Show us your Stash

Judy is doing a good thing for us again. We are going to be posting photos of our stashes now, oneat the end of the year and one again at the end of 2010 to help us try and get more organized and use more of our stashes in 2010. Check out the details here Patchworks Times

I have been slowly working on organizing my stash and have been using from it pretty much for over two years. I haven't bought much that didn't leave as soon as it got here. So that being said ... I don't have a true sewing room so my stash is located in various places throughout the house. I won't bore you with every bin or tub. Here are some pictures to share with you my messy stash. Not as impressive as some but does me well.

Here are the storage cabinets filled with my fabric stash, UFOs/BOBs are on top of the one cabinet, I have baskets and bins of scraps (yes I am a scrap-o-holic and admit it). I hope to continue to use from my stash and reduce it again next year. I hope to reduce my scrap bins by dare I say ... half?

until next time ... happy quilting

Stash Busting Report Week 12

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 12's reports.

This week I did use some from my stash but I had to buy some too. That was okay though since I used it up as soon as I brought it home. I worked on the next step on the Quilt Along on Judy's site so that is being counted.
Fabric Added this Week: 1/2 yard
Fabric Added Year to Date: 1/2 yards
Fabric Used this Week: 2 yards
Fabric gifted this week: 0 yards
Fabric Used Year to Date: 29 yards

Here's my thread usage report --I started the year with 34 total spools of various sizes and colors on hand. This week I was able to finish off those two spools (I kept thinking they might never be empty) hurray!
Spools added this week: 0 spools
Spools used this week: 2 spools
TotalSpools used to Date: 5 spools
TotalSpools bought to Date: 2 spools
until next time .... happy quilting

Quilt-Along Step 4 progress

I am terrible - after this mornings stash busting report I went to cut the sashing strips for the Quilt Along - Step 4 that I need to finish today and low and behold I do not have enough of the gold fabric. ;o(
I searched high and low for something well anything kinda similar to the fabric I started with. Found one FQ only but that is still not enough so ... I had to break down and actually ... I hate to say the words .... buy fabric! I just bought one half yard to hopefully finish the sashing. It is in the wash now then I am sewing the rest of the afternoon.
I'll update my status later on today.

And here is what I got done today ... not as much as I hoped due to several phone calls but that is okay. I didn't get Step 4 totally done but I made some progress - we have until the 24th or 25th to post our pictures so I still have some time. Need to work on two inner borders to finish this step. whatcha think so far? my sashings are a bit wavy. I need to work on getting them together better. Still learning with each quilt.

I also made six crumb blocks doing the leaders and enders method. Thanks for sharing that idea with me. I am now multitasking while quilting ... lol

I have two sides of the binding done on the Scrappy HST quilt for my sister and hope ot have the other two sides done before too much longer. Wanted to post before I shut down the computer for the night.
until next time ....

Stash Bustin Report Week 8

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. Reports for week 8

This week I was able to make those 24 String blocks I posted about earlier (well 22 as I started the week with 2 made) and I sewed 252 - HSTs using 3inch squares. To me that is just great progress.
Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 0 yards
Fabric Used this Week: 4.25 yards
Fabric gifted this week: 0 yards
Fabric Used Year to Date: 23.75 yards

Here's my thread usage to date --I started with 34 total spools of various sizes and colors on hand on last count. (nothing finished off this week but close on two different spools so maybe next week??)

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 ....

Quiltalong with Judy

I am going to do the Quiltalong with Judy ... check out the preview for it here Quilt-Along I am going to do mine ... totally scrappy - imagine that ... lol ... I will be using from my stash ... so here is a picture of what I will be using .. not all of it of course but some from each bin.

I'll pull fabrics as we do each step. I have never tried to make this block before so bear with me - no pun intended there either. I might post fussing and fuming about the blocks not turning out and asking for help along the way.
I really want to try this though and hope it will be a learning experience too as I have never done a quilt-along or this block pattern either.
will keep ya posted
until next time .....

Stashbustin Report Week 2

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

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

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

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

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

until next time ....

Stashbustin Challenge 2009

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

until next time ...

getting inspired

I don't know if it is that the end of the year is coming and I am wanting to get things in order to start off fresh for the New Year or what. I have a getting organized bug in me that I am going to let thrive and do it's thing.
I so want to be able to sort all my stash and scraps so I can just go in and sew instead of having to hunt for what to use. I have lots of ideas and have put some into place already. Like I use shoe boxes to store my BOBs and larger UFOs now - I label the front of each box so I can see at a glance what is inside each box. These are stored on top of my stash cabinet. I want to work on/ finish one BOB or UFO before starting another project. If while sorting through my BOBs and UFOs I find one I will never put together then it will be swapped or given away. No sense in holding onto it forever if someone else will complete it.

I store my cut squares in this little drawer unit. I need to label the drawers though so I can glance and see what size is in which drawer. I want to cut my scraps into squares and strips instead of storing them in these tubs until I need some for a project like in the second picture.

I have my books and printed patterns on this shelf. (not alot I know but they are all I have) I have the printed patterns in the two blue binders. I will try not to print another pattern without trying one from those I have already printed first.

I would love to have all my fabrics pressed and folded and put into basket like I have done here in this cabinet but I haven't had the time to do so yet. I will be doing this a bit at a time. Right now some fabric is being stored in the bottom of my closet in file boxes. I lucked up and found a lady moving and bought these boxes of fabric for $12 each!! They are packed full. See why I need to join the no-buy challenge? I know my stash is nothing compared to some I have seen but it is enough for me.

Do you have favorite organizing tips that you can share with me on how to get a control on my chaos of a stash? {I looked up that word in the dictionary and it totally fits -- chaos --- a: a state of utter confusion b: a confused mass or mixture}

Today's thoughts and blessings ....
I am so blessed to have my job that helps me pay my bills - for some have no jobs at all. I am so blessed to be able to be with my kids and watch them growing up so fast. I am so blessed for the hugs/kisses that I get from my kids and the "goodnight Mom - I love you" I hear each night before we drift off to sleep. It makes me feel so warm inside and makes my heart grow two sizes (just like that of the Grinch). I am so blessed to have the stash I have even in it's state of chaos. I am so blessed to have the knowledge to make the quilts I do and share that gift with others in the form of quilts.
until next time ....

might join the stash bustin challenge for 2009

Life has been very rocky this last year and I am hoping that things will start to improve and I can get myself motivated again soon. I just have the blahs and feel just numb inside.
As some of ya'll know, I have been doing stash bustin this year but saw this post on another friend's blog about joining the 2009 stash bustin challenge with Judy with Patchwork Times I love scrappy quilts as you can tell and have been trying several patterns to use up some of my stash this year. I don't think I can be as motivated as Babs and finish 24 quilts in 2009 but I do want to think about having goals to complete several more UFOs and work on downsizing my scrap bins and continue making scrappy quilts. I will be working on a new list of goals to try and complete for 2009.
Does anyone know of a tracker-counter type thingy that will help me keep up with the amount of fabric I use per project?? I want to see what I use per project and to date. Think it would be neat to have a tracker-counter to see what damage I can do to my stash in 2009. :o)
Want to try something new at the end of my posts ... a dear family member suggested I try noting my blessings each day to help me get through everything that life is dealing me. So here goes nothing ... I am so thankful for the wonderful families that I am so proud and blessed to be a part of. I am thankful for being the mother of two wonderful loving kiddos. I am thankful for the wonderful and amazingly supportive friends to help me along with life's struggles. I am so thankful for the Fall weather we are having and the beauty of the changing scenery that goes with it.

until next time ....

I'm gonna keep rolling right along ...

I am feeling a bit sappy today so forgive me. I lost a old friend of mine over the weekend and am having a hard time accepting it is real. He was there for me alot and will be missed that is for sure. Amazing how losing a friend makes you take a look at your life and what is really important. Make sure you give your kids/family an extra squeeze tonight and tell them how much you love them. I was up really early this morning since I couldn't sleep with everything on my mind. I had cut 42 --15 inch squares from fabric I pulled from my stash in an effort not to buy any new fabric. I pulled out the squares I had cut to make the backing of my scrappy Jacobs Ladder quilt. I got them all sewn together and will be shipping this top and backing to my quilter today all things willing. Feels good to have another UFO closer to being done and to use up another 5.5 yards of fabric strictly from my stash. I need to start keeping up with how much fabric I use on each project ... hmmm .... how to do that ???

While I was in my sewing area this morning, I looked around and realized just how messy it has become. I am terrible about pulling fabric and stacking it here and there after I cut it for a project. Now I have all these piles and pieces and patterns all over the place. I should be ashamed of myself for letting it get so messy but what is it they say about a messy house ??? lol
One goal for this week will be to slowly clean up this area and get ready for the next quilt that I need to work on for my Christmas gifts. Another is that I also have to sort through the kids' clothes for the upcoming yard sale. I will be so happy after I get those outta their closets/rooms they will have neater rooms and will be able to find what really fits them. Amazing how much the kiddos grow in a season. Another is to take more time for me. Since my divorce I have not taken any time for me to deal with everything that has happened and then more things are being piled on my plate as the days pass. I need to find some down time each evening to journal or read or study the Bible. Gotta learn how to destress at the end of each day.

until next time ....

Halloween

It's today!! Halloween is today!! We've been working up to this day all week. DD finished carving her pumpkin last night and we have them on display on top of our TV. I'll post pictures this weekend. Tonight we are going to do the Trick-Or-Treating thing and then come home and watch movies til we fall asleep. Gonna have lots of fun. Will fill ya in later on all that happens.

I have a couple of goals for this weekend. One is to get the Jacobs Ladder scrap quilt together and piece the backing from my stash. What a great way to reduce your stash of those 'uglies' and 'those what was I thinking' fabrics. Will post pictures of the top soon. Need to work on some other blocks too to help complete another UFO. I have so much still to complete by Christmas for gifts. I had better kick it into gear.
Another goal I have to complete is go through DS's closet and find clothes he can wear. I have a pile in front of his closet where I have them pulled out and if you can wear them they are being put on hangers and the rest into boxes for the yard sale I am planning soon. DD will do her own closet as she has her own style and I don't know what she will wear and won't.
Another goal is to clean off the counter in the bathroom. I noticed this morning I have too much stuff on that counter and I need to thin it down and toss the old stuff I don't use. Anyone else have this problem?? buy a lotion, perfume and thing of makeup try it once or twice and never use it again? That will be my organizing goal for the weekend then, my bathroom counter.

until next time ....

Bloggin ...

I want to thank my dear friend for helping me add the label cloud - thanks tirane!!! You are the best!! I will slowly get the hang of all this fancy stuff that goes along with bloggin. This weekend I hope to be able to figure out how to add the pictures of the UFOs / projects I have listed and those I quilts I completed so far. That is one goal for this coming weekend.
Another goal is to work on my Jacob's Ladder Scrap Quilt. Currently ... it is in the blocks stage at the moment but I have enough blocks now to make the quilt with so it shouldn't be a problem to get it all pieced together into a top. I also want to piece this backing to use up some of my stash and not have to buy anything. Trying to reduce my stash a bit and use up those odd pieces and those what was I thinking fabrics. Ya'll all know the ones I'm talking about I know.
Another goal will be to sort through little man's closet and find out which clothes do not fit anymore. Which will probably be all of them. He has grown like a weed and each pair of jeans we try on seem to be high waters and that is not a good look. So it's time to declutter his closet and dresser. DD has been slowly going through her closet as she tries on something and it doesn't fit it goes into the yard sale box and that one is full so we need a new one. She has grown alot over the summer and her style has changed so it's time for a shopping trip. Which she loves to do. But what teenage girl doesn't?

that's it for now ...

so goes on the life and times of a mother and scrap quilter ... until next time

making progress

I did it! I finished the backing for my Four Patch Ladder quilt. I pieced it using 10.5 inch squares all from my stash. That helped me used up almost 6 yards if I figured right. I am trying to use just fabric from my stash and make up enough quilts to give my brothers and sisters for Christmas presents. That means I will need to make a total of SIX quilts. So with the Four Patch sent off yesterday to be quilted, that means I have just FIVE to go in SIX months. Think I can do it?
I have been trying to follow the Flylady program a bit to help remove the clutter from my house. I have made great progress with this and this week I am working in my DS room. I have just about everything out of the room and I am painting it now. He picked grey and blue. Lower part will be medium blue and upper will be a light grey. I have a cool sports themed border I got and both colors are in the border so it will look great. He will be so happy to have his room done. DD had her room repainted for her birthday earlier this year and he asked "when is my room getting done?"
So will keep you updated on the decluttering progress and room redo progress as well as the quilts on my UFO list too.