STASH REPORT SUNDAY

I finally managed to finish the quilting on "Pushin' Up Spring", even though I have been bothered by some kind of "bug".  I've been fighting a fever and stomach issues all week, and didn't even go to my sewing room for the past two days.  I'm hoping I'm on the upward swing now.

Fabric used this week  21.75 yards

Used year to date  172.375 yards

Added this week 0 yards

Added year to date  52.375 yards

 Net used 2011  90 yards

 Each block has curved background stitching, but curving in various directions.

The stars, formed by the block corners received a simple curved quilting design.

The star border has a hearts and feathers design, and the rest has some SITD with monofilament thread.  The large outer print border has a large stipple quilting to finish it off.

This is the overall quilt, just laid on my living room floor.  I'll try to get a better picture in the next day or two.
Check out everyone' stash reports at Judy's blog.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Another week of no apparent progress!

Used this week 0 yards

Used year to date 120.63 yards

Added this week 0 yards

Added year to date 52.375 yards

Net used 2011 68.25 yards

Check out Judy's blog to see how everyone else is progressing.

I did manage to get my "Pushin Up Spring" quilt basted, but then I decided to do the alterations on my future DIL's two formal dresses before I rearranged the sewing room.  Both are black and beaded, but the one that I thought would be most difficult proved to be the easiest to take in.  It had a handkerchief hem, but the original was serged with a rolled hem, so when I shortened it, I did the same.

The second dress had a beaded over-top that was stitched into the side seams in various places.  Took a while to figure out how to take it in!  Good thing I splurged on an Ott light with a built-in magnifier, as I needed it to carefully remove the stitching on these black dresses.  I still have to hem the second dress, then I'll be on to quilting!

DH is doing fine 2 days after cataract surgery.  His biggest problem now is that his glasses are impossible.  He still needs them for his left eye, but can see quite well without them using his right eye.  Now he has to wait 4-6 weeks before he can get replacements.  He is following his instructions from the doctor, with just a couple of gentle reminders from me.

HOME ALREADY

DH was home in time for lunch!  We have to return this afternoon to see the doctor.  This is usually done the next day, but since it is Saturday.......
 

WE'RE OFF

We're headed to day surgery for DH's cataract operation this morning.  Have to check in by 9:15, and surgery scheduled for 10:45.  Usually you have to return the next day for a check, but we have to hang around so the doctor can do it later today.
I've packed some knitting and two books, along with my lunch and water bottle.  Hope they  have the area air conditioned, because I don't do well in the heat, and we have heat!

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

My design wall is empty!  I have one quilt waiting for pin-basting.....

 and another his still having borders sewn onto it.   Don't know where the time goes......

 Just think of how many "used" yards I'll be able to add to my stash report when these two are quilted.
Check out what others are working on at Judy's blog.

We spent yesterday afternoon with our Godson's middle sister.  She is attending Sea Cadet camp for 6 weeks at Royal Military College.  We were able to sign her out for the afternoon, and had a wonderful visit.  I also fed her well - the meals at RMC are wonderful, but they had just returned Saturday from a 5 day field exercise, eating MRE's.  They are good, but lack fresh fruit and vegetables.  She enjoyed picking and eating the grape tomatoes from my tiny garden, and I just happened to be baking bread, so we all had a slice warm from the oven.

Finally heard from DS2.  They had a couple of slower unpacking days, but their new bookshelves from Ikea arrived on Saturday, so that meant that they were able to unpack some of the multitude of boxes full of books!  They are trying to get into a routine, and are having fun blending their eating habits and schedules.

DH is scheduled for his cataract surgery on Friday, and we just had a call with the appointment this afternoon to have the eye scan that measures for the replacement lens.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Used this week  0 yards

Used year to date  120.63 yards

Added this week  15 yards

Added year to date  52.375 yards

Net used 2011  68.25 yards

My three 5 yards of clearance fabric lowered my number this week, 

but I hope to have a quilt completed soon.  My version of "Pushin Up Spring" is just waiting to be pin basted, and I am adding the borders to my Oriental "Baltimore Bliss" quilt, made from blocks I completed over the winter.

DH is scheduled for cataract surgery on Friday, so I plan to make the most of the early part of the week - then I have to make sure he follows after-care orders!

Check out everyone's progress at Judy's blog.

FORGOTTEN BLOCKS!

Since I couldn't move forward on my "Pushin Up Spring" quilt until the backing fabric was washed, I decided to plan the layout for another applique project that I had worked on over the past winter.  The pattern is called "Baltimore Bliss" and is found here.

Block 11

 

 

Block 12

These were hand appliqued using a wash-away stabilizer, and I recently spent some time adding a bit of machine stitched embroidery to each block.  Here is the border fabric that inspired the colours in the quilt blocks.

 I enjoy designing in EQ7.  I imported pictures of each of the finished blocks, and then added a picture of the border, so I could see the actual border in place!  Too much fun!
Since I was able to wash and dry the backing, along with the 15 yards of fabric that I recently purchase, I'll be spending the rest of the morning at the ironing board.

BORDERS COMPLETED

I managed to get the borders completed and pressed, then pieced the backing fabric.  Now I am waiting to wash the backing, along with the three 5 yard pieces of fabric that arrived from Connecting Threads.

 This shows the two fabrics chosen for borders 2, 3 & 4.  The blue print was left over from the backing fabric used on a quilt for DS1 & SDIL.

Here it is attached to the quilt.  Wish I had a better place for photography!  DH thinks that the borders "tone down" the scrappy floral applique blocks.
Since our electricity is billed by "time of use", I have to wait until after 7pm to wash and dry the fabric.  For those of you unfamiliar with "time of use", our electricity is billed at three different rates, depending on the time of day, and the rates differ seasonally as well.  The lowest rates are between 7pm and 7am, along with all day Saturday, Sunday and statutory holidays.  This means that I usually plan all my laundry and baking for the weekend, and has changed my menu planning as well.  The medium rate starts at 5 pm during the summer season, so I don't plan any long-cooking or oven meals during the week.
The plan for the "time of use" billing was to reduce the amount of electricity everyone uses, especially during peak periods, but as far as I can see, all it has done is increase everyone's bills!

BACK TO QUILTING

My future DIL gave me a wonderful birthday gift that I have used several times already!

 This is an LED flashlight, pen sized, that has a magnetic ring around the light, and extendable handle - GREAT for picking up pins!!!!

 Here it is extended, doing a fine job!
I managed to get the second border cut and sewn onto my "Pushin Up Spring" quilt top yesterday, and hope to get the remaining two borders added today.  I haven't decided what to use for the binding yet - I'm sure I'll find something in my stash.
DH decided to vacuum and shampoo the carpets in our office today.  This is a job I usually do, so I'm feeling just a little guilty....but just a little!

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

 

 I took a quick snap of the quilt centre with the first border added just before heading out of town!  I decided to continue the stars formed at the intersections of the blocks into the border to continue the design.  I have chosen two more fabrics to add more borders, but have to do some measuring to make sure I have enough before cutting!  Still trying to use my stash.  I hope to get this one finished when I return home so I can add all the fabric to my stash report! 

See what everyone is working on by linking to Judy's blog.

More unpacking on Sunday.  DH helped DS2 assemble a microwave stand that has a lovely glass-door upper cabinet with beadboard lower cabinet.  They have a fairly large kitchen for an apartment, but the building is 40 years old, so is not built for modern kitchen equipment.  I helped unpack the boxed pantry items and found a few necessary items so we could continue.  Thanks to DS2, who made a database of all his belongings as they were packed, listed with box name, so finding particular items is easy!

After lunch we went shopping - first to find an extra towel bar for the bathroom, and a chrome shelving unit for their storage area. Then we headed to the grocery store and stocked them up with 2 shopping carts of basics!  Back to the apartment and while the "girls" unpacked the groceries, the "boys" began to install the vertical blinds for the patio door.  We had to quit before they were completely finished as we were meeting a family friend for dinner.  We've know her since she was 2, and she recently graduated from the University of Guelph.  She plans to begin work on her Masters' degree in September.  She has turned into a wonderful young lady!

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

"Second verse, same as the first!"  Nothing new to report since last week.  My parcel from Connecting Threads arrived at the post office, but I couldn't pick it up until after 1pm on Friday, and by then I was well on the way to Kitchener, following a Uhaul truck!

Used this week 0 yards

Used year to date 120.63 yards

Added this week 0 yards

Added year to date 37.375 yards

Net used 2011  83.25 yards

Check out Judy's blog to check on others' progress.

DS2's move went smoothly.  His fiancee's father and sister were there to help too, so we took a shorter time than planned to get all the boxes and furniture off the truck, and by the time we left, the bed was made, curtains were up in the bedroom and the shower curtain was hung!  She was looking a little overwhelmed by the number of boxes that have to be unpacked, as she's had very little experience with moving.  DS2, as part of a military family, has moved many times, so for him it was just another move.
The first thing he did after signing the lease and inspecting the apartment was present her with her ring!

MOVING DAY APPROACHES & FINAL BLOCK FINISHED!

The truck is being picked up at 6pm tonight for DS2's move to Kitchener.  He is hoping a few of his gaming friends arrive later to help with box/furniture loading.  We've been running around the house finding little things to add to the "last minute box" too.

His fiancee and her Dad have been to the apartment a couple of times.  It has been repainted, carpets cleaned, and appliances cleaned and serviced.  She took about half of her boxes over already, and last night checked to see if the phone was working.
This morning, her Mother announced that they were going shopping to stock the refrigerator, but she thinks she just wants to see the apartment before they move in......  She is having serious empty nest feelings, as her other daughter has been apartment hunting as well, and plans to move to Toronto soon!
We'll be heading out,  hopefully by noon on Friday, then the big "move in" begins Saturday at 9:30-1:30 (they had to book one of the elevators, so it could be put on service, just for them).
I'm so excited for them, but sad to see DS2 leaving again.  It has been wonderful to get to know him as an adult.  He's worked very hard to move forward with his life, and begin a new career, helping others.
I finished the final applique block for "Pushin' Up Spring" last night, so I hope to get the top pieced today.

Pushin' Up Spring Block 12

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

This is the bottom half of the quilt - my design wall is short because of the height of the basement ceiling!  I started work on the final block last night!

 Block 9 has violet flowers.  The darkest looks less black than in the picture, and the medium petal has metallic gold accents.

 Block 10 almost looks Christmassy--I added an additional green to this block.

 Block 11 has paisley and polka dot petals!  This has been too much fun, choosing all the fabrics for the flowers.  
Since I have decided to make this without sashing, I think I have to plan something special for the borders!  Better get to work!
Check out everyone's creations at Judy's blog.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Used this week 0 yards

Used year to date 120.63 yards

Added this week  0 yards

Added year to date 37.375 yards

Net used 2011 83.25 yards

My numbers are still looking pretty good.  I did order some clearance fabric this week, but I won't count it until it arrives.  I did some work on two applique quilts, but since I don't report the yardage until they are complete, I have nothing to report.  

I quilted number 4 of the 5 baby quilts for my community quilts group, and have begun on number 5, but another one was added to my list on Thursday.

We went to a BBQ/housewarming/thank you party yesterday.  Our friends' neice bought her first house this spring, and DH along with her uncle, her Dad and a friend of ours repaired and re-shingled the huge roof.  She has MS, and travelled to San Diego to undergo the "liberation" treatment.  Her health has improved remarkably since the treatment, and we are hopeful that this will continue.  She was unable to take most of the drugs prescribed to MS patients, so her symptoms were advancing quite rapidly before her treatment.  So far it has been worth all the fundraising to pay for her treatment!

Check out how others are making out in their quest to shop their stash, by visiting Judy's blog.

HAPPY CANADA DAY!

Hope everyone is having a great day.  We're staying home today - more packing and then a BBQ dinner.  DS2 finished his hours for his internship on Thursday, so now is finally free to head to Kitchener.  The final packing is always hard - all the little forgotten items that go in a "miscellaneous" box.
I managed to pin baste two more baby quilts yesterday, and hope to get the third one ready to sew today.  I only had 2 left from the 5 that I was asked to quilt, and then I had a phone call asking if someone could drop off another panel in need of quilting.  It saved me a trip, as I had 3 others completed to hand in.  Once I get these finished, I hope to get back to work on my own projects!