STASH REPORT, A SMALL FINISH AND GROUP FUN

Used this week  3.75 yards

Used year to date  98.25 yards

Added this week  14.25 yards

Added year to date  82.75 yards

Net used 2019  15.5 yards

I gave in to a fabric sale at Quilts on Plum Lane in Dade City, and then placed an order at Connecting Threads that included 2 sets of fat quarters for 50% - I couldn't resist.  I chose ones that had colours that I was collecting for some planned winter projects.

My first finish is a small baby quilt.  The blocks were leftover from printed fabric that I used many years ago.  I set some of the small blocks on point, and added triangles, and the others have a small border.  I made piped binding to add a small green accent.

 

I have also been working on my 52 blocks in 52 weeks, but I'm already behind on the last two made available.  These are blocks 26 to 43.  The end is in sight, and then I'll have to play with a layout using 52 blocks!

My quilt group is back in full swing.  We had a dozen quilters on the first week, and a few more yesterday.  Everyone is working on their own projects, and we had fun checking out all the lovely fabrics, helping each other with layouts, suggestions for borders, and understanding written instructions.

DH and his group, Three for a Quarter, are off to entertain at a local nursing home this afternoon.  They volunteer their time, bring lively music, singing and a few silly jokes to brighten the day of the residents.

Yesterday, a member of our southern community came by to drop off some lovely quilting fabrics to share.  She is not doing as much sewing as she had in the past, and thought we could use the fabric to make pillowcases for the charity "Cases for Smiles" or other charity projects.  I plan to spend a few minutes sorting through the 5 bags of fabric, and organizing the smaller scrap pieces by colour.  I'll take them to the group next week to share with everyone.

UP TO DATE - ALMOST

I've been catching up on my "52 Blocks in 52 Weeks" project.  I cut out parts for 4 or 5 blocks, and then sew them together.    I finished up to block 43 last night, but then downloaded block 44 this morning.

I have been spending time with my Electric Quilt software, deciding how I am going to use the blocks in a layout.  Straight set, or on point, what kind of sashing, how many borders etc.  I'm sure I'll figure it out by the time the final block pattern is released.

I spent some time this morning unpacking my 2 small dufflebags of fabric.  Now I just have to decide which project to start first.  I really should work on the projects that I left here over the summer, but something new is always calling my name!

FINALLY - SOME MACHINE TIME!

This year, we have taken a different approach to getting organized at our southern location.  In the past, we have worked hard every day, doing our "fall cleaning", both inside and out, unpacking everything that travels with us, and restocking the refrigerator, pantry and freezer.  This year, we decided to take some time for ourselves - everything will happen eventually!

The past 2 mornings, I have been working on getting caught up with my blocks for the "52 Blocks, 52 Weeks" challenge from the Canadian Quilters Association.  I purchased 3 shades of batik fabric last February, and have been working away at the blocks in between all our other activities.  I cut the parts for a few blocks, and then work on them, using parts for the "next"  block as "leaders and enders".  This really speeds up production.

Next Wednesday is the first day to get together with my quilt group here.  I have a few small projects planned, and offered to show them how to do some machine thread painting later in the season.

DH's band, called 3 for a quarter, is back together again.  The final member arrived on Saturday, so they have a couple of practices scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, and are playing on Thursday afternoon at the pool patio, for a "happy hour" from 2-4pm.  They will soon be busy with their Christmas schedule, entertaining at nursing homes, senior residences and the local rehab center.  The try to visit each one in the area once per month. 

We Skyped with our family in Kitchener this morning.  Our grandson was happy to see us, and tell us all about his activities.  His Jr. Kindergarten report card will be sent home on Monday,  with the parent/teacher conference the following week.  Our granddaughter has had a fever that has kept her home from daycare for the past few days, but was back mid-week.  My son stayed home with her, and said that he was glad to return to work for a rest.  At 1 year old, she is a busy girl, crawling, climbing on everything, and  trying to take a few steps on her own.

GETTING ORGANIZED

We arrived in our southern home on Friday.  First stop was to buy a new refrigerator, as ours had died of old age over the summer.

I took the time, while waiting for delivery, to empty all the kitchen cupboards, wash them, and re-organize them.  I also pulled a few items that will never be used, to donate to a local garage sale.

After the refrigerator arrived, we headed out for our first shopping extravaganza.  I refuse to buy more than a cart-full, so we will have to return sometime soon, for all the items that were forgotten.

Our son and daughter-in-law sent a couple of pictures of the kids dressed for Hallowe'en.  Young Miss stayed home with a fever.  Our robot (costume by Dad), had to wear his winter coat under everything, but the paint that was used kept him pretty dry on a stormy night.

The fuel compartment collected all his goodies!

Today, DH and I cleaned the windows in the sunroom, AKA my sewing room.  I have slowly started to get items back into place.  I always struggle with the humidity when we arrive, so I work a little, relax a little, until everything is unpacked.  I'm anxious to get sewing, but know that I'm not 50 any more, and need to take my time.  I also ordered the knitting needles that I need to begin a large shawl project for our cousin, using their alpaca yarn - each natural colour is named after the animal who donated the fleece!

Back to work with the next load!