Paint Creek Quilt

Mid week update

2012-02-08T17:52:00.000-08:00

Just a quick update on my Farmer's Wife quilt blocks:

I added 6 more blocks for a total of 16 blocks!

This may be my second wind

( and I will need a few more of these to finish the 111 blocks...)

Yep, 15 minutes sewing a day (or more) can get you there.

Slow and steady...

I really like the concept of doing a block per day or week.

Then each block is a small project in itself -

that's something I can handle

and not as intimidating as the number 111.

Eek,

Barb

Design Wall Monday

2012-02-06T15:55:00.000-08:00

It's already Monday evening

but I will still add my DWM post.

I have pulled out my Farmer's Wife blocks -

and made 2 more for a total of 12!

As always my paper piecing starts with

sewing

and unsewing

and sewing

and un-sewing

until I finally get it right.

And by then the paper is shredded...

Nevertheless I managed to get

Basket #3 ( no handle yet/ upper left corner block)

and Box # 9 (lower right corner) done.

I hope in the next weeks I will be able

to squeeze in some more Farm blocks.

I also tackeled another UFO

and am working on the binding

for Christmas Lights

(modified; a Bonnie Hunter mystery from Quiltmaker):

You can see the not-yet-joined binding strip

on the top of the picture.

I amchien sew the binding to the quilt back and then sew

a decorative stitch from the front.

That's the only way I ever get binding done...

And last but not least:

my Orca Bay has not changed much

and is still in half assembled blocks:

That's it from my end.

Please go and check all the other beautiful design walls

on Judy's Patchwork Place!

Barb

January UFO - done!

2012-01-31T16:21:00.000-08:00

Here is my UFO report for January -

following Judy's UFO 2012 challenge:

I had to shuffle a bit and re-assigend my UFO # 10 for January -

binding for my Jelly Roll QA quilt.

It is done -

and I can also enter it at the QG meet on Thursday in the UFO category - nice!

Just 11 more UFOs to go in 2012....

Barb

Design Wall Monday

2012-01-30T05:02:00.000-08:00

I got quite some sewing done during our Quilt Inn on Saturday -

and now my Hometown Cherries quilt top is done:

I really love how it turned out

and the background choice is perfect -

Thanks to all your help!

And here is my UFO for January:

I need to get the binding done

on my jelly roll quilt along.

The binding strip is pressed and ready for sewing -

the Countdown until February 1st is on!

Well, that's it from my design wall -

check out all the posts listed on Judy's blog!

Barb

Design Wall Monday

2012-01-23T04:24:00.000-08:00

I have been working on several different projects and they sure keep me busy.
Orca Bay -
I try to sew a few parts every evening and adding them slwoly to the lay-out.

Hometown Cherries -
I joined the "Made in Cherry Quilt Along" and cut my Hometown FQ's on Sunday and am sewing slowly row by row together. Still deciding which background fabric to choose - please let me kow your pick!

1. Upper left corner: Kona Charcoal

2. Upper right corner: Muslin/ off white

3. Lower left corner: Kona Ash

4. Lower right corner: Babbles

Sorry for the poor picture -

it's been gloomy and my flash isn't quite working.

Friendship Strips UFO -

I am trying to find a nice lay-out and background fabric - this is just a mock-up:

I am linking up to Judy's Patchwork Place

where you'll find a ton of inspiring design walls -

go and have a look!

Barb

Stash Report January

2012-01-22T11:07:00.000-08:00

I had been planing on joining for Judy's stash report, but only with a monthly participation.Since next weekend will be busy, I guess I better join in today.
My first finish was Lawn chair with 5 yrds ( backing & binding). I have been slowly sewing away on my Orca Bay and guestimate about 1 yard.

Stash Report January 2012:
Fabric used: 6 yrds
Total fabric used:
Fabric added: 0 yrds
Total fabric added: 0yrds
Total Stash reduction: 6 yrds

Please check Judy's blog for all the other stash reports.
And if you still have time to look & wouldn't mind helping me with my background fabric choice, I would appreciate it.
As a reward for finishing Lawn Chair, I pulled my Hometown FQ pack (9 FQ's won a while back) and joined the "Made in Cherry QA" hosted by Pins & Bobbins. The original pattern is from Sarah Fielke and can be found here.
All week I have been checking out the flickr pictures and after seeing I'm a gingermonkey's California Cherries, I chose the 60 x 60 version and jumped right in. It's perfect for my hometown FQ pack (you only need 8 FQ's + background).

So this morning I went from this:

To this:

And now I am agonizing over my background fabric:

Upper left corner: Kona Charcoal Grey
Upper right corner: Muslin/ off white
Lower left corner: Kona Ash
Lower right: Babbles (white & black)

So ig you have a favorite of the 4 or a different color you would use for Hometwon Cherries, please let me know!

Have a great Sunday,
Barb

Lawn Chair Quilt

2012-01-21T12:32:00.000-08:00

I may not have been keeping up with my blogging lately,

but I sure kept busy cutting binding and sewing it on

my bigger version of the Lawn Chair Quilt.

And I am DONE!

I used about 8 yards of binding strips -

and I sewed it first to the back

and then with a somewhat decorative stitch to the front.

Lawn Chair Quilt is my first quilt finish for 2012!

Linking up for the first time to

Friday Night Sew.

Go check it out and see

who else was busy with Friday night sewing,

Barb

Lawn Chair quilt update

2012-01-13T18:44:00.000-08:00

Guess what I just pulled of my quilting frame:

Lawn Chair Quilt is quilted!

Now to get it squared up and the binding added -

and I hope it will be done by the end of the weekend.

Barb

3 baby charity quilts

2012-01-07T15:05:00.000-08:00

Just a quick check-in:

At the last quilt guild on Thursday

I picked up a pack of 3 pre-cut baby quilts.

They were done following Anita Grossman Soloman's

"Super-Sized Nine Patch" pattern

and they turned out great:

Hope you are getting some sewing in

this weekend,

Barb

Charity quilt - Done!

2012-01-03T18:02:00.000-08:00

Another quilt hot of the quilt frame:

a charity top, batting and backing

that I had picked up at the quilt guild.

It's done and that's all that matters.

Not my colors,

the borders were too big and therefore a lot of gathering

(or whatever this is called).

Sure wasn't pretty working on it

and I am just glad that it's off my frame

and soon out of my house.

After all I still think it came out looking ok.

Meant to sew on the binding as well,

but lost so much time to get it straightened

and rearranged and straightened and...

well you get the picture.

Too bad,

somebody else will need to bind it.

Barb

Design Wall Monday

2012-01-02T17:51:00.000-08:00

Hot of the quilting frame:

This is Bonnie's Christmas Light mystery from a magazine -

just a different & smaller lay-out

and I know I am late...

But the baptist fans are finally done

and I can load the next quilt.

The other project I am working on

is the Orca Bay mystery.

I just loved the final reveal -

my current status:

I have decided to do a smaller lay-out:

6 x 7 blocks is big enough for me.

Anything bigger and it becomes a UFO

because my frame / throat is too small...

and I may actually finish Orca Bay this year!

Go and check out other design walls

at Judy's place

and Orca Bay mystery status

at Bonnie's blog!

Have a great week,

Barb

Tomorrow I'll be back at work.

No more days of endless sewing and

3 blog posts...

Blogger's Choice Fat Quarter Bundle

2012-01-02T17:00:00.000-08:00

Somehow I could not resist Quokka Quilts call for

blogger's choice fat quarter bundles -

so here is my selection:

I really had fun putting the fabrics together

and just had to overcome some mosaic making issues...

Ended up using mosaic maker

with a photo set from my flickr account.

Thanks so much for this challenge -

May the best bundle win!

Barb

Chosen Fabrics:

1 Michael Miller Lagoon Zoology Yardage
2 Early Birds Plum Strawberry Serenade Yardage
3 Get Together Navy Bears in Woods Yardage
4 Get Together Navy Squirrels and Trees Yardage
5 Lark Cobalt Gypsy Yardage
6 Kaffe Fassett Collective Teal Spot Yardage
7 Kaffe Fassett Collective Teal Wrinkle Yardage

8 Modernology Deep Sea Floralism Yardage
9 Modernology Fresh Grass Floralism Yardage
10 Treasures and Tidbits Lime Circle Dots Yardage
11 Prince Charming Indigo Taffy Yardage
12 Surf Time Lime Tossed Surf Boards Yardage
13 Bella Solids Navy Yardage
14 Bella Solids Summer House Lime Yardage
15 Bella Solids Black Yardage

Reflections + Predictions

2012-01-02T14:03:00.000-08:00

I saw the Sew Mama Sew "Sewing Industry Reflections + Predictions ~ What do YOU think?" post and will try to answer the posted questions as I see them:

Looking back at the 2011 sewing scene, what trends stand out in your mind?
More solids and more quilt alongs seem to be happening in the blogland sewing scene. There are also more and more stitched/ embroidered blocks incorpoarted into quilt (redwork like). Mini- quilts were another trend that could be found all over blogland.
The Red and White quilt show truely was a highlight of 2011! So many beautiful quilts - and luckily for us who couldn't go: we could see tons of pictures on the web!
And not to forget the Modern quilt guild movement! I hope there will be one in my neighborhood, soon!

What were some of your favorite things related to sewing this past year?
Finishing UFO's, giving quilts to friends or donating and the absolute amazing fabric collections out there! I also seem to be drawn to quilt kits - especially if I am short on time. It is easier to get them together as a gift without contemplating and agonizing over fabric choice.

What did you make that you’re most proud of?
I am real proud of My Rose Garden quilt - my 1st real "self designed" wall quilt, embellished and all (QG challenge).

And I also really like the Lawn Chair top - on the 'waiting to be quilted' list...

What sewn projects have you seen this year that you absolutely love?
I really love the modern take on old blocks - a la Farmer's Wife quilt along. Have started myself and continue to admire blocks with modern fabric.
The Red and white show in NYC with pictures everywhere made me realize how beautiful 2 colr quilts are!

Do you have a favorite sewing book or pattern from the past year to recommend?
I absolutely fell in love with the Swoon pattern by Camille. I hope to finish my kit this year! Additionally I just love the book "Quilts in Sweden" by Kaffe Fassett. Hopefully I can make at least one of his fabulous quilts in 2012.

Are there any trends you’re over and done with?
I seem to be leaning more to scrap quilts for myself - it doesn't always have to be matchy-matchy. While I can admire mini quilts, it's not something I would do.
The entire "make a bag or purse" trend has completely gone by me. If I buy a quilting magazine, I don't want/ need a bag pattern in it.
How about the rising prices of fabric: I am SO DONE with this higher cost trend!

What are your thoughts about social media? How is it going for you? What do you love or hate?Blogging is fine for me - I personally don't need twitter or facebook. They seem to be enormous time-eaters.

Did you have a favorite fabric collection or print in 2011?
There are far too many to list.

What do you predict for 2012 in the sewing industry?
More graphic prints and whimsical pictural fabrics. Additional solids from other fabric manufacturers.

Can you tell us what to expect from you in 2012? Any big projects or life-changing goals?
In general I will once more try to keep it balanced between work and play. I hope to finish more UFO's, maybe do another book/ tool review.

That's my take. Come and join the fun at SMS!

Thanks for getting me to think about sewing in 2011 / 2012,
Barb

Lawn Chair quilt top

2011-12-28T15:54:00.000-08:00

Ok, yesterday evening I finally managed

to sew all the rows into a top - yeah!

Now I just have to get the last quilt off the frame -

and I am good to go.

Meaning I can still get my

Lawn Chair Quilt (MBS tutorial)

done this week

I hope!

Barb

2012 UFO challenge

2011-12-28T11:48:00.001-08:00

This will be my 2nd year of joining Judy's UFO challenge.
While I will be listing 12 projects and see whichever one gets chosen, I may need to adjust my monthly project by season. Seems to be more difficult for me to do summer projects, so we'll see how it goes. But I will try to get more than 5 UFO's done, so I can beat my 2011 finished UFO!

1. Orca Bay mystery - while it is still ongoing, I will have to work on almost all steps; hope to get it done as a quilt top by the end of 2012!

2. Jelly Roll Race quilt: is promised to be given to a friend, latest for her birthday in May; it needs quilting and binding

3. Lenora's quilt: I gave a her pictures of several quilt tops and am waiting for her to pick one!

???

4. Friendship strips: we had a strip exchange going last year and I really would like to finish it into a top

5. Mod Blossom: needs quilting

6. Houndstooth top: needs quilting

7. Modern Cross; add borders, quilt

8. Farmer's wife: make 10 more blocks (or it would be an overwhelming task...)

9. Binding for Cathedral Stars quilt

10. Binding for Jelly Roll quilt along quilt

11. Tropical Twist: needs borders - hope to find a for me do-able solution

12. Flying geese: finish top (and quilt)

That's my list - please check all the other participants listed on Judy's blog -

and maybe you will join yourself!

It sure helps to get things moving along!

Happy UFO sewing in 2012!

Barb

2011 UFO challenge

2011-12-28T11:27:00.000-08:00

Ok, here is a short recap of my 2011 UFO accomplishments:

I finished 5 out of 12 UFOS!

Not the best result ever, but every UFO done, is one less!

#1 : Simply a Bloom: DONE, binding and all!

#2: Jelly Roll QA: quilting done - needs binding

#3: Batik Whirl - not touched...

#4: Cowboy Wave: DONE & donated

#5: Fishing Circles: not touched...

#6: Cathedral Stars: quilting done, needs binding

#7: Bears in the forest - not touched...
#8: Tropical Twist - ...
#9: Double Delight - ....

#10: Anita's Arrowhead: DONE & donated

#11: Quilting of 1 big quilt - didn't happen
#12: Irish Chain -.... need to pull it out and use as leader/ ender project

I see a pattern here: I seem to have issues with borders. Lots of projects stop once I reahc a border decision stage.
Hm, I see lots of borderless quilts in my future ;-) maybe that will help my finish-it-up mode!

Ooh, and have a look at the socks I just finished this week:
4 pairs done - and 1 new one (the 2nd sock is already half done):

Well, that's it for today,

Barb

Orca Bay Mystery update

2011-12-28T09:32:00.000-08:00

Before Bonnie closes here link-up list,

I better get an Orca Bay mystery status post done.

I am slowly chugging along -

and followed Bonnie's advice

to start doing some blocks and

catch up with the earlier steps in between.

So here are my first blocks following step 6:

It really helps to get some blocks done

and see parts of Orca Bay evolving!

Happy sewing,

mystery or else,

Barb

Design Wall Monday

2011-12-26T10:20:00.000-08:00

A few days ago I started Lawn Chair Quilt

for a friend who is undergoing cancer surgery early January.

While I am not yet completely done,

I still plan on sewing the rows into a completed top today.

The pattern is from the Moda Bake Shop by Happy Zombie

and I used a Westminster Dessert roll called Tea Garden.

Instead of using 16 JR strips per quilt, I used all 24 strips and

tried to gradate the color from the pinks into blues.

Please go and look at the DWM's listed on Judy's blog!

Lots of Orca Bay mystery going on as well -

I hope to catch up during this week.

We'll see.

Barb

Orca Bay status

2011-12-19T14:39:00.000-08:00

Ok, here are the stats for the Orca Bay mystery quilt:
Step 1 - done!
Step 2 - done!

Step 3 - well 150 units done, means 200 still have to be made; the last minute surprise trip to Germany threw me off schedule - and was well worth it!
Step 4 - 28 red squares are done - 64 are needed

Step 5 - pending on step 3...

I may not be on time with all steps, but progress has been made and I sure do enjoy this mystery!

Please click over to Bonnie's link up to see the other mystery sewers and their progress!
Barb

More Blacks for Orca Bay

2011-12-07T16:13:00.000-08:00

Look what I found in my mailbox today:

a package with a whole lot of beautiful Black fabrics

from Judy!

These are re-enforcement for my Orca Bay step 3.

Judy,

you are the best!

Thank you so much,

they are beautiful

and will make my Orca Bay quilt even more special!

I am certainly blessed

with unbelievable lovely friends,

Barb

Mystery Monday - Orca Bay

2011-12-05T04:26:00.000-08:00

Step 3 for the Orca Bay mystery
by Bonnie Hunter was posted last Friday -

and so far I have 144 HST units (of 350)

before I ran out of black fabric.

Oops.

In case you are wondering:

I am using the 2 inch strip method

with the Easy Angle ruler.

Wating for a black stash enhancement

from my BQF Judy before I can continue.

I am amazed that I have been able

to keep up with the mystery steps.

We'll see next week:

it will be probably too busy at work.

I am linking up to Bonnie's mystery Monday -

please go and check out the status of other mystery sewers!

Barb

Design Wall Monday

2011-12-05T04:21:00.000-08:00

I think I have been bitten by the flying geese bug.

And now I can't stop making them.

It all started with my book review and

testing of the flying geese ruler by Quilting in a day.

So here they are on my design wall this week -

48 geese, just 24 more to go for a twin size top.

You can see the Tucan border fabric on the left side -

hmmm, maybe it should be called "Flying Tucan" quilt?

I hope to finish the geese, oops Tucans this week

and that will help my stash report as well...

Please go and check other DWM on Judy's blog!

Barb

Flying Geese - quilt in a day

2011-12-04T13:58:00.000-08:00

Please have a look at my very first book review:

The book is called "Flying Geese" and I also received the large ruler from Quilt-in-a-day by Eleanor Burns.
So I read through it and looked at all the pictures and schematics. All is very easy to understand. And of course there is lots of eye candy of beautiful Geese quilts!

Included in the book are yardage charts for all common sizes and detailed step-by-step instructions from cutting to sewing, pressing, and finally putting the entire top together and quilting it.
If you have never made a quilt before, all parts of the quilt making process are described as well.

Whether you have the specialty large geese ruler or not,

these are the easiest flying geese I have ever seen!

What a great method - I had to try it out!

I decided to do a twin size Flying Geese quilt:
I selected Tucan fabric as my focus fabric, added 6 fabrics for the geese and the white fabric for my sky/ background. Yes, these fabrics are all from one collection (and leftover of an earlier quilt). They just waited for the perfect pattern: Flying Geese!

Then I followed the steps in the book and - while not yet done - ended up with 24 flying geese so far!

These are 8.5 x 4.5 inch.

Don't they look great?

I love them!

And they are all perfect without cut off corners!

This will become a beautiful & colorful quilt -

with the final lay-out to be still changed up a bit.

Just 48 more geese to go

to finish my very first Flying Geese quilt-

with guaranteed success!

Love the book and geese ruler for great easy flying geese.

I never thought I would put

easy and flying geese in one sentence.

Now I do!

Barb

Stash Report Week 49 / 2011

2011-12-04T07:18:00.000-08:00

It's amazing how much sewing I did get done during my days off - and its hows in my stash report, in a good way!

I finished my supersized shoo-fly top, Orca Bay step #2 and just whipped up an ironing board cover.

Week 49 / 2011:

Used this Week: 7.5 yards (iron board; supersize top; Orca Bay step 2)
Used year to Date: 135.875 yards
Added this Week: 0 yrds
Added Year to Date: 64.75 yrds
Net Used for 2011: 71.125 yard

And to have pictures for this blog post, here are Supersized Top and my new Red-blue ironboard cover.

Please check other stash reports on Judy's blog!
Barb

Supersized top done!

2011-11-29T18:45:00.000-08:00

Before I am back to work on Wednesday

I have to share the finished top picture:

Barb

Supersize

2011-11-29T11:57:00.000-08:00

After all the tiny 3.5 inch string blocks

for Bonnie's Orca Bay mystery I needed something bigger

that would make a difference in my stash report.

So I came across this Sew Mama Sew tutorial

by Malka Dubrawski and had to try her Supersized Shoo-Fly quilt:

Just so you can see the size:

9 (!) string blocks of 3.5 inch square each

will fit into one supersized square!

Unsewn Supersized Shoo-Fly quilt is 70 x 70 inches

and sits half on my rug and half on my woodfloor...

Taking a break and will sew the blocks together later today.

Stash usage: 6 yards! Wohooo!

Hope you like it,

Barb

Design Wall Monday

2011-11-28T08:18:00.000-08:00

It is so nice to enjoy another day off from work and it means:

I have a design wall Monday

and status of Bonnie Hunter's Orca Bay Mystery.

Step 1 - 224 QST units done ( but for squaring up):

Step 2: 30 blue strip block units done (needed: 72)

I really love sewing these units

and all strips came out of the scrap bag -

You even can see a little dent in it!

We still have until Friday to finish up step 2 -

so I should be ok.

I am linking up to Bonnie's Mystery Monday 2

and Judy's Design Wall Monday.

Barb

Stash Report week 48 / 2011

2011-11-27T08:39:00.000-08:00

Ok, I haven't done a stash report since... week 31 on July 31/ 2011, but I will try again.
Here is the total as far as I can retrack (some purchase are not yet included):

Week 48 / 2011:

Used this Week: 1.5 yards (Orca Bay step 1)
Used year to Date: 128.375 yards
Added this Week: 0 yrds
Added Year to Date: 64.75 yrds
Net Used for 2011: 63.65 yard

Orca Bay step 2 status

Here are more stash report details summed up by month:
August 2011:
I bound 3 baby quilts:
Total used: 1 yrd

September 2011:
1 yrd - Sent 9 blocks to Blue Nickel for charity quilts
4 yrds - Sewed "Houndstooth top"
5 yrds - Started "Oops no daisy challenge"
Total Used: 10 yrds
Won 1 FQ bundle with 9 FQ's
Added: 2.25 yrds

October 2011:
5 yrds - Sewed Houndstooth backing
2.5 yrds - Finished Cowboy wave top & made backing
Total used: 7.5 yrds
Won FQ bundle from Quiltmaker with 25 FQ's
Added: 6.25 yrds

November 2011:
4 yrds - Sewed Modern Cross Top
1.125 yrds - Added borders to Jelly roll quilt
0.35 yrds - Binding for Log Cabin quilt
2 yrds - Streak of Fish: backing & binding
2 yrds - Baby Tumbler backing & binding
0.4 yrds - Cowboy Wave binding
1.5 yrds - Orca Bay step 1

Total used: 11.375 yrds

Back again and linking up to Judy's Stash Report.
Barb

224 units!

2011-11-26T13:59:00.000-08:00

Have a look at my Orca Bay Mystery step 1:

all units are done!

What's left to do is squaring up.

Ok, off to Orca Bay step # 2 -

starting with digging up some blue strips.

Barb

Orca Bay - the first units...

2011-11-21T16:40:00.000-08:00

I guess I just could not resist

Bonnie Hunter's new mystery quilt Orca Bay.

Still waaayyys to go -

and I may even consider a smaller size quilt top and

only do half the amount of hour glas units,

something like 112...

Well, one unit at a time.

And I know it will all be worth it in the end:

Bonnie's mysteries always make beautiful quilts!

Check out Bonnie's Mystery Monday Link-up

and see all the "super sonic sewers"

that are already done with step 1 !

Happy sewing,

Barb

DONE - DONE!

2011-11-20T15:01:00.000-08:00

Final picture before they get packed up:

8 quilts for BASICS,

from the bottom up:

Cowboy Wave -

Anita's Arrowhead -

Log Cabin -

Cat quilt -

Streak of Fish -

Baby tumbler -

Fish Quilt -

Skiing Bear quilt

done!

Yeah!!!

I hope they will bring some needed comfort

to deserving families in NYC!

Barb

Binding frenzy - DONE!

2011-11-20T12:54:00.000-08:00

Please have a look at the last quilt

that was in need of binding -

and now is DONE:

Cowboy Wave

(pattern by Oh Fransson/ E. Hartman).

Ok, now to do the last laundry lot of quilts

for this weekend.

Hope you got some sewing in, too!

Barb

And if I ever figure out how much fabric I used,

I may even start up my stash report again...

Binding frenzy - latest finish

2011-11-20T09:37:00.000-08:00

And another baby quilt moved to the completed pile:

That means only one more to do!

Barb

Binding frenzy - continued

2011-11-19T15:20:00.000-08:00

And the next one is DONE:

I even have buried all threads,

now it just needs to get

a quick wash to get all fluffed up& crinkled.

Barb

Binding Frenzy....

2011-11-19T12:03:00.000-08:00

There is a binding frenzy going on at my house:

1 done - 3 to go.

All are donation quilts for BASICS and

I need to ship them out this weekend...eeek....

Go to cut some more binding strips...

Barb

Another one!

2011-11-16T16:46:00.000-08:00

I am still on a roll -

and just finished quilting another donation baby quilt.

The same Random Stars easy boards were used,

I grabbed a backing with hearts in all colors

and hopefully it will find a new home - soon!

My current approach is:

*load a quilt in the evening,

*get the bobbins filled

*and start quilting one row.

*The next day: finish it up!

That works beautifully for me

right now for small quilts.

Ok,

I am off to look for another small top,

preferable with backing prepared or

small enough that 40 inch fabric fits.

Can't stop now....

Barb

Another top - quilted!

2011-11-15T16:58:00.000-08:00

This must be my most productive quilting week! Ever!

I just finished quilting yet another baby/ toddler quilt:

meet "Streak of fish", made from a free Bonnie Hunter pattern

called Streak of Sunshine:

On the right side you can see the backing fabric;

It says "Sparkle!" all over.

If I can manage to get a binding attached in time ,

it will be added to my BASICS quilt donation pile.

Barb

1st Log Cabin quilt top

2011-11-14T16:58:00.000-08:00

I just finished quilting one of my very first quilt tops:

a quite colorful (!) Log Cabin quilt.

Since everything was set-up

with my Random Stars easy boards,

that's what I used.

Somehow it has escaped my UFO 2011 list,

so no credit there,

but I am sooo glad it's done.
And yes, it screams for a red binding fabric...

Still debating if I will keep it or donate it.

Barb

Sunday Project Review

2011-11-13T12:06:00.000-08:00

My poor neglected blog -

it's been a long while since I last posted,

but life kind of got in the way.

So here is a summary of my current projects:

Cowboy Wave is quilted and

just needs a binding to be ready for donation!

My jelly Roll top was in hiding for quite some time,

but I finally came across the perfect border fabric!

I added a small dk blue border and then a wider diagonal dotted one -

it seems to capture almost all of the colors in the top and I love it!

It is a future donation top, once it gets quilted & bound.

Here is a pair of socks - almost finished.

I just need to find the kitchener stitch instruction

to close the toes.

(Patons Kroy Sock yarn " Mulberry Stripes")

I really like the Modern Quilts out of the book

"Quilts Made Modern"

and had to try one.

My color choice is not as perfect,

but I like my Modern Cross quilt.

It still needs to get a beige outer border

before it is ready for quilting.

And yet another sock

started during my recent Mexico travels.

Colorful, but I love funky socks!

(Patons Kroy yarn "Sailor Stripes)

That's most of the stuff I have done lately,

as far as I remember...

Barb

And if all else fails -

at least I have broken my blogging silence!

Design Wall Monday

2011-10-17T15:14:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I last posted on DWM.

Oh well - I am back!

Currently I am keeping myself busy sewing backings,

so that no new projects get stranded in the top stage:

this one is for my HoundsTooth top

and it sure looks better in real life

(Sorry for the smudge on my lens...)

And the next one has already been loaded on the quilt-frame:

It's one of my UFO's called "Cowboy Wave"

and I am happy to see it move on as well.

I certainly hope to get a few more donation quilts

completed this year.

Well, this is maybe not the most exciting design wall,

but at least I got something posted.

Please check Judy's blog for more DWM postings!

Happy sewing,

Barb

Mail!

2011-10-11T15:14:00.000-07:00

Look what I found at my front door today: a big box from....

Quiltmaker Magazine!

I had followed and entered their

"Back to School Party"

and won a FQ bundle "A La Maison"

by Terri Conrad ( Robert Kaufman fabrics)

and a Queen size batting!

Wow,

this is the biggest win ever for me!

Thanks so much,

I really enjoy reading the Quilty Pleasures blog,

and sure love the fabric & batting!

As for my Dozens Of Daisies

(the quilt project of the Back-to-School Party):

it is a completed top -

and I even got the applique done!

Yes, I changed it a bit and only did 1/3 of the appliqued petals.

But I still like it,

Barb

One more for BASICS

2011-10-10T16:40:00.000-07:00

Yet another quick post -

have a look at another baby quilt I finally finished:

"Skiing Bears"

It will be added to the box for BASICS for V at Bumblebeans.

And here is a UFO that has now reached the "top done stage"

Cowboy Wave:

If I get it quilted in time,

it will also head to BASICS.

Ok, that's all the computer work

my wrist can take right now.

Barb

Blue Nickel Blocks

2011-09-26T14:54:00.000-07:00

I am still having wrist issues,

so just a quick post of my 9 blocks for Scott at Blue Nickel Studios

for his Blue Bumble Bean Basic Pattern:

Well, it's a very loose interpretation,

but I had so many red-blue 9 patches that I wanted to

incorporate...

I am sure he'll find a good spot in his BASICs quilts!

Barb

Houndstooth top - done

2011-09-17T11:46:00.000-07:00

I just finished my Houndstooth top - after a few

"oops, I guess I have to reverse sew these parts" moments..

And maybe I will even manage

to load it on my quilting frame.

I haven't used the frame in soo long,

it's not even funny any more.

The loading usually stops me in my tracks

and I find distraction easily....

Hope you'll find some sewing time this weekend as well,

Barb

Blogger's Block of the Month

2011-09-16T15:20:00.000-07:00

My BFF MB in MI brought it to my attention:

there is a Blogger's BOM starting at Canton Village Quilt Works.

She signed up - and dared my other BFF Judy and myself to join.

What am I to do - sign up, of course!

It all starts on September 25 - come and join the fun!

Jackie truely has a fantastic designer line-up for all 12 blocks!

Now I'll try to get the button onto my blog

which is usually a hit or miss...

TGIF,

Barb

Oops - no daisy!

2011-09-12T16:41:00.000-07:00

I have been following the

Quiltmaker Back-to-School Party quilt along

and here is my current status:

Have to change the name though from

"Dozens of Daisies"

"Oops - no Daisy" ;-)

The pattern asks for 72 petals appliqued,

and that's out of my league...

Maybe I'll add some in the middle - we'll see how it goes.

The real quilt is much more colorful,

but my camera and the low evening light isn't helping.

Still need to add borders:

And another project in the making:

Houndstooth quilt -

this time with a dash of Orange

The binding will be orange, too.

Both quilts will be donated

to BASICS

and their next quilt drive

with Victoria and Pat.

I am linking up to Design Wall Monday

at Judy's blog.

Enjoy your week,

Barb

Fat Quarter bundle win!

2011-09-04T13:05:00.000-07:00

Look what I found in my mailbox:

I won a FQ bundle of Sweetwater's Hometown collection

from Pink Chalk Fabrics!!!

And I chose the Red color way:

Isn't it beautiful?

I will have to look at it for some time

before making a decision on how to use it....

Thanks go out to Kathy from Pink Chalks Fabrics!

Barb

BASIC houndstooth

2011-09-04T11:22:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to try a Houndstooth quilt for a while.

And Victoria with BASICs needs quilt.

A somewhat rainy Sunday - what more do you need?

Here is my lay-out.

I am still missing some blocks and

am debating if I should add one different colored "tooth" (?).

What do you think?

Barb

3 binding quest - DONE!

2011-08-28T17:57:00.000-07:00

This afternoon the last of my 3 quilts looked like this:

But now it has joined the rest of the bunch:

3 quilts, bound,

ready for a wash and then to be sent to BASICS:

And all in time for Pat's FIU = finish it up in August challenge!

Now I really am ready for a new project -

and no bindings for me for a while...

Barb

Two down!

2011-08-27T19:13:00.000-07:00

And another quilt for BASICS is bound -

this means there just one left on my binding quest:

I hope you got some sewing in this weekend.

Barb

One down!

2011-08-25T18:47:00.000-07:00

Ok, my binding quest is coming along nicely:

one done and 2 more to go.

It started earlier this evening with this:

And now it has become this:

(yes, it's a machine binding)

A few more threads to bury and

this baby quilt will be done for BASICS!

The clock is ticking:

Pat's FIU ends on August 31!

Come and join

and make a difference!

Barb

Baby quilts - finish it up

2011-08-21T15:26:00.000-07:00

You may have seen these quilts before: they have been waiting for binding for quite some time...Bindings just don't excite me - nor am I any good at them.

But I joined Pat Sloan's August Finish it up challenge - and my challenge will be to get these bindings done by the end of August. Once completed the quilts will go to NYC to the BASICS quilt drive started by Victoria from bumble beans.

Please wish me luck, I am getting out my walking foot right now to get started... oh wait, I have to cut the binding strips first.
Barb

107 miles - and 1 sock

2011-08-13T07:41:00.000-07:00

It's been ages since I have posted -

that's what summer vacation are meant to be:

no stress or obligations.

I spent 5 days in Minnesota skating with a group of friends:

107 miles to be exact! That's a personal record!

And in between, mainly at the airport or in flight,

I finished knitting 1 sock:

The yarn is Patons Kroy socks Jacquards "Summer Moss" -

got it on sale for $2 and it works great for me.

Hopefully soon I will get my sewing mojo back -

currently it seems easier to work on the 2nd sock

instead of pulling out the sewing machine.

Barb

Stash Report week 31 / 2011

2011-07-31T09:10:00.000-07:00

It may be a boring stash report, but I finished the Modern Blossoms top!

So while my numbers stay the same as last week: nothing in and nothing out, at least I can share a picture of the finish. I really like how it turned out!

Week 31 / 2011:

Used this Week: 0 yards

Used year to Date: 98.5 yards

Added this Week: 0 yrds
Added Year to Date: 56.25 yrds

Net Used for 2011: 42.25 yard

Please check other stash reports listed on Judy's blog!

Barb

Almost there!

2011-07-29T20:10:00.000-07:00

Friday night status of my Mordern Blossoms top:

24 strips sewn -

just 3 left!!

I see a finish for tomorrow,

Barb

And another 3 strips

2011-07-28T19:32:00.000-07:00

Modern Blossoms - current status:

21 rows sewn -

6 more to go.

Big smile:

I can see it happening!

Barb

Daily update

2011-07-27T18:37:00.000-07:00

2 more sections added to the Modern Blossoms top!

18 of 27 strips sewn.

Next section pressed & pinned -

ready to go for omorrow

YES, I should be done in a few days,

Barb

Slow growth

2011-07-26T17:41:00.000-07:00

I have to document the progress of Modern Blossoms so that I will keep on going until the top is completed and I can get back to some Farmer's Wife blocks.

Currently I am trying to do one section each evening: that means sewing 3 rows together and add them to the main top. it seems to help me to iron and pin the next section for the next evening - then I don't have an excuse and can get right into sewing... the tricks you have to use...

So here is tonight's status: 12 rows sewn together!

And ironing/ pinning rows 13 through 15 as prep work for tomorrow is happening right now.

I can do this! A beautiful future quilt top is lurking behind 15 more rows to be sewn...

Barb

Deisgn Wall Monday

2011-07-25T04:06:00.000-07:00

Even though it is slow going,

I have made some progress

on joining the strips of my Modern Blossoms top:

They are first joined in groups of 3 -

the bottom 2 groups/ 6 strips are sewn, the top ones will be

Soon.

I was very concerned that my 'variable 1/4 inch'

would make the top look out of sync,

but so far so good.

Everything matched quite nice!

I am pretty sure there are more exciting DWM out there,

so please go and check them out!

Have a great week,

Barb

Stash Report week 30 / 2011

2011-07-24T10:22:00.000-07:00

Did I mention last week I was going in the wrong direction with my stash report?

Well, it continued this week, but I got some sewing done and at least can count out 2.5 yards for 'size improved' orphan blocks to be send to Christina.

Week 30 / 2011:

Used this Week: 2.5 yards

Used year to Date: 98.5 yards

Added this Week: 7 yrds

Added Year to Date: 56.25 yrds

Net Used for 2011: 42.25 yard

Here is the added Parisville FQB:

As always I am linking up to Judy's Patchwork Place.

Enjoy your Sunday and stay cool - wherever you are,

Barb

Farmer's Wife - update

2011-07-19T15:36:00.000-07:00

Have a look at my latest FW block with 40 (!) pieces.

Wow, this must be my most intricate one so far.

It's #7 "Birds in the Air":

Well, that brings my total to 10 FW blocks.

Not too bad and I am still going -

101 left to make...

And every day I check out the

FWQAL flickr group

to be inspired by all the incredible blocks

and the beautiful chosen fabrics!

Barb

Design Wall Monday

2011-07-18T09:09:00.000-07:00

I just learned how to do a mosaic on Flickr -

so here you can see my 9 Farmer's Wife blocks:

1. FW # 1 Attic Window 2. FW # 2 Autumn Tints 3. FW # 4 Basket Weave

4. FW # 5 Bat Wing 5. FW #39 Friendship 6. FW # 35 Flower Basket

7. FW # 8 Bouquet, 8. FW # 21 Contrary Wife 9. FW # 29 Economy Patch

The FWQAL is in week 8 - and I am still behind, but I am enjoying the process.

Yes, paper piecing is a learning curve -

and so far I have tackled the least intimidating ones.

That's it from my design wall.

Please check all the others listed on Judy's blog!

Barb

new home for orphan blocks

2011-07-17T10:30:00.000-07:00

While checking out quilt blogs today, I came across A few scraps and her call for 12.5" orphan blocks.
Well, here are my very first ever BOM (and quilt blocks in general) - and they fit perfectly for her Black Rock Stitchery.

Yes, they are BRIGHT.

And yes, they need some 'help' to become true 12.5", but I hope they will add some 'spice' to the quilts.

(In case you wondered: it was a Hancocks Fabric BOM a few years back... and I bought it a year or 2 after the BOM was done)

12 blocks out - and I will count it in my stash report...

Barb

Stash Report week 29/ 2011

2011-07-17T07:13:00.000-07:00

As mentioned in my last stash report, I had bought some fabric online...
Here is the beautiful bundle of Kaffe Liberty Marylebone fabrics -

36 fat quarters = 9 yards in...

As for usage, I will give myself 0.5 yards for my paper pieced FW blocks.

Week 29 / 2011:

Used this Week: 0.5 yards
Used year to Date: 96 yards
Added this Week: 9 yrds
Added Year to Date: 49.25 yrds
Net Used for 2011: 46.75 yard

I am going in the wrong direction here with my stash report, but hope to reverse the trend in the next week.
Please check Judy's blog for other stash report participants!
Barb

Farmer's Wife QAL status

2011-07-16T17:40:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post with my newest FW blocks:

#29 Economy Patch

# 35 Flower Basket (handle is still missing...)

#21 Contrary Wife

# 8 Bouquet

What can I say: 9 done - 102 left to go...
Barb

Design Wall Monday

2011-07-11T04:11:00.000-07:00

Well, all the strips for my Modern Blossoms top are sewn

and here is the lay-out:

Now I still need to 'unsew' some of the white blocks

from the bottom edge

and add them to the top edge.

And then off to sewing all strips into a quilt top!

My current status of the Farmer's Wife Quilt Along:

# 1 Attic Window

# 2 Autumn Tints

# 4 Basket Weave

# 5 Bat Wing

Yes, I am behind,

but hopefully I will catch up soon!

Please check Judy's blog for all the other

inspiring design walls!

Have a great week,

Barb

Stash Report week 28 / 2011

2011-07-10T08:15:00.000-07:00

No changes on my stash report, but I poked a button during my staycation this week... It will arive and be accounted for during next weeks report - so right now the numbers still stay the same.

Week 28 / 2011:

Used this Week: 0 yards

Used year to Date: 95.5 yards

Added this Week: 0 yrds

Added Year to Date: 40.25 yrds

Net Used for 2011: 55.25 yards

And the photo shows (once more) my finish of the week: I quilted the layer cake QA top!

As always I am linking up to Judy's stash report post.

Enjoy,
Barb

UFO challenge - July

2011-07-09T10:21:00.000-07:00

Amazing what a week of vacation can do to your UFO stack:

I just finished quilting my Layer Cake QA top

which is my July UFO of Judy's UFO challenge.

So after a few months of slacking on my UFO goals,

I am back in the game - and it feels good!

The pantograph I used is called "Asian Clouds"
(bought at Willow Leaf Studio).

Enjoy your weekend,

Barb

Design Wall Monday

2011-07-04T07:31:00.000-07:00

Here is my design wall:

the start of the lay-out of Modern Blossoms ( free pattern):

It doesn't look like much right now,

but I can see I like it!

Lots of strips, sorted in a wavey pattern.

So the goal for the week:

get the strips sewn -

and if possible

finish the top.

Please go and check other design walls

listed on Judy's blog!

Happy 4th!

Barb

Stash Report week 27 / 2011

2011-07-03T07:39:00.000-07:00

It was a pretty good stash busting week here at my house:

I cut "Modern Blossom" ( 5.4 yrds) - and you'll see the lay-out on Design Wall Monday.
And I pulled UFO #2 my Layer Cake Quilt Along top and got the backing done for another 3.5 yards. It will be loaded on the frame today!

Week 27 / 2011:

Used this Week: 8.9 yards

Used year to Date: 95.5 yards

Added this Week: 0 yrds

Added Year to Date: 40.25 yrds
Net Used for 2011: 55.25 yards

Yes, my year end goal of 100 yrds net used should be doable!
How are your stash busting efforts coming along?
Please check over at Judy's for more reports!

Happy 4th of July weekend,
Barb

Farmer's Wife QAL

2011-07-01T16:52:00.000-07:00

It's been in the making for a while -

and today I finally found time

to start my first blocks for the Farmer's Wife Quilt Along.

My test blocks were just too far off the measurements,

so I decided I would do all blocks

with foundation paper piecing.

Have a look!

I am still very confused by paper piecing - meaning most of my paper will fall off due to excessive sewing & unsewing, but it's a start!

Can't say yet if I will make all 111 blocks or less. Will see how good (and fast) I become at paper piecing...

Well, the group is doing 2 blocks per week and they are calling it week 5. Meaning I am 8 blocks short, but I have a week of vacation coming up and should be able to catch up.

I am linking up to Lily's blog - so please have a look at all the fantastic blocks out there!

Another source is the flickr group for lots of eye candy.

In case you wondered: the paper foundation PDF files are available from the Farmer's Wife Yahoo group. When I started having issues, I figured I better join and get some help.

Happy sewing,

Barb

I can't believe this is the 2nd blog post today - you see that's what vacation time can do to you!

UFO Challenge - July project

2011-07-01T14:18:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have been slacking.

Badly.

Concerning UFO projects,

but I hope to get back my groove for the July UFO.

Judy picked # 2 and this means:

my Layer Cake Quilt Along top.

It needs:

* a backing

* getting it quilted

I should be able to do it -

and the backing usage would help my stash numbers.

I'll try!

And there are no border decisions involved

which was the issue with the last UFO...

Wish me luck,

Barb

Design Wall Monday

2011-06-27T03:53:00.000-07:00

First up is my finish from last week:
my Town Square top is done!

And since I am still having issues with the Farmers Wife Blocks to start the quilt along, I needed (?) another 'in-between' project with easy sewing.

Here is what I came up with:

I took a design roll caleld "Blossoming" and added some Kona White.

Pattern is free from Moda, called "Modern Workshop".

So far I have 11 strips done, ready for pressing and I need 13 more.

My colors are different, but I just love the look of the original:

(this is a photo from my monitor - sorry!)

I guess I will call my version " Modern Blossoms".

That's it from my design wall -

hope you can make it and check Judy's blog for all the other listings!

Barb

Stash Report week 26 / 2011 and One thing - One week challenge

2011-06-26T06:09:00.000-07:00

Despite quite some sewing during the week, I have nothing to report. So my numbers stay the same.

My finish of the week: Town Square top is done! The original version by Kim Brackett has 2 borders, but I will keep mine the way it is.
This was my submission for Amy's One Thing - One Week challenge! Whenever I break things down in do-able portions ( with incentive...), I can accomplish a whole lot ;-)
Hope you like the top!

Week 26 / 2011:
Used this Week: 0 yards
Used year to Date: 86.6 yards
Added this Week: 0 yrds
Added Year to Date: 40.25 yrds
Net Used for 2011: 46.35 yards

Please check other stash reports listed on Judy's blog!
Barb

One thing - one week challenge 8

2011-06-21T04:26:00.000-07:00

Design Wall Monday

2011-06-20T04:14:00.000-07:00

It doesn't look like much,

but last week I sewed several rows together

of my scrappy Town Square quilt,
pattern by Kim Brackett.

The sashing rows are not yet sewn

and I am still considering a different cornerstone color,

just couldn't find a good one yet in my stash.

So I used the original red/ blue ones.
Goal for this week is
to finish the top!

And just because I can,

here is the status of the latest pair of socks:

Real poor picture/ lighting, sorry!

But I am very close to have them finished.

Please check all the other design walls

listed on Judy's blog.

Barb

Stash Report week 25 / 2011

2011-06-19T07:44:00.000-07:00

This week I barely managed to get any sewing in, so I am scrambling over the weekend to sew my backing for Picnic - and of course I was short. That backing was the fabric I added and used this week.

Week 25 / 2011:

Used this Week: 5 yards
Used year to Date: 86.6 yards
Added this Week: 2 yrds
Added Year to Date: 40.25 yrds
Net Used for 2011: 46.35 yards

Check Judy's blog and see how others are doing with fabric stash busting.

As far as fitness goes: I had a skating week - finally. The weather was just perfect for some inline skating and so I spent 5 evenings in the park and skated a total of 36 miles. Will try to keep this momentum going next week as well.

And because this post needs a picture, here is my newest potential project: my first (unsewn) test block with random fabrics for the Farmers Wife Quilt Along.
It's a bit goofy for me to work with templates, but a challenge is good, right?

We'll see if I will join the FWQA crazyness in blogland - see my earlier post here.
The quilt along is for 2 blocks a week and they are currently in week 3. Guess I have to start with the easy ones and work myself up until 111 blocks are done.

Have a nice Sunday, hope you can squeeze some sewing into your day,
Barb

New project...FWQA

2011-06-18T11:12:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess I can pretend for a while longer

that I am not intrigued

by the wave in blog land of the Farmer's Wife Quilt Along,

but truth be told: I am fascinated!

Not that I need a new project (who does..),

but I know I would never start something of this magnitude on my own.

So let's say I am 90% in, pending on my first test blocks...

and I hope the blocks are as addictive as they say.

Here are my fabric choices that just waited for a worthy project:

Sunkissed and Hope Valley,

got the book at JoAnns,

first block templates printed,

ready - set - GO!

Barb

Design Wall Monday

2011-06-13T04:26:00.000-07:00

Here is the current state of 'Town Square'

(Kim Brackett's book "Scrap Basket Sensations")

made in my red/ pink-blue-neutral homemade jelly roll.

I like it and am debating if the missing sashing cornerstones

should be in a different color

like yellow or orange - and not in the 3 main colors.

Guess I have to cut some cornerstones and post new pictures.

That usually helps with my decision.

So what's on your design wall - link up to Judy's blog and see other amazing

designs!

Enjoy your week,

Barb

Stash report week 24 / 2011

2011-06-12T07:05:00.000-07:00

Somehow I have been in between projects and felt in limbo this last week - have been going through magazines and books to find my next new project.

And ended up once again with another pattern out of Kim Brackett's book Scrap Basket Sensations, called Town Square. Here is a sneak peak, more will be revealed on Design Wall Monday.

I used red, blue and beige strips and already cut everything and sewed the centers for a total out of 3.3 yards + star charms for Katie. In came my beautiful fat quarter win from Ruby Slipperz.

Week 24 / 2011

Used this Week: 3.5 yards

Used year to Date: 81.6 yards

Added this Week: 2.25 yrds

Added Year to Date: 38.25 yrds

Net Used for 2011: 43.35 yards

Stash busting is slow going here at my house, but every bit counts. Middle of the year with 43 yards means I still can make my 100 yards used goal, but I need to get going on some quilt backings..
I really enjoy making my own jelly roll quilts. Even though they are not made from matchy-matchy fabric collections, they still make nice quilts! Especially with all the great JR patterns!
How is your stash busting going?
Go and check other stash reports linked to Judy's blog.

Enjoy your Sunday,
Barb

Fat quarter win!

2011-06-08T16:40:00.000-07:00

Look what I got in the mail:

beautiful fat quarters from Ruby Slipperz!

Don't you just love squishy mail?

Thanks so much -

your selection is perfect:

love the colors and the cats!

Now I have to look at them for a while

and then decide on a project.

Big smile from Michigan,

Barb

Design Wall Monday

2011-06-06T04:06:00.000-07:00

At 10 pm Sunday evening I finished my Picnic top

-pattern by Kim Brackett in Scrap Basket Sensations-

and that's what's on my design wall today:

This top is my submission for the Naked Bed challenge -

so I better get it posted there as well.

Go check out all of the amazing talents

that are posting on Judy's DWM post!

Barb

Stash Report week 23 / 2011

2011-06-05T07:33:00.000-07:00

With all the 2.5 strips I have been cutting: 40 for the jelly roll race and 20 for a birthday present I can report 4.3 yards out this week. 4 yards backing came in - hopefully for next week's report this backing is out.

Week 23 / 2011

Used this Week: 4.3 yards

Used year to Date: 78.1 yards

Added this Week: 4 yrds

Added Year to Date: 36 yrds

Net Used for 2011: 42.1 yards

Please check out all the other stash reports listed on Judy's blog.

And since I needed a picture for this post, here is my QG challenge quilt, called 'My Rose Garden':

It is my first self designed quilt and I love it!

Have a great Sunday,

Barb

FYPC - button is a winner!

2011-06-02T19:29:00.000-07:00

What a busy blog post week it is for me - I am surprising myself!

Guess what:

I won 10 fat quarters from RubySlipperz for having participated in the FYPC, putting her button on my blog and blogging about it.

My Bear Quilt truely has become a good luck charm.

Thanks so much RubySlipperz - you make my day/ week/ month!

And I dare all of you to participate in her next FYP challenge:

you have 28 days left to finish your project.

I better get going,

Barb

FYPC: Beary Patch

2011-05-31T18:22:00.000-07:00

Well,the clock is ticking for the "Finish Your Project Challenge"

until 11pm tonight .

It is short after 9pm - and I am DONE!

binding hand sewn on - check!
Label made & sewn on - check!

May I present Beary Patch in his full & completed glory:

Tadaaaaa!

Thanks to RubySlipperz and her FYP challenge

I can take him off the 'to-do' list!

Yeah, doing a happy dance in my house.

Now I can't wait to give him away

as a gift to an unsuspecting & hopefully happy recipient!

It's sooo nice to finish a project,

Barb

Jelly Roll Race

2011-05-30T18:39:00.000-07:00

Here it was 5 pm on Monday - and I started the Jelly Roll Race 5 hours late.

Shawna from 1choice4quilting organized it

and I used 2.5 inch fabric strips from my stash.

Here is my original fabric mixture, certainly colorful.

Then they were all sewn together into one long strip

And following the descriptions and sewing the long ends together

details here,

it ended up in this quilt top:

Loved the process - and the result!

Perfect and super fast for a charity quilt -

or a last-minute gift!

Please check out the flickr group with

all the pictures.

Thanks Shawna for hosting the race,

Barb

Design Wall Monday

2011-05-30T07:26:00.000-07:00

Not much has changed on my DWM:

just the top 2 rows have been sewn of the Picnic quilt top

Some power sewing time is needed!

And here is the status of the socks:

What is on yor design wall?

Check for more inspiration

on Judy's blog!

Barb

Stash Report week 22 / 2011

2011-05-29T07:05:00.000-07:00

This week I only used 1/2 yard for the binding of Beary Patch - and I had poked a button for a fat eighth bundle of Hoopla. For $20 I just could not resist - and I have been going though the book Scrap Basket Sensations to find the perfect pattern match ...

Week 22 / 2011

Used this Week: 0.5 yards

Used year to Date: 73.8 yards

Added this Week: 4.25 yrds

Added Year to Date: 32 yrds

Net Used for 2011: 41.8 yards

Please check out other stash reports that link up to Judy's blog!

Fitnesswise it was mediocre with lots going on at work, but 3 gym visits did fit in. With all the rain we are having, there was no time for rollerblading. I really hope it dries up and I can go out during this long weekend!

Barb

Beary Patch - final stretch

2011-05-28T07:49:00.000-07:00

Look at him:

I finished quilting yesterday,

now he needs to get squared and the binding sewn on

and a label made.

And because I work better under pressure -

and with an incentive,

I just heard about it and joined FYPC:

Meaning I have to finish Beary Patch by May 31.

So I better get going.

Thanks for the challenge -

Ruby Slipperz:

I am in!

I hope it is not too late inthe game.

Check it out:

Maybe you want to join as well?

Barb

Design Wall Monday

2011-05-23T04:29:00.000-07:00

I finished all the blocks for the Naked Bed Challenge quilt! Pattern is "Picnic' by Kim Brackett.

For me it ended up being a 12 x 13 lay-out because I ran out of fabric. Two outside rows have the same fabric and that's that.

Now it's up to sew them into rows - and hopefully get the top done this week.

And then I realized that the socks that I am currently working on, have a very similar color choice.

How about that?

Please go and check other design walls on Judy's blog!

Enjoy your week,

Barb

Stash Report week 21 / 2011

2011-05-22T07:17:00.000-07:00

This week I used up 3 yards of paw print flannel for the backing of the bear quilt. He will be on the quilt frame in the next hour. I also added 3 yards of Kona white for a future project. So essentially the numbers stay the same.

Week 21 / 2011
Used this Week: 3 yards
Used year to Date: 73.3 yards
Added this Week: 3 yrds
Added Year to Date: 27.75 yrds
Net Used for 2011: 45.55 yards

Please check other stash reports at Judy's blog!

On the fitness front I finally managed to start roller blading. It's been on my to-do list for a while, but somehow it was always raining. Somehow the 1st time of the season is always a pain for me. Once I am on the skates it's ok, but getting to it...
Now that this hurdle is taken, I am hoping for many more skate miles to come!

Enjoy your Sunday - and it truely is a sunny day here in Michigan,
Barb

Stash Report week 20/2011... and challenge news

2011-05-15T08:02:00.000-07:00

I finished (and submitted) 2 quilts this week. Most of the fabric was already accounted for, but 1.5 yards for my QG Rose challenge quilt was used for backing and binding. Luckily there was no time to add any fabric either.

Stash Report Week 20 / 2011:

Used this Week: 1.5 yards
Used year to Date: 70.3 yards
Added this Week: 0 yrds
Added Year to Date: 24.75 yrds
Net Used for 2011: 45.55 yards
To see other stash reports, go to Judy's blog.

A few posts ago I had shown this picture:

Well, I entered a quilt named Toucan Tango

into the Bernina Spring Quilt Challenge.

As far as quilt submissions go: This is a first for me!

Somehow I just needed the timeline, project and incentive.

So please, if you have a minute: check out my submission here.

I would love if you could comment on my Toucan Tango.

Yes, I am quite excited about it,

and we'll see where it goes...

Thanks so much!

Happy Sunday,

Barb

Moda Bake Shop May Contest

2011-05-13T18:08:00.000-07:00

Do you remember these placemats I made as Christmas gifts?

Well, I entered this photo into the May MBS contest.

Please go and have a look here

and if you don't mind, I would really love if you

could leave a comment there.

Thanks so much,

Barb

A 2nd set of placemats

is in the works, but other projects have priority...

Design Wall Monday

2011-05-09T04:02:00.000-07:00

Well, here is my May UFO and it is on my design wall / sofa:

It's my Double Delight half finished top (mystery by Bonnie Hunter)

and it needs a border solution.

I am open for suggestions -

though I don't have much of the original fabric left.

First a small 1.5 inch border strip

and then a 6.5 inch bigger one, but in which colors?

Some kind of corner block?

Or just one big border and quilt it?

Thanks for your help!

Please check all the other amazing design walls on Judy's blog!

Barb

Stash Report Week 19 / 2011

2011-05-08T08:06:00.000-07:00

First of Happy Mothers Day! Hopefully you all have a beautiful day with as much sunshine as we seem to be having here today in Michigan!
I have done a bit of sewing this week, but most fabric usage was already reported earlier. For some additional strip sets and the quilt guild Rose challenge I have used about 1 yard.

Stash Report Week 19 / 2011:

Used this Week: 1 yards
Used year to Date: 68.8 yards
Added this Week: 0 yrds
Added Year to Date: 24.75 yrds

Net Used for 2011: 44.05 yards

Please go over to Judy's blog and check out other stash reports!

Have a look at all these beautiful stacks of friendship strip blocks from the strip exchange.

Now I will need to get some other projects completed before I can play with them.

Enjoy your Sunday,

Barb

Design Wall Monday

2011-05-02T04:03:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I had something that I could post, but I finally managed to sew all strips for our strip exchange on Thursday. And I made 6 labels as well, stacked in the middle of the strip wheel. So I am all set, yeah - at least one thing is DONE!

Now I 'just' have to finish the QG challenge quilt. Most likely I will need the extension and hand deliver it by May 15th, we'll see.
All these extra project have kept me from finishing the April UFO and I am quite disappointed. Yet counting the finished projects this last month, it has been a busy & successful one. And that's what counts!
Maybe I can squeeze the April UFO into May ... and finish both UFO's in one month.

Please check other design walls here!
Enjoy your week,
Barb

Stash Report week 18 / 2011

2011-05-01T07:29:00.000-07:00

I am sewing and working on several projects, but they are not to be revealed yet. I finished a backing, quilted the top & am still sewing on the binding.

Stash Report Week 18 / 2011:

Used this Week: 4 yards
Used year to Date: 67.8 yards
Added this Week: 0 yrds

Added Year to Date: 24.75 yrds

Net Used for 2011: 43.05 yards

This week has been quite a fitness week. It seems like the more stress I have at work, the more I end up in the gym. I counted 4 gym visits for this week.

Please see other stash reports on Judy's blog,

Barb

Stash Report week 17 / 2011

2011-04-24T06:03:00.000-07:00

I used some fabric this week, but some of it was just added to be used. So at least I am buying what is needed and that concept works for me.

Stash Report Week 17 / 2011:

Used this Week: 6 yards
Used year to Date: 63.8 yards
Added this Week: 4 yrds
Added Year to Date: 24.75 yrds
Net Used for 2011: 39.05 yards

Unreal, but we finally had nice & warm weather on Saturday, so I had my first 6 mile walk around Stony Creek Park. And guess what I saw: a Bald Eagle! It made my day - what a magnificent creature!
This means walking (and skating) season is finally back in Michigan - and I really hope to increase my outdoor activity time.

And in order to have a pic in today's post - a sneak peak at the latest fabric I am working with - nope, this is not an Eagle... ;-).

Please check other stash reports here.

Easter Greetings,

Barb

Breakfast with friends

2011-04-22T14:34:00.000-07:00

My morning started with a magic breakfast with 2 dear friends -

and I had a great time!

And look what I brought home:

a beautiful sewing caddy with content and a quilting magazine from Judy

and a bag filled with fabric, buttons & lotion

with a gnome card from MB!

Thank you ladies,

you truely made my day!

And since the weather is just wet & nasty,

I started to sew - have a look at the sneak peak.

I hope you have a wonderful day as well!

Barb

Design Wall Monday

2011-04-18T04:25:00.000-07:00

I am still plugging along on my Picnic quilt

(pattern Kim Brackett)

and added 34 more blocks since last DWM:

I still have to swap some blocks and mix up the colors more,

but overall my Naked Bed Challenge Top is coming along nicely!

I am hoping for some sunshine this week to get

a better picture with true colors...

So: what's on your design wall?

For inspiration please check other DWM

on Judy's blog!

Barb