STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  0.125 yards

Fabric used year to date  62 yards

Fabric added this week  14.5 yards

Fabric added year to date  28.5 yards

Net used 2014  33.5 yards

I had a busy shopping week, picking up backing fabric for 3 quilt projects!  My hexagon quilt is pin basted and ready for quilting, and the backs are prepared for my scrappy boxy stars, and my Mary Englebreit quilt.  Hopefully, I'll be able to get a bit of quilting done, but this is our packing week!  My little finish is a small sewing machine needle case.

I'm always shocked at how much "stuff" we travel with, both north and south.  I'm always happiest surrounded by all my favourite things, from sewing machines to kitchen gadgets.  Some are duplicates, but others travel in large totes in the van, along with golf clubs, thread storage containers, scrap containers, sewing machine, guitars and amplifiers - the list is endless.  Fortunately, DH is very organized, and prints lists so we don't forget anything.

Today is bright and sunny, and just perfect for DH's group's final performance for the season.  They are doing a free concert on the pool deck this afternoon, to share their music with all our friends and neighbours.

Head over to Judy's blog, Patchwork Times, to see everyones' stash progress this week!

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

As usual, I bring more projects south each fall, than I can finish, but I pulled one out yesterday, determined to take at least a finished top home.

Somewhere in my web browsing, I had seen instructions for this block: 

It began by layering 2 x 4 inch squares and stitching all four sides.
Then a line was drawn from corner to corner to form an X, and one layer was cut on the drawn line.  The triangles were pressed away from the centre square.
Next a 5 inch square was layered with the first step, sewn all around and cut on the drawn X again.
Since I had two different fabrics, I made 2 different blocks.  The only drawback to this block is all the BIAS edges, so care had to be taken when pressing.  The points are supposed to disappear too!

 I think the borders work well with the Mary Engelbreit panel that was in my stash.  I had collected several fabrics with cherries, bowls and chairs, and finally managed to use them in a quilt top.  I have more borders to add to this project to call it a completed top, but I should be able to get it finished before serious packing begins.


Check out all the creativity shared at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Used this week  0 yards

Used year to date  61.875 yards

Added this week  0 yards

Added year to date  14 yards

Net used 2014  47.875 yards

I have been sewing this week, but didn't manage to finish anything..

I have my final appliqued borders attached to my hexagon quilt - just waiting for backing....

I added the final mitered border on my latest scrap quilt - also waiting for backing.

It looks like my numbers are going to get worse in the future before they get better!  I just found out that my favourite local quilt shop is having their next 30% off everything sale on the day we depart, and DH likes to be on the road 2 hours before they open!!!!

Hopefully I'll find backing fabric that I like in the next day or so.  I'd love to pin-baste my quilts before leaving, as I don't have easy access to large tables once I get back north, where there is still snow on the ground!

Check out everyone's stash progress at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

HEXAGON PROGRESS

I've been slowly adding the hexagon units to the final border for my quilt.  I am doing applique by machine, using monofilament thread in the needle, and a very narrow zig-zag stitch.  So far I have 3 borders completed, and the 4th is past the half-way point.  I can't wait to add them to the quilt!
Next, I have to find a suitable backing fabric for this project.  I attended the Sewing and Quilting Expo in Lakeland yesterday, but none of the fabric was just right!  I guess I'll have to check out a couple of quilt shops soon!

SPINNING MY WHEELS!

That's what I feel like lately!  We had adult guests for over 2 weeks, and I managed to do a tiny bit of sewing, and attend my Wednesday quilt group.  Then we had friends visiting with 2 small girls.  We went to all 4 Disney parks over a 10 day period, with alternate days of shopping, swimming, mini golf, golf cart rides etc.  Needless to say, my cover remained on my machine for the duration of the visit, and I missed both Wednesdays, but everyone managed just fine at quilting.
It has taken me a few days to get caught up - laundry, cleaning, sleep, etc.  I managed to get to quilting on Wednesday, then out on an adventure with some friends today.  DH has been looking at our "closing the house for the summer" list, and has begun taking care of some of the items. We'll be hitting the road, van packed in just over 2 week!  

Where did the winter go?  (I know - we didn't have to suffer the endless snow and ice, but I'm sure there will be some left when we return!)

I have 3 of the 4 borders for my hexagon quilt ready to attach, and I was hoping to find some backing fabric today, but nothing climbed into my shopping bag today.  I also found out that my favourite quilt shop's 30% off sale takes place the day we depart......
I guess that means that a stop at Mary Jo's in Gastonia NC is in my future!

I still have a few days to sew before serious packing begins, so there is hope yet!

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  0 yards

Fabric used year to date  61.875 yards

Fabric added this week 5 yards

Fabric added year to date  14 yards

Net fabric used 2014  47.875 yards

Sometime, during the past several weeks, 5 one-yard panels arrived.  I can't believe I didn't even turn my machine on for over 2 weeks, but having company, especially little visitors, took up all our time.  We had fun taking them to Disney World, and seeing their faces light up when talking to their favourite characters.  DH took them to the pool every day he could, and played mini-golf, took them for rides in the golf cart, etc.  I kept everyone fed, and tried to keep them organized.  I also edited the photos taken each day, and played games with the girls.

This is our second day of laundry and cleaning, and hopefully, I'll get my sewing mojo back by Monday!

Check out the stash reports at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

This was my finish for this week.
The pattern is the Versatile Wave pattern by Susan Rooney patterns.

This purse has two parts.  The inside pouch has a zipper opening and two interior pockets.  It has two buttons to connect the outer reversible cover.  The inside part can be carried as a clutch.
I added piping to the outer bag, and it has swivel clasps to connect the handles.  Glasses, cell phone, etc., can be placed inside the outer bag for quick access.  
The directions were well written, and I enjoyed making this purse.  I plan to make a better zipper pull when I return north - I have a huge box of beads and charms to use!

I won't be posting about my design wall for a week or two, as our little visitors arrive today, and DH and I will be BUSY!!!!!

Check out all the creativity at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Used this week 1.75 yards

Used year to date  61.875 yards

Added this week  0 yards

Added year to date 9 yards

Net used 2014  52.875 yards

 

My only finish this week was a small purse, which accounts for my fabric usage.

 

My days were taken up with house cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, etc., following our first guests' departure, and preparing for the next set.

 

DH's group, 3 for a Quarter, had a successful performance yesterday afternoon, entertaining on the pool patio for neighbours and friends.  I was even persuaded to play 3 numbers on my flute, accompanied by DH on guitar and his partner on bass.  The weather was lovely, clear blue skies, light breezes, and warm temperatures.  The pool was busy, but people were singing along as the swam or sunbathed too!

 

I don't think I'll be getting much sewing done over the next 2 weeks, as we have 2 little ones visiting, but I do hope to attend the quilt show in Mt. Dora FL on the 8th.  DH has found a great park with a wonderful playground to entertain our small guests nearby....

 

Check out all the stash progress at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.