A FUN LITTLE PROJECT

Last winter, when visiting a not so local quilt shop with friends, I spotted this wonderful border stripe fabric.  A piece had to come home, along with some of the coordinating fabric.  It is rich looking with metallic gold accents.

After completing my Grand Illusion mystery quilt, I needed a quick project to work on, so I placed the stripe on my cutting board, and cut one of each coloured stripe.  I cut 60 degree triangles from the darker blue stripe, and made a large hexagon.  I then cut a strip from the coordinating print to make the second stripe the same width, and cut more 60 degree triangles.

Here is the completed runner, that I named "Earth Sea and Sky".  I used gold metallic thread to quilt some of the lines in each block.  I echo quilted the shapes of the lighter fabric, and also in the centre of the darker hexagon.  I used crosswise cut strips of the fabric to bind the edge, to help bring the two totally different looking fabrics together.  Completed in an afternoon!  I showed it to my DIL via Skype this morning, and she loves the colours, so I think it has found a new home.....

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

Nothing new on my design wall, but I've been busy quilting my version of Bonnie Hunter's Grand Illusion mystery quilt.  I rarely make a quilt in the same colours as designed, but this one struck a chord with me, and I quickly pulled almost all the fabric from my stash!  I think that quilts as scrappy as this one, usually look best with and all-over quilting design, as would be done on a long - arm machine, using a pantograph design.  BUT, I do my own quilting, by moving it through my machine's harp area, so I had to come up with a plan that would work for me.
I began by using monofilament (invisible) thread, and stitched in the ditch between each block and sashing, then around all the borders. 
After searching saved images on my computer, along with various books of quilting designs, I decided to keep it simple, and I chose design G1-8 from the book "Quilting Inside the Lines" by Pam Clarke.

I decided to use some "Twist" thread from Superior Threads.  I used a bright green colour to stitch the design, to echo the green in the sashing, and because there was no green in the block.

I continued to stitch in the the squares of the sashing, using a blue Twist thread, in a similar shade to the teal blues that I used in the blocks and cornerstones.  I used the "Squiggle Square" quilting design, from the tutorial by Lori Kennedy at theinboxjaunt.com.

Now I'm off to search for a floral quilting design to stitch in the cornerstones, using a bright pink thread.  I want to complete this quilt so I can count it as done soon!

Head over to Judy's blog, Patchwork Times to check on this week's creativity shared by other quilters.
 

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  14 yards

Fabric used year to date  14 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date  42 yards

Net used 2015  -28 yards

I'm still behind, but finally finished a few projects.  Next week I should be able to claim my Grand Illusion quilt, being quilted right now (if I get back to my machine soon!)

Happy SuperBowl Sunday!  We're off to our neighbours' annual get-together later today.  Lots of delicious, less than healthy food, and lots of laughter and chatting.

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

ANOTHER FINISH

I spent all day yesterday, machine quilting, and managed to stitch the binding on and trim the excess fabric too.  I sat and hand-stitched the binding while chatting with friends, and watching TV, and was able to complete the binding after breakfast this morning!

I took this picture on an angle, to show some of the quilting.  I stitched a "double stitched" grid in the centre of the panel, then echo-stitched around the flowers.  There is lots of stitch-in-the-ditch elsewhere, as well as accent stitching around the flowers in the borders.

Here is my completed project.  I named it Victory Garden, after the line of fabric.  I had fun stitching the mitered corners on the two floral borders.  I had to add some compensating strips to make my flying geese border fit.  Now I have to decide what I want to do with this project! 

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

DH helped me pin baste 3 projects yesterday.  The largest is my Grand Illusion Mystery, then a quilt made with the Victory Garden panel and borders, and finally a baby panel, ready to quilt.

I plan to work from smallest to largest, getting my quilting "warmed up" as I go.

DH started yesterday by vacuuming and shampooing our rugs, and washing the floors!  Then he still helped me pin baste - what a guy!

During the morning, I dug out some panels to make cloth books.   I cut out 2 and stitched them together.  Last night I turned them right side out, and pinned them together, ready to be finished.  I'm sure my new grandson will enjoy them when he gets a bit bigger.  All our family are avid readers!

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

FABRIC REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  0 yards

Fabric used year to date  0 yards

Fabric added this week  5 yards

Fabric added year to date  42 yards

Net used 2015  -42 yards

 

Nothing finished, but that should change in the next week.  It is so hard to wait until quilts are completed!  I added 5 yards of lovely blue fabric.  I had to order a larger batting for my mystery quilt, and I prefer to add fabric to my stash instead of paying for shipping!

 

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

SECOND BORDER ADDED

I'm pleased with the flying geese border - it really adds to the quilt top.  I've added the third border - using the wider flowered stripe, but haven't taken a picture yet.

My king batting arrived from Connecting Threads today, so I "booked" DH to help me pin baste quilts tomorrow.  I have my Grand Illusion, the victory garden, shown above, and I've added a baby quilt panel lined up to baste!  I love having an assistant - helps the work go more quickly, so I can get to machine quilting!

DH took me to the quilt show at The Villages today.  They have a huge guild, with 18 chapters and around 1000 members.  They were selling a photo CD at the show, so we only took a couple of pictures.  I looked at all the vendors' wares, but came home empty-handed, although there were several fabrics that were crying to come home in my tote!

WE'RE GRANDPARENTS!

After waiting, anxiously all day, we finally received a call from our younger son around 10:30 last night......

 

Welcome David Alexander

born January 19, 2015 at 10:08 p.m.

 weighing 5 lb. 12 oz.

We are two happy grandparents!

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

I decided to add a narrow yellow border to the panel, then use the narrow stripe of the matching border print for the second border.





I spent my sewing time yesterday making flying geese in 4 different colours.These are sewn together, and will be the third border, followed by the wide stripe of the border print.


I'll be happy when this is together, as it waited much too long in my stash!
I spent the morning making split pea soup from my Mother's recipe.  I had a ham bone waiting in the freezer, along with some diced leftover ham to add.  It smells wonderful, and will be dinner tonight along with toasted English muffin bread.  I read on another blog about making this in the oven, but I make mine in the microwave.  It cooks in 6 minutes, and is wonderful toasted!

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

FABRIC REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  0 yards

Fabric used year to date  0 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date  37 yards

Net used 2015   -37 yards

I don't count fabric as "used" until the project is totally completed....

I did complete my Grand Illusion quilt top.  I still need the piece the backing fabric (part of the 37 yards), but I'm waiting for batting to arrive - mine were all too small, and I didn't want to piece the batting.   

My next project uses a panel and matching striped border fabric that has been in my stash for a long time.  I decided to make one of the borders with 4 different coloured flying geese blocks circling the centre.  My next task will be cutting apart the striped border fabric.

My quilt group was busy last Wednesday, with many choosing to make the mystery quilt.  The variety of fabric being used is wonderful.  We have some new members, so there were lessons in cutting, pressing and stitching with a scant 1/4 inch seam allowance.  They are all anxious for the next installment, and several wanted it early, but I plan to email it just the day before we get together.

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

FABRIC REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  0 yards

Fabric used year to date  0 yards

Fabric added this week 37 yards

Fabric added year to date 37 yards

Net used 2015   -37 yards

We left our southern home on December 28, and returned on January 10th.  We headed to the cold and snowy north to help our son and daughter-in-law, (8 1/2 months pregnant),  move into their new home.  We had a great time, lots of hard work, lots of helpers, lots of laughter.  I love spending time with family!

That is my excuse for not sewing.  Of course, we stopped at a couple of quilt shops along the way.  At one, I hit the motherlode of older quilt panels, so I stocked up for my guild's community quilts program.  I also ordered the backing for a quilt, so that will get used soon.  I've spent this morning catching up on mail, bills, and filing, and will follow with laundry this afternoon.  That way, I can get back to sewing ASAP!

Check out Judy's blog, Patchwork Times for more fabric reports!

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  7.375 yards

Fabric used year to date  222 yards

Fabric added this week  9 yards

Fabric added year to date  63.875 yards

Net used 2014  158.125 yards

My last "used" fabric of the year is from the baby quilt and table runner that I completed.  My favourite neighbourhood LQS, Quilts on Plum Lane, had their annual after Christmas sale today - everything 30% off.  I picked up some yellow fabrics to add to my stash, one bright kids print that DH found and the rest was background fabrics, so that I can make my scraps pop, as I try to use up all the small pieces of fabric and leftover strips. 

I have some more fabric ordered, but it won't arrive until January, so I'll have to start the year in the red!!!!!

I'm please with my stash usage, and I'll try to improve on my numbers next year!

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

FINAL FINISH FOR THE YEAR

I had stitched some fan units made from left-over 30's fabrics, so I decided to complete the project before starting anything new.  I added the quarter circle centre to each one, then added background triangles to 2 of the sides.  I stitched 2 sets of 4 fans, and 2 sets of 2 fans, then cut a rectangle of background fabric to fit, along with some corner triangles and came up with a table runner.

The appliques were leftover from a vest panel that I bought about 20 years ago for $1.  I made the vest to donate to my guild for the quilt show boutique and brought the appliques south.  I hand stitched them to the runner, using lovely silk thread.

I stitched a double grid (thanks Inbox Jaunt for great quilting ideas), then stitched a wavy fill in the alternate squares.  I stitched some flowers in the centre row, and echo stitched around the appliques.

Once this was completed, I cut yellow, aqua, black and pink squares and complete part 5 of Bonnie's mystery quilt.  The rest will have to wait until we return south, as we're heading north to assist on the "big move" to DS and DDIL's first house.

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.

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  5.875 yards

Fabric used year to date  214.625 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date  54.875 yards

Net used 2014  159.75 yards

Thanks to a baby quilt panel and finishing a paper pieced star miniature, I was able to add to my used numbers this week.  I have another baby panel pin basted and plan to quilt it today.

I finished step 4 of Grand Illusion yesterday - my fastest finish yet!  

We are heading north after Christmas.  DS2 and DDIL get the keys to their first house on December 31st.  Since our first grandchild is due in mid-January, we are going to help them get settled quickly.  We plan to clean bathrooms, kitchen and mop and clean the floors, vacuum the rugs on day one.  Then small boxes etc., will be loaded on day two.  I'm hoping that most of the kitchen items will be relocated, just leaving a few for breakfast on moving day.  Day three the truck, along with some volunteer helpers will move all the large items.   After 34 years of military moves, we're well practiced, and usually had our home organized in just a few days.  DDIL says that the most stressful part of this move, will be not helping too much!  She's been told that her job is to direct traffic, and order her helpers around!  We're taking a lounge chair on day one, so she can put her feet up and even take a short nap when necessary.

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

A COUPLE OF SMALL FINISHES

I've been busy with Bonnie's mystery quilt, Grand Illusion, but I managed to get a couple of small items finished this week.

 First is a miniature quilt called Shooting Star.  It is 23 inches square, and made with some gradated fabrics leftover from a previous project.

The blocks are paper pieced from a pattern in a 20 year old magazine!
I stitched feathers in the wide border, and a feathered wreath in the cornerstones.

I also layered and quilted this cute panel that has been in my stash for quite a while.  I used yellow "gingham" flannel on the back.  The stuffed animals, letters and shapes are outlined, with a large stiple in the background.

I stitched alternating leaves in the faux pieced border.  I'm sure it will keep a little one warm!

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

I'm just 2 days late posting, but better late than never!  We've been busy with holiday outings, some last-minute shopping, company, parties etc.
I managed to get all my part 3 units for Bonnie's mystery pinned ready for their final seams on Sunday night.  We were away all day Monday, and Tuesday our company was arriving.  I managed to get everything prepared for their arrival, and turned on my sewing machine just as they arrived in the driveway!

Today was my southern quilting group's almost annual Christmas pot luck lunch get-together, so after our company left, I headed right to my sewing machine to start stitching.  I set a time to come inside to prepare jambalaya for lunch - chopping celery, onions and green peppers to go with some diced ham and chicken.  While it was cooking, I finished sewing the 120 units together.


Then I pressed all the units open, then cut them apart as I pressed.

Here are all my completed "parts", waiting for the next installment on Friday!

I then fluffed my jambalaya and spooned it into a fancier serving dish and headed off to a wonderful lunch.  I think quilters make wonderful cooks - all the food was delicious, and we had fantastic desserts too!

Check out all the design walls at Judy's blog, Patchwork Times, and see all the Grand Illusion progress at Quiltville's Quips & Snips!

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  0 yards

Fabric used year to date  208.75 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date  54.875 yards

Net used 2014    153.875 yards

 

No changes for me this week.  I've been busy stitching Part 3 of Grand Illusion with Bonnie Hunter.  I also received all the pictures taken at my northern guild's annual Christmas dinner, so I was busy writing the post and updating the block of the month page as well.

I've been busy baking bread - 2 loaves of whole wheat on Friday, 2 white on Saturday and 4 cinnamon fruit bread today.  It smells awesome in my house!  I also made a batch of carrot ginger soup, ready for the freezer.  I love to have meals in the freezer for those days when I'd rather sew than cook.  Actually, every day is one of those, but usually I cook!

We're planning an outing tomorrow, cousins are arriving on Tuesday, and my southern quilt group is having their annual pot luck Christmas lunch on Wednesday - when will I find time to sew?

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

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

My sewing room is a mess of pinks, blacks, yellow, aquas, and neutrals (I'm using white with black designs).

  
I'm working hard to finish step 2 of Bonnie's mystery quilt. 

I am trying to keep up, so I can find time to complete some of the other projects I brought south for the winter months......  I have 200 half block units completed, just waiting to be sewn together.

We had our Christmas sing-along last night.  DH and friends provided music while people were arriving at the clubhouse, and he even persuaded me to play my flute when he sang two John Denver Christmas songs - the Peace Carol, and A Baby Just Like You.  This was followed by an hour of rousing singing by our neighbours, with different people leading for their favourite tune. 

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

STASH REPORT SUNDAY

Fabric used this week  0 yards

Fabric used year to date  208.75 yards

Fabric added this week  0 yards

Fabric added year to date  54.875 yards

Net used 2014    153.875 yards

I've been busy this week working on Bonnie's mystery quilt.  I have step one completed and step two is all cut out and partly sewn.  I'm using the "bonus half square triangle" method - I had difficulty printing the templates the correct size.  I'll probably use the extra parts on the back of the quilt!

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

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

I, like so many others, am working on Grand Illusion, the mystery quilt from Bonnie Hunter at Quiltville.  So far, I've made the 280 half-square triangle units in Step 1.

They are waiting patiently for me to cut the yellow and black squares to complete the 100 broken dishes blocks.

This is my collection of pinks and aquas from my stash.  I was fortunate that Bonnie sent out the fabric requirements before we headed south, so I could "shop my stash".
I've also been working on a miniature paper pieced wall hanging.

This is the first of five spinning star blocks.  The rest are partly stitched into block 1/4's, and are waiting to be stitched into 1/2's and then the final block.

The blocks finish at 4 1/2 inches.  I found that I had to be very organized to get the right colours in the right spots.

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

I'm also linking to the Grand Illusion link-up here.

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.