Today's UFO progress

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

WIP Wednesday

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

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

until next time ... happy quilting!

30s Quilt Top

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

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

until next time ... happy quilting

weekly goals update

From my earlier post HERE

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

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

This week's goal list ....

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

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

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

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

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

weekly goals update

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

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

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

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

Next weeks goals.

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

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

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

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

This week's progress report next week's goals

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

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

My goals for the coming week ..

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

2. Add the sashing to the blocks into tops blocks

3. Sort and cut this basket into usable pieces

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

Week's Progress Report

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

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

Weekly goals

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

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

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

This week's goals

1. Piece the backing to the TN Strings Quilt

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

3. Spend 20 minutes or more each day organizing something

4. Sort and cut this basket into usable pieces

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

UFO Challenge/Contest Week 4 Progress

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday's Sewing

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

these row sections pieced ...

Today I hope to press and complete those blocks.

until next time ... happy quilting

UFO Challenge/Contest Week 3 Progress

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

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

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

cluttered caos

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

UFO Challenge/Contest Week 2 Progress

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



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

UFO Challenge/ Contest Week 1 Progress

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 5

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

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

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

until next time ... happy quilting

Progress on Black, White, Red Rows

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!!

Finally got some sewing time ....

Doing a happy dance as I finally found some down time and got to sew a bit today!

here is what I finished this morning for my friend for a swap we are doing ... she sent the beige fabric and wanted scrappy and Scrappy I can do!! This block is from Quilter's Cache - it is called Goose Creek. I used from my precut 2.5 inch squares and 4.5 inch squares so everything came from my stash. I really like how these turned out. Another block I'd like to make a whole quilt outta.

Here is also an updated picture of the progress I have made on my Mother's 30s Sampler Quilt I made the last couple of blocks today to surround the center. I plan on adding a thin white sashing between each of the blocks and then a border around this round and then another round of squares to surround the top like I did around the center. I hope this will make it large enough - if not ... I can plan from there or I may call on Tirane and her expert layout-planning skills.

This month has not gone as I planned so I will not be able to complete all my goals but I will be happy to get the things done that I can and let the rest wait. Other things are taking first priority and I am doing what I can around them.

until next time ... happy quilting

Stash Busting Report Week 10

Here's my weekly report for the 2009 Stash Bustin Challenge I joined on Judy's blog. You should check out the other's blogs and see what they are up to. Here is the link for week 10's reports. They are doing just great.
This week I didn't get much sewing done but that is okay. But I did make progress sorting those pile of scraps .. and had a yard sale and made three little crumb blocks.

This week's usage includes - 3 little 6.5 inch crumb blocks and the backing fabric I sent along with my aunt's HUG quilt. That is all I used this week. Hope to get some sewing done today. I need to complete the next step on the Quilt Along on Judy's site. Might have a photo to post later on.

Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 0 yards
Fabric Used this Week: 1.75 yards
Fabric gifted this week: 0 yards
Fabric Used Year to Date: 27 yards

Here's my thread usage report --I started with 34 total spools of various sizes and colors on hand on last count. (still nothing finished off )
Spools added this week: 0 spools
Spools used this week: 0 spools Total
Spools used to Date: 3 spoolsTotal
Spools bought to Date: 2 spools

until next time ....

setting aside the scraps for now

after making a small dent in the pile on the table I have to put those scraps away for now. I need to get ready for a yard sale this weekend and work on blocks for the Quilt along on Judy's site. I did make some nice progress on this and am happy with what I got done. I now have a small drawer of strips/strings for string blocks. I have a small container of 2.5 inch strips for log cabin blocks. I have a small drawer of odd size and shaped pieces for crumb blocks. All are nicely pressed and will be ready for me to work on those projects without alot of time sorting, pulling and pressing. I will get back to sorting and organizing this container at a later date.
I got the Scrappy HST quilt back from being quilting yesterday. Tirane did a wonderful job hiding my waving border on this one. She is a wonderful quilter ... ya'll need to check out her blog and pictures She is sure to please. Now I need to get the binding done on this one to be able to give it to my sister when I see her on the 19th for a mini-vacation with her family. This will be my first 2009 finish!
until next time ....

scraps scraps and more scraps

Tuesday's Update ... Trying 30 minutes of Progress a day ...
I have been making myself do 30 minutes at a time of working thru this mess. I have a good start but not anywhere near done. I have a nice stack of various size strings, a stack of 2.5" strips for log cabin blocks, lots of smaller pieces/ odd shapes pressed and put into a shoe box for crumb blocks and then there are larger pieces of fabric I found while digging and those are pressed and set aside waiting to be cut down to whatever I can use. I didn't want to stop pressing to cut yet. I have made some progress - there is a dent in the pile on the table and I am not giving up. When this is done I will be able to pull a tub or box and sew on whatever scrappy project I want to without having to sort and press. Think of all the time I am saving myself by doing this now.

~~~~~~~~
My only sewing related goal for this week is to press, sort, cut and organize this huge pile of scraps. Think I can do it?

I'd like to cut down these scraps into usable pieces: squares, strips and strings. So that way they are ready to use when I am ready to sew. So many scraps ... so little time to sew ...
until next time ....

Stash Bustin Report Week 9

Here's my weekly report for the 2009 Stash Bustin Challenge I joined on Judy's blog. You should check out the other's blogs and see what they are up to. Week 9 Progress Reports
This week I didn't get much sewing done but that is okay. I made progress in other areas I wanted to. I did get those HSTs trimmed and almost completed the Hug Quilt for my Aunt. More sewing on that this afternoon until the kiddos come home. Might have a photo to post later on.
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 0 yards
Fabric Used this Week: 1.5 yards
Fabric gifted this week: 0 yards
Fabric Used Year to Date: 25.25 yards

Here's my thread usage to date --I started with 34 total spools of various sizes and colors on hand on last count. (still nothing finished off but closer on two different spools)
Spools added this week: 0 spools
Spools used this week: 0 spools
Total Spools used to Date: 3 spools
Total Spools bought to Date: 2 spools
until next time ....

Quilting Bee today ...

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

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

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

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

until next time ...