tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70876741784758578812024-03-13T23:56:11.338-04:00Mair's Musingsmostly quilting, some knitting, some lifeMairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02344532121189255168noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7087674178475857881.post-10832327872468473962021-08-07T15:09:00.000-04:002021-08-07T15:09:17.447-04:00Lots of Stitching Going On<div class="separator"><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VNnS8nooKUc/YP132j6rsVI/AAAAAAAADkI/oTNbHgt7LK00DS3ByBqlPHUHdYWR-KOSACLcBGAsYHQ/P1080323.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VNnS8nooKUc/YP132j6rsVI/AAAAAAAADkI/oTNbHgt7LK00DS3ByBqlPHUHdYWR-KOSACLcBGAsYHQ/P1080323.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ll1yzM9GC8U/YP16J05dagI/AAAAAAAADk0/QiMnBQAmYd0l_ICC27bf0Z8Hm1M9jNEjACLcBGAsYHQ/P1080361.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ll1yzM9GC8U/YP16J05dagI/AAAAAAAADk0/QiMnBQAmYd0l_ICC27bf0Z8Hm1M9jNEjACLcBGAsYHQ/P1080361.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div></div><p>There has been a lot of stitching and completed projects since I last posted in March, but (obviously) not a lot of blogging. </p><p>I've continued to complete UFO projects. Many of them will be donated to the Comfort Quilt coordinator or my guild who will donate them to local charitable organizations. These are 5 of the quilts done that will be donated. All except for the black/tribal print quilt came from my stash. The most colorful ones were started as a leader/ender project I originally intended to be a full or queen sized quilt. The pattern isn't as pronounced as I wanted, so I made it into sizes that are in demand for comfort quilts. (Most of the organizations want crib and twin sized quilts.)</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sx5ctENoYFE/YP13skMBMKI/AAAAAAAADj4/tDXejLi_4100R9Nr0xSVoXbACt2MRqufwCLcBGAsYHQ/P1080312.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sx5ctENoYFE/YP13skMBMKI/AAAAAAAADj4/tDXejLi_4100R9Nr0xSVoXbACt2MRqufwCLcBGAsYHQ/P1080312.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ttNWOup0_Oc/YP14ZeM3AeI/AAAAAAAADkk/_0bt9S-HrWgSJZSBFGEH6R4w3cBKGDieACLcBGAsYHQ/P1080363.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ttNWOup0_Oc/YP14ZeM3AeI/AAAAAAAADkk/_0bt9S-HrWgSJZSBFGEH6R4w3cBKGDieACLcBGAsYHQ/P1080363.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j4CgLdNWSoA/YP14YSwfSnI/AAAAAAAADkg/RJG8J9rrO18MSg_42yydKmBqMCkJvKM9QCLcBGAsYHQ/P1080362.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="145" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j4CgLdNWSoA/YP14YSwfSnI/AAAAAAAADkg/RJG8J9rrO18MSg_42yydKmBqMCkJvKM9QCLcBGAsYHQ/w194-h145/P1080362.JPG" width="194" /></a></div><br />As I was sewing the binding on this last quilt, I noticed a small snip on the backing. So now there is a small, mysterious purple dot on the back that covers the tear. I like it and may just put a random circle on other quilts just because.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oS-Njyuqpxs/YP13xS4nsCI/AAAAAAAADkA/ztVxjPEF6HAEgN7tzSgWuVwCI5le7yNXACLcBGAsYHQ/P1080316.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oS-Njyuqpxs/YP13xS4nsCI/AAAAAAAADkA/ztVxjPEF6HAEgN7tzSgWuVwCI5le7yNXACLcBGAsYHQ/P1080316.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5KTr5oBJeE8/YP13vI3Lu8I/AAAAAAAADj8/a2n1d6rzkwYlrIFmPlsueCYlO_tlFHdhQCLcBGAsYHQ/P1080315.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5KTr5oBJeE8/YP13vI3Lu8I/AAAAAAAADj8/a2n1d6rzkwYlrIFmPlsueCYlO_tlFHdhQCLcBGAsYHQ/P1080315.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uQ-4rlgWKXk/YP13iaOExYI/AAAAAAAADj0/B2k2ewSIjzg8IOJSY8aADOgRcj4BLhVrwCLcBGAsYHQ/P1080285.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uQ-4rlgWKXk/YP13iaOExYI/AAAAAAAADj0/B2k2ewSIjzg8IOJSY8aADOgRcj4BLhVrwCLcBGAsYHQ/P1080285.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I put together the last of the tree blocks into a table runner that will probably turn into a gift this winter.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T-etiPO69o8/YP12H0hdrKI/AAAAAAAADjo/LZqWPtbWtKki3_LV6lE_PSNib298U1bEACLcBGAsYHQ/P1080264.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T-etiPO69o8/YP12H0hdrKI/AAAAAAAADjo/LZqWPtbWtKki3_LV6lE_PSNib298U1bEACLcBGAsYHQ/P1080264.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The guild did a few swaps this spring. This one was for zipper pouches and these were my contributions.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4MAwjcMnT6Y/YP12D3o-n9I/AAAAAAAADjg/WyCEjpyfWWUNHEY1jqMuRb6CzKn6X4UMgCLcBGAsYHQ/P1080249.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4MAwjcMnT6Y/YP12D3o-n9I/AAAAAAAADjg/WyCEjpyfWWUNHEY1jqMuRb6CzKn6X4UMgCLcBGAsYHQ/P1080249.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2_eG2ls7OJg/YP12Cj8aWTI/AAAAAAAADjc/2EdVx_xP9h8n_ZiYE4n3RUCk6dhM_8ezgCLcBGAsYHQ/P1080251.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2_eG2ls7OJg/YP12Cj8aWTI/AAAAAAAADjc/2EdVx_xP9h8n_ZiYE4n3RUCk6dhM_8ezgCLcBGAsYHQ/P1080251.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Bright Baby revisited is quilted! I used the solid grey areas as practice for free motion quilting. Each grey diamond (excluding the edge diamonds) is quilted with a different fill pattern. It was fun and a good lesson on what works and what does not. I'll probably keep this one as a sample.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rUvn-Nnc928/YP1160g99II/AAAAAAAADjY/9B2kaZZ6acc2DsWSjQyxlQGr4bupjiGlwCLcBGAsYHQ/P1080242.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rUvn-Nnc928/YP1160g99II/AAAAAAAADjY/9B2kaZZ6acc2DsWSjQyxlQGr4bupjiGlwCLcBGAsYHQ/P1080242.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tWucq2Yh28U/YP112kBX46I/AAAAAAAADjU/AUr4GzaP_rszQAT8RJwCdXbliBV1R0_OgCLcBGAsYHQ/P1080238.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tWucq2Yh28U/YP112kBX46I/AAAAAAAADjU/AUr4GzaP_rszQAT8RJwCdXbliBV1R0_OgCLcBGAsYHQ/P1080238.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />And a pair of socks from yarn I received as a Christmas gift.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8Zpu1Pmg21s/YP11UgW_5jI/AAAAAAAADjM/bj432zNBE4M3gQIEUAaKNsLgX8zAdb14ACLcBGAsYHQ/P1080232.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8Zpu1Pmg21s/YP11UgW_5jI/AAAAAAAADjM/bj432zNBE4M3gQIEUAaKNsLgX8zAdb14ACLcBGAsYHQ/P1080232.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Mairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02344532121189255168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7087674178475857881.post-4237551543505318872021-03-19T14:04:00.005-04:002021-03-19T14:04:53.950-04:00Updates and Recent Productivity<p> I've been reasonably productive lately. This is my way of dealing with cold weather and having to stay (mostly) at home. So, I can spend some part of the week doing knitting, sewing, cross stitch and quilting. This is what I've finished since the last post in January:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2LhrypO_izg/YE-r7R0zoyI/AAAAAAAADHI/J1KyqyCHKmY_ZGqud7CkxnIi72bnxIxwACPcBGAsYHg/s4128/20210122_145931.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2LhrypO_izg/YE-r7R0zoyI/AAAAAAAADHI/J1KyqyCHKmY_ZGqud7CkxnIi72bnxIxwACPcBGAsYHg/s320/20210122_145931.jpg" /></a></div>In order to keep us connected, the program director of my quilt guild has arranged these small exchange projects throughout the year. The main idea is that you are paired up with another member and both agree to make the item of the month. The item may be a small, themed wall hanging or a place mat, or a table topper, etc. I've done a few and this is one that I completed in January. We exchanged fabric and a sample of blocks and went from there. I received two pieced blocks from my partner and some beige and blue fabrics and made this topper. This photo is just a bit washed out, but gives a good idea of the piece. I had fun designing it, doing the applique and the machine quilting.<p></p><p><br /></p><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JguniX8N5_0/YFTbUcEHkRI/AAAAAAAADIo/ueL9YHL6VqQPhxYwNtW5yLIE-2K113jzgCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/P1080227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JguniX8N5_0/YFTbUcEHkRI/AAAAAAAADIo/ueL9YHL6VqQPhxYwNtW5yLIE-2K113jzgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080227.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I gave her the pineapple block and this is her result. I love the colors and placement of those colors. She apologized for not being creative in her quilting and suggests that I should add more if I want. I haven't decided on that yet. There are too many other projects to contemplate.<p></p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><p>Inspired by the mittens Bernie Sanders wore to the presidential inauguration ceremony, I decided to knit a pair of mittens for myself. I had never knit mittens before, needed a set of gloves (or whatever) for a new winter coat, and had plenty of wool to work with. I used a skein of yarn that Gayle had spun and given to me along with a sock yarn that I was using for accents on socks. They're very warm, but just a bit too big. And, they were fun to knit.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Q6xRBZ2peA/YE-tGqV0fDI/AAAAAAAADHU/0HeBnchAbRw7cx3y8cDuDV1R3Cx8n6B3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/P1080190.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Q6xRBZ2peA/YE-tGqV0fDI/AAAAAAAADHU/0HeBnchAbRw7cx3y8cDuDV1R3Cx8n6B3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080190.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>And I've been working on some UFOs. I had 14 tree blocks in my stash that I probably got from a guild block exchange some years ago. I used 5 of them for a table runner exchange and 4 of them for a table topper. The remaining 5 are sewn together to make another table runner, but that project is not yet completed.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rxU9Vd5SI5s/YE-1hnbE7JI/AAAAAAAADHg/b87wXZCy23cgwZM8LZUbxyDbD2j7T8S9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/P1080161.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rxU9Vd5SI5s/YE-1hnbE7JI/AAAAAAAADHg/b87wXZCy23cgwZM8LZUbxyDbD2j7T8S9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080161.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zj40PfDkUZ0/YE-1yu4F3MI/AAAAAAAADHo/sH7comLGD_EqZ_Qo0zqQzJzEPBfNBp7KgCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/P1080192.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zj40PfDkUZ0/YE-1yu4F3MI/AAAAAAAADHo/sH7comLGD_EqZ_Qo0zqQzJzEPBfNBp7KgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080192.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>My guild is trying hard to keep people engaged in most of the activities we regularly hold while meeting in person. Block of the month us generally popular. The committee chooses a block pattern and provides a bit of fabric. The members make a block (or more) and turn them in for a chance to win all the turned in blocks. This year, the pattern is publicized and it's all on your own. This has not been nearly as successful. I guess the chance of winning a quilt full of blocks is quite the draw. But, I've been following along to support this group. This is my collection of blocks so far.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d_L-fokBNis/YE-1zXWMLgI/AAAAAAAADH4/a3BCz5FeL0Y1aC1Yvx0yj-EGsP9GbD7rACLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/P1080216.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d_L-fokBNis/YE-1zXWMLgI/AAAAAAAADH4/a3BCz5FeL0Y1aC1Yvx0yj-EGsP9GbD7rACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080216.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J6B3CdhTwu0/YFTdM-KjHeI/AAAAAAAADI8/UWFHmL9sAd8qXm9eN2myIaFyxtgF3aJOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/P1080222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J6B3CdhTwu0/YFTdM-KjHeI/AAAAAAAADI8/UWFHmL9sAd8qXm9eN2myIaFyxtgF3aJOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080222.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I completed and framed the gargoyle cross stitch. This is hanging above a shelf in my bathroom which houses many of my other gargoyles. Every time I see it, it makes me smile.</div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_qBzxqoHMDs/YFTdNny0NEI/AAAAAAAADJE/J4OjfQO7j7A6zxAiCFTzbu1l_slKrjhlQCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/P1080223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_qBzxqoHMDs/YFTdNny0NEI/AAAAAAAADJE/J4OjfQO7j7A6zxAiCFTzbu1l_slKrjhlQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080223.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I've been working on the Hawaiian applique nearly every evening. So far, the inner ring is complete (the 8 sections with the two flowers) and the outside of the middle ring (the curves and stem with 3 flowers each). I'm working on the middle ring now. Most of that section I can bunch up the fabric and hold my thumb on top to applique. That is a little faster and easier to work rather than having to stabilize the top fabric with my thumb covered up with another part of the quilt. Once I have this section done, all the tiny leaves will be completed and the very outer border will go quickly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So far, I'm liking the combination of stitched and glued basting. There are a few sections where the glue basting is a little close to the edge and the residual glue makes stitching harder. Also, I ran out of the Roxanne glue before I finished and switched to Elmer's washable school glue. The school glue is not holding well with all the handling required to do the stitching. The Roxanne glue is thicker and is holding up better for that. But, I still like the Elmer's school glue for glue basting and holding a binding down for stitching.</div><br /><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Scza86_dRWM/YFTf8cK5moI/AAAAAAAADJw/El-dv3ZDizIgdwgb_Siln8FFt3uVQOF_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/P1080200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Scza86_dRWM/YFTf8cK5moI/AAAAAAAADJw/El-dv3ZDizIgdwgb_Siln8FFt3uVQOF_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080200.JPG" /></a></div>I've also completed a few crib sized quilts for the comfort quilt donations through my guild. The peach/green and the drunkard's path quilts I got as tops and basted, quilted and bound before donation. The brown/blue quilt was in my stash as cut pieces. I think they were a guild donation as well. I put together the blocks from cut strips and completed the quilt.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-94aB9-uGruc/YFTf8eWehvI/AAAAAAAADJ0/Z5YECgXJN4MhiuRcQ7rT6d5YbcNbDA1qACLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/P1080203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-94aB9-uGruc/YFTf8eWehvI/AAAAAAAADJ0/Z5YECgXJN4MhiuRcQ7rT6d5YbcNbDA1qACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080203.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B9TIsVIAawg/YFTg5qsO0TI/AAAAAAAADKI/FALuhZq0EWMkn--4iKmdM44w7ozbxj9PgCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/P1080228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B9TIsVIAawg/YFTg5qsO0TI/AAAAAAAADKI/FALuhZq0EWMkn--4iKmdM44w7ozbxj9PgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080228.JPG" /></a></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hHaw-2y5J_I/YFTg5nK-hEI/AAAAAAAADKE/iRIz6UD5WyoGL22V2L3utdyXaxdOdJxowCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/P1080220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hHaw-2y5J_I/YFTg5nK-hEI/AAAAAAAADKE/iRIz6UD5WyoGL22V2L3utdyXaxdOdJxowCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080220.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The next swap I did was just called "3D". Members were allowed to interpret that as they wished. My partner said she likes cats, bright colors and loves baskets and boxes. I have been eyeing this pattern for quite some time, but had no excuse to make it. This was the perfect excuse! And, since I share her love of all things basket, I had to make one for myself. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bJnscFWXNQE/YFThYzZ7WsI/AAAAAAAADKg/fUippAyWCVYBZ5_NV84KQm30nre7Jq8uACPcBGAsYHg/s4128/20210308_184033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bJnscFWXNQE/YFThYzZ7WsI/AAAAAAAADKg/fUippAyWCVYBZ5_NV84KQm30nre7Jq8uACPcBGAsYHg/s320/20210308_184033.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I have to share the story behind the fabric. Back in 1980-something, DH and I traveled to St. Thomas on vacation. We found this lovely shop that did stencils on fabric and I bought a few yards of a white on white that included nautilus shells and other aquatic creatures, and this turquoise and white remnant. I love this fabric. It reminds me of Tiffany's boxes. I've held on to this fabric because I didn't know what to do with it and I didn't want to waste it. With everything that went on this past year with Covid, etc., it was a good time to evaluate what I've got and to use it or discard it. This basket also makes me very happy. I may have to make another!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a8y8-XrgEaw/YFTfrVWs4fI/AAAAAAAADJo/q_JUL85Akls62fst4JAK0OxOGl7uHGNAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/P1080194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a8y8-XrgEaw/YFTfrVWs4fI/AAAAAAAADJo/q_JUL85Akls62fst4JAK0OxOGl7uHGNAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080194.JPG" /></a>Scrap Party, the mystery quilt that Charlotte Hawkes published last year (2019?) is done. I think I am done with quilts on point for a while. I wasn't sure about the background of this piece, but now that it's done, I like it a lot. I also like the scrappy border and the scrappy binding I used.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have been keeping busy this winter. I like that my UFO list is getting shorter. I like that I've been playing with new things (like the basket) and using some of my time to make charitable donations. Lately I've been working more to improve my machine quilting and expand my quilting motif library. I'm trying hard to expand my craft, have fun and not stress about any of this. So far, I'm succeeding. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><br /><p></p><br />Mairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02344532121189255168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7087674178475857881.post-79427535151535410732021-01-16T18:36:00.000-05:002021-01-16T18:37:00.815-05:00Ladies of the Sea is DONE!! (I think...)<p> I've completed my Ladies of the Sea quilt. At least I think so. I completed all the hand quilting that I had planned to do, but there are a few spots that look a little barren to me. But, I can't decide what to put in those spots to make it feel more complete to me, so I decided to trip it, label it and bind it. So, it't probably done, done, but I reserve the right to change my mind later and add more quilting.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tMgERadYbN4/YAN1EYtnL0I/AAAAAAAAC6E/VoMgeAgz6FAhAhSpujcW4Ix_NmwvJZeBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/P1000799.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tMgERadYbN4/YAN1EYtnL0I/AAAAAAAAC6E/VoMgeAgz6FAhAhSpujcW4Ix_NmwvJZeBgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/P1000799.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-foPPd88RFmM/YAN1cj9mgLI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/9wSpi-Ymc5An2pH__v41A0mmgbXMLIOWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/P1000801.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-foPPd88RFmM/YAN1cj9mgLI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/9wSpi-Ymc5An2pH__v41A0mmgbXMLIOWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1000801.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>A lot of my friends have been asking what I am going to do with the quilt now that it's done. Frankly, I have no idea. I really don't have the wall space to put it anywhere in my house. I'll probably put it on the bed for a while. I'll enter it into my guild show, but that won't be until the spring of 2022. Right now it's draped over a chair in the family room. I guess I should think about putting a hanging sleeve on it so it will be ready when it's time to put it in a show or two. Until then, I'm just taking glances at it and enjoying.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XDTRKC66gvw/YAN1ctTGkMI/AAAAAAAAC6M/XRnxVQiCpboRX4fUPd1h9NcQ4aKCVFiNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/P1000803.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XDTRKC66gvw/YAN1ctTGkMI/AAAAAAAAC6M/XRnxVQiCpboRX4fUPd1h9NcQ4aKCVFiNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s5184/P1000803.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XDTRKC66gvw/YAN1ctTGkMI/AAAAAAAAC6M/XRnxVQiCpboRX4fUPd1h9NcQ4aKCVFiNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1000803.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p></div>Mairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02344532121189255168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7087674178475857881.post-23014781961961964482020-10-05T14:09:00.000-04:002020-10-05T17:58:43.345-04:002020 Fourth Quarter Goals<div class="separator"> I've been thinking that this year has not been particularly productive for me. But, when I think back, I've gotten a fair amount done. I have not been productive every day. I have not felt creative every day. There are some days that just sitting on the couch is all I can do. But, I've painted the deck, edged and mulched most of the garden beds, painted the garage, started and completed two quilts, started two sweaters (completed one), and worked on a good number of other quilts. My UFO list is decreasing. I have not started anything new that I have not completed. I'm counting all this a being productive, despite feeling not quite myself.</div><p>I skipped the summer Ravelry quilt UFO challenge. Mostly I could not bring myself to write a blog post. I remember at the time feeling really overwhelmed and adding one more thing to my (self-imposed) list of things to do was depressing. And, I figured I wouldn't get any of the UFOs done, so facing another list of things I hadn't done was not uplifting. </p><p>Now, my outlook is a little rosier. Some of the worries I had over the summer have been resolved, and I'm feeling a bit more creative. So, here's the list of UFOs I plan to work on for the last quarter of the year:</p><p><br /></p><p>1. Ladies of the Sea</p><p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RHg4t28OK_o/X3tasVsZ8TI/AAAAAAAACk8/3wY6VRU__JwCz538nsX8LlXf8fNyDOcswCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/P1080113.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RHg4t28OK_o/X3tasVsZ8TI/AAAAAAAACk8/3wY6VRU__JwCz538nsX8LlXf8fNyDOcswCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080113.JPG" width="320" /></a>I've been quilting on this most evenings. I may have the quilting completed by the end of the year. I need to complete the hand quilting, bind and label.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>2. Bright Baby revisited</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ffhmIAbLgBc/X3tasQ3b9VI/AAAAAAAAClM/gh6ZeKMwfKQD3nDbIL_A2UBocqmUxszUQCPcBGAYYCw/s4608/P1080115.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ffhmIAbLgBc/X3tasQ3b9VI/AAAAAAAAClM/gh6ZeKMwfKQD3nDbIL_A2UBocqmUxszUQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/P1080115.JPG" /></a></div><p></p><p>I have not made progress on this. The top is complete; it needs backing, basting, quilting and finishing.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>3. Handy Dandy Scrappy</p><p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_KnUt8zcoYU/X3jv_xsBHbI/AAAAAAAACkQ/qRp4Ut0YF0kOlEoZVz2O-COK0vVyRQDGgCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/P1080110.JPG" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_KnUt8zcoYU/X3jv_xsBHbI/AAAAAAAACkQ/qRp4Ut0YF0kOlEoZVz2O-COK0vVyRQDGgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080110.JPG" width="320" /></a>I basted this a few weeks ago. It needs quilting, binding, and finishing.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>4. Maxine</p><p>I put the top together and started quilting this a few weeks ago. I need to complete the quilting, bind and finish</p><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C2_HyZ7QylI/X3jv_qH9q0I/AAAAAAAACkM/lKoujANccO8VabS4OhpmNXJatSmTUc5UACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080109.JPG" /><br /><p><br /></p><p>5. Blue Floral</p><p>I've been thinking about this and have a border design in my head. That's as far as this has gotten.</p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HET_Uu1xK4s/XgzN9s9gsDI/AAAAAAAAB50/UrZ65c7HJFg0PIqHHVv8ZLe1dQZaesa6QCPcBGAYYCw/s4608/P1080002.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HET_Uu1xK4s/XgzN9s9gsDI/AAAAAAAAB50/UrZ65c7HJFg0PIqHHVv8ZLe1dQZaesa6QCPcBGAYYCw/s320/P1080002.JPG" width="320" /></a><br /><p><br /></p><p>6. Escher's Lizards</p><p>This will be my next hand project. I've got the fabric and a few lizards put together as sort of a proof of concept. I don't know how large I expect this quilt to be.</p><p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KDSa-jyuz-o/X3tasYu9ptI/AAAAAAAAClU/BbeHmSt8SK4A2gZ3x__rtYOqO_EUePuWgCPcBGAYYCw/s4608/P1080114.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KDSa-jyuz-o/X3tasYu9ptI/AAAAAAAAClU/BbeHmSt8SK4A2gZ3x__rtYOqO_EUePuWgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/P1080114.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p>7. White Ginger</p><p>My daughter was engaged last November and has planned her wedding for November of 2021. This is her wedding quilt. I have the pattern, fabric, thread and desire. I've had it in my head that I will start this in November and complete it by her wedding. Time is getting close to start, so I should. Technically this is not a UFO since I haven't really started it yet. But I wanted it on the list so I don't forget that I want to work on this.</p><div class="separator"><div><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jG67GfVlElM/X3tatG6YqLI/AAAAAAAAClE/Z-B1hwmBeNAB0P_f4hSnVKSKZq1aXJ8BgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080116.JPG" width="320" /></div></div>Mairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02344532121189255168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7087674178475857881.post-19206798400265818992020-07-20T15:06:00.001-04:002020-07-20T15:06:31.396-04:00I'm Still here and Still Plodding AlongI'm still here, alive and well. Had someone told me that we would still be battling Covid-19 while other countries are on the upswing, I probably would not have believed you. But, it's still here, still raging and has not just disappeared as our national leader said it would. Not that I believed him, but his incompetence has as astounded me. I'm angry at the lack of respect for the scientific community and the ignorance of the population. As such, I'm just a bit depressed and time seems mostly irrelevant. This is a long way to say I haven't gotten nearly as much completed as I thought I would during our home-bound time this summer.<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wt-w_zvxdPs/XxXLJz2V9AI/AAAAAAAACbI/vSMBHgyoxC0xYej_IaI9983o9rN28gCygCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20200513_183348.jpg" width="320" /></div>But, I did finally complete the quilting on Scrapitude Take 2 in May. It's a fairly large quilt (92" square I think) and took me quite some time to complete. But, here it is. I used the opportunity to try out some new free motion techniques and practice my feathers. I'm pleased with the results. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p68pVJ3J0Sw/XxXLJ8nHo3I/AAAAAAAACbI/6OBnF6QWWPAj4X7_XKLjnmsCAug9Z2lzACPcBGAsYHg/s4128/20200513_183314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p68pVJ3J0Sw/XxXLJ8nHo3I/AAAAAAAACbI/6OBnF6QWWPAj4X7_XKLjnmsCAug9Z2lzACPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/20200513_183314.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p68pVJ3J0Sw/XxXLJ8nHo3I/AAAAAAAACbI/6OBnF6QWWPAj4X7_XKLjnmsCAug9Z2lzACPcBGAsYHg/s4128/20200513_183314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /><div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iUE8MPAZXto/XxXLJ4s0zFI/AAAAAAAACbI/gOguT68D9Z87n5MyUjF-T8qgY4qAZ0IWQCPcBGAsYHg/s4128/20200521_184504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iUE8MPAZXto/XxXLJ4s0zFI/AAAAAAAACbI/gOguT68D9Z87n5MyUjF-T8qgY4qAZ0IWQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20200521_184504.jpg" /></a></div></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div style="text-align: left;">The next project that got my attention was Bright Baby. I was looking for some mindless sewing. I had all the pieces cut out and all the 4-patch diamonds assembled and just had to put the top together. I'm looking forward to quilting this one.</div></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V-cqK5n-Nxo/XxXLJ1r_EBI/AAAAAAAACbI/eeqDtBekj2oBwn56PJOCk5K73qbt64BjACPcBGAsYHg/s320/20200507_181956.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>As a consolation to myself for not being able to attend quilt meetings or the cancelled quilt retreat, I decided to give a try to some on-line classes. I took Beth Helfter's Accordion Sewn Half Square Triangles class. I had never taken any on-line classes before and was a Zoom newbie. The class was live with about 8 students from all over the US. Beth is in my area and I had seen her speak before, so I knew a little about what I was getting. The class was wonderful. Beth was an attentive teacher with clear demonstrations and preparation. The method for sewing the HSTs is fun and quick. Now what to do with this block? I'm going to make 3 more with different solid grey backgrounds and bright colors and assemble it into a lap/baby quilt. Because, you know, I don't have enough projects to keep me busy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Beth's web site is <a href="https://evapaigequilts.com/">https://evapaigequilts.com/</a> where you can find more information about her classes, books and the tools she sells.</div><div><br /></div><div>A few friends wanted to take a class together one of them suggested Timna Tarr's Stitched Mosaic class. This one was a series of recorded videos that walks you through the steps of creating a stitched mosaic picture based on a photo. The project I did was based on her class example. I blew up the photo to about 20" square because I wanted the finished project to be a largish wall hanging for my sewing room. I like the technique because you only work on one 2" square at a time. I'm getting used to the fractured image and am holding our final judgement until I get it quilted. I was regretting not printing the original photo in color because I think it would have given me better indication of color placement. I think that would be more important of I were using a photo of an animal or multi-colored object. I'm looking forward to quilting this one and will probably start it this week. You can find Timna and information on her classes here: <a href="http://www.timnatarr.com/">http://www.timnatarr.com/</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lNYVl3gVfuE/XxXLJ6DFxcI/AAAAAAAACbI/b6Z1sOeDHgYdYOxrh7He_mibgeFfkTiDQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20200714_162444.jpg" /></div><div><br /><br />On an entirely different topic, I finally got an african violet to survive under my care. My daughter bought this for me last spring with the special pot that is designed for violets to give them the right amount of water. It survived the winter but was looking a little grey in some of the leaves. I moved it to another window where it gets bright light but no direct sunlight, and added african violet fertilizer to the water and it's thriving! I've never had one rebloom after buying it and never had one that looked this healthy after a few months. I guess I've learned just how much care and neglect it can take.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6gc_QtFiGO8/XxXLJ8JM98I/AAAAAAAACbI/_oixHHZcd-8b-axShRZQ8JOZLHorE3e_gCPcBGAsYHg/s320/20200711_135947.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="320" /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You make have noticed a similarity in the last 4 photos. Even though I do not have the creative energy that I thought I might have while mostly staying home, the creativity I do have is being translated into purples and bright colors. It was a surprize to me. I don't often work in bright colors, but I suppose those boost my mood and I'm not fighting it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Last note - I do not like this new blogger interface. I'm having a lot of trouble getting this formatted the way I want. Right now I'm tired of playing with it and want to get this posted. So, here it is. Done is better than perfect.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Mairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02344532121189255168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7087674178475857881.post-6101346948744535042020-04-04T11:41:00.001-04:002020-04-04T11:41:42.574-04:00Winter Completions, Spring Goals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This documents a few finishes and the list of UFOs I plan to work on this next quarter. Since I've only finished two of the 8 UFOs I listed in the goals for last quarter, none of the projects on the current UFO list is new.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On to the finishes....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V1iRj59vhWY/XoIT13jVAHI/AAAAAAAACG8/8MZ92Buo6288SpWYjK5Qf7AKbu1OyshbwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1080061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V1iRj59vhWY/XoIT13jVAHI/AAAAAAAACG8/8MZ92Buo6288SpWYjK5Qf7AKbu1OyshbwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080061.JPG" width="320" /></a>I bought the fabric for this purse about a year ago. I fell in love with the fabric and bought it with a purse in mind. I had a pattern in mind, but it all came together when I found some leather at another sale. The pattern is the <a href="https://sewsweetness.com/products/renegade-bag?v=7516fd43adaa" target="_blank">Renegade Bag</a> from Sew Sweetness. It's a bit larger than bags I usually carry, but since I also make that little clutch earlier this year, I think this will work out for times I want a larger bag. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eLJzyGhKJcc/XoY_T6g8C4I/AAAAAAAACHg/gmduDYnjY-MStAOkUR_UB62DZN1mdlnfQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1080065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eLJzyGhKJcc/XoY_T6g8C4I/AAAAAAAACHg/gmduDYnjY-MStAOkUR_UB62DZN1mdlnfQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080065.JPG" width="240" /></a>My next finish is this bonus quilt that I made from left over border pieces from the left over Stars quilt I completed last quarter. I realized it needed something else, and seemed like a good home for the chicken I had put together in another workshop. The chicken wire quilting was a new technique for me using a template and chalk pounce powder. I liked the pounce technique for marking the quilt, but it wore off a little too quickly. I had to learn how much of the quilt I could mark at one time before I had to reapply.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ip8eGKqRwwQ/XoY_T3KzbOI/AAAAAAAACHc/nfndhyNz7U0BPUNF2SToJRxSpxZ9ZFLTACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1080069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ip8eGKqRwwQ/XoY_T3KzbOI/AAAAAAAACHc/nfndhyNz7U0BPUNF2SToJRxSpxZ9ZFLTACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/P1080069.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
And I finally finished this pair of socks that I started in January. I just became disinterested in the pattern and yarn and procrastinated working on them. They turned out lovely, though.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This is the UFO list for spring 2020:<br />
<br />
1. Ladies of the Sea<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--XWBDcD_9yE/XoimRNKdyLI/AAAAAAAACH4/PoHXgWIm6Js6gbVGqXvKF4YnvCNWxFy_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1080071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--XWBDcD_9yE/XoimRNKdyLI/AAAAAAAACH4/PoHXgWIm6Js6gbVGqXvKF4YnvCNWxFy_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080071.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
She is in the hoop. I've completed the outline quilting on 14 of the 16 blocks. I'm still contemplating how the background will be quilted, but I'm a long way from having to make that decision. This will not be completed this quarter, it's still on the list so I will make progress.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P_xUneLD4Sw/XoimIOZNZMI/AAAAAAAACH0/-6X5DQCkCH0MZZR66fwQz1Tuh2AA-EQ4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2020-03-28%2B14.09.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P_xUneLD4Sw/XoimIOZNZMI/AAAAAAAACH0/-6X5DQCkCH0MZZR66fwQz1Tuh2AA-EQ4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2020-03-28%2B14.09.54.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
2. Scrapitude Take 2<br />
<br />
My plan was to baste this large top at a quilting retreat that was scheduled for March. However, the retreat was cancelled due to isolation orders because of COVID-19. This quilt is large enough that it does not fit on my kitchen floor. DH suggested the deck. On a pleasant Saturday afternoon, I swept off the deck and got this pin basted. I am currently machine quilting it and expect this will be my next completion.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
3. Bright Baby Revisited<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1bUabLyNuoA/XgzN-jyIlNI/AAAAAAAAB54/RO-Omh8SR8IYlNWxX7vj4T2-MTRMMUvWgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/P1080003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1bUabLyNuoA/XgzN-jyIlNI/AAAAAAAAB54/RO-Omh8SR8IYlNWxX7vj4T2-MTRMMUvWgCPcBGAYYCw/s200/P1080003.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
Again, still on the list.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
4. Handy Dandy Scrappy<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwXRa4_OgaI/XgzOhfEY1bI/AAAAAAAAB6A/xD97k-EZzRYoICk9skV4qpdKMfiDUDsZwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/P1070776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwXRa4_OgaI/XgzOhfEY1bI/AAAAAAAAB6A/xD97k-EZzRYoICk9skV4qpdKMfiDUDsZwCPcBGAYYCw/s200/P1070776.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
The next top to be basted and quilted. I do not, however, have batting for this. Depending on the timing, I may have to take advantage of the curb-side pick up of a local quilt shop that is struggling to remain open.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
5. Maxine<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NoZsxWVb3OU/XgzTmm4tO7I/AAAAAAAAB6o/_xMiuR9zD0s09lZIRy-_8LwndUfqNvRHgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/P1080038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NoZsxWVb3OU/XgzTmm4tO7I/AAAAAAAAB6o/_xMiuR9zD0s09lZIRy-_8LwndUfqNvRHgCPcBGAYYCw/s200/P1080038.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
Still here, too.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HET_Uu1xK4s/XgzN9s9gsDI/AAAAAAAAB50/UrZ65c7HJFg0PIqHHVv8ZLe1dQZaesa6QCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/P1080002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HET_Uu1xK4s/XgzN9s9gsDI/AAAAAAAAB50/UrZ65c7HJFg0PIqHHVv8ZLe1dQZaesa6QCPcBGAYYCw/s320/P1080002.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
6. Blue Floral<br />
<br />
I've been thinking about what I want to do to finish this piece. I'm contemplating what kind of blocks I want to make for the border. I just saw some log cabin blocks placed to make a wave or swag pattern. That has potential. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Mairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02344532121189255168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7087674178475857881.post-66432817778906039432020-02-18T16:29:00.001-05:002020-02-18T16:29:08.090-05:00She's Getting Stuff Done!Although I don't feel like I've gotten a lot done in the past 6 weeks or so, I do have quite a few finishes - just not very many UFO finishes.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0la6iJNj9Tg/XkxNiY27CHI/AAAAAAAACAo/v9n4VvCmYuk9FjY4lXj3ZwOjoiQnRMmhACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200212_151043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0la6iJNj9Tg/XkxNiY27CHI/AAAAAAAACAo/v9n4VvCmYuk9FjY4lXj3ZwOjoiQnRMmhACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200212_151043.jpg" width="240" /></a>OK, first a UFO finish. I did complete the Left-over Stars quilt. I think the finished size turned out to be something like 48" x 75". It's just big enough to cover the top of my double bed with a few inches of overhang. I like it, but I'm not in love with it. Mostly I'm glad to have it done.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4NDb2BECvd0/XkxNoJIHhsI/AAAAAAAACAs/N0-PtkcPiGgWG5wkzlv4nZQ2OCye2YxAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1080050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4NDb2BECvd0/XkxNoJIHhsI/AAAAAAAACAs/N0-PtkcPiGgWG5wkzlv4nZQ2OCye2YxAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080050.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
My next finish are these two adorable cats. These patterns came courtesy of Val Spiers of Australia. She published the patterns on her blog quite a few years ago and I used 2 of the 4 as decoration for an applique portfolio I made. (Val is currently selling very nice American Girl clothing patterns on Etsy, by the way.) I've always liked the cat patterns and decided to make these as entries to my guild's silent auction in May. They're about 15" square each. I hope they bring in good bids.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sf82tA8XuJc/XkxSufjV1sI/AAAAAAAACBM/LNdzLXhrOA4ltcBfDIVVWizmB6fwQzYZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1080055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sf82tA8XuJc/XkxSufjV1sI/AAAAAAAACBM/LNdzLXhrOA4ltcBfDIVVWizmB6fwQzYZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080055.JPG" width="320" /></a>The next finish is this little purse. I don't often carry a full-sized purse and my cell phone and my wallet don't always fit into the tiny pockets that are put into women's jeans these days. I had been carrying another bag about this same size, but it's really not very attractive. I bought this fabric to make a full sized purse and had plenty to make this smaller piece for every day. This will do just fine.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PJmfph8f4BU/XkxSuOeHxDI/AAAAAAAACBI/5HNZXNoxjjgGNn1Z1YiO3hagzhJToZzTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1080052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PJmfph8f4BU/XkxSuOeHxDI/AAAAAAAACBI/5HNZXNoxjjgGNn1Z1YiO3hagzhJToZzTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080052.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And there's this little zipper bag that I completed. This was part of an estate that was donated to the guild. It was mostly assembled. I just finished it and am using it to hold a small knitting project. <br />
<br />
That's all for the finishes. And, there was only one official UFO finish. But, progress none-the-less.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dAAGZ0CGkLM/XkxSuauzmwI/AAAAAAAACBQ/f4WJ2gzGoAoB1CLBUre-nrQZFBL8cLqbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1080056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dAAGZ0CGkLM/XkxSuauzmwI/AAAAAAAACBQ/f4WJ2gzGoAoB1CLBUre-nrQZFBL8cLqbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080056.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
In addition to sewing, I started a pair of socks in January. I've sort of lost interest in these once I got used to the stitch and got the leg on the first sock done. I've been much more interested in hand quilting. But, I've picked them back up this week and will try to plod along.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DAuB3DSlndU/XkxN0PlW46I/AAAAAAAACA4/pw0j8NNRAkYbQBI0yUxPDBIS5F0J3UZhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1080043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DAuB3DSlndU/XkxN0PlW46I/AAAAAAAACA4/pw0j8NNRAkYbQBI0yUxPDBIS5F0J3UZhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080043.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
The biggest project is this baby. I finally got Ladies of the Sea all together, completed hand basting and have started quilting. As of today, I've completed outlining the applique and blocks on 6 of the 16 blocks. I'm very much enjoying getting back to hand quilting. I'm still thinking about what design I would like to use for the quilting. There have been some gorgeous machine quilted versions of this that I've seen on the web. I'm not sure how dense machine quilting would translate to hand quilting. Sue Garman's original is quilted with a cross-hatch design and is stunning. I've got quite a bit of outlining to do before I make this decision.<br />
<br />
That's what's been keeping me busy lately. I am still entertaining thought of knitting two cardigans. I have the pattern and yarn chosen for each. I just don't know when I will squeeze these into my evening hand stitching time.<br />
<br />
<br />Mairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02344532121189255168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7087674178475857881.post-55986523684926907442020-01-01T12:39:00.001-05:002020-01-01T12:39:12.025-05:00Winter UFO goalsOn the last UFO challenge I completed one quilt, made progress on two, created a new UFO and ignored the rest. This is the list of UFOs I want to make progress on this quarter:<br />
<br />
1. Ladies of the Sea<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9jxC6cDX7xo/XgzNjmX2BsI/AAAAAAAAB5k/W5P5af-Th_UhZb6P56O8s_T8FrAJ9GMHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019-10-19%2B17.41.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">I<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9jxC6cDX7xo/XgzNjmX2BsI/AAAAAAAAB5k/W5P5af-Th_UhZb6P56O8s_T8FrAJ9GMHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/2019-10-19%2B17.41.33.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I got all of the blocks completed and trimmed last quarter. I am now working on the nearly 400 HST blocks that will be part of the borders. I would like to have this top completed this quarter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2. Left Over Stars</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pmtIj71Hkg4/XgzTmrRc62I/AAAAAAAAB6Q/Z2kRjVQWCuE367LgfHS_14B8T3vlVoqPwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1080037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pmtIj71Hkg4/XgzTmrRc62I/AAAAAAAAB6Q/Z2kRjVQWCuE367LgfHS_14B8T3vlVoqPwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080037.JPG" width="320" /></a>I put a border on this top in October. It needs a back, basting, quilting and binding. I'd like to make progress on this before the next quarter.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3. Scrapitude Take 2</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-llcPbsKbwR8/XgzO2J99h_I/AAAAAAAAB6E/7IQiL4hFDswI1MwEElgyKkYErjOClfn1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1070319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-llcPbsKbwR8/XgzO2J99h_I/AAAAAAAAB6E/7IQiL4hFDswI1MwEElgyKkYErjOClfn1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/P1070319.JPG" width="150" /></a>This should be the next quilt I prepare for quilting and start machine quilting. I would like to have it completed before our guild's quilt show in May. I guess I'd better get working on this.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4. Bright Baby Revisited</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1bUabLyNuoA/XgzN-jyIlNI/AAAAAAAAB5w/GpEqpi-TPKc_5Gmwtf_f_UhlTgsNOSiIACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1080003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1bUabLyNuoA/XgzN-jyIlNI/AAAAAAAAB5w/GpEqpi-TPKc_5Gmwtf_f_UhlTgsNOSiIACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/P1080003.JPG" width="200" /></a>Yep, still on my list.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
5. Handy Dandy Scrappy</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwXRa4_OgaI/XgzOhfEY1bI/AAAAAAAAB58/P00SmY8KFJQZOCrrVDPXwQxm_racJvM4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1070776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwXRa4_OgaI/XgzOhfEY1bI/AAAAAAAAB58/P00SmY8KFJQZOCrrVDPXwQxm_racJvM4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/P1070776.JPG" width="200" /></a>Still here, too.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
6. Put A Chicken On It<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a7vrkEVo0Vc/XgzTmn2EnMI/AAAAAAAAB6U/wUI7aZmZRNkqJG6jPAhxhEF0Xo8qPPl4ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1080036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a7vrkEVo0Vc/XgzTmn2EnMI/AAAAAAAAB6U/wUI7aZmZRNkqJG6jPAhxhEF0Xo8qPPl4ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This is new to the list. The top is a bonus quilt with left over pieces that I cut for the border of the star quilt (above). The chicken is the product of a guild tutorial from this summer. She had no place to go, and I thought she looked good on this background. I may give her a few eggs to tend. I bought a quilting template this fall that looks vaguely like chicken wire. I plan to use that and practice my machine quilting. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
7. Maxine<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NoZsxWVb3OU/XgzTmm4tO7I/AAAAAAAAB6Y/pbyYBzyDX0sbYCrDNY_egfAioI14ewafQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1080038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NoZsxWVb3OU/XgzTmm4tO7I/AAAAAAAAB6Y/pbyYBzyDX0sbYCrDNY_egfAioI14ewafQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080038.JPG" width="320" /></a>These little blocks showed up in my stash and I don't exactly remember how they got there. I probably got them at a guild UFO auction. I've got a bunch of bright fabrics to use as borders around the blocks. I think there are 25 printed blocks in total. This should be quick and easy to put together.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
8. Blue Floral<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HET_Uu1xK4s/XgzN9s9gsDI/AAAAAAAAB5s/wyPyR0QP9iMJPQn4j8luW7L0gWzhQHt0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1080002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HET_Uu1xK4s/XgzN9s9gsDI/AAAAAAAAB5s/wyPyR0QP9iMJPQn4j8luW7L0gWzhQHt0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/P1080002.JPG" width="200" /></a>I haven't even given this on a thought.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
That's the list of the quilting projects I would like to concentrate on this quarter. This doesn't address the knitting I would like to do, or the tessellating lizard hand piecing project I've been playing with (it's not technically a UFO yet.) I certainly have enough to keep me busy for quite some time. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Mairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02344532121189255168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7087674178475857881.post-59036651503236255922019-12-15T17:34:00.001-05:002019-12-15T17:34:22.142-05:00Progress This Fall<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pdRvEOLhLto/XfV69WOkQgI/AAAAAAAAB3s/4r_K2FZZtscVbsNzFXVBo3gYwMBL1yKkACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1080027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pdRvEOLhLto/XfV69WOkQgI/AAAAAAAAB3s/4r_K2FZZtscVbsNzFXVBo3gYwMBL1yKkACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080027.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
The last time I talked about Flower Up was January of 2018. I did complete it in 2018 (I don't remember exactly when), but I never showed a completed photo. I still really like the border on this, although it's deceiving how long applique work on a border takes. I needed to take a photo of this because a friend just bought this to give to her mother for Christmas. I'm glad it's going to a good home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've completed all the applique for Ladies of the Sea and trimmed the blocks and borders to size. I'm very thrilled to have this quilt nearing completion. Many thanks to Linda for letting me borrow these gorgeous patterns for the 5 years it's taken me to get this far. If she had not loaned me the patterns, I would have never made the quilt. The patterns are now on the way back to her and I hope she enjoys the process as much as I have. I have just started cutting out the fabric and putting together the 300+ half-square triangle blocks that will make the borders. I was hoping to have the top completed before the end of the year, but I'm not sure if that will happen.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TSJqD63BXMA/XfV7g-xo-KI/AAAAAAAAB4c/2jH8bMdfpt8CdSsLkQU0CBiBxBEHmKgygCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2019-10-19%2B17.41.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TSJqD63BXMA/XfV7g-xo-KI/AAAAAAAAB4c/2jH8bMdfpt8CdSsLkQU0CBiBxBEHmKgygCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/2019-10-19%2B17.41.33.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N4Txie7Ep9A/XfV7Hp8hx6I/AAAAAAAAB4A/ZJZkubJ03pgBldcx63azWzZnHPC6Fe68ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1080022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N4Txie7Ep9A/XfV7Hp8hx6I/AAAAAAAAB4A/ZJZkubJ03pgBldcx63azWzZnHPC6Fe68ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080022.JPG" width="320" /></a>I've gotten a few other smaller projects done. I completed these socks. I've been playing with lace knitting patterns. I've never really done lace before, and socks are a great project to try new stitches. It took me a while to get the rhythm of knitting lace, but I did get the hang of it.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q_UoZeJ8gTs/XfV69e1fD8I/AAAAAAAAB3o/WVUGxhULAWADkGB3l0f_qRoM941lAz3CQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1080025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q_UoZeJ8gTs/XfV69e1fD8I/AAAAAAAAB3o/WVUGxhULAWADkGB3l0f_qRoM941lAz3CQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I started a sweater in a lace pattern, but after ripping <span style="background-color: yellow;">it </span>out 4 times, I decided I needed more lace practice before I tackled something larger. This cowl was another quick project for lace practice. There a still a few small mistakes at the start of the project, but I can live with that. I will probably tackle a few more small lacy items before I start that sweater again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8EHHMjZZPkY/XfV69WOdxDI/AAAAAAAAB3k/pcwcMzWc0L0_S4RuuKbmYL5sCOGAY7KAACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1080026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8EHHMjZZPkY/XfV69WOdxDI/AAAAAAAAB3k/pcwcMzWc0L0_S4RuuKbmYL5sCOGAY7KAACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080026.JPG" width="320" /></a>This wool table mat was a gift exchange at the quilt guild last year. I got it done in time for Thanksgiving. I thought I would really enjoy the process of wool applique given my love of needle turn. But, that was not so. There are too many tiny pieces in this pattern and I don't like that the iron-on adhesive takes away the dimensionality of the applique. I think I'll stay away from this technique.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The cat quilt is done!!! This quilt started in 1993 as two Internet block exchanges. One of them was black and white cats and the other was browns (I think). They have been languishing in my closet for a very long time. Once I finally decided to put it together, I needed a few extra cats to make the quilt the size I wanted. I think I made 3 or 4. This quilt went with me to a couple of machine quilting classes until I decided on the quilting I wanted on each of the cats and the borders. I'm really happy with how it turned out. When I posted it on Facebook, a friend offered to buy it, so it will be going to her home soon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OJ1lkSFDjI0/XfV6-JUJehI/AAAAAAAAB3w/MqY_bUfA244IeaPeal2s5uA7kwwa5ev9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1080030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OJ1lkSFDjI0/XfV6-JUJehI/AAAAAAAAB3w/MqY_bUfA244IeaPeal2s5uA7kwwa5ev9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080030.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b89epXcnfP0/XfV6-a7of5I/AAAAAAAAB30/0ZvKtEl8xtApCs8Ny_6DX0SqVGBIdnF6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1080031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b89epXcnfP0/XfV6-a7of5I/AAAAAAAAB30/0ZvKtEl8xtApCs8Ny_6DX0SqVGBIdnF6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--IEwfFNdCtA/XfV6-n45K8I/AAAAAAAAB34/Sgtb4r5DAIUvHDtHJbZD9BZ7VpDXM91xACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1080032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--IEwfFNdCtA/XfV6-n45K8I/AAAAAAAAB34/Sgtb4r5DAIUvHDtHJbZD9BZ7VpDXM91xACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080032.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B0FQG4rgrtc/XfV7HoYY3oI/AAAAAAAAB38/LdgUQ3j5MhcIf0bX9CCck7oVn4SsUXf1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1080015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B0FQG4rgrtc/XfV7HoYY3oI/AAAAAAAAB38/LdgUQ3j5MhcIf0bX9CCck7oVn4SsUXf1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080015.JPG" width="240" /></a>This little bunny quilt was a baby shower gift for DH's niece who is expecting her first child in January. It went together quicker than I expected and was well received by the parents and the rest of the guests at the shower. I hope it is loved to tatters.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Enough for now. I'm still stitching and keeping busy. The next project I picked up is complex hand piecing of M. C. Escher's tessellating lizards. But, I'm contemplating starting a sweater or a new pair of socks or another cowl. And, since my daughter just got engaged, my plan is to make her a full-sized Hawaiian applique quilt, so perhaps I should get started on that since I have the fabric and the pattern. For me, deciding on the next project and starting are always the hardest part.<br />
<br />
Until next time...<br />
<br />Mairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02344532121189255168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7087674178475857881.post-8478629203699433312019-10-02T17:30:00.003-04:002019-10-02T17:30:52.464-04:00Autumn UFO ClubI'm in again for the Ravelry UFO club. I skipped the summer session because I was traveling so much that I knew I wouldn't get anything much accomplished quite-wise. But, now I'm home for the season, except for a quilt retreat where I hope to make a lot of progress.<br />
<br />
So, this is what I'm focusing on for the remainder of the year:<br />
<br />
1. Clutter Control<br />
<br />
I fully expect to complete this. It is basted and I've started the machine quilting. Each block gets its own personality. Some of them are easier to choose a quilting pattern for than others. I really do like this quilt, but I have been procrastinating on quilting it for some reason. This was started in 1993, so it is definitely time to get this completed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wn8-apcxhPo/XZUNwEp-NAI/AAAAAAAABsM/9hcIhY31pN0oQpxwwqMDJlhiNbGkkNUegCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1070777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wn8-apcxhPo/XZUNwEp-NAI/AAAAAAAABsM/9hcIhY31pN0oQpxwwqMDJlhiNbGkkNUegCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/P1070777.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-reBWPe2wXAA/XZUOOKoRWuI/AAAAAAAABsg/JjNn7lXK5foKMwX2HQXf2Ae07ykIhGHGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1080001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-reBWPe2wXAA/XZUOOKoRWuI/AAAAAAAABsg/JjNn7lXK5foKMwX2HQXf2Ae07ykIhGHGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080001.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2. Handy Dandy Scrappy</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-slUX72gspTg/XZUNwIG1SKI/AAAAAAAABsI/58x-lTLDy5gekOq2PyHpYT9OzSGFC-2-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1070760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-slUX72gspTg/XZUNwIG1SKI/AAAAAAAABsI/58x-lTLDy5gekOq2PyHpYT9OzSGFC-2-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1070760.JPG" width="320" /></a>This is the newest top in my stash. I have the back and binding pieced, <span style="background-color: white;">so </span>it's just a matter of basting, quilting and finishing. I would like to have this quilt done in time for our guild show in May and I expect to do that.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
3. Left Over Stars<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0kXT-7kKX5s/XZUQTCJnqtI/AAAAAAAABtA/0yZTCp6RtVIpod6KC89yWLOCJZubsUTkQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1070275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0kXT-7kKX5s/XZUQTCJnqtI/AAAAAAAABtA/0yZTCp6RtVIpod6KC89yWLOCJZubsUTkQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1070275.JPG" width="240" /></a>This lap-sized quilt needs a border, backing, basting and finishing. This is another quilt I would like to have completed by May. I have the fabric and am planning a keyboard border and white binding. I am taking this to the quilt retreat and will probably finish the top there.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
4. Bright Baby Revisited<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e0P6oWv0H2c/XZUOOP1_VCI/AAAAAAAABsc/yNGgrt3YrBMbr0PTpMtlIKywvwxoadq9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1080003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e0P6oWv0H2c/XZUOOP1_VCI/AAAAAAAABsc/yNGgrt3YrBMbr0PTpMtlIKywvwxoadq9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080003.JPG" width="320" /></a>This was on the list for one of the quilts I wanted to work on in the Spring, but that never happened. It is another of the projects that I will take to the quilt retreat, but it's low priority to finish. I'm looking forward to playing with machine quilting on this.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
5. Ladies of the Sea<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b8-46C8gptI/XZUOPJUgV6I/AAAAAAAABsk/M1RRS4y4EtIiu2jIVjpyyDNK95BB6NyYACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1080005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b8-46C8gptI/XZUOPJUgV6I/AAAAAAAABsk/M1RRS4y4EtIiu2jIVjpyyDNK95BB6NyYACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080005.JPG" width="320" /></a>I am working on the hand applique on the last two ships in this pattern. My second priority at the quilt retreat is to get all the 1/2 square triangles for the sashing completed and get the entire top put together. I have no idea if this is a reasonable goal or not. But, I want to have the top completed before the end of the year, and that is a totally reasonable goal. Then starts the hand quilting. Any bets on how long that will take?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
6. Scraptitude Take 2<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ozmTSdnzVqo/XZUOdlRk7YI/AAAAAAAABso/dw4c7HwYbE0i6q1cLGoEJz7LyN8Tc9jDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1070318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ozmTSdnzVqo/XZUOdlRk7YI/AAAAAAAABso/dw4c7HwYbE0i6q1cLGoEJz7LyN8Tc9jDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1070318.JPG" width="240" /></a>I completed this top in the spring as a mystery project with my guild. I've made this pattern before and really like the results. This is another quilt that I would like to have done by May. It would be great to have a few from the guild completed and displayed together.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ki9wqCy4Xz4/XZUOOczfK2I/AAAAAAAABsY/T_0W7_3QZ4MiiP6UV9aSQdCUF0-6pCO7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1080002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ki9wqCy4Xz4/XZUOOczfK2I/AAAAAAAABsY/T_0W7_3QZ4MiiP6UV9aSQdCUF0-6pCO7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1080002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
7. Blue Floral<br />
<br />
Another long-term UFO that I have dug out of oblivion. I don't expect to have this done by the end of the year, but I want it out of the shadows so I can think about what I want to do with it. I'm taking another machine quilting class in November and the plan is to use this as a show piece for the great skills I will possess upon course completion. (Yes, I can be that delusional!)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
These 7 are still a fraction of the 29 UFOs that are still on my list. But, I started the year with a list of 35, so 6 completions isn't too bad. Of course, this doesn't include a few projects that may or may not have been added since I officially counted in January. The focus is on these 7 for now. Then I can reevaluate again.<br />
<br />
Wish me luck!<br />
<br />Mairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02344532121189255168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7087674178475857881.post-83602580626578220872019-08-26T16:29:00.002-04:002019-08-27T10:01:52.869-04:00Summer Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I use this blog mostly to keep track of my craftly accomplishments. This is what I've been up to since the spring.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OwM3UOrQtQ8/XWQ1dlx4NXI/AAAAAAAABlI/fLGhG8znXRELD48r9hyTG4rmAg9SQr8WgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1070283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OwM3UOrQtQ8/XWQ1dlx4NXI/AAAAAAAABlI/fLGhG8znXRELD48r9hyTG4rmAg9SQr8WgCLcBGAs/s320/P1070283.JPG" width="320" /></a>I had my machine serviced and wanted to test it out to see if the free motion quilting was still working. I was having tension problems which resulted in thread breaking. So, I went through some of the orphan blocks I have and put together this little table runner to test it out. I'm not positive I have all the problems worked out yet, but the machine is better than it was. And now I have a new table runner, too.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BRcS1tc67fA/XWQ1dmLuQrI/AAAAAAAABlE/GYRizTb-GNkn7ibae0jBO87k_MRmzJrlQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1070285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BRcS1tc67fA/XWQ1dmLuQrI/AAAAAAAABlE/GYRizTb-GNkn7ibae0jBO87k_MRmzJrlQCLcBGAs/s320/P1070285.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This is the last of the grammy quilt tops basted and ready to be quilted. I did get them all completed for the wedding I attended in July. I decided that this last top would be going to my daughter, so I wanted to do a bit more elaborate quilting on it than I did on the others. After basting this 9-patch, I put together a scrappy quilt and practiced free motion quilting on it. I then used that feathered wreath pattern on the 9-patch.<br />
<br />
The quilts were all well recieved by the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Laura. I'm glad they are completed, out of my house and crossed off the UFO list.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zkDLyLVmZIg/XWQ1u0JDpVI/AAAAAAAABlc/zEpdFT9cPyk34CMPndxxSPZH0QeHQbvFwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1070344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zkDLyLVmZIg/XWQ1u0JDpVI/AAAAAAAABlc/zEpdFT9cPyk34CMPndxxSPZH0QeHQbvFwCLcBGAs/s200/P1070344.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SlmcDShAEMg/XWQ1u4jcBMI/AAAAAAAABlg/BCoquVOO_jAAhwvXdTXknCy0immIq34ggCLcBGAs/s1600/P1070345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SlmcDShAEMg/XWQ1u4jcBMI/AAAAAAAABlg/BCoquVOO_jAAhwvXdTXknCy0immIq34ggCLcBGAs/s320/P1070345.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sHF9HLZsCSA/XWQ2VTB3TnI/AAAAAAAABlw/EqdJ9Z1rMaM1sjgU472meI6HhcR1uZJEQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1070358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sHF9HLZsCSA/XWQ2VTB3TnI/AAAAAAAABlw/EqdJ9Z1rMaM1sjgU472meI6HhcR1uZJEQCLcBGAs/s200/P1070358.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uK8_dRyVZDA/XWQ1dkezJLI/AAAAAAAABlA/d38BM5SWvVsrdN3z2z3UF2jOfB_EWyOKwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1070318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uK8_dRyVZDA/XWQ1dkezJLI/AAAAAAAABlA/d38BM5SWvVsrdN3z2z3UF2jOfB_EWyOKwCLcBGAs/s320/P1070318.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lz8elgB08qc/XWQ2bKPdLLI/AAAAAAAABl0/AFSQ0Qz6WEw3VnOGKJgEAWdS-auHyALXgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1070748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lz8elgB08qc/XWQ2bKPdLLI/AAAAAAAABl0/AFSQ0Qz6WEw3VnOGKJgEAWdS-auHyALXgCLcBGAs/s200/P1070748.JPG" width="150" /></a> This Charlotte Hawkes scraptitude pattern that I used as a mystery quilt in my guild this year. I have made the pattern before and really love the results. The top is done and in line to be quilted.<br />
<br />
I started thses socks in February and finally finished them in July. There was no reason they took that long. The pattern was reasonably easy to remember and the yarn was nice to knit. I guess I just wasn't into them. But I do like the results and they are comfy on my feet.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ryy-nJOKs8/XWQ2rx3UQEI/AAAAAAAABmE/xGNm7XPLGQ4FGIprqx9LtbvjlUm2n0v1gCLcBGAs/s1600/P1070759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ryy-nJOKs8/XWQ2rx3UQEI/AAAAAAAABmE/xGNm7XPLGQ4FGIprqx9LtbvjlUm2n0v1gCLcBGAs/s320/P1070759.JPG" width="320" /></a>This completed ship block is 13th of the 16 blocks in the pattern. The purple I used on the tulips never photographs well. It often looks blue or black. But really, they are lovely shades of purple. Again, this took me a long time to complete. One reason is that we were traveling from June 22nd to July 17th. I didn't take any crafty things with me. I usually take some hand piecing, but decided I'm usually so tired at then end of each day, that I never feel like sewing anyway. This time I packed a sketch book and a variety of pencils. When we sent a package home after a week on the road, the pencils and sketch book were included.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pRAPD0V4ObU/XWQ2r5I5T9I/AAAAAAAABmI/cSRla3-J4mMuwYTOgGLe4Ei_m64JSywIwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1070776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pRAPD0V4ObU/XWQ2r5I5T9I/AAAAAAAABmI/cSRla3-J4mMuwYTOgGLe4Ei_m64JSywIwCLcBGAs/s320/P1070776.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
My version of Charlotte Hawkes' latest mystery quilt, Handy Dandy Scrappy, was completed this week. The top, anyway. This is another top on the pile to quilt. All of the fabrics came from my stash and scrap bin. I wasn't sure about the background print. I almost chickened out and used a plain muslin, but decided to give this a try. I really didn't like the top until I got the scrappy border and plain fabric outer border on it. The pieces of that background fabric weren't big enough to stand out in the blocks. But, the border at the edge really pulls it all together and makes the background pieces in the blocks stand out. This top willl hibernate for a bit while I finish some other quilts.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-leO9YpZbqSg/XWQ25LVdorI/AAAAAAAABmM/RmPvIuCeqIcEpMaCiNhIIqUxPMaNiEDGACLcBGAs/s1600/P1070778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-leO9YpZbqSg/XWQ25LVdorI/AAAAAAAABmM/RmPvIuCeqIcEpMaCiNhIIqUxPMaNiEDGACLcBGAs/s320/P1070778.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I FINALLY got the cat quilt basted today. I've been itching to get the quilting done on this, but I really dislike basting. I could give a dozen other excuses, but really, it's just that I wasn't looking forward to crawling around on the floor. Avoiding basting is why the Handy Dandy Scrappy top is completed. There are other tops that I could be completing, but I promised myself not to work on those other (more fun) projects until I got this top basted. Now, let the quilting begin!<br />
<br />Mairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02344532121189255168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7087674178475857881.post-27223008577292865822019-03-26T16:14:00.002-04:002019-03-26T16:14:22.954-04:00Spring 2019 UFO ChallengeI did so well on the 2019 Winter UFO challenge on Ravelry, that I am joining again for the spring quarter. I completed 5 UFOs this quarter and have only one more of the 'Grammy quilts' to complete. However, it may take a little while to complete that last one for a few reasons. The tension on my Pfaff is a little off, so I will take it in to a shop to get a tune-up. And, this last quilt will go to my daughter, so the quilting will be more intricate than the others. That's the privilege of having the quilt maker be your mom.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mg0aWUa-TH4/XJqAyXNU4wI/AAAAAAAABcY/1tmD3TBkX_chDpJqDxO6XFQi7o3CE6sHgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1070276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mg0aWUa-TH4/XJqAyXNU4wI/AAAAAAAABcY/1tmD3TBkX_chDpJqDxO6XFQi7o3CE6sHgCLcBGAs/s320/P1070276.JPG" width="240" /></a>So, for this Spring UFO Challenge, I will complete the 9th and last of the the Grammy quilts. The backing is made. It needs basting, quilting and binding.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SPrMhmxZsWI/XJqAxTotaZI/AAAAAAAABcM/BbE9jRclaggA0ZQsVEfDzPcglYhi6cllACLcBGAs/s1600/P1070273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SPrMhmxZsWI/XJqAxTotaZI/AAAAAAAABcM/BbE9jRclaggA0ZQsVEfDzPcglYhi6cllACLcBGAs/s320/P1070273.JPG" width="320" /></a>The next thing on the list is the guild mystery quilt that I'm hosting. The last clue will go out April 1st and I'm hoping to see completed quilt tops at the May meeting. I know at least one member has been keeping pace with the clues because if I am late, she reminminded me. So far I have all the components completed and need to assemble the top and add final borders. I would like to have the quilt completed by the May meeting and should be able to do that.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xJVYeDT8TjI/XJqD7_HP7pI/AAAAAAAABc4/ns6tgnQbDBoX2uo_QWBKnYwU2ZdDHre0QCLcBGAs/s1600/P1060193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xJVYeDT8TjI/XJqD7_HP7pI/AAAAAAAABc4/ns6tgnQbDBoX2uo_QWBKnYwU2ZdDHre0QCLcBGAs/s320/P1060193.JPG" width="240" /></a>Once the mystery top is completed, I would like to do the quilting on my cat quilt. The blocks were collected in an Internet block exchange starting in 1993! I put the top together over a year ago and it's been patiently waiting for the 'Grammy quilts' to get completed. I'm really looking forward to quilting this one. It needs a back made, basting, quilting, and binding.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ogtNPTRXK5c/XJqAxgZ3qbI/AAAAAAAABcQ/rJEn9MEsNJEKGSvCFjM3ZulO-qMkjhV6QCLcBGAs/s1600/P1070274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ogtNPTRXK5c/XJqAxgZ3qbI/AAAAAAAABcQ/rJEn9MEsNJEKGSvCFjM3ZulO-qMkjhV6QCLcBGAs/s320/P1070274.JPG" width="320" /></a>The left overs from the bright baby quilt I completed late last year are hanging around and will be made into another lap or crib sized quilt. I want to see how the brights look alternating with solid grey diamonds. I think I have enough cut out to make a good sized quilt. This is just play.</div>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X4D9JW_jx_0/XJqAxmgSftI/AAAAAAAABcU/_HV4_ah3ekYh3QA4f04Lpy4EjK5SHUHrwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1070275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X4D9JW_jx_0/XJqAxmgSftI/AAAAAAAABcU/_HV4_ah3ekYh3QA4f04Lpy4EjK5SHUHrwCLcBGAs/s320/P1070275.JPG" width="240" /></a>The stars left over from the guild's last raffle quilt were assembled into a top a few weekends ago at a quilt retreat. The scale of the blocks and the 9-patch blocks looked much better on the bed-sized quilt, but I wasn't going to expand this project. I'm reasonably pleased with this, but would like it a little larger, so I'm planning a piano-key border to finish the top.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That seems like enough to plan for the next three months. I have to remember that the weather is getting warmer and I will be spending more time outside and less time in my sewing room. If I can complete all five of these before the end of June, I'll be thrilled. Wish me luck!</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Mairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02344532121189255168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7087674178475857881.post-53573810587380754832019-03-12T17:30:00.001-04:002019-03-12T17:30:49.515-04:00Progress and CompletionsI've completed more than I thought I would in the past two months. That is a good thing. Winter is still here in full force, but once spring arrives and the weather warms, I will have less time to spend on quilting while I persue other activities. So, it's good that I'm taking advantage of my quilty productivity while I can.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LRiqqz-uBYg/XIGvxHkpgdI/AAAAAAAABZ8/8WOZB8u4UEwQdADDO5FyrLQzBhRambJaACLcBGAs/s1600/P1070228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LRiqqz-uBYg/XIGvxHkpgdI/AAAAAAAABZ8/8WOZB8u4UEwQdADDO5FyrLQzBhRambJaACLcBGAs/s320/P1070228.JPG" width="320" /></a>So, I've completed three more of the 9-patch 'Grammy' quilts. I really slogged through the quilting on the last one. My initial goal was to quilt each of the 9-patch quilts differently, experimenting with quilting designs. But, this last one was done using the same circular pattern as an earlier one. I was in get-it-done mode and not lets-have-fun-quilting mode. D is for DONE. I have two more to do and may baste both of them before I start quilting again. I'm beginning to see the end of this project and that is good motivation.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WelGx4AGQrc/XIGwBzA9uQI/AAAAAAAABaM/DO94h0d7Fw85MOmCUyz71oGQ8PRjaYa1wCLcBGAs/s1600/P1070260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WelGx4AGQrc/XIGwBzA9uQI/AAAAAAAABaM/DO94h0d7Fw85MOmCUyz71oGQ8PRjaYa1wCLcBGAs/s320/P1070260.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BLEFyJhDzio/XIGv_GBe92I/AAAAAAAABaI/B7AF55mbY6MYmvZ01qAcTBqJAkJOSQlEgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1070245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BLEFyJhDzio/XIGv_GBe92I/AAAAAAAABaI/B7AF55mbY6MYmvZ01qAcTBqJAkJOSQlEgCLcBGAs/s320/P1070245.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OUD5m2MrbKE/XIGv-wM6CLI/AAAAAAAABaE/OyU8dO_-cBQxicCD8I4-mBbGZnhzMRQzACLcBGAs/s1600/P1070247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OUD5m2MrbKE/XIGv-wM6CLI/AAAAAAAABaE/OyU8dO_-cBQxicCD8I4-mBbGZnhzMRQzACLcBGAs/s320/P1070247.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
The tumbler pieces that I thought I would put together and make a top turned out to be a whole quilt. I don't have a design wall, so for this, to try to get the diferent pieces sort of evenly spread throughout the quilt, I laid out a row or two on my ironing board and before I sewed them together. I wanted to try some simple quilting, so this was the excuse to do that. I have never really liked the look of quilting 1/4" away from the seams, but this quilt seemed right for that. That's what I did and I really like how it turned out. I also used a thicker, green thread so the quilting would stand out. And I found that I really liked that, too. It was a successful experiment. This quilt was donated to my guild's comfort quilt project.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lR72ag99Kqo/XIGyww3rc8I/AAAAAAAABas/fLoXQuVnqfgFCgUqqvVNRviinBLdY0NUACLcBGAs/s1600/20190216_121308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="855" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lR72ag99Kqo/XIGyww3rc8I/AAAAAAAABas/fLoXQuVnqfgFCgUqqvVNRviinBLdY0NUACLcBGAs/s320/20190216_121308.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The other small project that I spend WAY too much time on last month were the stickers for my new sewing machine. I love this Pfaff, but I've never been a big fan of the color. So I figured some stickers would make it a bit more cheery. My original idea was swirls or flowers. However, I couldn't find any suitable patterns on-line to use in the vinyl cutter DH has access to, But, I did find these dragons! And, with a lot of manipulation and time learning new software, I got the design I liked and DH cut them out for me. They are not the daisys and swirls I had originally imagined, but I like them anyway.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QDYAPgXV8w0/XIGz4IjZmdI/AAAAAAAABa4/XiHLfUvruxQu5SJmx7oJFEEpS-kEQKNHACLcBGAs/s1600/20190216_121249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="855" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QDYAPgXV8w0/XIGz4IjZmdI/AAAAAAAABa4/XiHLfUvruxQu5SJmx7oJFEEpS-kEQKNHACLcBGAs/s320/20190216_121249.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NJRqGB9BEj0/XIgixYfkLlI/AAAAAAAABbY/TbpMRy4eqXktobg87triZBEe3oyEM9trgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1070264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NJRqGB9BEj0/XIgixYfkLlI/AAAAAAAABbY/TbpMRy4eqXktobg87triZBEe3oyEM9trgCLcBGAs/s320/P1070264.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I got myself an extension table for the Featherweight. Once I started using it, I thought I would set up the Pfaff as a quilting machine and the featherwieght for piecing. But, I only had one table in the sewing room. That meant moving the machines every time I wanted to do something different, and that just wasn't happening. It was easier to change feet and settings on the Pfaff than to move the entire machine off the existing table. So, when I saw the extension table and bought that, I figured I needed a new table to go with it. Nothing useful was turning up on Craig's list, so we took a trip to Ikea to see what they had. This table (Pahl) is perfect! It has adjustable height legs, so you can raise the table as your child grows. The medium height is a perfect sewing height! I just got it all together a few days ago and haven't had the chance to use it yet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rCCFshRSVhQ/XIgixWbE9tI/AAAAAAAABbU/deaB49w-Gy0d2KpdfjNfe8e4rrRufzeQQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1070267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rCCFshRSVhQ/XIgixWbE9tI/AAAAAAAABbU/deaB49w-Gy0d2KpdfjNfe8e4rrRufzeQQCLcBGAs/s200/P1070267.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
The last project I've played with is this antique sewing puzzle box. I've had my eye on them for a while and bought this last spring with the idea that I would outfit it for my hand sewing. It came with none of the originall tools inside, which was what I wanted. I removed the original liner, sanded it and applied new coats of finish. Then I glued new velvet to the inside. attached the box, the pin cushion and some elastic to hold the pencils and scissors and have a new, beautiful piece of history to use as my new hand sewing box. It doesn't hold nearly as much stuff as the last bag I was using, but this brings a smile to my face every time I use it.<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lAulPZSNIl0/XIgixaGL8eI/AAAAAAAABbc/3LecxGBa_rM-0Lv-MpvkX0EQeyNMcMyLQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1070269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lAulPZSNIl0/XIgixaGL8eI/AAAAAAAABbc/3LecxGBa_rM-0Lv-MpvkX0EQeyNMcMyLQCLcBGAs/s320/P1070269.JPG" width="320" /></a>Mairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02344532121189255168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7087674178475857881.post-53983530194299349272019-01-08T13:35:00.000-05:002019-01-08T13:35:17.660-05:00The next UFO Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I updated my UFO list the beginning of this year. The 2017 tabulation listed 33 projects, nine of which I either completed or discarded. A few of the items on the 2017 list expanded from one to many; the "Do something with Grammy's UFO blocks" became 9 separately listed quilts, five of which are still on the current UFO list. Other items that made it to the new list were abandoned projects I was either given to me (with my consent) or bought because I liked them and didn't want to see them thrown out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Of the 33 on the master list, I have set a goal to complete at least 10 of them before the end of the year. But, for this quarter, these are the projects that will get my attention:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Grammy Quilt #5 - This is basted and I have started the machine quilting.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4tA8TXRAVBQ/XDOx_Fi-zRI/AAAAAAAABVc/c-xvSE8ahjQBS8gK8QOcNcVkxY9IGr23wCLcBGAs/s1600/P1070169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4tA8TXRAVBQ/XDOx_Fi-zRI/AAAAAAAABVc/c-xvSE8ahjQBS8gK8QOcNcVkxY9IGr23wCLcBGAs/s320/P1070169.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Floral Hexagons - I will call this complete when I get the top put together. It will then be donated to my guild as a comfrot quilt for someone else to quilt and complete. There are a fair number of folks in the guild who have long arm machines and are looking for tops for practice. It will make a good sized donation quilt.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vV4indfEo5Q/XDOweBiaqGI/AAAAAAAABVI/Y5IYvFlKSUoesQ2rurIr5dhOUe7gBF0lQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1060904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vV4indfEo5Q/XDOweBiaqGI/AAAAAAAABVI/Y5IYvFlKSUoesQ2rurIr5dhOUe7gBF0lQCLcBGAs/s320/P1060904.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Left over Star Blocks - These blocks were left over from a guild raffle quilt. They were raffled off and I won them. This will be a fun little project. I have no idea right not the number of blocks and how they will be arranged.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oJKOPEABPpY/XDOwePfHufI/AAAAAAAABVM/rNcANT5FlnAve4G5egHobyS8jE7aM7oJQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1060911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oJKOPEABPpY/XDOwePfHufI/AAAAAAAABVM/rNcANT5FlnAve4G5egHobyS8jE7aM7oJQCLcBGAs/s320/P1060911.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cat Quilt - The top is complete. It needs basting, quilting and finishing. I'm looking forward to playing with this, so I may work on this when I get bored with the 9-patch Grammy quilts.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kL-emVkbZZM/XDTCrzCTurI/AAAAAAAABWA/sECIGAmHX7oRGfa2Zk1B9mIi565xFICmQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1060193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kL-emVkbZZM/XDTCrzCTurI/AAAAAAAABWA/sECIGAmHX7oRGfa2Zk1B9mIi565xFICmQCLcBGAs/s320/P1060193.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Grammy Quilts 5 through 9 - These are the remaining 9-patch quilts that I want to complete before July.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dA6d-3SBaXQ/XDTq4HJZqCI/AAAAAAAABWg/Ht2-hLqCE1Yx-01CItLv70PMmXJMGw85wCLcBGAs/s1600/P1070186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dA6d-3SBaXQ/XDTq4HJZqCI/AAAAAAAABWg/Ht2-hLqCE1Yx-01CItLv70PMmXJMGw85wCLcBGAs/s320/P1070186.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Scrappy Mystery - This is an in-progress mystery quilt that I am hosting for my guild. I will be working putting the blocks together and trying to stay one step ahead of the clues I publish.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jpy40vq-YYQ/XDTq4B2f5qI/AAAAAAAABWY/CuoNB7ZaWbMH8Qwsw7hfJtafGjCcPSTQwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1070187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jpy40vq-YYQ/XDTq4B2f5qI/AAAAAAAABWY/CuoNB7ZaWbMH8Qwsw7hfJtafGjCcPSTQwCLcBGAs/s320/P1070187.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Maxine Panels - I bid on these panels at a guild auction a few years ago. I think this will make a good back for another quilt. This should be a quick, fun top to piece together.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_SfS_D2dDqw/XDTq4GhJ9dI/AAAAAAAABWc/jG22sSsV0GEkY1tBUXDXtwGWkZPIcQGnwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1070188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_SfS_D2dDqw/XDTq4GhJ9dI/AAAAAAAABWc/jG22sSsV0GEkY1tBUXDXtwGWkZPIcQGnwCLcBGAs/s320/P1070188.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Thanksgiving Table Runner - I guess this is not technically a UFO since I haven't started it yet. This was a quilt guild holiday gift this year. I'd like to complete this before Thanksgiving 2019.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jry8AdBCIfY/XDTq5O6oXJI/AAAAAAAABWk/JAY2-lNt46wEm-mq74JvpW6BbiI3TANiwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1070191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jry8AdBCIfY/XDTq5O6oXJI/AAAAAAAABWk/JAY2-lNt46wEm-mq74JvpW6BbiI3TANiwCLcBGAs/s320/P1070191.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Ladies of the Sea - An on-going project, the third border (pattern shown) is the next step. This will be my evening hand project for the next at least the next few weeks. I have two outer borders and 4 more ships to complete the applique on this project and hope to finish that work this year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iAuUooC6de4/XDTq5ilXc6I/AAAAAAAABWo/qler_LwpNoAOFTIBIYh1kZc-2LQy_4bdgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1070192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iAuUooC6de4/XDTq5ilXc6I/AAAAAAAABWo/qler_LwpNoAOFTIBIYh1kZc-2LQy_4bdgCLcBGAs/s320/P1070192.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I guess that's all I'll list for now. Twelve is more manageable to think about than 34 and I think I can manage to do these 12 things this year. Wish me luck!<br />
<br />Mairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02344532121189255168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7087674178475857881.post-72052631039540181332018-11-30T16:14:00.000-05:002018-11-30T16:14:06.922-05:00Saying Goodbye to an Old Friend<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nFZkqexU3QA/XAACsEHZPnI/AAAAAAAABSc/0hZtCJS6aCQc353yfbv06Ufdodhg_nLrgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1070114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nFZkqexU3QA/XAACsEHZPnI/AAAAAAAABSc/0hZtCJS6aCQc353yfbv06Ufdodhg_nLrgCLcBGAs/s400/P1070114.JPG" width="400" /></a>My sewing machine died. I brought it to the repair shop earlier this year because the presser foot wasn't holding pressure. When I picked it up, they said she was getting old and wearing out and that further repairs weren't worth the price. I was not going to take this information easily. I looked up repair videos on the net and found that I could replace the brushes in the motor and give it new life. I was able to make that repair and decided to her it as an exclusively for quilting. But, a few months later, it just stopped. I have power to the machine, all the buttons work, but the needle won't move. It's not the foot pedal (I tried one from a friend's similar machine). It's some sort of electrical problem that I don't know how to diagnose without schematics. So, I mourned and went on a search. Meet my new (to me) machine: The Pfaff 1471! She is replacing the Pfaff 1371 that I bought in (approximately) 1984. I think this machine is vintage 1985 and runs great! Sewing on this does indeed confirm that my older machine was wearing out. Fabric feeds much nicer through this new machine and the tension is much more reliable. And there are twice as many decorative stitches; I'm excited to make some new napkins with some fancy decoration. So, RIP my old buddy and welcome to my new loyal friend.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These are some of the last pieces completed on the old Pfaff: </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kn6MR73CqdU/XAACIBHEhnI/AAAAAAAABSA/Nu-c-ofjq6kuJ6w8pKNCxCK3IBJIUdgnQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1060967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kn6MR73CqdU/XAACIBHEhnI/AAAAAAAABSA/Nu-c-ofjq6kuJ6w8pKNCxCK3IBJIUdgnQCLcBGAs/s320/P1060967.JPG" width="320" /></a>Another of Grammy's UFOs completed. This is the last of the drunkard's path quilts.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1yVrlie69_w/XAACGx2EFOI/AAAAAAAABSE/y-zQgPYlcpkzTjhnIhhYLZvVAnWgvrNLgCEwYBhgL/s1600/P1060940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1yVrlie69_w/XAACGx2EFOI/AAAAAAAABSE/y-zQgPYlcpkzTjhnIhhYLZvVAnWgvrNLgCEwYBhgL/s320/P1060940.JPG" width="240" /></a>And the last one pieced. The one pictured with the new machine is the first of the 9-patch grammy quilts that I've started quilting. That makes 3 complete, 1 being quilted and 5 more to quilt. My goal is still to have all 9 quilts completed by the beginning of July, 2019. I figure if I can get 1 completed per month, I can meet this goal.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
About 6 months ago, a friend told me her daughter was expecting their first grandchild and asked if I might be interested in making a baby quilt for the baby and new parents. Of course I said yes - I hardly need an excuse to make a quilt. When I asked her to tell me about her daughter and her likes, she said she loves bright colors and suggested purple, fuscia and turquoise. I wanted to do something fun and thought diamonds fit that description. This quilt was way out of my comfort zone because other than the color and shape of the piece, I had no clear vision of what the quilt would look like. I took the pieces and fabric to a quilt retreat with the goal of having the top completed by the end of the weekend. With no idea how to start, a friend suggested to start by sewing pieces together. I sewed larger diamonds of 4 pieces then started putting them on the design wall. After a few hours and a lot of rearranging, I ended up with this scrappy star, which I love. I used left-over pieces for the back and a wild Kaffe fabric that was a perfect match. My friend was thrilled with the results and it was finished just a week after Rosa was born.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q174SCxBRTw/XABSweh4BgI/AAAAAAAABT4/5caRNmLKVLAFp3_5CiTMeExAK-bYLIpjwCLcBGAs/s1600/StarBrightFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1266" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q174SCxBRTw/XABSweh4BgI/AAAAAAAABT4/5caRNmLKVLAFp3_5CiTMeExAK-bYLIpjwCLcBGAs/s320/StarBrightFront.jpg" width="253" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kRIadowFSIU/XABSwTz3EoI/AAAAAAAABT0/D7ykHISukVoi82ULajJx2l5nyNzDSvWzQCLcBGAs/s1600/StarBrightBack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1279" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kRIadowFSIU/XABSwTz3EoI/AAAAAAAABT0/D7ykHISukVoi82ULajJx2l5nyNzDSvWzQCLcBGAs/s320/StarBrightBack.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
<br />
My consultant on the quilt was a guild member and friend, Jenny, who often works in bright, cheery fabrics. She let me raid her stash for additional fabrics and helped me with the lay-out and courage to play with the design. Once on the design wall, everybody at the retreat assumed the quilt was Jenny's and not mine. I still have some of the fabric left over and may make a more tame version of the quilt using grey or black with the bold colors. But, not now. There are too many other things screaming for my attention.<br />
<br />
Like knitting ...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sRaSsKp6rJs/XAA1WzsiUJI/AAAAAAAABTg/zemFqG4Mp_c4mEiwyo4EV8RAQO6g3PgqACEwYBhgL/s1600/P1070088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sRaSsKp6rJs/XAA1WzsiUJI/AAAAAAAABTg/zemFqG4Mp_c4mEiwyo4EV8RAQO6g3PgqACEwYBhgL/s200/P1070088.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-919x-F2KEDs/XAAC7vITerI/AAAAAAAABSw/MlEQEQNntR0K2MtcV_CG73U6Zut6G2CQQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1060909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-919x-F2KEDs/XAAC7vITerI/AAAAAAAABSw/MlEQEQNntR0K2MtcV_CG73U6Zut6G2CQQCLcBGAs/s320/P1060909.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
These socks were supposed to be for me, but my measurements were off and they're a bit too small, so they will be a stocking stuffers for my daughter. And this scarf is from some the yarn my friend left me before her move. I love the color!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
And cross stitch ...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kNM3zffvtSE/XAGlpZjCZuI/AAAAAAAABUU/DwvriPcf_5oPHno0PozD4qOrwTWaO-XkACLcBGAs/s1600/P1070116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kNM3zffvtSE/XAGlpZjCZuI/AAAAAAAABUU/DwvriPcf_5oPHno0PozD4qOrwTWaO-XkACLcBGAs/s200/P1070116.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UA9vO2MbQkc/XAA1W-kEO0I/AAAAAAAABTc/sksE7Gi4Ub8jm34_2lE9079cOG873JwsACEwYBhgL/s1600/P1070092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UA9vO2MbQkc/XAA1W-kEO0I/AAAAAAAABTc/sksE7Gi4Ub8jm34_2lE9079cOG873JwsACEwYBhgL/s320/P1070092.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A-nF1UbitQo/XAACq2kL2vI/AAAAAAAABSQ/--UsX9Om0rgDKt6H2Em-1J-ZXiYexJIbwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1070100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A-nF1UbitQo/XAACq2kL2vI/AAAAAAAABSQ/--UsX9Om0rgDKt6H2Em-1J-ZXiYexJIbwCLcBGAs/s200/P1070100.JPG" width="200" /></a> The cat is the label for the cat quilt I talked about a few posts ago. The monogram was supposed to be for the pin cushion, but I misread the directions and it's WAY too big. So, the hummingbird was stitched for a small pin cushion that is part of an antique sewing box that will be a later project. The bird is less than 2" across. I'll figure out something to do with the G later.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And applique ...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S2Bti1ZrpaY/XAACG8FQ_0I/AAAAAAAABSI/Eb3fnrI1X6IHzixjUnL--xD0p4JXKubbACEwYBhgL/s1600/P1060964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S2Bti1ZrpaY/XAACG8FQ_0I/AAAAAAAABSI/Eb3fnrI1X6IHzixjUnL--xD0p4JXKubbACEwYBhgL/s320/P1060964.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
I've completed two more Ladies of the Sea blocks. I have 5 more blocks and 2 border panels to complete the applique. I think I can have the top done in 2019!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CvgW2Ol2JQk/XAACspUuBcI/AAAAAAAABSg/r2fuGQOocBo6slEah4KuXPAYnzsNcivhwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1070115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CvgW2Ol2JQk/XAACspUuBcI/AAAAAAAABSg/r2fuGQOocBo6slEah4KuXPAYnzsNcivhwCLcBGAs/s320/P1070115.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I've worked on a lot since my last entry. I NEVER get bored!<br />
<br />Mairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02344532121189255168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7087674178475857881.post-40075715244980253942018-10-02T17:38:00.000-04:002018-10-02T17:38:09.244-04:00Heading Toward the Finish LineI'm looking ahead to the end of the year and deciding what I want to have completed by then (quilt wise, anyway). <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/" target="_blank">Ravelry</a>, a web site dedicated to all things yarn based, has at least one group of quilters who also knit. This group is running a UFO support group for the last quarter of the year, and I'm pledging to work on these UFOs. I may not get them all completed, but this is the list on which I will concentrate for the remainder of the year.<br />
<br />
1. Jenny's First Grand Baby Quilt<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpXFFuu4qDU/W7PeovVY1sI/AAAAAAAABQY/OSX25c7okW0E4oBSV0xAE0eSeNdhtHthQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1060907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpXFFuu4qDU/W7PeovVY1sI/AAAAAAAABQY/OSX25c7okW0E4oBSV0xAE0eSeNdhtHthQCLcBGAs/s320/P1060907.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This is the only one with a deadline. The baby is due some time in November. I asked for direction on the color and/or style that would appeal to her daughter, who I have met only once and when she was a child. She said "think of Escher in royal tones, like purple, fuchsia and turquoise". Brights are not my thing, so I will be asking the help of my other friend named Jenny who loves those color combinations. My vision is triangles and Jenny had another suggestion using the designs from the Sochi Olympics. We are going to a quilt retreat together next week and since she loves playing with pieces on the design wall and I don't, I expect we'll be spending a lot of time working on this together.<br />
<br />
2. Grammy's Blocks #3<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I92QneDToeM/W7Peo-hGOBI/AAAAAAAABQw/Dj2qoxQLsI8GS6KuYfDUxqADkI5ZPu3_wCEwYBhgL/s1600/P1060908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I92QneDToeM/W7Peo-hGOBI/AAAAAAAABQw/Dj2qoxQLsI8GS6KuYfDUxqADkI5ZPu3_wCEwYBhgL/s320/P1060908.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The next of the 9 quilts from DH's grandmother's legacy. I got this one basted today and will work on quilting it this week and early next week. It's a smallish quilt (about 40" x 60") and won't take long to quilt. I have already completed two of these of a similar style and size.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3. Grammy's Blocks #9</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zv1lvCxdVkU/W7Pen_Npx7I/AAAAAAAABQk/uW1406HuTDM3lIXJd_UCY2pmhnPSRhwjgCEwYBhgL/s1600/P1060905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zv1lvCxdVkU/W7Pen_Npx7I/AAAAAAAABQk/uW1406HuTDM3lIXJd_UCY2pmhnPSRhwjgCEwYBhgL/s320/P1060905.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is the last of the quilt blocks that have not yet been pieced into a top. I will work on this at the quilt retreat next week and get this last top done. There will be 6 tops of a similar style using 9-patch blocks DH's grandmother made. These are destined to be gifts for her 6 great grandchildren. My plan is to have these completed by July of 2019 in time for a family wedding of one of the great granddaughters.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4. Grammy Quilt #4</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7y0IsmXBMkI/W7Pen2maD5I/AAAAAAAABQs/xxdBFXaMQv45AgtqQjr3zND9xzRYxYvPACEwYBhgL/s1600/P1060906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7y0IsmXBMkI/W7Pen2maD5I/AAAAAAAABQs/xxdBFXaMQv45AgtqQjr3zND9xzRYxYvPACEwYBhgL/s320/P1060906.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is top #1 of the 9-patch quilts. I am planning to have this quilted and bound by the end of the year.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
5. Tumbler Quilt</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-egGYrQw0mmo/W7PenomGd9I/AAAAAAAABQs/jpuS8oHwkE02VErMwhVhELYgnfVp_ehnQCEwYBhgL/s1600/P1060904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-egGYrQw0mmo/W7PenomGd9I/AAAAAAAABQs/jpuS8oHwkE02VErMwhVhELYgnfVp_ehnQCEwYBhgL/s320/P1060904.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These tumbler patches are a set that I won in a UFO auction some years ago. It's time to either complete the top of get rid of it. These will go the the quilt retreat with me where there is a design wall and people who like to play with placement. I don't know if I can get the top assembled, but I can at least get the design and a good start on piecing it together.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
6. Left Over Stars</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PeoMBXOJwR4/W7PepcIi4oI/AAAAAAAABQw/QWuwTRm3gYc7wkcist8mcxhgOLcy0mLdACEwYBhgL/s1600/P1060911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PeoMBXOJwR4/W7PepcIi4oI/AAAAAAAABQw/QWuwTRm3gYc7wkcist8mcxhgOLcy0mLdACEwYBhgL/s320/P1060911.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was in charge of the group who created a raffle quilt for my guild two years ago. Members of the quilt were asked to make either a 9" star block or a 9" 9-patch block with supplied fabric. We had just enough 9-patch blocks, but 16 extra star blocks that didn't make it into the finished design. We pulled names of those who contributed to the quilt and I won the remaining blocks. I want to have these put into a quilt by the end of the year. I will probably use a similar design as the original raffle quilt, but haven't given it much thought yet. The raffle quilt can be found <a href="http://mairsmusings.blogspot.com/2018/01/whats-up.html" target="_blank">here</a> towards the bottom of the post.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oh, and did I say that there would be more progress on Ladies of the Sea this time? Yes, but not much. I think I got 8 leaves sewed onto the next block. That is the current evening project now that a few other distractions are out of the way. I'll show those next time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Mairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02344532121189255168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7087674178475857881.post-13061972925862082112018-08-30T12:51:00.001-04:002018-08-30T12:52:34.228-04:00A Not-So-Old UFO and Other Progress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Back some time ago, there was a group of quilters who worked on hand piecing and applique and created a mailing list (did it start out as a Yahoo group? I can't remember) that eventually morphed into a Facebook group then fizzled out. These things happen, but I do miss the chat of those ladies. But, before we went on to other interests and groups, we made blocks and swapped them with a small subset of the original group. This was done in 2015 and I was inspired by Linda, who dragged out her blocks over a year ago, to do something with these blocks. I received 8 blocks from the other members and had intended to make one for myself using the pattern I used to make my submission to the other members. However, I really like this lay out using only 8 blocks, so 8 blocks it is! My intention is to have this quilt on my off-white living room couch, and this is a good lap sized quilt. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FAFvUQDoRXQ/W4gdcZ8NwqI/AAAAAAAABO4/V2ccyKN6wEANJbuE8fgjqfaYBnEIynlJwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1060816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FAFvUQDoRXQ/W4gdcZ8NwqI/AAAAAAAABO4/V2ccyKN6wEANJbuE8fgjqfaYBnEIynlJwCLcBGAs/s320/P1060816.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7-nbWXANTRc/W4QGFMLPORI/AAAAAAAABN8/d08mN5KSU_UurTN05uIdX-uej0BuWtQYgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1060702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7-nbWXANTRc/W4QGFMLPORI/AAAAAAAABN8/d08mN5KSU_UurTN05uIdX-uej0BuWtQYgCLcBGAs/s320/P1060702.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NPzbvvmNquY/W4QGFJElPGI/AAAAAAAABOA/Ji8JXWhAzykDd8TTO7F7iVr8J1E2PYf9QCLcBGAs/s1600/P1060766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NPzbvvmNquY/W4QGFJElPGI/AAAAAAAABOA/Ji8JXWhAzykDd8TTO7F7iVr8J1E2PYf9QCLcBGAs/s320/P1060766.JPG" width="320" /></a>I'm not a very practiced knitter. I have knit one lacy baby blanket over 30 years ago that is long since gone. I've been itching to try something that is more open-knit (not necessarily a big lace project) and this single skein shawl fit the bill. This is one of the skeins that I got from a friend who is clearing out her stash of yarns and other crafty supplies in preparation to down-sizing into a smaller home for their retirement. This skein is one that she spun herself. This pattern (<a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lionberry" target="_blank">Lionberry</a>) is one that I started one other time, but got confused and frogged the project. I didn't follow the pattern exactly because I got lost somewhere towards the end plus I added some extra rows at the end to use as much of the yarn as possible. I won at yarn chicken! I had less than a yard of left over yarn after doing one lace repeat one extra time before binding off. I like shawls that are relatively shallow and</div>
long. I would have preferred this to be longer and am learning that I probably need to look for patterns that use at least 500 yards of yarn rather than the 325-ish that this used. I thought that using a lace pattern and slightly larger needles would make that 325 yards stretch further, but I guess it's not lacy enough. I'm still learning.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AsPSNq3q3ks/W4VXOG0FPDI/AAAAAAAABOc/v6II3iLGrFgW4xjzFvxiKQQJ_KOa8rRhgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1060680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AsPSNq3q3ks/W4VXOG0FPDI/AAAAAAAABOc/v6II3iLGrFgW4xjzFvxiKQQJ_KOa8rRhgCLcBGAs/s320/P1060680.JPG" width="320" /></a>I finished the first of the quilts from DH's maternal grandmother's UFO blocks. I have a the second basted. They're not large quilts, but there are 9 (or is it 10?) of them, so I'm just trying to work through them between other, more interesting projects.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lXm4HBZReI0/W4gdclcbNII/AAAAAAAABPM/8jy-E_Quia09vv21N1Y2jjlLgCPiQhBYwCEwYBhgL/s1600/P1060815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lXm4HBZReI0/W4gdclcbNII/AAAAAAAABPM/8jy-E_Quia09vv21N1Y2jjlLgCPiQhBYwCEwYBhgL/s320/P1060815.JPG" width="320" /></a>I've been itching to do some needlepoint lately. I had a project in mind - a chair seat or something. Not that I have a chair to put anything on, but I thought it would be a great idea. I even went as far as to start looking for needlepoint canvases on Ebay, but didn't see anything I liked. This is a piece that was started by a friend. She gave me over a dozen boxes of craft supplies and projects cleared out of her stash in preparation to moving to a smaller house for their retirement. I chose a few projects and some yarn before offering it up to friends, the quilt guild and friends of friends. This piece is probably 9" square - too small for a chair seat, but like the colors and pattern. So, I guess it goes into my stash until I find an appropriate use for it.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k0sNC2voPYE/W4gdcg9rdkI/AAAAAAAABPA/wjIHh_GxC4o7H9Et0ZuYpRN-uo3VWth6gCLcBGAs/s1600/P1060819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k0sNC2voPYE/W4gdcg9rdkI/AAAAAAAABPA/wjIHh_GxC4o7H9Et0ZuYpRN-uo3VWth6gCLcBGAs/s320/P1060819.JPG" width="320" /></a>The next thing I picked up is a small cross stitch project of a Patchwork Cat. This shouldn't take too long to do. Mostly I'm procrastinating on starting the next Ladies of the Sea block because I don't really like this block. I know, I could skip it and do another, but I want to have this block in the finished quilt. So, I will do this next, after this adorable little cat.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That's it for now. Next time there will be more progress on Ladies of the Sea!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Mairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02344532121189255168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7087674178475857881.post-37772279278327720502018-07-25T11:53:00.000-04:002018-07-25T11:53:54.509-04:00A Long Awaited UpdateIt's been a while and I've accomplished a bit in sewing and knitting. Let me bore you with the details.<br />
<br />
My quilt guild, The Chelmsford Quilters' Guild, had it's bi-annual show a few weeks ago, and my Iris quilt won 3rd prize for viewer's choice. Yay me! I'm excited about that. Now that I've had it officially in a show, I think it may go on my bed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--HxZyv5gjms/Wwsr3xGdhpI/AAAAAAAABLc/0G34gnJ036A07IZcRaCkWlxdyl931k5cgCLcBGAs/s1600/IrisQuilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="673" data-original-width="800" height="269" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--HxZyv5gjms/Wwsr3xGdhpI/AAAAAAAABLc/0G34gnJ036A07IZcRaCkWlxdyl931k5cgCLcBGAs/s320/IrisQuilt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Since February, I have completed 8 of the 9 quilt tops that are being made from my husband's maternal grandmother's UFO blocks. Three of the tops are Drunkard's Path blocks and 6 are (will be) from 9-patch blocks. I completed the Drunkard's path tops in February. I had all the pieces cut out and assembled 5 of the 6 9-patch blocks on a quilt retreat weekend in March. I just basted the first one yesterday and got the straight stitching done on the machine. I used the same setting for all the quilts. This is typical of the drunkard's path quilts.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-whDTevcObc4/W1eb82ap_0I/AAAAAAAABMM/H6E35arsxH88p2h6Pq8sqEU0qYOULAsPgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1060665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-whDTevcObc4/W1eb82ap_0I/AAAAAAAABMM/H6E35arsxH88p2h6Pq8sqEU0qYOULAsPgCLcBGAs/s320/P1060665.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And this is typical of the 9-patch blocks. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t2rIRCzqgtc/W1ecD-egj8I/AAAAAAAABMQ/1N5msGHq_AsunMU0octZ2MkHJFP38_tQwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1060292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t2rIRCzqgtc/W1ecD-egj8I/AAAAAAAABMQ/1N5msGHq_AsunMU0octZ2MkHJFP38_tQwCLcBGAs/s320/P1060292.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The blocks aren't particularly attractive, but set on point with unifying sashing and setting triangles makes them all look handsome. I will be machine quilting them relatively simply. My goal is to have them all complete for a family wedding that is planned for July 2019. That's why I decided to get started on the quilting , even though it wasn't a particularly wonderful day for dealing with ironing or a large amount of fabric on my lap (too hot).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I finished the fisherman's knit sweater in June, just in time to put it away for the summer. I love how it turned out. It's very satisfying to complete something so beautiful and useful I have to admit that I've been looking at other sweater patterns. I'm not sure I'm ready to jump into something this big again. But maybe... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vrq3vKp8Mc0/W1eenFGn2xI/AAAAAAAABMs/pUAy8ubUhhwcK9lJT_L5MrRTkUdhFYTCwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1060420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vrq3vKp8Mc0/W1eenFGn2xI/AAAAAAAABMs/pUAy8ubUhhwcK9lJT_L5MrRTkUdhFYTCwCLcBGAs/s320/P1060420.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also completed a pair of 'monster' socks made from left-overs from other sock projects. The white was bought just to pair with scraps, but the three other yarns in this pair came from scraps. I am pleased to have used every scrap of those three small balls, even though one of the balls ran out after the heel on the second sock, and the toe on the second sock is slightly less white because I wanted to use the last of the last ball. I used these socks to try out a new cast on (tubular cast on) that is supposed to be a bit more stretchy. I find the long-tail cast on that I normally use just a bit snug on my thick calves. This cast on is a bit trickier, but it seems to have the stretch I want. I will have to see if they stay up and don't slouch, though. I also tried out different ways to join yarns using a tail that is woven in later and using a magic knot. I like the knot since I'm not fond of weaving in ends, but again, I'm holding judgment until the socks are worn and washed a few time. They did turn out pretty, though.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xTadPCYv4Yk/W1ef4z3FeeI/AAAAAAAABM8/b_Xizhz6jw4SNovHPj_Aq8YTNXIT-4DOwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1060664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xTadPCYv4Yk/W1ef4z3FeeI/AAAAAAAABM8/b_Xizhz6jw4SNovHPj_Aq8YTNXIT-4DOwCLcBGAs/s320/P1060664.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This table runner was a kit that I bought in a quilt shop in Canada last year. It was their Row By Row pattern commemorating Canada's 150 birthday. I love the pattern and colors. I don't often but the kits, but this had so many colors, I could not have made this from my stash. I was thinking about saving the block for a larger quilt of places I had visited, but finished is much more satisfying.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GNYFw6sOaHc/W1ef4-YJNWI/AAAAAAAABM4/nu0lBe28NMUFnnk9rtMI0BwS9VfF0wxxgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1060667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GNYFw6sOaHc/W1ef4-YJNWI/AAAAAAAABM4/nu0lBe28NMUFnnk9rtMI0BwS9VfF0wxxgCLcBGAs/s320/P1060667.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm still working on the Ladies of the Sea blocks, but it's slow going. I'm trying hard not to lose interest in this because I love the pattern and it will be an amazing quilt. I just have to add in different projects from timne to time to keep me interested.<br />
<br />
Until next time ...<br />
<br />
<br />Mairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02344532121189255168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7087674178475857881.post-64006815281558487682018-02-05T11:24:00.001-05:002018-02-05T11:24:31.433-05:00UFO ProgressThis is another year of working on my UFO list - completing projects and deciding which ones will be let go.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IALG7HyEk_0/Wnh6RC4yQbI/AAAAAAAABJA/5S_g8IQlZuMzPV6v3JCcuYlPBovM-ueyQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1060174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IALG7HyEk_0/Wnh6RC4yQbI/AAAAAAAABJA/5S_g8IQlZuMzPV6v3JCcuYlPBovM-ueyQCLcBGAs/s200/P1060174.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ei5kDKizKow/Wnh8MHbCTMI/AAAAAAAABJg/Ht6UkmFmdwsdSDmjGKyXfsEsz0WKshP2ACLcBGAs/s1600/Constellation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1379" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ei5kDKizKow/Wnh8MHbCTMI/AAAAAAAABJg/Ht6UkmFmdwsdSDmjGKyXfsEsz0WKshP2ACLcBGAs/s400/Constellation.jpg" width="343" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I finished Constellation in January. I'm reasonably pleased with it, but a little disappointed that I didn't come up with a more imaginative setting for the blocks. This was another project that I used as a quilting sampler, quilting each block differently. This made me realize that the reason I make quilts is for the color and pattern. I like geometric patterns. Even when I doodle, I usually doodle straight lines. While I can appreciate a beautifully done custom quilted piece, I don't really enjoy doing that work. Also, I've decided I'm not a huge fan of sampler quilts. I like the patterns created by repetitive blocks and quilting designs. It's not that I don't like this quilt, I do. I'm learning more about what I like and dislike in my quilting journey.<br />
<br />
I finished the hand applique border on the triange quilt that I'm calling Flower Up. It is now waiting for me to make the time to make the backing and baste it in preparation for quilting. Perhaps that will happen in March.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dIxZblP-97c/Wnh6fJvotCI/AAAAAAAABJI/MEEGm_nminQ6wq9jikr-BittaKcxpYR5gCLcBGAs/s1600/P1060196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dIxZblP-97c/Wnh6fJvotCI/AAAAAAAABJI/MEEGm_nminQ6wq9jikr-BittaKcxpYR5gCLcBGAs/s320/P1060196.JPG" width="320" /></a>My new evening hand project is knitting an Aran knit sweater in this pattern (<a href="http://www.yarnspirations.com/patterns/honeycomb-classic.html">http://www.yarnspirations.com/patterns/honeycomb-classic.html</a>). I cast this on in late January and am finally getting comfortable in knitting the pattern. I have no idea how long it will take me to complete. The last and only sweater I knit was nearly 30 years ago. I wanted the challenge of knitting a large, complicated pattern and I love Aran knit patterns, so this fit my criteria. It's getting to the point where I'm enjoying the knit and can see the pattern emerging. It's not without mistakes, but they are small enough that I can live with them, especially since I'm starting with the back.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2DOunmwTfpY/Wnh6RL50wrI/AAAAAAAABI8/x9kgPnCsHiAj1rPhVmGy6alQJvNF0Y7HwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1060185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2DOunmwTfpY/Wnh6RL50wrI/AAAAAAAABI8/x9kgPnCsHiAj1rPhVmGy6alQJvNF0Y7HwCLcBGAs/s320/P1060185.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The next quilt UFO I tackled was a set of cat blocks that was an internet exchange from 1993. I have no particular reason that I sat on this project for so long. I like the blocks and was looking forward to getting them together in a quilt. The ultimate setting for the blocks is not what I had originally envisioned, but I like this better. The top is completed and will be quilted once Flower up is done.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NBg9v4b04Hc/Wnh6fFaVqEI/AAAAAAAABJE/BDDq2wU-Ojgh2NnuRePBfsCZDCIk5R1HgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1060193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NBg9v4b04Hc/Wnh6fFaVqEI/AAAAAAAABJE/BDDq2wU-Ojgh2NnuRePBfsCZDCIk5R1HgCLcBGAs/s640/P1060193.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The projects I will be concentrating on in February is a group of blocks that are UFOs from my husband's grnadmother. When cleaning out her house after her death in 1998, my mother-in-law decided that I should have all hr UFOs. I have completed one quilt some years ago that I gave to my MIL and the rest of the blocks sat. I discarded one set of gingham 9-patches because the fabric was so flimsy I didn't think they would stand up to any use. The rest will be made into lap sized quilts for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. This top is the first of 10 to be made. But, I think I have to make the borders longer because there is some stretching here that I'm not pleased with.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q3jEX4dFRJ0/Wnh6fNgYW4I/AAAAAAAABJM/KqA9K0kXuAkMIkjeSXGlbGg_j8TuECPRwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1060220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q3jEX4dFRJ0/Wnh6fNgYW4I/AAAAAAAABJM/KqA9K0kXuAkMIkjeSXGlbGg_j8TuECPRwCLcBGAs/s320/P1060220.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That's what I've been doing craft-wise for the month. I'm hoping February will be as productive.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Mairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02344532121189255168noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7087674178475857881.post-49984699691958404612018-01-08T13:12:00.002-05:002018-01-08T13:12:12.267-05:00What's Up?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I admire those who blog every day. There is one that I follow (<a href="http://karensquilting.com/blog">http://karensquilting.com/blog</a>/) that I use as personal inspiration. She does beautiful hand and machine work (mostly quilting), keeps lovely gardens and cooks delicious looking and sounding food. She posts daily with her progress on thread-based and home-based projects and I find her very motivating. I do some sort of needlework almost every day, and the competitive side of me thinks that if she can get so much done, so can I.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, this is what I've been doing (thread-wise) since I last posted in August.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CPXyWwFEW70/Wh8elhcmaBI/AAAAAAAABGg/yDRbJ-PlNY0j98p6FAzMQHUFLEC4lltKwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1060104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CPXyWwFEW70/Wh8elhcmaBI/AAAAAAAABGg/yDRbJ-PlNY0j98p6FAzMQHUFLEC4lltKwCLcBGAs/s200/P1060104.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CPXyWwFEW70/Wh8elhcmaBI/AAAAAAAABGg/yDRbJ-PlNY0j98p6FAzMQHUFLEC4lltKwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1060104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nIAmIs2y3BU/Wh8eN4kwKFI/AAAAAAAABGQ/qPKfCNa2Ohkju2a8yCObtwXikTS9P-epACLcBGAs/s1600/P1060117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o-URMYWx-RE/Wh8fk2fH3OI/AAAAAAAABG0/Fnj7T9-RRJYYBItV4EN2EtQV4wwXXefZACLcBGAs/s1600/P1050955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o-URMYWx-RE/Wh8fk2fH3OI/AAAAAAAABG0/Fnj7T9-RRJYYBItV4EN2EtQV4wwXXefZACLcBGAs/s200/P1050955.JPG" width="200" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nIAmIs2y3BU/Wh8eN4kwKFI/AAAAAAAABGQ/qPKfCNa2Ohkju2a8yCObtwXikTS9P-epACLcBGAs/s200/P1060117.JPG" width="200" />I really like knitting socks, and was starting to feel guilty that all but two pairs that I knit were for me. So, DH, DD and MIL all got socks for Christmas this year. Oh, and there was another pair for me, too. They are the pink/purple stripey socks that are my "Monster" socks using left overs from other socks. I still have lots of left overs, so there will be more "Monsters" in the future.<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1OO_n8HWdBM/Wh8eN8H4ASI/AAAAAAAABGM/RmC64oJW2Z0xcRdiYapfRI_0gGDAiXg2wCLcBGAs/s1600/P1060134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1OO_n8HWdBM/Wh8eN8H4ASI/AAAAAAAABGM/RmC64oJW2Z0xcRdiYapfRI_0gGDAiXg2wCLcBGAs/s200/P1060134.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ka3BKaC2HeY/WlOs36KBczI/AAAAAAAABHs/XE5u9hfbStgZzkbQe_18EIKpLqsLzPcLQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1060149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ka3BKaC2HeY/WlOs36KBczI/AAAAAAAABHs/XE5u9hfbStgZzkbQe_18EIKpLqsLzPcLQCLcBGAs/s200/P1060149.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m65R7ZAuU_4/Wh8elQAGP0I/AAAAAAAABGY/pcxuichcFiMkgQFWC1hFC5seZ8aPgfH3gCLcBGAs/s1600/P1060086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m65R7ZAuU_4/Wh8elQAGP0I/AAAAAAAABGY/pcxuichcFiMkgQFWC1hFC5seZ8aPgfH3gCLcBGAs/s200/P1060086.JPG" width="150" /></a>In my quest to have a decorative table runner for each month of the year, I finally made one for October. It is a pattern from a Row By Row a few years ago from Bits n Pieces Quilt Shop (<a href="http://www.bnpquilts.com/">http://www.bnpquilts.com/</a>). It's machine appliqued and quilted.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sTlmPpZ3QHA/Wh8eNyNa-qI/AAAAAAAABGI/XMu4Mo2YurQT1SZKCLgJn9AVGwbgQ9rKwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1060118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sTlmPpZ3QHA/Wh8eNyNa-qI/AAAAAAAABGI/XMu4Mo2YurQT1SZKCLgJn9AVGwbgQ9rKwCLcBGAs/s320/P1060118.JPG" width="320" /></a>The blocks in this quilt were from a star block exchange in my quilt guild. The idea is that you chose two main colors and an accent and whether you wanted 6" or 12" stars. Every month one person in a group made a star in your colors, put it in your container and passed it to the next in line the following month. We did this for two consecutive years. The first year I noticed that one member made a block for herself in her colors every time she made a block for another member, so that's what I did the second year, too. I had 20 blocks at the end and put them together in this quilt I've called Constellation. I just machine stitched the binding to it yesterday and will complete the hand stitching to it this week. This wasn't on my radar to finish this soon, but our guild is having a show this spring and they would like to have a display of the competed projects from the exchange. The quilt finishes about 66" x 80". </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--0SHpdBbu58/Wh8elYWYytI/AAAAAAAABGc/BOC1BxzxkkgeeoEiKfLnujeZbHF-8DZaQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1060115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--0SHpdBbu58/Wh8elYWYytI/AAAAAAAABGc/BOC1BxzxkkgeeoEiKfLnujeZbHF-8DZaQCLcBGAs/s320/P1060115.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-544EQnyZSPA/Wh8fJKwEFNI/AAAAAAAABGw/aw0X5wEsCK8qvRPadQVJig7qJqQ45Lw2wCLcBGAs/s1600/P1060039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-544EQnyZSPA/Wh8fJKwEFNI/AAAAAAAABGw/aw0X5wEsCK8qvRPadQVJig7qJqQ45Lw2wCLcBGAs/s320/P1060039.JPG" width="240" /></a>This little crib quilt was made from left overs that I picked up as a bag of scraps in one of our guild's UFO auctions. One day when I needed some mindless sewing, I put together the center (see <a href="http://mairsmusings.blogspot.com/2016/02/oops-i-started-new-quilt.html">http://mairsmusings.blogspot.com/2016/02/oops-i-started-new-quilt.html</a>) and set it aside. In the effort of trying to reduce my UFO list, I completed it. It's put away in case I need a baby gift.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f58iyrRMEG0/Wh8fJCr2l_I/AAAAAAAABGs/3mRWG77tKFYPG5Cp4jmCIrSck_okbdQvgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1060073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f58iyrRMEG0/Wh8fJCr2l_I/AAAAAAAABGs/3mRWG77tKFYPG5Cp4jmCIrSck_okbdQvgCLcBGAs/s320/P1060073.JPG" width="240" /></a>This beauty is my guild's raffle quilt for the year. Because I thought it was important for guild members to be involved in making as well as selling tickets for this fund raiser, I was in charge of the committee. Members were given either a kit for the chain blocks, or a piece of the blue and asked to make a star block of their choice. The committee arrange the blocks, I assembled the quilt top and another member of the committee did the long arm quilting. I think the quilt is gorgeous. It will fit a queen sized bed. If you want more information about this, let me know. The winner will be drawn in May.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1VFYG5Ge2n0/WlOydhV9W_I/AAAAAAAABH8/bX0NxtFQhQwdU2tYGSPGAV1ifkZEGIKxgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1060159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1VFYG5Ge2n0/WlOydhV9W_I/AAAAAAAABH8/bX0NxtFQhQwdU2tYGSPGAV1ifkZEGIKxgCLcBGAs/s320/P1060159.JPG" width="320" /></a>I've also completed a small shawl made from hand-spun fibers a friend gave me (she's clearing out her stash of yarn in preparation for a move cross-country) and am working on an applique border of another UFO that's been sitting for far too long. The triangle quilt (called Flower Up) will probably be completed by the end of January. That's the plan, anyway.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bs4g7lrDHO0/WlOydtdlvpI/AAAAAAAABIA/b1RNVRqhXGst0Hud8egAYHRJZqRkmqSBwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1060161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bs4g7lrDHO0/WlOydtdlvpI/AAAAAAAABIA/b1RNVRqhXGst0Hud8egAYHRJZqRkmqSBwCLcBGAs/s320/P1060161.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
That catches me up on what I've been working on for the past 4 months or so. It looks like a lot more than it feels.<br />
<br />
There's a lot of projects I'm looking forward to working on once the Constellation and Flower Up are done. I think next in the queue are a Fisherman's knit sweater I just got the yarn for and a cat block quilt that is another old UFO. Keep an eye out for progress on those (but I make no promises on how soon.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Mairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02344532121189255168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7087674178475857881.post-22529432728003704212017-08-13T17:22:00.003-04:002017-08-13T17:23:00.142-04:00Scrappy Goodness and More Ship<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-opylBE5wyG0/WUrS_cVcgzI/AAAAAAAABEo/Hw6Qz9mAlQUP2LE6umZSVjhf8vnPX0kegCLcBGAs/s1600/P1050614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-opylBE5wyG0/WUrS_cVcgzI/AAAAAAAABEo/Hw6Qz9mAlQUP2LE6umZSVjhf8vnPX0kegCLcBGAs/s320/P1050614.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PVfIQX3MI3c/WUrS_fBoGqI/AAAAAAAABEk/wZda9kA1zWoD8hK4P8C1TuBWMVxWjiopACLcBGAs/s1600/P1050619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PVfIQX3MI3c/WUrS_fBoGqI/AAAAAAAABEk/wZda9kA1zWoD8hK4P8C1TuBWMVxWjiopACLcBGAs/s320/P1050619.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Life is pretty good here in New England. The weather is beautiful, I've been in a good place and things are settling down. June can be a busy month; we celebrate my husband's birthday, our anniversary, Father's day and my daughter's birthday all within 2 weeks. Now it's time to just enjoy the beautiful weather, do some riding and meet up with friends.<br />
<br />
I've been owrking on the Ladies of the Sea blocks and am making progress. I'be got 8 blocks, 1 border and all 4 compas blocks completed. I'm now working on the bottom border. These borders have a lot of applique and will take some time.<br />
<br />
I completed the quilting on my Scrapitude quilt in June and am very happy with the results. It has made me realize that I like simple quilting. I like straight lines and geometric forms. That may be why I love piecing (but doesn't explain my love of applique.) Even when I doodle, I usually doodle straight lines.<br />
<br />
We did a lot of travweling in July and early August - up to Maine, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Cape Breton. Then homw for a few days before heading out to NY, PA, MD, WV, VA, DE, NJ, CT and back home. They were great trips, but I'm happy to be homw for a while and relax.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_xDAF3HpZg/WUrSzyWvKYI/AAAAAAAABEc/8ZVmNewl-iQoDaRn0DD82te803XBm6oTgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1050591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_xDAF3HpZg/WUrSzyWvKYI/AAAAAAAABEc/8ZVmNewl-iQoDaRn0DD82te803XBm6oTgCLcBGAs/s320/P1050591.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1hStHX4oVVo/WUrTAfPhr2I/AAAAAAAABEw/GCmtSyyGs6M_e8C31pnYK-0L_o5pH4DtACLcBGAs/s1600/P1050627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1hStHX4oVVo/WUrTAfPhr2I/AAAAAAAABEw/GCmtSyyGs6M_e8C31pnYK-0L_o5pH4DtACLcBGAs/s320/P1050627.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TBfPjlYq2s4/WUrTALfTEnI/AAAAAAAABEs/FrouFX4Kz5AyPHsZJyDKqyw7mVIJuSe_ACLcBGAs/s1600/P1050625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TBfPjlYq2s4/WUrTALfTEnI/AAAAAAAABEs/FrouFX4Kz5AyPHsZJyDKqyw7mVIJuSe_ACLcBGAs/s320/P1050625.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Mairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02344532121189255168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7087674178475857881.post-19471939244780293992017-04-14T18:50:00.003-04:002017-04-15T09:20:25.479-04:00Manic Productivity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For the past few months, I've been in a period of high motivation and productivity. I don't exactly know why, but I'm embracing it and getting a lot of stuff done. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_hgQT_faU8c/WOgAZTP35tI/AAAAAAAABBs/j7i6_EK-NSk0fKMtnaaT-7ln8wXs1oL0wCLcB/s1600/P1050403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_hgQT_faU8c/WOgAZTP35tI/AAAAAAAABBs/j7i6_EK-NSk0fKMtnaaT-7ln8wXs1oL0wCLcB/s320/P1050403.JPG" width="320" /></a>I started with cleaning out my craft closet. It's a small closet, just over 36" wide, but it was stuffed with, well, stuff. I started small, working on one shelf at a time. I was trying to be honest with myself to determine what I wanted to keep and what I could let go. I packaged up a lot of my beading supplies and gave them to a friend who does embellishment, gifted some other supplies to another friend who is just starting her journey into silk thread embroidery, bagged up some supplies and donated them to Good Will, and tossed others. The hardest part was going through my UFOs and fabrics. When I got to those shelves, I just emptied them onto the floor and started working through the mess.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-imr3diN5W7g/WOgAZBxFwBI/AAAAAAAABBw/jDm9DUoWDXI073HHMdcu7GFNhJirnqHBQCLcB/s1600/P1050402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-imr3diN5W7g/WOgAZBxFwBI/AAAAAAAABBw/jDm9DUoWDXI073HHMdcu7GFNhJirnqHBQCLcB/s320/P1050402.JPG" width="240" /></a>Some time in the last few years we had a speaker in our guild who talked about her fabric organization and it stuck with me. She folded all her fabrics to uniform sizes - one for yardage and one for fat quarters. I decided on two sizes - 9" x 11" for yardage and 4 1/2" x 5 1/2" for anything under 3/4 yard. I cut file folders down as templates and used them to wrap my fabric around, then removed the templates. The yardage fits easily on edge into standard paper boxes and the smaller pieces fit side-by-side into the paper box lids. Anything smaller than a fat quarter (more or less) got put into the scrap pile to be cut into standard sizes for making scrap quilts. I don't have a huge stash. I fit all that fabric into two paper boxes and 3 lids. I didn't bother to sort by color because it's not a large stash and didn't want to get delayed further by that step. I may sort by color later, but so far I haven't seen this was as a problem for me.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love the organization! I can find what I'm looking for easily and have a reasonably good idea of how much of a particular color I have by just looking at it.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6WgylU5Fquk/WOgAaPGSW1I/AAAAAAAABB0/RWzNThuq94MmCzhXZcxXpoKgOWFNSZC6QCLcB/s1600/P1050422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6WgylU5Fquk/WOgAaPGSW1I/AAAAAAAABB0/RWzNThuq94MmCzhXZcxXpoKgOWFNSZC6QCLcB/s320/P1050422.JPG" width="240" /></a>After going through the fabric, I took on the task of looking through all the UFOs. Again, I looked at each with a critical eye to decide if a project was still interesting or not. I packaged up a few to donate to my guild's auction, and a few I simply threw away. The ones I tossed were very old (UFOs from my husband's grandmother), and made from very flimsy 70's cotton/poly blends. Originally I had intentions of completing them for future great-great grandchildren of Laura, but the fabric and workmanship was so poor I didn't think they would hold up to any use. I have more of her UFOs and other completed quilts that are in much better quality, so I'm not erasing her memory. In total, I still have 27 UFOs to complete. They are all on the middle shelf and catlogued so I don't forget. There were a few projects in there that I have no recollection of at all.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KrJ2-haT0oo/WOgAaDAAuZI/AAAAAAAABB4/iKNq0L61KTQyKD7hA2U1fR3wCWDlTeYOgCLcB/s1600/P1050425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KrJ2-haT0oo/WOgAaDAAuZI/AAAAAAAABB4/iKNq0L61KTQyKD7hA2U1fR3wCWDlTeYOgCLcB/s200/P1050425.JPG" width="200" /></a>I designed and completed a table runner for the month of March. I have the habit of piling papers on the kitchen table. To eliminate that, I found that a table runner reminds me to keep this area clear. I had a few and decided a themed table runner for each month would be fun. I had a hard time coming up with a design for March because I'm not fond of shamrocks, leprechauns, pots of gold or other symbols of St. Patrick's day. So, an Celtic knot pattern came to mind. Google is my friend in finding all sorts of things and this pattern popped up early in the search. I printed it to size, traced it, and hand appliqued the bias strips. It's machine quilted and was on the table by March 2nd.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G-5pX8dEm7Y/WOgA1J8z0uI/AAAAAAAABCA/mnZY1UfoILEbDfRv-OqZB_uzk9LBIu2oACLcB/s1600/P1050426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G-5pX8dEm7Y/WOgA1J8z0uI/AAAAAAAABCA/mnZY1UfoILEbDfRv-OqZB_uzk9LBIu2oACLcB/s400/P1050426.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Oher things I've done are knit two pair of socks, appliqued another Ladies of the Sea block, quilted one top (down to 26 UFOs!) and completed another for the guilt's comfort quilt program, and assembled guild member blocks into our guild's next raffle quilt. Not to mention all the yard work to clean up after winter,<br />
<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzUozKbFRJk/WOgA-gNRVVI/AAAAAAAABCE/5YFlXI5t9CsJKvZsh9ReXbnZlQtFUr0cQCLcB/s1600/P1050440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zU7qmwutiH4/WOgA-n9hU8I/AAAAAAAABCM/k5C2rTRWygcmRHFNBqpe7oELkyMdjvoxACLcB/s1600/P1050495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zU7qmwutiH4/WOgA-n9hU8I/AAAAAAAABCM/k5C2rTRWygcmRHFNBqpe7oELkyMdjvoxACLcB/s200/P1050495.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lugiHLKR0us/WPFP5SkbyaI/AAAAAAAABCw/EuV6QXvuH4AFzEGFffj9FUgd8f9dope4ACLcB/s1600/P1050506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lugiHLKR0us/WPFP5SkbyaI/AAAAAAAABCw/EuV6QXvuH4AFzEGFffj9FUgd8f9dope4ACLcB/s320/P1050506.JPG" width="320" /></a><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzUozKbFRJk/WOgA-gNRVVI/AAAAAAAABCE/5YFlXI5t9CsJKvZsh9ReXbnZlQtFUr0cQCLcB/s200/P1050440.JPG" width="200" /><br />
<br />
See, I told you I'vebeen busy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gfsEU3lsFOE/WPFP5QZebUI/AAAAAAAABCs/JP01YX-L9UcbzT5j4H1baP5e7jKD7m9jwCLcB/s1600/P1050510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gfsEU3lsFOE/WPFP5QZebUI/AAAAAAAABCs/JP01YX-L9UcbzT5j4H1baP5e7jKD7m9jwCLcB/s320/P1050510.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o2OAiIgVNhU/WPFP5enIucI/AAAAAAAABC0/bhRsPFNVm0QrVaJ5kjvfk-Ey0IZ91o-LwCLcB/s1600/P1050507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o2OAiIgVNhU/WPFP5enIucI/AAAAAAAABC0/bhRsPFNVm0QrVaJ5kjvfk-Ey0IZ91o-LwCLcB/s320/P1050507.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6KnCCDVyyzI/WOgA-mG2txI/AAAAAAAABCI/Bl7ldZtq4CgRQEtvwDVvhBKeuzSu0YHPQCLcB/s1600/P1050474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6KnCCDVyyzI/WOgA-mG2txI/AAAAAAAABCI/Bl7ldZtq4CgRQEtvwDVvhBKeuzSu0YHPQCLcB/s320/P1050474.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Mairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02344532121189255168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7087674178475857881.post-71986881616315490342017-02-02T16:47:00.001-05:002017-02-02T16:47:28.922-05:00Forever has EndedRemember me talking about the Iris quilt? This is an applique project that I started some time in 1991. My family dubbed this the "Forever Quilt" because that is how long I've been working on it. My daughter, now 27, says she cannot remember a time that I haven't been working on this quilt. I haven't been working on this quilt continuously for the past 26 years. There have been long stretches of time that it sat, tucked away in the closet because I was bored with it, or frustrated, or did not yet have the skills to go to the next step. As of yesterday, it is complete!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kPEHOaCs374/WJOhpB96S5I/AAAAAAAAA_4/8yf12m3ZnXEUcu8HKv1ylqdjqUAMiHIQgCLcB/s1600/P1050394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kPEHOaCs374/WJOhpB96S5I/AAAAAAAAA_4/8yf12m3ZnXEUcu8HKv1ylqdjqUAMiHIQgCLcB/s640/P1050394.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
It is hand appliqued, hand and machine stitched, hand quilted and measures just under 100" per side.. And I LOVE it. But, I don't think I'll let a quilt take me this long to finish again. I am much better at applique today than I was 26 years ago when I was just starting. Looking at some of these blocks up close makes me cringe.<br />
<br />
Because I have been focused on getting the Iris quilt done (Entitled "My Fantasy Garden"), I have not worked on other projects. I wanted to be focused and complete this before I started working on other things. I did one small knitting project between the time I finished the quilting and started the binding.<br />
<br />
I wanted to knit a cap for myself and took a few days to knit this up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_WoDJmb9DDE/WJOmB32iiZI/AAAAAAAABAM/pGmqhySGUXQZkxMuBoxIgoJdWj_soB2TwCLcB/s1600/P1050371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_WoDJmb9DDE/WJOmB32iiZI/AAAAAAAABAM/pGmqhySGUXQZkxMuBoxIgoJdWj_soB2TwCLcB/s320/P1050371.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I used double pointed needles because I didn't want to spring for circulars to knit this, but I should have bought the circular needles in the correct size, too. There were just a bit too many stitches on my DPNs and I dropped a few stitches before the cap was completed. I found them and fixed the cap, but it would have been easier to just use the correct tools.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also tackled an upholstery project in January. This chair was a rescue from a client when we were doing the remodeling business. The chair it replaced was in much worse shape and this chair has 'good bones'. The plaid fabric we chose was not my first choice, but the $5.00/yard price tag for the plaid compared to the $25.00/yard for the print that I would have preferred made this an easy choice. I had to buy extra to match the plaid and the process to do that took more time, but I'm happy to have spent $60 in total for the supplies to make this chair look much better.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-klqT1tFzPgg/WJOmOxA0I3I/AAAAAAAABAU/-T7h90nzeCIkmQAogLUHy3s39IBjSqSOACLcB/s1600/P1050334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-klqT1tFzPgg/WJOmOxA0I3I/AAAAAAAABAU/-T7h90nzeCIkmQAogLUHy3s39IBjSqSOACLcB/s320/P1050334.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VcPn30FwLKo/WJOmO_aTuSI/AAAAAAAABAQ/kvDSAeEPfasg6F3SKWBR-pfIbNWydB18wCLcB/s1600/P1050358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VcPn30FwLKo/WJOmO_aTuSI/AAAAAAAABAQ/kvDSAeEPfasg6F3SKWBR-pfIbNWydB18wCLcB/s320/P1050358.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Now that the Iris quilt is complete, I am moving onto all sorts of other projects. But the next highest priority on my list is to get my craft/quilting closet cleaned out and organized. I have started that and am working at it a little every day. My plan is to have it complete by the end of February so it doesn't feel like an overwhelming task.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Mairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02344532121189255168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7087674178475857881.post-11463798960049902012016-11-17T11:34:00.001-05:002016-11-17T11:36:45.817-05:00Time for Another Post<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sometimes I just need to jump in and start. I've been feeling bad that I haven't updated this for a while. I look at it like writing in a journal and my journal writing has always been sporadic. I hate to write when life isn't going well because I don't like being that person who complains all the time. Life has been good, so that's not my excuse. I'm not making excuses, I'm just adding another post.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-glpt7EjlETM/WC3K4zavhsI/AAAAAAAAA-w/tqLp_SPIfYEm7VFMVQ8fW7JVzAyeQmJywCLcB/s1600/P1050259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-glpt7EjlETM/WC3K4zavhsI/AAAAAAAAA-w/tqLp_SPIfYEm7VFMVQ8fW7JVzAyeQmJywCLcB/s320/P1050259.JPG" width="320" /></a>We spent a great deal of time on the road this year. I've put over 10,000 miles on my new bike since April and we had a great time The Honda is a lot more comfortable and fun on the road than the Suzuki was. When we traveled in the past, once we were checked into a hotel for the evening I was loathe to get back on the bike for anything. Now I don't mind running out again for dinner or other supplies. It was a big decision to get this new bike, but I don't regret it for a moment.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I don't do a lot of crafting while we are on the road. I used to carry some small hand work with me, but found that I'm usually too tired at the end of the day (especially when we're on the bikes) that I can only muster the energy to do some reading or watching TV. So, there hasn't been a lot finished lately. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7WzA5ECd0L4/WC3K4_FsHrI/AAAAAAAAA-s/WNOgGTAx-X4rkovfPdmPm0pdziseB8fcgCLcB/s1600/P1050253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7WzA5ECd0L4/WC3K4_FsHrI/AAAAAAAAA-s/WNOgGTAx-X4rkovfPdmPm0pdziseB8fcgCLcB/s320/P1050253.JPG" width="320" /></a>I looked at the projects piling up and decided to start working on something else just to get to a 'finish'. This picture of the Nubble Lighthouse in Maine was a Row-By-Row kit I bought last year. It will eventually be a piece of a larger, marine themed quilt whose idea is still forming in my head. Yes, it's not a total FINISH, but this block is done and the design for the rest of the quilt is started and moving forward. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This block is the first border for Ladies of the Sea. I worked on this all summer and most of the fall. I'm happy with it with the exception of the light pink tulips. I'm hoping with pop more when quilted. Basically, I'm not much worried about it and will not change it (I think.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sE2d3kYWyRk/WC3K2SWcKwI/AAAAAAAAA-o/B3F1oiP2C78pPqkbwR9_PJXB51R4dBDjgCLcB/s1600/P1050257-Edited.JPG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sE2d3kYWyRk/WC3K2SWcKwI/AAAAAAAAA-o/B3F1oiP2C78pPqkbwR9_PJXB51R4dBDjgCLcB/s640/P1050257-Edited.JPG.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mVd9mGeldTE/WC3K5Pr6D_I/AAAAAAAAA-0/2YdEkMF3MyAUSSAu95jykDC4TrqIxSiaACLcB/s1600/P1050269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mVd9mGeldTE/WC3K5Pr6D_I/AAAAAAAAA-0/2YdEkMF3MyAUSSAu95jykDC4TrqIxSiaACLcB/s320/P1050269.JPG" width="320" /></a>I was feeling restless about not having a completed project for so long, so I put together a pair of socks. I bought a small skein of black and used the left overs from two other socks to create the color stripes. I wanted to use up some scraps and practice my color changes. I did knot the colors together because I don't trust my weaving in the ends to hold everything together. The knots aren't visible and don't bother me when I'm wearing them, so I may just keep up this practice.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I have been working on hand quilting the iris quilt. I had the hoop in my sewing room, but found that I only worked on it a few hours a week. Since I would like to have this completed by the end of the year (an arbitrary deadline) I moved the hoop and stand to the family room and work on it in the evening when we watch TV. This way I'm getting a few hours a night work done. I'm not positive that I'll get it done by year's end, but I'll be a whole lot closer than if I had kept it in my sewing room. And it helps to keep me warm in the evening.<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gvbnjK_9UWs/WC3LJn8-fmI/AAAAAAAAA-4/GmFmF-N3ccIWqNXa3iL368O2ntQ_su3awCLcB/s1600/P1050279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gvbnjK_9UWs/WC3LJn8-fmI/AAAAAAAAA-4/GmFmF-N3ccIWqNXa3iL368O2ntQ_su3awCLcB/s320/P1050279.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
We had a good crop of wild turkeys in the neighborhood this year. Last week we counted a flock of 26 strutting around.<br />
<br />
Happy Thanksgiving!<br />
<br />
<br />Mairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02344532121189255168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7087674178475857881.post-55468178501371658702016-08-15T15:23:00.001-04:002016-08-15T15:23:36.605-04:00What's Up?I've gotten to that age (OK, I've been here for a while) where time flies by. I have no idea how I got things done while I was working full time. Now that I'm retired, it seems that my days are just as full. Of course, not having a fixed schedule means I can and do spend a lot of time just sort of goofing off.<br />
<br />
But, I have done a lot, traveled and completed a bunch of projects since I last blogged. Here is a sampling ...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-riO-K4UNjw4/V7IQcgyz7pI/AAAAAAAAA8A/0mlgjFVwzEozs6B83MjM0luQr7efkLGMACLcB/s1600/P1040466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-riO-K4UNjw4/V7IQcgyz7pI/AAAAAAAAA8A/0mlgjFVwzEozs6B83MjM0luQr7efkLGMACLcB/s320/P1040466.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
I completed those pink socks ...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
bought a new bike ...<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-89K3HSDPoQw/V7IQxunz9VI/AAAAAAAAA8E/vDP6_GUdz3Eu-u4j30KyeNFfGZMWSJfewCLcB/s1600/DSC05520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-89K3HSDPoQw/V7IQxunz9VI/AAAAAAAAA8E/vDP6_GUdz3Eu-u4j30KyeNFfGZMWSJfewCLcB/s320/DSC05520.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hyis4priIWU/V7IR0FMBcVI/AAAAAAAAA8M/0liGGGTEtxQ0MmfU_MfOj2q8BavA_14hACLcB/s1600/P1040523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hyis4priIWU/V7IR0FMBcVI/AAAAAAAAA8M/0liGGGTEtxQ0MmfU_MfOj2q8BavA_14hACLcB/s320/P1040523.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
completed the green challenge quilt and entered it into my guild's show this spring ...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8FUCgQSmvNE/V7ITCLyV2lI/AAAAAAAAA8U/U2YJMDPSZQAPdx0r5BLJKBvh6duF75xZQCLcB/s1600/SpotTrack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8FUCgQSmvNE/V7ITCLyV2lI/AAAAAAAAA8U/U2YJMDPSZQAPdx0r5BLJKBvh6duF75xZQCLcB/s400/SpotTrack.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
traveled through a good part of the eastern states in the month of June ...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QfWTGsWpImk/V7IT20TsvHI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/7dyiAPPRbtE-Bfh697ipUK5RrqYMIvoKgCLcB/s1600/DSC06312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QfWTGsWpImk/V7IT20TsvHI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/7dyiAPPRbtE-Bfh697ipUK5RrqYMIvoKgCLcB/s320/DSC06312.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
saw the Rodin exhibit ...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DhE4nwhiMEE/V7IUdBiPW4I/AAAAAAAAA8o/rAuwfEAekCoBMBa-UGK74fnhwC1yWmxQACLcB/s1600/P1050057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DhE4nwhiMEE/V7IUdBiPW4I/AAAAAAAAA8o/rAuwfEAekCoBMBa-UGK74fnhwC1yWmxQACLcB/s320/P1050057.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
and got back to stitching again. This was a kit I bought in Blairsville, Georgia at <a href="http://www.fabricsgaloreandquiltingstore.com/" target="_blank">Fabrics Galore</a>. This is their<a href="https://www.rowbyrowexperience.com/" target="_blank"> Row by Row</a> pattern for this year. My original idea was to collect bird house rows and complete a quilt. Now I'm not sure I really want an entire bird house quilt, so I'm not sure what will become of this strip.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EQrPv9_olQ8/V7IUdX_ZzFI/AAAAAAAAA8s/WCorfIwQ51QXMNAILU3wW2pHgjNKB98SACLcB/s1600/P1050058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EQrPv9_olQ8/V7IUdX_ZzFI/AAAAAAAAA8s/WCorfIwQ51QXMNAILU3wW2pHgjNKB98SACLcB/s320/P1050058.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
My goal is to have this quilt completed by the end of the year. I try to do some quilting on it every day now that we are home for a while.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HcXgCKrRxAk/V7IUdwF6YlI/AAAAAAAAA8w/Ch-Ix0lxRng4vCMmFQmmjGeMM4GjbPgvACLcB/s1600/P1050059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HcXgCKrRxAk/V7IUdwF6YlI/AAAAAAAAA8w/Ch-Ix0lxRng4vCMmFQmmjGeMM4GjbPgvACLcB/s320/P1050059.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This cross stitch was started quite some time ago and completed in July. I will probably frame it, but I'm in no hurry because I don't have a place in mind to hang it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NUsZXfoe3co/V7IUfH9hFEI/AAAAAAAAA80/lsh75D2lb5sMo_Ws6HBu-xJnpJeUQmHOgCLcB/s1600/P1050060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NUsZXfoe3co/V7IUfH9hFEI/AAAAAAAAA80/lsh75D2lb5sMo_Ws6HBu-xJnpJeUQmHOgCLcB/s320/P1050060.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
And this is the first border of the ships quilt. This is the project I've been working on in the evenings.Mairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02344532121189255168noreply@blogger.com0