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!