FINAL STASH REPORT FOR 2018

Stash reports have been hit and miss for me this year.  

Since this is the final full week in December,

I decided to close the books on 2018.

 Fabric used this week 4.625 yards

Fabric used year to date  124.125 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date  62.125 yards

Net used 2018  62 yards

This is not my best report since I have been keeping track, 

but it is also not my worst!
I have continued to use more than I have added,

which was my goal.

This is my final finish of 2018, called A Year in the Garden.  The embroidery patterns and the final quilt design was a BOM in 2018, by Jenny of ELEPHANTZ. 

I added a final small green border to the original design.  I stitched the quilting by machine, using So Fine thread by Superior Thread.

Below are some close-ups.

 














I stitched feathered hooks in the final border, and simple leaves surrounding each framed block.  My goal was to create texture, and highlight the blocks.  The embroidery was done by hand.

FINAL FINISH FOR 2018

During the past 12 months, I've been downloading and stitching some lovely patterns from Jenny of ELEPHANTZ

She offered a free BOM in 2018, with a new pattern each month.

I love hand embroidery, and had recently organized all my leftover threads from past projects and kits into zip bags, with one for each colour. 

It was fun to hunt through the bags each month to find some threads.

When I finished the December block, DH and I headed to my favourite local quilt shop to look for 2 fabrics to complete the project.

  I was having a difficult time choosing, as I didn't want the print to overwhelm my embroideries. 

(If you notice the pins in some of the pictures, I used them to mark registration points for the machine quilting.)

 DH asked me to give him some of the blocks, and a few minutes later he returned with the perfect bolt of fabric!

 











I'll share a picture of the completed quilt when DH is available as quilt holder!  The green frame was chosen to complement the print fabric.....

I've also been getting my fabric cut for a paper pieced mystery quilt that I'm doing with my winter quilt group.  I chose an autumn palette this time.

CUTTING AND STITCHING

I've been busy during the past two days, cutting and sewing squares and half square triangles.  I've been using Bonnie Hunter's Essential Triangle Tool.

These are the ones I cut and stitched this morning.  We left early to go to lunch with our good neighbour, Roy.

These are all the coloured squares needed for the pieced border, and some of the half square triangle units that I made yesterday.  I had to stop, as I have to cut more neutral 2 1/2 inch strips so I can continue.

Our weather has turned from cold to hot and humid, with few dry days in between.  We're having showers that just started, so my room will be too noisy to think.  I'll press all the stitched blocks later today, and see how many more I need to make.
I ordered backing fabrics for this quilt and another that is also part-way complete, so I'll serge the cut ends, and get them washed, so I'll be ready to pin-baste soon!
My Wednesday quilting group is cancelled for next week - the clubhouse is in use for a Valentines Day renewing of vows for members of our community, so I'll have an extra full day to sew.

OOPS!

This can happen to anyone......

I was so excited when I completed all the blocks and was able to assemble the centre of my guild's block of the month quilt.

It wasn't until I was editing the picture that I saw that 2 blocks are twisted, so today's job is to unstitch the blocks and re-sew them in the right direction!!!!!

The two green bowtie blocks need to be turned so that the neutrals form a V along the sides of the quilt!

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week 0 yards

Fabric used  year to date 0 yards

Fabric added this week 3.625 yards

Fabric added year to date 28.625  yards

Net used 2018  -28.625 yards

Further into the hole this week - I picked up some packages of batik charm squares, and a couple of yards of clearance fabric.

I finished stitching all the clamshell blocks together, and trimmed them ready to be used in a tote bag.

I completed the alternate blocks for my quilt project - 12 of them, but then noticed that the pieced setting triangles would leave bias edges, so had to plan a new cutting chart to have straight of grain along the outside.

Began getting caught up on my guild's BOM project.  Completed 6 of the 8 blocks, but need to make more half square triangle units to complete the last two.

Pulled fabric from my stash to make a rainbow star block sample - I'll be doing a demo on Wednesday.

I still have to edit the pictures from my guild's last meeting and get them posted to the website!

Lots to get done this week! 
I'm linking up with others at quiltpaintcreate.

DESIGN WALL MONDAY - TUESDAY AGAIN!

I seem to have difficulty meeting my deadlines lately!  DH and I were out all day Monday, and I was too tired (or lazy), to get this posted!

I've been working on several projects, but managed to get the first 20 blocks of my latest partly sewn, and pinned for the final stitching.  I still have 12 alternate blocks to stitch, as well as the pieced setting triangle for this "on point" setting.

Note my "leader and ender" square in my machine.  If I have been piecing, there is always one under the presser foot.

I've also been working on Esther Aliu's Diamond Hill pattern, and just completed hand applique on the 4th block of this wonderful project.

I think I enjoyed making this block the most!

I have been neglecting my guild's Block of the Month, and I'll have to dedicate some time to making the final set of blocks and stitching the centre of the quilt together.  My panel of clamshells is stitched together, and now I'm trying to decide whether to make a pillow top with it, or use it in a tote bag - a suggestion from a member in my group.   

I'm joining others at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts, to share my "design wall" today.

A SMALL FINISH & UPDATE TO MY STASH REPORT!

Fabric used this week 1.25 yards
Fabric used year to date  113.5 yards
Fabric added this week 14 yards
Fabric added year to date  70.25 yards
Net used this year  43.25 yards

When I said small, I really meant it!  I completed a table runner - I had finished the hand embroidery, and it had hung, forgotten, on my design wall for 2 years.  I pulled some fabric for backing and borders, and prepped it for quilting before heading south.

Of course, I don't remember the pattern designer......

It looks very sparkly in person - I used a pearl coloured Glitter thread by Superior Threads to quilt snowy swirls in the background, and red Glitter around the pointsettias.   I also forgot to bring binding fabric, so I used one of my new fat quarters.

I also spent some time completing the December BOM blocks - green this month.

There are two of the first block, similar, but using a variety of fabrics.

 There are two of the geese blocks, following the designer's suggestion to radiate the geese colours from dark to light.

There are 4 for the bow tie blocks, following the dark, light, dark green colour scheme.

Now I just have to wait for January!  If you are interested in the block of the month, here is the link.

The holidays are nearly upon us again.  I still have baking to do, and we haven't decorated yet!  DH has been helping a neighbour seal his concrete driveway, and finally, all the band members have arrived south for the winter, so many practices are coming up.  There is a Christmas sing-a-long each December in our community, and the band has been asked to entertain while everyone is arriving, and also accompany all the songs and carols.  Everyone has fun, and it helps to get everyone in the holiday spirit.  There is a decorated golf cart parade coming up, and a huge pot luck dinner on Christmas eve.  The band is entertaining there as well!  They also have several Christmas parties at local nursing homes scheduled for December, so they will be busy, busy, busy.  They all play for the love of music, and try to add some extra cheer all year.

FINALLY BACK TO QUILTING! + STASH REPORT

Fabric used this week  0 yards
Fabric used year to date  112.25 yards
Fabric added this week 14 yards
Fabric added year to date  70.25 yards
Net used this year  42 yards


A week after our arrival in the sunny south, our son, daughter in law and grandson, age 2 yr 10 months, arrived for a two week visit.  We had so much fun, with trips to Disney World, swimming, mini putt, and just enjoying time with our family.  My sewing room was closed for business for the duration!
 
After they returned north, we took time to catch up on our sleep, tidy the house, do laundry and just relax for a while.  My quilting group started again, and we've spent 2 Wednesdays getting re-acquainted, and figuring out what we want to work on this winter.  We have some new members too, so we're having lots of fun!

I've been catching up on my guild's BOM project, and I have all the blocks made up to date.

Some of the blocks are made in pairs, all scrappy, and others are made in sets of 4 or more.

 The December blocks are made in shades of green.

I love this time of year in Florida.  The only problem is that it is so nice out, I have trouble sitting at my machine!

DH is helping a neighbour work on his driveway today.  I guess I should get the binding cut for a runner that I've been working on......

Looking at my stash report - I'd better get stitching or this will be my worst report in all the years I've been tracking my fabric acquisition!

READY TO SEW & STASH REPORT

My sewing room is finally set up and ready to go!

The strips are for the next step of my block of the month project with my guild.

DH made a small rack to hold all of my cutting tools, right where I need them.  He used a small found door, and added hooks to hold everything.
This will be the only time it is this tidy!

The red case is for my sewing machine, and the green bin holds projects ready to begin.
The window side of the sunroom holds my sewing table with my Bernina, currently covered.  The blue bins hold 2 inch squares for my leaders and enders.  My threads are in the cases on the floor, and two plastic drawer units hold lots of other sewing accessories close at hand.
There are also bins of leftover 1 1/2 inch, 2 inch, and 2 1/2 inch strips, along with 5 inch squares, ready for future projects.  Last winter I made 4 quilts, all using my homemade precuts!
I was good on the trip south.  We stopped at Mary Jo's in Gastonia NC, and I only picked up 3 yards of fabric.  Then at a stop at Quilts on Plum Lane in Dade City FL, I found 3 more fabrics - half yard each and 1 fat quarter.  These are for a project that I started - almost all applique.  I completed the first 2 large blocks, and have the pattern ready to prepare the applique pieces for the next one.  I just wanted a bit more variety in my fabrics.

Fabric used this week  0 yards

Fabric used year to date  112.25 yards

Fabric added this week 2.25 yards

Fabric added year to date  56.25 yards

Net used 2018  56 yards

WORKING ON MY FINAL BLOCKS BEFORE PACKING MY MACHINE!

My guild Block of the Month program for this season has blocks that are all made from 2 1/2 inch strips, and will form a whole quilt by the spring.  I love scrap quilts, so I have cut 2 1/2 inch strips from all the colour groups, so I'll have them when we go south for the winter.

I didn't want to be behind, so I've made the September blocks.  There are two 12 inch finished blocks, and 16 of the 6 inch blocks.  

There were 2 blocks to make for October, which are 12 x 20 inches finished.  I'm having fun revisiting some of the hidden fabrics in my stash!

 
If you want to stitch along, the pattern can be found here, along with a picture of the finished quilt.  

Our project designer made a table runner using the September blocks. 

Now my packing begins!!!!!

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

Here I am, posting late again, but better late than never!  First a picture of my guild's BOM project for 2015-16.  I finished mine a while back, but finally got around to taking some pictures!
The final border is from Judy's book, "60 Pieced Quilt Borders"
Here are some close-ups of some of the quilting in blocks...

 

Several of the quilting fills were inspired by the free tutorials at The Inbox Jaunt.

At my last get-together with our community quilts group, the coordinator asked people to take a box of quilt blocks, and make them into a quilt.

The first box I picked up had 60 small 9-patch blocks, made from gold, rust, tan and brown fabrics.

I began by adding triangles in tans and rust to make the blocks larger.  Then sashing and cornerstones.  The centre used 48 of the 60 blocks, so I used the remaining blocks as corners in one border and corners and centres in the final border.  I have the binding made, and it will head to the next community quilts get-together to find a backing and get pin-basted, ready for quilting.

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

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  0 yards

Fabric used year to date  122.5 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date  33.75 yards

Net used 2016  88.75

 

I'm still struggling with my cold and cough!  I don't think I was totally better and have been a bit sick since February.  I'm on the uphill side of it this time, and my cough is almost gone.

 

I've been working on my guild's BOM project.  I finally stitched tht top together, and then planned the borders (my choice).  I used a border from Judy's book "60 Pieced Quilt Borders Mix & Match", adjusting the size to fit my quilt.  I only have one more border to stitch, and then the top will be complete.  Now I just have to find the energy..... 

I'm catching up on the laundry today and making a pot of soup.  We hope to visit our grandson and family next weekend, but I don't want to take my germs along.  They've had a tough time with illnesses, since my DIL returned to work and grandson to daycare.

Check out all the progress shared at Judy's blog, http://www.patchworktimes.com/2016/05/15/stash-report-may-15-2016/

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

I was feeling a bit better this morning, so I decided to get back to work on my guild BOM project.  I had made the blocks each month, but hadn't finished the last one, as I had to decide what I wanted to add to the basic blocks.

I finally decided to make some small Dresden plate pieces.  I made an open circle on the left side, and then played with the pieces to make two looped shapes on the right.
Pardon the cut off picture.  My sewing room is small and that is the best I could do.  The top right block has the woven pattern that is a mirror image of the top left.
I machine appliqued the Dresden parts to the block using monofilament (invisible) thread.  I challenged myself to make the whole quilt in shades of blue and white, and I've been enjoying the process.  I still have a few more borders to add - they were not provided with the pattern.  It will be interesting to see all the finished quilts.  This time I'll remember to enter mine in the next quilt show.

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

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  13.125 yards

Fabric used year to date  122.5 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date  33.75 yards

Net used 2016  88.75

 

My quilting seems to go in "fits and starts" this year.  I am suffering through cold number 2 for this year - a personal record.

 

My guild's block of the month program is going back to normal, after offering 2 complete quilts starting in the fall.  This month's block had a floral centre, with definite colours in the other pieces.  They will be handed in at the June meeting, and the participants names go into a draw for all the blocks.  One block, one entry.  I decided to make 3 blocks this week.  I needed to have a small project to work on during my few good spells. 

The other yardage was used in the Oriental Strip Quilt I completed on Tuesday.  It will be heading to my Community Quilts group for donation.

 

Happy Mother's Day to everyone.  I had along conversation with my older son this afternoon, and this morning we Skyped with our younger son and his family.  Our grandson loves to "talk" to us via the computer.  It will be great when he uses real words, but we have fun chatting with him and watching him play with his toys.

 

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

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

Sunday afternoon, DH and I headed for the empty clubhouse, and used the dance floor to lay out all the blocks, sashings and cornerstones for my current project.  We spent about an hour and a half, rearranging parts, trying to spread out the colours, but there is really only one that stands out, so we decided to let the pieces just remain in their current order.  We picked up all the blocks in rows, and I marked each row with a number, and placed them in individual plastic bags for the trip home.

I decided to tackle the piecing today, but first I cut all the pieces for the next block in my guild's BOM project - pinwheels.

I'm enjoying my 2 colour quilt so far, and can't wait for the remaining blocks!

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

Now back to piecing....

A LITTLE PROGRESS

DH and I managed to find time this week, to do some pin basting!  Tuesday afternoon we headed to the clubhouse to use the large tables there, and managed to baste both quilts that I had completed since arriving south, along with a small panel for a growth chart for our grandson.
We had our cousins come for a visit from Wednesday to Friday, and we had some friends join in for a ham and scalloped potatoes dinner on Thursday night.
Friday afternoon and Saturday have been spent catching up on my guild's block of the month project.  I had 2 blocks to complete, and then I'll email the pictures to the coordinator, so she knows I'm keeping up!   (This has become a joke between us, and last month she printed the pictures and hung them with the rest of the blocks at "show and tell".

 Now that I am caught up, I'll get my machine set up for machine quilting, and make sure I have lots of bobbins wound.  I'll "warm up" by quilting the panel first, then my scrappy quilt, then the bright coloured hearts quilt.  That should keep me busy this week!  Then I want to get started on my son and daughter-in-law's new "oceany" quilt - king size!!!!