CAROLING WAS RAINED OUT!

Goody bags were distributed, but we had heavy rain begin a 5pm, and continued most of the night.  We plan to head out tonight, so I hope the weather fairy keeps more rain at bay!

I baked dinner rolls and half of the batch of ribbon cookies (refrigerated dough).  I even got a bit more quilting done on my latest project.  Since I make my stuffing from dry bread cubes, I spread the bread slices on racks to dry overnight.

This morning I cubed the bread, and left it in a bowl on the counter to continue drying.  Then I made bread crumbs in my blender, using the crusts.  Next was making cranberry sauce, with orange zest and a bit of orange juice added.  It is almost cool enough to put in the refrigerator.   I rolled out the pastry I made to make mini mincemeat tarts. 

Tomorrow I plan to cook the giblets from the turkey, to use the broth in the gravy.  I'll also cook the turnip (rutabaga), and mix in the rest of the ingredients ready to bake on Wednesday.  I've been doing some major juggling of items in the refrigerator to fit everything in!

Now off to my machine to continue quilting my version of Jewel Box Stars....

MY FINAL FINISH BEFORE OUR TRIP

Last winter, a quilting friend gave me all of her scraps.  There was lots of flannel in various shades and prints, so I began making mini rail fence blocks.  

I pulled the project bag out on the weekend, and decided to finish the quilt.  I have a large collection of small cuts of flannel, saved from the backings of the kids' and baby quilts that I make, so I started cutting strips, and paired them light to dark.  After stitching and pressing the pieces, they were cut into 4 square units, 3.5 inches square, and stitched into blocks.  I mixed the two collections of blocks and discovered that I needed to make 2 more blocks to complete the quilt centre.  I found a larger piece of white flannel, with colourful printed letters for borders, and soon the top was complete.

I pieced the backing as well, to use all the odd pieces of flannel looking for a home.  I used a striped cotton for the binding, and had it completed to take to my guild's Community Quilts sew day this morning.

Including this quilt, I have used 94.5 yards of fabric this year, and only added 68.5 yards (mostly gifts).  My net used fabric for 2019 is      26 yards!!!!

ON A ROLL

I think I've finally found my groove again, just in time to pack up my sewing stuff for our annual move south for the winter!

Several years ago, I attended a shop hop and collected all the block kits from each shop (there were only 7 shops).  They had selected a theme, and colour scheme for the blocks, but one didn't follow the rules.  The 7 blocks sat on my design wall for many years, and this year I decided that I had to move them along.......

I had used the oddball block in another project, so I had 6 blocks to play with.  I decided to place them on point, and then looked for something to use in the 2 inside squares, as well as the setting triangle.  In my search, I found leftover large triangles from a blue and yellow quilt that I made in the mid 1990's!  I found a couple of pieces of blue and yellow print, still hiding in my stash, and before I knew it, a quilt top was completed.

JUST IN TIME & STASH REPORT

I just finished the final stitches in the binding of my quilt for my granddaughter's first birthday, in September.  The whole gang arrives tomorrow for a week visit, and I wanted it finished and hidden away.....

I had fun machine quilting.....

 

Here is the completed quilt, that I'm calling 

"Little Lambs for Ana"

Unfortunately the colours are a bit faded, even with the blinds closed - I shouldn't complain that it is a bright sunny day!

                          Fabric used this week  6.125 yards
                         Fabric used year to date  60.5 yards
                             Fabric added this week 0 yards
                        Fabric added year to date  68.5 yards
                              Net used 2019  -8 yards

I'm still in the red, but getting closer.  I just have to find more hours to sew....... 

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.

A FINISH FEELS GOOD!

Even though it is a small finish......  My Fiesta Runner is completed.

If felt good to get the few remaining parts from a 2 year old "one block wonder" quilt off my design wall, and into a project!

I used Superior Thread's Monopoly to applique and outline stitch the coloured shapes, and then Rainbows variegated thread to machine quilt the background of the runner.  

I'm trying to squeeze in a bit more sewing before I have to pack everything up for our annual trip south, but the days get filled very quickly.  The most difficult job is to decide which projects I want to work on over the winter months, and to try to remember all the fabrics, patterns etc., that I think I might use!  DH says that one of these years, we'll overload our van and the tires will pop off! 

Back to sorting......

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!

 

ANOTHER SMALL FINISH

I finished the quilting and binding on Wednesday.  I used a cloth book panel, cut out the individual pages and added sashing and cornerstones.  When using a book panel, I look for one that doesn't have a very obvious beginning and ending.  This one worked really well, as did a book of opposites that I used last year.

The bad news is that my backing fabric for 2 more quilts arrived this week, so I'll be back in the red again on Sunday!

I have a second baby quilt almost completed, but 2 days at Disney World, and my quilting group on Wednesday used lots of my time this week - all things I enjoy.  DH and I go to Disney often, enjoy the fresh air, the stroll, the people and the entertainment.  I dislike walking, as I prefer to ride my bike, but I get lots of exercise on our Disney days.  I should get a step counter to see how many steps we take!

Back to quilting as soon as my cakes come out of the oven.  My neighbour gave me a starter for Amish friendship bread, and mine was ready to go today.  I discovered that you could freeze the starter, so I put it in cup size containers and save to use later.  This way my neighbours don't run when they see me coming!

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  8.125 yards

 Fabric used year to date  21.375 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date  12 yards

Net used 2017  9.375 yards

Thanks to completing my spinning spools quilt, I am well on my way this year, until my next order of backing fabric arrives!  

I pin-basted two more baby quilts this week, and have completed all the "stitch in the ditch" quilting.  Now I just have to get on with the rest of the quilting in each.

Yesterday was spent in the kitchen.  I made cranberry sauce - I have a great recipe for cranberry ginger cookies, and never have enough sauce leftover when we have a turkey, so I made this batch just for cookies!  I also made a pot of calico beans to take to our neighbours' Superbowl party today, along with some French onion bread.  I made a batch of granola bars, and some raspberry coconut bars to take along for those with a sweet tooth.  DH and I aren't great football fans, but we have fun with the gang, and enjoy watching the commercials each year, and eat lots of food that we only indulge in at Superbowl.

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

A BUSY DAY WITH MY QUILTING GROUP

Today was our weekly quilting get-together.  15 busy quilters met at our clubhouse for 4 hours of sewing, visiting, sharing, etc.   A few people dropped in for a quick visit, and to see what we are working on this week.

Several were piecing their row quilt parts - lots of little pieces.  Several were working on their own choice of projects.  A wool applique project was cut out and prepared for blanket stitching, and some hexagons were being hand stitched together.  I brand new quilter cut the pieces for her first quilt, and another cut pieces for a baby size quilt that she wants to try to machine quilt herself!   

We also had a visitor drop in to ask about our pillowcase sewing day, scheduled for March - she saw the information in our monthly newsletter.  Last year, my group completed 201 pillowcases in 4 hours, and we hope to do as well this year!  The Cases for Smiles coordinator will be attending, so we are looking for lots of volunteers. 

 I had another finish this week.  I was inspired by Bonnie Hunter's "spoolin' around challenge" from a couple of years ago, and I made 192 spools, using 1 1/2 inch strips from my scrap bin!  I decided to make them into blocks, and used more 1 1/2 inch strips for sashings and cornerstones.  
The two gold borders were made from cut-off backing fabric from a quilt I completed in the fall.  The middle borders were more 1 1/2 inch strips, joined together and cut to length.  The binding is also scrappy, with leftover 2 1/2 inch strips stitched together.  I kept the quilting simple, stitching in the ditch around the blocks and the spools, as the quilt was busy already.  I was able to use just over 8 yards of scraps to make this top!

A QUICK FINISH

I delivered five quilts to my community quilts coordinator late Thursday afternoon, and also her quilt that she made for her granddaughter.  When I returned home, I cleaned up my sewing room and gave my sewing machine a spa treatment - new needle, oiling the places that need it and cleaning all the lint.  I even gave the table attachment a good wash, and rinsed the back of my "Supreme Slider" to remove lint and give it a better stick for the next time I use it.

Friday morning, I realized that I needed to get my placemats completed for next week's guild meeting, so I gave them each a good press, and pressed the backing fabric, then cut the backs and the Thermore batting that I like to use in placemats. 
The pattern I used is "Take Four"
I pinned all the layers together, then stitched around, leaving an opening to turn.
(These placemats do not have binding).  I top-stitched 1/8th inch around the perimeter of each, then quilted them lightly with a variegated thread.

Hopefully, they will cheer up the tables of local "Meals on Wheels" recipients.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  7.375 yards

Fabric used year to date  167.5 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date  33.75 yards

Net used 2016  133.75 yards

I completed my one block wonder this week.  I had fun quilting with black thread on black fabric.  Boy, is it hard to photograph.  I finally lightened up the colour to show the quilting.....   The fabric is really a true black!

Now I just have to decided how and where I'll use this quilt!  The remaining piece of the original fabric is on the back.  When I began laying out the blocks, DH said it was giving him a headache - but now that it is completed, he loves it.

Now my time is being used to machine quilt 4 quilts for my guild's community quilts group.  Someone offered to add the binding, but I don't mind having some evening hand work to do.  I must say that I had to sew the black on black binding on during the day - no matter what combination of lighting I used, it was just too difficult to see in the evening.

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

 

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

 I started machine quilting the king size quilt this morning.  Working in the centre of the quilt is difficult, but the extra space under the arm of my machine certainly helps.  This is my largest project to date!
Here is a picture of the quilt top.  I placed it on our queen bed, just so I could see it more spread out.  DH took the picture while perched on a ladder - the room is small and it is difficult to get a good picture.

I used more of the small focal squares in the 3rd border, spacing them by using some great "footprints in the sand" fabric, and the final border has a sand dollar motif.

I think this fills the request for an "oceany quilt" from my son and daughter-in-law......

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

COMMUNITY QUILTS WORKDAY

Yesterday, a group of quilters from my guild got together at the home of one our our community quilts chairperson for a monthly working day. We began with coffee and pumpkin raisin muffins, and signed in, then headed to the sewing room to sew labels on all the quilts handed in at the meeting the previous week. Then they made sure that they were all photographed and recorded before being sent to various programs around our hometown.
Next a quilt was altered - it had been made for Quilts of Valour, and didn't meet the minimum size requirements.  Once some additional blocks were chosen, I was elected to sew them together with sashing, to add to the already completed top to make it long enough.  Others were piecing backings for some tops that needed to be pin-basted.  Two more quilts were designed, using blocks that had been donated, and pin basting continued.  
We stopped for our pot luck lunch - 2 delicious soups, salad, cheese and crackers, fresh veggies for snacking and some delicious dessert too!

More pin-basting, sewing etc., and before I knew it DH was there to pick me up - it was 4pm already!

As usual, I came home with 3 quilts ready to machine quilt, and a stack of donated "stack-n-whack" blocks that had been made many years ago.  I guess I'll have to spend some time with my stash to find fabric for sashing - there is enough of the floral print to use for a border.  I'm sure someone will love the finished quilt.....

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

Nothing on my design wall, but I am prepping pieces for another quilt top made from scraps!!!!!

 Here is my completed half log cabin quilt!  There are 140 five inch blocks in this quilt, and I decided not to add borders.  The red binding was also leftover fabric, just waiting to be used.  The quilt is 50 x 70 inches finished, and will be donated to Quilts of Valour, through my guild's community quilts program in September.

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

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  15 yards

Fabric used year to date  120.75 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date  63.75 yards

Net used 2015  57 yards

 Finally, after over a month, I have yardage to claim!  My half log cabin quilt is completed, all made from scraps!  I plan on donating this one to Quilts of Valour here in Canada, through my guild's community quilts program. (We have someone coordinating just these quilts).  Now on to more scraps!

 I stitched my favourite feathered hooks on all the ''dark'' sections of the quilt.

I stitched lines and swirls on all the light sections.  Now to find a place to take a picture of the finished quilt.......

Just one more picture for good measure!

Please check out all the stash progress shared at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times.

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

Nothing on my design wall again today.  I've been machine quilting another "community quilts" for my guild.  This one is a disappearing 4-patch made in flannel.  I'll be hand stitching the binding on while watching TV this evening.

Head over to Judy's blog, Patchwork Times, to check on all this week's creativity.
 

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

Nothing currently on my design wall!  Just finished a quilt......

This quilt used all the bonus half-square triangle units that I made when making "Grand Illusion" last December.  I promised myself that they wouldn't end up in another zip-lock bag.  Nann suggested that I call it "Good n Plenty" after a US licorice candy with pink and white coating.  Seemed like a great fit.  

It finished around 50 x 60 inches.

I had a large cone of heavy weight black thread that ended up in my sewing room.  Not sure where it came from, but some of it finally found a home in this quilt.  I had to use a size 16 topstitch needle to accomodate this thick thread, but I love how it shows on the piano key border.

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

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

Although my machine has been idle lately, I've still been doing some stitching.
  I still had basted 1/2 inch hexagons remaining from a previous project, so I just had to stitch them together!

I used Thermore batting - super low loft, and great for table items.  I turned the backing edges in, and hand stitched the edges.
  I machine stitched the hexagons, with matching, and variegated King Tut thread, colour #918.  
It is now sitting on my small dining table, with a small vase of lily-of-the-valley, adding lovely scent to the room.

The whole project is just 16 inches across!

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