Belle Quilts

Sunday Stash Report and Unintentional Change of Plans

2012-01-01T17:46:00.000-08:00

Fabric Added this week: 0 Yards
Fabric Added YTD: 0 yards
Fabric Used this week: 0 Yards
Fabric Used YTD: 0 yards
Net used for 2012: 0 yards

The stars and universe finally aligned for me and my quilting (Or so I thought). I had the time, solitude and desire to do something quilting related on New Year's Eve day, the days started with an enthusiastic and energetic search for fabric for the QTMystery NYE mystery. Everything was going along great, I started building momentum and had most of the cutting done, "humm, should I change my blade? it's kind of dull..Ok, a few minutes can be spared". "Wow, what a difference a new blade makes, nice! Just two more fabrics to cut then to the sewing machine, I can't Wait!"..
BUMMMMMEEEER!, had to wait as my left index finger got in the way and the skin from the base of my nail to the finger tip was transfer from my hand to the space between that nice, smooth, sharp blade and the rotary cutter. Ok, Quilty day over.
Talk about unintentional change of plans!
It's all right, I should have been taking a nap anyway, now it was mandatory in order to recuperate from the extensive bleeding and throbbing pain. Since I hadn't worked on my 2012 UFO challenge list, What better time to do it? Well, I didn't work on the list on the same day but a few minutes ago. The list is done and posted on the side bar, its all 8 UFO's that didn't get finished in 2011 plus 4 newer projects. Good thing too, since Judy opened the 2012 UFO List back up for just a few days and I still get a chance to sign up.

Sunday Stash Report - December 18th 2011

2011-12-18T08:22:00.000-08:00

It's been several weeks since I had the chance or desire to work on anything. Not one project, old or new, appealed to me all this time. Until yesterday! I wanted to work for a little bit on something that didn't require cutting into yardage, planning a color scheme, search a pattern, dig out UFO's or otherwise make any big effort or fuss. I pulled a small container of strings and some paper for foundation, turned on my sewing machine.......

I made 36 blue string blocks for the Orca Bay mystery!
No fabric usage to count as these are scraps from older projects but it was fun!

Stash Report - Sunday November 13th, 2011

2011-11-13T08:55:00.000-08:00

Fabric added since last report: 0 yards
Fabric added YTD: 52 3/4 yards
Fabric used since last report: 1/2 yard
Fabric used YTD: 91 3/4 yards
Net used for 2011: 39 yards

Jeez, only a measly 1/2 yard used in almost a month! At least I'm consistent with my feast or famine quilting habits. It all went down hill after trying to FMQ this quilt , the swirl pattern I tried, started too small and compact and by the time I emptied the first bobbin, it was big and erratic. I balled it up in frustration and left it on a corner. I plan on ripping it all out and start again, I just can't find the gumption to do it.

It look me a week or two to use my machine again, I made several blocks with some old 1.25" half-square triangles

These little bits yielded 23 - 5 1/2" Dutchman puzzle blocks which I plan to turn into pincushions for Christmas gifts like this:

This is where I used that 1/2 yard of fabric, I made a prototype pincushion and tread catcher.

I think I will only make the pincushion and not the thread catchers, I would get bored before I finish even half of them. I'm also digging into the stash to find fabrics for two upcoming mysteries, Orca Bay Mystery from Quiltville and QTMysteryQuilts yahoo group. My motivation is slowly coming back.

Sunday Stash Report October 16th 2011

2011-10-16T09:15:00.000-07:00

Fabric added this week: 0 yards
Fabric added YTD: 52 3/4 yards
Fabric used this week: 10 yards
Fabric used YTD: 91 1/4 yards
Net used for 2011: 38 1/2 yards

Eleanor Burns book Irish Chain in a Day says it takes 8 3/4 yards to make a double Irish chain top for a double bed, so that's what I'm counting as used to make this pink and white top

Then there was a yard of the border pink on my top I shared with my friend Pat, she is also using it in as a border on her latest quilt top. The last yardage was used to bind my latest UFO (September) finish, I had prepared a scrappy binding when I finished the top a long time ago, but I feel it was too busy

Since I FMQ'ed it with a golden thread, I stayed with the theme and cut into a piece of a gold/tan, I like it!

I think it worked much better than the scrappy binding. I also decided to machine finish the binding for the sake of time since this is only my fourth UFO finish of the year, I'm behind 6, YIKES!.
Here is another shot from a different section

Today, I'm concentrating in finding a suitable backing for the double Irish chain top or at least a few pieces I can sew together. Maybe finishing another UFO?

No Stash Report

2011-10-09T08:13:00.000-07:00

I haven't done a stash report in several weeks, the reason? My daughter and granddaughter are living with us again. I gave up my 10' x 12' sewing room to them. I now have a 60" wide corner in the living room as my sewing area

Instead of working on projects, I'm working on reducing the quilting supplies but most importantly, I'm working on adjusting to all the changes and challenges of having more people living with me.
The only sewing done around here has been done during the Saturday Quilting group, I've been piecing a double irish chain in pink and white, I just haven't taken pictures or thought about how much fabric has been used, maybe it will be back to normal in the next week or so.
I have been keeping up with other stash reports and I'm looking forward to reading today's, I'm heading over to Judy's Patchworktimes blog as soon as I hit the publish button!.

Sunday Stash Report - September 4th 2011

2011-09-04T10:59:00.000-07:00

No fabric bought or used this week, my stash remains the same as last week. I didn't finish my August UFO either, I find that I don't have the right shade of green thread and can't make up my mind of what other thread to use or if a trip to the store is needed. While I wait and since we didn't have a Saturday Quilting class and I stayed home, I pulled the 1/2 square triangle patches made while piecing this quilt back in January and February (NYE mystery)

At first I wanted to make a tote bag and made two of these panels, they are 19 1/2" square. Now,I think, too big for a tote but big enough for a couple of pillows, they would be perfect to use with the quilt (whenever it's finished)

I still had many patches and made this other panel (on the left). This one is about 24" x 19" and I think if I add a couple of borders, it would be ideal for a bag to carry my cutting mat to class or a wall hanging.

I still had a few patches and made four broken dishes blocks that finished at 5" and four flying geese blocks also finishing at 5". I added some sashing and borders to the broken dishes patches but I don't like it. Wrong color and proportions

I still don't know what I want to do with the flying geese

I had lots of fun with these little 1 3/4" pieces, I have lots more from other projects and I want to play with them too. I'm all alone in the house today, Yeah! Another day of fun in the sewing room!.

Sunday Stash Report - August 28th 2011

2011-08-28T07:33:00.000-07:00

Fabric added this week: 0 yards
Fabric added YTD: 52 3/4 yards
Fabric used this week: 1 1/2 yards - Backing for 2nd violet baby quilt
Fabric used YTD: 81 1/4 yards
Net used for 2011: 28 1/2 yards

I have another finish! Too bad it isn't a UFO from my list. Still a good thing, at this point, finishes are a very good thing. This is the second violet baby quilt from a few months ago

I wanted to practice something other than meandering and gave paisley a go, it didn't go too well as this close-up shows

I have some other little tops I can use for practicing some more..... maybe.
There has been a little progress on my little sister's quilt binding, I have one and a half sides done, but decided to take a couple of more pictures

The August UFO challenge is now pin basted and ready to be quilted, I think I may be able to get it done on time. I'll get started on it after I check out some other stash reports at Patchworktimes.com

Sunday Stash Report - August 21st 2011

2011-08-21T08:41:00.000-07:00

Fabric added this week: 0 yards
Fabric added YTD: 52 3/4 yards
Fabric used this week: 5 1/2 yards
Fabric used YTD: 79 3/4 yards
Net used for 2011: 27 yards

I have a 95% finish on an UFO. This is my little sister's quilt on originally on position 11, she spent 2 weeks visiting with me and ask for her quilt to be finished. I used 5 1/2 yards of fabric pieces for the backing and a couple of additional strips for the binding as it was a little short, I guess I measured wrong before.

My sister was hoping she would take it home and helped me layer and pin baste it. I quilted it with random loops and hearts with black thread and a scrappy red binding.

Unfortunately she couldn't take it home, but I will finish it and will count for this month's UFO challenge. I have to make a label, hand sew the binding down, wash it and take pictures. Hopefully today!.

Fabric Fix

2011-08-14T10:18:00.000-07:00

Fabric added this week: 6 1/2 yards
Fabric added YTD: 52 3/4 yards
Fabric used this week: 0 yards
Fabric used YTD: 74 1/4 yards
Net used for 2011: 21 1/4 yards

It all started with my Birthday last weekend; gift cards, big sales and visiting family who require lots of attention while at home and many recreational and shopping outings.

26 fat quarters made up for no been able to get in the sewing room. This coming week doesn't look any better since it's hubby's birthday (celebrations and outings) and my gift cards still have some cash on them (more shopping). It's ok, I'll sacrifice!

Sunday Stash Report - August 7th 2011

2011-08-07T07:29:00.000-07:00

Fabric added this week: 0 yards
Fabric added YTD: 46 1/2 yards
Fabric used this week: 1/4 yard
Fabric used YTD: 74 1/4 yards
Net used for 2011: 27 3/4

This week the sewing room was not visited as often as I wanted, but I did work on the RRCB string blocks

I thought I had made the required 60 blocks but I'm short three and ruined one by cutting it wrong. Since I'm gonna have to get the neutrals strings out of hiding and there are still a lot of them, I decided I would make additional blocks and as many as I can but this time with a constant print in the middle. This is the print I'm using

The piece is 2 1/4 yards long, 1/4 yard was cut into strips for test blocks. I think I want mostly warm neutrals with minimal color so I'm waiting to cut more scraps, maybe yardage before getting started. I may also get started on this month's UFO #7,

It needs to be layered, quilted and bound, it's small enough. I can probably get it done this week. I think I can!

Sunday Stash Report July 31st 2011

2011-07-31T07:12:00.000-07:00

Fabric added last two weeks: 0 yards
Fabric added YTD: 46 1/2 yards
Fabric used last two weeks: 10 1/4 yards
Fabric used YTD: 74 yards
Net used for 2011: 27 1/2 yards

Babysitting duty was light this last couple of weeks and I spent a lot of time in my sewing room. It was a shaky start, it took me most of the day (Sunday before last) to find my Tri & Recs Tools rulers for the star points on Mary's Churn Dash & Stars pattern. Once I found the rulers, it was easy going.

Even the back and binding were done

It's all ready to be sandwiched at the next opportunity.....(code for "I don't feel like it right now")
It was both satisfying and a big relief to be done with this top, I'm now feeling a little spent and not in a great hurry to start a new project but I do want to sew. hummm, I think I want to pick up the Roll Cotton Boll mystery where I left off, the paper needs to come off of the string blocks and then it's some re-cutting and sewing. Simple enough.

Another Finish!

2011-07-17T06:20:00.000-07:00

Fabric added this week: 0 yards
Fabric added YTD: 46 1/2 yards
Fabric used this week: 0 yards
Fabric used YTD: 53 3/4 yards
Net used for 2011: 7 1/4 yards

My numbers this week are the same as last week. It's ok, I'm happy with my latest finish, the Jelly Roll Race top.

It was also bound with the faux pipping from tlc stitches, I had made enough for the two green & purple quilts. The FMQ'ng did get better as I went along,

Not to bad looking on the back either

I also pulled some Christmas fabric from the stash and made several bundles, I just can't decide with fabric grouping to start with or which pattern. I thought maybe a double irish chain with these

Or Mary's Churn dash stars with these other fabrics

This group of fabrics is my least favorite, I can't even think of a pattern for them

I also grouped these darker fabrics, which are pretty nice but I can't picture them together in any particular quilt design

I'll make up my mind soon, after finishing those two quilts, I'm eager to get started with some fresh piecing. Although, while stash diving, I got to tidy up the sewing room a bit and found some UFO's that should be worked on, the last UFO I worked on from Judy's UFO challenge was March....That makes me 4 months behind. Maybe I can squeeze one more finish this month? I hope so! Finishing a project feels just as good as starting a new one.

Sunday Stash Report - July 10th 2011

2011-07-10T06:46:00.000-07:00

Fabric added this week: 0 yards
Fabric added YTD: 46 1/2 yards
Fabric used this week: 0 yards
Fabric used YTD: 53 3/4 yards
Net used for 2011: 7 1/4 yards

I miss my sewing room! It's been either busy or TOO HOT since last week to be in there (no AC and fans are not enough). I now understand the Christmas in July fad, it makes sense to fantasize about the cool (some places cold) weather in December.
On Sunday, I quilted a few rows on the Jelly roll race quilt with leaves. They look somewhat decent on the front

Bu the back shows the true nature of my FMQ skills

After my wonky swirls from the last quilt, this is my second attempt at a discernible pattern. I'm thinking I tried so hard to not cross or connect lines while meandering on my previous quilts that now I'm struggling to do the opposite. Good thing there is plenty of rows on this quilt, that should give me enough practice.

I hope to get a few more rows quilted today if not all and then plan on pulling some fabric for a new project, a Christmas in July project??? Very possible! I've never made a holiday themed quilt, this is a as good time as any to correct that. Better finish my coffee and get started, I have snowflakes, Santa, reindeer, snow capped ginger houses and other winter-y characters to dig out!

Sunday Stash Report - July 3rd 2011

2011-07-03T08:10:00.000-07:00

Fabric added this week: 0 yards
Fabric added YTD: 46 1/2 yards
Fabric used this week: 9 yards for 2 backings, 2 yards binding
Fabric used YTD: 53 3/4 yards
Net used for 2011: 7 1/4 yards

I'm so excited about my usage numbers, I found one of the lost notebooks and figured out I had not counted all the fabric I used (aka cut) for both the Courthouse Step quilt and the Jelly roll race. This week I'm adjusting for one of the backings and binding , and reporting actual usage as I prepared the backing for the Jelly roll top and a mock pipping/binding for both quilts. I'm back on the black, sweet!.

Speaking of mock pipping, I tried this tutorial at TLC stitches and love the results. It's very nice and neat, specially because it allows for decent looking machine sewn binding, but the time saved by not hand sewing is taken by the extra steps. Not enough sewing time in my life and I don't particularly care for the extra work. Overall, I'm happy that I tried it.

With that said, Courthouse steps is done, washed and ready to go home with the little peanut!.

. Yesterday while in my Saturday Quilting Group class, I layered and pin basted the Jelly roll race top and it's now in the sewing room waiting for me to start the quilting. The idea is to try a different pattern on each strip but I'm getting cold feet now. I definitely do not want to stitch in the ditch but it's a lot of rows and I want it done this weekend if possible.
Of course, I'm going to give myself a couple of hours this morning to browse other stash reports at Judy's Patchworktimes.com , then get started with finishing my quilt. I know I'll find lots of inspiration and good company!

PS. I've been trying to find a reply to comment button but I guess it doesn't exist since I couldn't find one. I finally took the time to really explore blogger and found where I was supposed to fill in my email address and reply from there.... I've only been blogging for a few years now, jeeezzzeee! I have more work to do before I get in the sewing room this morning!

It Feels Good to be Back

2011-06-26T07:04:00.000-07:00

Fabric Added since my last post: 38 yards

Fabric added YTD: 46 1/2 yards

Fabric used since my last post: 10 yards (guess-estimate)

Fabic used YTD: 42 3/4 yards

Net used for 2011: -3 3/4 yards

April 10th, that's the last time I had a Sunday Stash Report, didn't realize it's been so long. I lost my entire hard drive to a Trojan virus a few weeks ago, (I had already been making without my camera) and with it the motivation to post and as a side effect, lost track of time. The quilting was sporadic for a little bit and my sewing room was neglected. Of course, since I wasn't sewing, I had to shop for fabric. Hence the 38 yards. I left off at trying to finish my (March I believe) UFO challenge and only got as far as pinning the layers together and cross hatched quilted on the chains

Then, I was taken our of my stupor by my Saturday Quilting group. a Jelly roll race project was scheduled in and I became excited about sewing again. I selected purple and green for my project and started cutting fabric, I did write down the yardage used as I was going along, then lost my notepad. It must be buried under the new fabric LOL. If I find it soon I'll adjust the fabric used on my next report.

I loved the fabric combo so much that I kept cutting strips and turned the strips into these blocks then a finished top.

It's Courthouse square pattern from Another Can of Worms book by Debbie Caffrey. It was fun and simple to make. The little peanut loved and claimed it for herself, she kept saying: "my blanket, my blanket". So I dropped all other projects and intentions and free motion quilted it with wonky (very un-intentional) swirls.

Here's a corner

The plan for today is to attach the binding and finish this baby so that the little peanut can start using it right away. It feels good to be back.!

Sunday Stash Report - April 10th 2011

2011-04-10T08:15:00.000-07:00

Fabric added this week: 0 yards
Fabric added YTD: 8 1/2 yards
Fabric used this week: 3 1/2 yards
Fabric used YTD: 32 3/4 yards
Net used for 2011: 24 1/4 yards

I'm so prod of myself, I finished the two Easter table runners from last year. It took a few strips for the border, backing and binding for a total of 2 yards used.

February's UFO challenge was also finished to where I'm left with hand sewing two sides of binding, don't remember if I counted the backing yet, but it turned out too short and had to add a couple of 10" strips plus the binding for an additional 1 1/2 yards used.

Honestly? I'm just guesstimating how much fabric I used, it was written down on a now lost piece of paper, but I'm finding that it's more exciting and satisfying to have finished a project than to have the exact measurements of how much fabric I used, the fabric is gone from the shelves! That feels great!

There is still some playing with the pastel nine patches

It could possibly be a finish top by next weekend, I'll certainly will try!

Sunday Stash Report - April 3rd 2011

2011-04-03T07:44:00.000-07:00

Fabric added this week: 0 yards
Fabric added YTD: 8 1/2 yards
Fabric used this week: 1 1/4 yards
Fabric used YTD: 29 1/4 yards
Net Used for 2011: 20 3/4 yards

I had so much fun working with all pastel colors last week and wanted to keep playing with them. I've worked on scrappy nine patch blocks every now and then, accumulating them for a future baby quilt. I pulled them out of their baggie and started planning and playing

The patches are so cute and happy! 5 Fat quarters of 5 different prints were cut into 5" squares, I hope to have enough blocks to make a 45" x 65" quilt. I'm also setting up my machine to start quilting patchworktimes.com UFO challenge #10 (it was layered and pin basted yesterday), it's February's UFO but I'm determined to finish it by next weekend.
To warm up for the UFO's quilting, I'll be quilting these runners from last year

I know, a little ambitious, but these colors put me in a good and positive mood, plus I need the practice. April promises to be a fun month!.

Sunday Stash Report - March 27th 2011

2011-03-27T08:27:00.000-07:00

Fabric added this week: 5 1/2 yards
Fabric added YTD: 8 1/2 yards
Fabric used this week 3 3/4 yards
Fabric used YTD: 28 yards
Net used for 2011: 19 1/2 yards

On Tuesday, I realized I had forgotten another niece was having a Baby Shower this Saturday(yesterday) Typical me, I waited to the last minute. Soooo I whipped up a baby quilt in record time! Started it Wednesday afternoon, a Trip Around the World top made in an couple of hours. Left it alone on Thursday and Friday (I had overnight babysitting duty for the little peanut) and back to layer, quilt, bind and label on Saturday morning.

Learned a lot from this little project. I wanted to make a quilt without using a neutral color such as white, tan or cream. It kind of worked but I didn't think about that pink being repeated on the border and how it blends with the top.

Don't use a stripe fabric unless you have time to rip out patches with the lines going on a different direction.

The label should have been made with a solid thread, the variegated thread worked great for the diagonal quilting, not so much for the label.

Final lesson, machine binding should not be attempted when in a rush and having three people looking over your shoulder while tapping their foot and switching from pointedly looking at their watch and at you with dart shooting out of their eyes. I loved every minute of it!, I mean, the quilting not my sisters being mean to me.
My well earned reward was 4 1/2 yards of white on white, (LOL) and one yard of a purple print. I do need them for my next project!

Sunday Stash Report - March 20th 2011

2011-03-20T08:10:00.000-07:00

Fabric added last 2 weeks: 0 yards
Fabric added YTD: 3 yards
Fabric used last 2 weeks: 1/4 yard
Fabric used YTD: 24 1/4 yards
Net used for 2011: 21 1/4

Again my favorite song: " no time to sew", my activities in the sewing room have been sporadic and whatever I managed to do; was done in the span of two weeks. I worked on and off on the UFO #6B (from January) blocks, they are all done and waiting to be sewn into a top. The violet baby quilt was finished with a meandering FMQ and a machine finished binding, even a label was made with my machine's font stitches.

The 1/4 yard was actually a fat quarter used to line a crocheted purse I made a couple of years ago.

The best part? It's brown!, I'm counting it against this month's Monochromatic Challenge. I couldn't decide on which fabric to use, the indecision only lasted a few seconds and I settled on the one at the right

It was such a quick and easy task, I went "designer" and added a magnetic snap closure, LOL. Anything to be in the sewing room if only for 20 minutes.

We had the yearly Quilt, Craft & Sewing Festival in Pomona, CA last Saturday; I attended with a couple of friends and we had a blast. Surprisingly, I wasn't tempted by any fabric or gadgets but was very intrigued by a pattern for a machine sewn faux Cathedral windows wall hanging. I'll show a picture as soon as I get a new camera, (I had it all charged and ready for the festival but decided to drop it on the floor with the lens opened).

There is still hope for some sewing time this coming week; maybe work on this month's UFO challenge? or last month's for that matter... sigh. At least I get to see and enjoy other quilter's doings, I'm up for another cup of coffee and some reading.

Sunday Stash Report - March 6th 2011

2011-03-06T07:49:00.000-08:00

Fabric added last 3 weeks: 0 yards
Fabric added YTD: 3 yards
Fabric used last 3 weeks: 2 yards
Fabric used YTD: 24 yards
Net used for 2011: 21 yards

Boy, the last few weeks have been a whirlpool of happenings that left no time or energy to get in the sewing room. I'm so grateful that things are slowing down and somewhat back to normal.

Pin basting the violet baby quilt is the only sewing related thing I've managed to do in the last three weeks

I found a solid violet flannel to use for the backing and started the FMQ last night, but I ran out of bobbing thread, I'll finish it tonight after I buy a new spool of thread. I missed my sewing room!

Her Name is Violet

2011-02-13T07:20:00.000-08:00

Fabric added this week: 1 yard - Mail order
Fabric added YTD: 3 yards
Fabric used this week: 8 yards
Fabric used YTD: 22 yards
Net used for 2011: 19 yards

What is that phrase? "Best laid plans..." I received the "baby shower is cancelled" call early last week, my grand-niece decided to come to this world early and her and her mom will most likely not be at their best on Saturday. When I heard the baby's name is Violet, I couldn't resist changing my plans. Instead of making a baby quilt using a panel, I would get to participate on Judy's Monochromatic challenge and have the most appropriate quilt for little miss Violet, perfect!. I used Eleanor's Burns Cornerstones pattern from the book Still stripping and managed to make two tops:

Here is one block:

I made the two tops just because I could, the pattern fabric requirements are too generous and there was enough material to piece two tops, I added a little bit more for the background, borders and binding. 5 1/2 yards of fabric out of the stash and more to come out when I decide what to use for the backing.

But before all of this excitement, I was working on my NYE mystery top and it was at this stage by Sunday night

A framing border with cornerstones and a final border were added yesterday for an additional usage of 2 1/2 yards,

The feeling of accomplishment is a great motivator and I decided to keep at it and also prepared binding for all three tops, pink for the mystery and white for the two baby quilts

I also selected a backing for February's UFO challenge, but I did not include the yardage yet as I did not get to sew the two pieces together. I'm so thrilled with the stash busting as well with the production level this week, I hope to keep it up and have finished items on my next report. I'm even posting a little earlier than usual, I'm eager to get back to my sewing room! LOL. Of course, not before a couple of cups of coffee and some Stash reports reading.

PS. That one yard? I wanted to try mail ordering fabric as I never done it before, the quality is not what I was expecting, I'm a little dissapointed...

Sunday Stash - Report February 6th 2011

2011-02-06T09:25:00.000-08:00

Fabric added this week: 0 yards
Fabric added YTD: 2 yards
Fabric used this week: 0 yards
Fabric used YTD: 14 yards
Net used for 2011: 12 yards

Minimal sewing this week, ughhhh! (The only good thing about not having time for sewing, it's also not having time for shopping! there are still good numbers on the stash report) By Monday night, I finished hand sewing the binding on my January UFO and had two rows of the NYE mystery sewn, then life got in the way and any free time I might of had went out the door. Lucky me, I had the baby shower date wrong and it's not until this coming Saturday. I still have a few days to make that baby quilt, thank God for pre-printed panels.

I plan on piecing a back for February's UFO challenge, Judy selected #10 which is my Planet patchwork summer mystery.

Time permitting, I hope to have the backing done by Friday and put together my quilt layers during Saturday morning class. As for now, I'm giving myself a coffee break, I'll read as many stash reports as I can while I sip, then it's to the sewing room until it's time for baby sitting duty later this afternoon.

She is home!

2011-01-30T09:10:00.000-08:00

Fabric added this week: 0 yards
Fabric added YTD: 2 yards
Fabric used this week: 1/2 yard
Fabric used YTD: 14 yards
Net used for 2011: 12 yards

I brought my new machine home!

She is my reward for not buying so much fabric in the last couple of years as well as a late Christmas present for myself, I think I saved enough money on fabric to pay for her and a couple of accessories.

My old girl also earned a reward of her own, she FMQ'd a nice meandering on my January UFO challenge with minimal problems or thread breakage. She is at the shop getting a nice overall maintenance service. I timed the comings and goings so I'm not without a sewing machine, I'm happy.

On the quilting front, I finished quilting my Bears in the Farm UFO.

Once again, I chickened out and just quilted meandering, every time I tell myself I will try a new pattern or design but I always end up with just the meandering as I want it done and I'm pressured for time; maybe I will on the next quilt. (old song, I know...)

I couldn't remember if I had prepared the binding for this quilt when I finished the top, a half-hearted search didn't yield anything so half a yard of green was cut into strips for it. I have two sides hand sewn with plans of finishing the other two by this evening, then it will be play time with my new girl; she will have the privilege of sewing those NYE mystery blocks into a top. I also plan to finish two flannel baby quilts for gifts due next Saturday. I'm happy she is home!

Sunday Stash Report - Jan 23rd 2011

2011-01-23T08:28:00.000-08:00

Fabric added this week: 2 yards (8 fat quarters)
Fabric added YTD: 2 yards
Fabric used this week: 0 yards
Fabric used YTD: 11 1/2 yards

I had lots of fun at the Road to California show, great vendors and the quilts were amazing, but I forgot my camera and couldn't use the phone as my battery was too low. Other ladies in my group took pictures, I'm hoping they will share some next week. My fabric purchases were very modest, I bought 8 fat quarters

Some grommets for a purse

And this:

An organizer/rack for my rulers. I love it! I can't wait until my hubby hangs it on the wall. I actually couldn't wait and had to try it.

Side view

I was so excited with this wonderful piece, I forgot to check out the sewing machine I wanted.. Nahh, just Kidding! Well, I didn't buy it just yet, but I made my selection and will be picking it up at the store next Saturday. That way, I will take my MC6500P for her yearly service and bring home the new toy, a Janome 3160QDC.
On the sewing front, I still had some fabric left from the yardage used on the NYE mystery and decided to make more blocks for a total of 56, my top will now have 7 x 8 rows. Unfortunately, that's all I managed to sew during the week and did not get to start FMQ'ng on the UFO challenge, oops!. I better get off the computer and get started if I'm to meet the challenge!. But not just yet, I have some stash reports to read.

Sunday Stash Report & UFO Progress

2011-01-16T08:11:00.000-08:00

Fabric added this week: 0 yards
Fabric added YTD: 0 yards
Fabric used last two weeks: 1 1/2 yards
Fabric used YTD: 13 1/2 yards

My little sister is getting more interested in sewing, not quilting yet but she was excited about making another tote bag while visiting during the Holidays. She found a 1 yard piece of fabric she liked and made this bag:

I'm still working on piecing my NYE mystery blocks, I have 23 done with 19 more to go, I want to make my top 6 x 7 rows. It's slow going...

Moving on to my UFO #6, Bears in the Farm House. This is where the 1/2 yard used fabric went, my backing was short so I added two 9" strip to bring it up to the correct size. It was layered together yesterday during my Saturday morning class:

I plan to start quilting it this morning (after a cup of coffee and a little stash reports reading) and see how far I get before babysitting duty later this evening. If all goes well, it will be ready for binding by next Saturday, fingers crossed. Speaking of Saturday, my Saturday Morning Quilting group has a field trip to the Road to California show, I'm steeling myself against buying fabric, but I'm seriously considering buying a new sewing machine; it should make for a fun report next week.

New Year, New start

2011-01-02T09:01:00.000-08:00

Fabric added this week: 0 yards
Fabric added YTD: 0 yards
Fabric used this week: 12 yards
Net used for 2011: 12 yards

Wow!, my first stash report in the black, LOL I hope it is a precursor of what 2011 will be like. The 12 yards were cut for Ann Smith NYE 2010 mystery in a full/queen size. I'm at clue 4 but the fabric has been cut and therefore committed to the top; borders, backing an binding pending. I couldn't help myself and made one block:

I'm liking it.

RRCB mystery is on standby as I was only able to sneak in my sewing room for a few hours this week but visiting sister is leaving in the next day or so, then all should be back to normal. Speaking of normal, I'm up for a cup of coffee and a lazy Sunday morning reading a few stash reports, I'm sure most of them will be in the black too

Sunday Stash Report - December 26th 2010

2010-12-26T08:33:00.000-08:00

Fabric added this week: 0 yards
Fabric added YTD: 196 yards
Fabric used this week: 0 yards
Fabric used YTD: 118 1/4 yards
Net used for 2010: -67 3/4 yards

As I didn't really set a number of yards to be used, my real goal for 2010 was to hinder the impulsive buying and I accomplished it! Ending on the negative side of stash busting is not a bad thing, I've had a productive year regardless of how many yards of fabric I bought or not. The best product of this year was getting my own sewing room; it still is a work in progress and I'm sure it will continue to evolve as I figure what works and what doesn't.

I've also had lots of fun this year with many mysteries, free patterns, great tutorials and just an amazingly inmense amount of talent and inspiration, but most importantly? getting to know many people on the internet quilting community. I still have to work on being a little more friendly or rather being less shy. I sometimes feel like a child on her first day of school and find myself taking peeks at others from behind my mother. I'l work on my courage and will eventually get out completely and join the party.

While I wait for the year end festivities to be done, (and while my sewing room is occupied by unexpected but welcomed company), I'll work on a list of goals for next year. Oh, and while I wait for everyone in the house to wake up, I'll grab another cup of coffee and read lots of year end stash busting reports at patchworktimes.com

Sunday Stash Report - December 19th, 2010

2010-12-19T07:41:00.000-08:00

Fabric added last two weeks: 43 yards (Christmas present to myself)
Fabric added YTD: 196 yards
Fabric used last two weeks: 1 1/4 yards
Fabric used YTD: 118 1/4 yards
Net used for 2010: -67 3/4 yards

Here is a picture of what my 43 yards look like:

I took advantage of a recent clearance sale and scored all of the fabric at a great price, none of it was more than $2 a yard. Also, most of these fabrics have an intended usage, pillowcases for donating. I hope to get 50 pillowcases done in that many days, one a day seems doable if I cut and prepare the fabric in advance. The two bolts are about 8 to 10 yards each, these are to be backings.

The 1 1/4 yard used? That was my first cut for Ann Smith's 2010 New Year mystery; the fabric requirements and pre-sewing instructions have been posted, I plan on using these:

I should have the rest of the pieces cut today.

I have also been working on Bonnie's RRCB mystery and have clues 1,2 and 4 partially done, my favorite clue #3 is all done, I haven't taken pictures of the completed units but these are the fabrics I'm using:

Yes, I am a mystery quilt addict (my 2010 UFO Challenge post will attest for this) ; they are so much fun. There has only been one that I didn't like and didn't finish, the fabric is hiding in a box somewhere. Other than this one fluke, they have all been lots of fun, as a matter of fact, there were a few that I didn't do and I regret it.

Well, I think I've reported all that's been going on in my sewing room and quilting life for these last two weeks. I'm going to get as much fabric cut this morning as I can possible can, my sewing room's door will be closed later this afternoon and probably won't be open until next Sunday. I have an insanely busy week ahead and don't expect to have much time for sewing, but I plan to make up for it during the days between Holidays.

2011 UFO Challenge

2010-12-18T10:53:00.000-08:00

Judy is hosting a UFO challenge for the new year, I'm in! While trying to get a list going, I realized that I don't have that many unfinished projects, what I do have is unfinished quilts. My count is 12 tops and 7 UFO's. Planned, some day and on the wish list projects, well, that's a whole other challenge all together. Anyhow, I plan on listing both types to work on, if a number without a project is chosen by Judy, then I'll have green light to start a new project, I have to get that UFO list started for the following year, right? LOL.
Here is my list of unfinished quilts:

1. Blue & Green jewel box

2. scrappy double four patch

3. Purple nine patch

4. Ann Smith summer mystery

5. Double delight

6. Bears in the farm house

7. Fat quarter quilt

8. scrappy stars

9. June mystery

10. Planet patchwork mystery

11. Little sister quilt

12. Judy's mystery

For the UFO's, I'll have to dig in boxes to find them and take pictures. I should have it done before the new year.

sunday stash report - November 28th 2010

2010-11-28T08:31:00.000-08:00

Fabric added this week: 1 yard (black & white fat eights pack)
Fabric added YTD: 153 yards
Fabric used this week: 9 1/2 yards
Fabric used YTD: 117 yards
Net used for 2010: -26 yards

It's nice to have several days in a row for yourself, I've been home for 4 days and I've made great progress. My connect the dots top is done, it finished at 74 1/2" by 92", the backing took 5 1/2 yards and another 3/4 yard for the binding and is all ready for layering and quilting. My goal is to finish it in time for a Christmas present. I also made a couple of pillowcases with 2 1/2 yards out and another 3/4 yard for a sewing machine mat.

This is a free pattern I found online, unfortunately the webpage's address did not print on the pattern, all I can find is "Sewing machine Thingie (copyright) pattern by Darla Keller".

I also started working on roll-roll-cotton-boll mystery; almost all of step one is done and I started cutting for step two. This is the project to work on for today, after reading other people's stash report of course!

Sunday stash report November 21st 2010

2010-11-21T09:37:00.000-08:00

Fabric added this week: 0 yards
Fabric added YTD: 152 yards
Fabric used this week: 2 yards - Connect the dots borders
Fabric used YTD: 107 1/2 yards
Net used for 2010: -35 1/2 yards

Boy, I'm glad this week is over! Despite every intention to have some progress in the sewing room, not much was accomplished. These pillow cases were made a couple of weeks ago,
I wanted to make a companion apron but the pattern I wanted to use decided to hide from me; two days wasted searching for it. I figure if I stopped looking, it would show up later. Ok, time to work on the next project; I put in a 2 1/2" pink border on the Connect the dots top, cut a 6 1/2" brown floral borders and made three pinwheels cornerstone blocks,

what??? three?? yeah Ms accountant here had 3 x 4 in her mind for the half square triangles instead of 4 x 4. No problem, I had an extra 3 1/2" green strip; piecing another 4 patches should be quick.. NOT! I torn the room apart for the second time! I can't find that piece of fabric anywhere. I suspect the fabric and apron pattern ran away together, what other explanation is there? I bet the minute I finish piecing scraps together to make those patches, the ran aways will show up. Jeezzzzz.....

Also, the first clue for Bonnie's new mystery has been posted; I'm not starting just yet as her color way is also green, pink and brown which I'm kind of tired of after the connect the dots top. Lucky for me (and while searching for the missing items) I found a great vintage piece of fabric with red, aqua (turquoise), yellow, black and white. I have most of the colors except for a true bright red, I see a shopping trip in my near future. If I can't squeeze a trip to the store today, it will have to wait until after Thanksgiving. Speaking of, I have a grocery list to complete, better get off the computer now.

Sunday Stash Report - November 14th 2010

2010-11-14T08:54:00.000-08:00

Fabric added this week: 0 yards
Fabric added YTD: 152 yards
Fabric used this week: 3 yards - 2 pillowcases
Fabric used YTD: 105 1/2 yards
Net used for 2010: -37 1/2 yards

I feel like I sewed a lot this week but don't have anything substantial to show for it. I made two pillowcases for my friend's birthday gift last Sunday, they will be photographed when I finish the apron I plan to make and include with the gift. I continued to make blocks for Connect the dots to make it a 6 x 8 block layout; just to make it a little bigger than Judy's original design. It took me all morning yesterday to finish the top. I'm happy with the results:

The next step is to decide what to do about borders as I ran out of the green and background fabric, there is still plenty of the pink and the brown floral, so I'm thinking a thin pink inner border followed by a 6 1/2" floral border with pinwheel cornerstones (I made extra green and cream half square triangles, enough for 4 pinwheel blocks). Another option is to find a similar green and use that instead of the pink, there seems to be too much pink on the top already. While I'm letting these ideas brew for a bit, I'll continue to hand sew my New Year's mystery binding. I may have a finished and freshly washed quilt on my bed by tonight. I suppose I better get off this computer now. :-)

Sunday Stash Report November 7th 2010

2010-11-07T08:23:00.000-08:00

Fabric Added this week: 3 1/2 yards
Fabric Added YTD: 152 yards
Fabric Used this week: 6 yards - Patchworktimes Connect the dots Mystery
Fabric Used YTD: 102 1/2 yards
Net Used for 2010: -40 1/2 yards

This week was somewhat slow in the sewing room, I sewed the binding on the Mystery quilt, all it's left to do is hand sew the binding to the back and bury my quilting threads.

Even though I'm still working on getting the blocks finished, I'm counting 6 yards of fabric used since I already cut all the fabric for the Connect the dots mystery top

I'm still considering what borders I would make for this top as the fabric I used may not be enough for Judy's pieced borders, but I may have enough for a border or two.
The plan for today is to make an apron and a couple of pillowcases for a co-worker's belated birthday present; then the rest of the week will be dedicated to finishing my mystery blocks. I'm also looking forward to getting enough time to pull fabrics for Bonnie's New mystery roll roll-cotton boll , it begins on Nov 19th and I'm very excited and eager to get started. I'm also looking forward to Ann Smith's New Year's mystery; however, the fabric requirements have not been posted yet. It's two months away, but I intent to be prepared for it. I love quilting pattern mysteries!

Ooops, I almost forgot about the new stash fabric, just a few remnant pieces I picked up at Joann's last weekend.

These pieces are intended for scrap quilting as they range from 10 in to half a yard in size. Just following Bonnie's advise, "Add new things to the old things to spice up the old if you need to". There really wasn't a need, but it's fun.

Sunday Stash Report October 31st, 2010

2010-10-31T08:40:00.000-07:00

Fabric added last 2 weeks: 0 yards
Fabric added YTD: 148 1/2 yards
Fabric used last 2 weeks: 0 yards
Fabric used YTD: 96 1/2 yards
Net used for 2010: -46 1/2 yards

Another two weeks have gone by and I didn't used stash fabric, well, that's not completely true as I did start cutting this fabric for Judy's L mystery quilt

I'll count it as used as soon as the top is done. I completed clue #1 and started with clue #2,

not too bad as I decided to start with the mystery when the second clue was posted. I had no intention of starting a new project, as a matter of fact, free motion quilting my New Year's mystery quilt was my current project, but I had to stop when I sewed my right hand middle finger to my quilt! Amazingly; pain was not the first thing my brain registered when it happened, it was the clunk and snap of the needle when it broke in two pieces after coming out of my finger... I'm ok now, a little sore but it's healing fine. The quilting is fine as well, finished even.

I've also been knitting, mostly in the vanpool on my way back home from work, the morning commute is about 1 hour but mostly dark when we are on the road. The afternoon commute takes a little longer about an hour to 1 1/2 hours and that's when I knit.

This is a free pattern I picked up at either Joann's or Michael's. It is also the first garment pattern I ever knit. The yarn is an old acrylic skein from almost a decade ago, but I wanted to try it out before investing in a good quality natural fiber yarn. I thought I wouldn't like knitting something with a "shape" but it's going ok, I'm liking it.
Now, I need to get started or rather continue on with both the New Year's mystery quilt binding and Judy's new mystery, I hope to have it all done before the little peanut shows up at noon today. I'll share my progress next week.

Coming up for air

2010-10-10T08:21:00.000-07:00

What a couple of weeks! Again, no stash usage to report, I'm still working on getting the stash organized and confined to the new sewing room.

( It's a little slow going as we officially moved to the new facility at work and the commute now takes an additional 3 hours of my time). I keep finding boxes and bags with more fabric! sometimes duplicate cuts of the same fabric, I must of really liked it ;-).

The positive side? I'm figuring out what colors I have excess of, what colors need to be replenished and most importantly what fabric I no longer love or want. This is very liberating, even the magazine stash is getting an overhaul. I've kept every issue of three different quilting magazines from as early as 2004, I think I want to keep 2 previous years and current issues (2008, 2009 and 2010), then I would be removing the oldest issue as soon as a new one comes in the mail, seems like a good plan to keep the magazine stash fresh and fitting in their new allotted space. I've also been trying to decide on a theme or color scheme, I want to make covers for (3) sewing machines and the serger, a table mat for each, a couple of thread catchers, valances for the window and seat covers or cushion for two chairs. But why restrict myself to a color or theme? I'll work in an assembly line and make a set for each holiday! After all, I have enough fabric. LOL.
Sounds like a good plan, It will help change the no stash used tune I've been singing for a while now.

For now, I'm taking an hour or so to browse other quilting blogs over at Judy's patchworktimes.com and see what other's have been up to this week.

Sunday Stash Report - September 26th, 2010

2010-09-26T08:46:00.000-07:00

Fabric added this week: 0 yards
Fabric added YTD: 148 1/2 yards
Fabric used this week: 2 1/2 yards
Fabric used YTD: 96 1/2 yards
Net used for 2010: -46 1/2 yards

Yesterday, I didn't have to babysit the little peanut until after noon so I attended my Saturday Morning quilters get-together. Of course, I didn't have any on-going project at the ready and started something new. I'm disappointed with the Scrap-Basket Surprises book I'm using,while I love almost all 18 of the projects in it, I don't like all the marking and waste method for creating those 45 degree angles. The "Quilts from 2 1/2 strips" sub-title is misleading, I assumed the patterns were strip sewing... that's was I get for not reading the actual instructions. Oh well, I still like the patterns very much and will at least try to finish the one started.

I'm still working on arranging and setting up the sewing room. I have a lot of shoe boxes with mostly 1/2 hard cuts and odd sizes, this baker's rack is perfect for them. I was considering taking the fabric out of the boxes, but they are already "contained", why mess with that?

Bigger pieces of fabric are getting folded in a more uniform manner; I could then stack them on a bookcase I found at goodwill (brand-new unit for $14.99, the deal of the year!) Here is a picture of some of my blues waiting for their new home.

Hopefully, I'll finish with organizing and arranging by next weekend. Although this week will be as busy or even more than usual. My sister is having her first chemo treatment on Monday, I'll make a trip to see her. Things are starting to escalate at work and we now have a deadline for moving, our department is expected to be at the new location by next Monday. I decided to try commuting for a little bit and see how it goes, we have a good possibility for a van-pool. However, having to be in a car for 2 1/2 to 3 hours each day, even though I don't have to do the actual driving, is still going to be hard. Hummmm, I should learn to hand quilt or applique. There is always crochet and knitting too. But for today, I'm taking it easy, read a few stash reports at Patchworktimes and organize that stash a little more.

Sunday Stash Report September 19th 2010

2010-09-19T08:08:00.000-07:00

Still no sewing around here, but some progress to report. My new sewing room is ready to be occupied by my stash!. New carpet, freshly painted walls and a beautiful base molding done by hubby. The room is little, just 12' x 12' but it 's all mine!.

I've been trying to get all the stash out of the various closets and hiding places, Oh boy! It doesn't seem like a lot until you put it all together. I decided garment sewing is not for me (you couldn't tell by the amount of non-quilting fabric I had) and gave most of the fabric away. I was so happy to see two 30 gallon bags, a boxfull and even a couple of bolts leave my house. Mostly flannels, knits, sheers and other "I don't know what it is or why I bought it" fabric.

I'm sure there will be more fabric leaving my house, this is so liberating. It lightens my mood, the burden of having too much and it will be easier and faster to organize my new sewing room. I've also decided not to include this lot in my stash report, it seems to me I bought maybe half of it at least a couple of years ago and beyond, but I'm sure the other half was given to me. Just the fact that this much left my house is in my book a winning situation.

I am not taking an hour or so (until the stores open, I have storage units to buy) to browse other quilting blogs over at Judy's patchworktimes.com and see what other's have been up to this week.

Sunday Stash Report September 12th, 2010

2010-09-12T08:24:00.000-07:00

Fabric added August: 1 1/2 yards
Fabric added YTD: 148 1/2 yards
Fabric used August: 3 yards
Fabric used YTD: 94 yards
Net used for 2010: -49 yards.

I've been MIA (here is an explanation) for a few weeks, last time I sewed anything was back at the beginning of August. Used 1 1/2 yards for borders on my little sister's quilt.

And another 1 1/2 yards for the New Year's Eve mystery top from this post . Yesterday, I finally attended a sewing get-together with the ladies from my Saturday Quilting group and managed to get the mystery top layered and ready to be machine quilted. I hope to get back to sewing soon.

The summer to remember

2010-09-12T08:04:00.000-07:00

I usually try to keep my personal life, well, personal. No other reason than it's in my nature to keep things to myself. These two last months, however, have affected me to the extend that the one thing, sewing/quilting, that keeps me motivated and with a positive outlook despite all the everyday situations and happenings has NOT been what it has always been to me. I've found myself starting at piles of fabric, magazines, boxes of thread, notions and such items without being able to summon a desire to touch them.

It all started in the middle of July, when my brother passed away. It was sudden and unexpected, but not surprising. His body gave up after years of damage from substances abuse. Losing family in this way, gives one a pause to reflect on our own life and priorities. A couple of weeks later, my eldest sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. This is the second sister out of 7 of us that has to fight this disease. I'm fearful and apprehensive for her because I know the struggle and pain she is to face in the months ahead.
At about the same time, my daughter and grandchild moved out. The circumstances or rather the reason why they left was hurtful, but as a parent, I understand that she is trying to find her life's path and as she put it "live without crutches" and "do what's best for my child". My household is suddenly very quiet and even though I now have a spare room that can be turned into a nice cozy sewing room, I resent how it became available and I can't summon the energy to take to the task.

Finally, my job is on the last stages of relocating operations to a new facility 70 miles away. I'm weighting all of my options and trying to decide if I will be commuting to work or not. I currently live 10 miles from the office and this has allowed me to be available for babysitting the little peanut, and to be able to take care of family while earning an income. An hour commute each way would change all that and I don't know if I'm willing to do it. But, am I willing to lose the income, benefits and satisfaction drawn from this job? I have to make a decision soon.
I've always believe that God doesn't give us burdens we can't carry and wholeheartedly believe that everything happens for a reason and at the time it needs to be, as well as there is always calm at the end of the storm. I just need to be more at peace with the things I can't change or control and trust that all will be well in God's hands. It all will be well.

Quiltathon & Sunday Stash Report August 8th 2010

2010-08-08T09:50:00.000-07:00

Fabric added this week: 0 yards

Fabric added YTD: 147 yards

Fabric used this week: 4 1/2 yards - (3 1/2 for June mystery backing, 1 yard for Planet Patchwork mystery border)

Fabric used YTD: 91 yards

Net used for 2010: -52 yards

A productive week (mostly weekend) for me. Started by cutting into a cute little birthday cake. I loved the candles my daughter choose, it's my exact sentiment when I'm asked how old I am.

My birthday present arrived Friday afternoon, just in time to start the Quiltathon. The sewing table, not the machine. :-) The custom insert will ship in the next three weeks.

Sewing from Friday afternoon until Saturday evening yielded 50 16- patch blocks made from 2" scrappy squares. These squares are cut as I come across scraps and they been accumulating for a while. It was the perfect project since I just wanted to sew.

By Saturday evening, I was tired of these scraps and a little frustrated since by this time I kept coming across the same prints. Time to work on something different. My Planet patchwork top was nearby.... Two borders with cornerstones were added.

Once this top was completed, I decided to prep the backing for the June mystery from Judy at patchworktimes . I used two 64 inch panels to get a 64" x 84" piece.

I'm a little tired, but I had lost of fun!. Now to go and find a suitable backing fabric for the Planet Patchwork top and take a batting inventory, if I have big enough pieces I might get these two tops sandwiched soon. Maybe in time for next Sunday's stash report.

Sunday Stash Report August 01, 2010

2010-08-01T07:15:00.000-07:00

Fabric added this week: 4 yards
Fabric added YTD: 147 yards
Fabric used this week: 4 yards
Fabric used YTD: 86.5 yards
Net used for 2010: -56.5 yards
I didn't quite reach my goal from last Sunday. I wanted to finish the Planet Patchwork Lucky stars mystery top, but I still need to add the borders.

My little peanut likes it! She kept seating on top of it when I was trying to get it flat on the floor for a photo session.

My sister made 3 more tote bags. This one is from a big commercial pattern maker, (It reminded me how much I dislike them) Good thing it was bought on sale for $1.99. It definitely is not worth more than that.

It doesn't help when your "student" refuses to follow instructions. She says "I'm creative and I need to do things my way" and I said: " Sure, creativity is great and a wonderful talent, I wish I had more of it, but good workmanship is just as important". I feel that good pressing, straight seams and using the right tools makes a better finished product and ultimately a happier "artist" but she didn't agree. I guess I need to be more tolerant and accepting, so I did my best and gave her space and my blessings to do as she pleased. I have to admit, she did a good job with her totes.

She is happy! And so am I. Some of the older fabric left my stash, my sister found out that when she says to me: "please hem my pants, all you have to do is tuck and sew here" I feel just as pressured and forced to do something against my will as she did when she refused to measure, mark, and otherwise follow any directions or instructions. LOL!

Overall, it was a great week, next week can only be better.

Sunday stash report - July 25th 2010

2010-07-25T06:40:00.001-07:00

Fabric added last two weeks: 0 yards
Fabric added YTD: 143 yards
Fabric used last two weeks: 9.5 yards mystery, 1.5 yards tote bag.
Fabric used YTD: 86.5 yards
Net used for 2010: -56.5 yards

I saved the clues from last Sunday's Planet Patchwork mystery and have been working on it this week. These are the fabrics I'm using.
This is one of the blocks, I love it!. The little star is adorable!.

The mystery is a double Irish chain with the stars placed in the traditional blank area. The pattern calls for 15 blocks in a 3 x 5 block arrangement. I tend to like bigger quilts and I have enough fabric to double the blocks for a 5 x 6 block setting, so I worked every evening on the extra blocks and all 3o are now done. I plan to finish the top including borders in time for next Sunday's report.

My youngest sister is visiting again this summer, she usually asks me to sew for her, but this time she asked if I can teach her to make tote bags. This is great! I love it when someone shows interest in anything related to fabric and sewing. The best part? Stash usage!.

This is the first tote bags she made.

I am trilled that someone in the family is showing interest in sewing and is helping me use my stash, although... there are some fleeing moments where the little ugly hobbit in me wants to say: "NOOO, you can't have my prettiest, precious fabric". Then the voice of reason (and maybe a scheming hobbit) says "There is more and prettier fabric at the store". I wonder where I would be in the near future?. LOL

Sunday Stash Report - July 11th 2010

2010-07-11T07:01:00.000-07:00

Fabric added this week: 0 yards
Fabric added YTD: 143 yards
Fabric used last week: 9.5 yards
Fabric used YTD: 75.5 yards
Net used for 2010: -67.5 yards

Wow! I kept my goal of getting caught up with Judy's June Mystery . When I started to put clue #5 together I was a little disappointed on my choice of fabrics, there is not enough contrast in the two pinks, but it was looking better and better as I went along, I actually like it a lot!.
Most evenings this week, I worked on getting all my blocks finished, it's surprising how pretty the pink and orange combo look together. Saturday was spent sewing the blocks together into a top.I was so excited about my progress that I kept going well past midnight last night. All three borders were added last night and the top is done!.
There is enough fabric left to make a second top, but I want to change the orange to be the medium accent and a hot pink to be the dark accent. More fun for me this week!.

Sunday Stash Report - July 4th 2010

2010-07-04T08:31:00.000-07:00

Fabric added last two weeks: 0 yards
Fabric added YTD: 143 yards
Fabric Used last Two Weeks: 0 yards
Fabric Used YTD: 66 yards
Net used for 2010: -77 yards

A couple of weekends ago, I decided to jump right in with Judy's June mystery instead of starting the Crazy mom quilts quilt along as I had planned. I was a little intimidated by having to cut a 4 1/2 yard piece lenghtwise, it just seems like a task that requires a lot of precision folding and cutting. Since I had bought 10 yards of white solid cotton and each project called for 4 1/2 yards of background, Judy's mystery won first spot on my wish/to do list. I was so eager to get started and caught up with the mystery, after all it was already on clue #3 or #4, I choose only three fabrics and white background for the blocks and a hot pink for biding.

These two next pictures are of the caos on my sewing and cutting table after getting a couple of clues done.

I finished all 17 blocks for Clue #4 but I'm not completely caught up with all the other clues.

The plan is to continue working on the rest of the clues and hopefully be all caught up by next stash report so I can claim all the yards used. Lot of sewing (and by default lots of fun) for me this week.

Free fabric - Sunday Stash Report June 20th 2010

2010-06-20T06:44:00.000-07:00

Fabric Added this week: 10 Yards solid white, Katie's scraps at Zana's Ninis

Fabric added YTD: 143 yard

Fabric used this week: 3 1/2 yards

Fabric used YTD: 66 yards

Net used for 2010: -77 yards

This week's quilting yielded two more finished baby quilts. This top was sewn months ago using pink scraps, it was dropped and put aside because I couldn't make up my mind about what to use to make it bigger. At 29" x 35" it didn't seem big enough. As usual, I found it and another 25" piece of the barbie print while searching for something else, so four 6" strips were cut and added as a border, it finished at 41" x 46", perfect!. It has been quilted with concentric squares 2" apart, the binding is sewn on and ready for the hand sewing. Just in time for a baby shower. The second quilt: A co-worker and his wife welcomed their first born a couple of weeks ago and this strippy/scrappy quilt was finished as a welcoming gift for their baby. I believe this was pieced a couple of years ago when I purchased a John Flynn quilting frame. It was intended as a practice piece, but was also put aside until now. The soft blue, green and yellow colors seemed appropriate for a little boy so I quilted it with yellow thread using a meandering pattern. This little guy seems to be peeking out of the edge, he's adorable!This quilt is extra cozy with a flannel backing. I did struggle with the binding, I found it in a scrap bag someone had given me and there was enough of it to bind this quilt, however, it never occurred to me to check the size or weather it was cut straight or on the bias. Well, it turn out to be 1 3/4 " wide and cut on the bias. I've never done bias or binding this narrow before, what a learning curve. It had to be sewn down with a decorative stitch and I learned to use a stiletto to help hold the fabric while sewing it, it keep wanting to roll back and out of under the presser foot.
Here is a full shot of the finished quilt.

Oh yes, the 10 yards in.... I want to join crazymomquilts quilt-along #5 , which calls for 4 1/2 yards of background fabric. Apparently the 100's of yards I've purchased so far do not include white fabric or much of what would be considered background, so off to the store I went. I originally intended to buy 5 yards but there was a 50% off coupon in this month's store's ad. Technically, that means I bought 5 yards and they gave me 5 more yards for free. I know, I know, twisted way of justifying the yardage. No worries, it will be used sooner or later, at least 4 1/2 yards. The scraps? I don't usually count scraps out so I'm not sure if I would count them in; I'll have to figure it out. In the meantime, I'll be playing with them until everyone else in the house start getting out of bed. Thank you Katie!

Sunday Stash Report - June 13th 2010

2010-06-13T07:10:00.001-07:00

Fabric Added this week: 2 yards

Fabric Added YTD: 133 yards

Fabric used this week: 6 yards

Fabric Used YTD: 62 1/2 yards

Net used for 2010: -69 1/2 Yards

I'm feeling good about my sewing & quilting for the last couple of weeks. There was a finished and gifted quilt, another gifted quilt, a started quilt top and minimal fabric shopping.

the baby quilt made from these string blocks,

was finished into this cute quilt. I used 1/2 yard of fabric for binding. It is a gift for a baby girl who is due to be born in the next couple of weeks. The quilting didn't turn out that great, this is the first time I had trouble with thread breakage. I was so frustrated after trying every tip and suggestions in the world on how to prevent this, I just concentrated on getting the meandering done. Because of the thread problems, it turned out denser than I wanted; this was a good thing, after all, the denser quilting along with machine sewn binding made a very sturdy baby quilt. I think it will stand up to lots of use. Here is a close up of a corner.

This blue quilt finished some time ago was the perfect gift for a Grand-nephew who arrived into our family a couple of days after Memorial Day.

This is where I had the most fun! And usage, 5 1/2 yards so far. Started piecing my baby sister's quilt and here is the progress so far. Initially it was to be made as a 9 patch & rail fence and on point pattern from the book Still Stripping by Eleanor Burns. I miss calculated and was short a 2 1/2" strip of the black, so the on-point setting would not work as I was short three rail fence blocks. Ok, let do a straight setting, OMG! I liked it so much better!. I also run into a little trouble with this setting fabric. The hearts are non-directional but the words: "I love you" are, this is another validation that the straight setting is a better option for this quilt. I love it when things just work out on their own.The only problem, it is turning out smaller than I want it. The fabrics here were the original designated borders, but now I'm considering a pieced border.

That is where the 2 purchased yards of a white dotted black fabric come in. Now that the original plan has gone in a new direction, this new addition will became the binding. The project will have to wait a few days though, I need to finish two baby quilts for gifts and they are due (the gifts, not the babies) by tomorrow. I'm off to sew and use more of my stash, I'm going in the right direction for a change.

The ultimate quilter's validation

2010-05-30T07:02:00.000-07:00

Fabric added this week: 0 yards
Fabric added YTD: 131 yards
Fabric used this week: 0 yards
Fabric used YTD: 56 1/2 yards
Net used for 2010: -75 1/2 yards

In my opinion, the image below is the ultimate validation for my quilting efforts. Seeing how well loved and used one of my quilts is makes me extremely happy, in fact, I couldn't be any happier. This quilt was featured on my first blog post and has been living with my little sister since 2008. This is what a little less than two years of constant use has done to it. Well, my sister's new puppy helped some. When she told me what the little rascal did, I offered to repair it for her. After all I still have some of the left over blocks and scraps. I had no idea how worn the quilt was!The block on top right corner I had saved along with the left over fabric, the patch below shows how much faded and worn the quilt is. This quilt is also an example of how not using the right materials can affect the life of a quilt. the entire center is worn and torn at the seams. I'm pretty sure that it was caused by my using a polyester thread instead of 100% cotton. I always thought the "rule" that polyester thread would cut cotton fabric was a wife's tale. I'm proved wrong. The damage is too much to repair, for one I don't have enough scraps to replace all the worn patches, I wouldn't know how to even begin repair them, certainly not by hand appliqueing and lastly; it would be more fun to start a new quilt. My sister agrees. She asked for red, white and black, but not too much white. Here are some of the fabrics I'm auditing for her new quilt. I will be using nine patch & stripe pattern from Quilt in a day. Since my stash is all over the house and I had to systematically search every single room, closet, bed and box for the right fabric, I decided to also pull fabrics for a patriotic quilt. Judy over at patchworktimes is hosting a Memorial Day quilt along. I obviously won't finish the top this week but I thought I can still make it and donate it at a later time.

The coming week promises to be busy and fun. I don't have to babysit until Wednesday so I'll take advantage and get these two projects started. My stash report should show some activity next week, I just don't know which way the scale will lean; I'm going shopping sometimes in the next two days.... For today, I'll keep myself busy entertaining company and working on my knitting and crocheting.

Sunday Stash Report - May 23rd 2010

2010-05-23T07:59:00.000-07:00

Fabric Added this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added YTD: 131 yards
Fabric Used this week: 1/2 yard
Fabric Used YTD: 56 1/2 yards
Net used for 2010: -75 1/2 yards

This week was slow, I spend most of my free time navigating and reading blogs instead of getting busy with my sewing machine. It wasn't all wasted time as I found this neat blog blog with a portable DVD player tote tutorial. The tote will be perfect as we do have the dual player for the car, so I made a prototype for my personal DVD player to test the pattern and give myself time to find the fabrics I want to use for the car.
I lined my tote and added a handle at the top flap instead of a strap, it's not perfect but it came out cute and will serve its purpose. Here is a shot of the back pocket, neat idea for the charger.I have also been reading about knitting socks and decided to teach myself how to make them. This is my second attempt, the first one was not bad looking but i made many mistakes and they kept haunting me. The entire sock became a ball of yarn and I started again with this new piece. I'm almost done with it, I just have to watch a gazillion youtube videos on how to do the Kitchener stitch. I just don't get it. Maybe because I knit continental style? I'm hitting a wall with this stitch, but I'll persevere.

When the sock instructions became a little confusing and I needed a break from it, I started this doily. I'm liking it, but... the drawback on this one? The pattern said one ball needed which was perfect since that was exactly what I had on hand. I made sure I used the proper size hook to obtain the gauge and I made a swatch to test my stitches. Arggg!!!! I'm done to the last few yards of crochet thread and still three or four rows to go!...

So, I have a decision to make. try to find more thread at the store? leave it as is and call it done? Is it obvious why I'm forever starting project and never finishing them? It's not my fault, really. This will be another unfinished project and to keep myself busy I'll have to start something else. What a vicious circle, but what fun!.

Birthday and Mother's Day Present

2010-05-09T09:58:00.000-07:00

Fabric Added this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added YTD: 131 yards
Fabric used this week: 2 1/2 yards
Fabric used YTD: 56 yards
Net used for 2010: -76 yards

Just a small usage of the stash this week . My first born had a Birthday and she requested an apron. Well, she asked for it several months ago but typical procrastinator that I am I figure her Birthday was a good opportunity to finally get it done.
Of course there were scraps left over, so I used them to make her an iPod cozy as a Mother's Day present, I found the tutorial at sewmamasew While searching for a matching backing fabric for my daughter's apron, I found this other child size apron I had started (last year?) for my friend's daughter. Figured I may as well finish it too. Unfortunately the already made ties and the extra fabric (to make new ties) were nowhere to be found.

I hate it when that happens. I'll have to get creative and maybe use some ribbon? Should I dig in all of the scrap boxes and find the missing pieces? Hummmm, creativity sounds like the best option.

Heart Palpitations & Sunday Stash Report

2010-05-02T11:11:00.000-07:00

Fabric added this week: 38 yards

Fabric added YTD: 131 yards

Fabric used this week: 0 yards

Fabric used YTD: 53 1/2 yards

Net used for 2010: -78 1/2 yards

This leaning tower is approximately 38 yards worth of quilt shop quality fabric. Yesterday, while visiting my oldest sister in Hemet, CA and searching for an address, she made a wrong turn into a Goodwill store parking lot. I said "it's meant to be, may as well go in the store now" and we did. I found several zip lock baggies with little white cards giving the yardage and price of the contents; the prices ranged from $2 to $4 a yard, the smallest piece 1/2 yard and the biggest at 4 yards. The store had a 40% off so I figure it was a great deal at $1.20 a yard, I choose the prettiest fabrics and restrained myself to a few bags. I showed my sister my find and she said "That's not the price, those are the prices from the person who donated the items, ask the store manager for their price". The manager said: "$1 a bag with 40% off" WHATTTT????!!!!!!!! My heart stopped, my brain instantaneously remember how many bags there were and my feet took me across to the other end of the store in a nano-second flat. I scored those 38 yards squeezed into 19 bags for $11.40 and no tax!. The adrenaline was pumping, it took an immense amount of self restrain not to start shouting and jumping of joy.

I don't care that I haven't sewn a scrap of fabric in the last week(s), I don't care to spend another 10 minutes searching my computer for the picture of my finished king sized quilt (which I'm incredibly proud of) to show, and I don't even care that I'm in the RED with my stash report, I AM HAPPY! Deep breath now.........................

Sunday Stash report - April 11th 2010

2010-04-11T07:07:00.000-07:00

Fabric Added last two weeks: 1/2 yard
Fabric Added YTD: 93 yards
Fabric Used last two weeks: 1 yard
Fabric Used YTD: 53 1/2 yards
Net used for 2010: -40 1/2 yards

I had my baby sister and her three children stay with us for spring break, my quilting was kept to a minimum this last two weeks. I love my family to pieces, but after a week of a full house, it's wonderful to see them go home!. I did finish quilting my over the line quilt, I used slightly less than a yard for the binding, got it sewed on and I've hand sewn two sides. My intention is to get it finished today, wash & dry the quilt and get it to it's new home by tomorrow. I'm confident it will be accomplished as we have a small road trip planned later today, that should give me a couple of hours to work on it while in the car. I also have a couple of weeks of blog reading to get caught up with, so I'm getting another cup of coffee and on my way to Judy's blog for a boost of inspiration.

Sunday Stash report March 28th 2010

2010-03-28T11:30:00.000-07:00

Fabric added this week: 0 yards
Fabric added YTD: 92.5 yards
Fabric used this week: 1/2 yard
Fabric used YTD: 52 1/2 yards
Net used for 2010: -39.5 yards
I've only used 1/2 yard for the St. Patrick's Day table runner backing. I quilted it as a warm up to get ready for the Over the Line quilt top.

The quilting on the Over the Line quilt is 2/3 done, the goal is to get it finished by Friday, get the binding done, wash it dry it, and have all ready to be sent to it's new house by next Sunday.

I find it amusing that the closer I get to getting it done, the drive to work on it becomes more urgent. I've been working on it for 4 hours this morning and had to force myself to stop as I have plans outdoors for the rest of day. I'll be back soon enough....

Sunday Stash Report March 21, 2010

2010-03-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

Fabric Added this week: 0 yards
Fabric Added YTD: 92.5 yards
Fabric used last two weeks: 2 1/2 yards
Fabric used YTD: 52 yards
Net used for 2010: -40 yards
Somewhat productive couple of weeks, not much fabric usage but got some sewing done. I layered the over the line quilt top and it is now waiting for free motion quilting. I'm having a hard time deciding what thread color to use since I'm technically a beginner machine quilter and I KNOW there will be goofs, I'm hoping to minimize them by selecting a thread color that would blend with the fabrics. The plan is to make my selection today and starting quilting this top tonight. While I've been giving myself some time on the thread choice, I made a cover for my tabletop ironing board, this took 1/2 yard of fabric and a 3 yards package of binding.

I was gifted some bow tie blocks that my friend had from her guild block exchange, it seems they exchanged theme blocks every month. These are Easter fabrics. I thought about making a small baby quilt but then decided to stretch the blocks and make table runners instead. These blocks will make two runners. I used 1/2 yard of purple fabric for borders and binding. I'm contemplating a pieced border, so I will most likely have to pull another piece of fabric to finish them. There were only 12 St. Patrick's Day blocks which also have become a table runner.

I used one yard of green and 1/2 yard white for the borders and binding.

Well, that's the report for today. I may be out shopping for fabric in the next few days, I heard about a $2 per yard quilt-shop-quality fabric sale, apparently the store is liquidating their stock to either move or close. The store also carries sewing machines and quilting frames, I'm considering the Little Gracie II quilting frame, if the shop has one at the right price......... ;-)

Sunday Stash Report March 7th 2010

2010-03-07T07:26:00.000-08:00

Fabric added this week: 0 yards
Fabric added YTD: 92.5 yards
Fabric used this week: 2 1/2 yards
Fabric used YTD: 49 1/2 yards
Net used for 2010: -42.5 yards

There has not been any sewing this week at all. I finished the baby string top from last Sunday by the evening, one yard of sashing fabric and 1 1/2 yards for the backing were used. After I prepared the backing, I started to load it on my John Flynn frame, (It's been such a long time since I used it) I couldn't remember how to load it properly and the instruction video was nowhere to be found. By the time I found the video online, family, babysitting duty, work, and life in general had drained all my energy and I had no stamina to get anything done.
This weekend has just been an extension of the week before and it looks like not much will get done again. There is always tomorrow or the next day....

Channeling Speedy Gonzalez

2010-02-28T07:17:00.000-08:00

Fabric added this week: 0 yards
Fabric added YTD: 92.5 yards
Fabric used this week: 11 yards
Fabric used YTD: 47 yards
Net used for 2010: -45.5

I've NEVER sewed as fast as I've done this week, I finished a King sized top in two weeks!. I love the fabrics on the over the line project and the pattern is simple enough, but sewing the same fabrics over and over was getting boring. That was the driving force for the marathon sewing, I wanted it done. Borders are added and I went as far as using left over pieces or scraps for the backing.
I tried to spread it on my couch for a full picture, but the little peanut decided to help. Besides, the top is so big, about 106 x 106, I don't have any surface big enough for it in this house.
Here is the finished top folded and waiting for the next step.
The pieced backing. This was inspired by some quilts I've seen on the Internet, it was not as easy as it looked. I do love the look, but having used almost all the scraps from this project is the icing on the cake.

I worked late into Friday night on a self-imposed deadline, I wanted to finishing both the top and backing and have them ready for layering Saturday morning at class. Well, class was cancelled because of the rain, or rather, because most ladies didn't want to go to class in the rain :-). Plan B. Actually, I have to figure out a plan. I do have a couple of cutting tables, but I don't think they will be big enough for this top.

I was still in the mood for sewing but did not want to go thru fabrics or patterns to get a new project started, work on a UFO or current project. So... I sewed strings on a paper foundation and made these:

16 - 8 1/2" unfinished string blocks, enough for a baby quilt. I've always loved scraps and I know some very generous people (Hi Ann!) who have given me scraps in the past. I usually like high contrast and the medium tones are always put aside, until now. They look pretty and soft, with a soft floral pink for sashing, it will be perfect for a baby girl.

This baby quilt will keep me occupied for today, maybe....... I do love to check other quilters blogs and stash reports, I'm headed over to Judy's patchworktimes as soon as I hit the publish button.

Sunday Stash report - Feb 21st

2010-02-21T06:33:00.000-08:00

Fabric Added last couple of weeks: 60 1/2 yards
Fabric added YTD: 92.5 yards
Fabric used last couple of weeks: 12 yards
Fabric used YTD: 36 yards
Net used for 2010: -56.5

It all started when I was asked, by someone special, to make a quilt for them. The excitement of starting a specific project took over. My previously selected Valentine's Day project was forgotten, the magazine stash come out and the fun begun. I selected this pattern from a 2005 American Patchwork & Quilting issue. The new quilt needs to be in a different colorway: yellow, green, brown and orange. I had a couple of prints that would work in my stash but orange was the missing color. Hence the shopping :-). It happened to be President's Day Sale at the fabric store and I found at least 4 different orange prints that would work ( and a few others that I just liked). When we got home, the grouping wasn't working as the new pieces did not mingle nicely with the other fabrics already selected. A trip to a second store was made and I found the perfect piece, along with a few others that caught my eye and came home with me. It took me an entire week to be happy with my fabric selection and summon the courage to cut, when I found it I stripped 11 yards worth of fabric. This is what they look like coming out of the back of the machine:

My first completed block.

I get too impatient and want to see the pattern as soon as possible, so I sewed two blocks together and this is what they look like:

The plan is to finish sewing about 3 more sets of strips, press all the sewn strips and start cutting the individual blocks. Good thing this quilt will be finished at about 100" x 100" for a king sized bed. If I manage to complete the top by next weekend, I'll be able to then count the backing, borders and binding as busted. A very promising week!.

Stash report Sunday - Jan 31st

2010-01-31T07:51:00.000-08:00

Nothing in, nothing out.

What a whirl- whirl of activity this week! My little peanut turned 1 year old this week and the days have been spent getting ready for the birthday party today. I only got as far as choosing a pattern for my next project, a valentine's Day themed table runner. Fabric were selected as well but could not find the time to cut it, much less get started. It should be back to normal around here by tomorrow. I miss my sewing machine.
Happy Birthday, peanut!.

Indecision - What a killer!

2010-01-24T07:02:00.000-08:00

Last Week's Quiltathon was a success, by Sunday night I had finished two UFO's, my Jacob's Ladder which was free motion quilted on my Janome MC6500P sewing machine,

and the blue baby quilt. Both quilted, bound and on their way to the washer and dryer.

My intentions were to get one older project finish and I would give myself permission to start something new, no brainer right? Time for the next project, woohoooo!, After days of considering patterns and fabrics, I can't make up my mind on what I want to start!!! I have stacks of books, magazines, printouts from the internet, a gazillion tutorials and patterns bookmarked, purchased patterns, borrowed patterns and a 1,000 GB folder of saved inspirational quilt pictures on my laptop. Of course,I wanted to get started before Sunday so I would have cut fabric and report it on Stash report Sunday , but nooooo, I can't make up my mind.

As of this morning and after reading a couple of quilting blogs, I have narrowed down my options to either a Christmas or valentine's theme, that would make me early for next Christmas and maybe just in time for Valentines. Still.... Can't choose what pattern or block to make, Why can't I decide??? I am committed to at least make my selection no later than this evening. Indecision WILL not kill my momentum and enthusiasm. Something will be started to work on during the week. Take that, you stupid indecision!

All of that just to say I have nothing to report : -). Jeezzzzz!!!

Stash Report Sunday

2010-01-17T08:26:00.000-08:00

An unexpected over-night house guest has me sitting on my bed, hand sewing the binding on my scrappy baby quilt, not a bad thing but I'm very anxious to get going with the quilting on my Jacob's ladder top. Unfortunately, the sewing machine is on the dinning room table, the guest is still sleeping on my couch and breakfast has to be served. Bummer. My spirits are soaring anyway, I've accomplished more this week than I have in the last several weeks combined, this is good, actually very good. Here are my numbers:

Fabric added this week: 0 yards
Fabric added YTD: 32 yards
Fabric used this week: Approximately 13 yards
Fabric used YTD: 25 yards
Net used for 2010: -7 yards

Not only have I used a nice amount of fabric, I'm so close to having a finish project, today may be the day. Wohooooo!

Quiltathon Saturday

2010-01-16T11:33:00.000-08:00

I'm so happy to be quilting along with Judy and other bloggers, it has been a productive and fun day. So far, I free motion quilted this 42" scrappy top that I put together back in July of last year . The meandering was easy and fun, I'm just a little rusty, it's been a while sine I free motion quilted last. The backing is a cute precious moments flannel, this will be perfect for a new baby boy. I know three expecting women so I'm hoping at least one of the new babies is a boy. Here's a little close up of the quilting, a little jerky but I love the texture and feel of it. The plan is to make the binding and sew it on while at Ann's, I'm going to her place for more playing, I mean quilting, it is so much more enjoyable with good company.

An even closer picture. :-)

My Jacob's Ladder top has been prepared for quilting as well and I'm ambitiously wanting to get it quilted today or at least by tomorrow. The picture below shows the two thread colors I plan to use.

I'm feeling a little disappointed that I didn't make it to the Road to California show this year, this will be the second year I miss it, however, getting some old project done and spending time with friends makes up for it. Seeing other quilters work today will also make up for it.

Stash Report - Jan 10th 2010

2010-01-10T08:12:00.000-08:00

Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Used this Week: 12 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 32 yards
Fabric Used Year to Date: 12 yards
Net Used for 2010: -20 yards

I'm so excited and proud of myself, I started the New Year's Eve Mystery and kept at it! I changed the design by adding sashing, just to make the top a little bigger (finished at 82" x 95") and to avoid matching all the seams ;-). Today I'll rummage the stash to find a suitable border fabric, there are some leftover pieces from the main fabrics but none big enough for a 4 to 6 inch border. I intent to use the scraps and make a table runner and/or a pillow, my goal is keep the scraps accumulation at a minimum.

On the stash starting numbers, technically, half of the purchases were made the last week of 2009 and the top was started on Jan 31st as well, but I figure the exact dates are not important as long as I'm honest (with myself) about the amounts of fabric that are being purchased and used.

I've also kept knitting and I'm on my second scarf, a few more inches to go and it will be done. I'll try to have pictures ready next time I post.

Well, that's all for today, gotta get to the fabric auditions but not before stopping by Judy's blog to find out what over quilters have been up to this week.

Fresh Start - Stash Report

2010-01-03T08:32:00.000-08:00

I lost track of the stash report a few months ago and do not know what my ending numbers are, I do know 2009 was not such a productive year on the quilting front as it could of been, but 2010 promises to be better. There's lots of inspiration and support on blogland, with this amazing group's influence and challenge, I'll continue to keep working on using my stash, be more selective on my purchases and work on projects I really enjoy.

Speaking of joy, I was very excited to participate on Ann Smith's New Year's Eve mystery, I had selected my fabrics in early December and was eager to get started. There were, however, some "forgotten" blocks from last summer's mystery hanging around in a pizza box, how could I start a new mystery when the previous one was still unfinished? I challenged myself to finish the summer mystery or I wouldn't start the new one. Here is the finished top Here it is with borders on, it is big about 85" x 104" and I love it! The best part? I could now start on the new mystery!

I made over 600 of these half square triangles, somehow my math failed me and I was short a few, had to piece scraps of the brown fabric to complete my planned blocks. (I later found the stack of "unmade" patches under the sewing machine).

Here is what a few blocks look like:

And a set of 9 blocks.

The design is beautiful and I'm very pleased with it. Managed to complete 42 blocks and will be putting them together this coming week.

As for the stash report, I did buy fabric yesterday, there was a clearance sale and scored 6 yards of 110" backing fabric for $3.00 a yard, couldn't pass it up. I'm giving myself this week to get a good tracking system established, I should have my starting numbers by next weekend. In the meantime, I'll be working on my mystery blocks and have them become a wonderful quilt top.

No Stash report

2009-12-06T09:07:00.001-08:00

Still no sewing or stash usage around here. There is light at the end of the tunnel though, I have a couple of project in the works. These are my fabric choices for Ann Smith New Year's mystery. We recently replaced our living room set and the chosen tan, brown & green colors match the new furniture. I Also started cutting scraps for Bonnie's Carolina Christmas mystery. My dear friend Ann parted with a nice gold piece big enough for this project, her generosity bumped up my quilting mojo 200%. My hands have been busy with some more knitting. A few months ago (maybe last year?) I bought some chenille yarn so I started another scarf with the first skein I pulled from the bag. I don't own any pattern books so I tried to knit a pattern from memory. knit 4, purl 4 and alternate stitches every four rows. I remember the pattern being more defined but I'm loving the chenille's softness and texture.

I'm very eager to start sewing again and hope the sewing will be started this week, maybe I'll have some numbers to report next Sunday. I'm also trying to come up with a new stash busting plan or approach, next year could be much better. I have a couple of weeks to work on it.....

Now, for the customary little peanut picture, she wore her fist "dressy" dress on Thanksgiving. She also started to "talk" and is keeping us amused and entertained.

Also, other blogger's projects and progress are a great source of inspiration and motivation, let's visit some today.

Unfaithful Gal

2009-11-15T08:39:00.000-08:00

I have been cheating on my sewing machine & fabric stash with my knitting needles. I learned to crochet when in middle school and have been a crocheter on and off thru the years, I mostly crochet baby blankets for my nieces and nephews, almost a tradition that every new baby in the family would get a blanket, but I've never really knitted. I was taught to knit and purl the continental way by one of my neighbors, I've tried to teach myself to knit "the normal" way unsuccessfully, I suppose I thought that collecting needles sets would turn me into a proper knitter. Earlier this week, I wanted to do something with my hands and decided to give knitting another chance, would not try the normal way but just do what I know. The first yarn skein I pulled was a black and brown boucle, the label said 5 ounces, well, I knitted two and purled two and kept on until I used all the yarn. This is the result, all 88 inches of it:And a little detail of the texture. Are scarfs supposed to be this long? Maybe it is too long, but I love it! What I love the most is that this is my first ever completed knitting project!

By the way, last Sunday and before the affair with the needles, I put together my Jacob's Ladder blocks. I'm happy with the layout and how it turned out.

Not forgetting that today is Stash report Sunday, I have to say there was no change in the quilting stash..... BUT I gave away two - full to the brim - 30 gallon bags of fabric, including what looked like almost twenty (didn't count) commercial garment patterns. I had major heartache while filling the bags and had to keep saying to myself "if you have not sewn a garment in more than 10 years, it's likely you won't in the near future". Not that I ever was a serious sewist, just another well kept collection. I didn't count and don't care how many yards of fabric left my house, but I can honestly say that my heartache left with the bags, the fabric went to a great home and left a very nice empty spot in my hall closet. I'm happy.

Another source of happiness in my life is the little peanut, here's a picture I took of her before she went to church on a Sunday.

Maybe I'll continue the affair with my knitting, What is that saying?..... You always return to your first love? Doesn't sound like the right saying but it sure sounds appropriate in my case. I hope to pull from the stash for a couple of new projects that are tempting me, might as well do it while and happy and content.

Stash Report Week 45

2009-11-08T06:34:00.000-08:00

Fabric Added week 45: 3 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 86 yards
Fabric Used week 45: 2 1/2 yards
Fabric Used Year to Date: 76 1/8 yards

I finally finished something!. Made a little bag for my daughter with some tiny scraps from a very generous friend, Juanita was getting rid of her leftover pieces (I posted about her quilt here ), but instead handed the little 1 1/2" inch strips to me. I pieced them randomly and let it grow as it wanted, the new fabric grew enough to allow me to fold it in half and box the corners. I just had to add the linning, handles and a small front pocket. That's were my three yard purchase came in, perfect print to finish this off. Of course it didn't require all three yards, but the other 2 1/2 yards would be used to make that apron I've promised my daughter.

My Saturday sewing group is working on a Jacob's ladder project, I choose a two color way and non scrappy, I thought I would be bored with it, but found two fabrics that play together very nicely. Here's a block:

There was only one yard of the tan piece and a little less than 2 of the navy blue, that yield 12 12" blocks, I wanted this layout, but it just didn't work. Instead I will set the blocks in a 4 x 3 straight grid with navy blue sashing, it will be finishing at about 44" x 56", perfect for a little boy's baby quilt. It feels good to enjoy and want to sew again, finishing a project is even better.

Stash Report Week 41

2009-10-11T11:46:00.000-07:00

Fabric Added week 41: 10 1/2 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 83 yards
Fabric Used week 41: 0 yards
Fabric Used Year to Date: 73 5/8 yards

Well, retail therapy has somewhat helped with my funky mood, I bought 8 light brown/tan FQ's , a white & black FQ bundle (5 pieces), a dark blue FQ and 4 different fabrics in yardage for a total of 10 1/2 yards.
The new fabric stayed on the dinning room table while I worked on my summer mystery. I was motivated to try and finish the top so I can start something new soon. Five completed blocks, 7 more to go, they are almost done as they only need one last row sewn on. I have also been playing with my doodling with the intent of using this design on free motion machine quilting. So far, it's going good on paper, I just don't feel confident enough to try it on a quilt.

While I was relocating some of my storage boxes last weekend, I found a candlewick project I had started and abandoned last summer. These stitches are my inspiration for the doodling.

By the way, I received two of these candlewick kits as a gift from my sister in law a few years ago, I've never heard of this type of embroidery and the kit looked like fun. I tried crossstiching in the past (without success), this looked easier so I started them. Not too bad for my first try, but again, a couple more of unfinished projects. What else is new? At least I'm sewing again.

Stash Report Week 40

2009-10-04T14:51:00.000-07:00

Fabric Added last three weeks: 3 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 72 1/2 yards
Fabric Used Last several weeks: 0 yards
Fabric Used Year to Date: 73 5/8 yards

With this post I'm trying to catch up with Judy's show-you-stash challenge. A couple of weeks ago we bought new High efficiency, stack able washer and dryer, which entailed the removal of shelving in the laundry room and re-location of storage boxes. I've forgotten what these boxes had in them and it turns out it was a lot. I managed to clear out four copier paper boxes by re-distributing and compacting the fabric in other boxes that were half full. They now reside in my bedroom closet.

This is the left side, two top clear containers and cardboard box on top of them are flannels. Shoe boxes next to the flannel are 1/2 yard pieces sorted by color.Below the flannel are more shoe containers with fat quarters and more 1/2 yard pieces. Turning to the right are the evicted boxes from the laundry room, these are full of 1 yard or bigger pieces of fabric, fleece scraps, yarn and batting scraps.The last side is more of everything, fat quarters, larger pieces and more scraps. This is only about a quarter of my stash,since I don't have a sewing room or corner for that matter, the rest is distributed amongst two bedroom closets, the hall closet and under my bed.

Other than the re-location, there has not been any fabric usage or sewing around here. I plan to concentrate on re-organizing the stash and reducing it to a more manageable size by passing it on to other people. I know some of the ladies in my Saturday morning class have been hit by the "cutting back hours" trend and can't afford to spend too much money on fabric. Ideally I want to reduce it to a point were it all is in the same room. Am I realistic? Will it be easier said that done? I hope it works out as planned.

To end and just because I am so proud of the little peanut, here are a couple of recent pictures.

Where's my quilting groove?

2009-09-07T06:44:00.000-07:00

I was on vacation for an entire week, had plenty of opportunities to sew since I stayed home 90% of the time and only had to babysit a couple of days, I just couldn't make myself do it. Maybe a visit to the fabric store would help?
I brought home 6 fat quarters of white prints to replace the yardage used for Ann Smith's summer mystery and 2 fat quarters of black & white prints for a future project. All the fabric and notions at the store kept silent, none of them (except for the needed pieces) asked to come home with me. Shopping expedition did not help.

OK then, maybe if I worked on the summer mystery for a bit, the instructions for a full size quilt calls for 12 of these partial blocks, managed to make 8, still not much improvement in my non-quilting mood. How about if I did something sewing related? there are at least 1/2 a dozen pairs of pants that need hemming? NOT! There is a reason they are still hiding behind furniture.... I dislike, OK I admit, HATE altering clothes. That was a bad idea. Bummer, all this time to sew and I'm just not in the mood......

Then the light bulb came on, don't force it! just let time run it's course. After all, there are no rules that say I have to sew all the time or even on any available free time, I don't sew or quilt for a living and most importantly there is no pleasure or satisfaction in doing anything that feels forced weather is sewing or anything else. So this morning, I decided to make my dinning room table my design wall, sorted my little 1.75" 1/2 squares into color families and will just let them sit there for as long as they need. I feel a little quilting groove awakening, not much yet, but these little guys and maybe other people's design walls will help me find it.

Stash Report Week 34

2009-08-23T07:32:00.000-07:00

Fabric Added: 3 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 79 1/2 yards
Fabric Used Last several weeks: 25 1/2 yards
Fabric Used Year to Date: 73 5/8 yards

I'm so excited the stash was used this last few weeks, my sister and her daughter's visited for summer vacation and slaved me to the sewing machine. I did not mind it as the house was clean, dinner cooked and laundry done by the time I came back from work so it was a good trade of skills. I just wish we lived closer to each other, I can get used to having my housework done for me in exchange of fun, play time, I mean, work.
My niece made three tote bags, two pillows and a throw blanket for her bed. I made two crib sheets, a child's apron, 2 fabric baskets and I cut 10 1/2 yards of fabric (mostly scraps, except for the 5 1/2 yards of white background) for Ann Smith's Summer Mystery. These are the units I've done so far Not much progress for a one day mystery, in my defense, I got sidetracked by the little triangles from the flying geese corners. These little gems were so cute that I just started playing with them instead of the main units. I have trimmed about 300 of these into 1.75" squares with about that many more still to be made and or trimmed. Now for the added fabric report, my daughter requested an apron with the stipulation that it be "funky" I don't know if these fabrics are funky enough for a teenager, but I liked them.

Overall, a nice dent in the stash. I have intentions to keep it up this week.

Another month gone

2009-08-09T07:29:00.000-07:00

This last few weeks have been busy.

I help a friend select fabrics for a new project, she had done great on her own already but just needed a little confidence boost.

Taught a very enthusiastic and eager 14 year old niece how to sew.

There is great untapped talent here, she designed this little raw edge applique for her tote. Unfortunately she lives in a foreign country and won't be visiting soon, but I'm excited to had opened her mind and creativity to the world of sewing.

My sister made me make her curtains for her bedroom.

Celebrated a birthday with my big, loud, fun and very much appreciated family

Best of all, spent time with the little peanut
Although it was a fast paced month, the stash was used more in this short time than it did since the beginning of the year, I just didn't have the time, energy or frame of mind to kept tabs. Now that everyone is gone back home and the household is getting back to normal, I'll tally it up for the next report. It will be good! curtains, pillow cases, tote bags and crib sheets do take a nice chuck of yardage. Yeah!!!

Stash Report Week 28

2009-07-12T09:36:00.000-07:00

It has been a hectic week at home, the little peanut developed a staph infection and had to go to the ER. A trip to one or another doctor was made almost everyday so no time for any sewing or energy at all. Needless to say, there is no change on the stash from last week . The Saturday class was also cancelled at the last minute and the group won't get together again until August 17th. I did spend sometime yesterday at Sandie's place, she bought a new Janome DC2010 and asked me to help her learn the machine feature's since I own a Janome myself. At least I got my sewing fix by playing with the machine and Sandie's material. Did not take pictures, but we will get together again next Saturday, I'll make up for it then.

Plans for today: if time permits, I'll work on a crayon roll (found the tutorial here ) and an apron for a little girl's birthday present.

I got the blues

2009-07-06T20:24:00.000-07:00

Last week I mentioned I should probably start using blue since my last few projects have been red & green combos. Here is proof that I kept my word for once!

I found this and this tutorials for the little basket, there were techniques on each tutorial that I liked so I combined the two with great results.
I even tried a decorative stich on the little handles just to make the basket "my own".

This little top is 42" x 42" and I plan to free motion quilt it on my John Flynn frame. I bought the frame on the Road to California show about 3 years ago, tried it once and it worked out ok, It deserves another chance.

I'm guesstimating these projects only used about 1 yard of stash since most of the strips used were given to me as scraps, I pulled a couple of 1/2 yard pieces for the linning of the baskets and the borders on the top. I did manage to find a 3 1/2 yard green piece for my Rectangles, a Gudrun Erla pattern from Fon's & Porter's Love of quilting Easy Quilts magazine

With that said, here is the stash report for week 27

Fabric Added Week 27: 0 yardsFabric

Added Year to Date: 76 1/2 yards

Fabric Used Week 27: 4 1/2 yards

Fabric Used Year to Date: 48 1 /8 yards

Stash Report Week 26

2009-06-28T08:14:00.000-07:00

Fabric Added Week 26: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 76 1/2 yards

Fabric Used Week 26: 5 1/2 yards
Fabric Used Year to Date: 42 5 /8 yards

I AM HAPPY to report there has been some stash busting going on around here. Finally! I used 1/2 yard for Sandie's Quilt binding. The other usage happened while I worked on and off for the last few weeks to turn this twenty fat quarters Into this top:I'm having a hard time finding a suitable backing in my stash, hopefully I'll find (decide) something soon, the binding has already been prepared from left over strips, so it will be just the backing on next week's report. It seems like I'm stuck on those red and green combinations, this one has a little brown and yellow but still the red and green are louder. The next project will be either purple or blue, something more male orientated.

On the Saturday class, it's going well. Here is Mickey reading our schedule for the next two months, we managed to secure our meeting place for the summer, although, we had to exchange Saturday mornings for Friday evenings on some dates, but overall I think it will work out just fine.
I was wondering... How does a group became a guild? I suppose I'll be doing some research on it, as it seems like it will the next obvious step for our group. Thank God for this great resource known as the Internet.

To close and just because, here are a couple of pictures on my two favorite beings, little peanut, my favorite grandbaby:And Swiffer my furbaby:
Edited: I still haven't figure out how to respond to comments, so I'm responding here. Sheila asked about the pattern for Sandie's Quilt, it's called Dandelion wishes on the American Patchwork & Quilting magazine, issue April 2008.

Like Giving Away a Child, Almost

2009-06-20T17:33:00.000-07:00

About two years ago, I bought a lovely teal & brown fat quarter bundle. It lived in my stash for a few months waiting for the perfect pattern..... it showed up in a American Patchwork & Quilting magazine about the same time my friend Sandie moved into a new house. Perfect timing! It was to be a housewarming gift, the color were perfect for Sandie's decor and I was excited to work on a new project. The original pattern was done in a softer color palette with minimal contrast, it had applique flowers and leaves and either no border or a one fabric border (too lazy, I mean, busy to dig out the magazine). I got rotary cutter happy and cut too many squares, but they worked perfect as a pieced border. Then..... This is where it becomes the same old story, once the top was done, the stars misaligned and it was put away in a closet to be finished at a later time. Since then, Sandie moved again, went through some major medical treatments and the top still waited for its chance to come out of the closet.

Now in the present, I've been so excited and motivated by my last finish , the sewing machine was already setup for free motion quilting, I could use way more practice on the machine quilting, and most importantly it was time for this baby to go live with its rightful owner. The top made it out of the closet and is now finished! The binding will be hand sewn tonight and this child is ready to meet Sandie next Monday.

I'm getting better at regulating my stitches and the puckers and tucks are minimal, still sticking with meandering though.

I love it, love it, LOVE IT!. It will be painful to give it away! I want to keep it, but I already opened my big mouth and the entire world knows who this baby belongs to, so I'll just have to chin up and pass it on. Maybe I'll make another for myself, if I do, I'll try not to take two years the second time around. Great opportunity to reduce stash.

Right, almost forgot, Stash report: Nothing in, nothing out. Oh wait, yes I used 18 inches of white fabric for the binding, I'll add it up on next week's report.

Saturday Morning Quilters

2009-06-20T16:42:00.001-07:00

Our first Sewing Saturday as an 'unofficial' sewing group. Luz lives in an apartment complex and booked the Rec Room for our first meeting. It started a little rough as the facilities manager was MIA and did not open the doors until almost 9:00am instead of 8:00am. The beautiful room made up for the wait, there is a spacious open room with a kitchenette and media rooms off to the side (forgot to take pictures), we see quilting videos viewing and potlucks in the future!. I did take pictures of some of the ladies hard at work:
Here is Ann sewing strips for a lap quilt backing:
These two ladies are new members and beginner quilters, they had just signed up a week before our class was cancelled and Mickey, our instructor, did not turn them away, instead is teaching them on a volunteer basis.

This is Gloria, she is working on an applique Sun Bonnet Sue.

Sara, concentrating on cutting fabric

There are a few logistic matters that we need to work out as we now have to haul in sewing machines, extension cords, ironing boards, irons, etc, these items except for the sewing machines were always available in the class room and we now have to get used to bringing them with us, but we'll eventually get it going smooth. Overall, it went well, and although our next meeting is still not confirmed, I am looking forward to it.

Sewing Class

2009-06-14T07:32:00.000-07:00

Our Saturday quilting class has a meeting place for next week!. While it's only one day for sure, we are very optimistic that some else's club house will be available for the following Saturday and that meeting places will continue to became available. There are at least two more potential meeting places, so it is looking good.

Here are a few pictures of a few projects been worked on by the students:

Juanita's black & white log cabin

Her Hidden Stars

Lucy's Christmas String/Scrappy Stars:

And my Rectangles, a Gudrun Erla pattern from Fon's & Porter's Love of quilting Easy Quilts magazine

I plan on posting about our weekly classes, it would be nice to kept a ongoing journal to record our groups journey. It looks like great things and new adventures are in our future.

Stash Report Week 24

2009-06-14T06:54:00.001-07:00

Let's get the stash report out of the way:

Fabric Added Week 24: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 76 1/2 yards
Fabric Used Week 24 : 0 yards
Fabric Used Year to Date: 37 1 /8 yards

I probably should have said nothing in and nothing out, but I thought I needed a reminder, it's been almost half a year and my stash busting is not going very well. There is a need to seriously start busting the stash in the next two months, August is my birthday month and this is when I plan to enhance my stash to my heart's content. Storage space it at a premium around here, so making room is a priority. While there hasn't been any fabric usage, I had a great sewing week. I finished an old, old, OLD project: A string quilt. I can't even remember when I started, but I know it was buried in a closet last summer after pin basting. It is free motion quilted with wavy meandering across the blocks
Had a little mishap with the "quilting" gloves, my machine was determined to sew them unto the quilt:
But I persevered and finished it. Here is it after an encounter with the washer and dryer

There is hope still for my machine quilting skills to get better.

A month gone in an instant

2009-06-07T07:50:00.000-07:00

At least that's what it feels like. I've been busy with family and work and have not taken the time to post, but until I signed in this morning, didn't realize it's been a month. I've been sewing somewhat, just not much of my own projects. My friend Ann needed help with her granddaughter's graduation quilt. I helped her sew the top together, put on borders, backing and pin basting. Great team work!, the binding and label went on yesterday at our Saturday quilting class.
Speaking of Saturday class, our teacher Mickey just gave us some awful news, due to education funding cuts in the State of California, our class has been cancelled for the summer; next Saturday is our last class. The fall session will probably be cancelled as well, even eliminated entirely, but we won't know for sure until August. Most of the students were devastated as this is about the only opportunity we had to interact with other quilters. Maybe the state's economy will get better and our class will be re-opened, but in the meantime, we'll try to organize get-together's somewhere else in a non-school district environment, something will work out.

On the stash report, nothing in and nothing out. I've been just not in the mood to touch my sewing machine until this weekend, my courage just popped in and I started to machine quilt a string top I put together about a year ago. Just quilted in the ditch and thought about leaving it at that, but the quilted rows are 7 inches apart. It has lots of bulky seams.... but I have some ideas that may work, so that's what Im working on today.

Hopefully it won't be another month when I post again.

The chicken had a Flannel Party

2009-05-07T19:37:00.000-07:00

I am big coward, a baby, a chicken! For the last two and half weeks I've been staring at my double delight quilt top, it's all ready for machine quilting but I can't summon the courage to get started. I keep changing my mind about the quilting, what color thread should I use, etc. Then I say to myself, it's just a little too big for my machine and I should sent it out to a long arm quilter. The decision shouldn't have to be this hard but indecision is. It all comes down to I am just a big chicken.

To get myself out of this self pity funk, I started sewing some flannel scraps my good friend Ann passed down to me. Most of them have a baby or child motifs, monkeys, frogs, butterflies, fairies, ladybugs and some sports themes as well. The colors are softer and with lower contrast than I am used to, but I decided to work out of my comfort zone and use them to make a small baby quilt for practicing machine quilting. I figure if I tackled a small project and relax about it, maybe the bigger quilt will stop being so intimidating. I started trimming the strips last Saturday, most of them were a fraying 3 inch brick of various Lengths that I trimmed down to 2 1/2". Didn't want to work on a complicated pattern or cut down even more, so I decided on a "center medallion" with just rounds of strips sewn together, kind of long cabin style. This is the result: And a close up of a corner:

I was having so much fun and had enough strips that I continued on and made two tops, I stopped the rounds when the piece measures just short of 42 inches on either length or width, this way I can use a single piece of fabric for the backing. Hopefully the plan will work.

Oh, yeah... stash report:

Fabric Added Weeks 17, 18 & 19: 1 1/2 yards

Fabric Added Year to Date: 76 1/2 yards

Fabric Used Weeks 17, 18 & 19: 0 yards

Fabric Used Year to Date: 37 1 /8 yards

Did not use any stash for the flannel project. A little buying expedition for six fat quarters helped somewhat with the self pity funk.

Stash Report Week 16

2009-04-19T12:07:00.000-07:00

Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
FabricAdded Year to Date: 75 yards
FabricUsed this Week: 5 4 /8 yards
FabricUsed Year to Date: 37 1 /8 yards

Fabric used this week was for the bears in the farmhouse backing, for some one who doesn't like stripes, I sure had plenty! or maybe it kept cloning itself while in storage. Regardless of how it came to be, I want this particular fabric GONE! so I used it to piece the backing. The centered block was an aftermath of my playing with the 9 patch from last week, I had already cut the background triangles, but they did not work, but they do here.

Since this was spring break for our local school district we didn't have our Saturday morning class this Saturday. I invited myself to a friend's (Hi Ann!) house for a day of sewing and pretended we were in class. Ann just came back from a week long retreat up north in Turlock, CA and had two bags full of scraps. We spilled the contents on the floor and spent the entire morning sorting the scraps and having tons of fun. After a lunch break, we started on ironing, cutting and some sewing on scrappy blocks (forgot my camera for a picture). It was a great therapeutic quilting day.

Stash Report Week 15

2009-04-12T09:29:00.000-07:00

NOTHING. Did not use any fabric from stash at all. But, I do have some productive sewing activity to report.

The fabrics from the Bears in the Farm house project were bigger than needed and I had some pieces left. I've seen this material for so many weeks now that I do not want them back in the stash and continued to work with them. I didn't have a particular pattern on mind so I settled on nine patches. They came out cute but looked too simple, What to do?

Maybe they would be happy if I box them in a square-in-a-aquare setting, alternating red and green fabric for an hour glass effect. Unfortunately, (of course) it was late at night and didn't go well. The formula I found for this block said to cut the squares the finished size plus 5/8", well being tired and all (I claim temporary math ammesia), I figure the eighths mesurament was not worth the trouble and upped it to the next increment,I added 3/8" not 1/8" and now the nine patches are floating. trimming them to the correct size was not gonna work and they are staying at 9 1/2" unfinished.

Still not happy, they seems to dark. Where do I go from here? I took my blocks to class and put them up on the design wall.. 95% of the class suggested a cream lattice to tame them down, I think that is a good idea. I'll work on it this week.

While still at class, I pin basted the double delight top and it is now ready for machine quilting. I don't have much experience with machine quilting, but I plan to practice on this top. I am thinking a curvy or meandering pattern, but will probably end up being stiched in the ditch.
I have all week to work on these two projects since the babysitting job is on spring break until the 20th. Making happy blocks is my goal for this week.

Stash Report Week 13 & 14

2009-04-06T04:46:00.000-07:00

Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards

FabricAdded Year to Date: 75 yards

FabricUsed this Week: 21 5/8 yards

FabricUsed Year to Date: 31 5/8 yards

Yahoo! I finally get to report stash usage.

Finished the double delight borders, prepared the backing and even the binding.

I also finished the Bears in the Farm House top

But, I only managed to finish half of my Hersey's bar

A little reward for a great stash busting report.

Stash Report Week 11 & 12

2009-03-21T18:23:00.000-07:00

Let's get the stash report out of the way. Nothing in, nothing out.

We had the Pomona-quilt-craft-sewing-festival this weekend, I wasn't too excited about attending nor wanted or needed to shop for anything. Besides, I'm committed to using my stash and don't really need anything at the moment (Isn't this so mature of me?!). Maybe I am just too busy and I can't spare the time or energy to shop. A few weeks ago, I began a second job babysitting, which combined with my regular job and driving teenagers to and from school, takes most of my awake hours. Not a complain by any means, the baby is a joy to watch and very entertaining, but, she is only 7 weeks old and requires constant attention. Needless to say, the sewing goes to the back burner. I am glad for my Saturday quilting class though, that is where I spent the last two Saturday's completing my step four in Judy's quilt-along. Here is my top so far:
And a close up of a block.
Here is one of the corners.
Since I am waiting for the next step to be released later this week, I will work on my Double delight's borders , my stash challenge blocks, and my sister's string block bag that should've been her Christmas, then her Birthday and now Mother's Day present. Hurray for a quilty Sunday!.

Report Week 10

2009-03-09T04:03:00.000-07:00

I have nothing to report for this week, did not add any fabric or used any of it. Maybe I am approaching it the wrong way. I had plans to report fabric usage as soon as a project was completed, but here I am at week 10 and still not much is finished. A few on-going projects, but nothing really done 100%. Perhaps I should start counting as soon as the fabric is cut instead. A decision to be made for sure.

In the meantime, I worked on Judy's Quilting along and completed my 12 bear's paw blocks. Here are a couple of pictures where I was considering the sashing fabric. I originally had selected this light brown , but it made the block look dull

Here, too much pink...... I changed fabrics many times, but this was my final selection and layout. my brain just did not want to work on getting the stripes orientation correct, it took lots, lots, lots, and I mean lots of unsewn stitches to get them going the same way. It was just not working, then when I was almost cramping from holding the seam ripper so much, I realized that all I needed was mirror images.

My daughter thinks the blocks look Christmas-ssy,they look more box-y to me but I am happy how they turned out.

I also worked on a few blocks for the Stash Project . This one is going slower but I am getting them done.

Stash Report Week 8 & 9

2009-03-01T20:47:00.000-08:00

Fabric Added this Week: 0 yardsFabric
Added Year to Date: 75 yardsFabric

Used this Week: 0 yardsFabric
Used Year to Date: 10 yards

The last two weeks have been disastrous and unproductive for sewing and stash busting, there has just not been anytime to sew or do anything related until yesterday. I took my quilting-along fabric to Saturday's class and managed to cut and sew the required 192 half square triangles for step two. I'll work on trimming them to size tomorrow.

Even though my quilting has been almost non-existent, I am here commiting to also work on Judy's stash project http://www.patchworktimes.com/2009/02/27/about-that-stash-project/ This morning before the household woke up, I squeezed a couple of hours to work on cutting some scraps for it.

So far, I have 9 sets each of lights and darks. The second fabric on the top left is questianable, it is not quite a light nor a dark. I may have to replace it, but so far I am happy with my selections.

It's been two long weeks and I am ready to get re-acquainted with my quilting. I am looking forward to a productive week.

Self-discovery & Stash Report Week 7

2009-02-15T16:21:00.000-08:00

Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards Fabric
Added Year to Date: 75 yards Fabric

Used this Week: 0 yards Fabric
Used Year to Date: 10 yards

Nothing added, nothing used. I have just begun to feel normal again after almost two weeks of fighting the chest congestion and the subsequential lingering cough. I did finish the Double Delight top, however, I won't count the yardage used on this project until I get borders, backing and binding added to it.

On Self- Discovery:

There is a point on your life when you discover something about yourself that makes you pause and you have to take a few moments to accept the ugly truth. I came to this point a couple of days ago when I realized that I AM NOT A STRIPES LOVER AND DON'T OWN ANY SUBSTANTIAL STRIPE YARDAGE!

It all began when I started searching for the fabric that would allow me to participate in Judy's Quilt along. I need two yards of a focus stripe fabric, OK it should be easy enough, after all, I have hundreds of yards of fabric all around the house. I started with the under-the-bed containers, a wonderful visit getting re-acquainted with the fabrics living there, however, not a stripe in sight. Not to worry, the boxes in the master bedroom closet would yield the needed piece.

Well..... better starting looking in the boxes on the laundry room shelves, what? none here either? I must of segregated them in a special place last time I "organized" the stash. All right then, let's see: Dinning room buffet cabinet, hall closet, daughter's bedroom closet, son's bedroom closet, car trunk, the ottoman in front of my sofa, OMG! I don't have any stripes! Is it possible?, I don't particularly make it a point not to buy them, I actually like them and have used them in some projects, but really? I don't have any? What in the world?????? There were a few scraps from older projects, a few fat quarters, even 4 or 5 diagonal stripe pieces, but no substantial strippy yardage? Come on, not even one stripe on those last 70+ yards purchased at the beginning of the year? That's when I sat on the couch, stared at the wall for a loooong time and began to accept this shameful truth.

After a few minutes of self consoling and reassuring, I remembered! Someone had (a couple of years ago) gifted me with a stripe fabric, which fabric storage place was holding it hostage? Ahhh! Here it was, under the spare desk in my daughter's closet, stored in a box of non-quilting fabric, wrapped inside a plastic shopping bag and keeping company with coordinating fabrics. Yeah! I don't have to buy any fabric!

Unfortunately, I still have to deal with my lack of love for stripes, is it possible for a stash to trive without them? What's keeping me from adding them to my collection? Is it fear?.. I don't know, I supposed I have more self-truths to discover.

In the meantime, I am ready to start the quilt along, let the fun begin.

PS. Someone asked about the burp cloths I made last week, the pattern is from Simplicity #2924. I am pretty much a blog newbie and I don't know how to deal with or respond to comments.

Stash Report Week 6

2009-02-08T08:20:00.000-08:00

Fabric Added this Week: 0 yardsFabric

Added Year to Date: 75 yardsFabric

Used this Week: 4 yardsFabric

Used Year to Date: 10 yards

A small progress considering I am still working on getting better. There was a need for some more burp clothes and receiving blankets. I like this kind of projects, they take a few yards quickly and are fun to make.

The most enjoyable part of making these was using my machine's decorative stitches:

Flannel lint, however, is a pain to keep out of the machine. The poor girl will be getting a nice cleaning today.

Stash Report Week 5

2009-01-25T09:55:00.000-08:00

Fabric Added this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Added Year to Date: 75 yards

Fabric Used this Week: 0 yards
Fabric Used Year to Date: 6 yards

I only managed to finish the binding and label on baby's Sun Bonnet Sue.
Maybe next week will be better. I am aiming to finish a few more baby items as soon as this chest congestion rans its course and I am well again.

Stash Report Week 1 to 4

2009-01-25T09:51:00.000-08:00

Fabric Added this Week(s): 75 yards

Fabric Added Year to Date: 75 yards

Fabric Used this Week: 6 yards

Fabric Used Year to Date: 6 yards

I am starting this report on the negative side, I couldn't resist the recent year end clearance sales and ended up buying almost 75 yards!. In my defense, the purchases were done in two visits to the store, the first trip yielded a timid and humble purchase of 15 yards or so, I had to have these flannels for baby receiving blankets, burp clothes, diaper bag and other baby items.

The rest of the fabrics (mostly blues and neutrals) convinced me they were needed to supplement my stash. I bought about 27 different prints and a total of 58 yards of fabric! I was hyperventilating at the cutting table, but only because the people behind me were giving me evil looks for holding up the line. Otherwise, I was very happy with my selections and best of all, with the final tab, no more than a $100 for the whole lot.

Also, I did not make it to the Road to California quilting show, although I did not try too hard on that one since I had already gotten my new fabric fix with the sale purchases. Now that I think about it, not such a negative start after all.

Confessions and Stashbusting in 2009

2008-11-30T13:00:00.000-08:00

Ok, I confess: I AM A LURKER!

I have been a major online lurker for the last year or so, but it's been so much fun that I can't contain myself anymore and decided it's time to come out of lurkdoom and get involved in the online quilting world. The online quilting community is amazing!, so much talent, generosity and inspiration, one can not help but be excited and want to be part of it. Now I will be part of this community instead of just staying on the sidelines and miss the fun. This is my coming out party!.

My inspiration and most influential sites are Judy's http://www.patchworktimes.com/ and Bonnie's http://www.quiltville.blogspot.com/. I am currently working on Bonnie's New Year Mystery: Double Delight, here is a look at my progress

I also plan to participate on Judy's 2009 Stashbusting Pledge http://www.patchworktimes.com/stashbusting-in-2009/. However, I am behind two weeks, but will be starting my stash reports on week 3. These purchases made last Saturday will be included in my tally.

So far, I believe my coming out of lurkedoom is going great!.

My first Quilting marathon

2008-11-30T11:25:00.000-08:00

This is the aftermath of my solo quilting marathon! I have not left the house since last Thursday (closed the door after the last thanksgiving guest left and it has not been open since).

I've spent these three days sewing scrap strips on muslin foundation to make string blocks. Most of the scraps came from a very generous classmate, Nancy, from my Saturday morning quilting class in Baldwin Park, CA. Nancy was cleaning up her stash, she brought yardage and a huge plastic bin of strips and odd pieces to share with the class. All the ladies at the class made a dive for the yardage while I stood back and waited for the frenzy to end. Little did they know, I was waiting for the best treasure of them all, SCRAPS!. I love scraps, specially if they come from other's people stashes, mostly because they are already cut and I don't have to agonize over cutting up pretty fabric, they are (most of the time) prints that I would not personally buy (adding variety) and using scraps makes me feel like I am giving a second chance to fabric that would otherwise end up in landfills. I do have more reason why I love scraps, but I can't wait to show the results of my labor this weekend:

My muslin foundation was cut in the most efficient way I could think of. I tore 11" strips from the bolt and in turn, tore each strip into quarters. This gave me a rough 10 1/2 by 11" almost squares, which after sewing were trimmed to 10 1/2". My original intent for the 30 + blocks was to make a top, however, instead I will probably make some tote bags for Christmas gifts . If I use 8 blocks per tote, there may be at least one bag for each of my sisters (I have 6 sisters and 6 brothers by the way). I don't know, the tote bags project means I still have to make a few more blocks, will there be another marathon next weekend?? We'll see.

The pictures below are of the special beings that kept me company this weekend. My husband was content to leave me to my sewing while he spent the days alternating between surfing the internet on his laptop, playing Playstation2, watching movies and playing his guitar.

Swiffer looks bored!

This was a great first quilting marathon.

Finished

2008-11-25T17:43:00.000-08:00

I finished something, just not what I had planned on finishing..... This little bag was done with left over pieces from my mystery quilt. The pattern called for flying geese made with the square in the corner method, these are the resulting half square triangles after trimming the corners, which were in turn trimmed to 1 1/2" unfinished. I had quite a few of them and decided to make little stars, but as usual I was side tracked and they became UFO's (I will post some pictures later). These little guys on my bag escaped the star's fate and are happy full-filling their new purpose.

The Sun Bonnet Sue IS quilted, I just need to finish one side of the binding and a label needs to be added. It will be done!...................

It's a girl!

2008-11-04T15:02:00.000-08:00

I was very determined to finish the scrappy stars top asap, but the stars had a different plan! I ran out of the red fabric! It now has to wait until I decide where to go from here. Fortunately, While on the search for the needed fabric, I came across four left over Sun Bonnet Sue blocks from a previous project. Upon closer inspection, the reason why they were orphan blocks it's because the block borders were the same fabric and no matter how I arranged them, they were touching each other, what to do now? The yellow fabric to the rescue! Once the light bulb went on, I quickly put my blocks together and this is the result!

I was so excited about completing a project; I put in a border, found a backing piece and pin basted it for machine quilting, even have the binding strips ready to go! The plan is to quilt diagonal lines using the mock hand-quilting stitch on my machine. Soon, very soon... I am determined!

Scrappy stars

2008-11-02T08:41:00.000-08:00

I am working on this top and hope to finish it by next weekend. What to do on the borders? We'll see.....

LIttle sisters

2008-10-29T12:02:00.000-07:00

This quilt was recently finished when my baby sister Noemi told me I have "never" made her a quilt. I had her look in my UFO's and she found the top from a mystery class I took about 6 years ago. The deal was, she would help me sandwich it and it would be hers. Not being a quilter herself I thought she would decline , but she took me up on the offer and this is the result! I am happy my top was finally finished and it found a loving home.