I have made some nice progress this week doing the challenge to clean up my sewing area. (will post photos later) I am happy to say that I did a fast cleanup of the area last night and then I started working on the patterns and putting them into binders. I am about 1/4 of the way through the patterns and plan on working on them again tomorrow night while watching a good movie to help pass the time ;O) and get these put away. I trimmed down the cut-offs pictured in the previous posts - some down to 2.5 and the rest at 3.0 - those went into the drawer units with the precut squares for a scrappy project yet to be discovered.
I have been cleaning and organizing this week with the hopes of sewing on the 30s Sampler for my Mother tomorrow. I am GOING to finish this one this weekend!! That is my number one goal. I will post my update in the morning - might turn it into a sewing marathon.
Anyone up to join me for a sewing marathon tomorrow. Please let me know and we can encourage and motivate each other to make some progress.
This weeks challenge on the quilting site I belong to is to make a quilt top - I hope to complete this challenge tomorrow!
until next time ... happy quilting
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
without knowing it
I have been working on some of my goals this week .... I didn't even think about my goals until I glanced back at them just now.
some of my July Goals updated ....
5. Sort and organize my stash for better access ... update ... purchased some storage tubs to try and work on this soon. Have used half of these tubs to put fabric into the bottom of my closet instead of in those copy paper boxes I showed earlier. I have been sorting and pressing and folding fabric and have made some progress I can see it too.
6. Sort and organize my patterns so I can find them more easily ... update ... pulled them all and have them stacked waiting to be put into binders with dividers that are here. Thinking I am going to reduce these by half or more and if I need a pattern then I can print it off the internet instead of having to keep it in my sewing area. Have all the patterns pulled and sitting on my sewing table to work on tomorrow night.
7. Thin out my scraps ... update ... I have used some this month but they seem to reproduce with each project I make though. Can't tell I have used any! Might need to have a scrap give away. I have been sorting, pressing, cutting and putting my scraps away. I have tossed some fabric, have a bag started to donate, swapped a few pieces and have lots still to go through. My precut square drawers, strings and crumb drawers are starting to get full, making it time to start sewing with them again.
some of my July Goals updated ....
5. Sort and organize my stash for better access ... update ... purchased some storage tubs to try and work on this soon. Have used half of these tubs to put fabric into the bottom of my closet instead of in those copy paper boxes I showed earlier. I have been sorting and pressing and folding fabric and have made some progress I can see it too.
6. Sort and organize my patterns so I can find them more easily ... update ... pulled them all and have them stacked waiting to be put into binders with dividers that are here. Thinking I am going to reduce these by half or more and if I need a pattern then I can print it off the internet instead of having to keep it in my sewing area. Have all the patterns pulled and sitting on my sewing table to work on tomorrow night.
7. Thin out my scraps ... update ... I have used some this month but they seem to reproduce with each project I make though. Can't tell I have used any! Might need to have a scrap give away. I have been sorting, pressing, cutting and putting my scraps away. I have tossed some fabric, have a bag started to donate, swapped a few pieces and have lots still to go through. My precut square drawers, strings and crumb drawers are starting to get full, making it time to start sewing with them again.
sewing room cleanup
I haven't had it in my to sew ... so .... I have been participating in a weekly challenge on a quilting site I am a member of and doing some cleaning up and organizing in my sewing room. I am happy with the way things are coming together. Now I am a bit ashamed to show you just how bad it got before I started this clean up. But here goes nothing.
until next time ... happy quilting and work on those goals!
Here are some pictures of the after cleanup on the first day. I have lots still to do and hope to do some more each day until the weekend and then I am sewing!! I have been sorting, pressing and cutting as I go too. I have added lots to my pre-cut square drawers, string drawer, crumb drawers and put away several things that I should have long ago but that is a fault I have ;o)
(look I can see the counter top and table again but don't look under the bar at the mess of fabric I have stashed their)
Now I need to work on cutting these leftover pieces I found while sorting and start sorting my patterns. That is my goal for tomorrow. How would you sort-organize your patterns into binders to make them easier to find what you are looking for when you need it? Input here would be greatly appreciated.
Now I need to work on cutting these leftover pieces I found while sorting and start sorting my patterns. That is my goal for tomorrow. How would you sort-organize your patterns into binders to make them easier to find what you are looking for when you need it? Input here would be greatly appreciated.
until next time ... happy quilting and work on those goals!
Friday, July 24, 2009
summer slump??
Are you in a summer slump too? I have been and my friend Tirane posted about it on her blog HERE and it got me to thinking about my slump.
Remember my goals list from the end of JUNE??? I haven't gotten ANY of them complete! That is so sad too. I haven't felt the urge to get in my sewing area lately and do any sewing or cleaning for that matter. I thought about it and think I am in a sewing slump or maybe it's just a summer slump and it will pass in time. I have so many ideas to make different projects and quilts but no drive or desire to do so. I think it might be the lack of time and energy that keeps me for cranking out two or three quilts a month like I used to. Or is it called a quilter's block?? Do all quilters hit a point where they don't feel like quilting? I gasp as I say that. I have all that fabric in there and all those patterns just waiting to be tried out. What is a girl to do?
please help us to find ways to beat our sewing slump/summer slump/ quilter's block
Remember my goals list from the end of JUNE??? I haven't gotten ANY of them complete! That is so sad too. I haven't felt the urge to get in my sewing area lately and do any sewing or cleaning for that matter. I thought about it and think I am in a sewing slump or maybe it's just a summer slump and it will pass in time. I have so many ideas to make different projects and quilts but no drive or desire to do so. I think it might be the lack of time and energy that keeps me for cranking out two or three quilts a month like I used to. Or is it called a quilter's block?? Do all quilters hit a point where they don't feel like quilting? I gasp as I say that. I have all that fabric in there and all those patterns just waiting to be tried out. What is a girl to do?
please help us to find ways to beat our sewing slump/summer slump/ quilter's block
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Finally got some sewing time ....
Doing a happy dance as I finally found some down time and got to sew a bit today!
here is what I finished this morning for my friend for a swap we are doing ... she sent the beige fabric and wanted scrappy and Scrappy I can do!! This block is from Quilter's Cache - it is called Goose Creek. I used from my precut 2.5 inch squares and 4.5 inch squares so everything came from my stash. I really like how these turned out. Another block I'd like to make a whole quilt outta.
Here is also an updated picture of the progress I have made on my Mother's 30s Sampler Quilt I made the last couple of blocks today to surround the center. I plan on adding a thin white sashing between each of the blocks and then a border around this round and then another round of squares to surround the top like I did around the center. I hope this will make it large enough - if not ... I can plan from there or I may call on Tirane and her expert layout-planning skills.
This month has not gone as I planned so I will not be able to complete all my goals but I will be happy to get the things done that I can and let the rest wait. Other things are taking first priority and I am doing what I can around them.
until next time ... happy quilting
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Quilt of Holes
I got this in an email from a friend awhile back and I wanted to share it with all the quilters out there. If you take offense I am sorry that is not my intentions. I hope you enjoy this as I did.
Quilt of Holes
As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls. Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life. But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in everyday life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened. My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air. Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise. My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me. And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was. I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes. Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, 'Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles. Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.' May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through! God determines who walks into your life....it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go.' When there is nothing left but God that is when you find out that God is all you need.
"Father, God bless all my friends in whatever it is that you know they may need this day. And may their life be full of your peace, prosperity, and power as he/she seeks to have a closer relationship with you. Amen."
until next time ... happy quilting
Quilt of Holes
As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls. Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life. But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in everyday life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened. My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air. Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise. My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me. And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was. I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes. Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, 'Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles. Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.' May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through! God determines who walks into your life....it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go.' When there is nothing left but God that is when you find out that God is all you need.
"Father, God bless all my friends in whatever it is that you know they may need this day. And may their life be full of your peace, prosperity, and power as he/she seeks to have a closer relationship with you. Amen."
until next time ... happy quilting
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
my crazy - upside down life
sorry for the delay in posting life has been crazy and upside down lately but I am hoping that things are starting to calm down again so I can get on with my 'normal' activities again and post a bit more often.
I have gotten to sew a bit the last couple of days. I made these blocks for a swap I am in for a swapper. She sent the floral fabric and asked for green, purple, pink or yellow tone on tones to be added to the blocks. Hope she likes them.
I made these blocks for another swapper in the same swap. She sent the black fabric and asked for black on white and white on white with no HSTs in the blocks. Thinks she'll like them?
I hope to be able to work on my mother's 30s Sampler Quilt soon. I have one more set of blocks to make to complete my swap committments and I am not looking to join any more anytime soon. Too many irons in the fire here ;o)
to update on these two goals in one posting {4. Clean out my closet and redo my bedroom 5. Sort and organize my stash for better access ... update ... purchased some storage tubs to try and work on this soon.} I started pulling out boxes of stuff from my closet to start organizing my bedroom last night. I pulled all the fabric - quilting boxes from the bottom of my closet. I now have some nice organizing drawer units in the bottom of the closet instead of those boxes I showed long ago HERE I have one copy paper box full of various Debbie Mumm fabrics and novelty fabrics pulled that I know I will never use - gonna see if someone wants these. I am happy that my bedroom re-organization has at least begun now :o)
update on another goal sort of {8.. Lose 6 more pounds ... Update .. I am now down 12 pounds and hope to continue to lose and lose my goal of 10% of my starting body weight.} I haven't been keeping up with my weight since my last post so I will try and do an update on that tonight or tomorrow. Need to stay focused on down-sizing and not only my weight but the clutter in my life too ;0)
until later - happy quilting and focus on those goals for July!
I have gotten to sew a bit the last couple of days. I made these blocks for a swap I am in for a swapper. She sent the floral fabric and asked for green, purple, pink or yellow tone on tones to be added to the blocks. Hope she likes them.
I made these blocks for another swapper in the same swap. She sent the black fabric and asked for black on white and white on white with no HSTs in the blocks. Thinks she'll like them?
I hope to be able to work on my mother's 30s Sampler Quilt soon. I have one more set of blocks to make to complete my swap committments and I am not looking to join any more anytime soon. Too many irons in the fire here ;o)
to update on these two goals in one posting {4. Clean out my closet and redo my bedroom 5. Sort and organize my stash for better access ... update ... purchased some storage tubs to try and work on this soon.} I started pulling out boxes of stuff from my closet to start organizing my bedroom last night. I pulled all the fabric - quilting boxes from the bottom of my closet. I now have some nice organizing drawer units in the bottom of the closet instead of those boxes I showed long ago HERE I have one copy paper box full of various Debbie Mumm fabrics and novelty fabrics pulled that I know I will never use - gonna see if someone wants these. I am happy that my bedroom re-organization has at least begun now :o)
update on another goal sort of {8.. Lose 6 more pounds ... Update .. I am now down 12 pounds and hope to continue to lose and lose my goal of 10% of my starting body weight.} I haven't been keeping up with my weight since my last post so I will try and do an update on that tonight or tomorrow. Need to stay focused on down-sizing and not only my weight but the clutter in my life too ;0)
until later - happy quilting and focus on those goals for July!
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