OMG, I have just had a huge burst of inspiration!
I have as part of my monthly homework the idea of cutting out and ironing interfacing on the backs of a decade's worth of $5 flag shirts from Old Navy. I buy a couple of shirts each year at Memorial Day and wear them through Patriot Day. Face it, the red, white and blue never got out of style or season.
Anyway, I have 22 shirts. I have been trying to cut and prep them but it's dull and my cutting mat is all but dead. I did buy a new mat yesterday, as they were on sale. So there's one problem solved. I also bought 3 yards of a navy print with stars on it. I like stars for this quilt; I don't know why.
Anyway, as I was showering this morning, it came to me.
I will make 5 columns. Each one will be 12 inches wide and 75 inches long. They will be QAYG. The odd columns will contain 4 shirts each and the even columns will have 5 shirts each. To achieve the length, star blocks will by used. The joining strips will be red. Once the center is done, then the 4 borders will be added as QAYG in a log cabin attachment fashion.
So now I will start to do one column per month. I must have 2 of each color short to audition for each column, which means I pretty much have to keep up on the shirts. As to the fabric I just bought, I will use it as the backing of the column and the framing fabric for each t-shirt. I do not know if I will have enough to make it a border as well. I should, now that I think about it.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Tax Day!
Although I am an accountant by education, today is not a big day for me. Years ago, one of our governors (who of course is in prison, because I live in IL) took away my ability to do taxes for others and I could not have been happier.
So instead of filing extensions and seeing clients all day, I had a Girl Scout meeting. In case you didn't know, I am a troop leader for a bunch of 5th grade girls who are frankly just wonderful. It was a great use of a Sunday.
Last night, I sewed up a storm. I got 2 dozen BRB blocks done, bringing my total to 4 dozen. I need 12 dozen. I also quilted on the Huge Fence Rail and got really far.
Tonight I am going to quilt. I hope to finish the quilting on the Huge Fence Rail and then to layout and maybe assemble either the top or the bottom of the St. Pat's LCRR. I'm going with a zig zag / streak of lightning setting.
This next week does not look promising for quilting. Each night is packed, whether I like it or not. Monday is Girl Scouts, Tuesday is overtime, Wednesday is a dinner, Thursday is a dinner, Friday is the local circus (ISU has the nation's oldest collegiate circus). So Saturday and Sunday are prime quilting days. I hope by the end of next weekend, I have the St. Pat's quilt all quilted.
Then it would be make and attach bindings to everything.
It's great to get some quilting done. This is where so many projects stall out.
So instead of filing extensions and seeing clients all day, I had a Girl Scout meeting. In case you didn't know, I am a troop leader for a bunch of 5th grade girls who are frankly just wonderful. It was a great use of a Sunday.
Last night, I sewed up a storm. I got 2 dozen BRB blocks done, bringing my total to 4 dozen. I need 12 dozen. I also quilted on the Huge Fence Rail and got really far.
Tonight I am going to quilt. I hope to finish the quilting on the Huge Fence Rail and then to layout and maybe assemble either the top or the bottom of the St. Pat's LCRR. I'm going with a zig zag / streak of lightning setting.
This next week does not look promising for quilting. Each night is packed, whether I like it or not. Monday is Girl Scouts, Tuesday is overtime, Wednesday is a dinner, Thursday is a dinner, Friday is the local circus (ISU has the nation's oldest collegiate circus). So Saturday and Sunday are prime quilting days. I hope by the end of next weekend, I have the St. Pat's quilt all quilted.
Then it would be make and attach bindings to everything.
It's great to get some quilting done. This is where so many projects stall out.
Monday, April 09, 2012
Lack of Productivity
It was, overall, not a very productive weekend. Some weekends are like this.
My original goal was not to leave home until Monday morning. Then I had to do the BOM thing. Then the child needed shoes for picture day this week. And then we were invited over for Easter. And thus my plan to not leave home for 3 glorious days was shot.
While that was annoying, the migraine was the worst. On Friday, it had me in bed at 5.30. On Saturday, I made it as far as about 9.00. On Sunday, it flirted with me, but never stayed. The barometer went nuts, going from 80 degrees to a hard freeze one night. That much fluctuation does some serious damage. I just cannot keep up.
I tried to quilt. I did finish the quilting on the Australia quilt. This week, the goal is to bind the thing. I did more quilting on the Huge Fence Rail. I made progress on BRB blocks and Chiclets blocks. I tried. I really did.
I am now entering a phase of mandatory overtime, coupled with an extremely busy life outside of work. I have no idea how I am going to fit quilting in, but I will because I must. So the goal for the month has changed to try to move each quilt one step farther each week.
1. Australia quilt – bound and done.
2. Huge Fence Rail – quilted.
3. St. Pat’s – sandwiched.
4. BRB – continue on blocks.
5. Chiclets – finish 12.
6. Shirts – cut 4.
That’s as much as I can focus on between now and next Monday.
My original goal was not to leave home until Monday morning. Then I had to do the BOM thing. Then the child needed shoes for picture day this week. And then we were invited over for Easter. And thus my plan to not leave home for 3 glorious days was shot.
While that was annoying, the migraine was the worst. On Friday, it had me in bed at 5.30. On Saturday, I made it as far as about 9.00. On Sunday, it flirted with me, but never stayed. The barometer went nuts, going from 80 degrees to a hard freeze one night. That much fluctuation does some serious damage. I just cannot keep up.
I tried to quilt. I did finish the quilting on the Australia quilt. This week, the goal is to bind the thing. I did more quilting on the Huge Fence Rail. I made progress on BRB blocks and Chiclets blocks. I tried. I really did.
I am now entering a phase of mandatory overtime, coupled with an extremely busy life outside of work. I have no idea how I am going to fit quilting in, but I will because I must. So the goal for the month has changed to try to move each quilt one step farther each week.
1. Australia quilt – bound and done.
2. Huge Fence Rail – quilted.
3. St. Pat’s – sandwiched.
4. BRB – continue on blocks.
5. Chiclets – finish 12.
6. Shirts – cut 4.
That’s as much as I can focus on between now and next Monday.
Sunday, April 08, 2012
The most important of these is LOVE
Here is a man who was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in another village. He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty. Then for three years He was an itinerant preacher.
He never owned a home. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a family. He never went to college. He never put His foot inside a big city. He never traveled two hundred miles from the place He was born. He never did one of the things that usually accompany greatness. He had no credentials but Himself...
While still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against him. His friends ran away. One of them denied Him. He was turned over to His enemies. He went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed upon a cross between two thieves. While He was dying His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth – His coat. When He was dead, He was laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend.
Nineteen long centuries have come and gone, and today He is a centerpiece of the human race and leader of the column of progress.
The above piece I got off the internet. Here are my thoughts added:
It has been 2000 years since Jesus walked this earth. His actions, words, parables and lessons are as valued as ever. Regardless of your personal faith or creed, you cannot deny that this man spoke great, profound things. If we believe in the words and teachings of more modern-day leaders, such as Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King or Gandhi, we should remember to take stock in Jesus' words and teachings as well. The most important of all of these is LOVE.
He never owned a home. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a family. He never went to college. He never put His foot inside a big city. He never traveled two hundred miles from the place He was born. He never did one of the things that usually accompany greatness. He had no credentials but Himself...
While still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against him. His friends ran away. One of them denied Him. He was turned over to His enemies. He went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed upon a cross between two thieves. While He was dying His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth – His coat. When He was dead, He was laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend.
Nineteen long centuries have come and gone, and today He is a centerpiece of the human race and leader of the column of progress.
The above piece I got off the internet. Here are my thoughts added:
It has been 2000 years since Jesus walked this earth. His actions, words, parables and lessons are as valued as ever. Regardless of your personal faith or creed, you cannot deny that this man spoke great, profound things. If we believe in the words and teachings of more modern-day leaders, such as Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King or Gandhi, we should remember to take stock in Jesus' words and teachings as well. The most important of all of these is LOVE.
Saturday, April 07, 2012
Traditions
Traditions. Every family has them. For us, it's watching The 10 Commandments. And tonight is the night. My 11 year old, who actually started this tradition, is threatening to boycott, but I'm not sure if I will let her.
Anyway, the point is, traditions are good and don't need to be formal.
On to quilty content. Yesterday, I took the day off and I was moving along just fine until the migraine hit with a vengeance at 5.30. I did finish quilting the Australia quilt. I made some more BRB blocks, but not enough. I finished prepping some QAYG foundations. I finished the last of the required Chiclets centers.
And I filed my taxes online. So glamorous I know.
So today I will be making easy fun food to watch during the movie, maybe doing a bit in our mini garden, making a FART to the quilt shop and of course more quilting. I do want to quilt on the Huge Fence Rail today. I also will make more BRB blocks. I think during the movie itself I will take the ST. Pat's blocks out, make the top, make the back and sandwich the whole thing. That's a lot of work, but the movie is 5 hours long.
Anyway, the point is, traditions are good and don't need to be formal.
On to quilty content. Yesterday, I took the day off and I was moving along just fine until the migraine hit with a vengeance at 5.30. I did finish quilting the Australia quilt. I made some more BRB blocks, but not enough. I finished prepping some QAYG foundations. I finished the last of the required Chiclets centers.
And I filed my taxes online. So glamorous I know.
So today I will be making easy fun food to watch during the movie, maybe doing a bit in our mini garden, making a FART to the quilt shop and of course more quilting. I do want to quilt on the Huge Fence Rail today. I also will make more BRB blocks. I think during the movie itself I will take the ST. Pat's blocks out, make the top, make the back and sandwich the whole thing. That's a lot of work, but the movie is 5 hours long.
Wednesday, April 04, 2012
April is #10
3 posts in one day - yes, I know!
Well, April is #10 according to Judy, so into the #4 box we go. And what do we have?
Box 4
4a Diamond Shapes – Die-cut diamonds and no focus. Status: In pieces.
4b Valentines – Lots of nickel charm packs in this one. Status: Most blocks completed.
4c Purse Pack – A package of fun and different fabrics that I bought. Status: In pieces.
4d St. Pat’s LCRR – Making this one for the month of March of course. Status: Blocks completed.
What delicious fun!
My April goals are as follows. I have 2 days off this month, and I have stuff going on for each of those days, but I should be able to get some sewing time in as well.
4d St. Pat’s. Goal for this week would be to get the top done and get the thing sandwiched for quilting
4c Purse Pack. Just fun. I’ll see what I need to achieve the mission.
2b Huge Fence Rail. Quilting in progress.
5b Australia quilt. Quilting in progress.
This would give me 4 finishes and that would be huge.
Other items:
1b Xmas BOM. Into a flimsy.
4b Valentines. Into a flimsy.
Mary’s BRB. Done.
All t-shirts done.
32 QAYG blocks done (have more than 24 I believe).
All caught up on Chiclets.
26 Jeanne’s Diamonds. Into a flimsy.
This is a crazy amount of things, but I am already progressing down the path. I’m off on Friday, so the goal by the end of Easter weekend is to have the BRB and the St. Pat’s quilt both sandwiched. Then it’s a month of quilting.
Well, April is #10 according to Judy, so into the #4 box we go. And what do we have?
Box 4
4a Diamond Shapes – Die-cut diamonds and no focus. Status: In pieces.
4b Valentines – Lots of nickel charm packs in this one. Status: Most blocks completed.
4c Purse Pack – A package of fun and different fabrics that I bought. Status: In pieces.
4d St. Pat’s LCRR – Making this one for the month of March of course. Status: Blocks completed.
What delicious fun!
My April goals are as follows. I have 2 days off this month, and I have stuff going on for each of those days, but I should be able to get some sewing time in as well.
4d St. Pat’s. Goal for this week would be to get the top done and get the thing sandwiched for quilting
4c Purse Pack. Just fun. I’ll see what I need to achieve the mission.
2b Huge Fence Rail. Quilting in progress.
5b Australia quilt. Quilting in progress.
This would give me 4 finishes and that would be huge.
Other items:
1b Xmas BOM. Into a flimsy.
4b Valentines. Into a flimsy.
Mary’s BRB. Done.
All t-shirts done.
32 QAYG blocks done (have more than 24 I believe).
All caught up on Chiclets.
26 Jeanne’s Diamonds. Into a flimsy.
This is a crazy amount of things, but I am already progressing down the path. I’m off on Friday, so the goal by the end of Easter weekend is to have the BRB and the St. Pat’s quilt both sandwiched. Then it’s a month of quilting.
Q1 in Review
It’s the end of the first quarter of the year and I’ve taken some time to look over what I’ve done and what I hope to get done for the year. I’ve made some modifications.
1. I wanted to make 8 QAYG blocks for all 12 months and make 2 donation string quilts from them. I will actually stop after 48 blocks are made and make only 1 strings quilt. This is in part because I’ve reached my string tolerance for the year, in part because I want to be successful and in part because I need to make string blocks for other things. I will set the goal of June to finish the blocks and then July to complete the quilt.
2. I have not stayed current with t-shirts, but that’s OK. I have 22 shirts total and 6 are done. I will set the goal of June to finish the shirts, which involves cutting out the flag part of the shirt, ironing it to interfacing and then cutting the remainder of the shirt into 1 inch strips. For the back half of the year I hope to finish the shirts into blocks and have a top done.
3. Sadly, I cannot cut myself any slack on the Chiclets blocks. I need to make 12 per month because I really need 144 blocks. 108 for bed quilt and 36 for a shower curtain. My window already has Chiclet curtains on it and frankly I love them. I wasn’t so sure and necessity was the mother of invention in that case, but I’ve decided to go for it.
4. I have added the 6 pay it forward quilts to my list and I will aim to get one done each even numbered month. I am behind already, having missed February, but I will catch up. It is nice to work on new things while finishing stuff up.
5. As of the end of Q1, I should have had 7 UFOs done and I have 3. By the end of Q2, I should have 13 done and I hope to be at that point by then. I use the number of paychecks I have received as my counter.
I am very encouraged about my progress. Things are getting done and that is amazing. Right now I have 2 quilts sandwiched and being quilted a little bit every few days. I have 2 items in my sights to be completed from the April challenge box. I hope to also finish one of the pay it forward quilts in April. I feel like there is some true momentum going on.
Most importantly, I’ve learned to say no. I have an occasion coming up where a quilt would be a lovely gift. But I have other gifting options and to drop my current plan and work on that quilt, which would require me purchasing everything, would frankly ruin my momentum. I don’t mind deadlines; that’s why I do the UFO challenges that I do, but this one would not be beneficial. So I am buying a gift instead.
1. I wanted to make 8 QAYG blocks for all 12 months and make 2 donation string quilts from them. I will actually stop after 48 blocks are made and make only 1 strings quilt. This is in part because I’ve reached my string tolerance for the year, in part because I want to be successful and in part because I need to make string blocks for other things. I will set the goal of June to finish the blocks and then July to complete the quilt.
2. I have not stayed current with t-shirts, but that’s OK. I have 22 shirts total and 6 are done. I will set the goal of June to finish the shirts, which involves cutting out the flag part of the shirt, ironing it to interfacing and then cutting the remainder of the shirt into 1 inch strips. For the back half of the year I hope to finish the shirts into blocks and have a top done.
3. Sadly, I cannot cut myself any slack on the Chiclets blocks. I need to make 12 per month because I really need 144 blocks. 108 for bed quilt and 36 for a shower curtain. My window already has Chiclet curtains on it and frankly I love them. I wasn’t so sure and necessity was the mother of invention in that case, but I’ve decided to go for it.
4. I have added the 6 pay it forward quilts to my list and I will aim to get one done each even numbered month. I am behind already, having missed February, but I will catch up. It is nice to work on new things while finishing stuff up.
5. As of the end of Q1, I should have had 7 UFOs done and I have 3. By the end of Q2, I should have 13 done and I hope to be at that point by then. I use the number of paychecks I have received as my counter.
I am very encouraged about my progress. Things are getting done and that is amazing. Right now I have 2 quilts sandwiched and being quilted a little bit every few days. I have 2 items in my sights to be completed from the April challenge box. I hope to also finish one of the pay it forward quilts in April. I feel like there is some true momentum going on.
Most importantly, I’ve learned to say no. I have an occasion coming up where a quilt would be a lovely gift. But I have other gifting options and to drop my current plan and work on that quilt, which would require me purchasing everything, would frankly ruin my momentum. I don’t mind deadlines; that’s why I do the UFO challenges that I do, but this one would not be beneficial. So I am buying a gift instead.
March Report
I completed 3 items in March. 1 was the UFO for the month, and that’s the Chiclets table runner. It will hang on my cube wall, after I’m done hanging up the red table runner also pictured below. The red mat stays home.
The red stuff was started and completed in March. I’ve decided I can start new stuff but I must finish timely. So far so good.
I used 1.69 yards in March. 0.90 on the UFO and 0.79 on the red items.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Q1 Last Week Push
Not too much is going to go on for this last week of March. I finished the mandatory UFO yesterday, so that takes some of the pressure off.
My goals for the week are:
Finish all fence rail blocks. I’m half way done.
Finish t-shirt stuff. I need to cut 2 and then iron 6.
Work on Chiclets blocks.
Knit stuff.
Crochet stuff.
I’ve also been doing some blue HSTs as leaders-enders for a BRB I am doing as a pay it forward initiative. Yes, 6 more projects this year. But hey, it’s all good.
My goals for the week are:
Finish all fence rail blocks. I’m half way done.
Finish t-shirt stuff. I need to cut 2 and then iron 6.
Work on Chiclets blocks.
Knit stuff.
Crochet stuff.
I’ve also been doing some blue HSTs as leaders-enders for a BRB I am doing as a pay it forward initiative. Yes, 6 more projects this year. But hey, it’s all good.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
3 Finishes
I have 3 small finishes to report. The handsewing was done this weekend. Pictures forthcoming. One of them was my declared March UFO - amen.
On other fronts, I am all caught up for the quarter with QAYG blocks. I also did some fence rail blocks for that UFO.
I still haven't sandwiched the Australian quilt and at the rate I am going, it may not be until I also have the fence rail quilt ready to sandwich that I bother. I may even wait for Saturday and Judy's reveal of the April number. Maybe that month's UFO will be ready to sandwich as well and I can just do the dreaded task on everything all at once.
On other fronts, I am all caught up for the quarter with QAYG blocks. I also did some fence rail blocks for that UFO.
I still haven't sandwiched the Australian quilt and at the rate I am going, it may not be until I also have the fence rail quilt ready to sandwich that I bother. I may even wait for Saturday and Judy's reveal of the April number. Maybe that month's UFO will be ready to sandwich as well and I can just do the dreaded task on everything all at once.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Nothing New
Nothing new. I’ve really been a bum!
Saturday is National Quilting Day and I hope to get a lot accomplished. I need to run to the LQS for a BOM and my child has 2 different events, but somehow, some way, I will sew.
Saturday is National Quilting Day and I hope to get a lot accomplished. I need to run to the LQS for a BOM and my child has 2 different events, but somehow, some way, I will sew.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Quick Update
The Girl Scouts turn 100 tomorrow. AS a leader and an adult volunteer in the service area, I've been going non-stop for a few weeks. Today was a small break.
I was able to cut up a t-shirt and make my BOM block. That may not seem like much, but I did these things slowly and leisurely, with enjoyment of the process. It was heavenly.
And in an hour I am meeting up with other GS adults and we will be preparing for the big 100 tomorrow. Maybe tonight I can get in a few more stitches.
Oh, I have been knitting a bit as well.
I was able to cut up a t-shirt and make my BOM block. That may not seem like much, but I did these things slowly and leisurely, with enjoyment of the process. It was heavenly.
And in an hour I am meeting up with other GS adults and we will be preparing for the big 100 tomorrow. Maybe tonight I can get in a few more stitches.
Oh, I have been knitting a bit as well.
Monday, March 05, 2012
More Planning
OK, yeah, not much happened this weekend on the sewing front. Such is life. I did make it out to the LQS to get my next BOM block and I bought some batik FQs for a project. And I did a bit of knitting.
Anyway, I did open up box # 2 to take a look in there. 2a Chiclets table runner is pretty easy. One piece of a block on the edge needs to be replaced and then the blocks need to be assembled. Then sandwich, quilt and bind. All very straightforward. I hope to get this ready to the hand binding stage by St. Pat’s.
I also looked at 2b Huge Fence Rail, and there are not as many blocks in there as I had hoped. So I will have to make more, with different fabrics and hope everything plays nice. There are red rails, green rails and purple rails. I hope to get the blocks completed for a color each week. I don’t know what color I’ll start with, but I hope to get 16 of one color done by next Monday the 12th.
I still haven’t sandwiched 11b. I hope to get that done during the week this week. Then I want it to the hand binding stage by St. Pat’s.
What else can I do this week? I hope to cut up 2 more Old Navy shirts. I hope to make more QAYG foundations so that they are ready to sew. I hope to do the BOM block I just picked up. And I hope to knit 15 minute each night. The yarn stash isn’t too bad – let’s keep it that way.
Anyway, I did open up box # 2 to take a look in there. 2a Chiclets table runner is pretty easy. One piece of a block on the edge needs to be replaced and then the blocks need to be assembled. Then sandwich, quilt and bind. All very straightforward. I hope to get this ready to the hand binding stage by St. Pat’s.
I also looked at 2b Huge Fence Rail, and there are not as many blocks in there as I had hoped. So I will have to make more, with different fabrics and hope everything plays nice. There are red rails, green rails and purple rails. I hope to get the blocks completed for a color each week. I don’t know what color I’ll start with, but I hope to get 16 of one color done by next Monday the 12th.
I still haven’t sandwiched 11b. I hope to get that done during the week this week. Then I want it to the hand binding stage by St. Pat’s.
What else can I do this week? I hope to cut up 2 more Old Navy shirts. I hope to make more QAYG foundations so that they are ready to sew. I hope to do the BOM block I just picked up. And I hope to knit 15 minute each night. The yarn stash isn’t too bad – let’s keep it that way.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
2012 UFOs - March is #8 - Plan of Attack
Oh, oh, oh, Judy released the number a day early! Yippee!!!
This month’s number is 8, which when you do 8 – 6, gives me 2 as the box number. Let us take a look at what’s in Box # 2 .
Box 2
2a Chiclets Table Runner – I made a 4 block rectangular runner that I want to hang on my cube wall. Status: Flimsy.
2b Huge Fence Rail – I made a bunch of these fence rail blocks which are only 3 rails each, but the rails are each 3.5 inches. I want to make this into a quilt and donate it onward. Status: Most blocks completed.
2c 16 String Blocks – Just like it sounds, I have 16 string blocks done. I want to make some more, make a quilt and donate it onward. Status: Most blocks completed.
2d Yellow LCRR – I made this for my DD. Status: Blocks completed.
Since March is going to be a crazy month in my life, I’m definitely going with 2a Chiclets Table Runner as my UFO to complete. I also want to hang it in my cube at work.
As for the other UFOs, I’m not so sure. I know I plan to finish 11b Australia fabrics in March. Maybe I will take a look at 2b Huge Fence Rails to see what’s involved.
Homework goals:
24 Chiclets blocks done
6 Old Navy shirts done
16 QAYG blocks done
Bonus UFO goals:
Top pieced for Orca Bay . I need all of those little pieces out of my life.
Top complete for Jeanne’s Diamonds
Carryover UFO goals:
Finish 11b
Top complete for 1b Christmas 2 BOM
New Project goals:
Pattern done and fabrics bought for Brett and Amy’s quilt
Start cutting and L&E for BRB in blue for Mary
I have no idea how this is all going to get done, and most likely only half of it will, but that’s OK. It’s good to dream.
This month’s number is 8, which when you do 8 – 6, gives me 2 as the box number. Let us take a look at what’s in Box # 2 .
Box 2
2a Chiclets Table Runner – I made a 4 block rectangular runner that I want to hang on my cube wall. Status: Flimsy.
2b Huge Fence Rail – I made a bunch of these fence rail blocks which are only 3 rails each, but the rails are each 3.5 inches. I want to make this into a quilt and donate it onward. Status: Most blocks completed.
2c 16 String Blocks – Just like it sounds, I have 16 string blocks done. I want to make some more, make a quilt and donate it onward. Status: Most blocks completed.
2d Yellow LCRR – I made this for my DD. Status: Blocks completed.
Since March is going to be a crazy month in my life, I’m definitely going with 2a Chiclets Table Runner as my UFO to complete. I also want to hang it in my cube at work.
As for the other UFOs, I’m not so sure. I know I plan to finish 11b Australia fabrics in March. Maybe I will take a look at 2b Huge Fence Rails to see what’s involved.
Homework goals:
24 Chiclets blocks done
6 Old Navy shirts done
16 QAYG blocks done
Bonus UFO goals:
Top pieced for Orca Bay . I need all of those little pieces out of my life.
Top complete for Jeanne’s Diamonds
Carryover UFO goals:
Finish 11b
Top complete for 1b Christmas 2 BOM
New Project goals:
Pattern done and fabrics bought for Brett and Amy’s quilt
Start cutting and L&E for BRB in blue for Mary
I have no idea how this is all going to get done, and most likely only half of it will, but that’s OK. It’s good to dream.
February UFO is done
I did indeed finish the 1c Seaside Rose sweatshirt jacket and I wore it to a bridal shower. There was a fellow quilter there and she asked me all kinds of technique questions, which was fine. This conversation baffled everyone else, but we were good. The sweatshirt is indeed very comfortable and cuddly. I already know what I want to do for the next two!
My goal right now is to clean off the table I will use to baste a quilt so I can, in fact, baste a quilt. The 11b Australia fabrics quilt is still there waiting to go and I just need to clean off this table. And go buy more spray baste, but that’s beside the point. I want to get that quilt basted and ready to quilt by tomorrow night, so that I can quilt 6 lines each night until it’s quilted. I have a very busy 2 weeks ahead of me and if I have something simple and ready to go, there’s hope.
I also completed:
12 Chiclets blocks, plus 12 more centers
6 Old Navy blocks
And I’m up to date with all of my BOMS.
My goal right now is to clean off the table I will use to baste a quilt so I can, in fact, baste a quilt. The 11b Australia fabrics quilt is still there waiting to go and I just need to clean off this table. And go buy more spray baste, but that’s beside the point. I want to get that quilt basted and ready to quilt by tomorrow night, so that I can quilt 6 lines each night until it’s quilted. I have a very busy 2 weeks ahead of me and if I have something simple and ready to go, there’s hope.
I also completed:
12 Chiclets blocks, plus 12 more centers
6 Old Navy blocks
And I’m up to date with all of my BOMS.
2012 UFOS - January Wrap Up
Yes, I know I’m behind, but this is the week where I get caught up. I believe that once this post is done, then I am caught up. This one has been bugging me for a while that I had not done it!
January’s UFO was #5. So I went to box # 5 in my life and found the 4 projects, plus of course the homework and the 2 bonus UFOs. Here’s how it all ended up.
5a Snowmen – I swapped 12” snowmen blocks a while ago and also some snow FQs. Status: Nothing done, still a flimsy.
5b Australia FQs – I received these in a secret santa type box and I need to finish this project and donate it. Status: Became the leader-ender project for February. Top and back are both done, soon to be quilted.
5c Bricks & Stepping Stones – I started these blocks trying to make 10 per color of Judy Laquidara’s 2011 Monochromatic challenge. Status: More blocks completed; over halfway I think.
5d Watermelon – A Dorothy Young pattern. Status: Done! This one is all done, despite diverticulitis that would not quit. It is a Dorothy Young pattern called Mosaic Tiles. I love it. I loved it so much at the time I made the top that I made a mini and that one is called Watermelon Seed.
Yes, I know I’m behind, but this is the week where I get caught up. I believe that once this post is done, then I am caught up. This one has been bugging me for a while that I had not done it!
January’s UFO was #5. So I went to box # 5 in my life and found the 4 projects, plus of course the homework and the 2 bonus UFOs. Here’s how it all ended up.
5a Snowmen – I swapped 12” snowmen blocks a while ago and also some snow FQs. Status: Nothing done, still a flimsy.
5b Australia FQs – I received these in a secret santa type box and I need to finish this project and donate it. Status: Became the leader-ender project for February. Top and back are both done, soon to be quilted.
5c Bricks & Stepping Stones – I started these blocks trying to make 10 per color of Judy Laquidara’s 2011 Monochromatic challenge. Status: More blocks completed; over halfway I think.
5d Watermelon – A Dorothy Young pattern. Status: Done! This one is all done, despite diverticulitis that would not quit. It is a Dorothy Young pattern called Mosaic Tiles. I love it. I loved it so much at the time I made the top that I made a mini and that one is called Watermelon Seed.
Homework
12 Chiclets blocks – nothing done
4 Old Navy Flag shirts – 2 started
8 String QAYG blocks – done
Bonus UFOs
25 Orca Bay – The Bonnie Hunter 2011 Christmas mystery. Status: 1 little row and 1 star row pieced together.
26 Jeanne’s Diamonds – The Dorothy Young 2011 Christmas mystery. Status: top done; needs borders.
I also did 2 undeclared items. One was a baby quilt for my DH’s co-worker. It was an Anita’s Arrowhead. The other was a mini of Jeanne’s Diamonds.
Final January totals: 12.59 yards used. 8.99 for UFOs. 3.60 yards YTD. 3 finishes.
January’s UFO was #5. So I went to box # 5 in my life and found the 4 projects, plus of course the homework and the 2 bonus UFOs. Here’s how it all ended up.
5a Snowmen – I swapped 12” snowmen blocks a while ago and also some snow FQs. Status: Nothing done, still a flimsy.
5b Australia FQs – I received these in a secret santa type box and I need to finish this project and donate it. Status: Became the leader-ender project for February. Top and back are both done, soon to be quilted.
5c Bricks & Stepping Stones – I started these blocks trying to make 10 per color of Judy Laquidara’s 2011 Monochromatic challenge. Status: More blocks completed; over halfway I think.
5d Watermelon – A Dorothy Young pattern. Status: Done! This one is all done, despite diverticulitis that would not quit. It is a Dorothy Young pattern called Mosaic Tiles. I love it. I loved it so much at the time I made the top that I made a mini and that one is called Watermelon Seed.
Yes, I know I’m behind, but this is the week where I get caught up. I believe that once this post is done, then I am caught up. This one has been bugging me for a while that I had not done it!
January’s UFO was #5. So I went to box # 5 in my life and found the 4 projects, plus of course the homework and the 2 bonus UFOs. Here’s how it all ended up.
5a Snowmen – I swapped 12” snowmen blocks a while ago and also some snow FQs. Status: Nothing done, still a flimsy.
5b Australia FQs – I received these in a secret santa type box and I need to finish this project and donate it. Status: Became the leader-ender project for February. Top and back are both done, soon to be quilted.
5c Bricks & Stepping Stones – I started these blocks trying to make 10 per color of Judy Laquidara’s 2011 Monochromatic challenge. Status: More blocks completed; over halfway I think.
5d Watermelon – A Dorothy Young pattern. Status: Done! This one is all done, despite diverticulitis that would not quit. It is a Dorothy Young pattern called Mosaic Tiles. I love it. I loved it so much at the time I made the top that I made a mini and that one is called Watermelon Seed.
Homework
12 Chiclets blocks – nothing done
4 Old Navy Flag shirts – 2 started
8 String QAYG blocks – done
Bonus UFOs
25 Orca Bay – The Bonnie Hunter 2011 Christmas mystery. Status: 1 little row and 1 star row pieced together.
26 Jeanne’s Diamonds – The Dorothy Young 2011 Christmas mystery. Status: top done; needs borders.
I also did 2 undeclared items. One was a baby quilt for my DH’s co-worker. It was an Anita’s Arrowhead. The other was a mini of Jeanne’s Diamonds.
Final January totals: 12.59 yards used. 8.99 for UFOs. 3.60 yards YTD. 3 finishes.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Current Status
OK, it’s been a few weeks since I posted and I need to catch up on things. So I’m aiming for one post per day until I get reasonably caught up.
February quilting is not going in any way like I had planned and that is fine! I’ve been working a lot on the homework things. For example, I did get 12 Chiclets blocks done, plus I did the centers for the 12 I am behind. I did get 6 Old Navy t-shirts done. I also completed the top on 11b Australia fabrics, and pieced the backing.
I actually went ahead and ordered the sweatshirt for 1c the Seaside Rose sweatshirt. Last night I cut it apart and made the center front cut. I also started putting fabric down on the jacket. I decided somewhere during the month that this UFO would actually be the easiest to complete, so I went ahead and decided to work on it.
So where do I stand with 9 days left in the month? Pretty good. I know I overplan, but that’s OK. It gives me the variety I crave and the ability to get some things done. I haven’t planned all the way through the month-end, but I have planned for this week. Tonight’s goal is to finish one half of 1c Seaside Rose sweatshirt’s body and to sandwich the 11b Australia fabrics quilt. Then Tuesday through Thursday are finishing the sweatshirt pieces and quilting the quilt. Friday is assembly and binding attachment night for both items. I haven’t done a set-in sleeve in quite a while, so this should be interesting. If I make to this point, both UFOs will only have handwork left, and that is for Tivo time!
The other things I know I want to work on are the 8 QAYG blocks, Orca Bay and 1b Christmas 2 BOM. I envision that 1b Christmas 2 BOM is the UFO I will carry into March. At any rate, it seems like I am on pace to complete 2 UFOs this month, and that is good.
February quilting is not going in any way like I had planned and that is fine! I’ve been working a lot on the homework things. For example, I did get 12 Chiclets blocks done, plus I did the centers for the 12 I am behind. I did get 6 Old Navy t-shirts done. I also completed the top on 11b Australia fabrics, and pieced the backing.
I actually went ahead and ordered the sweatshirt for 1c the Seaside Rose sweatshirt. Last night I cut it apart and made the center front cut. I also started putting fabric down on the jacket. I decided somewhere during the month that this UFO would actually be the easiest to complete, so I went ahead and decided to work on it.
So where do I stand with 9 days left in the month? Pretty good. I know I overplan, but that’s OK. It gives me the variety I crave and the ability to get some things done. I haven’t planned all the way through the month-end, but I have planned for this week. Tonight’s goal is to finish one half of 1c Seaside Rose sweatshirt’s body and to sandwich the 11b Australia fabrics quilt. Then Tuesday through Thursday are finishing the sweatshirt pieces and quilting the quilt. Friday is assembly and binding attachment night for both items. I haven’t done a set-in sleeve in quite a while, so this should be interesting. If I make to this point, both UFOs will only have handwork left, and that is for Tivo time!
The other things I know I want to work on are the 8 QAYG blocks, Orca Bay and 1b Christmas 2 BOM. I envision that 1b Christmas 2 BOM is the UFO I will carry into March. At any rate, it seems like I am on pace to complete 2 UFOs this month, and that is good.
Friday, February 03, 2012
2012 UFOs - February is #1 - plan of attack
So February is UFO #1. Yummy! Here’s what’s in box # 1 .
Box 1
1a Thimbles BOM – A BOM, with an extra block made so I can set on point. Civil War fabrics. Status: Blocks completed.
1b Christmas 2 BOM – I took the instructions for 2 different BOMs I was in and made another block in Christmas fabrics. I need to make the 25th block and set them on point. Status: Most blocks completed.
1c Seaside Rose Sweatshirt – A jacket covered in the Seaside Rose line, with the jacket coming from a sweatshirt. Status: In pieces.
1d Red Strings – Red string blocks and die-cut hearts come together for a cuddle quilt. Status: In pieces.
For 1a, Thimbles is the name of the shop where the BOM came from. I love this BOM. Love. Covet. This one is mine. So this is the one that I will finish this month.
For 1b, I will work on getting it to a flimsy.
For 1c, I don’t plan on doing anything.
For 1d, I’ll take it out and let it percolate. If nothing happens, it’s OK.
Homework:
8 QAYG blocks
12 Chiclets blocks
4 Old Navy shirts
Bonus UFOs
A quarter section of Orca Bay
Completed top for Jeanne’s Diamonds
Catch-Up – now I am behind in my goals (stupid diverticulitis!), but here’s how I can catch up. I can do all or nothing or just one or two.
For the 12 Chiclets blocks, I can get all the centers done for the 12 I missed.
For the 4 Old Navy shirts, I can just do some extra this month.
For Orca Bay , I can get another quarter section together as a flimsy, so to speak.
For Jeanne’s Diamonds, I can finish it.
For 11b, I can get it to a flimsy.
I know I am trying for 2 UFOs a month and in some months I need to complete 3. Right now, I will get 1a done. If I could get any of the following also done that would be good. Two of them would be great. In contention: 1b, Jeanne’s Diamonds, 11b.
Let’s see where this goes….
Box 1
1a Thimbles BOM – A BOM, with an extra block made so I can set on point. Civil War fabrics. Status: Blocks completed.
1b Christmas 2 BOM – I took the instructions for 2 different BOMs I was in and made another block in Christmas fabrics. I need to make the 25th block and set them on point. Status: Most blocks completed.
1c Seaside Rose Sweatshirt – A jacket covered in the Seaside Rose line, with the jacket coming from a sweatshirt. Status: In pieces.
1d Red Strings – Red string blocks and die-cut hearts come together for a cuddle quilt. Status: In pieces.
For 1a, Thimbles is the name of the shop where the BOM came from. I love this BOM. Love. Covet. This one is mine. So this is the one that I will finish this month.
For 1b, I will work on getting it to a flimsy.
For 1c, I don’t plan on doing anything.
For 1d, I’ll take it out and let it percolate. If nothing happens, it’s OK.
Homework:
8 QAYG blocks
12 Chiclets blocks
4 Old Navy shirts
Bonus UFOs
A quarter section of Orca Bay
Completed top for Jeanne’s Diamonds
Catch-Up – now I am behind in my goals (stupid diverticulitis!), but here’s how I can catch up. I can do all or nothing or just one or two.
For the 12 Chiclets blocks, I can get all the centers done for the 12 I missed.
For the 4 Old Navy shirts, I can just do some extra this month.
For Orca Bay , I can get another quarter section together as a flimsy, so to speak.
For Jeanne’s Diamonds, I can finish it.
For 11b, I can get it to a flimsy.
I know I am trying for 2 UFOs a month and in some months I need to complete 3. Right now, I will get 1a done. If I could get any of the following also done that would be good. Two of them would be great. In contention: 1b, Jeanne’s Diamonds, 11b.
Let’s see where this goes….
Friday, January 27, 2012
quick update
A quick update as we head into the last weekend of the month….
I was attacked by diverticulitis this week. It was really bad. Bad bad bad. So that seriously cramped my productivity. However, somehow, some way, I was able to finish quilting all the white thread items on 5d Watermelon Slice. This did make my day. I did handle it about 15 minutes at a time with 45 minutes of rest in between each session, and I did this over 3 or 4 days. But I got them all done, and the machine is now rethreaded for the pink rectangles. Since I’m not 100% yet, I plan on doing 15 minutes at a time for them as well, and should finish with ease this weekend. Since the binding is already on the quilt, I did take some time as well whilst being infirmed and worked on that as well. I would say it’s 40% stitched down. Overall, the goal is to complete the quilt this weekend. This is completely do-able and I’m so happy to have a finish of this size! It has been a long time!
As far as everything else goes, I’m going to clean up my basement sewing space and pack up the rest of January. While I didn’t hit every goal, I got a lot farther than if I hadn’t made any goals at all. So I’m judging the month (in advance) as a success. I’ll still make 5b out as a leader-ender project and get that cut up and prepped and next to my machine while I clean up my space. While I’ve occupied my kitchen table for quilting this big quilt, the mess that is sewing has taken over my main floor, so while I finish 5d Watermelon Slice, I will clean up the downstairs space and prepare it for the machine to return. Then once the machine is returned, I will clean up the main floor as if no sewing went on. It was an experiment and a very successful one, so I will do it again as needed.
Here’s hoping for a restful and productive weekend.
I was attacked by diverticulitis this week. It was really bad. Bad bad bad. So that seriously cramped my productivity. However, somehow, some way, I was able to finish quilting all the white thread items on 5d Watermelon Slice. This did make my day. I did handle it about 15 minutes at a time with 45 minutes of rest in between each session, and I did this over 3 or 4 days. But I got them all done, and the machine is now rethreaded for the pink rectangles. Since I’m not 100% yet, I plan on doing 15 minutes at a time for them as well, and should finish with ease this weekend. Since the binding is already on the quilt, I did take some time as well whilst being infirmed and worked on that as well. I would say it’s 40% stitched down. Overall, the goal is to complete the quilt this weekend. This is completely do-able and I’m so happy to have a finish of this size! It has been a long time!
As far as everything else goes, I’m going to clean up my basement sewing space and pack up the rest of January. While I didn’t hit every goal, I got a lot farther than if I hadn’t made any goals at all. So I’m judging the month (in advance) as a success. I’ll still make 5b out as a leader-ender project and get that cut up and prepped and next to my machine while I clean up my space. While I’ve occupied my kitchen table for quilting this big quilt, the mess that is sewing has taken over my main floor, so while I finish 5d Watermelon Slice, I will clean up the downstairs space and prepare it for the machine to return. Then once the machine is returned, I will clean up the main floor as if no sewing went on. It was an experiment and a very successful one, so I will do it again as needed.
Here’s hoping for a restful and productive weekend.
Monday, January 23, 2012
2012 UFOs - January is #5 - week 3 wrap up
Week 3 of the month. What can I say? 10 days with no post - sorry
I went ahead and occupied my kitchen table. I did start quilting 5d Watermelon Slice, which I am declaring as the #5 UFO for Judy’s challenge. I want to quilt the top in 3 different colors of thread – green, white and fuchsia. The green is all done and was by far the largest amount of quilting needed. Since it also included the borders, I went ahead and trimmed the quilt down, thus removing a foot of bulk on each side, and added the binding. Only 100 inches of the binding was made, so I had to make more first – grrr. But now since the binding is on, I can sew binding down during the 10pm news, which isn’t all bad. My goal is to finish by this weekend and since I am #12 on the list, I best hurry.
I did go ahead and sort out all of the Old Navy shirts. I washed them and started cutting. Cutting is a more arduous task than I thought, as I am cutting the rest of the shirts into strips for a crochet project. (Yes, I’m nuts.) So with about 8 or 9 days to go, this is where I hope I end up.
5a Remains untouched and that’s OK.
5b I had hoped to finish this one, but it’s not going to happen. I plan on leaving it out as a leader-ender project.
5c I wanted all blocks done, but about half will be. That’s still better than where we were.
5d Done done.
The 8 QAYG string blocks are done.
The 12 Chiclet blocks are started but will not be done.
The 4 Old Navy shirts will be cut and have interfacing on them.
I have 1 little row and one star row done on Orca Bay . I will not be as far as I want to be.
I have not done anything more on Jeanne’s Diamonds.
I did finish the Anita’s Arrowhead baby quilt for my husband’s co-worker. That used up 3.06 yards of stash.
New totals: 3.60 yards used. 0 for UFOs. 3.60 yards YTD.
I went ahead and occupied my kitchen table. I did start quilting 5d Watermelon Slice, which I am declaring as the #5 UFO for Judy’s challenge. I want to quilt the top in 3 different colors of thread – green, white and fuchsia. The green is all done and was by far the largest amount of quilting needed. Since it also included the borders, I went ahead and trimmed the quilt down, thus removing a foot of bulk on each side, and added the binding. Only 100 inches of the binding was made, so I had to make more first – grrr. But now since the binding is on, I can sew binding down during the 10pm news, which isn’t all bad. My goal is to finish by this weekend and since I am #12 on the list, I best hurry.
I did go ahead and sort out all of the Old Navy shirts. I washed them and started cutting. Cutting is a more arduous task than I thought, as I am cutting the rest of the shirts into strips for a crochet project. (Yes, I’m nuts.) So with about 8 or 9 days to go, this is where I hope I end up.
5a Remains untouched and that’s OK.
5b I had hoped to finish this one, but it’s not going to happen. I plan on leaving it out as a leader-ender project.
5c I wanted all blocks done, but about half will be. That’s still better than where we were.
5d Done done.
The 8 QAYG string blocks are done.
The 12 Chiclet blocks are started but will not be done.
The 4 Old Navy shirts will be cut and have interfacing on them.
I have 1 little row and one star row done on Orca Bay . I will not be as far as I want to be.
I have not done anything more on Jeanne’s Diamonds.
I did finish the Anita’s Arrowhead baby quilt for my husband’s co-worker. That used up 3.06 yards of stash.
New totals: 3.60 yards used. 0 for UFOs. 3.60 yards YTD.
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