Online Quilting Swap Sites

Are you a member of a online quilting site or two, too? ;O)
When I first got into quilting I found a great online quilting site on MSN called Quilting To Share an I was hooked. I love to swap! It's such fun.
I am a member on a couple online quilting swap sites that I'd like to share the links with you. There are two that I have been a part of for awhile and enjoy. They are Quilting Around The World and Quilting To Share. I am a member of both because they offer different kinda swaps and one is larger and more active than the other. I am also a member on another forum called Quilting Board. They are a world wide site and I am still getting the hang of this one. Love doing the Friendship Swap though. It's my favorite swap. Each site offers different swaps and challenges and such that I enjoy so I don't want to give any of them up. So I pick and choose what swaps I participate in so I don't spread myself too thin.
Swapping is addictive I can tell ya. I so enjoy swapping and getting those squishes in the mail. They sure are a great pick me up I can tell ya. It's exciting to see what the other swappers send. Such Fun! If you would like to check out those sites please do so and come join in the fun.
until next time ... happy quilting!

Final Stash Busting Report of 2009

I haven't sewn in the last week and have had a house full of company for the Christmas holiday and wasn't able to post like I should have the last two weeks. My report didn't change since week 49 but I am happy with my progress of the year and hope to continue to do this next year with Judy and the bunch. It inspires me to do more and use from my stash to post and be accountable for my actions. Thank you Judy for hostessing this for us and for your wonderful blog. I so enjoy following it.

Fabric usage report ....
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 8.5 yards
Fabric Used this Week: .5 yard
Fabric gifted/sold this week: 12.25 yards
Fabric Used Year to Date: 116.25 yards

Thread usage report --I had over 51 spools of thread on hand when I started keeping track of these.

Spools added this week: 0 spools
Spools used this week: 0 spool
Total Spools used to Date: 11 spools
Total Spools bought to Date: 2 spools

I hope to post a listing of my 2010 goals soon along with pictures of my sewing area/stash to share with those participating in the challenge next year.

Stash Busting Report Week 49

Just THREE more reports and 2009 is over - I joined Judy's 2009 Stash Bustin Challenge at he beginning of the year and enjoy following how well the others are doing Look HERE to see how great the other's are doing. It's fun to do this each week and see how everyone is working at their own pace and most are happy with their progress.

This week I didn't get to do much quilting but I worked and finished those potholders and sold some more fabric.

Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 8.5 yards
Fabric Used this Week: .5 yard
Fabric gifted/sold this week: 12.25 yards
Fabric Used Year to Date: 116.25 yards

Here's my thread usage report --I have over 51 spools of thread on hand - no spools finished this week.

Spools added this week: 0 spools
Spools used this week: 0 spool
Total Spools used to Date: 11 spools
Total Spools bought to Date: 2 spools
until next time .... happy quilting and happy stash busting!

WIP Wednesday

Trying to keep myself motivate ... I'm going to try and post every Wednesday showing what I am working on for the week. I have several quilty things I'd like to finish by Christmas so I need to kick it into gear.

Here is what I am working on this week and hope to finish it and start something else. This will be a set of potholders and a hotpad made from crumb blocks, not sure I like the black around the blocks. Need to find other colors instead for the next set.

until next time ... happy quilting!

Stash Busting Report Week 48

Just FOUR more reports and 2009 is over - I joined Judy's 2009 Stash Bustin Challenge
Look here to see how great the other's are doing. It's fun to do this each week and see how everyone is working at their own pace and most are happy with their progress. So glad this is not a test as I might be failing. I am sure to sign up for next year's Challenge and hope to bust over 100yd again next year. I honestly didn't realize how much of a stash I had in their but now I am beginning to see how much I truly have and need to work harder on using it up.

This past week, I was able to work on some swap blocks and potholders to use up a bit and I also sold some more fabric to help with my kiddos' Christmas gifts

Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 8.5 yards
Fabric Used this Week: 1 yard
Fabric gifted/sold this week: 14.25 yards
Fabric Used Year to Date: 103.50 yards (YEAH!!! I broke 100yds!! this is amazing!!)

Here's my thread usage report --I have over 51 spools of thread on hand ... this is bad, very bad! I keep finding spools of thread everywhere I go to clean and organize in there ... now tell me just many spools of thread does a person need??? I finished that spool from last week and I'm close to finishing another one. But ... I need to buy beige/white thread this afternoon when I run my errands so that will offset what I'm using. I never got to town to buy the thread but I did finish another spool

Spools added this week: 0 spools
Spools used this week: 1 spool
Total Spools used to Date: 11 spools
Total Spools bought to Date: 2 spools

until next time .... happy quilting and happy stash busting!

Stash Busting Report Week 47

Just FIVE more reports and 2009 is over - the year has flown by and with the upcoming holidays I know the last FIVE weeks of the year will to.
I joined Judy's 2009 Stash Bustin Challenge and I have been doing pretty good about using from the stash and making quilts and projects without buying more new fabric to add to my stash. but ... this week I had to BUY fabrics! EEEK!!!
HERE is the link to see how great the other's are doing.
Worked on some swap blocks, gave some away to a friend and sold some more fabric this week to maybe offset my buying a bit.
Fabric Added this Week: 5 yards (EEEK!!)
Fabric Added Year to Date: 8.5 yards
Fabric Used this Week: 1.5 yards
Fabric gifted/sold this week: 16 yards
Fabric Used Year to Date: 88.25yards (12.5 yds used/sold this week - nice to be in the positives still!)

Here's my thread usage report --I have over 51 spools of thread on hand ... this is bad, very bad! I keep finding spools of thread everywhere I go to clean and organize in there ... now tell me just many spools of thread does a person need??? I finished that spool from last week and I'm close to finishing another one. But ... I need to buy beige/white thread this afternoon when I run my errands so that will offset what I'm using.

Spools added this week: 0 spools
Spools used this week: 1 spool
Total Spools used to Date: 10 spools
Total Spools bought to Date: 2 spools

until next time .... happy quilting and happy stash busting!

Christmas Candle Mats n Tablerunner

Look at these Christmas Candle Mats a friend of mine is making as gifts ... aren't they gorgeous?

CANDLE MATS


.... and I am happy to say I completed the Wreath Tablerunner for my swap partner! whatcha think? I have got to try fancier quilting but for now I did stitch in the ditch quilting with silver and gold metallic thread. I hope she likes it. I left the wreath without a bow thinking she might know how to applique and would like to do that herself.

until next time ... happy quilting!

Week 46 - Stash Busting Report

Ya'll this is pitiful! I can't count. I posted that there were NINE weeks left last week to finish the year ... well there are only 52 weeks in a year so I don't know how to count I guess. So .. this week I can say only SIX more reports and 2009 is over!
At the beginning of the year I joined Judy's 2009 Stash Bustin Challenge and I have been trying to use more from my stash and making quilts and projects without buying more new fabric to add to my stash. PEEK here and see how wonderful everyone is doing.
Worked on the Christmas Runner and some swap blocks this week. Sold some more fabric but it is not out the door yet so it will get counted on next week's report.
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 3.5 yards
Fabric Used this Week: 1.5 yards
Fabric gifted/sold this week: o yards
Fabric Used Year to Date: 75.75 yards (woohoo!! going get to 100yard I just know it!)

Here's my thread usage report --I have over 51 spools of thread on hand ... this is bad, very bad! I keep finding spools of thread everywhere I go to clean and organize in there ... now tell me just many spools of thread does a person need??? (I am so close to finishing another spool I can see the spool itself!!!)
Spools added this week: 0 spools
Spools used this week: 1 spool
Total Spools used to Date: 9 spools
Total Spools bought to Date: 2 spools
until next time .... happy quilting and happy stash busting!

been busy swapping

I've had a busy couple weeks and thought I'd share what I have been working on other than the large amount of leaves in my yard.

As you know if you have been viewing my blog that on a quilting site I am a part of we did a blocks into tops swap (HERE is the one I did). I sent my swap mate a BOB and this is what she made me isn't it so pretty? I am going to hopefully complete it for a gift for my mother soon. And ... this will help me complete another UFO when I do so. Gotta love swaps to help you complete those stack of UFOs/BOBs we all have.

here are a couple set of blocks I made for two swappers for a friendship swap

This swapper wanted any Christmas fabric and white. I use the same green and red fabrics in both blocks cause I just love it. These are the blocks I made for her.

This swapper wanted dark green and mauve so these are the blocks I made for her.

I have also been working on the Christmas Wreath tablerunner that I posted a photo of the pattern of. I am almost done with that - just need to do the binding and then I'll snap a photo.

until next time ... happy quilting

Week 45 Stash Busting Report

Only NINE more reports and 2009 is over! This year is really flying and I am not ready for the upcoming holidays yet. Better get on the stick and get some project done for gifts.
I joined Judy's 2009 Stash Bustin Challenge and I have been trying to use more from my stash and making quilts and projects without buying more new fabric to add to my stash. Take a look at how wonderful everyone is doing.
Sold some fabric :o) and used some fabric so my numbers are good this week!
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 3.5 yards
Fabric Used this Week: 1 yd
Fabric gifted/sold this week: over 12.5 yards
Fabric Used Year to Date: 74.275 yards (woohoo!!)

Here's my thread usage report --I started my count with 34 total spools of various sizes and colors on hand. hhmmm ... while cleaning n sorting I found more spools and some were also gifted to me. I then had 51 spools of thread! And after more cleaning I found more thread but am too scared to tell you how many I found. I keep finding spools of thread everywhere ... now tell me just many spools of thread does a person need??? I finished another spool this week!!!! ;o)
Spools added this week: 0 spools
Spools used this week: 1 spool
Total Spools used to Date: 9 spools
Total Spools bought to Date: 2 spools
until next time .... happy quilting and happy stash busting!

30s Quilt Top

This week's Goal # 1 is BUSTED!!!! here is the 30s quilt top I finally finished for my friend - I got stuck on the border - wasn't sure whether to add a strip of white around the center or not and got some input from quilting friends and here is the finished project with no extra strip of white around the center.

I am happy to have this one done ... now to work on a Christmas Table Runner for another friend for a swap.

until next time ... happy quilting

enlarging patterns

I found this great pattern in a magazine and pulled the pattern and I went to enlarge it to 200% just like it said to do then I start to piece those copied sections to make the whole block pattern. This is what I have ... how do you get the sections to stay together so you can piece the quilt block? In the past I used regular old tape but when you press it of course it melts. So ... any tips here .... can I use school glue sticks to hold the puzzle pieces in place? I just need to make this one block.

until next time ... happy quilting

weekly goals update

From my earlier post HERE

Here's my update and next week's goals list ...

Goal #1 Cut and sort this basket into usable pieces and finish last week's basket. BUSTED THIS ONE!! finished this one - cut, sorted and everything is put into it's proper place ;o)
Goal #2 Work on the borders for the 30s Top pictured above. (PROGRESS ... found my border idea, have fabric cut and ready to start piecing it today.)
3. Find something to sort and organize each day. A little bit of progress is better than none! (PROGRESS ... did a bit each day inside and out and happy with my progress.)

This week's goal list ....

Goal #1 ... finish borders on the 30s Quilt Top.

Goal # 2 ... sort, cut and put away this basket of scraps and such. I have lots of these little baskets in my sewing area if you remember from my previous post. I am slowly getting through all of them and hope to keep at them until they are all done.

Goal #3 ... work on more crumb blocks as my leaders and enders this week.

Goal #4 ... work on organizing little man's closet this week

until next time ... happy quilting and work on those goals

Stash Busting Report Week 44

The year is lacks a few short weeks to be over and in the history books and I have made just a small dent in my stash. Won't be long and she'll have us joining in for 2010!
At the beginning of the year I joined Judy's 2009 Stash Bustin Challenge and I am happy to be using almost soley from my stash and making quilts and projects without buying more new fabric. Take a PEEK at how the others are doing.

I used 2.5yds of fabric to start making border blocks for this quilt top here. WOOHOO!!! I am now over 60yds used this year ... I know I should have more on the counter but I failed to post and count my usage that that is okay.
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 3.5 yards
Fabric Used this Week: 2.5 yds
Fabric gifted this week: 0 yards
Fabric Used Year to Date: 60.75 yards

Here's my thread usage report --I started the year with 34 total spools of various sizes and colors on hand. hhmmm ... while cleaning and sorting I found more thread and was gifted some. I now have on hand 51 spools of thread! I won't tell you how much yet as I haven't counted but while cleaning this weekend I found more thread ... now tell me just how many spools of thread does a person need??? But I am happy to say I finished a spool ;o)
Spools added this week: 0 spools
Spools used this week: 1 spool
Total Spools used to Date: 8 spools
Total Spools bought to Date: 2 spools

until next time .... happy quilting and happy stash busting!

borders and bonfires

I now have the border idea for the 30s top I am working on for the swap and started cutting all these squares to piece it with. No clues yet but hope to be able to show a finished top by the end of next week.

Even with lots of rainy weather yesterday and last night we still had a nice bonfire - hotdogs and smores included at my brother's house. Hope today the rain holds off so little man can have fun trick-or-treating tonight.

here was the view from my drive yesterday morning, yes I need to do the leaves but the rain won't let me. Maybe we will have a couple days of pretty weather next week so I can get my yard nice and neat again.

until next time ... happy quilting and happy Fall ya'll

Halloween Fun

here are my kiddos having a bit of fun. we had candy extravaganza at church last night and this is how they went - little man was a cute puppy and DD was a red bandit! They had fun!

weekly goals update

Goal #1 - BUSTED!! Here is the backing I have been piecing for the TN Strings Quilt. It is finally finished. Now to find batting and get to quilting on it.

Goal # 2 - BUSTED!!! Sashing strips have been added to the 30s blocks - whatcha think so far? I know it needs a border but still haven't decided on what to do yet. Gotta get on the stick though as the deadline to have this in the mail is looming. (sorry I was running outta light for this one.)

Goal #3 -- not quite finished but made some progress. Remember the basket I was sorting this week, well this is some of what I found while sorting it. Lots of pieces and parts to blocks. I got to work and pieced the most of them into blocks but I have a pile still to complete. I have one (the blue square one) that is leftover pieces from a border than I am turning into a hotpad. I have it sandwiched ready to quilt here but it is now completed.

I have no clue what the one set of pieces are supposed to be for (those in the upper right corner and in the center of the picture are the pieces and parts I have left to put together). I guess I need to play with them and find the layout for them. I hate when I come across block parts and no pattern is there with them. I am going to do better about putting the pattern with the block parts and putting them into baggies. Then I won't have this trouble.

Next weeks goals.

1. Cut and sort this basket into usable pieces and finish last week's basket.

2. Work on the borders for the 30s Top pictured above.

3. Find something to sort and organize each day. A little bit of progress is better than none!

until next time ... happy quilting and work on those goals.

Stash Busting Report Week 43

The year is almost over and I have made just a little dent in my stash. At the beginning of the year I joined Judy's 2009 Stash Bustin Challenge . Take a look-see here at how the others are doing - some are doing lots better than me but that is okay. I am happy to be using from my stash and making quilts and projects I enjoy.
I used strips to sash some blocks and as a backing for a orphan block potholder, that is about all I got to do this week. Hopefully today I can do some more.
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 3.5 yards
Fabric Used this Week: 1 yds
Fabric gifted this week: 0 yards
Fabric Used Year to Date: 58.25 yards

Here's my thread usage report --I started the year with 34 total spools of various sizes and colors on hand. hhmmm ... while cleaning and sorting I found more thread and was gifted some. I now have on hand 51 spools of thread!
Spools added this week: 0 spools
Spools used this week: 0 spool
Total Spools used to Date: 7 spools
Total Spools bought to Date: 2 spools

until next time .... happy quilting and happy stash busting!

Stash Busting Report Week 42

Is it just me or has this year just been flying by? Christmas will be here before we know it. I have a couple gift ideas I'd like to make the ladies of my family but we shall see if I can work them into my sewing time.
At the beginning of the year I joined Judy's 2009 Stash Bustin Challenge . I fell off the wagon and didn't post my progress for awhile but didn't give up. I am back at it and trying to do better about posting weekly. Here's how well the Other's are doing.
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 3.5 yards
Fabric Used this Week: 1.25 yds (piecing some backing blocks for the TN Strings quilt and making four more crumb blocks)
Fabric gifted this week: 0 yards
Fabric Used Year to Date: 57.25 yards

Here's my thread usage report --I started the year with 34 total spools of various sizes and colors on hand. hhmmm ... while cleaning and sorting I found more thread and was gifted some. I now have on hand 51 spools of thread.
Spools added this week: 0 spools
Spools used this week: 0 spool
Total Spools used to Date: 7 spools
Total Spools bought to Date: 2 spools
until next time .... happy quilting and happy stash busting!

This week's progress report next week's goals

Sounds like I've been in school and the teacher sent home my grades with comments huh? lol

This was my list for this week's goals
1. Piece the backing to the TN Strings Quilt -- got another row added and cut enough pieces to add the last row of ten blocks
2. Figure out a layout for these blocks for a blocks to top swap -- found the setting I am going to use, started cutting sashing strips already
3. Spend 20 minutes or more each day organizing something -- didn't work on this each day but almost every day.
4. Sort and cut the basket into usable pieces -- BUSTED this one!!! I got the basket sorted and put away the squares, strips and bricks that I had cut the pieces into. I did find some blocks pieces that will need to put pieced into blocks. I put those into a holding basket beside my machine. I think I will work on these this week as my leaders and enders. This week I did crumb pieces as my leaders and enders and finished four more blocks and have several more started. (I am happy with my small bits of sewing room organization I do each week. I'm trying to get it into shape by the end of the year so I can work steadily on Judy's stash busting challenge for next year. )

My goals for the coming week ..

1. Finish the backing blocks .. this is going to come off the list this week if I have to stay up all night one night doing so. I have other projects that I want to work on but this one is looming over me saying finish me finish me!!

2. Add the sashing to the blocks into tops blocks

3. Sort and cut this basket into usable pieces

unit next time ... happy quilting and work on those goals!

Week's Progress Report

I decided to start posting some small weekly goals to help me stay on track and get things done even if it seems like small meaningless things to others, it all adds up and makes a big difference to me, my amount of progress and the organization and tidiness of my house.

Update of my progress from this Monday's list. I did good but didn't completely finish them all.

Weekly goals

1. Sort and cut basket into usable pieces - BUSTED!!

2. Piece the backing to the TN Strings Quilt -- SOOO CLOSE I can taste it!

3. Spend 20 minutes or more each day organizing something - did this almost every day - I think I missed one day but made up for it on other days by doing over the 20 minutes. This one will be on the list weekly.

This week's goals

1. Piece the backing to the TN Strings Quilt

2. Figure out a layout for these blocks for a blocks to top swap

3. Spend 20 minutes or more each day organizing something

4. Sort and cut this basket into usable pieces

unit next time ... happy quilting and work on those goals!

Stash Busting Report Week 41

Have had a productive week ... Here's the link to the 2009 Stash Bustin Challenge I joined on Judy's blog. Take a peek at how the REST of the bunch are doing.

Fabric Added this Week: 3 yards (swapped for books)
Fabric Added Year to Date: 31/2 yards
Fabric Used this Week: 4.5 yards (piecing the backing for the TN Strings quilt and making some crumb blocks)
Fabric gifted this week: 0 yards
Fabric Used Year to Date: 56 yards

Here's my thread usage report --I started the year with 34 total spools of various sizes and colors on hand. hhmmm ... while cleaning and sorting I found more thread and was gifted some. I now have on hand 51 spools of thread.
Spools added this week: 0 spools
Spools used this week: 1 spool
Total Spools used to Date: 7 spools
Total Spools bought to Date: 2 spools

until next time .... happy quilting and happy stash busting!

Weekly Goal Busted!

I posted HERE my weekly goals and showed the messy basket of fabrics. I am so happy to be able to mark one BUSTED!!! I now have a nice stack of usable squares, strips, bricks and binding pieces all ready to use. Doesn't this look better than the first picture?

I put everything away except for the three stack at the upper left top corner of the mat. They will be used to make blocks for the backing of the TN String Quilt.

Weekly goals
1. Sort and cut basket into usable pieces - BUSTED!! Gonna pull another basket for next week and keep at it.
2. Piece the backing to the TN Strings Quilt - should have enough pieces cut to get the blocks started in the morning.
3. Spend 20 minutes or more each day organizing something - doing good with this one as well.

until next time ... happy quilting and work on those goals

Finally a Finish!!!

Here's a picture of the Bears in the Farmhouse from Judy's Quilt Along I did the beginning of the year. I am happy to say it is finished. I haven't been able to post a photo due to all the rain we've been having.

Hope you can see the great quilting Tirane did on it.

She is a terrific quilter.

until next time ... happy quilting ... work on those UFOs ;o)

Weekly Goals

Weekly goals
1. Sort and cut basket into usable pieces
2. Piece the backing to the TN Strings Quilt
3. Spend 20 minutes or more each day organizing something

As part of Judy's Plan for us to get organized by the end of the year ... I post before pictures HERE. To get me started I pulled a basket from beside cabinet to start reducing and organizing my stash. See the second picture in that post. The blue basket is in the stack to the right of the three drawer thingy.
Here is what I will be working on this week to help get the backing pieced for the TN Strings Quilt and to help organize my stash a bit. I am going to be sorting and cutting this basket done to usable size pieces. I started cutting this morning and got these nice piles agoing.


so what are you working on this week ... any small goals you are setting for yourself?
until next time ... happy quilting

Stash Busting Report Week 40

Have had a productive week ... Here's the link to the 2009 Stash Bustin Challenge I joined on Judy's blog. Take a peek at how wonderful the Others are doing. They are blowing me outta the water I must say.
Fabric Added this Week: 2 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 1/2 yards
Fabric Used this Week: 1 yards
Fabric gifted this week: 1.5 yards
Fabric Used Year to Date: 54.5 yards
Here's my thread usage report --I started the year with 34 total spools of various sizes and colors on hand. hhmmm ... while cleaning and sorting I found more thread and was gifted some. I now have on hand 51 spools of thread. No spools finished this week.
Spools added this week: 0 spools
Spools used this week: 0 spool
Total Spools used to Date: 6 spools
Total Spools bought to Date: 2 spools
until next time .... happy quilting

UFO Challenge/Contest Week 4 Progress

We are doing a UFO Challenge/Contest for September and I am working away on three different UFOs this month. Depending on the number that is chosen I get to work on a different one each day.
UFO List for September's Challenge/Contest
1. crumb blocks -- began with 35 total blocks (6inch blocks and 6.5 inch blocks mixed)
2. string blocks - began with 16 string blocks blocks and 16 TN blocks- this one will be called TN Strings (combined TN blocks and my String blocks together.)
3. red split nine patch blocks - began with 24 blocks

Day 22 - chose quilters choice .. I worked on my neices baby quilt instead of a UFO

Day 23 - chose UFO #1 ... I finished four blocks and started chain piecing several more

Day 24 - tchose UFO #1 ... I got several pieces almost large enough to call blocks. Slowly but surely I'll get enough for a quilt. My scrap drawer doesn't look like it's gone down any though.

Day 25 - chose quilters choice .. finished 5 crumb blocks and have several more started. Here's a picture of all the 6 inch blocks I have made so far.

Day 26 .. chose UFO #3 .. I was able to cut and then sew the pieces into rows for the last 16 blocks

Day 27 ... chose UFO #3 .. I presed the rows, sewed the 16 blocks together and laid them out and love how this one is going to turn out .. here all the blocks and the layout I am doing

Day 28 ... chose quilters choice ... I worked on my crumb blocks - I cut sashing and added it to the blocks I had made this week.

This was a nice month of progress don't ya think?

until next time ... happy quilting ... work on those UFOs and make some progress

Stash Busting Report Week 39

I have been sooo bad at posting my reports that I had to look back to week 21 to find my report. Terrible Terrrible!
I have been using from my stash just not reporting it. I will not go back and count up what I have used since then but take it from here. I'll try and do better about checking in.
Here's the link to the 2009 Stash Bustin Challenge I joined on Judy's blog. Take a peek at how the others of the bunch are doing.

Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 1/2 yards
Fabric Used this Week: 2 yards
Fabric gifted this week: 1 yards
Fabric Used Year to Date: 54 yards

Here's my thread usage report --I started the year with 34 total spools of various sizes and colors on hand. hhmmm ... while cleaning and sorting I found more thread and was gifted some. I now have on hand 51 spools of thread.
Spools added this week: 0 spools
Spools used this week: 0 spool
Total Spools used to Date: 6 spools
Total Spools bought to Date: 2 spools
until next time .... happy quilting

Show us your Stash

Judy is doing a good thing for us again. We are going to be posting photos of our stashes now, oneat the end of the year and one again at the end of 2010 to help us try and get more organized and use more of our stashes in 2010. Check out the details here Patchworks Times

I have been slowly working on organizing my stash and have been using from it pretty much for over two years. I haven't bought much that didn't leave as soon as it got here. So that being said ... I don't have a true sewing room so my stash is located in various places throughout the house. I won't bore you with every bin or tub. Here are some pictures to share with you my messy stash. Not as impressive as some but does me well.

Here are the storage cabinets filled with my fabric stash, UFOs/BOBs are on top of the one cabinet, I have baskets and bins of scraps (yes I am a scrap-o-holic and admit it). I hope to continue to use from my stash and reduce it again next year. I hope to reduce my scrap bins by dare I say ... half?

until next time ... happy quilting

Sunday's Sewing

I didn't finish my post from yesterday due to unforeseen circumstances so I will begin today with yesterday's end.
I work on my split nine patches and got to the rows stages of my blocks. I went from this mess to ...

these row sections pieced ...

Today I hope to press and complete those blocks.

until next time ... happy quilting

a day to sew and clean

It's raining yet again!!! We have had rain EVERY day for over two weeks now and trust me it is getting old. I so need to see some sunshine. This has been very depressing I can tell ya.
Today I am going to be sewing and cleaning. Anyone need to have a sewing buddy help them stay motivated today? How about a cleaning partner to help you strive to get that area done today? let me know if so and I'll be sure to check out your blog.
6:45 AM (granted I went to bed at midnight or so ...) I am up and coffee is brewing and I'm ready to start. Today I need to start with working on my number 3 UFO, the split red nine patches. I will put some time in on those and then clean on the bar and I'll check back after I do so. Get ready ... get set ... let's get something done today!!
9:50AM I got a bit sidetracked but made some progress just the same. I got the bar cleaned off, did two loads of clothes, dug a ditch to keep part of the water from creating a pond under my house, got the HSTs for the split nine patches all neat and trimmed, the rest of the fabric squares I need to make those 16 blocks are pulled and waiting, I finished another crumb block and put pieces on the others partial blocks I have started. Changed threads and I'm ready to get back to those split nine patches. Now to pick another cleaning spot ... how about the computer desk, that should be an easy one. I'll check back in a bit.
2:40PM THE SUN IS FINALLY OUT!!!! I haven't been good at updating huh? I got busy cleaning and such and didn't take the time to come post. I have gotten the squares all cut for the split nine patches, I put away all the rest of the reds I had pulled to clean up my sewing table. Put all the extra squares, strips and scraps away too.
I also did a little home decorating and organizing. I got this great cabinet from my sister and now it hold my fabric instead of one of those flimsy three drawer organizer thingy. No my room is not totally clean and organized but I am making progress.

I also put this puzzle up today and the shelf too. I so need to paint the breakfast room. Don't ya just love the floral walls? NOT!

Since I haven't posted an updated picture of the TN Strings quilt and finally it is not raining outside I took a picture of the top. I hope to piece the backing this weekend. ;o)

quick baby quilt

I made this quick baby quilt for my neice and yes I cheated! I saw the fabric and thought it was adorable just as it was so I took it home and made it into a quilt and quilted it and finished it for her. I hope she likes it like I think she will.

If you click on the picture it will show a larger picture and it should show you the way I quilted it.

until next time ... happy quilting

UFO Challenge/Contest Week 3 Progress

As I posted about earlier - we are doing a UFO Challenge/Contest for September and I am working away on three different UFOs this month. Depending on the number that is chosen I get to work on a different one each day.

UFO List for September's Challenge/Contest
1. crumb blocks -- began with 35 total blocks (6inch blocks and 6.5 inch blocks mixed)
2. string blocks - began with 16 string blocks blocks and 16 TN blocks- this one will be called TN Strings (combined TN blocks and my String blocks together.)
3. red split nine patch blocks - began with 24 blocks

Day 15 --- chose wild card (I am choosing to work on number 3) got those pieced blocks pressed and tried a couple different layouts. Made my layout choice and now need to make another 16 blocks
Day 16 -- chose UFO #2 - I was able to sew the borders on my TN Strings top
Day 17 -- chose wild card (I am choosing to work on my number 3) cut and sewed enough HSTs to make the last 16 blocks
Day 18 --- chose UFO #1 - chain pieced several block parts
Day 19 -- chose wild card - no progress on any UFO on the list today - worked on double nine patch blocks instead
Day 20 -- chose UFO #2 - I washed, pressed and laid out the backing for this one only to find it was not large enough to do what I need it to do so I will have to piece the backing :o(
Day 21 -- chose wild card - I didn't work on a UFO today - I started and almost finished a baby quilt for my neice.
Not too bad for another week of progress. Any progress is better than none right? I am so hoping to complete at least one of these by the end of the challenge. I won't have pictures to share for this one but might sneak some in next week.
until next time ... happy quilting

cluttered caos

As I was looking around my sewing area I realized something. My area could be considered cluttered caos to someone who didn't have the quilting bug. I have stacks of shoe boxes on top of both my cabinets of UFOs and BOBs, I have bins, baskets and tubs of fabrics and scraps scattered here and there. I have patterns either printed out from the web or bought ones just laying here and there on top of one cabinet in a stack on the floor and then on my sewing table. It just seems that my sewing area is about ready to burst with unfinished projects and fabrics. I am going to vow to work more on UFOs and BOBs from here out and to use soley from my stash and swap out fabrics when I am need of a certain color or prints. I feel so guilty as I look around at how much stuff my sewing area holds and some of it is unused and unfinished.
About my closet ... well I've been meaning to clean it out and something always comes up and I've been putting it off. Guess what happened?? I come in from work and find the rod holder thingy has BROKEN!! Now that means I have too many clothes on the rod. Funny though it seems I always wind up wearing the same clothes every week. With the rod holder thingy broken I have to remove all the clothes from the rod lying on the floor. What a heavy bunch of clothes it is. I am working on it steadily and finding lots to put into the next yard sale pile. Why was I keeping things that I know I will never wear? Not my size? Not my style? Not my color? I have gone through half of them so far and plan on slowly getting through the rest of them. My closet is getting organized and I will only have the clothes in there that I will actually wear when it's all done. So the rod holder thingy breaking is a POSITIVE thing!
I've been slowly doing some decluttering and cleaning a bit at a time, a small area at a time and finding it easier to keep the house clean by doing so. I look around at all we have and am amazed. Why do we have so much STUFF?!? going to continue to work on sorting, tossing, and selling things from around the house that we don't use or need. Next on the list are the old computers sashed behind the TV stand out of sight but collecting dust. Computer resale shoppe here they come!
until next time ... continue working on those goals .. take small steps of progress every chance you can

Pieced Pumpkins

Here's what I have been sewing on today .... cute pieced pumpkins.
until next time .. happy quilting

UFO Challenge/Contest Week 2 Progress

As I posted about earlier - we are doing a UFO Challenge/Contest for September and I am working away on three different UFOs this month. Depending on the number that is chosen I get to work on a different one each day. It's been fun so far!
UFO List for September's Challenge/Contest
1. crumb blocks -- began with 35 total blocks (6inch blocks and 6.5 inch blocks mixed)
2. string blocks - began with 16 string blocks blocks and 16 TN blocks- this one will be called TN Strings (combined TN blocks and my String blocks together.)
3. red split nine patch blocks - began with 24 blocks
Here's my weekly progress at a quick glance with some pictures thrown in ....



Day 8 -- chose UFO number 1 ... got the sashing put between all the blocks I have made, made one more block and started chain piecing several more. Decided to put the larger (6.5 inch blocks) in a baggie to use for another project.
Day 9 -- chose UFO number 1 ... made 3 completed blocks, added sashing to them and started several more blocks by chain piecing .. my scrap bin doesn't seem to be getting any lower though. Now have 31 of the 6 inch blocks sewn and sashed.
Day 10 -- chose wild card and I chose to work on UFO number 2 ... made the last four string blocks for this top, sewed them into a row and pinned them into place on the bottom of the quilt top.
Day 11-- chose wild card ... I chose to work on UFO number 2 again today - got the row attached and all the extra strings picked up and put away. Now to find a outter border and get to working on piecing the backing for this one. This top now measures 74 inches square.
Day 12 -- chose UFO number 3 ... have twelve split nine blocks sewn into sections now to press and piece those blocks
Day 13 -- chose UFO number 1 ... didn't get to work on this at all today but that's okay.
Day 14 -- chose UFO number 2 ... pressed and cut the final border fabric, cut into strips, sewed the strips together until next time ... happy quilting

beautiful morning

just wanted to share some picture of the view about my place here ... it's a beautiful morning
you can't see it in the picture but the sunlight is filtering through the trees and it's just so pretty. I love cooler weather and the changing scenery.









this rose is growing beneath my kitchen window and since it's grow so tall this year I can enjoy the fragrance when I get to open the window like I have them this morning







This is the view from my drive - it's so peaceful here. At night you can here the crickets, frogs and catfish in the pond.

UFO Challenge/ Contest Week 1 Progress

UFO List for September's Challenge/Contest
1. crumb blocks -- began with 35 mixed 6inch blocks and 6.5 inch blocks
2. string blocks - began with 16 blocks - this one will be called TN Strings (combined TN blocks and my String blocks together.)
3. red split nine patch blocks - began with 24 blocks

Weekly progress at a glance with some pictures ....

Day 1 -- chose UFO number 3 ... made enough HSTs to make 13 more blocks

Day 2 -- chose UFO number 1 ... made two more crumb blocks and several partial blocks to start off the next round of chain piecing

Day 3 -- chose wild card so I chose UFO number 3 ... cut enough red squares out to make lots more blocks

Day 4 -- chose UFO number 1 ... no update ... didn't work on it ;o(

Day 5

-- chose wild card ... chose to work on UFO number 2 ... pieced the center of the top

Day 6 -- chose UFO number 2 ... I added a thin sashing around the center, joined the blocks I had to go around three sides of the top. Need to make four more blocks to complete that last side. I'm liking the way this is coming together.

Day 7 -- chose UFO number 1 - worked on adding sashing to the blocks I have made so far. Found out I have some blocks that are 6 inches and some that are 6 1/2 inches. I need to pull out the larger blocks to do something else with 'em

until next time ... happy quilting

Judy's at it again

JUDY is at it again ... making us stay on our toes and work on those goals from January. Ain't she just great!

here's my list from January ... let's see how I've been doing so far and what I need to work harder on ...
My goals for this challenge will be ...
to REDUCE my scrap bins in half - I think I have four now -- have been cutting and sliming these down but no where near half 'cause they keep multipling like rabbits in there!
to USE UP those 2.5 inch strips I have cut - two oversized shoe boxes located up on the top on that cabinet I posted a photo of before - I believe they are like rabbits and mulitiply quickly! haven't even touched these yet - shame on me!
to COMPLETE half of the UFOs/ BOBs I have on hand - I think I have 10-15 that come to mind - nope I found more and I am afraid more are lurking in the cabinets. let's see I have completed 3 UFOs from the list ... still have lots to do but working on three this month at least for a contest/challenge I am a part of and hope to complete all three if not more.
to NOT buy unless it is absolutely necessary to complete a project - I have been really good on this one - have only bought 6yds of Kona White the whole entire year
to CONTINUE to piece the backings of my quilts to use up those uglies and what was I thinking fabrics -- I have been good on this one too and have pieced the backing on two of the one's I've completed so far this year. The third completion was just a top - I am sending it back to the owner for her to finish it off completely. I plan on using the pieced backings for all my scrappy quilts that I can.
to NOT print another pattern from the internet without using at least two that I have already printed. I have binders of patterns that I have not even made yet. Also have a stack of patterns that need to be put into binders. Those were shown in a photo I posted earlier too. I've been working on organizing these patterns putting them into binders and tossing the duplicates I find along the way and thinning these down a bit more too.
to SORT through and organize my stash so I can find what I need - getting there - see my newly cleaned up sewing area photos. still working on this - organizing as I go thru and swapping out fabrics I find but will not use. Need to show an updated photo soon.
to NOT join a swap that requires me to buy fabric failed at this one .. had to buy the Kona for a 30s block swap I am doing
to ONLY join swaps that help me complete a UFO/BOB or allows me to use from my stash. {I love to swap and don't want to give that up just yet :o) } not done too bad I have only joined one swap so far that has not been to complete a UFO
to COMPLETE one UFOs/BOBs before starting a new project (kinda like a reward system) completing three so far this year and starting only two I have done better than expected.

now ... for the rest of this year I am going to continue to work on these goals and my other goals I post along the way too. thanks Judy for the reminder. need to start posting my stashbusting updates again too.

Black, White and Red Rows are now a quilt top

I finished this one tonight and have it packaged up to send back to the owner, my friend Kimberly. I am happy to mark this one off my UFO list. I felt guilty for having it so long and not being able to return it to her sooner.

My DD loves this quilt and said if the owner didn't want it she had a place for it ... her bed! I do hope Kimberly likes this one as much as DD does ;O)

It is not the same layout as Tirane did for me .. I just didn't have the extra time to do all those tiny squares. I like the way it turned out.

I can now mark goal #2 as COMPLETED!!! YEAH!!!

until next time ... happy quilting!

Ongoing Goals List

Here are only the goals with updates ... not too shabby of a progress update
1. Finish Mother's 30s Quilt - need to get this one quilted and bound. Backing is here need to package up and ship to Tirane to do her magic on it shortly! Hope to complete this one by the 8th of October for their 49th Anniversary!
2. Finish reworking Kimberly's Black and White RR - top is so close to being done I can see the light at the end of the tunnel now .. seriously though ... lack three sides of what I think will be the last border. hope to complete it shortly.
3. Finish String Quilt - blocks are here just waiting to be used; I thinking of combining them with the TN blocks to make my little man a large quilt for his bed. this one is now on my September of UFOs for a challenge/game I am a part of - should be able to make some progress on it this coming month.
4. Clean out my closet and redo my bedroom - looking better with every chance I get to go through more stuff.
5. Continue to sort and organize my stash for better access - I am making some nice progress here. Slowly but surely I am getting there - will take some updated pictures soon. Went through some more fabrics and folded and organized them and they all fit into their baskets better so more fit in there. The sewing area is looking neater with every decluttering/organizing spurt I give it.
6. Continue to sort and organize my patterns so I can find them more easily - I have started putting these into four binders and will keep at it as I find the time to do so. Gonna thin as I go. -- I have been working on this on and off - almost done with this one - hope to complete it over the weekend while watching a good movie! Didn't happen - maybe this month??
7. Continue to thin out my scraps - I haven't thinned out any scraps but I have been organizing them. Will try and make some crumb blocks this month and some pineapple blocks too. crumb blocks are on my UFO list too - gonna reduce that scrap drawer yet.
8. Lose 6 more pounds and more - still need to lose the 6 pounds but am at a standstill. Need to try harder and exercise more. hmmm ... haven't weighed myself lately .. need to and then update my total loss or gain ;o(
9. Work on decluttering my house more - do small tasks as I can. If I don't love it, need it, use it or can wear it - it needs to go. This will be a never ending goal of mine. lol -- I have been doing good with this one ... have been trying to clean a small area a day and toss, sort, give away, put away and so on. The house is looking neater and less cluttered every day. Now to find a way NOT to bring more back into the house!
10. Finish the Bears in the Farmhouse quilt to use as a raffle quilt for my friend who was diagnose with ovarian cancer. It is quilted just needs to be bound. The raffle quilt has not been completed. My neighbor friend had her surgery and they are saying they think they got it all and that she will not have to have radiation or chemo but with no insurance her hospital bills will be out of this world so I hope they get lots of items donated for the benefit that is coming up.
11. Rework DDs room to fit in the bigger bed - we will see how this one goes - she has been going through her stuff and getting rid of things she feels she has outgrown and has made great progress on this, hope she continues and we can move her new bed in soon.
until next time ... happy quilting and take steps and work on those goals

September UFO list

I am on an online quilting site and have decided to join a UFO busting challenge game ... each day the hostess will draw a UFO for us to work on from our list of three, there is a day that she may let us choose any one from our list too. This should be a fun way to work on our UFO list. Would be wonderful to complete the three on my list for this month but we shall see. You have seen how poorly I have kept to sticking to my monthly goals ;o)

1. crumb blocks

2. string blocks

3. red split nine patch blocks

until next time ... happy quilting!