2016 Winter Finishes

Besides working on a couple of quilt tops and getting them ready for the long-arm quilter, I have managed a couple of genuine finishes so far! I love the winter months sewing in the "studio".

2006 Thimbleberries' Vintage Stitches
I am so glad this is finished. It has been a good lesson on why we should not let some projects age for too long because I am not sure I even like this quilt anymore. It is completed though and I still have 12 more blocks to set into another quilt. (I chose not to make it reversible.) Maybe the next one will excite me. I am waiting for inspiration. 

Vintage Stitches back

This quilt is quite large and because of the dark colors it looks really warm, doesn't it? We will probably sleep under it a couple of times before giving it away. And if I snapped this picture earlier I would have caught my Christmas Cactus in full bloom! 

The backing fabric came with the member's kit which is a hexagon patchwork that is a "cheater cloth". I omitted this fabric on the front of the quilt as you can see, but had plenty for the backing.


Hexagon Tablerunner
There is a lot of hand quilting in this little runner. I did not add binding but folded the top and backing together and invisibly stitched them together for clean edges. She looks nice on the counter next to the Fiestaware I received from my daughter last Christmas. I'll have to keep a close eye on this. She may want to "borrow" it for her own. (grin)

No binding technique

Happy stitching! The days are getting longer!

2nd Quarter Goals for 2016

I'm loving the challenge of setting these finishing goals! These lists keep us motivated and focused, don't they? You too can link up your list with this global community of quilters at the 2016 Finish-a-long. There will be a random draw for prizes sponsored by some generous sponsors at the end of each quarter with no penalty for not finishing something on your list. How is that for incentive?

  

 

 

 

1- Blue & Green Quilt.

I really do not have any other name for this quilt. It is a completed mystery quilt from Silly Goose Quilts that I started late last fall. I created the borders with the leftovers and she finished at 91"x91". She is presently at the long-arm quilters so I will be able to get the binding and label on before the close of this next quarter. I also pieced the backing from a few larger pieces I had stashed away that were blue and green. I am so anxious for this to come home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 - Hand Pieced Mini Quilt.

This is one of my oldest of older UFOs. This was the result of a hand piecing class I took in 1993 (?). The delay in finishing this was because I could not make up my mind on what kind of border to add. I love applique and I think the borders have added a little charm. So she is finally sandwiched and I am presently hand quilting it in the evenings. The entire quilt I can say is hand sewn. Now I can finally add the leftover fabrics to my stash (minus the binding of course). She will finish at approximately 28"x28".

 

 

 

 

 

3 - Trail Mix Quilt

This project has really been fun! I love little blocks and this has plenty! All blocks are completed (see stack here) and are now ready to be assembled and sewn together in rows. I tested a temporary placement as pictured. It even has blocks from my number 1 - Blue & Green Quilt still on the design wall. With only the blocks finished, there is a lot of sewing left to do!

 

 

 

 

4 - Grand Illusion 2014

This is an uncompleted mystery quilt project from Bonnie Hunter. I do not know if this pattern is still available on her site but she has many others if you want to check her out. 

Just look at all those pieces!

  I only have 13 out of 25 blocks completed, units for sashings are ready and the border pieces are only cut out so there is a lot yet to do on this but it is possible to get her done before the end of June. At least the top anyway. This will be the fourth Bonnie Hunter quilt I have made. 

I skipped last year's mystery with her because this one was not finished but it is so beautiful! I have the directions downloaded with this on my wish list.

 

 

 

 

 

5 - Woolen Comforter

This top is finally completed after many years in storage. I found a nice flannel from Moda and am using an 80% cotton, 20% polyester Quilter's Dream batting (because it is lightweight). She is all ready to sandwich together, and will be tied and not quilted. I hope to tackle this soon as it will be a warm quilt to work on. 

 

I will be very very happy to complete these five before the end of this quarter. They are probably more than I can accomplish but it is good to aim high, right?

 

I'm looking forward to seeing your second quarter goals for the 2016 Finish-A-Long. If you haven't joined the challenge yet you can link up here. Happy stitching!

A Fresh New Year with Fresh New Insights

2015 was a fairly productive year with 9 complete finishes, several tops done and ready for quilting, and a fun project making a Mermaid Tail for my grand-daughter at Christmas. I used up 68 yards of fabric BUT I gained little ground because I went to a garage sale of a "quilty" friend and bought over 80 yards from her! She is a former quilt-shop employee, and her treasures were priced as steals, so how could I resist? Well, now I have some quilt-shop quality fabrics for backings, etc. 

My UFO management has changed this year as I have come to realize I will not live long enough to make all the quilts I want to make (sound familiar?). So some new rules to live by in 2016 are:

1. I shall be more careful about beginning new projects. I have gone through all cupboards and drawers, and have found 31 UFOs. It is time to finish or fling. I know this must be a common state for most quilters but I would like to get this number into single digits at least.
2. I shall not purchase more fabrics unless it is to finish a UFO. The reality is, there is just so much room, and no more. I need and enjoy working in a tidy and organized space so I have reached my limit. 
3. My priority list is printed and posted on the studio wall for reference and focus. Most of these projects are completed blocks that simply need assembled into a top. "Let's get this one done!" I have gone as far as stacking these priorities in pretty boxes on my trunk so I have to look at them every time I enter the room. Pinning a sample block on the wall helps too.
4. My tastes and skills are changing. New starts and new beginnings these days are quilts with applique and hand piecing, (Thanks Quiltmania). The process of completing these into tops has slowed my progress down, but these are the quilts I really want to work on. Now is the time to get the old list done and move on to some heirloom quality quilts.
5. I shall have one table-topper kit in the works each month. Can also be read as, "complete one table-topper kit each month." Yeah, I have enough for the year. These are nice quick projects for when you need a "finish fix". Nothing feels as good as that final stitch.

My design wall this month is holding one of my oldest UFOs...I think it is THE oldest - a wool comforter that was cut into squares in the 1980's. Many of these squares were cut from my school skirts. Those were the days of dress codes, remember? 

I originally planned to construct these blocks into Trip Around the World blocks set on the diagonal but because I just want to get these done, I have opted for 9-patch blocks set with sashings. Working with wool is way different than cottons. I have to clean my bobbin area after each fill up because of the lint. And nothing will lay those seams down except steam. See the difference?

I remember my mother telling me these comforters were typically backed with flannel and tied. I will definitely back it with flannel but I am not so sure about tying. Because it is wool and its heavy weight, should I use batting? Maybe a thin loft for body? 


My trail mix is coming together this month. I love how this has eaten up some of my stash. I hope it doesn't look like mud for I have used mostly scraps smaller than fat quarters. No other plan here. It just feels good to use up those odd sized pieces. These little 6 1/2" blocks are fun to piece too. So easy and so addictive. I think I have about 30 more blocks to finish.

I found an orphan block that I made during a hand piecing class in 1992. I loved that class as we learned how to hand piece Y seams and draft patterns on graph paper. This small 6" Dresden block was a leftover (so glad I kept it) so I hand quilted it, added narrow binding, and now I have a topper for my button basket. I'm charmed.

Another table-topper I accumulated somewhere (I did not make this top). I hand-quilted it so she is finished and on the gate-leg table now with my chalkware pug.

   
My name is moving up fast on the queen's list at Stashbusters. I fear I will have to pay the penalty without a finish soon. Time for some mojo to kick in. 

Hoping for a quilt-filled year.  

Two More Finishes

My Triple 9-Patch is quilted, bound, and completed! The label on the back is ready to sign along with a Scripture verse. I love to think that my grandson will read this verse and ponder its meaning as he closes his day - warm and safe in his bed. 

 





 

 
This quilt was a fun project. I loved combining the bright prints in differing combinations. The quilting includes boats and waves...which looked good on paper, but now I wish I had gone with the bubbles like Luke's Syncopation quilt...but I'm pretty sure it will look fine once it is washed and shrinks into the design more. 

This quilt finished at 67" x 89", perimeter is 312", top used 6 yards of fabric, backing - 5 yards, and binding - 1/2 yard, for a total of 11.5 yards of stash busted! Can I make the 50 yard mark? I'm nearly there!



Next is what I call my "Sherbet Quilt". The colors remind me of sherbet. This was a mystery quilt I participated in a few years ago (I forget where or I would leave a link).  Mystery quilts can sometimes be a gamble. If you do not have a good idea of how the fabrics will work together, the finish may, and can be a disappointment. 

Miss Sherbet was an unexpected finish as it was not listed on my top UFO list for finishing this year. I sent it off to the long-arm quilter because I wanted to give it as a gift this Christmas. I found a perfect recipient! This throw size quilt finished at 71" x 71", perimeter is 284". I used 5 yards for the top, 4 yards backing, and 1/2 yard for the binding. Total stash busted = 9.5 yards!


My hexagon table-topper is completed and sitting on my antique 3-legged table. I hope it does not fade as this room gets a lot of light. 

I'll call it a total of 2 yards of fabrics for the whole project. I wish I had the pattern as I would like to make another. I bought the top somewhere along my travels, so all I had to do was quilt and bind it. It even included the binding fabric. Bonus! 

I recently did an inventory of my kits and UFO's. I found several table-topper kits that I really should try to make a concentrated effort to complete. They are a nice quick "fix" when you feel the need for an "accomplishment". I'll have to include a few in our 2016 UFO Challenge. 

Please feel welcome to join us at Stashbusters if you are not already. This yahoo list is so supportive and friendly! I love the little games they play to motivate myself. Even if it is "just one thing"!  

This will probably be my next to last posting for a finish this year. Christmas sewing has absorbed the majority of my time right now. My Going to Grandma's quilt is presently at the long-arm quilter, but she should be calling me soon for pick up. 

Until next time, may all your stitches be happy ones!

Finish Along Q4 Goals

Lots of goals to reach before the end of the year which will require some serious sewing time in the sewing room. I've included a couple of carry-overs from the last quarter: (those in red are the top priorities)

1. Country Bride Quilt - Yep! She still needs to go to the quilter's.This is a carry over from last quarter. Actually, she is a carry over from 1997! 

2. Triple Four-Patch - has not come back from the long-arm quilter yet but will be done before the end of the year for sure.

3. Neutral Jelly Roll Quilt - prepped and ready to be quilted. If time allows, I may actually get this one done!

4. Twirly Triangles a.k.a. Not A Cross Word - top is completed. Not sure how I want it quilted yet but I am happy to have the top done even if it does not count as a finish here. Not a top priority but maybe I'll get lucky and find the time to finish.

5. Table Runners -  are quilted and ready for their bindings. It is always good to have a few of these ready for quick finishes and for handwork in the evenings.The first two are ready for binding. 

6. Reversible dress - I really must finish this before my darling grand-daughter outgrows the pattern! And of course, I have to make another for her American Girl doll!

7. Leah Day's Butterfly/Umbrella quilt - still working on my skills for this one but hope to have it done. It is still in chunks here on the design wall. 

8. Christmas Celebration Tree Skirt - my first effort in paper piecing. Pattern by Judy Neimeyer. An awesome experience. I would love to try another!  Soft colors because our tree decorated in white and gold with ornaments from Margaret Furlong.

9. Silly Goose Quilt Mystery 2015 -  Most likely will not get this one quilted but hope to have the top completed before 2016. I'm lovin' the colors I chose for this mystery quilt.

10. Going to Grandma's - presently in pieces with a few blocks completed.

11. Grand Illusion - So many of these were made from Bonnie Hunter's mystery 2014. My goal is to get the top completed at least - hopefully with enough time to get it to the machine quilter. I have a way to go yet as you can see.

12. Sage Butter Quilt - making for oldest daughter. Changing the colors from green and brown to red and brown.

13. Ohio State Christmas Quilt - recently purchased this kit. So cute! 

14. Garman's Medallion - plugging along on this challenging quilt. Hope to have all the Lemoyne stars completed and possibly set in before the end of the year.

I always seem to plan more than I can possibly accomplish but maybe I'll get lucky and actually do it!

Shop Hop & Free Motion Quilting

 I really do not like to shop, but I admit I have found lots of fun and enjoyment hopping around all the local quilt shops, collecting their stamps, patterns, charm squares, and entering a chance to win prizes! I went to all 12 shops this year on the Charming Quilt Shop Tour and did not win a thing! Can you say, "BUMMER!"? I did rack up some points on my waze travel app though, as well as add to my bulging stash (not such a good thing)!  I also get 10% off purchases at all 12 shops for the next year when I bring in my bag. Nice!

 


Another adventure I've been on has been by enrolling in the Leah Day, Butterfly Dance, Free-Motion Quilting Class using my domestic sewing machine. This is one of the those classes that has become a real game changer. It has opened so many new possibilities to take this craft to the next level. Practice! Practice! Practice! has become my mantra as I build skill, confidence, and speed. I never imagined I would be attempting this endeavor on my sewing machine no less!


I have made up several of these "quilt sandwiches" to practice on. Picking up a quilted mattress pad at a local garage sale recently gave me the idea to chop it up for practice sandwiches. Now there are plenty of these to work on without fretting over using what seems like wasting the good and pricey batting. Any suggestions on what to do with these blocks when finished? Insulate the attic maybe? 


I used a different motif instead of the butterfly pattern Leah uses. Because I quickly lost interest in this year's row by row experience, I had accumulated a bit of fabric from this year's theme - water, and decided to use up those fabrics on this project. Actually I did not want to start another project but since I already had these fabrics... The umbrellas were enlarged from a pattern I bought at Just Quilt It, a participating Quilt Shop from the Row by Row Experience. Don't they fit perfectly with this theme? Hopefully it will be the drive that will see me through to completion...for another finish....like in the spring of 2016! I guess that is the downside to taking classes - they generate new projects.


I think I have begun as many NEW projects as I have finished this year! Although they are all fairly simple designs, the time does add up. I must sit on my hands when Bonnie Hunter's new mystery comes out this holiday season! What keeps you on track and focused to finish?

Another machine quilting site I found helpful is the Inbox Jaunt by Lori Kennedy. Her button is also on the right. She has tutorials, patterns, and challenges! See you there!

Q3 FAL Finishes 2

It's still time to report to the Finish Along with Adrianne at On the Windy Side with high hopes to snag a win! 


This is a small finish but counts as another to be ticked off my list titled FAL Q3 Quilting Goals. 

This blue table-runner was hand-quilted in the evenings - something I love to do. Handwork is so relaxing. I could have done more but I want to move on toward more finishes. 







It was previously pictured on my post, FAL Q3 Quilting Goals, in July. I removed the corner triangles and left the ends pointed. I like it better this way.

I could imagine making more of these. Not necessarily this pattern but more "Skinny Quilts". Table runners can be fast projects and they are perfect for practicing piecing skills and innovative designs that do not take up a big investment of time and materials.

I've even begun to think about my goals for 2016. It is time to pull to the top of the list at least ONE heirloom quality item that I really dream of completing. You know, one from the bucket list! THE ONE quilt that shows my best work and the one my children will fight over. (But I want to make more than one so they don't have to fight over such silly things! - It's just all stuff, you know?)

If you'd like to read more about prioritizing your goals, check out Lori Kennedy's Quilt Notebook Series at The Inbox Jaunt.  It is time for me to rethink my priorities.

When it comes to quilting, our most limited resource is TIME…