,  all of the fabric is for existing or planned projects that have a deadline of being finished this year, so hopefully it will all be counted out.  My grandson also helped pick out some of the fabrics for some I-spy quilts that he is going to help make, so he can be blamed for 2 metres of it! We made a little book of 5" squares for him to take home (so he didn't take home all the fat 1/8's I bought!).  He was so proud of his selections, but of course I forgot to take a picture before putting away those fabrics!

These flannels are for Christmas pyjamas at the end of this year - talk about planning ahead!

Some Michael Miller (I already have the coordinating Owl print) for a Christmas quilt, and fabric for 2 of the 6 pillowcases I make every Christmas.

The only piece of fabric I bought was this brown and cream print - its bolls of cotton!  It would be perfect if I decide to make Bonnie Hunter's Roll, Roll, Cotton Boll! Now hopefully, I can stay out of the stores for a few months.

I do have one finish, sort of.  I've taken a break from finishing the binding on this table runner tonight for my daughter, Sarah. It's also one of my UFOs for January, so I am happy to have a finish in the first week of the year!

Almost done sewing for Christmas!

 

I'm getting closer!  Today I found the perfect finish for the curtains I made Zoey.

 

 

 

Pardon the colour - it is getting late!  I was looking for dragonfly buttons but had no luck - then I found these in the dollar store:

 

 

 

Plastic rings for childrens' birthday goodie bags - all I had to do was slip them on the tab tassels and voila!  A cute finish - and all my daughter has to do is slip them off for washing.

 

 

Then I made a little bonus that I'm going to deliver tomorrow.  My daughter found an adorable rocking chair with an attached cradle at a garage sale and has painted it white for Zoey for Christmas.  I whipped up a mattress and pillow:

 

 

I was challenged by the sloping sides of the cradle but with careful marking and an electic knife, I was able to cut the perfect size mattress.  I used the leftovers from the backing of her quilt to cover it, then made a muslin pillow.  I'm saving the little pillowcase to add to this gift from me Christmas morning.

 

 

Also pieced from scraps is the back:

 

 

She's starting to play with dolls, so I'm sure she will be thrilled!

 

Once I'm finished quilting this I only have one small thing left to make for Christmas!