STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  24.125 yards

Fabric used year to date  208.75 yards

Fabric added this week  3.375 yards

Fabric added year to date  54.875 yards

Net used 2014  153.875 yards

I love it when I complete a project and can add all the yardage at once!  The rubber ducky yardage was from the pattern, including backing.  I used 2 panels and a border print from the line of fabric, (added to the stash last winter), and filled in the rest with fabric from my stash.  It will make a great 6 month birthday gift for our soon-to-be grandson.

I went to a local fabric shop with a friend on Friday, and she picked up much more fabric than I did.  If it wasn't for DH, I would only have bought 1.75 yards, but he spotted the Northcott dinosaur panel, so it was added along with another fabric from the line.  After cutting the yardage I wanted, I was offered the rest of the piece at an extra discount, so I ended up with more than I planned.

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

FINALLY ....... A FINISH!

 

I finished "Ten Rubber Duckies" on Thursday.  I followed the pattern from the manufacturer of the fabric panels, using 2 of them, along with the border print.

I added the red, gold, green, blue ocean waves, yellow sun, light blue anchor print, and the dark blue fabric from my stash.

 

I had to use three different flannel prints for the backing, as the two outside pieces were added to the stash quite a few years ago, and weren't long enough. 

Most of the quilting was "stitch in the ditch", and the final border and the "anchor" border were stippled with monofilament (invisible) thread.  I also outlined all the main characters in each of the blocks.

I stitched some ocean waves in the dark blue border that goes around the whole quilt.  I used a variegated polyester thread with several different shades of blue.

The green border was stitched with a green "twist" thread.

 

  I had to add my favourite feather hooks in the smaller dark blue frame around the first of the blocks that tells the tale of the ducks who go overboard.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Hope all my American friends are enjoying a special day with friends and families.  Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving in October, and we had a great visit with our family then.

Today we're getting together with some friends, to enjoy a meal together.  I'll be doing some quilting and laundry today as well.  I just have one more area on my rubber ducky quilt to complete!  I've been having fun quilting waves in various areas.

I have to get my sewing area tidy so I'm ready for Bonnie Hunter's mystery quilt beginning tomorrow!
 

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

Started quilting the rubber ducky quilt, destined to be a 6 month birthday gift for our grandson, who is due late in January.

I had purchased the 2 panels and some of the border fabric last winter "just in case".

 Of course, you can't just have one project on the go.  I cut out some small dresden fan pieces, using leftover 30's fabric from one of last year's projects.  I had a vest panel that was 30's style, but didn't use the appliques that were also included.  I've been sitting turning the edges with a glue stick while I watch TV in the evenings.  I'm not sure if this will be a wall hanging or a table runner.

 I also printed out the paper piecing pattern for a small star block.  It uses gradated fabrics, and I had some of those leftover as well.  I'll be making it in shades of green and gold.  There will be 5 blocks when it is completed, so I need 5 identical units.  I made a chart for each set, so I don't mess up the colour placement.  I also measured and will pre-cut all the sections.  That certainly speeds up the work.

I am planning to join in with Bonnie Hunter's mystery quilt that begins on November 28th.  I've made one or two before, but always waited until I returned to my main stash before starting.  This time, the colours were announced early enough to pull fabric from my stash and bring it along.

Head over to Judy's blog, Patchwork Times, to see what others are creating this week.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  0 yards

Fabric used year to date  184.625 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date 51.5 yards

Net used 2014   133.125 yards

Nothing used and nothing added this week.  I spent the week working on the mystery quilt project that I'll be doing with my group here.  I wanted to test all the different parts, and I saved sample parts from each set of directions.  Because of that, I have most of the blocks completed, but a few need some parts, and I have all the borders and binding cut, pressed and ready to sew onto the finished centre.  I have to keep this a secret until January!

Then I spent time piecing the backing for the rubber ducky quilt.  I used 2 of the fabrics I brought from home, and another piece that I had picked up earlier to back two small quilts.  DH and I are heading to the clubhouse later today to baste the quilt, so I can get the quilting done soon.

 

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

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

I can't show you my design wall this week.  I've planned a mystery quilt for my group at our southern home, and I've been testing the instructions, and setting aside demo parts for each week.  I don't want to show any parts, in case some of the members are looking.

I even had a call from one who has not arrived in the neighbourhood yet, asking if she could be the official pattern tester.  She was unsure of her fabric choices, but I told her that she'll have to wait just like the rest!

 I've been stitching away at the braid strip, using it as leader and ender units.  I've decided to stitch it all into one long braid, as I don't know how long it we end up.  I've looked at several braid quilts online, and have some ideas for a future quilt.  Once I get this set of parts made, I have another set, with the lights and darks working in the opposite direction, the result of the pieces being cut from a folder strip of fabric.
Last week at our Wednesday quilt group, I sat and sorted the smaller sized units.  It is amazing how much fabric was stored in a packed shoe box.
My next project is to piece the backing for the rubber ducky quilt.  I washed all the new flannel yesterday, so now I just have to figure out a plan for the back, so off to Electric Quilt software.

Check out the design walls shared at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  0 yards

Fabric used year to date  184.625 yards

Fabric added this week  4.5 yards

Fabric added year to date  51.5 yards

Net used 2014  133.125 yards

 

Still nothing completed.  I was going to piece the backing for the rubber ducky quilt, and discovered that I was short and needed another piece of flannel.  This morning I serged all the raw edges of the flannel that I picked up last week, and one has rubber duckys, so it will be used for this quilt, and I'll have to find another backing for its planned quilt top.  I just put the flannels in the washer, and then I'll wash the 4.5 yards of pink cottons that were added this week.  My stash of pinks was getting VERY low, so these will be added for future projects.

 

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

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

Finally.....I'm back to quilting!  Last winter I found some fabric panels based on Eric Carle's book, "10 Little Rubber Ducks".  I ordered the book as well, just in case we have a new family member soon.  Good news - the baby is due in January!!!!!

I downloaded the free pattern, then decided to use some of my stash to complete the quilt.  I had this wonderful "sea" fabric leftover from some scenic wall hangings I tried a few years ago.

I machine appliqued the sun, using a satin stitch for the rays and a spiky grass-like stitch for the circle.  I used some Sulky rayon variegated thread for interest.
I still have 2 more borders to attach, then I have to piece the backing.  I had 3 different "rubber ducky" flannels in my stash, just waiting for the right project!

This is my "leader and ender" project this winter.  A couple of years ago, one of the quilters in my group picked up a shoe box full of pre-cut pieces in 2 different sizes, and she gave it to me, as she didn't think she would ever use them, but for 50 cents, she couldn't resist the bargain.

I sorted them into piles of darks and lights, and rights and lefts.  When I get finished sewing this stack, there is another waiting.  After taking a piece from the top, I place the remaining matching pieces on the bottom.  I plan to just sew one long braid, then see where it takes me!  When I get this size finished, I'll tackle the smaller pieces.....

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

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Used this week  0 yards

Used year to date  184.625 yards

Added this week  11 yards

Added year to date  47 yards

Net used 2014  137.625 yards

I'm finally set up and sewing after relocating for the winter.  I haven't completed anything yet, but my first quilt top is getting close.  When packing, I selected some baby quilt panels and some kids projects that I want to complete this winter, so I added 11 yards of various bright flannels to use as backing - so cuddly.  Now I have to dig out my serger to finish the raw edges, so I can wash it, ready for use.

BTW, my guild's website has lots of free patterns on its Block of the Month page.  Our coordinator is trying to find small projects for our quilt show boutique, and has themed items each month.  September had a picnic placemat, October had some bag patterns, and November had kitchen items to try.  Check it out here.

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

BACK TO QUILTING

After arriving at our southern home, I took my machine into the dealer for its annual check-up and spa treatment.  That gave me time to get my bins of quilt items unpacked and my room set up.  I had to hurry as my machine was ready the next day!

Here's my machine set up in the table that DH modified.

The blue bins hold 2 inch squares to be used as "leaders and enders".  There are 5 cases of thread ready to stitch, and the white plastic drawers hold items that live here permanently, while the black drawers hold items that travel back and forth.  More bins of scrap strips wait for the next project.

The other side of the room has my cutting table, with more storage underneath.  I like to be prepared for whatever inspiration strikes.

Two comfy wicker chairs for visitors, or just to sit and stitch or read...

Just inside the door is a small bookcase with assorted fabric, and bags with fabric sorted for various planned projects.  I keep the fabric covered with an old linen tablecloth that I embroidered when I was a teen.  I have to keep the strong southern sun from fading my fabric.
I have matchstick blinds to help with sun control, but I love having so many windows, and I enjoy working in the natural light and fresh air!


My first winter project is well under way!

ON THE NEEDLES

Actually, I just cast the stitches off the needles!  This is my favourite baby sweater pattern, from an old Beehive knitting book.

I haven't stitched the sleeve seams yet, and I need to crochet across the bottom up the front, around the neck and down to the start - I left the yarn attached.  It takes 3 small buttons, so I picked up 3 cute blue elephants to finish it.  I've made this pattern many times, in a variety of colours, but this one is special as it is for our first grandchild, due in January!

WE'VE ARRIVED!

We made the trip south in 2 1/2 days this time.  Didn't do any sightseeing along the way.  Day one was rainy until after 4pm, but no traffic slow-downs, accidents or anything else to slow us down.  Our only extra stop was for DH to pick up 2 amplifiers for his collection.  Day two we drove through some early morning fog through the Blue Ridge, but the leaf colours were beautiful.

Our house was welcoming and so were the neighbours when we arrived!  We have new neighbours across the street - great to see the house being loved after sitting empty for a while.  Now I have the task of unpacking.  The large totes are packed with a variety of items, so it is like going on a treasure hunt!
 
DH is doing some outside cleaning this morning.  My sewing room has to be cleaned, and the items stored there placed where they belong.  My sewing machine has an appointment for annual service on Monday, so that gives me time to get organized before the projects begin.