Monday

And I have reached one of my sewing goals this week. My BOM blk is done, and is the huge header for my blog right now - I could not get that picture to post right - and I kept trying.... this is the best I could get it to do.
And I did get 2 of my 3 Piece & Goodwill blks done. The third is layed out on my wall, but I have to make a couple more pieces for it. I am trying to not use the same fabric in a blk, so I need more pieces to choose from!!
Went to the home and Garden show for the first time ever this weekend. Bought myself a silk duvet. It is supposed to be warm in the winter and cool in the summer, so, this will be nice. Lately I go to bed and feel chilly - and I would prefer to be warm!! (I wake up in the middle of the night hot and all covers are off, but the trying to get to sleep when you feel cold, that is not fun!!!)
Okay, I am off to get ready for work. Stopped at Costco yesterday, and I was asked a few times where I had been....... They didn't realize I had quit, a month ago!!! That is how much staff turnover there is at that store!! Crazy!! But I got to see my friends, most of them anyway!! And one I didn't get a chance to say bye to when I left!! that was really nice. And she has changed jobs!!! Excellant!! And if you haven't seen The Blind Side yet, it's good. Finally watched it last night, and enjoyed it.
Have yourself a very nice Monday. Sew a stich or two and get out and enjoy the flowers!! I can say that because the other day, I have a tiny purple flower in my flower bed!!! The only one, but it's there!!! Spring is really here!!!!

Design Wall Monday!! March 22 '10

Today I have pics!! Batteries are re-charged and good to go, and they helped me take these two pictures of things to get done this week!!

The first is my BOM - yup, more browns!! I should of had this done as soon as I got it, but I didn't - so it's up to be done this week.

And the next is my Lone Star blk. It is going to
be done this week. Kinda thought by Thursday
would be nice, but I don't think it will happen. Simply because I won't have the time. By 'done', I mean, completed!!
I am thinking of making it into a wall hanging......

And I also have the border to put on my blue
blocks. They are all sewn together, now it's time
to have it bordered and out the door.
These are my three projects, plus, working on
my Christmas quilt blocks - Piece and Goodwill.

And I also have the backing for my Christmas Lights to get to my quilter.

And working. Don't forget working!!!

I should stop now, before more project ideas pop into my head!!! Goals are a good thing - and this week, I have a few that I want to see crossed off my list!!! Lovin' it!!! Have a great week!!

Stash 188 5/8 yrds!!!

Okay, I have finally made it on here to post today!!! Yeah me!! I have come on and read, but I just didn't feel like talking, so.....

Anyways, yes, I have shopped this week!! One was just therapy for me - I was not in a good mood, and I decided to go and pick up my big machine (the store was open late for leperchauns day) and I went. So, my machine did not die when it made that awful noise and not only scared me, but completly stopped working!!!! It is back in working order, although, I have not tried it myself yet, but it will be back where it belongs tomorrow.

While shopping, I bought fabric for yesterdays class - the Lone Start blk we were being taught. I realized, I sew s-l-o-w-l-y!!! Not backwards, but not as fast as the other women there!! But, I was also the one who took people to where the bathrooms were and ... well, I just am not a speedy sewer!!! But I do have fun!!!

Here is as far as I got on this blk!!

The side triangles are not sewn on yet, and the pieces are not sewn together yet, but this is what 1/4 of the block will look like!! I think it's pretty. And I am using a pink batik background.

Here is what it looks like as you are putting it together - kinda messy!!! And I would have had more pics for you, but the batteries on my camera died!!! I was just thinking the batteries were lasting a long time, set the camera down, and when I picked it up again for the next shot - dead!!! lol!!

And I bought myself a new toy yesterday. Did I need it??? Nope. But, I now own a take-along ironing and cutting surface when I have classes to go to. For the blk we did, you have fusible web that you work with, and you iron a litte bit on each piece so they don't move as you are sewing them together....

Before the ladies left who taught the class, I bought more fusible to do two more blks!! My girlfriend bought enough for a whole quilt!!!

And I got my blue blks sewn together today. Not happy about this, but the other day, my DD and hubby were playing - he was chasing her - and she went into my sewing room........ uh, hit the 'wall' - which is not stable at all, and ALL THE QUILT PIECES landed on the ground........ I am so glad I had sewn some together, in retrospect, I should have sewn them all, but who knew they would wreck my top???????? Even though I had pictures, I had also moved the pieces around, and made it the way I wanted it.... After this happened, I just, well, I tried to put it back the way it was, but I just couldn't seem to get it right. Today, I layed them out and sewed them - it's done.

And it's name is "Mishap". You know 'unfortunate accident'. It does not look the way I wanted it, but it's done. And done is better than another UFO - so all it needs is a border and backing and off to my quilter!!!! And for the first time I have done a guild challange!!!! And the best part, I am following my new 'rule' of finishing what I start!!!

Today, I also worked on my Piece and Goodwill blks!!! I have pieces ready to be made into blks and some need to be worked on some more!!!! but the beauty of it is, I am working on it and loving it!!!

Have a great week coming up. I plan on sewing everyday - getting things done. And enjoying every minute of it!!

OH! Stash Report!!! (almost forgot!!)

I bought 2 5/8 yrd this week. So, that makes my numbers bigger. I have to figure out what the blue blocks used, and then I will have a real report for next week. I am just not having a very good time this weekend. I keep escaping into my crafts just to be alone, and that is not me....... Tomorrow will be better. I will make sure of it!!!

Here are the blks in a tentative setting

My blocks!! Well, they are all done!! And here they are!!!

Oh - this pic looks bad!! lol!!

My daughter just came out and asked me if I am keeping the blue quilt - she went and checked it out (without me asking her what she thought!! she went in there on her own!!) and told me she likes and wants it!! lol!!

I have moved a couple blks around. I like this setting right now, but before I do make it permanent, I will keep looking for a bit - probably a half hour!!! lol I want this done and off to the quilter!!!

I have done a challenge!!! yeah me!!!

I am in a very tight spot in my sewing room for my 'wall' and I am trying to show you all the quilt, so it has 3 pictures - some of the blks are the same, but it's confusing because the above photo was taken sideways......

But I am not sure how I feel about it - I just want it done - and it's not for anything special, it's just to do a challenge and finish my project. Maybe the frustration with the pattern and cutting it all out, makes me think - enough!!

Now, it needs to be sewn and made smaller!! It's funny how much smaller a project gets when all the seams are sewn together!! 1/4" does add up!

Have a super weekend and don't forget to move your clocks forward tonight, if you live in a place where the time changes tonight!!! I do, and I will remember!!!! Bye!

Blue Blocks Are DONE!!!

Yes, all my blue blocks are sew together, the 6 1/2" ones are the right size and I made an extra lrg. 15 1/2" one!! So, I have 16 of those instead of the 15 I needed!!

I am so glad they are done, especially at the end when I kept cutting one of my fabrics to small!!! It was suppose to be cut 8 1/2" long, so I cut it 8" twice instead!!! AARRGGHHHH!! But, I pulled out the fabric again and cut it, again!!!! Third times the charm!!

And, I listened to my music loud today, and just enjoyed myself!! And then, I got a phone call! Even though I had a phone in my room with me, my daughter had to come and give me her phone 'cause, ahem, I didn't hear mine ring!!! lol!! And it was my new boss - phoning to ask me a question about the schedual..... did I mind working 10-5 Monday to Fridays??? Uh, yeah!!! EXCELLANT!!! So, I definitly said YES!! And she will even work around my BOM day, and that is fantastic!! Like I told her, if she can't do it, it's fine, but she told me she would, so, I can still go to my BOM on the second Tuesday of the month!! I told her I get back into town at noon, so I could be to work then. I told Costco that I had a standing appointment on that day, and didn't tell them what it was (let them wounder.....) and so I always had it off so I could go to my BOM meeting!!!

My Blue Blocks are done!! Once I get the big blocks cut to size, this baby is being sewn together and off to the long arm quilter!! (I will go get that flannel I like first though!!!)
Oh yeah, this is good!!!

Beautiul Day!

Well, I had my quilt guild meeting last night. Before I left, I kinda didn't want to go, but since I have the keys, I had to!! When I got there, the door was open and people were already inside!!! That was fun! I liked that simply because it made me feel like I belonged there.... hmmm, strange way to feel. I liked that I didn't have people waiting for me to show up, that I guess I was late and didn't have that pressure that I hadn't done what I was supposed to, like be on time!!! And we had a backwards meeting!!!

We had a woman come and do a demo for us. This a rare event - AND - she is coming back on the the 20th to teach us a class!!! On a lone star blk!!! PRETTY BLK!!!!! I am so excited simply because, one, we are having a person come to teach and two, it's something I would love to learn to do!!!!!!! AND THE BEST THING IS - I DON'T WORK THAT DAY!!!!!

So, that is fantastic!! Now I need to figure out my fabrics for this blk. Which is why when I got home, I pulled out (finally found!) my batiks for me 'Orion Star' project I have planned. This ended up being my 20 min of sewing last night. Did I find any fabric I want to use, not really, but I do have enough fabric to start this quilt. No more buying batik FQ's!!! Now, I am woundering if having a quilt top made from only batiks would be ugly........

I hate second guessing myself, but I do not want a quilt that has beautiful fabrics in it, look like a disaster when done. Ah, I will just go ahead and make a couple blks and see what I think then...... but not until I get my blue blocks done and the BOM blk and get some of the Christmas blks done.... so, why am I on here when I should be sewing??????? :-)

Brenda - that is the ladies name who came to do the demo, showed us a ruler that I have been wanting for years!! I saw it years ago on Simply Quilts, and could not find it so figured it was a States thing, not avalible in Canada. It's called "Shape Cut Plus" and it's by June Tailor. It's a slotted ruler and I know I am going to love it!!!!!! It helps you to cut more acurate strips of fabric and many layers at a time!! So, all the cutting for my blue blocks would have been done in less time!!! BONUS!!! And once you cut the strips, pick up the ruler, lay it down again the other way, and make squares, or triagles , and even diamonds!! Although, dimonds are not something I use often, but I do use squares and strips!!! And I am so looking forward to doing this class with her. She owns a store that I have never been to before, so I guess 'road trip' is on my schedual!!!!

Here is the ruler, with a nice 'flash' mark in the middle, I shut that flash bulb off - I didn't realize it had done it on this one, but I 'fixed' the next picture!! So, this is how big this ruler is - It take up the whole mat!!!

And here is the name and little hints of what this new toy can do. Can you imagine cutting out your strips for your 'worms' or the jelly rolls in half the time!!

Brenda said, at the story, they use their big one to cut all the stores jelly rolls and layer cakes and charm squares and anything like that and they are all perfectly cut with this ruler!!!!

Hmmm, anyone have any stash they would like to break down into food groups???? lol!! Invite your friends over for tea and layer cakes! Jelly rolls!!! And sew the day away!!!

Yup, I think i am going to like this ruler....

Now, the other thing I was searching for last night is my ruler bag..... a bag the will hold anything you need to take to a class to a freind house to sew. It hold rulers , large mat, and any tools that you need. It is perfect and I was looking for such a bag for awhile, so when I saw the patten I grabbed it! I started it a long time ago, and hit a snag - for some reason I stopped working on it and put it away.... and now, I want it done. Like NOW!!!! And, with my mess of projects that I have stored in my room, I do not know where it is. I am so glad I 'oganized' my room........ I will find it, but in time to have it done for this class?????

And here is a close up of the ruler - see the slots that you put your rotary cutter into, and the line you follow to make your cut.... She didn't have her hand on the ruler at all, she just put the cutter in there and cut, then moved it to her next slot and cut again...... She said she cuts up to 8 layers at a time. That is alot of cutting!!!

And when she is doing funny cutting, or lots of it, she marks her ruler with glow tape or even masking tape, that way, you don't cut wrong!!

And yes, you can do 1/4" cuts with this - just follow the directions that are provide with the ruler!!

I bought myself a new toy!!! And the mess in my room, is not going to be making me crazy anymore!!!! I have no reason not to make my projects, so French Braid - I am a commin' for you!!!! (But, ahem, not this month.... lets make it a summer project - once I get this guild project gone and now the orion star - that has been waiting a long time to do, so lets get it done!!!!

Have a super fantastic weekend and enjoy evey minute of it!! I know that on Monday, I am going to the DVD store (almost said 'video') and renting "Planet 51"!! On Mondays, it's a 2 for 1 deal, and you get them for 2 days, so that is when I like to rent movies. And that Planet 51 looks funny!!! I am off to get my blks done!!!!! (was going to go to the store, but that can wait. I have lost projects waiting to be found and one calling my name and ones that need to be worked on before I do anything else!!! SEE!! I am creating good habits - and it's working for me!!!!!

Yes, I went shopping.....

I took a long drive to a quilt store I have only been to once, and wasn't exactly sure where I was going!!! But when I got to the town, I thought to myself, either find it or go back home, so I drove around a bit, turned a corner and saw the store out of the corner of my eye!! I parked and went in. Did I find what I was looking for?? No. She had a quilt class on a book I want to check out, and thought she might have a copy of the book in the store, on sale....... Do I know the name of the book?? NO! That would be to easy!!! But I do know what it looks like, and there was none there. Did I leave empty handed?? Nope. Bought fabrics and a ruler!!

I have been looking for this ruler for awhile now. Isn't this the one Bonnie Hunter always talks about?? I am sure it is, and even though I don't need it, I am glad to have it - for the next time I do a Bonnie quilt!!

Am not sure exactly how to use it - have not even taken it out of the pkg yet!! This was the only size she had, I think there is one bigger, but I don't know for sure. It will go into my collection along with the other fabrics I bought!!

These are the browns I bought.

Brown is the first colour choice I had when I thought of making the box blks that I am doing now in the blue. I liked the way it looked in the book and thought, hmmm, why not??

Then the guild challenge came up, and my colour choice was changed. It's why I also bought the blues above, but I still like the idea of a brown quilt.... and not just brown!! This one, if and when I make it, can have other colours thrown in!!

And today was my BOM day. So, I have my new blk to make and I shopped......

This is my flannel backing for my Christmas Lights Quilt!!! It is in the dryer right now, and will be washed again before I take it to my quilter!! Still need to make the label.........

I like it that it's green trees on a black background with the gold stars shining and it's flannel!! Was going to use the cotton I have here, but flannel is so much cozier and warmer and it's a Christmas quilt!! I don't live in a warm climate, so warmth in the winter counts!!!

And I didn't stop here either.......

I am going to be making more Christmas type quilts, I know I am, and I saw the green in the middle and picked it up. When I told my friend what I was doing, she grabbed the other 'Christmassy type fabric with the gold going throught it' and handed it to me.... So I thought, eh, why not?? And then I grabbed two more of the reds I bought last time!! Now I have 4 FQ's of that fabric!! I just really like it!!!

And then I saw this pretty batik and I had to bring it home with me, and then I saw his friend!! They are both a really soft purple/green muted fabric, and just really pretty. The 'friend' is fish!!! And I like 'em.

Everybody is in the bath right now. (uh, washer!!) and will be able to play once they are all cleaned and de-stinkified!!!

Then ironed and cut and made into something!!

Well, at least the blues are headed in that direction today!! I am so close to having the small blocks for the guild challenge done, and I am getting excited!!! This sewing for 20 minutes a day, it makes a huge dent in my plans!! Even if I just cut, organzie, figure out what to do next, tidy a bit, it makes a huge difference. Huge. It's amazing what you can do in what you would consider not enough time. But, sewing on a couple rounds, or even just part of one round, at least when I come back - that is already done.............

And I have made myself a list of thing to get done this week. I think that is called "Goals" .......

One of the goals is to make muffins that I really like with sweet potato in them - but, before I can - or should do that - the oven desperatly needs cleaning, so guess what else I am doing?? Yup, oven is sprayed and I am waiting the 2 hours till I get to clean it!! OH, what fun!!!

-I have already done most of the laundry, sheets are next than, that is off the list.

-Have made the fish some fresh water - and have watered the plants with the water from the aqarium.

-My big goal this week - get the blue blocks all done!! Cut to size and have it ready to sew into a top - by Sunday, if not before!!

I am getting revved about this!!! Oh Yes I am!!!! I still have to get the backing for it - flannel, all blue, and I have seen two fabrics I like, so next paycheck, I am getting it!!

I think this idea of making a week long list is a good one. Not a daily one - it's to easy to feel bad if you don't make it to the finish line that day, but if you've got a couple days, you can fit it in.....

And I am off to keep working on my list and cut some fabrics!!! Blue blocks, you are almost done!!!!!!

Design Wall Monday!! March 8 - Box Block!

This is my wall right now - I am working on the 6 1/2" blks - there are two sets of them. If you notice the center blk - one is 3 1/2", and one is 2 1/2". 24 each, so 48 all together. I still have the large blks to make - it's center is 6 1/2" - only 15 of these, so that will go quick.

And yes, you stil can see the Piece & Goodwill blks that I am doing with friends.. It would be fun to do a Christmas quilt a month this year - and it is totally do-able considering I have some in the UFO pile that are so close to done, I should just make it so!!!
Plus a wall hanging that just needs binding! Binding for crying out loud!!!!!! Brenda! FINISH IT!!!!!!!!

I walked to work yesterday. I enjoyed it. No sidewalks down one road, but hey, it's the way to get there!! People don't walk much in this town. Some do. And I want to. It's a 1/2 hour walk, so it's nice. I put on my CD player - yes, CD. And headphones and just like driving to work, I listen to things that make me think, laugh, or I just enjoy a story! I plan on walking more than driving, so my daughter is happy - my car is accesible now and she can use it!!

Spring is working it's way here. Snow though is in the forcast, but we need it badly. Moisture, not necessarily snow, but we do need the ground to get some wetness to it. Farmers are already cashing in their insurace for failed crops - it's that bad. Here is to beautiful weather - gorgeous sunshine and calm winds. And dreams that come true!
Off to see your work on your walls!! And possible shopping today - do I go to the sale or stay home......... oh boy, I have not decided yet and I've been thinking about it since yesterday!!! bye!!

Stash Busting Sunday - still at 186 yrds!!

I have not bought anything this week, but not for lack of thinking about it though!! I was going to go look for more blue the other day, but was with people who just wouldn't not have liked me going to a fabric store... so I didn't. Which is okay - I still have enough, for now anyway..... I have 1/2 of my little blue blks done now!! Over half actually, and will have more done tonight!!

And I have made a list of goals - yes, this is an old picture - but these are the blks that I have finished the 24 of - then 24 more, and 15 big, and I am done the blocks!! And that was my goal. To have all the guild challenge blocks done by the end of March - no, to have the blks done this week and it all sewn together by the end of March - and into the quilters it will go!!!

I am finishing my projects!! All of 'em!! and I will be busting my stash - and then getting myself a new one!!!!

So, this week, nothin in, nothing out and I am still working on the guild quilt, the christmas quilt, and, thankfully, I have not started anything new!!!

In Like a Lamb!!

It is March!! Wow. It doesn't feel like it should be March yet, but it's here..... And it's Design Wall Monday to boot!!

Not much very exciting on my wall - basically the same as last week, but with a few more blue blocks. If I had more of the last row cut, there would have been more to show, but I ran out of the strips, so here is what I have done this week:

No more blocks for the Piece & Goodwill quilt to show, but I have sewn a few leader/ender pieces for it. I have done more cutting for my blue blks last night - and I think they will look great when all done. So, this is it. Next week, I want to be done the smaller blks, and be working on the large ones........... That will be nice. But, first, I want to have these all cut to their proper sizes before I move on to the next step. I do not want to leave it to the end to size them all up - that would make me crazy!!! Just do it as they are done, and that is one step less to worry about!!

I am off to work today. This week is 10-5 Monday to Friday! Next week, some days I work late, but hey, it's all good!! It's quiet, and not a whole lot to do besides dusting!! Constuction dust!! That will be around awhile..... It gives me something to do when there are not alot of people coming in. The store itself is very nicely done. Rich looking, nice colours. It's a very classy store. And it's fun to see people come in for the first time. They did a great job at making a liquer store look expensive, but they are keeping their prices low!!

Okay time for me to go get ready for work!! Have a great day and enjoy this very first day of March and make it the best you can!! Better if you sew a bit and get these projects done that have been hanging around, trying to get our attention!!!

It's a new month, and new week, so lets set some goals and make it happen!!!!