Pickin Up The Pieces

Sewing Room Pics

2011-03-26T09:37:00.004-05:00

wanted to share a couple of pictures of my freshly painted sewing room, couldn't get the whole room in a shot so here are two pictures. Need to make the window toppers and this room will be completed for now ...

same room different view ....

National Quilting Day

2011-03-19T09:23:00.003-05:00

What a wonderful sewing day I hope to have in honor of National Quilting Day!

Here are my goals that I hope to complete during the course of the day ...
1. Finish RR block challenge blocks ... DONE!! the top row is the one I completed this morning!

2. Finish Star BOM challenge block ... no progress made on this one but today is another day.

3. Finish Scrappy Star blocks for swap ... DONE!!! Finished this late last night after my company left but they were still finished yesterday!

4. Finish Mystery Block of the month ... progress made at least, cut out and made all sections of the block now to keep rearranging them until I find the block I like best. So far, found four different blocks to choose from. I am sure there are more but I'll let you know how many I find before I find the one I want to turn this into.

5. Start on UGRR top piecing ... blocks are finished, need to add sashing and border blocks - no progress ... bummer!

and what is everyone else up to on this quilty day?? please share

until next time ... happy quilting

so many projects ...

2011-03-13T09:48:00.004-05:00

I have been painting in my sewing area and while moving things around in there I have found a multitude of projects, BOBs and UFOs that I have started and never finished. I gathered the most of the larger ones and put them into boxes and tried to labeled them so I can see them. I am hoping that by me seeing this tower of boxes that it might inspire me to start working on them and getting something completed and marked off the list. I am ashamed to show you this tower of boxes and tell you that this is not all of them either.

I am wondering though ... is this a quilters trait or is it just me? I'd love to hear back from you to know if I should seek help with this problem I seem to have.
until next time ... happy quilting

Working on some projects

2011-03-01T10:47:00.003-06:00

Another Purple Star to add to my growing collection. This one is called Friend's Star from Quilter's Cache. I think there may be a couple more but here is the last picture I posted on that collection Purple Stars

On a quilting site that I am a part of we are doing a RR Block challenge, we will be making a set of blocks every two months and by the end of the year we will have enough blocks to make our own RR quilt. This was the first set of rows .. the block is the Next Door Neighbor from Quilter's Cache. Not the best picture but it does show I have them completed.

the second block is the Weathervane Block from Quilter's Cache. As you can see I just started these today but hope to have them done by the end of the week if not sooner. At least I can show some progress ;o)

Other than painting my kitchen and breakfast rooms this is all I have been working on lately. I hope to show my finished painted rooms soon too.

Until next time ... happy quilting!

Gosh! It's been awhile

2011-02-22T09:38:00.005-06:00

Thanks Evelyn for the kick I needed to get back on my blog and update everyone.

I am sorry it has been so long since I have been on my blog and posted anything! Quick update ... This winter we have actually had a winter with lots of SNOW for us here in the south to enjoy.

I have recently become unemployed so I am in the process of job searching. I have been steadily going thru things at the house and organizing things and thinning things out still. That will always be a work in progress for me. I have started painting the kitchen to brighten it up in there. It's going to be a pale yellow. Need to find some sunflower prints for new curtains in there too.

I have not been sewing much until here lately. I have been using solely from my stash but have not been posting to show any usage on Judy's blog.

This one is called Stars Over My Barns, the blocks are from a swap I did. Need to figure out borders and get this one completed soon.

This is what I have been working on for the last couple days. My UGRR blocks now have the sashing and corner squares cut to get those into a top. I have been piecing the border blocks (for swapping and my border) from smaller pieces of my Civil War fabrics. I think I am going to try and piece the backing for this one too and use up the rest of that fabric.

Stash Busting Report

2010-07-11T21:03:00.008-05:00

It has been such a long time since I posted my report I feel a bit lost. I have been busy this week but it has not been all sewing but more painting (redoing my bathroom - ugh! won't go there!)

Here are some blocks I made for some swaps I am a part of. Notice both are scrappy so I used from my STASH!!! YEAH!!!

Go to this site Judy's Stash Busting Challenge to see how everyone else is doing. Her's my report hope to do better next week!

Fabric usage report ....

Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards

Fabric Added Year to Date: 4 yards

Fabric Used this Week: .75 yard

Fabric gifted/sold this week: 0 yards

Fabric Out Year to Date: 47.25 yards

Thread usage report --I still have over 51 spools of thread on hand - I hope to use half of these this year.

Spools added this week: 0 spools

Spools used this week: 0 spools

Total Spools used to Date: 2 spools

Total Spools bought to Date: 2 spools

until next time ... happy quilting

Gosh! Has it been that long?!?

2010-07-06T13:44:00.005-05:00

I am ashamed to say it has been since March since I have been here to post one blog post or view anyone's blog to see what everyone was up to.

Alot has been going on and I won't bore you with the long update. Let's just start from today and move forward with some life stories and UFO/quilty progress.

I have been slowly working on my crumb block for my UFO for the month of July and hope to show a completed top soon.

I have been working on my Start BOM Challenge and have made several more blocks ...
I have also been making some blocks for the Christmas BOM Challenge and here are my blocks to date ...

Fabric usage/Stash Reporting .... I have used some fabric/thread and bought some too, not sure how much thought. I will start again with my stash report on Sunday and go from there. It may not be 100% accurate but it is the best I can do ;o)

I hope that everyone has been able to find some time to fit in some sewing or something they enjoy weekly. Life is too short to not find some joy in it.

until next time ... happy quilting

Weekly Progress - Stash Usage Report

2010-03-14T22:43:00.003-05:00

this month's Star Block

One block for this month's Christmas Quilt Along

Second block for this month's Christmas Quilt Along

I have been under the weather again this last week and haven't gotten much done. Here are some pictures of the blocks I have been working on and the totals for my stash usage for the Stash Busting Challenge On Judy's Site

Fabric usage report ....
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 4 yards
Fabric Used this Week: .50 yard
Fabric gifted/sold this week: 0 yards
Fabric Out Year to Date: 46.75 yards

Thread usage report --I still have over 51 spools of thread on hand - I hope to use half of these this year.

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

until next time ... happy quilting

Weekly Stash Report and Update

2010-03-07T07:34:00.004-06:00

I have been under the weather the last week or so and haven't gotten much done and failed to do the last Stash Report too. So let me catch up with some pictures of the blocks I have been working on and my usage for the Stash Busting Challenge On Judy's Site

here is a block for a seasonal block swap. I decided just to make four smaller blocks that have a Summer theme and join them to make my larger block that was required. I like how it came out, need to make three more to finish that swap.

here is the MS block done in green and cream for a Friendship Swap I am a part of.

Here is a Star block done in black and white for a Friendship Swap I am part of.

Fabric usage report ....
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 4 yards
Fabric Used this Week: .75 yard
Fabric gifted/sold this week: 0 yards
Fabric Out Year to Date: 46.25 yards

Thread usage report --I still have over 51 spools of thread on hand - I hope to use half of these this year.
Spools added this week: 0 spools
Spools used this week: 0 spools
Total Spools used to Date: 2 spools
Total Spools bought to Date: 2 spools
until next time ... happy quilting

Spring is in the Air

2010-02-23T19:28:00.002-06:00

Lookie what I found hiding in my garden this weekend??? Aren't these purple crocus pretty?

and look at the garden gnome that has come to help with my gardening? Isn't he just too cute? I have always wanted one of these and splurged and got him. Doesn't he just cheer you right up? He does me ;o)

Hope you have a bright and cheery day!

until next time ... happy quilting

Weekly Stash Report

2010-02-21T20:46:00.003-06:00

Kinda a slow week for sewing. I did get some blocks done and ready to mail out for a swap I am doing.

Fabric usage report ....

Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards

Fabric Added Year to Date: 4 yards

Fabric Used this Week: .25 yard

Fabric gifted/sold this week: 0 yards

Fabric Out Year to Date: 45.5 yards

Thread usage report --I still have over 51 spools of thread on hand - I hope to use half of these this year.

Spools added this week: 0 spools

Spools used this week: 0 spools

Total Spools used to Date: 2 spools

Total Spools bought to Date: 2 spools

until next time ... happy quilting

Weekly Stash Report

2010-02-14T08:25:00.007-06:00

Didn't get to sew much this week. I made this tree block for the Year-long Christmas Sampler we are doing on a quilting site and I started some snowflake blocks that are due out next weekend.

My stash report for the week is not bad I guess but my usuage needs to be more each week instead of me selling/gifting it others. Check out Judy's Stash Busting Challenge for this year it will put you in the right direction to use what you have and keep you on track by posting with the rest of the bunch weekly like HERE

Fabric usage report ....
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 4 yards
Fabric Used this Week: .25 yard
Fabric gifted/sold this week: 8 yards
Fabric Out Year to Date: 45.25 yards

Thread usage report --I still have over 51 spools of thread on hand - I hope to use half of these this year.
Spools added this week: 0 spools
Spools used this week: 0 spools
Total Spools used to Date: 2 spools
Total Spools bought to Date: 2 spools
until next time ... happy quilting

SNOW!!! and Snowmen

2010-02-08T07:51:00.004-06:00

isn't it lovely! It has been snowing about two hours now and it's still coming down!! this is a treat for us in the south!

more photos of our snow day ... we played in the snow and had some fun. (We ended up with 3-4 inches of snow. It's raining now so ice is coming I'm sure.) Built some snowmen ... made snow angels and took lots of pictures. We also made snow cream and baked cookies. YUMMY! It's been a nice day indeed!

Stashbusting Report Week 6

2010-02-07T08:56:00.004-06:00

This week's progress at a glance.

I got to do some sewing this weekend and I am happy to say I have a FINISH!!! Yep, I can mark one UFO off my list for the year. That makes me feel good I can tell you. Not the best picture as I finished the binding this morning about 1AM so it had to be spread out in the living room to get it all in the picture. See I even used from my stash to piece the backing. TIRANE did the quilting for me of course ;o) and it looks fabulous!

I got my February's Star Block block ... it was harder than it loooks but I have that task marked off my list for February.

I made one of February's Christmas Sampler blocks. If you haven't guessed this one is a wreath. :o)

My stash report for the week is not bad I guess but my usuage needs to be more each week instead of me selling/gifting it others. Check out Judy's Stash Busting Challenge for this year it will put you in the right direction to use what you have and keep you on track by posting with the rest of the bunch weekly like THE OTHERS - everyone is doing so good this year.

Fabric usage report ....

Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards

Fabric Added Year to Date: 4 yards

Fabric Used this Week: .5 yard

Fabric gifted/sold this week: 7 yards

Fabric Out Year to Date: 37 yards (not a bad start)

Thread usage report --I have over 51 spools of thread on hand - I hope to use half of these this year.

Spools added this week: 0 spools

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

Total Spools bought to Date: 2 spools

until next time ... happy quilting

If Momma Ain't Happy ...

2010-02-06T07:53:00.003-06:00

If Momma Ain't Happy ... Ain't Nobody Happy!!

I am slowly learning that this is so true. I have been dealing with alot of private things that have made me unhappy to say the least but learning to make myself happy again has been hard to figure out. By my being unhappy my kids have suffered in the process and that makes me even sadder. Dealing with life is hard enough as a kid without anything else being added to their plate.
I am taking steps to find a way to make me happy inside and out.
First I joined and have been receiving daily emails from DivorceCare and this is helping me by me starting each day with the reading of the email and listening to it's words and praying about my life. I won't say more I don't want to sound preachy or affend anyone.
Next ... I am learning to let some things go ... which means ... if I don't have enough time to do the dishes and the clothes each day it's okay! Time spent with the kids is more important. I find it hard to get everything done every day and have been stressing over it. Now ... I don't care if my house is spotless when company comes over. We live in a home and it's lived in and shows that we are enjoying life. Nothing wrong with it at all. For those who think I am wrong please don't come and smub your nose at me.
Next ... I am learning to enjoy the little good things in life so that the little bad things don't seem so bad. For instance for supper last night ... we went to Ruby Tuesday's and ate dessert ... just dessert and it was yummy! Think about it for a minute, most of the time when you go out to eat you eat your supper and then are so full you can't have dessert without being sick. I had told the kids the last time we were there that we'd come back and eat just dessert, so I surprised them last night and we did just that. My daughter said, "Where is my mother and what have you done with her?" Simple things like this may change alot in our relationship. In time, I hope they see that I am not just the mean mom that makes them eat their veggies, brush their teeth, go to bed on time and get up and go to school.
I know this is not my normal posting and I hope you don't mind my post today, I needed to write it so I can look back on it when I'm having a rough day and need a boost. Who knows someone else might have some tips out their to share or someone else might be going through the same thing and it will encourage them to take that first step to being happy about themselves and their life again. It is okay to be happy, we all deserve to be happy.

Are you a piecer or a quilter?

2010-01-26T20:26:00.004-06:00

See the date on this picture ... 2005!! and it is still not finished .. it sits in the cabinet waiting to be finished. I often wonder if I have turned into a piecer and I am not a true quilter. When I first started quilting I started and finished a project before even thinking of doing another one. Now I think I have Quilter's ADHD. I have gotten into the habit of starting a project ... piecing the blocks and maybe getting them into a top, if it is that lucky, then it sits and sits while I start another and yet another project. I have a wonderful friend Tirane who is a long arm quilter and does my quilting for me now that I turned into the piecer that I am. Yet I haven't been able to get myself into gear and get those UFOs/BOBs turned into real quilts. I am ashamed at the number of UFOs/BOBs I have in my sewing area. They are over running the place and yet I want to start new projects instead of finishing these. What is wrong with this picture? Am I just a piecer that is destined to have a ton of UFOs/BOBs forever haunting me? Is this a trait of a true quilter to have a large number of UFOs/BOBs sitting in their sewing rooms?
I have my 2010 goals listed and show only SIX little UFOs to finish of my upteen UFOs that I have in there. January is almost over and I have one UFO at Tirane's being quilted but haven't touched another one. I caved in and joined a couple swaps instead. I created a new UFO and added blocks to a couple old UFOs in the progress. Is it just me or do you feel guilty for not finishing your UFOs/BOBs and wanting to start a new project instead?
I was talking to a quilty friend last night and she does QOV quilts and will accept any tops I want to send her. I think this might be the answer to my prayers. Finishing tops and getting rid of UFOs/BOBs to free me from the guilt of starting new projects. This might be the way for me to get things thinned down in there. Part of the problem is that over time my taste in quilts has changed, my taste in fabrics has changed, my quilting skills have improved and my need to use what I have has taken over.
I hope someone else out there is in the same boat as me and can cheer me on and I them to make 2010 the year to finish those UFOs/BOBs and use up that stash too. Helping me to remove the guilt from my shoulders for wanting to start that cute paper piecing wall hanging instead of finishing my crumb top.
until next time ... happy quilting!!

Week 4 - Stash Report

2010-01-24T10:34:00.005-06:00

I think all quilters at some point look at their stashes and think ... oh my goodness, where did all that fabric come from and what in the world am I going to do with it all. Well ... I got to that point last year and joined Judy's Stash Busting Challenge and I am participating in Judy's Stash Busting Challenge for this year too. I have so many UFOs on my shelves and enough fabric to make lots and lots of finished project. This year is going to be another good year to complete UFOs and bust some stash. If you are in the same mindset - come join in and see how well you do this year. CHECK-OUT how the rest of the stash busters are doing.
This was another good week, any amount busted is a good week right? I sold/swapped out some fabric and also made some swap blocks like these .... and working on some others (will post photos later maybe)

Fabric usage report ....
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 4 yards
Fabric Used this Week: 1 yards
Fabric gifted/sold this week: 10 yards
Fabric Out Year to Date: 29.5 yards (woohoo ... we are rolling now!)

Thread usage report --I have over 51 spools of thread on hand - I hope to use half of these this year. I know I will have to add white and beige here and there to do certain blocks but plan on using those oddies for piecing backing and my string and crumb blocks.
Spools added this week: 0 spools
Spools used this week: 1 spool
Total Spools used to Date: 2 spools
Total Spools bought to Date: 2 spools

until next time ... happy quilting

Stash Report Week 3

2010-01-17T08:37:00.005-06:00

I'm am focusing this year on simplifing things and reducing the amount of 'things' around my house and that means in my sewing room too. I am choosing to do Judy's Stash Busting Challenge for 2010 .. come join in and see how well you do this year. HERE is a link to see how the rest of those in the challenge are doing.

This week, I think I did pretty good all things considered. I made a few blocks and sold some fabric.

Fabric usage report ....
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 4 yards
Fabric Used this Week: .5 yards
Fabric gifted/sold this week: 8 yards
Fabric Out Year to Date: 18.5 yards (not a bad start)

Thread usage report --I have over 51 spools of thread on hand - I hope to use half of these this year. So I'm keeping track to see if I can. Bought beige and white this week.
Spools added this week: 2 spools
Spools used this week: 1 spool
Total Spools used to Date: 1 spools
Total Spools bought to Date: 2 spools

until next time ... happy quilting

Pieces of my heart blocks

2010-01-15T23:28:00.002-06:00

... after the emotional week I've had this week. Piecing these blocks seemed fitting.
I won't go into details but I lost a good friend of almost 25 years. It's hard to imagine him not here anymore. Please take some time to reconnect with friends who mean alot to you ... call if you can, write an email if you can't or send a text. Sometimes just a note can mean so much - who knows it might make their day a bit better and brighter.
Sorry it's been really rough ... loosing my friend and another friend's sister all at once is just alot on a person. Makes one have a heavy heart.
until next time ...

Stashbusting ... Week 2

2010-01-10T08:40:00.004-06:00

Judy's Stash Busting Challenge for 2010 .. come join in and see how well you do this year.
LOOK and see what the others are doing.
I did pretty good this week. I made some blocks, sold some fabric and bought some fabric (I know that ain't good but ... it worked out) The fabric I bought is going right into a UFO so it will be busted soon. Nothing is coming in unless I have a plan for it.
Fabric usage report ....
Fabric Added this Week: 4 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 4 yards
Fabric Used this Week: 2yards
Fabric gifted/sold this week: 6.5 yards
Fabric Out Year to Date: 10 yards

Thread usage report --I have over 51 spools of thread on hand - I hope to use half of these this year. So I'm keeping track to see if I can.
Spools added this week: 0 spools
Spools used this week: 1 spool
Total Spools used to Date: 1 spools
Total Spools bought to Date: 0 spools
until next time ... happy quilting

Snow and Sewing

2010-01-09T12:15:00.004-06:00

This week I've been up early each morning so I got a chance to work on some blocks for swaps that I am a part of ...

I reworked this one for the Star BOM we are doing this year .. the points are now going the right directions.

These are Depression Blocks for a fellow swapper for the Friendship Swap. These were made using some of my precut 4Inch squares.

These are Pineapple Blossom blocks for another swappers in the Friendship Swap. These were made using precut 3.5 inch squares and 2" strips.

We got some snow on Thursday ... not alot but enough to call it snow. It is still on the ground. The kiddos had two days off school due to the icy backroads around the area. They had fun while they were off. The little puppy just showed up at our house and now he won't leave. He is so full of energy and little man loves playing with him.

Early Thursday Morning ... the snow is just starting. It almost looks fake in the pictures.
time to get busy with some cleaning and maybe more sewing this afternoon.
until next time ... happy quilting!

Stashbusting Report Week 1

2010-01-03T09:27:00.006-06:00

and we're off ... this is going to be a year to reckon with. We'll be busting stash and workin on those UFOs (wait that isn't for this post) I'm joining Judy's Stash Busting Challenge for 2010 .. come join in and see how well you do this year.

This week I made Sadie Girl a doggie bed and was able to make some blocks. This week is kinda a smallish report. Next week will be better I know it ;o)

Fabric usage report ....
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 0 yards

Fabric Used this Week: 1.5yard

Fabric gifted/sold this week: 0 yards

Fabric Used Year to Date: 1.5 yards

Thread usage report --I have over 51 spools of thread on hand - I hope to use half of these this year. So I'm keeping track to see if I can.

Spools added this week: 0 spools

Spools used this week: 0 spool

Total Spools used to Date: 0 spools

Total Spools bought to Date: 0 spools

until next time ... happy quilting

Sewing and Organizing

2010-01-02T22:05:00.004-06:00

I have been busy today, I even got the tree un-decorated.
While out town this morning I stopped at the store and I bought two of those great three drawer unit and sorted and got this cabinet neater. Still need to go through each basket to see what is really in them and put all the blocks inot the drawer units. It's a start though.

On one of the quilting site's I belong two we are doing a Christmas Quilt Along. We were to make two of the 6.5 inch Ribbon Star blocks to get us started for January. If you know me you know my quilt will be scrappy so here are my blocks ... made from my scrap basket.

and we are doing a Star BOM too ... for January we are doing this block but I got it wrong can you tell?? so I had to take it apart and redo it. It is corrected now, the points don't all go in the same direction now ... lol. If you'd like to play along with us I'll be posting my pictures monthly ... you can choose your fabrics and make them to suit you. I chose purples and creams to go with some other blocks I have made already.

until next time ... happy quilting

Today's UFO progress

2010-01-01T23:43:00.003-06:00

Today I have been bee bopping here there and everywhere on projects and tasks I wanted to do.
I did some organizing in my sewing area. Sorted a basket of scraps.
Made a couple Pineapple blocks and a couple more Crumb blocks. The 9inch Crumb block will be turned into a hotpad. All this was made from the above scrap basket and it is still kind a full but everything has been sorted and pressed, nice and neat again. Tomorrow I will make some more pineapple blocks and might throw in some crumb blocks too.

Cut backing and batting for this table runner I found while sorting the other day. I have it pinned and ready to quilt it tomorrow. This will be a new runner to use on the old Singer Cabinet in my living room.

I have enjoyed this first day of 2010. I hope you had a good day too. I am happy with the progress that I made on my UFO projects and my chores around the house. I need to tackle taking the Christmas tree down tomorrow (bummer ... I love Christmas and when the tree comes down the magic will be gone)

until next time ... happy quilting

New Year ... New Goals and Plans List

2010-01-01T09:29:00.003-06:00

I have plans and goals for the coming year. I have been thinking about these since Thanksgiving. Some are personal but for those who read my blog you know me and are here to encourage me through my struggles and I appreciate ya'll for this.

2010 Quilty Goals
1. Work on cleaning up my sewing area and getting it organized.
2. Work on and hopefully finish SIX UFOs/BOBs this year.
3. Make up precut kits while sorting and organizing this year.
4. Not buy fabric - use from my stash or swap for what I need.

2010 Personal Goals
1. Work on being a strong better me! I seem to always put myself last and it's time to change that a bit.
2. Play with the kids more - let the other stuff go when it's my weekends with them. They are growing up so fast and I feel myself missing out on so much we could be doing together. Life is busy but it's time to find time for the fun things in life.
3. Work on reducing the excess stuff around the house. Get things in order so it's easier to keep clean. My house may never be spotless but I want it clean enough for company to come without me freaking out. To get back to the basics of life ... what's really important will stay ... what's not is going in the next yard sale pile.
4. Work on my weight - lose 20 pounds or more, to get up and get active again.
5. Go on a real family vacation to .... not sure ... need to discuss this with the kiddos but it's in the plans for 2010. Hope to do this early Spring - Summer. Maybe to the mountains or go visit the beach.
6. Get my finances in better shape, keep cutting those coupons and finding ways to save and reuse and such. Learn to live within my means better.

Things to try or learn in 2010
1. To stipple ... top of the list
2. To try applique
3. To make homemade bread

Online Quilting Swap Sites

2009-12-29T09:30:00.005-06:00

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

2009-12-28T09:35:00.003-06:00

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

2009-12-06T07:32:00.002-06:00

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

2009-12-02T21:32:00.004-06:00

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

2009-11-29T07:41:00.002-06:00

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

2009-11-22T06:48:00.002-06:00

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

2009-11-15T10:36:00.002-06:00

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

2009-11-15T09:17:00.002-06:00

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

2009-11-14T09:59:00.008-06:00

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

2009-11-08T08:01:00.002-06:00

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

2009-11-07T21:27:00.006-06:00

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

2009-11-07T08:01:00.003-06:00

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

2009-11-01T07:55:00.005-06:00

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

2009-11-01T07:44:00.002-06:00

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

2009-10-31T09:44:00.003-05:00

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

2009-10-29T22:09:00.003-05:00

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

2009-10-25T08:43:00.008-05:00

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

2009-10-25T08:14:00.003-05:00

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

2009-10-18T08:27:00.003-05:00

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

2009-10-18T08:04:00.004-05:00

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

2009-10-11T14:33:00.004-05:00

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

2009-10-11T14:20:00.002-05:00

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!

2009-10-06T21:35:00.007-05:00

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!!!

2009-10-05T17:14:00.006-05:00

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

2009-10-05T06:40:00.007-05:00

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

2009-10-04T19:03:00.004-05:00

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

2009-09-28T05:19:00.005-05:00

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

2009-09-27T08:48:00.002-05:00

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

2009-09-27T08:11:00.004-05:00

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

2009-09-27T07:40:00.002-05:00

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

2009-09-26T06:43:00.006-05:00

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

2009-09-25T20:36:00.005-05:00

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

2009-09-22T13:14:00.005-05:00

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

2009-09-22T12:43:00.004-05:00

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

2009-09-18T13:59:00.003-05:00

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

UFO Challenge/Contest Week 2 Progress

2009-09-14T20:17:00.006-05:00

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

2009-09-07T09:54:00.018-05:00

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

2009-09-07T09:37:00.041-05:00

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

2009-09-04T13:02:00.003-05:00

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

2009-09-03T19:20:00.005-05:00

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

2009-08-31T22:16:00.002-05:00

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

2009-08-31T22:07:00.003-05:00

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!

30s Ohio Stars

2009-08-23T09:53:00.004-05:00

here is a sample of some Ohio Stars done in 30s prints for a swap I am a part of. I can now mark that off my list of 'to dos' and get back to working on my August UFO - the Black, Red, White RR for my friend. I have apples to put up this afternoon after church and then I am going to at least put on the thin black border that is supposed to come next. Might try and start cutting for the last border set too.

until next time ... happy quilting

working on the borders

2009-08-22T10:40:00.006-05:00

I know ... I know ... I didn't follow Tirane's layout exactly but I wanted to make it simplier to piece - so I used bricks instead of all those squares. I like the way it is coming along - now to work on the next set of borders.

until next time ... happy quilting

Progress on Black, White, Red Rows

2009-08-14T21:55:00.008-05:00

Finally got to do some sewing tonight. I put in an hour and a half on this tonight and got the center all together and the first border on it. Whew! Now to start on the outter borders ... lots of piecing but it will be worth it. Gonna do a few more things before bed and then start sewing on this one in the morning. Take a looksee and see what ya think so far. {sorry I laid this one out quickly so I could snap a picture. will do better on the next one ;o) }

TIRANE thanks so much for working this up for me ... click on her name and you will see what is kinda supposed to look like when it is all done and maybe if I am so lucky it will turn out this nicely.
until next time ... happy sewing!!

August Goals Update

2009-08-13T13:07:00.003-05:00

not much sewing going on this week but I have made some progress on my goals lately. It's mid August already - I had better kick it into gear if I am going to complete at least half of the goals on my list this month. Who else has goals that they'd like to complete this month? How do you stay motivated to do so? I have so many irons in the fire I get over-whelmed at times with everything that needs to be done and that I want to get done.

Here are only the goals with updates ... not too shabby of a progress update
2. Finish reworking Kimberly's Black and White RR - decided to not take them apart but do some fabulous border to tie them all together instead. -- I have put the rows together in pairs so far. Now to get the whole center pieced and start on those wonderful borders. Anyone got any reds, black and white or burgandies they want to swap out please let me know. I need a nice combination of fabrics to make these borders pop!
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. Still have lots to do though. -- I got a nice storage unit from my sister and worked on that stash stuffed under the bar. It looks much nicer. I will have to take a picture and show ya soon. I am giving away some flannel pieces I found while cleaning that area to a quilty friend who does Linus quilts. I am trading off some other fabrics that I found and know I will never use that someone else might. Gonna keep on sorting and organizing. I am finding fabric I didn't know I had. lol
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!
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 -- We had a yard sale last weekend and got rid of a ton of DDs clothes and lots of other stuff too. Nothing like decluttering and making some money doing so ;o)

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

Summer, School, Sewing

2009-08-10T13:24:00.003-05:00

Summer weather is really in full swing here - it's so hot and humid and really miserable to be outside. Nothing like summers in the south. Anyone wanna help me put up figs, okra and apples? I have plenty to share if you want some.

It's hard to believe that it's time for another school year to start. Where did their summer break go? The kiddos started school last Wednesday. DD is in 9th grade and Little man is in 2nd grade. It is so hard to get them used to going to bed on time and getting up in the mornings so we are not late. UGH! I hate dealing with tired - cranky kids in the mornings ;o) Homework is going good though - both are doing it each evening without me having to fuss at them. YEAH!!! Hope this continues - bet it won't though.

On the sewing front .. I plan on doing some sewing but haven't as of yet. The month is a third over and I have yet to get anything on my list accomplished. I hope to get the black/white/ red rows all sewn together tonight and try and work on this one a bit each day as part of a UFO challenge on a quiling site I am a member of. We are to spend 20 minutes a day on our August UFO and post your progress as you go along. I have been bad and haven't done not one 20 minute session yet. Gonna do better the rest of the month though. I did two nights of sewing on this and got the rows sewn into pairs and pressed ready for joining together into fours. I have sorted some black and white fabrics. Need to pull my reds and burgandies still. Hope to have pictures of this center top done by Friday night and the first two borders done by Saturday night. Wish me luck!
until next time ... happy quilting

August Goals

2009-08-04T11:59:00.003-05:00

Thanks Babs for the reminder to post my August goals. I am a bit behind but it is okay.
I'm going to be expanding my list a bit this month. Maybe I will be able to mark some more off by the end of the month ;o)
From my July list .... some of these will never get off the list as finished but I am happy with the progress I have made so far on them.
1. Finish Mother's 30s Quilt - need to piece a backing and get this one quilted and bound.
2. Finish reworking Kimberly's Black and White RR - decided to not take them apart but do some fabulous border to tie them all together instead.
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.
4. Clean out my closet and redo my bedroom - started but not much progress yet. Need to really attack it on a weekend I don't have the kiddos. Thinking the weekend of the 15th.
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. Still have lots to do though.
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.
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.
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.
New goals added for August
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.
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.
11. Rework DDs room to fit in the bigger bed - we will see how this one goes
until next time ... happy quilting and take steps and work on those goals

30s Sampler Top is now DONE!!

2009-08-02T09:39:00.007-05:00

I am happy to say that Mother's 30s Sampler is finally a TOP. I put the remaining border on this morning. I took it outside to get a better picture of it. Whatcha think?

It is rather large ... 90x96 I think I measured but they have a full size cedar bed - that is high off the floor so it should work nicely for them.

Now to decide on a backing.......
until next time ... happy quilting

Input - Ideas Please

2009-08-01T18:13:00.003-05:00

I am reworking some rows for a friend of mine and need some input. Here they are .. whatcha think ??

when she started the swap she made her row and asked for black and white and red blocks. This is what she got and she is a bit disappointed with the colors of 'RED' they chose. To me there are burgandies in here too, which should have been used but were. I told her I'd try and rework the rows - taking them apart and laying them out differently and so on.

I was thinking of using a white sashing around the blocks to break up the colors and then using black and white prints with various red prints thrown in as bricks around the center. What do you think? Would that look okay? Would that tie it all together?

sewing quiltathon anyone??

2009-08-01T06:43:00.019-05:00

Today I am going to do some sewing if anyone wants to join in and post along with me today of their progress please do so. Motivation and encouragement go a long way. My friends TIRANE and SHARON are now sewing along with me ... anyone else wanna join in please do so.
I have two projects I am going to be sewing on today. One is my Mother's 30s Sampler and the other is my friend's Black, White and Red Rows that are going to be re-created. Hope to make progress on both of them today. Shoot would love to finish one of them!

7:00AM
Iron is warming, fabric, blocks, center are all pulled waiting to get started creating.
9:00AM
Have two sides added around the center. Sashing joined to the other two sides and need to get them added and then onto the next step.

11:30AM
Here is what I have gotten done so far. I messed up though but I'm not taking it out. I'll just make it work and go from here. Gonna take a sewing break and go mow the grass before it rains again. I'll be back at it later on though. I'm gonna finish this one today!

2:00PM
The grass is as done as I can get it - it's pouring now so what I didn't get done will be done on Monday. Now to work on the last border of this one and finish this top tonight! Gonna go check on Sharon and Tirane to see what they are up to in their sewing rooms.
4:30PM
I'm taking a break to update and get off my feet for a bit. I have all the squares cut for the scrappy border. next step will be the piecing of them. Still raining here so it nice and relaxing to hear it hit the vent pipes. Ting, Ting.
11:00PM
calling it quits on this one ... I have all the squares sewn together and laid out around the center. I'll sew them into place in the morning before church. Thanks for sewing along with me Tirane and Sharon. It's finally stopped raining - think I'm going to open the windows for the rest of the night.

until next time ... happy quilting

sewing room cleanup update

2009-07-31T22:23:00.005-05:00

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

without knowing it

2009-07-29T23:07:00.004-05:00

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.

sewing room cleanup

2009-07-29T22:38:00.010-05:00

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.

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.

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

summer slump??

2009-07-24T10:06:00.004-05:00

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

Finally got some sewing time ....

2009-07-19T19:22:00.012-05:00

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

Quilt of Holes

2009-07-09T21:53:00.004-05:00

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

my crazy - upside down life

2009-07-08T09:58:00.015-05:00

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!

Goals for July

2009-06-26T10:11:00.006-05:00

Since June is almost another completed month in the books I am going to make my goals list for July and really really work on getting the most of them completed by the time the kids return from their dads at the end of the month.

Here is the updated list of goals I made a bit ago. I finished several of them since my last update - you will notice I now have only EIGHT goals still listed from my original list - painted the railings and shutter, wood is on the porch roof, flower beds are done for the season
1. Finish Mother's 30s Quilt - center is done need to make a few more blocks to surround the center and then see from there.
2. Finish reworking Kimberly's Black and White RR - this is in rows but will be taken apart and reworked
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Working on this still - slowly but surely. Clothes are fitting better and I feel better too. Wonder why other's can't tell when you lose 12 pounds but I can??

until next time ... set your goals and work on them as you can

Where has the month gone??

2009-06-26T09:56:00.003-05:00

WOW!! It's been a month today since my last posting on here. Life has been super busy. Little man just finished his ball season and they ending up third in the regular season and second in the league to finish the tourney. He learned so much since the start of the season and just loves playing. He was really upset when they lost last night which is understandable. They all played such a good game.
It's been busy busy here. We had company come and go, got lots of stuff done around the house and yard, took a trip to the zoo and work has been extra busy keeping me their later in the day. I am hoping that with ball season over and that not taking up a couple evenings a week I can post more about what is happening here about this small town life of mine.
The garden is starting to come in ... Tirane I have one RED tomatoe already and green beans waiting for me to pick them this weekend and blackberries ready on the vines too.
We have entered into summer with a bang - the temps have finally gotten close to our normal of 90s plus and it is not a good thing. With the hot weather I am unable to be outside as much as I have been so yard work will be put on hold until Fall weather hits. It is a good thing though as I can focus on getting my bedroom redone and decluttered. The kids will spend July with their Dad so the evenings will be filled with sewing, organzing and painting my bedroom. I want to get it done and cleaned top to bottom by the end of July. It will be a good treat for me to finally do something with my bedroom. It has not been touched since the house was bought back in 1993. Time for a redo.
I have not gotten to work on my mother's 30s Sampler anymore since my last post now that is sad! I did find the other block patterns I want to make to finish off the next round of blocks for it though. Hope to get back to it and it be an Anniversary gift for her (maybe) in October. I did make some pineapple blossom blocks for a swap I was in but they turned out 1/4 inch too small so I just had to not complete the swap and apologize as I didn't want to hold up the swap any longer than I had. I should have done a test block before joining in. I guess I will make a few more of my own and turn this into a lap quilt for mother to use in her chair this winter. (I'll post pictures and links soon I hope)
I need to catch up on my stashbusting reports and update my Goals and UFO listings too. Will try and work on that today. I have lost a few more pounds so I will update my tracker above too. I have not been doing good with dieting the last two weeks as they have been super stressful and I am a stress eater. I am going to do better and get back into gear with this and continue to lose weight and feel better about me.
until next time ...

Stash Busting Report Week 21

2009-05-26T21:22:00.003-05:00

Week 21 - Already! Wow! the year is just flying by and I am not making the progress I had thought I would. But ... I haven't added much to my stash either which is good.

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.

Not alot to count this week but there was usage making blocks for the 30s sampler and then the sashing and inner borders too.
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 1/2 yards
Fabric Used this Week: 1.5 yards
Fabric gifted this week: 0 yards
Fabric Used Year to Date: 51 yards

Here's my thread usage report --I started the year with 34 total spools of various sizes and colors on hand.
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

Goals Update for May

2009-05-26T21:08:00.004-05:00

We are almost to the end of May and I have some more updates to make on my goals list ... progress is a good thing. I guess finishing four goals outta fifteen ain't that bad right? I did make progress on eight others so maybe this weekend I can finish another one or two and get those marked as DONE!! before the month is really over. It feels good to have gotten so much little stuff done so far though.
Here is the list of goals I made a bit ago.

1. Finish Mother's 30s Quilt for Mothers day (June Birthday)- this is in the block stage still, swapping out the rest of the blocks this month and hope to have it completed in time for her .. Update ... here is where the top lies at the moment ... off to a good start. Hope to work on more blocks as I find the time.

Here is the center ...

and here are the other blocks I have made/swapped so far... I plan on surrounding the center with these blocks and then another series of borders to finish the quilt off.

2. Finish reworking Kimberly's Black and White RR - this is in rows but will be taken apart and reworked
3. Finish String Quilt - have been swapping out blocks this past month and should have enough for a quilt for DS's bed. He hasn't gotten a scrappy quilt yet and has pointed that out to me :o) ... update ... blocks are now here waiting to be used; I think I am going to combine them with the TN blocks to make him a large quilt.
4. DONE!!!
5. Paint railings on front and back porch
6. Remove old wood from roof of porch and replace ... update ... old wood is removed and take care of; now to borrow a truck to get the new wood to the house and get it installed.
7. Redo flower bed by front stairs .. update ... my tiller is now home so I should - weather permitting - be able to start on these soon. Update ... made some major progress on the flower bed. have one bag of top soil still to spread and about 35 stones to lay and I'll be done!!!
8. DONE!!
9. Clean out my closet
10. Sort and organize my stash for better access ... update ... purchased some storage tubs to try and work on this soon.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. DONE!!
14. Lose 15 more pounds ... Update .. I am now down 9 pounds and hope to continue to lose and lose my goal of 10% of my starting body weight. I will feel so much better and my clothes will fit again.
15. DONE!!

I get to update the list as the month rolls along. I hope to have weekly updates with major goals finished by the end of the month. Life does tend to get in the way though so I may not. until next time ... stick to your goals!

Stash Busting Report Week 20

2009-05-19T21:26:00.003-05:00

Week 20 already?? wow this year is just rolling right by me!

Better late than not right?? Here's my LATE Stash Busting Report for the 2009 Stash Bustin Challenge I joined on Judy's blog. Take a peek at how well the OTHERS are doing with the challenge.
Over the past two weeks that I haven't posted my report - I have made a couple blocks for my 30s Sampler and made a pillowcase for DDs Body Pillow. Usage just the same! I gifted over 6yds of fabric but gained over 5yds in return. So I will count that as fabric out of 1yd out only and not show the other since it washed out.
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 1/2 yards
Fabric Used this Week: 2.5 yards
Fabric gifted this week: 0 yards
Fabric Used Year to Date: 49.5 yards

Here's my thread usage report --I started the year with 34 total spools of various sizes and colors on hand.
Spools added this week: 0 spools
Spools used this week: 1 spool
Total Spools used to Date: 6 spools
Total Spools bought to Date: 2 spools

until next time .... happy quilting

lookie lookie what I found

2009-05-19T21:16:00.004-05:00

Just look what I found this over the weekend at a thrift store - it is all hand quilted and it is really good shape. It is old but not sure how old. AND I got it for a steal! I think the pattern is the drunkard's path - is this right? If you know can you please post or email and let me know so I can update this.

Update on my goals list

2009-05-19T21:04:00.005-05:00

gosh - May is almost over and I feel so behind on posting and sewing and my goals. I have been making progress but not at the pace I wanted to but some is better than none right?
to update my goals list .... Some are quilting related some are not so bear with me. If I have completed it - the goal is going to be removed from the list next go around.
1. Finish Mother's 30s Quilt for Mothers day (June Birthday)- this is in the block stage still, swapping out the rest of the blocks this month and hope to have it completed in time for her .. update ... rest of blocks are made and swapped out for this one; now to finalize the layout and work on a border. Plan on working on this during the upcoming weekend. WRONG!! I pulled the blocks and only had NINE made - not enough for her quilt so last weekend I got busy and made a couple more - this coming weekend I plan on getting enough blocks made to make the top then onto the layout.
2. Finish reworking Kimberly's Black and White RR - this is in rows but will be taken apart and reworked
3. Finish String Quilt - have been swapping out blocks this past month and should have enough for a quilt for DS's bed. He hasn't gotten a scrappy quilt yet and has pointed that out to me :o) ... update ... blocks are now here waiting to be used; I think I am going to combine them with the TN blocks to make him a large quilt.
4. Pressure wash front porch and siding on house -- DONE!!!
5. Paint railings on front and back porch
6. Remove old wood from roof of porch and replace ... update ... old wood is removed and take care of; now to borrow a truck to get the new wood to the house and get it installed.
7. Redo flower bed by front stairs .. update ... my tiller is now home so I should - weather permitting - be able to start on these soon. update ... I started doing flower bed work but not the one I had talked about in the post earlier. The yard is looking so much nicer with my progress - need to find time to take some pictures this weekend for the updated post.
8. Clean out DS's closet - DONE!!
9. Clean out my closet
10. Sort and organize my stash for better access ... update ... purchased some storage tubs to try and work on this soon.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. Cut back on my coffee intake ... update ... I am down to two cups a day. Now to increase my water intake to boost my weight loss. I haven't had a cup in over a month now!!! Now to keep at the water intake instead of Diet Coke. I am going to mark this one as DONE!!! and remove it from the list.
14. Lose a total of 18 pounds ... update ... well ...I am doing this slowly but surely. I am now down EIGHT pounds. TEN more to reach the 10% of my starting weight target. Will see how I look and feel to determine if I want to push myself to lose more.
15. Put pool back up in back yard and get it all level this time around ;o) -- update ... pool is getting filled up as I type!!! this one is going to be marked DONE!!! and removed next update!

I get to update the list as the month rolls along. I hope to have weekly updates with major goals finished by the end of the month. Life does tend to get in the way though so I may not. Life has gotten in the way - I haven't been posting much and haven't been sewing much either. Hope to keep at my goals and work on those UFO/BOBs on my list and get them reduced and reduce my size as well.
until next time ... stick to your goals!

Stash Busting Report Week 18

2009-05-06T10:42:00.004-05:00

Week 18 - man this past week flew by!
Here's my Stash Busting Report for the 2009 Stash Bustin Challenge I joined on Judy's blog. Take a peek at how well the Others are doing with the challenge.
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yard
Fabric Added Year to Date: 1/2 yards
Fabric Used this Week: 2.5 yards
Fabric gifted this week: 0 yard
Fabric Used Year to Date: 47 yards

Here's my thread usage report --I started the year with 34 total spools of various sizes and colors on hand.
Spools added this week: 0 spools
Spools used this week: 1 spool
Total Spools used to Date: 6 spools
Total Spools bought to Date: 2 spools

until next time .... happy quilting

making the most of May

2009-05-06T10:30:00.002-05:00

I am going to pull my April goals to May and see what I am accomplish this month. I am doing good with my diet - now to get to walking more and really make the weight come off. If the weather would hold off and stop raining I might get more walking in.

I have lots of little goals/projects that I need to start getting done before the hot-humid summer weather hits here. Some are quilting related some are not so bear with me.
1. Finish Mother's 30s Quilt for Mothers day (June Birthday)- this is in the block stage still, swapping out the rest of the blocks this month and hope to have it completed in time for her .. update ... rest of blocks are made and swapped out for this one; now to finalize the layout and work on a border. Plan on working on this during the upcoming weekend.
2. Finish reworking Kimberly's Black and White RR - this is in rows but will be taken apart and reworked
3. Finish String Quilt - have been swapping out blocks this past month and should have enough for a quilt for DS's bed. He hasn't gotten a scrappy quilt yet and has pointed that out to me :o) ... update ... blocks are now here waiting to be used; I think I am going to combine them with the TN blocks to make him a large quilt.
4. Pressure wash front porch and siding on house -- DONE!!!
5. Paint railings on front and back porch
6. Remove old wood from roof of porch and replace ... update ... old wood is removed and take care of; now to borrow a truck to get the new wood to the house and get it installed.
7. Redo flower bed by front stairs .. update ... my tiller is now home so I should - weather permitting - be able to start on these soon.
8. Clean out DS's closet
9. Clean out my closet
10. Sort and organize my stash for better access ... update ... purchased some storage tubs to try and work on this soon.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. Cut back on my coffee intake ... update ... I am down to two cups a day. Now to increase my water intake to boost my weight loss. I haven't had a cup in over a week now. Now to keep at the water intake instead of Diet Coke. I am going to mark this one as DONE!!! and remove it from the list.
14. Lose 15 more pounds ... update ... well ... I did lose two pounds but now I have gained that back plus a few more. UGH! I hate how much I weigh and nothing in my closet fits me right anymore. Warmer weather means short sleeves too which means my fat arms are going to be showing. Got to work harder on this - this is for my health and energy level too. It's time to stop slacking and start working! Update .. I am now down 5 pounds and hope to continue to lose and lose my goal of 10% of my starting body weight. I will feel so much better and my clothes will fit again.
15. Put pool back up in back yard and get it all level this time around ;o)

I get to update the list as the month rolls along. I hope to have weekly updates with major goals finished by the end of the month. Life does tend to get in the way though so I may not.
until next time ... stick to your goals!

been just busy .. busy

2009-05-06T10:09:00.003-05:00

life has been crazy busy - I haven't even posted my usage for this week or anything. sory I am a bit behind.
I did get the Exploding Star finished in time to give to the teacher on Friday for display for the auction on Saturday. I am not sure what it went for as we didn't stay for the auction. Too much going on. I'll get an updated picture posted soon.
We have been busy running from place to place. Saturday we went to the Spring fling for awhile and then to my parent's house and then in town errands and then we came home and crashed and watched a movie. On Sunday we had a going away party for my nephew who is going into the Army. We stayed all day at my sister's house. We are going to miss him but are proud of what he is choosing to do. He is to be 21 in November. He left yesterday to report to his boot camp.
I haven't gotten any sewing done this week but hope to play with the 30s blocks for my mother's quilt this coming weekend if I can keep people away. Is it bad when you don't want company to come over? My house is a mess and needs some TLC that I haven't had the time to give it and then I want to sew too so company that seems to pop in every weekend will ruin my plans. Maybe I can hang a sign on the front door - no company today please - lol - think it will work?
My garden is coming up nicely except my baby lima beans - may have to replant them. I hope the garden does good this year. I am running low on some veggies in my pantry. I bought a flat of strawberries that I plan on making some jam with tonight. We are down to two little jars of it in the pantry so it is time to replenish it.
just thought I'd post a quick one to let those who do check in on my blog that I am okay just busy. Hope to have some new pictures to share soon.
until next time ... happy quilting

Ugly FQ challenge UFO

2009-04-27T20:18:00.002-05:00

Whatcha think? This is what I chose to make from an Ugly FQ I was sent for a challenge. (remember this fabric Babs?) I made what I call an exploding star - I am going to use this for a quilt for a raffle at school this weekend. I signed up saying I would make a quilt for them and had full intentions of making one this weekend but like every other weekend at my house it didn't work out that way. It is a smaller quilt that I would have liked to have donated but this is all time will allow. I still will need to quilt it and do the binding on it. Wish me luck.
until next time ... happy quilting

Churn Dash Block into a top

2009-04-26T18:40:00.003-05:00

Here are some blocks I was sent by a friend to make a quilt outta ....

and here is what I decided to do with them. The colors are not exact but I like the way it turned out and hope that she will too.

This is what I was able to work on so far this weekend quilty wise. The rest of the weekend has not gone to plan but ... life is funny that way.

until next time .. happy quilting

Stashbusting Report Week 17

2009-04-26T18:33:00.005-05:00

Here's my Stash Busting Report for the 2009 Stash Bustin Challenge I joined on Judy's blog.
Take a peek at how well the OTHERS are doing with the challenge.

Fabric Added this Week: 0 yard
Fabric Added Year to Date: 1/2 yards
Fabric Used this Week: 1.5 yards
Fabric gifted this week: 1 yard
Fabric Used Year to Date: 44.5 yards

Here's my thread usage report --I started the year with 34 total spools of various sizes and colors on hand.

Spools added this week: 0 spools
Spools used this week: 1 spool
Total Spools used to Date: 6 spools
Total Spools bought to Date: 2 spools

until next time .... happy quilting

Goals Revisited

2009-04-23T12:42:00.003-05:00

time to revisit my goals list from April 1st post and see how I am doing with them. I haven't gotten to really focus on them all but I am making progress. It is nice to see how much I have gotten done so far this month. Now to focus and get some more done this weekend. The kiddos will be with their dad so I have more time to get stuff done. Updates in GREEN!

Quote from April 1st ... I have lots of little goals/projects that I need to start getting done before the hot-humid summer weather hits here. Some are quilting related some are not so bear with me.
1. Finish Mother's 30s Quilt for Mothers day - this is in the block stage still, swapping out the rest of the blocks this month and hope to have it completed in time for her .. update ... rest of blocks are made and swapped out for this one; now to finalize the layout and work on a border.
2. Finish reworking Kimberly's Black and White RR - this is in rows but will be taken apart and reworked
3. Finish String Quilt - have been swapping out blocks this past month and should have enough for a quilt for DS's bed. He hasn't gotten a scrappy quilt yet and has pointed that out to me :o) ... update ... blocks are now here waiting to be used; I think I am going to combine them with the TN blocks to make him a large quilt.
4. Pressure wash front porch and siding on house
5. Paint railings on front and back porch
6. Remove old wood from roof of porch and replace ... update ... old wood is removed and take care of; now to borrow a truck to get the new wood to the house and get it installed.
7. Redo flower bed by front stairs .. update ... waiting on my tiller to come home this weekend before I can start on these.
8. Clean out DS's closet
9. Clean out my closet
10. Sort and organize my stash for better access ... update ... purchased some storage tubs to try and work on this soon.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. Cut back on my coffee intake ... update ... I am down to two cups a day. Now to increase my water intake to boost my weight loss.
14. Lose 15 more pounds ... update ... well ... I did lose two pounds but now I have gained that back plus a few more. UGH! I hate how much I weigh and nothing in my closet fits me right anymore. Warmer weather means short sleeves too which means my fat arms are going to be showing. Got to work harder on this - this is for my health and energy level too. It's time to stop slacking and start working!
15. Put pool back up in back yard and get it all level this time around ;o)

Stash Busting Report Week 16

2009-04-19T15:43:00.007-05:00

Week 16 Already! Wow! the year is just flying by isn't it?!?

Here's my Stash Busting Report for the 2009 Stash Bustin Challenge I joined on Judy's blog. Take a peek at how well the Others are doing with the challenge.

Fabric Added this Week: 0 yard
Fabric Added Year to Date: 1/2 yards
Fabric Used this Week: 4yards
Fabric gifted this week: 0 yards
Fabric Used Year to Date: 42 yards

Here's my thread usage report --I started the year with 34 total spools of various sizes and colors on hand. I finished off another spool this week!

Spools added this week: 0 spools
Spools used this week: 1 spool
Total Spools used to Date: 6 spools
Total Spools bought to Date: 2 spools

until next time .... happy quilting

rainy day fun

2009-04-19T08:26:00.007-05:00

Yesterday was a rainy day to start off the weekend so I pulled out these projects and paint for us to do to have some fun together.

We painted little bird houses and stain glass window art. They all turned out cute. Little man didn't want to do the stain glass ones yesterday maybe I can get him to do those today. I plan on getting little suction cups to hang them on the kitchen windows. The bird house will be hung on a branch in a pot on the front porch like this sorta. It needs work but I think it will be okay. They planted the flower pots last spring and I haven't gotten any flowers for them yet this year.

We filled the rest of the day with movies, pizza and being outdoors when the rain left us. Even with the rain spoiling out planned trip to the zoo, we had a nice day together.

until next time ....

Blocks pieced

2009-04-19T08:21:00.005-05:00

Here is what I was able to get done yesterday morning before the kiddos got up ... well ... I pieced them into three square sections and pinned them and then this morning I joined the rows together and pressed them. I made up eighteen blocks (but the picture only shows 16) all from my scrap bins. These will help me finish up a UFO on my list. (((HAPPY DANCE!!!)))

Brenda asked for the pattern and here is where I got it form ... http://www.quilterscache.com/S/SplitNinePatchBlock.html is the pattern I used for these - I grouped four together to form the larger block. Love this simple block. I also have blocks in scrappy and beige/white to post later on.
until next time ... happy quilting