BUSY DAY

DH has been car shopping!  Our current set of wheels is 16 years old, and has MANY miles of travel on its record.  It has only had one winter in Canada, so it looks brand new!   At first, before they opened up some of our shopping sites, he had to make an appointment, and after test driving the vehicle, it had to be totally disinfected before anyone else could see it - lots of extra work for everyone, but with good reason.
This week most shops are open, if they have an entrance directly onto the street ( shopping malls are closed).  Each step works for a couple of weeks before anything else is opened up.

We had to do some grocery shopping today, so off we went with our masks.  The store wasn't too busy, but had lots of items on the shelves, except for flour and baking mixes.  About 25% of the shoppers wore masks, and most of them were seniors or those with underlying health issues.  I wish more people would wear masks, as they protect both ways....... 

DH asked if I had any baby quilts finished so we could give one to our neighbours across the street.  I found one that I made over the winter while south, so we dropped it off for them to enjoy.

Back to work on Unity!  My quilt is draped over my ironing board!

WORKS IN PROGRESS

I've been busy stitching, but since I've been working on several projects at the same time, I don't see the progress.

I started making the hourglass blocks for the next border on my granddaughter's Hallowe'en quilt, with many more needed.

I'll have to get my rotary cutter working overtime, as I need lots of these blocks!

The manager of our community in the south is off on maternity leave.  My quilt group suggested making a baby quilt for the new arrival.    I sat down with Electric Quilt 8, and designed a quick rail fence quilt, with 2 borders.  I picked up most of the fabric required, and took 16 x 2.5 inch strips of fabric, and asked people to complete 1 or 2 blocks.  By the end of our session, all the strips had disappeared, and this week 16 blocks arrived!  We placed the blocks on a table, and tried different placements, and once everyone was happy, I stacked the vertical rows, ready for sewing.  My next job is cutting the borders and binding, and will get volunteers to add them to the top next week.  One of the members will be providing batting, so hopefully we'll get the quilt pin-basted, and maybe even start on the the quilting.

I received a request to work on a table runner that the group had shared in 2007.   Since we have many new members, I sent out the fabric requirements, and then dug into my stash to make some "stitch out" samples.  Everyone had fun making this quilt as you go, reversible runner, using Sharon Pederson's "Salted Peanut Table Runner" from her book, More Reversible Quilts.

This is side A, with spring-like colours, using my scrap strips.

This is side B, which looks more like autumn to me.  I do like brighter colours!

 A bit of a close-up.  When the strips are sewn on Side A, it quilts Side B.  I decided to try not to repeat any of the fabrics in my strips, as I like lots of variety!twp

The first time I made a runner from this pattern, I found a fabric that would go with both sides for sashing and binding, but with this quilt, I made the two colour binding, using the instructions in the book, and I'm just going to sit and start hand stitching the binding, so I'll have it finished to show the group next week.

I'M STILL AROUND.......

I think I'm feeling my age more.  It certainly took longer to get settled, and back to my normal routine.  I discovered that I left my bins of strips behind when I packed, so that deleted some projects from my list for the winter months.

My quilting group is up and running, although we started a week late, as the management company decided to shampoo the carpets in the clubhouse - I still think this should be done during the summer months when the clubhouse is used much less.

I had not planned on a project for the group this year.  I always have simple projects for any beginners, and last spring, noone had ideas of what they would like.  Of course, the first week I was asked "what is our project for this winter?"

I dug through my designs, and decided on 2 mystery quilts.  One is small and is paper pieced.  Some of the new members haven't tried paper piecing before, and some others would like a refresher course.  We are also working on a lap sized quilt, traditionally pieced.  This project takes 9 different fabrics, so it will be interesting to see all the choices.  The instructions give directions for each fabric, by main colour, accent colour, and whether the fabric is a shade from dark to light.  

I have finished two baby quilts, made from panels.  When I found the panels, I picked up 2, and some of the coordinating fabrics from the same line.  Since many of the new panels are only 24 inches wide, I made 6 inch blocks to go on either side, and found flannel for the backs.  I called the quilts "Pond Friends" 

 I have one more nearly finished quilt project.  I have been embroidering 12 blocks, one per month, since January.  Since I had the December block almost complete, I went hunting for fabric to finish the quilt.  DH came along, and when I couldn't decide which one I liked best, he took some of the blocks and found a totally different fabric that was just perfect!
I plan on finishing the quilting on this one after Christmas, and I'll have some pictures to share then.

We have 3 couples to come and share our Christmas dinner this year, so I have been baking rolls, cookies, tarts, and other traditional foods in preparation.  Some parts of the meal are being made by others, but DH and I will be making the turkey, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce as well as a rutabaga apple casserole.  We're looking forward to our evening together with people we love.  We'll be visiting our grandchildren via Skype on Christmas morning, watching them open their gifts from Santa.  Our grandson will be 4 next month, and has been enjoying his Lego Advent calendar!  He had a long chat with Santa last week, but we are worried about the gift he asked for......  he wants an animal translator, so he knows what they are saying and can talk back to them!  

Merry Christmas to everyone, and I hope to be a better blogger in 2019!

TWO FINISHES!

My first finish is another quilt for young miss, who is arriving on Friday!  This is quite a celebrations, as girls in DH's family are few and far between.  This will be her Christmas gift this year, along with a few other goodies.

This is made with yellow and green prints from my stash, along with a floral print stripe that has been hiding in my stash, just waiting for this quilt!
The pattern is "Fabric Gal" from Quilt in a Day.  The original is made with four colours, with a dark and medium shade of each in the pinwheels.
The quilt on the left is my first version, made in 2008!
 It uses brighter, 30's fabrics and striped border!


My second finish is one that has been waiting in the wings for a few years.  This is my version of Hip Bag Hybrid - pattern from Studio Kat Designs.  It can be worn around the waist, as a shoulder bag, or clipped to a walker or bicycle handlebars!


It has a zipper pouch in the back, a front pouch with magnetic catch under the flap, and a hidden storage area in between!

I chose to make the front flap pieced, rather from a single piece of fabric, (an option provided in the pattern!)  My lining is white with black, to make it easier to find things.  I used a black and white purse zipper and shiny silver findings for the rest of the bag.  I can't wait to use it!
I love the patterns from Studio Kats - extremely detailed, with lots of illustrations of each step, and helpful pictures and tutorials on line!!!!

NEARING TIME TO PACK

I've been cleaning up my sewing room, as it will soon be time to pack it all up for another season in the south.  I still had one more baby panel, and some coordinating fabric to use, so I spent the past two days making hourglass blocks to add to this pretty panel by Jacqueline Steves.  I can't remember the name of the panel, but I'm calling it Hourglass Farm!

I also worked on my version of Diamond Hill.  I decided to stop after completing the 4 applique blocks, as it will make a lovely large wall hanging.  I made some changes to the design, and added plain borders to the blocks before continuing on.
It has the binding complete, but needs quilting in the background areas.  I have stitched around all the small squares, as well as outlined all the flowers and leaves.  I think the remaining quilting will wait until it is back in my northern home, where I can concentrate of it.  It is currently pin-basted.

I'M CAUGHT UP!

I finally got my two quilt holders over so I could take a picture of my latest large quilt. 

Some time in the past, I used Electric Quilt to draw this design, and called it Celestial Magic.  I can't remember where I saw the quilt, when, who the designer was, so I extend my apologies to all.  I often see a quilt and make a drawing of it in my software, so I can play with colour, switch blocks and easily re-size.

I made a receiving blanket for our next extended family member, using the tutorial from Missouri Star.  It makes a lovely, two layer flannel blanket!     


It is completely stitched by machine, which makes it a quick gift.

I used a serpentine stitch on my machine to topstitch the layers together.  I couldn't resist the cute fabric, and found the monkey print for the back and edge, that mimics the little money with the umbrella in the main fabric.

I went out to my sewing room to work on the sashing and borders for an applique project, and I hunted, but couldn't find the background fabric.  I didn't want to waste my stitching time, so I pulled this cute panel out of my bin, along with the backing flannel, and the fabric for the binding.  I pieced the batting, pin-basted, and had fun quilting this cute project.
When DH returned home, he discovered the bolt of fabric in our bedroom closet, tucked in behind the clothing.  I remember stashing it there when we were having overnight guests, and I was trying to tidy up the spare room!  Now back to the applique project!

FINAL STASH REPORT FOR 2017

Used this week  2.625 yards

Used year to date  131.625 yards

Fabric added this week  18.5 yards

 Fabric added year to date  88.75 yards

Net used 2017  48.875 yards

 

I completed another baby quilt from a panel, and came in just under the wire to claim my final finish for the year!

I looked back through my archives of stash reports.  In 2010 I only kept track of fabric used, as I started part-way through the year.

Year   # of projects    yds used         yds added      net used

2010       30               273.5   

2011       36               252.625            72.25            180.375   

2012       41               242.125           176.375           65.75

2013       31               184.25             110.875           73.375 

2014       47               222                   54.875          167.125

2015       30               161.875            93.875            68

2016       31               217                   87.75             129.25

2017       25               131.625            88.75               42.875

I've been pretty consistant in my fabric usage, but did better "shopping my stash" some years than others.  Some years the clearance sale sirens sang a louder song than others, and this past year, we spent more time with our grandson, and I didn't make too many larger projects.  I also quilted more quilts for my guild's community quilt program over the past year, and I quilt with my Bernina B710, with a larger throat, but still much slower than a sit down or long arm machine.  Next year I will be starting with a deficit, as I have ordered 25 baby quilt panels, which will be completed and donated to my guild over time.  They haven't arrived yet, so I didn't have to count them for 2017!

 

I'll still keep track - I love adding a finished project to the list, and seeing the list grow over the year, just as I love all the aspects of quilting from start to finish.  

I wish everyone a wonderful "quilty" and productive new year!

 

STILL STITCHING ALONG

Just to keep my hand in, I basted this cute baby quilt panel, and managed to find an afternoon to quilt during the past week.  A little evening TV watching, and the hand stitching was complete on the binding.  This will be donated to the Hugs program at our local hospital, after being logged into my guild's comunity quilts program.

I've been slowly working on Diamond Hill by Esther Aliu.  


So far I have hand appliqued 3 of the 4 main blocks.



The flower colours were chosen to coordinate with some fabric that has been in my stash over 20 years.



When I have all 4 blocks complete, I'll add the strips to the corner of each of them, then give them a good press and cut them to the correct size.

I'll still have the pieced sashing to complete, and the appliqued borders, so I hope to complete this before the end of 2018!

I have pulled the fabric for the flowers and leaves from my selection, and now have to get all the small pieces prepared for stitching.  It is always a time consuming part of applique, but the rewards when your vision appears is worth it.

I plan to keep busy with various other projects at the same time.  I'll be working on some items for my guild's boutique - our quilt show is in early June 2018!  I had already selected quilts that I wanted to enter into the show, but as a few more projects are being completed, I'm changing my mind.  I have until late February or early March to decide, so I'm sure my list will change a lot by the deadline!

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  2.875 yards

Fabric used year to date  69.625 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date  51 yards

Net used 2017  18.625 yards

I completed another baby quilt made from a printed panel.  The backing is flannel with a train print - I've had it for a while, just waiting for the right project.

This will be my last report for a couple of weeks.  We'll be on the road north next week, then I'll be unpacking, restocking the larder, and hope to visit our grandson (and his parents) shortly after.  I wish we lived closer, but we don't want to move, and this allows them more time with my daughter-in-law's parents.  We'll make a few trips after we arrive home, then fewer over the summer, then a few more in the fall.  They may visit us when they take their holidays, and we hope to have our grandson stay for a week without the parental units!

DH and I managed two evening visits to Disney World this week.  Attended Fantasmic at the Studios, and Illuminations at Epcot.  That will be our final visit until the autumn.

My Wednesday quilting group shared several quilts this week, and were bringing all their questions to be answered, and problems to be solved.  For some it was the last quilting get-together of the season, and for others, there will be one more week.  I took lots of pictures, and shared them with the members.

We are getting together today, to share lunch with 3 other Canadian couples who were all posted to Tyndall AFB in Panama City FL at the same time.  My friend and neighbour is hosting the group.  She is cooking a turkey today, to serve cold for lunch tomorrow.  I made potato salad, 2 loaves of French bread, a chocolate coconut bundt cake, and raspberry coconut bars for dessert. Another friend is providing a salad, and the fourth will be making salmon dip to have with drinks before lunch.  We're all looking forward to catching up on all the news.

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

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Used this week 7.25 yards
Used year to date  28.625 yards
Added this week  13.5 yards
Added year to date  25.5 yards
Net used 2017  3.125

I finished another baby quilt, made from a cloth book panel, yesterday, so I didn't have to go back into the "red" again!  My fabric order from Connecting Threads arrived, with backing fabric for 2 more scrap quilts that I have waiting to be quilted, and a couple of sets of 2 1/2 inch strips for another project.

Yesterday morning, I managed to get both backs pieced, pressed and starched, ready to pin baste.  Now I just have to find time when DH isn't off entertaining at the local nursing homes, and when there is a quiet time at the clubhouse, so I can use the large tables.

Saturday morning, DH and friends entertained at a fund-raiser for a local charity at their walk-a-thon.  Thomas Promise is a local charity the provides food to homeless students on the weekends, when the school meals are not available.  They receive a backpack full of ready to eat food.  The charity is currently providing 1000 to 1600 bags of food to students in our county, each week. 

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

 

ANOTHER BABY QUILT FINISHED

Just another quilt made from a panel....the larger (yard by width of fabric) are almost impossible to find lately.  I've been working on the ones in my stash, as our hospital gift shop loves them - they sell better than the pieced and appliqued quilts, and the money goes to our Hugs program, to pay for other items provided in the layettes that they give away.

DH and I, along with a good friend, headed for the Disney Studios yesterday.  It was packed with families who had the whole week of Thanksgiving off!  Our goal was to see the Fantasmic show and the Christmas multi-media/ fireworks at night.  We managed to enjoy a couple of other favourites while we were there.  DH and I plan to return another evening just for the  Christmas show- the beauty of having an annual pass.  Next week we plan to go to Epcot for the Christmas Candlelight Processional.  It has become a part of our Christmas traditions, seeing the orchestra, massed choir, and hearing the story told - it lifts my heart......

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  7.75 yards

Fabric used year to date  199.25 yards

Fabric added this week  15.75 yards

Fabric added year to date  60 yards

Net used 2016  139.25 yards

My machine finally came home, all shiny and raring to go!  My first job was to complete the bicycle seat covers that I had cut out and serged.  DH and I ride our bikes everyday, so now I have 6 ready for use, so I won't be making more any time soon.

I have the machine quilting done on all three baby quilts that I pin-basted, and I stitched the binding on two of them.  The third should be completed later today, but I'll have to claim that yardage next week.

A dozen quilters showed up for our first day together - a great turn-out.  Several new quilters attended to see what we are planning for the winter season.  I have emailed a couple of small projects to the group, and we plan on making a row quilt.

I have to check the clubhouse schedule to find a good time to pin-baste my leaf quilt, now that my batting has arrived.

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

NO SEWING FOR ME

I took my machine in for its annual "spa treatment" on Tuesday.  My sewing room looks so lonely without it!  I can't wait for the phone call to tell me I can pick her up.....

Since I can't sew, I've been preparing some baby quilt tops and backings, and pin-basted one this morning.  I thought I had lots of batting, but after a search, I discovered that I only have leftover pieces!  I just ordered some more, but I think I'll check out all the bags and see if I can hand stitch some together - at least it will feel like progress!

My southern quilting group begins its weekly get-togethers next Wednesday, so I took some time to organize my binder of "stuff" so I'll be prepared for the first week.  People are slowly arriving.  I think many waited until after the election, or are waiting until Thanksgiving.

Yesterday we had a visit from a cousin who was only south for 4 days, to visit us and his sister.  He plays a mean guitar, so DH and our northern friend played most of the afternoon.  I called and invited our friend's wife for dinner, so they could keep playing!  It was great to visit and listen to the music, even if it was only for a short time.

Off to hunt for batting pieces!

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

I finally dusted off my camera and took some pictures of the baby quilt that I finished last week.
It began as a panel, called "A Beautiful Day", designed by Jacqueline Steves.  I decided to make it a bit larger, so I added two borders.  The small lime green border was made from a fat quarter - the only matching green that I could find in my stash.  The final border and binding was made from fabric that I bought from Connecting Threads - the colour was perfect, and the swirls in the fabric echoed the swirls in the panel design triangle border.

 I outlined the centre panel, using monofilament (invisible) thread.  I decided to outline all the designs, and not add any extra quilting, as the design is cute and busy.  I stitched flowers and leaves with curlicues in the plain pink area, wiggles in the lime green and curls in the final orange/gold border.
This quilt will be donated to our local hospital by my community quilts group at my guild.
Now back to my machine quilting.  I have to take advantage of the time I have today, as we have company arriving again tomorrow!

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

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  6 yards

Fabric used year to date  179.875 yards

Fabric added this week 0 yards

Fabric added year to date  33.75 yards

Net used 2016  146.125 yards

My "used" fabric was from my small autumn leaf wallhanging, and a baby quilt made from a panel.  The baby quilt will be heading to my community quilts group at my guild. (picture to follow later)

  I'm currently quilting my redwork quilt, making slow progress.  This time of year, DH and I are busy doing our Christmas shopping, as well as birthday shopping for our grandson.  It seems early to everyone, but we'll be relocating south in a few short weeks, and they get super busy this time of year.

DS1 spent the weekend with us - sort of.....  He arrived Thursday in time for dinner, but he really came for a game weekend with his friends.  Starting with lunch together on Friday, they played board and card games of all sorts for the weekend.  We had a good visit at breakfast each morning, and by 9:30 he was off for the day.  He returned home this afternoon, and we took him to the train station for his trip home today.

Next week, my brother and his wife will be in town for 3 days.  They visit from China a couple of times per year, and this time, 3 of his wife's school friends are coming for a tour of southern Ontario.  They've never seen the autumn leaves in person, and are looking forward to their visit.  They are staying in a hotel while they are here, as it would be difficult to accommodate 5 adults comfortably in our small townhouse.

Next weekend is Thanksgiving for all Canadians, and we are looking forward to a lovely dinner with friends.  Hopefully I'll get some quilting done too!  I'm starting to plan some projects for my winter in the south.

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

TWO SMALL FINISHES

I completed two of the three baby quilts that DH and I pin-basted!  Number three has been quilted, but needs the binding stitched down before I can call it "done"

 This is a flannel panel quilt, with a flannel backing made from co-ordinating fabric.  I've had this in my stash for a long time, but its twin was stitched several years ago!

 This is the Blue Dog baby quilt, made from 4 blocks cut from a panel.  I just made 4 blocks to link it together, and then some simple quilting to complete my second baby quilt of the year.

Now to get to the hand sewing so I can complete number 3!

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

Once again, I have nothing on my design wall!  I just stitched binding to two baby quilt panels, that I had quilted, and plan to stitch it down by hand during some TV watching with DH tonight!

Just for some more colour, here are 2 more pictures of flowers from the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival.

Now I have to figure out what other small projects I can complete before I have to start packing up to head north!

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

QUILTING AND BINDING COMPLETE

I completed the quilting on Tuesday, and hand stitched the binding down that evening.  I used monofilament (invisible) thread to outline all the cute blocks, then completed the quilting using Superior's King Tut thread in colour 937, called Tiny Tuts.  It is variegated in pink, blue, yellow and green - I use it often on baby quilts.  I stitched leaves in all the sashings, back and forth wiggle lines in all the yellow triangles, and gentle curves in the gray-green triangles. 

It is a shame that so many people think that monofilament thread is bad.  I've never had a problem with it, even in quilts that have been washed and dried regularly.  I love using it to give dimension to areas without adding another design detail.
 
I still have 9 more identical blocks for another project, but I think I'll work on it when I return north - I have more stash there, and can make a totally different quilt.  I'll have to think about this for a while.

Wednesday is my quilting group, and we are on week 5 of an 8 week mystery quilt.  I love seeing the pattern emerge with all the different choices of fabric.  I pin-basted another quilt panel, but DH and I are going out for the day - we need some US time!

FINALLY, TWO SMALL FINISHES

I completed 2 cloth books - panels from my stash.  One has shapes and the other is in three languages, English, Spanish and French!
 


 I also completed a baby quilt, also from a panel.  I forgot to pack fabric for binding when I was packing in the fall, but I found that one of the striped fabrics that I picked up in January looks just great.Panel quilts make great quilting warm-up!

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

I guess I'll start with step 4 of Bonnie Hunter's Grand Illusion mystery quilt.  I began cutting pieces on Friday afternoon, and by Saturday noon, I had them all stitched and pressed, ready for next Friday's clue!

Then I took out my bags of batting scraps, and pieced a batting for another panel baby quilt.  I used the same green for binding as I used on the previous one....  Usually I choose binding fabrics for each panel that I bring south, but this year, it completely slipped my mind.  I might have to buy fabric to complete the remaining panels!  This panel is artwork from Susan Wheeler - she has some lovely books....


Check out all the creativity shared at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times, and mystery progress at Bonnie's blog, Quiltville's Quips & Snips.