Quilting Bee today ...

on a quilting site I am a member of we are doing a virtual quilting bee today to help motivate us to get those UFOs worked on. I will be posting my updates throughout the day. I hope to complete this project SCRAPPY HSTs it just needs outter borders. I also would like to piece the backing so I can send it to be quilted next week.

It's almost 8AM and ... off I go to sew ... sew ... sew ... (if you want to join in you can. no admission fee or anything. just blog about your progress and let me know what you are able to get done. you can be a part of the quilting bee too.)
9AM Update ... I decided to add another round of HSTs to the center before adding the borders. It only measured 60x60 now. I need it to be a full/queen size when it is finished. I have gotten 74 HSTs sewn and pressed. Now to get them trimmed. I have to do some other stuff before I get back to sewing to move around a bit. My back bothers me if I sit too long now. Guess I am getting old ... (from this .... to ....)

11:30 Update .. HSTs are all trimmed and I have one row of HSTs pinned in pairs to start sewing after I get a bite to eat. Slowly but surely I am getting. I keep getting distracted by housework. blah! (this nice pile of trimmed HSTs)

3PM Update ... Added another row all the way around the top. Have the fabric pulled for the outter borders and will start on that after I get offa here. I haven't been just sewing today but am happy with the progress I have been able to make so far today both sewing and otherwise.
4:30PM update ... cut the inner border fabric and have two sides attached. Have to run some errands. I might be able to get more done later on though
11PM update ... finally update I might add ... inner borders are on. top is now about 74x72 and will work on outter borders in the morning. I am happy with my progress for the day. Doesn't look much different but it is larger and has one border added. Sorry this isn't the best picture I am tired and laid it out quickly to get an updated photo before I head to bed.

until next time ...

still chuggin along here ...

life has been crazy busy here lately but I have found a new way to save and have dived head-first into it and full speed ahead to saving where I can to get my debt down this year. I found several blogs about clipping coupons and planning meals and such. I have been bitten by the coupon bug and I have to tell you - it was a good bite. I usually spend roughly $100-$150 every week or so on groceries and miscellaneous items like paper products, cleaners, etc. I wanted to tell you that since I started clipping coupons and watching those sales I have cut that in half or less. I so love it too. It will allow me to pay on those bills that keep looming in the background wondering when I will get them paid and if I will get them paid. This is the year I get back on my feet and get things in order. I KNOW IT IS!! I am going to do this and be the better for it.

Couponing does take a bit of time and getting used to. I have gotten so in the habit of using them this month that last night at Wally World I was going to buy kitty food but didn't bring my coupons and wouldn't allow myself to buy the kitty food since I didn't have the $3 off coupon. Now that is bad. Don't worry kitty isn't out of food and won't starve. He is huge and we do have some food for him I just don't like to run out and have him crying at the back door for us to come feed him.

on the family scene ... the kiddos are growing like weeds. Little man will need new jeans as they are turning into high waters. He has grown so much since school started in August. His shoes are tight so those need to be replaced too. DD has grown up and out - not in a bad way though. Her shirts and tops are getting shorter so those need to be gone through and replaced with a larger size. Little man has a bit of a cold but I am doctoring him up each day so maybe it won't get worse.

on the quilting scene ... I have gotten lots of organizing done in the sewing area this weekend and this week so far. I got the books, magazines all put together on their shelf and have all the loose patterns ready for sorting (maybe tomorrow night) and it looks so much better. I have a list of books that I am swapping out on a site I am a member of so I hope to reduce the number of books that I have by twelve or so soon. That is a good thing. If you are looking for a book let me know. I might just have it to swap out for fabric and scraps or strips.

until next time ...

Stash Busting Report Week 4

I have been bitten by the use it up bug and I have decided to try and use from my stash as much as possible this year. I joined a challenge on Judy's blog and so far so good for 2009. We post our usage weekly to keep motived. Here's my weekly report for the 2009 Stash Bustin Challenge I joined on Judy's blog. We are currently on week 4. Go see the other member's linkies and see how well they are doing.

Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 0 yards
Fabric Used this Week: .75 yards
Fabric gifted this week: 0 yards
Fabric Used Year to Date: 8.75 yards

I also decided to start keeping up with the number of spools of thread I have, buy and use this year too. I had 34 spools of various sizes and colors on hand on last count. I added two spools of beige today so that is a plus to the spool count. Bad me!

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

until next time ....

Project complete ...

I am happy to say that I got the project completed that I have been posting about. I chickened out and added just a plain border instead of the fancier one I had imagined. I just didn't want to mess up this one.

This isn't the best photo - guess the lighting is wrong. I will try after church to get a better on on the other side of the porch. I hope Babs likes it.
I spent part of yesterday sorting through my quilting books - I am finding some to swap out on a site I am a part of. Remember the shelf I posted a picture of previously where I showed my quilting books? Well ... I went to all my places for books and magaziens in the house and now that shelf is all but full and I have three binders of other patterns on top of the shelving unit too.I have more books/magazines than I thought I did. Wonder if they are multipling?
I have also been gathering all my loose patterns that were piled on the top of the small shelving unit. I am going to try and get those loose patterns sorted and put into binders this week. It should make it easier to find a pattern/project when I am doing a new quilty project. This organizing task will take me some time. One small task at a time is all I can handle. I get overwhelmed with it all. Slow but sure wins the race ya know.
until next time ....

Block Swap Top Progress

I added the inner border to the block-block swap project I am working on for Babs. I have to work on the parts of the outter border to finish this one up. I hope to complete it today but we will see. I will post an updated photo at the end of the day.
until next time ...

Stash Busting Report Week 3

I have been bitten by the use it up bug and I have decided to try and use from my stash as much as possible this year. I joined a challenge on Judy's blog and so far so good for 2009. We post our usage weekly to keep motived.
Here's my weekly report for the 2009 Stash Bustin Challenge I joined on Judy's blog. We are currently on week 3. Go see the other member's linkies and see how well they are doing.

I have used only from my stash this week so that is good, I stay on track. I am still sewing on my project I posted a picture of it yesterday and might have more reduction to add to my numbers later on tonight, want to complete that border. So check back.

here is my progress and how I used it up ...

Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 0 yards
Fabric Used this Week: 1.5 yards
Fabric gifted this week: 0 yards
Fabric Used Year to Date: 8 yards

I decided to start keeping up with the number of spools of thread I have, buy and use this year too. I had 32 spools of various sizes and colors on hand on last count but found two more lurking in a box of fabric. I used up two spools and I'm working from the third one now.
Spools added this week: 2 spools
Spools used this week: 2 spools
until next time ....

Sewing on Saturday

Today I am working on a project for a swap I am doing. I have cut all the strips and am now adding the sashing to start this project. I won't post any photos until I know Babs is okay with NOT looking at them ... lol
This is a swap we are doing as swap mates and it is going to be fun to be a bit creative and not go scrappy for once. I am thinking outside the box for this one and I hope she does like the end results.
Here is what I have done today. Babs sent me 12 blocks and I added one from my stack of blocks here. {I have alot to learn about making setting triangles and corner triangles.} I still need to do a skinny inner border and then outer border. Should be able to post a completed top tomorrow.

now to get back to sewing, I'll update this later. I need to sew so I have a reduction in my stash to report to the Stashbusting Challenge on Sunday.
Update .... Not only did I sew today I have cleaned and sorted and tossed and organize and clipped coupons and got lost in blog-land for a couple hours. It is amazing what you can find on here. Too many blogs not enough time.
until next time ....

Life has been crazy lately

sorry I haven't posted anything new to my blog this past week. Life is really kinda crazy here and stressful. I am hoping that will everything that is being changed and all those helping me pray for change, then things will turn themselves around for us.
I plan on quilting this weekend. It is too cold here to do anything else. It is only 23 degrees here now and temps will be only back up to 46 for Saturday. Nice day to stay inside and sew. I have some errands I am planning on doing tonight and then I won't have to go into town tomorrow and waste any time I could be sewing.
I have a swap project I need to work on. We are swapping out blocks with a partner and then we create our partner a quilt top outta the blocks and whatever fabrics we'd like to add. I am hoping that this will stretch my creative mind's eye a bit and she will like the end result.
Just got settled down after my errands. It's is a bit after midnight. I have the fabrics pulled and in the wash for the project I am going to tackle in the morning. I have all my running around done until Sunday so I can stay home and sew and clean and do whatever I'd like to. The kids are with the dad this weekend and I need to fill in the time by staying busy. I miss them already.
until next time ....

Stashbustin Report Week 2

I joined the 2009 Stash Bustin Challenge on Judy's blog. We are already on week 2. Time is just flying by. I am happy to be using from my stash and working on a UFO this week.
I am taking my figures from the quilt site Quilting On A Budget - they posted this great chart on how many in what size fabric and such. This weekend I have made and used 156 -- 4.5 inch squares to my the HSTs for the UFO I am working on. If I figured that right I have used about 2.5 yards of fabrics - give or take a bit - I am still sewing and might have more to add to my numbers later on tonight. So check back

here is my progress and how I used it up ...
here’s my report ...
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 0 yards
Fabric Used this Week: 2.5 yard
Fabric gifted this week: 3 yards
Fabric Used Year to Date: 6.5 yard

{I know my numbers are not as impressive as Judy and the rest of ya'll but I am happy with using from my stash and not adding to it and enjoying the fabric I have.}

I want to start keeping up with the number of spools of thread I have, buy and use this year too.
I have 32 spools of various sizes and colors on hand. Since I make scrappy quilts alot I can and do use whatever color I have as long it it won't show through.

Spools added this week: 0 spools
Spools used this week: 0 spools.

until next time ....

Quiltathon Sunday Edition

Day two of Judy's QUILTATHON is off to a good start.
Just after 8:30AM here ... I am working on my second cup of Vanilla Coffee ready as I sit here and post my update. I have already added two rows to the top and have all those HSTs waiting to be sew together and add as rows. I'll post an updated photo later on today.
9:40AM Another two rows have been added and pressed nice and neat into place. I am going to take a break from the quiltathon and will be back after church with my updates. Hope to get the top all done today but we will see. I don't have enough HSTs made up as of yet to do another row to any side of the top so I will work on more HSTs when I get back at it.
3:20ish here ... made up another 56 HSTs, got them sewn, pressed and trimmed. Taking a short break to post my update and stretch a bit. Those HSTs should be all I need to complete the center of the quilt, then it's onto the borders.

almost 10PM here ... here is what the top looks like now. I am done for the weekend. I added the last rows around the top a bit ago. Between company, the kiddos and all the phone calls I didn't get done what I wanted to but I am glad to have made some progress on this UFO. This ends my quiltathon updates. Nite ya'll!

Good luck to all those participating ... with accomplishing your goals. Anything we get done is better than nothing remember that. Some have may more time and work a bit faster than I do but I am enjoying my sewing time and that is what counts. I chose to work on a UFO instead of starting another project so I will be happy with whatever I can add to it to make it closer to being done.
until next time ...

Quiltathon Saturday edition

another Quiltathon is being held this weekend with Judy hostessing it for us. She is wonderful to have thought of this idea for a virtual quilt session among us bloggers. If you have anything you are needing or wanting to get done today come join in ... QUILTATHON

almost 10AM here and I have been up and at it but not just sewing all morning. I have gotten quite a bit done on the scrappy quilt I am working on - so far I have gotten another 33 HSTs added to the top and another 38 made needing to be trimmed and another 45 white squares cut and marked ready to turn into more HST units. I thought I had a before picture of this top but I don't. Here it is as of right now. I added a row to three side already today.
My goal for this quiltathon is to get this top ready to be mailed off on Monday to TIRANE Let's see if I can get that accomplished.
I have to get ready for an eye appointment so I won't get much done here until after I get back from there and the rest of my errands for the day. I'll post again with my updates when I come back.
It's about 4:30PM here ... having to stop for awhile. We are going to some friends' house for supper. Wanted to post an update though before we leave. I have another 76 HSTs pressed and trimmed and waiting to be added to the top. Might be able to work on this again tonight if we don't get in too late. If not tomorrow is another day.
It's almost 9:30PM ... We had a nice supper with our friends and now it's almost bedtime. I got another row added to the top and have another row set out to pin and sew in the morning. Planning on getting up early and sewing before church. No new pictures sorry. That will come tomorrow. Nite ya'll!
good luck quilters on getting what you'd like done today ...
until next time.

2009 stashbustin report week 1

I love this idea of using from my stash ... I love scrappy quilts as you can tell from my pictures to date. I joined the 2009 Stash Bustin Challenge on Judy's blog. I am excited to see how much I can use from my stash and what I can create with it this year. I also plan on reducing my UFO/BOB list in the process too. See the list to the right. Such a shame to have that many unfinished projects and then have all those ideas still running through my head waiting to get out and get started too.

I know it is late but here is my progress and how I used it up ...
here’s my report ...
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 0 yards
Fabric Used this Week: 1 yard
Fabric Used Year to Date: 1 yard

I made my DD a bag using about 1/2 yd for the entire project. I made Smokey, our kitty, another softy using 1/2 yd black and white flanel (no picture sorry). The neighborhood dogs took off the other one I made. Let's see how long this one stays around. Other than mending several pieces of clothing for DD over the weekend I haven't gotten to sew much. I do plan on tackling a UFO this weekend though. Will report on that later.

My goals for this challenge will be ...

• to REDUCE my scrap bins in half - I think I have four now
• 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!
• 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.
• to NOT buy unless it is absolutely necessary to complete a project
• to CONTINUE to piece the backings of my quilts to use up those uglies and what was I thinking fabrics
• 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.
• to SORT through and organize my stash so I can find what I need - getting there - see my newly cleaned up sewing area photos.
• to NOT join a swap that requires me to buy fabric
• 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) }
• to COMPLETE one UFOs/BOBs before starting a new project (kinda like a reward system)

Stashbustin Challenge 2009

here we go ... just to update with some pictures of my sewing area after I cut, sorted and cleaned up yesterday. I still need to go through the stuff on the top of the smaller cabinet. That is mostly patterns and such. I have two binders to organize those but that will be another day.

Picture #1 -- my cutting table before the big clean up. It is all sorted, cut and put away now. Nothing is on my table but two small baskets of projects I want to work on over the next couple of days while I am off work; my sewing mat, the scrap catcher and my machine.

Picture #2 - look how much neater the area is. I bought the rolling cart the other day at Fred's and it got me motivated to clean up my sewing area.

Picture #3 -- same area - maybe a better view?? See the pile on the smaller cabinet I was talking about - that will be my next declutter task. That will take awhile to sort and punch and put into binders.

Picture #4 -- the cabinet opened and a view of the UFOs/BOBS on the top of the cabinet and on the top shelf of the cabinet.

Picture #5 -- my sewing area from a different view. See those tubs - one has 30s prints in it, one has scraps to be cut into squares, the small tub has strips for more string blocks and the basket is full of various parts, pieces and scraps of fabric.

onward I go ... tackling the 2009 Stash Bustin Challenge from Judy's site.

Goals would be as I posted before but I'll bring them forward to the first post of the year for this Challenge. So ... let's start using it up quilters!

until next time ...

It's 2009 and it's gonna be fine

Today is the start of a new year and a new and better me. I want to work on improving lots of areas in my life but I won't go into all of them. This is going to be a year of lots of positives. I created a list of several goals I have for 2009 - nothing that I can't do. I also updated my UFO/BOBs list too. Those grew as I cleaned yesterday. smirk :o)
Yesterday I did a ton of cleaning, sorting and cutting in my sewing area. I will get a picture uploaded shortly to show you the difference. Great improvement but not spotless. I am looking forward to doing the 2009 Stash Bustin Challenge with Judy. You can check out all of us participating HERE and see if you'd like to join in too ....
Whilte cleaning, I found blocks and fabrics I didn't even know I had. That is pitiful! My sewing area looks a ton better though so that is the plus. I hope to be able to sew today after I do some mending and complete a purse for DD.
until next time ...