STASH REDUCTION PROGRAM

Design Wall Monday, February 20, 2012

2012-02-20T09:16:00.000-08:00

I have not done much sewing the past few weeks so there is nothing on my design wall. I did however, get some photos of a quilt I made (put together) in 2000.

My first quilt group experience was a little neighborhood group of 8 women. We pretty much followed the lead on one woman; sometimes that was a good thing and unfortunately when it was not a good thing, it was a very bad thing. Oh well, human nature and all that. The group did get me much more interested in quilting and for that I am thankful.

Once a quater, we did a fabric challenge block. Luckily several of us made 2 blocks so there were almost always 12 blocks made. Each time a different person "won" the quilt. Here is mine. There were so many unique blocks. Two used doilies, one used hand dyed fabric, one was hand pieced and one was a color wash and appliquéd block. My photos don't do it justice.

I put the blocks together with a lattice sashing that I found in a Judy Martin book.

I don't see these woman any more and I cherish this quilt for each of them-even the bossy one!

Stash Report February19, 2012

2012-02-19T10:33:00.000-08:00

It is a grey day here in Phoenix, pretty unusual for us. A good day to curl up with Patchwork Times and all the stash reports. I made some big changes- great material but sure not great numbers for my report.

My friend, Mary and I went to 3 Dudes Quilt Shop and I was ambushed by these fabrics. They are Studio E Retro Boho fabrics. I NEED to make a baby quilt and these just looked so bright and happy. Now that I look at them again, I wish I'd bought some of the rest of the line-but really now! I'm also glad I didn't get any more. The photo does not show them to their full advantage.

Used this Week: 0 yards
Used year to Date: 6 1/6 yards
Added this Week: 7 yards
Added Year to Date: 9 yards
Net Used for 2012: -4 5/6 yards

I need to get back to sewing to offset this increase. I just need a pattern or idea to make this baby quilt happen.

I also did get some knitting done and these are such HOT socks! The yarn is from Knit Picks and it is called Juice Box.

Check out the other stash reports.

Stash Report February 5, 2012

2012-02-05T11:59:00.000-08:00

There was very little sewing this week. I did make a sleeve for a small rug that we received as a gift from the owner of the restaurant we frequent here in Puerto Penasco, Mexico. Flavio is a good and generous man.

Now the PVC pipe needs to be trimmed and the rug is ready to hang. It is bright and fun.

So, I used about 1/6th of a yard to make this sleeve from my bolt of muslin. Not much use be still a positive.

Used this Week: 1/6 yards
Used year to Date: 6 1/6 yards
Added this Week: yards
Added Year to Date: 2 yards
Net Used for 2012: 4 1/6 yards

I also finished these new socks. This is Twinkle Lights from play at life fiber arts on ETSY. They were a little difficult to knit because of the black background of the yarn. I needed to make sure I had plenty of good light when I was knitting at night.

Thanks for looking. Check out the other stash reports on Patchwork Times.

Design Wall Monday, January 30, 2012

2012-01-30T14:39:00.000-08:00

Where did January go? I put this top together using some FQ's that I purchased on Quilter's Flea Market and some stripes and pieces I had on hand. One of my quilting friends was working on a similar quilt block at our last retreat. She found the idea on a Missouri Star tutorial of a technique developed right here in Phoenix at the 3 Dudes Quilt Shop. Here is the tutorial site.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5Ixvjje310&feature=youtube_gdata_player

I am going to add several borders to enlarge this top. It is for a tween who loves purple.

I just put the blocks together in the same orientation. Two of my friends who used this technique put the blocks together in a different manner. I will try to get photos of all three to show you.

Check out the other design walls at Patchwork Place

Stash Report January 28, 2012

2012-01-29T15:20:00.000-08:00

Here is my last stash report for the month of January. I haven't done much busting this month but I haven't acquired much either. No buying or sewing again this week so my report is unchanged. I am still ahead with 4 yards used.

I like to include a photo if possible each post. I made this log cabin quilt at least 10 years ago for a dear friend who is just a memory now. The quilt is made from old jeans and bandana fabric. The lovely models are my niece and an unflattering shot of me!

Design Wall Monday, January 23, 2012

2012-01-23T15:13:00.000-08:00

Although time is flying by, this is a longggg month-still another design wall Monday after this one.

As I mentioned yesterday, I haven't been sewing this week. That is not actually completely true. I did mend my husband's nail apron so he could help a neighbor put on a new roof.

I have been fighting a cold and spending my time catching up on DVR TV programs and my knitting. I am really hooked on Downton Abbey on PBS. It is a sort of a continuation of Upstairs/Downstairs, which I have not seen. I will have to search for that one.

Anyway, I finished a pair of socks and started another pair.

The first sock is made with stroll yarn from KnitPicks and is called juice box. The one I am working on now is Damselfly yarn from ETSY. It is called Rainbow Unicorn Farts! I just love the name and if you click on the photo and enlarge it, you can see little silver threads too.

Check out the other design walls over at Patchwork Times.

Stash Report 1/22/12

2012-01-22T10:35:00.000-08:00

DH and I are in Puerto Penasco, Mexico where we are lucky enough to have a little trailer in an old run down trailer park on the beach. It is so nice here and we have many good friends here now from Canada, California and Nevada. It is the time of year we look forward to since we only see these folks once a year.

So, no purchases and no sewing. I do have an old sewing machine here but usually only do mending and other necessary sewing. If I really plan to sew then I bring down my featherweight.

My DH found this little (very heavy) gem in a Thrift store. The bobbin case was missing. This was before I knew my way around a computer or things like Ebay. We paid more for the replacement bobbin case then we did for the machine. It is all original and even the book is still there. It runs well but is not as smooth as my Featherweight. I probably need to have it serviced.

Design Wall Monday, January 16, 2012

2012-01-16T17:14:00.000-08:00

I have shown this quilt top before but it is finally a quilt! I just got it back from the quilter. My friend, Sharon, does awesome work.

I am working on the binding and the label to finish it up.

This is Gallantly Streaming by Cozy Quilts.

Check out the other design walls at Patchwork Times.

2012 Stash Report #2

2012-01-14T21:07:00.000-08:00

This has been a good week stash wise. I purchased 1/4 yard of orange sateen for my drink block swap. I used 4 yards in making the blocks. We traded some at our meeting Friday night but 2 of my friends have not finished theirs. I will show them later. They are all great and some are very inventive.

Used this Week: 4 yards
Used year to Date: 6 yards
Added this Week: 1/4 yards
Added Year to Date: 2 yards
Net Used for 2012: 4 yards

I like to include some photos in each post so here are some older quilts that I did before I began this blog. They are both QOV donations. The quilt above was Judy's pattern from Patchwork Times from 2010 (I think). Judy quilted and bound it before it was donated.

This one was made from a Cozy Quilts strip pattern but I arranged the blocks in my own design.

I know QOV is always looking for more quilts and I hope to get several made for them this year.

2012 Design Wall Monday #2

2012-01-09T17:41:00.000-08:00

I must remember to take my photos in the daylight. These are not well colored.

I was sitting here enjoying browsing all the postings when I realized I had not made one!

I finished 2 pairs of socks this week. The purple pair is for me. I used a very simple pattern and the various purple shades in the sock yarn look great. The yarn is purplepalooza from Grant Creek Yarns that I purchased on ETSY. I made the variegated ones for a friend of mine to celebrate her 5 year anniversary of being free of breast cancer. I am a little disappointed with the pooling of the colors but they certainly are bright and cheery. The yarn came from KnitPicks.

I am working on a block swap with my small group of quilting buddies. We got the wild idea to swap drink blocks. I have had since last June to work on these and the deadline has been extended twice (it started out as September). I really do know better then to procrastinate BUT...

These are 2 sample blocks. I need to put caps on the bottles-I have a sateen orange which compliments the batik margarita mix in the bottle. I used tulle over all the green parts on the right bottle and it dulled the green too much. Funny since the tulle is nice and shiny with a gold hint to it. The left bottle, I only used the tulle over the background for the neck of the bottle. I cross stitched the labels for the bottles-you can see I had good intentions to get this done in 2011! So now I need to make 12 blocks for the swap by Friday evening-I best hit the machine first thing tomorrow and get it done!

Thanks for checking in with me and Judy at Patchwork Times.

2012 Stash Report #2

2012-01-08T15:48:00.000-08:00

I received some fabric from The Fat Quarter Shop-a sale I couldn't resist. I bought this wine themed fabric for a shopping bag. It will probably be a gift for someone.

The stripe fabric is a little more then 1/2 yard, lets say 2/3 yard and the cork fabric is 1 yard.

Used this Week: 0 yards
Used year to Date: 2 yards
Added this Week: 1 2/3 yards
Added Year to Date: 1 2/3/ yards
Net Used for 2012: 1/3 yards

Well, I'm still ahead in the fabric used department. I am working on blocks for a swap and they are due on Friday so I will have that fabric out for next week.

I also bought several patterns from Quilt Designs by Lori Smith. These patterns are for the blocks I plan on doing with Jo's Country Junction. Check them out if you are interested in small projects especially designed to use scraps. I bought the 3 patterns needed to follow this project all years. Lori was held up in sending me the patterns. She let me know there would be a slight delay and she sent me the pattern Fit To Frame for free for my patience-that was so nice.

Check out the other stash reports at Patchwork Times.

Design Wall Monday #1 2012

2012-01-01T18:04:00.000-08:00

I am currently away from home and my design wall. But, I wanted to start off the year on the right foot since I've missed so many posts late in 2011.

I made this quilt late last year as a house warming gift for our good friends. They are very conservative color wise and I used a paint chip the color of one wall in their living room.

Isn't the quilting great? My friend Tammy does such good work both in the designing and quilting.

Check out the other design walls at Judy L's

Stash Report #1 2012

2012-01-01T12:38:00.000-08:00

I have been out of blog land for a while but I have been checking in and reading the reports through July L's site. I have missed reporting and find the first day of a new year a good time to resume reporting.

This past week, I have been working on a blue double Irish Chain quilt from 2 1/2" strips and some light blue marble fabric. I estimate that I have used 2 yards of fabric so far. The blocks I have made aren't enough for a small lap quilt. I need to decide if I will make more blocks or use several borders to increase the size of the top.

I have not purchased any fabric this week. So for the first report of the year I am 2 yards to the GOOD! I hope it can stay that way but will wait and see.

Check out the other stash reports over at Judy L's.

Stash Report 9/18/2011

2011-09-18T14:58:00.000-07:00

I had a few purchases this week but nothing to count out. I have done some odds and ends of sewing but nothing can be counted. I started doing crumb blocks along with Jo at Country Junction. You can use the Crumbling Along button to check out and maybe even join in.

I hadn't made any crumb blocks and have only been saving "crumbs" for a short period of time. I think it will be addicting.

I purchased some fabric this week, all with intended use:

The first three fabrics are for a block swap. My friends at Friday Night Quilters are swapping cocktail blocks. My blocks are not fully planned yet and I have until the second Friday in November so it is way too soon to panic. One of the husbands calls us a drinking group with a quilting problem!

I also purchased the red fabric to go with those hunky firemen. It took me a long time to find the firemen fabric and I was recently successful in finding it on ETSY. I am making a pillowcase for a friend. Hopefully that will get done early next week.

Stash report

Used this week: nada
Used year to date: 23 3/4 yards
Added this week: 3 3/4 yards
Added year to date: 45 1/2 yards
Net added: 15 1/2 yards

Check out the rest of the reports at Patchwork Times

Crumbling Along Step 1

2011-09-14T14:33:00.000-07:00

Wow, this looked so easy! I think I was over thinking the whole thing. The 2 blocks I made are neat-I like it but oh, I struggled. I only put out a few scraps and so I was trying to manipulate them too much. At least I think that was the problem.

I am also concerned that after trimming the blocks, I have some very thin pieces and seam allowances too close to the edge of the blocks. I'll have to watch that in the future.

Come join us Crumbling Along with Jo. See the button on the left.

9-11 a day we all remember

2011-09-11T18:58:00.000-07:00

It has been a sad and reflective day but full of hope for the future as well. I know this event touched all your lives and hopefully we are all better people for it.

I have not had a stash report for ages. I have sort of lost track and need to review and recalculate. Last Sunday when I was reading the stash reports I had a DUH moment. This summer while we were away, I was collecting shirts from thrift stores to use for my niece's wedding quilt and for other quilts. The prices were so much better in small towns then here in Phoenix.

Anyway, I was merrily collecting away, never thinking that I was adding to my stash-that's the DUH part. I guess I'll go over the piles when I'm finished dismantling the shirts and estimate what I have added!!!

I am working on another quilt top for the Linus Project. The material was all provided and I did not count it as part of my stash so I can't count it out either. It is based on a cute animal print and was a very easy pattern.

I am so glad everyone continues to make posts. Even tho I was unable to post while we were away, I still enjoyed reading the posts.

Design Wall Monday September 5th

2011-09-05T08:43:00.000-07:00

I have not been posting for a while but I have kept up on all the other posts. I would really miss not have access to Judy L's site! I have been using RVWiFi while we were up north in cooler country for the summer. Unfortunately I was unable to load photos for this blog after the system was repaired (after a lightening strike).

I pieced this little quilt on quick trips home and it is at the quilter's now. I'm hoping to have it back and bound before the next design wall. It is a baby quilt for my neighbor's latest grandson. I don't have the magazine handy to reference the pattern but I will include that in next Monday's report.

Check out the rest of the reports today.

Stash report 7/17/2011

2011-07-17T21:34:00.000-07:00

I did a little sewing but not as much as I had planned. We spent one day at a motel while we were waiting for our new (in October) AC to be repaired so that day was lost. Then we spent most of several days looking for a new (actually nearly new) car to replace mine which was stolen a few weeks ago. No luck there either.

It was so good to get in the sewing room on Thursday and zone out piecing a new top and listening to a book on CD. I did put the borders on the blue/yellow and green quilt. No photos yet though.

Used this week: 21"-lets say 1/2 yard
Used year to date: 23 3/4 yards
Added this week: 0 yards
Added year to date: 41 3/4 yards
Net added: 11 3/4 yards

Moose tracks is back from the quilter. She did an outstanding job. I have the binding machine stitched on the front and need to hand sew it on the back. I need to come up with a name too. Maybe-bright lights?

I have tried and tried but for some reason I ca't download the photos I wanted to share. I'll try again tomorrow.

Design Wall Monday July 11th

2011-07-11T10:40:00.000-07:00

How fast time flies when you're having fun. I thought I would be further along with my annual quilting goals but heck, I like what I have done so far. And! best of all, I have enjoyed doing it.

I plan to add the borders to my yellow/blue/green quilt top today. It will be a plain 3" border of the same material I used for the sashing-Krystal by Michael Miller.

Any ideas for a name??? This top is based on Bonnie Hunter's Star Struck pattern.

stash report 7/10/2011

2011-07-10T20:03:00.000-07:00

I am almost finished with my blue/yellow and green quilt. I need to add the borders and the top is done. I used 15 fat quarters from my stash and added 3 fat quarters and 3 half yards for the blocks. I will count the sashing after I finish the borders. I did not purchase or order any fabric this week.

Used this week: 6 yards
Used year to date: 23 1/4 yards
Added this week: 0 yards
Added year to date: 41 3/4 yards
Net added: 12 1/4 yards (corrected figure)

I showed my Ladybug Hugs quilt in the past. Here are the latest shots:

This is little Julia, my new grand niece. She was born in early May. Doesn't she compliment my quilt?

Design Wall Monday July 4th

2011-07-04T11:14:00.000-07:00

Somehow today seems like another Sunday here. I guess it will be another lazy day. It is so hot here and the humidity is up-hopefully we will get some much needed rain.

I feel like I should be working on a red, white and blue quilt today but I'm continuing work on my blue/yellow/green quilt. Over half of the stars are sewn and the sashing is cut. I'm very happy with the scrappy outcome. I did not really rearrange the pieces much so I have a very, very random look. I don't think I will add any other borders but there are lots of left over bits and pieces so time will tell.

I'm looking forward to fireworks tonight and time to be thankful for our freedoms. I am grateful to all who helped us obtain our freedom and maintain it.

Sunday Stash Report 7/3/2011

2011-07-03T11:00:00.000-07:00

I am still working on my yellow/blue/green scrappy quilt. I decided that I did not have enough light fabrics for this top. My stash is decidedly slim on lights. So, off to my LQS for some shopping. My LQS is moving after 35 years in business in one location. Well, actually they started as a Sew and Vac store and over time expanded and expanded to fabric. patterns, books and classes. Unfortunately, the store is dark and crowded. I am looking forward to their new bigger and brighter location. They have been having some great sales too.

The top photo is the new fabric and the bottom is some of the fabric I already had.

Here is a look at the top. Hopefully there will be lots more for Design Wall Monday.

Stash Report

Used this week: not counting this yet
Used year to date: 17 1/4 yards
Added this week: 6 yards
Added year to date: 41 3/4 yards
Net added: 18 1/4 yards (corrected figure)

Design Wall Monday June 27, 2011

2011-06-27T13:20:00.000-07:00

I have been working on a pattern from Bonnie K. Hunter called Star Struck. It is available for free at her Quiltville.com website. It is a great scrap pattern for lights and darks. I started with 15 FQ's in blue, yellow and green. I added a few other pieces to it and just started cutting. I can see that It would have helped to have more lights but I just am working with what I have on hand.

I have lots more to sew together and then the rearranging will begin. I am going to try Gina-Marie's hint from her post this morning on Patchwork Times. I will print a photo in black and white to help with the positioning. Thanks, Gina-Marie. I think I will separate these blocks with dark blue sashing.

Here is a blue, yellow and white quilt I did many years ago. It was primarily Daisy Kingdom Fabric with others added in. My friend Sharon did an awesome job of quilting this and she was just starting out in business. The quilt is named Blue Skies and Sunshine and I asked her to quilt a sun and it's rays on the quilt. If you enlarge the photo you can see the quilting. This was the first quilt I submitted for our Arizona Quilters Guild show.

I cross stitch all my labels and try to add an appropriate saying to my gift quilts as well.

Stash report 6/26/2011

2011-06-26T10:31:00.000-07:00

I have been doing lots of cutting and piecing but no fabric is ready to be counted out for my stash report. It has been very hot here and there has been some new added stress in my life (which I'm not going to detail) but as a result, I have had lots of quality time in the sewing room. Hopefully I will have some design wall stuff to report tomorrow.

I purchased these FQ bundles from a quilter who was de-stashing. I saw them on the yahoo site: Sew its for sale. The photo of the plaid Christmas fabric is not very good-sorry about that. These bundles should make some real nice quickie quilts for donation or possibly keepers.

Used this week 0
Used year to date 17 1/4 yards
Added this week 8 yards
Added this year 35 3/4 yards

Net added 8 1/2 yards

Design Wall Monday June 6, 2011

2011-06-06T20:30:00.000-07:00

I am working on another Linus Project quilt from a kit put together from a friend's stash. This is the 4th one I have worked on and others in the group have made quite a few as well. My friend's stash should be dwindling but I suspect it is not!

This will be a cute little quilt with the additional of several borders.

Check out the other design wall posts.

Stash report 6/5/2011

2011-06-05T15:08:00.000-07:00

Barely in the black!

My quilting friend, Mary and I visited the 3 Dudes Quilt Shop for their Memorial Day Sale. All fabric was 30% off-that's a big deal. I bought a 1/4 yard piece of pale yellow Fairy Frost for the moon in a banner I am planning to make. I also bought 5 great batiks for a baby boy quilt.

I tried a couple of photos but they aren't rue colors-better luck next time. The first photo is the closest.

I used 6 yards for backing my Moose Tracks quilt which is already at the quilters.

Stash report

Used this week: 6 yards
Used Year to date: 29 1/4 yards
Added this week: 7 3/4 yards
Added this year: 27 3/4 yards

Net Used: 1 1/2 yards

May UFO

2011-06-01T14:19:00.000-07:00

I finally finished a UFO that was listed as part of Judy L's UFO Challenge for 2011. Although the photo shows the binding isn't complete, I did finish it after the picture was taken.

This pattern is Organized Chaos from Cozy Quilts. It is one of their strip club patterns. Our local shop had a monthly strip club for a while several years ago. I really liked the patterns and did most of them. This top was finished and so was the backing and binding. It only needed to be quilted. My friend Tammy Baldi is a wonderful longarmer and she did a fine job on this quilt.

This quilt is being donated to Hospice of the Valley for one of their inpatient beds. They were such a big help to my husband and I when my Mom was so ill 2 years ago.

Check out how others did at Judy's site.

Design Wall Monday May30, 2011

2011-05-30T17:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Memorial Day-remember to remember all those who sacrificed so we could have the freedoms we enjoy (often without thought).

My quilting friend Mary and I went to a LQS for their big 30% off sale. It was on all 1 yard cuts, not just a single item. The shop is on the other side of town so it was a little field trip for us. Living in the Phoenix area has so many benefits-and lots of independent quilt shops and several Joann's to choose from. We are spoiled.

I picked up some wonderful batiks for a baby boy quilt and will be working on that this week so the yardage won't stay in my stash long.

This pattern is Moose Tracks. I have misplaced the pattern and can't give you the designer right now. It is a UFO that I need to put a backing together. Then off to the quilter it goes.

Check ou the rest of the design wall posts too.

Stash report 5/29/2011

2011-05-29T10:26:00.000-07:00

After my first report in the black last week, I have moved back over to the red.

I bought backing material for 2 quilts (part of which I used) and 3 fat quarters and 2 fat eights.

I bought the blue tone on tone from the Quilts of Valor line to add to the blue and red print that I already had. This is the backing for my Gallantly Streaming Quilt. This quilt was delivered to the quilter on Friday. She will have it a while as she is planning some long trips this summer. But she does such a marvelous job that the wait is always worth it. Do You like the piecing? It reminds me of zipper teeth.

I bought 2 fat eights of this little lady bug print. It was all my LQS had and it was so cute. It is actually more red tha n orange. I have a feeling I will be making more ladybug stuff for my new great niece. I got her quilt back from the quilter yesterday and will get the binding on and label made-hopefully for design wall post tomorrow.

I also bought this turquoise Krystal to go with the polka dots that I already had. It will make that backing for another UFO. Somehow, the FQ's I bought have disappeared. I'm sure they are lurking about somewhere.

Stash report

Used this week: 6 yards (backing and binding)
Used Year to date: 23 1/4 yards
Added this week: 7 yards
Added this year: 20 yards

Net Used: 3 1/4 yards

Hey!!! I'm still in the black-what a surprise. I guess I forgot to count the backing material I used this week that I already had.

Design Wall Monday May23, 2011

2011-05-23T19:33:00.000-07:00

I am trying to move some of my quilt tops into the finished quilt stage. I made this little top from Atkinson's Yellow Brick Road pattern 3 or 4 years ago. Yesterday I pieced the backing shown in the third picture.

I have the backing material for another finished top. This is Gallantly Streaming, one of the strip quilt patterns from the Cozy Quilt Shop. The backing material is dark red and dark blue so I will be washing it tomorrow before I make the backing.

Today, my husband pointed out that one of my points is going in the wrong direction. Oh well, I think I will just leave it that way.

Check out the rest of the design walls at Judy L's site.

Stash report 5/22/2011

2011-05-22T21:58:00.000-07:00

Yippee!!! No new fabric and enough usage to put me in the black for the first time this year.

Used this week...5 1/2 yards
Used year to date...17 1/4 yards
added this week...0 yards
added this year 13 yards

Net used...4 1/4 yards

The colors aren't quite true in this photo. I'll get a better photo in the daylight. This is the back for a yellow brick road pattern quilt from Atkinson Design. It is one of my favorite quickie quilts.

design Wall Monday May16, 2011

2011-05-16T13:09:00.000-07:00

Another week has sped by; where does it go?

I finished the Linus Project quilt top that I was making from some donated material. I think it is a little 3 yard kit from Fabric Cafe. It is nice and bright and happy. It was quick and easy.

Check out the other design walls at Patchwork Quilts.

Design Wall Monday May 9, 2011

2011-05-09T13:01:00.000-07:00

My design wall is empty today but I wanted to show off these "old" quilts.

My small group of quilting friends exchanged strips several years ago and we all made log cabin quilts. Amazing how many different looks resulted. I do not have photos of the others but I will try to get them on my computer so I can share them with you. We all put our quilts in the Arizona Quilters Guild show and it was so cool seeing them all hanging togethers!

The quilting was done by my friend, Sharon Brooks. Her work is outstanding and I'm so glad she is a friend and quilting buddy.

This next quilt is very similar. The strip swap was repeated with a guild chapter I belonged to at the time. Sharon Brooks quilted this one as well using designs you may recognize. I can't remember the designer off hand but will check it out and acknowledge her later.

I made this quilt for my Mom.

Check out the other design walls on Judy L's site.

Stash report 5/8/2011

2011-05-08T14:05:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all my quilting buddies.

I got the backing assembled for my Ladybug Hugs Quilt and it is at the quilters. My new great niece was born on May 3rd and of course, she is just gorgeous. Her name is Julia and she looks just like her 3 year old brother, RJ.

I have already made the binding and cut the remaining fabric up for my scrap collection. I have even used some pieces in my current leader and ender project.

Used this week...5 yards
Used year to date...11 3/4 yards
added this week...0 yards
added this year 13 yards

Net gained...2 1/4 yards

I have started another Linus Project Quilt from a friends contributed stash. I won't count the yardage as it will all be used this week. Here's a peak at the blocks and backing material.

Check out the other stash reports on Judy L's site.

Design Wall Monday

2011-04-25T14:04:00.000-07:00

Ode to Scraps

I have wanted to get involved in scrap quilting for a long time. I have played with it on and off. I had heard of leaders and enders quite a while ago at a guild meeting. It made sense and I tried it a little but mostly tried to plan my planned quits so I could use those pieces as leaders and enders.

Several years ago, some quilt buddies and I took a Scrap Theory class. I even bought the "special" ruler. After getting home and starting to cut my scraps into useable pieces, I realized that the theory used different sizes then the standard 2 1/2" etc. The scraps sizes would work the same in that they played well with each other, but they did not easily equate to the usual pattern sizes. I don't mind occasionally doing the math but not for each and every quilt. Anyway, I sort of abandoned cutting up my scraps.

I did have lots of 2 1/2" strips from several swaps I took part in. The strips mostly resulted in log cabin quilts-easy to do, great looking but been there, done that!

So, after reading all these blogs through Judy L's Patchwork Times, I have once again caught the scrap bug and this time I am going to follow through on it. I got out some of my scrap related books and patterns and even bought Bonnie K. Hunter's books. So, my research is done and I'm doing it!!!!!!

This UFO is about 5 years old. It is a Debbie Caffrey worms pattern. Our small group was working on it at a retreat. So, now it will be a leader/ender project.

I have started cutting into my 2 1/2" strips (for a few squares) and my stash-about an hour a day. I feel so good about what I have accomplished and where this is going.

Thank you all for your inspiration and your ideas. I just love this little corner of blog land!

stash report 4/24/2011

2011-04-24T14:06:00.000-07:00

We are having a lovely day here especially for all those who celebrate Easter. The little ones in the house next to us were out early hunting for eggs. They were so cute.

My stash report is pretty boring- all that came in went out again.

Some of my quilting buds decided to make quilts for the Linus project. Kathy decided to bust her stash big time and donated gobs of fabric. A group of quilters and friends got together for sewing, partying and kit making. I sure missed a good time. I did wind up with 2 of the kits. Here are the results.

The last photo is the pieced backing for the quilt above it. Aren't they so cheery. I hope they will make some child's day easier.

Design Wall Monday April 4th, 2011

2011-04-04T12:26:00.000-07:00

Here is my UFO # 4 from Judy's UFO challenge for this year. I have not gotten very far on working on the UFO's. I am still working on the one for January but wanted to get to this one as well. The one for January is in the quilting phase and that is not going well.

My UFO for this month is a double wedding ring wall hanging from the early 1980's. Yikes. I had most of it together and then decided to improve my piecing and took most of it apart. All the melons are done and I think there are 3 almost complete circles. Anyway, it will get done this time!!!!!

The colors aren't quite as faded as they appear in the photo.

Lucky me-I have a new sewing table. My machine isn't in the table in this photo since I couldn't wait for my husband to adjust the platform before I took the photo. I'm looking forward to may happy hours using this table.

Stash Report 4/3/2011

2011-04-03T10:55:00.000-07:00

Quiet week here but I did get some sewing done. A quilting friend gave me a small kit. I put it together as something simple and mindless to get back into sewing. It was almost too mindless as I did not turn the blocks correctly and wound up with some colors not evenly distributed. Sigh. Oh well. Maybe I'll fix it any maybe I won't. This little piece is nice a bright but so far it has no home.

I am not counting this fabric in my stash.

I have some Moda Rites of Spring fabric that I purchased in Panguitch Utah at the Scrappy Appleyard Quilt Shop many years ago. It was to make a lap quilt for our RV. The colors were perfect but I never got around to it. Now we have a newly painted master bedroom and remodeled bath. The bathroom is black, white and grey. I bought some chili colored towels-actually more a brick color. The red in the Rites of Spring line matches the towels perfectly and I want to use that fabric now to make a quilt for our bed. Its the fabric in the lower left corner. Unfortunately I only have a FQ.

These are the pieces I had. I found a charm pack on the internet and I bought this yardage at my LQS yesterday.

The solids that I found are a pretty good match.

I would really like to have the other reds from the original fabric line but haven't found any on the internet. If any of you have some of this fabric that you would be interested in selling please let me know.

I haven't picked a pattern yet for the new quilt but I know it will be scrappy in appearance.

Used this week...0
Used year to date...6 3/4 yards
added this week...2 yards
added this year 13 yards

Net gained...6 3/4 yards

Isn't spring great!

2011-03-26T20:48:00.000-07:00

Here in Arizona we don't really see much change in the seasons. The weather has seemed more drastic at times the last few years. I do miss the seasonal changes especially the spring. I am lucky enough to have several orange and grapefruit trees so we do get great flowers and a wonderful scent.

Surprisingly I do have a lilac-not a plant you generally see in Phoenix. It took me years of babying it-over 20 years in fact. This is the result:

I am so happy that a few days a year, I get to enjoy lilacs and their wonderful scent. I have a lot to be thankful for.

Design Wall Monday March 21, 2011

2011-03-21T13:16:00.000-07:00

My design wall is finally back up-at least temporarily. It is in fact, always temporary. I have a large laundry room/office/pantry and that is where my design wall gets put up. It is over some storage cabinets. It is a really nice location because I can get back quite a way to get a good look at my project.

See the pole attached to the cabinet near the ceiling. I just take the pole and slip it through a sleeve sewn into a flannel table cloth. It is slick-great thinking on Hubby's part.

Here is my Ladybug Hugs quilt (again) on the design wall. I need to embroider the face and antennae so it is ready to be quilted. Oh, yeah and piece the back.

My MIL gave me this thread chest. It is old but not REAL old. Look at all those wooden spools.

Stash REPORT 3/20/2010

2011-03-20T19:20:00.000-07:00

I wasn't going to do a report this week as there was nothing in or out this week. No real sewing, just some mending. Then I remembered that I made a few star blocks for Just One Star. Moda is asking for donations of star blocks for Quilts of Valor. Check out their site and participate.

Here are my stars on my recently rehung design wall. Each stars takes about one fat eight.

And I made another snap purse from Stitchin' Sister's pattern. This one is for my MIL.

So:

No fabric in
3/4 yard out
Year to date in 11 yards
Year to date out 6 3/4 yards.

Check out the other stash reports at Patchwork Times.

Design Wall Monday March14, 2011

2011-03-14T10:53:00.000-07:00

My design wall has not been reinstalled yet so I am using a design key rack and door lever.

Purses are very "in" right now. I rarely carry one and if I do, it is small. However, I just love all the new designs and the fabric combinations. Have you seen SNAP HAPPY! by Stitchin' Sisters. It is a fun little purse. It comes in 3 sizes and you will never guess what keeps snaps it closed and keeps it shut. I made several this past weekend at retreat.

The orange/black combination was made from 2 fat quarters. The small one was from scraps.

See the secret ingredient? It is a piece of cheap tape measure. You can find them for 99 cents at the 99 Cents only store. Don't use a "good" as they are too stiff. You just pull on the prairie points to open the bag.

I also finished up 2 grocery sacks which are a gifs for a friend. I used Oak Street's pattern Fold-N-Go Green Grocery Bag. The bags are fully lined and the bag is a little complicated to make but the pattern instructions and pictures are very helpful.

They also have a small wine carrier that has 4 compartments. I made one a while ago for a gift and forgot to take a photo-it was much more complicated to make.

Be sure to check out the other design walls.

STASH REPORT 3/13/2011

2011-03-13T13:50:00.000-07:00

It has been a quiet week for sewing. The Arizona Quilt Guild show was this past weekend and I fondled almost every fabric that was available but I resisted purchasing any. I'm so proud. The show was awesome, as usual. Our guild works hard to make this event a success every year.

Nothing in and 6 yards out!!!!!!!!! Last weekend, our small quilt group attended a retreat at Quilting on the Rim in Linden, AZ. We had an awesome time. I managed to get a quilt top done and a few little bags made. Photos tomorrow.

I have finally got most of the unpacking done in the house so it is time to unpack and organize the sewing room. Unfortunately, these were the last boxes packed and they were packed in a hurry. The worst part is they were packed by my husband so I have no clue about what is any box. It is like Christmas-all surprises but no organization!

It looks like a mess but it is actually coming together. You can see that my machine is set up already. I tried to sneak in a little sewing but in my rush, I broke my last available needle. So far, I have unpacked 5 boxes and no sign of a needle anywhere. I have tons of needles so I refuse to buy any now. It surely gives me motivation for unpacking the rest.

Be sure to check out everyone else's stash report.

Now I did it!

2011-03-08T09:16:00.000-08:00

When we planned our home re-model, I wanted to upgrade from the old battery operated smoke alarms to ones that were hard wired in series. Hubby did not want to do that but I insisted. So, now we have alarms in every bedroom and hall way. Before we had only 2 alarms.

When the electrician put them in, I noticed that the one in the sewing room was right over the place my iron sits-can you see where this is going? I pointed it out to Hubby. He said the iron wouldn't set the alarm off.

HaHa! This morning, I turned on the iron and went into the bathroom to brush my teeth. Alarms all over the house started shreeking. We had no idea how to stop them. I did put on the ceiling fan and they stopped.

How is this my fault???????

This quilt was made by a Mother and Daughter in my group. The dark border is much nicer in person. This was a quilt from one of M'Liss Rae Hawley's books.

Design Wall Monday March 7, 2011

2011-03-07T13:28:00.000-08:00

I was lucky enough to attend a retreat from Thursday to Sunday (yesterday) at Quilting on the Rim in Linden AZ. What a great place and what a great group I belong to.

Here are two photos of the quilt top I worked on. It is called Ladybug Hugs from Quilt Soup. I need to embroider the ladybugs faces and antennae and piece the backing and it will be ready to go to the quilter.

This quilt is for my grand niece due in early May-I'm ahead of the curve for a change.

Check out the other design walls.

Stash Report 2/27/2011

2011-02-27T13:49:00.000-08:00

Total used this week 0
Total used year to date 0
Total added this week 0
Total added year to date 11
Net gained year to date 11

I began unpacking my sewing room stuff and fondling fabric. I am dying to cut and piece and cut and piece some more. I found a PIG that will make an awesome quilt for our newly painted bedroom. I had bought the material for something else-years ago, 2006 I think but now it has a new purpose. This is Rites of Spring, Bannock and Patek for Moda.

Unfortunately, there is a whole house to unpack. The movers will be here tomorrow with the bulk of the furnishing.

Maybe some cutting as a treat later on today! I have not cut or pieced since just before Thanksgiving. I so miss it. At least I had some hand work and some knitting to keep me from going crazy.

sewing room remodel

2011-02-26T14:17:00.000-08:00

We have been remodeling and it is about finished. Today, I wiped down the surfaces in the sewing room and started thinking about how I wanted to reorganized the space. Here are the today photos:

The little figure was a Christmas gift from 2 quilting buddies-a Mother and Daughter in the group I belong to. We call ourselves Friday Night Quilters. We meet once a month in each others homes for food, quilting and fun. We have been together for almost 12 years.

We are going to a retreat next weekend so I need to get unpacking and packing for the trip.

Hopefully my design wall will be back in place shortly too.

animated musical quilting video

2011-02-24T15:08:00.000-08:00

Anna Lena's newsletter( www.annalena.com) included this website. The video is very captivating and inventive. Get a cup of tea or whatever and sit back and enjoy.

Judy

I don't usually send along links to videos, but a reader sent me this, and I just have to share. It's a film done by the National Film Board of Canada and combines quilt blocks and computer graphics to make a great visual show. I think you'll like it.
http://www.nfb.ca/film/quilt/?ec=en20110209

Stash report/Ladybug Hugs Quilt

2011-02-20T10:53:00.000-08:00

I have been out of my house and sewing room since shortly before Thanksgiving since we are remodeling. I have done a little hand sewing and a little knitting but not much else. I even resisted adding to my stash. BUT, you can only do that for so long.

Yesterday, I caved-I am going on a retreat on March 3rd and I am going to have a new Great Niece in May so...off to the LQS and 11 yards later:

I wish this photo was better colorwise. This is Lakehouse Fabric. Here is the pattern:

Isn't that just so cute?

The remodel is coming along and the contractor says we will be back in by the end of the month-I'm hopeful. My sewing room is finished-painted, new tile floors (I have a super gel mat to stand on) and the cabinets are back up. SOON!

So, I have not busted any of my stash and I have added 11 yards. Backwards but it feels great.

UFO 2011 challenge #6

2011-02-01T21:37:00.000-08:00

As I have mentioned before, I am in temporary housing and most of my quilt studio is in boxes. I did keep several UFO's handy. For January, I am working on 2 small wall hanging tops that were part of my group swap 2 years ago. I am so late!!!

I have been hand quilting the smaller top very clumsily. I used to do much better work but I can't seem to find my rythmn. I am only partially done but I will continue to work on this project as well as the new one for February.

I did manage to knit several pair of socks. This pair was made using yarn from Craftsmeow at ETSY.com. It is called Blackberry Tea and looks like denim and leather-so soft and nice to wear.

sewing room remodel

2011-01-30T20:13:00.000-08:00

I am so lucky; my house and especially my sewing room is being remodeled. Our home was built in 1970 and we have lived there since 1987. My sewing room has great cabinets and an elevated counter top that will remain unchanged. But the rest of the room is being repainted, new floors and I'm looking for a new sewing table. My old table was a great gift from my MIL and FIL shortly after we moved into the house. It has seen better days and I have passed it on to a new home.

Here are some before and during photos. I am still a month or more away from re inhabiting the room.

Before I vacated the room, I did some serious destashing. I donated my fabric to a local quilt group that does quite a lot of charity quilts. It all went to a good home.

It will be several more weeks until I can re-inhabit this room. I am so excite at the prospect.

Design Wall Monday

2011-01-03T20:14:00.000-08:00

This is my first design wall post and it is also my UFO to complete for January.

These 2 small wall hangings are from Martha Thompson's book, Square Dance. The smaller (top photo) is the left over pieces from the larger top. I am going to hand quilt both of these and maybe add some beading. I had the small one layered and in my small hoop when I discovered I did not have my quilting needles with me in the RV. They are packed away in a box in storage. I made a quick trip to Michaels for new needles. I'll get started tomorrow.

Patchwork Times UFO Challenge January

2011-01-02T12:36:00.001-08:00

My husband and I are currently living in our backyard in our RV while the house is being remodeled. I did think to put 3 UFO's in the RV. The rest are packed and will not be accessible until February or March.

The UFO I plan to complete this month is a 2 piece project. My small quilt group had a fall swap challenge in 2009. I'm the only one who didn't finish her's (embarassing). These small wall hangings are from the book Square Dance by Martha Thompson. The book was out of print for a while but there is a new one out now. It is a "neat" way to make pinwheels and have pieces left over for a second smaller top.

The smaller one at the top of the first picture is made from the scraps of the larger one.

Anyway, I'm going to hand quilt these little guys, remove them from my UFO's and get them to their new home where they are way over due.

I have also started knitting my own socks mainly due to following Judy L's site. I haven't knitted for a long time and I had not made any socks before. I love wearing crazy socks so this new hobby was made fot me. I finished these socks last night:

Good luck to all you UFO'ers on this first months' challenge.

2011 UFO Quilt Challenge from Patchwork Times

2010-12-28T20:28:00.000-08:00

I'm joining the world of blogs to participate in Judy L's 2011 UFO Challenge. I am a rookie computer user and blogger but I have been quilting for 40+ years. My first quilt was a Cathedral Window done completely by hand. My college roommate's Aunt Rose was making one and she got me started. I owe her for the joy I get from quilting.

My home is currently undergoing a major renovation. My husband and I are living in the back yard in our RV. 98% of my quilting stuff is packed and in storage and will be unavailable until sometime in February. However, I really want to participate in this challenge.

Luckily, I have 3 UFO's here in the RV so whatever number is chosen, I will start with one of them.

As with most of you, I had no trouble coming up with 12 projects to put on my list. I know there are many more but this will be a great start. I will add photos of those on hand when I fugure more out about this blog.

UFO Challenge 2011

1. Can’t See the Forest for the Trees (finish hand quilting and bind)
2. Can of Worms (a few blocks are complete)
3. Fall Quilt Swap 2009 (quilt, bind and maybe bead)
4. Double Wedding Ring wall hanging (rings 75% made)
5. Millenium BOM 2000 (add borders, quilt and bind)
6. Christmas Row by Row Challenge 1998? (rows are complete)
7. Craftmart BOM (make a few more blocks and complete quilt)
8. Mended Hearts (make more blocks and complete quilt)
9. Signature block swap (make more blocks and complete quilt)
10. Stars row by row swap (needs borders, quilting and binding)
11. Chinese coin quilt (quilt and bind)
12. Blue and Green Yellow Brick Road (quilt and bind)