Update on the King-size Quilt

Just wanted to let you know I have the last 3 strips base coated and I'm ready to start the 6 inch squares and 3 inch squares.  We just started to get rain/sleet/snow and I'm praying that the electricity doesn't go out.  That will put a real damper on getting this quilt done.  :-)

Task Two Of 2010 Final Countdown

 Task Two of the 2010 Final Countdown it to clean off a flat surface.  Before, I only had 3/4 of the table to work on.

After, Now I have the whole table back.  (And yes, I did put the items away and not on the floor. )  I need to do this with the daybed too.  I have way too much stuff on it.  Maybe for bonus points.  LOL

More On The 2010 Final Countdown

 I just wanted to show you what I found in the bin of this UFO project.  There are 3 paper bags: one has half-square triangles, one has scraps and the other has strips.  Lots of pieces.  Now I know why this has sat for so long, it's going to take a little time to figure it all out.  Plus lots of pages with instructions.  I know we added tape to our ruler to make it easy to find the 2.5 mark. (I still have the tape on the ruler.)

                                                            

There were some blocks that were done.  I have always wanted to make this type of quilt, so now is my chance. (After the king-size quilt.) 

Three More To Go!

I got one more strip done today, only 3 more to go!  I did get one of the 3 strips base coated. Feel like it won't be too much longer.

I was checking out Prairie Moon Quilts and Shelly has issued  "2010 The Final Countdown".  Check it out. http://prairiemoonquilts.wordpress.com/2010/12/29/2010-final-countdown-task-one/

I do know what my oldest UFO is, it's an embroidered top.  My mother gave me the kit in the mid to late 70's.  The kit was from Lee Wards. I have it all cross stitched and I want to hand quilt it. But, I have no idea where it's at.  So my oldest UFO won't be in this Final Countdown as I can't find it.  SO I'm going to have to pick some other UFO that is sitting around, waiting for me to finish it up.

Found one.  It's from a workshop I took on Oct 1st, either 1994 or 1995, called Dutch Inspirations Workshop.  It was taught by Shelly Burge.  http://www.shellyburge.com/  So this is the UFO I'm going to work on after I finish my king-size quilt for 2010.

I'm Back

We're back from Minneapolis where we spent Christmas with our son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren.  What a blessing and joy it was.


I'm ready to hit the sewing again.  I got one strip base coated today and am ready to pin the 6 inch squares on.  I am sad that I'm not going to hit my goal of having this king-size quilt done by the end of the year, but it shouldn't take too much longer to finish it.  I decided I didn't want to push too hard to get it done, I want to enjoy the process. (That's why I sew/quilt.)

Been thinking that maybe I can make 2 projects a month if they aren't big ones.  I have a number of small kits that I would like to work on and get out of my stash.  Plus I've been thinking about projects that I could even get cut out and ready to sew.  Maybe what I could do is finish one project and get one cut out, ready to sew.  Still trying to decide on next year's goals.

Merry Christmas

I finished one more strip today!  So I have only 4 left.  I decided today I'm going to be taking a break for Christmas.  I still have two more days of work, one party, baking, wrapping and then the big day, CHRISTMAS.  I'm not going to stress myself out more by trying to work on the quilt  and blog while all of this is going on.  SO to each and everyone of you, thank you for reading my blog and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Thinking

I've been working on the king-size quilt today.  I've sewn some 6 inch squares onto the last strip I have base coated.  I've been going through the last of the 6 inch squares to see how many more I need to cut and cutting out a few as I go.  I know I have lots of 3 inch squares. 

So I've been thinking about my 2011 goals while I've been doing this.  Not sure if I will get my king-size quilt done in 2010, but it will be pretty close.  So did I overextend my goal list or not? (My goal for 2010 was to complete a UFO/WIP for each month and to make a king-size quilt for our bed.)  I'm thinking not really.

So what do I want to do for 2011? One thing for sure is to spend more time with my long-arm quilting machine to get more comfortable with doing some new techniques.  I also want to take a class on cleaning and oiling the machine.

I also have a number of quilt kits that I have bought and that I have put together myself.  I was thinking of working on those and completing one every other month.  Plus working on small items in between.  I need small items to have a sense of accomplishment; that I got something done. 

I'll keep thinking.

December's UFO/WIP

I finished my December UFO/WIP.  I decided to finish the pillow I started at Prairie Star Quilts.  I love this design.  The reindeer is felted wool and the background is cotton. 

I also got another strip done on my king-size quilt.  Only 5 more to go!

Oh My Goodness

Oh My Goodness!  I was rereading my blog and I am soooo sorry.  What a boring bit it has been the last few days.  I've been so busy and trying to fit my 15 minutes in and blog about it, that it became sad.  SO thank you for listening to me drone on and on and on about 3 inch blocks, 6 inch blocks, base coating and strips!  You must love fabric to put up with this!  ;-)  I have done my 15 minutes for today, I was up early and did it this morning.  I'm hoping to get some more time in tonight.  And again, I'm sorry and I'll do better!

Pins in Place

Tonight I did 15 minutes of pinning.  I pinned my 3 inch squares so they would stay centered while sewing.  My husband and I did some shopping right after I got off work.  And now I'm ready to go to bed, I'm sooo tired. Instead, I'm on the computer.  Good night!

No Sewing :-(

Last night I didn't get any sewing done, I'm so sad at that.  I worked most of the evening on getting my Christmas cards done, which I did get done. Yeah!  Tonight is on to wrapping and I'm going to sew and wrap, makes me too sad to not work at all on my king-size quilt.  (Plus I won't meet my goal.) 

Another Day

Another day closer to being done with the king-size quilt.  I got the 6 inch blocks sewn on and picked out the 3 inch blocks.  I need to pin the 3 inch blocks down so I can sew them.  Don't think I'll get it all done tonight. I do now have all 16 blocks for each of the 4 strips left.  I didn't get the 6 inch blocks counted out today, but I'll think about that tomorrow, as Scarlet would say.

Base Coat

I have four more blocks, 9 by 10.5, to cut out and I will have all the blocks I need for the base coat on the last 4 strips.  I've been cutting out 6 inch and 3 inch squares from the leftovers.  I'm going to count up the 6 inch blocks tomorrow and see where I am with those.  I did get a strip of 6 inch blocks pinned and am ready to sew.

No Sewing

Last night my husband and I did some Christmas shopping and had dinner.  No sewing was done.  I'll make up for it today!  Will post again later.

Another One Done

 Thought I would show you the strip I just finished.  I have 6 more to go and all of the strips will be done.  I have 2 strips base coated and I have been counting out the last of the blocks I have cut out for this purpose.  I just wanted to know how many more 9 by 10.5 blocks I need to cut.  Below is a close up of one of the blocks.  Some of that fabric is from the 80's.

Still Not Done

This morning I woke up early so I spent 15 minutes plus in my sewing room.  Got all the 3 inch squares lined up and pinned and they are now ready to sew.  That's where I'm off to.  See you later! 

PS  I went to Hancock Fabrics yesterday to get more material for the king-size quilt.  Does that count as working on the quilt????????

Christmas Open House

Went to my favorite local quilt shop, Prairie Star Quilt, with Rachel and Jeanine.  We found some great deals and we started a Christmas mini pillow.  It was so nice to spend time with friends.

Great Day

What a great day!  First my friend Rachel and I went to see the Celebration of Life Choir this morning.  What a wonderful performance.  Then my husband and I went to Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha, NE to see the poinsettia display.  I love this "tree" made from over 700 poinsettia plants.  

I also made more progress on another strip of my king-size quilt.  I got the 6 inch squares sewn on and pinned the 3 inch squares down.  I may get this quilt done yet. :-)

Quilting

Today was our Christmas party at Quilts From The Bluffs.  We worked on Project Linus quilts and then had a potluck lunch.  All the food was so good.  I got one quilt sandwiched and quilted.  So much fun to gather with friends. 

Back to the King-size Quilt

I spent some time tonight cutting out more base coat pieces.  They measure 9 by 10.5 inches.  Also cut out some of the 6 inch and 3 inch squares from the leftovers.  Then if there was any fabric left, I cut it into 2.5 strips and anything smaller was added to the string quilt bin.  Believe it or not, I still need more fabric.  So may have to break down and buy some other pieces to mix in.

Apron

This is the apron I started last night for my husband.  I first thought of doing an apron for him at Thanksgiving.  He carves the turkey and ham and always needs an apron to protect his clothes from the grease.  He was happy to have a new apron as his old one is starting to show it's age.

New Wins

Well last night I worked on an apron for my husband.  It's a black and gold towel with Iowa fabric for the ties and pocket.  I'll show it to you tonight when I take a picture.

Redirect

Now that Sophie's stocking is done, I have to redirect myself.  I need to get back to my quilt-as-you-go quilt, but I also want to work on Christmas things.  This is why I have so many UFO's, I love starting new projects.  SO I cleaned some more in my sewing room for my 15 minutes for today.  How's that for a redirection????

Sophie's Stocking

Sophie's stocking is done!  Here is a picture of her with her new stocking that's all ready to take home.  Below is Sophie and Seb with their stockings.  I can't believe how hard it is to get a picture of the two of them together and to get it to be a nice picture of them both.  This one is the best I could get.

Busy

Last night went to the grocery store again!  I think I need to write up some plans, so I'm not running to the store just before Thanksgiving.  I'm surprised at how many things they were out of.

I forgot that I had 3 stars to add to the stocking, so got that done last night and started the holder/hook part of the stocking.  Maybe it will get all sewn up this evening.....?

Details

Not sure how well you can see the details, but I have them all finished.  Now I'm ready to sew the back to the front.

No Sewing

I'm getting the house ready for Thanksgiving, so there wasn't any sewing today.  I spent 15 plus minutes cleaning things up in my sewing room.  Plus organizing some fabric in the closet.  Looks better, but still needs a little more time.

Catch Up Again

We went out to dinner with friends last night and before we left, I got my last strip quilted with the extra  quilting.   Yeah!  I'm all caught up and am ready to sew the 6 inch squares on a strip. 

On another note, I did get the details done on the reindeer on Sophie's stocking.  I'm working on Santa now.

Catch Up

I went to the grocery store after work yesterday and shopped for Thanksgiving.  What a load of food!  (I  love it though.)  But I was pretty tired after that and couldn't focus.  So I didn't get anything done last night sewing wise. So this morning I got up earlier than normal and had time to do 15 minutes of sewing on my king-size quilt in order to catch up on my missed sewing time.  This evening I'm going to work on Sophie's stocking.

Again

Again, I made more progress on my king-size quilt then on the stocking.  I didn't work at all on Sophie's stocking.  Instead I made out my grocery list for Thanksgiving dinner so I can head to the store tomorrow after work.  This will be the first trip, as I know I'll forget something important and will have to go again.

I'm On A Roll!

I finished the last reindeer tonight plus I got one more strip quilted with the extra quilting lines.  I'm on a roll!  I'm starting the details of Santa and the deer tomorrow. 

More Progress

I made more progress on my king-size quilt than I did on the Christmas stocking today.  I quilted 3 strips that were already done.  Glad I did decide to do the extra stitching as I'm finding a couple of places where I didn't get the fabric caught well when I was doing the flip and sew.  I'll be working on Sophie's stocking tonight. :-)

Update:  I have one more strip quilted.  Total is 4 done today.  YEAH!

15 More Minutes

I got Santa done today and most of a reindeer.  I also added the extra quilting to one of  the strips of my king-size quilt.  Spent most of the day cleaning, we're having Thanksgiving here, which is always fun. I want to have Sophie's stocking done by then so she can take it home.

Stocking

I almost have Santa done.  I've been doing a small buttonhole stitch all around the applique pieces to hold them down.  Then I'll go back and add the detail stitching.  It's so relaxing to do. 

Stocking

Still working on the applique for Sophie's Christmas stocking.  I think it's coming along just great!

Stocking

I'm still working on the Christmas stocking for Sophie.  I love working with wool, especially this time of year.  Plus it's for Christmas, so I'm starting to think in that direction.  I'd love to get my new tree skirt going too.  But, I'm going to be a big girl, and put that off.  After Sophie's stocking is done, it's back to the king size quilt.

Pattern

This is the pattern I'm using for Sophie's stocking.  It's a "A Piece Of Work" pattern by Jan Speed.  Her website is http://www.apieceofworkdesigns.com/  .   I love the patterns she has created for wool felt. 

I traced the designs onto freezer paper and ironed the freezer paper onto the wool.  I cut the designs out and I'm now ready to start stitching. (Once DWTS comes on.)

Confession

I have a confession to make, I am hooked on "Dancing With The Stars."  So I need to get something put together that I can hand sew while I'm watching TV.  My 15 minutes today was spent locating the Christmas stocking pattern and fabric.  I had already cut out the stocking part.  I found my note about font and the size I used on the others.  So I printed Sophie's name out so I can embroider it on her stocking.  What I do is trace the printed name onto a scrap of  "Paper Solvy" by Sulky.  After I'm done with the embroidery, I'll just use water to remove the paper and let it dry. Tomorrow I'll be able to use freezer paper applique to add the design.

Satisfaction

I have a great feeling of satisfaction over all that I got done this weekend on my king size quilt-as-you-go quilt.  I got the 3rd strip base coated this weekend and I should be able to get those other blocks sewn on this week on all 3 strips.  Once I do that, the quilt will be 3/4's of the way done.  Although I was thinking today maybe I should go back and add extra stitching on all of the base coat squares.  Just to be sure that it holds when I wash it.  I was thinking of quilting a straight line 1/4 of an inch from the seam on either side of the block.

Saturday's Progress

I feel like I got a lot done on Saturday.  I finished the base coat on the strip I started this week, finished a 2nd one, and started a 3rd one.  I'll be ready to add the 6 inch and 3 inch blocks to these strips this week.
I missed Quilt Day as I needed to stay home and get some things caught up.  Did get some house work done that had been on my mind; cleaning out a couple of cupboards, putting away Halloween decorations, and the dishwasher seems to be working again.  I was having trouble with the way the dishes were coming out, all covered in a film.  Finally changed soaps and it's working fine.  The soap I used changed formula and didn't clean as well with our well water.  Glad I found a new soap so fast.

Friday Cleaning

Last night I spent my 15 minutes cleaning up around my sewing table and cutting table.  Computer was really slow again, so wasn't able to post last night.  The joys of living in the country. :-)

Mystery Quilt at Quiltville

Last night I took my bath and was pretty much done for the evening.  I went to bed and I woke up this morning ready to go!  I found and cut some red fabric for my king-size quilt tonight.  Then while I was looking in my bin of red fabrics I pulled all the burgundy fabrics for the mystery quilt that Bonnie is doing at Quiltville.  Check it out.  http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2010/10/roll-roll-cotton-boll-yardage.html  So I'm going to get out the other colors needed.  Should be fun!  (I know, just what I need, another project.)

Strip Number 10

We have been gone from home for the last 2 weekends and I am amazed by how behind I feel in my sewing and housework.  Voted today, fixed dinner and did some laundry.  Was able to do 15 minutes and I got half of the "base coat" done.  I hope to be able to spend more than 15 minutes tomorrow working on my quilt.  Still, 15 minutes a day adds up to an hour and 45 minutes a week.  I just am in the mood to spend a day sewing!

Quilt as you go

I worked on my getting my batting pinned to the backing for my next strip on the king-size quilt as you go.  I'm plugging away!

Not Sewing or Quilting, but still fun.

We went to Minnesota to visit my son, daughter-in-law, grandson and granddaughter this weekend.  I crocheted a hat for Sophie while we were there.  I also am going to start working on her Christmas stocking.  I made them for everyone else in the family a couple of years ago and now I will make one for Sophie's first Christmas.  You'll be seeing more about that in the days to come.

October UFO/WIP

Here is my October UFO/WIP.  I started this table topper last year and got it ready to quilt and then it just sat.  So got it quilted at the beginning of the month and just got the binding done tonight.

Binding

Spent some time stitching the binding down.  It's getting closer and closer. I'm hoping to finish it tonight and then I'll show you tomorrow.   Promise.

Binding

Got my binding cut out, pressed and sewn onto my October UFO/WIP.  Ready to start hand stitching it down.  Yeah!

15 Minutes

Too many things going on tonight, but I did cut some more 6 inch and 3 inch squares for my king-size quilt.

Another Row

Finished the row 9th row of my king-size quilt tonight!  I've only been working on that row since October 4th.  Not very fast if I plan on finishing this quilt this year.  I really need to speed it up.  I know I did spend a lot of time working on bags for Wings Of Hope, so no more excuses or other projects.  (Although I do need to finish my UFO/WIP for October.)

King-size Quilt

Worked on my quilt tonight.  Sewing the 3 inch squares.  I have a ton of things I want to start, but I'm staying focused on my quilt.   Just realized I do need to finish a UFO/WIP for October.  I have just the binding to put on a table topper, so think that will be the project.

Church Quilt - It's Done!

This is the back of the quilt, so you could see the wonderful quilting that Sandy did.

This is the finished quilt that we have been working on at Church.  We got the binding sewn down tonight.  I love scrap quilts and this one turned out so beautiful.  I'd love to do one for myself.  The pattern is from a book by Pat Speth and it's called "Delta Star".   The quilt measures 108" X 108".                                    

My Quilt

I had a busy evening, so only was able to squeeze 15 minutes in.  I spent that time pinning my 3 inch blocks so that tomorrow I can sit down and sew, sew, sew.   Yeah!

Last Steps

Fold the points down and pin to hold the point where you want it. 

Stitch about 1/2 inch down to form a casing.  (Depending on the width of your ribbon you may need to make the casing bigger.) 

Take 2 one yard pieces of ribbon and thread it around the bag inside the casing.  One going one way and the other going in the other side.  Tie the ends together and you have a drawstring bag.

All of the the bags I needed to make are done and I was able to work on my king-size quilt tonight.  I got the 6 inch blocks sewed on and picked out the 3 inch blocks.  YEAH!!!!

Still On The Bags

Next step is to sew across the corner at the base of the bag.  I sewed it about one inch from the tip.  Do this on both corners.

Looks like little ears on the bottom of the bag.

Turn bag right side out.  Now the bag can stand on it's own.







Next Step

The next step is to fold the bag in half and sew the side seams.  I use about a 1/4 of an inch to a little bigger seam because of the bulk of the fabric. 
I'm hoping to get a few of these done tonight.

Went to a new quilt shop today.  It's located in the country outside of Clarinda, IA.  It's called The Quilt Coop, check it out.
http://www.quiltcoop.com/   They have a great selection of fabrics and so friendly!

(Still not working on my king-size quilt.)

Another Step For The Bag

After top stitching all around the edge of the 18 inch square, you will fold it in thirds. Make sure the point of the opposite corners are to the edge. If you don't, the bag will flop open in a way that won't make you happy. You will then stitch 1 inch away from the center of the piece. In this picture that one inch line is marked in blue with a water erase pen.  TIP:  To find the center of the bag, fold in half and iron.  The crease will give you the center and you can then mark your stitching line


On a side note, I had to rip out the stitching on 4 bags because we didn't get the point to the edge as shown. That's how I know you won't be happy with a bag that flops open. 

Kits

I went to Jeanine's house tonight and Jeanine, Sondra, Kathy, Deb and I cut kits for Quilts From The Bluffs. It's a little thing, but it helps to make quilt day go so much better. And we're able to make more quilts. (Still not working on my king-size quilt.)

Bags

A small group of us met at Church tonight and did some sewing on the bags. The bags are in all sorts of stages, so will take some more pictures to let you see the different steps in getting them done. Making lots of progress! (Just not on my king-size quilt.)

More on the Bags

On the 1st picture to the right, I cut the corner at a
diagonal to remove the bulk I would have when I
turn the fabric right side out.
























This is a trick I just learned, iron down the opening to a quarter inch and that way it will make the opening more smooth. I would always seem to get a bow in the fabric. Or waves.

OOPS!

I forgot to blog yesterday even though I took these pictures while working on the bags in the morning. This picture shows the 18 by 18 inch squares pinned and ready to sew.

Addiction

OK, the fabric addiction was on full force today. All morning all I could think about was the AQS show in Des Moines and that I was missing it. In addition, my favorite quilt shop was having a big sale in honor of the show. I really wanted to go and buy fabric.

Today the weather was BEAUTIFUL! I wanted to get out and go to an apple orchard and get fresh apples or head out to a craft show, go to the quilt shop, something. So I'm whining to my hunny bunny about all of this when he comes home from golfing and I how would love to make apple crisp for dessert. That did it for him, so we got in the car, we drove to a local orchard and got some apples. As we were walking back to the car, we were trying to decide if we should just go home or pick another adventure and what are we going to do for dinner, go out or eat leftovers. I said let's just go back home and then I can make the apple crisp.

Taking the scenic way home, he said "I thought you would suggest Larsen's Pub in Elk Horn for dinner." That did sound good. (Didn't take much to twist my arm. wink wink.) So that's what we did. And since we were going to Elk Horn, we might as well stop at Prairie Star Quilts for a while. Which we did. I got flannel backing fabric for $1.oo a yard (told you it was a good sale) and backing from some of Julie's line of fabric for my block of the month that I am doing with that fabric line.

What a wonderful day!

P.S.
I pinned all the bags I have cut out and started sewing them together. I'll show you my steps tomorrow.

Origami Bags

This is one of the 13 bags I have cut out to sew for the Wing Of Hope dinner. There is a ribbon that goes in the casing at the top of the bag. It's a great bag to hold phone cords/charger or for an MP3 player. There is a great tutorial here

www.hookedonneedles.com/2009/08/origami-bag-made-with=fabric.html

I didn't do the hand sewing of the front edges, I love being able to see the background fabric peeking through.

Computers!

I love doing things with my computer, but when it isn't working well, I hate them. For some reason last night the connection was awful. I'd get signed in and then it would freeze and I wasn't able to get this done. Enough of that.

I worked on the bags for Wings Of Hope last night. www.wingsofhope.org They are going together pretty fast, so I hope to have one done soon to show you. Maybe tonight.

One More

I got the base squares sewn on one strip tonight and I also pinned 2 bags together. Going to cut out more bags and get the pieces pinned. Not much of a blog tonight, but I am making progress. I'm trying to decide if I should do all of the base squares for all eight strips before doing the 6 inch squares. The base squares feel like they take so long to do and the other squares (6 and 3 inch) seem to fly. Plus I'm getting nervous about getting it done.

Painting

Working on my quilt almost feels like I'm painting. Right now I'm working on the base coat. The backing, batting and squares I will be adding for the background. The 6 inch squares are the second coat and the 3 inch squares are the finish coat. I worked on this before going to work this morning and then again for a while once I was home.

Sorry about the way the picture comes out, something about the lighting in my sewing room. I use the ice cream cone light bulbs (energy efficient) and I use the natural light, but just comes out weird when I take a picture.

Accomplished!

I finished my 8th strip and now have half of my strips done! WOO HOO! I also got my apron done this morning. Going to do a little clean up in my sewing room and finish cutting the fabric from friends and family so I can set up the next strip.

More Aprons

I made two more aprons today just like the one I showed you yesterday. We're having dinner with friends tonight and I made one for each of the women. I have enough fabric to make one more and that one will be for me! Looking at my blog I see that I haven't worked on my king-size quilt since Tuesday. No wonder it feels like I'm not getting it done. :-)

Apron

Here is my friend Mary modeling the apron I made her. I love the pumpkin fabric and she said she really liked it. Hope so.

I spent time cutting fabric tonight for bags I'm helping another friend make for a cancer survivors celebration. I have been helping her with this project for over 5 years. We've come up with some cute ideas. ( We made this apron last year for everyone.)

Apron

I'm making an apron tonight for a friend who has a birthday this weekend. As soon as I get it done, I'll post a picture. I got the pattern free at Prairie Star Quilts www.prairiestarquilts.com when I bought 1/2 yard of fabric and a dish towel. It's a pretty slick apron and I love making them as a gift for friends.

Friends With Fabric

Isn't it great to have friends who love fabric as much as you do? My friend Leona gave me some pink fabrics tonight to use on my king-size quilt. Thanks Leona! Cut those chunks from the big chunks that Leona had, so that was my 15 minutes for today.

Eighth Strip

I'm working on the 8th strip of my king-size quilt. I just have the 3 inch squares to pick out and sew and I'll be half way done!!!!!

Spider Web Quilting Design

I'm working on a table topper that I got at Prairie Star Quilts a couple of years ago. I decided to do a spider web design on it. First I did a big X then a big +(plus). I thought I would just wing it on the connecting lines and then thought better of it. First, I know me and I wouldn't be able to handle the wonkyness of it. Second, marking it made it so much easier to quilt.

I marked the X and the + every 2 inches as you can see with the yellow headed pins. I then took a fabric marker and a ruler and drew lines between each arm of the X and +. Much happier. The picture on the right and below shows how I had to go beyond the edge of the quilt in spots in order to get the lines I wanted. The corners just have parts of the connecting web. I'll show you another picture when I'm done.

Three

I forgot to show you my king-size quilt yesterday. I could only get three strips in the hallway, but it gives you a pretty good feel for what it will look like. Finished the 3 inch squares in another strip so now I have 6 of these done. (At 8 I will have 1/2 of the quilt done.) My sister gave me some fabric for this at the Quilt Retreat. So I have some fabric from her and a friend. And it all looks good together. Scrap quilts are AMAZING!

September UFO/WIP

This is my September UFO/WIP. A friend called it cheating but I call it convenience as this is a reprinted panel. I basted this last Fall before Halloween and had hoped to get it done in time for Halloween that year. Alas, it didn't happen. I did machine quilt it and then decided to do some hand quilting. The hand quilting got done this summer, the binding last weekend and the tabs for hanging this weekend. So even if I did use a "cheater", it still took me just as long as if I had pieced it myself. What's up with that?

More Cutting

Still cutting up my fabrics for the quilt. I stopped at a friend's house after work and she gave me some of her Valentine stash to use in my quilt. Thanks Naomi! It's fun to add variety to your quilt with someones fabric since their taste is a little different than yours, even if you like the same things. I'll take a picture tomorrow of the rows I have done. I think I should be able to fit them all on the floor of the hallway.

Tired

I did some cutting of the new fat quarters I bought for my king-size quilt. Uploaded pictures of the Retreat on Facebook. (That took forever.) I still have more to add so I'll be working on that tomorrow. I think the lack of sleep over the weekend is catching up with me. I'm really tired tonight. Looking forward to working on my quilt some more this weekend. Don't have a lot of plans (just housework) so should have time.

More Retreat

I tried last night to get more pictures of the Retreat and I was having computer problems, really slow. So I'm going to try again tonight. I did run out of the larger background pieces for my Valentine quilt. I knew I should have done some counting. I did pick up some more fat quarters when we went to "Seams to Be" quilt shop. The web site is http://www.seamstobequilts.com/ I washed them on Monday so I'm ready to cut.(Yes, I'm one of THOSE.)

This is Anna. Her mom bought the old quilt blocks at a garage sale. Anna chose the sashing and corner stone fabrics in order to get this quilt set together. I love her choices. I never would have thought of using the stripe or orange gingham, but they pull this quilt together. I would have gone with a solid, seeing this is going to help me to think outside of the box and grow more.

The Retreat

Our Retreat was held at the "Camp of the Good Shepherd" located in Louisville, NE. This was our bunk house. There is air conditioning and heat in this building. The first day we were there we had the a/c on and the second day we needed heat. Weather in Nebraska!

Penni cooked all of our meals. I didn't get a picture of Friday's dinner, but we had a pasta salad and bread. This is dinner on Saturday, chicken pot pie, green beans, pumpkin muffin and fruit for desert.

This was brunch on Saturday morning. Hugh cinnamon rolls and quiche. Yummy.
Brunch on Sunday was french toast, fruit and orange juice. Tomorrow I'll show you the projects that people worked on. A number of projects were finished. It is amazing how much you can get done when you don't have to stop and cook, clean, do dishes, run errands or children to games.

Quilt Retreat

The Retreat was wonderful! I have lots of pictures and will post more tomorrow. Tonight I have to unpack and get things ready to sew tomorrow. Have a good evening!

Misc.

I should explain that the plain white squares on the design yesterday are for the place mats. I just realized that might be a little confusing.

I'm packing my sewing machine tonight for the Retreat. Tomorrow will finish up the last of the packing and making sure I have all the things done that I need to do before I leave my husband to hold down the fort. He does well without me, but always tells me how much better it would have been if I had been home. :-)

I can hardly wait to start sewing without thinking about housework, meals and laundry!

Outside The Box

I'm trying to design my own quilt using these placemats as inspiration. These placemats were embroidered by my father and mother when they were first married in the mid 1940's. They didn't have much money for entertainment, so this is what they did in the evening. (This was in the days before TV.)

So here is the design, pretty simple. I thought I needed to keep it simple for my first time out. I did this yesterday afternoon. Tonight I have been working on the number of pieces and the seam allowance.

King-Size Quilt

I started this King-size quilt in February after seeing a quilt at www.crazymomquilts.blogspot.com It's the ragged squares quilt and she has it listed under the tutorials. I fell in love with it and decided that I wanted to make one like it only I thought instead of sewing the squares on top of each other and then quilting, I would have the adding of the squares be the quilting for each.

Decided I would do it a strip at a time and then seam the strips together using a french seam. I have 2 strips done out of the 16 and this is the project I am taking to the Retreat. All of my squares are cut out, hope I have enough. I used up most of my valentine fabric and pulled from my red and pink stashes. I'm excited to have a chunk of time to work on this as this is one of my goals for 2010, to make a King-size quilt. Now I have to go get the last 2 strips of batting cut and I'm ready to pack this for the Retreat. (By the way, my husband isn't really excited by the colors, but was glad I used fabric I already had. I'm sure once he finds out how warm this is, he won't mind the pinks.) The backing is 4 different batiks in pink or lime green with pink. You could use the quilt either way, but not sure my husband will be any more thrilled with that. ;-)

What's Up?

I know, where have I been? I had the last committee meeting Thursday night for our quilt Retreat next week. So there went that night. Last night I worked on the secret project for the Retreat after work. We then went out to eat and met up with some friends and didn't get home 'til late. So I didn't blog last night. This morning I finished up the secret project! Now onto getting things ready to take to the Retreat. I have a list and I'll be checking it twice to be sure I don't forget anything important. I'm working on my King size quilt.

Mission Quilt

This is the quilt we've been working on at church every Wednesday night for the last 2 months. It's a nickel quilt from one of Pat Speth's books. The pattern is called "Delta Star" (I'm not sure which book it is from as I don't have that book.) It turned out wonderful. The fabric was donated by church members and we have fabrics from small calicos to batiks to more modern fabrics. They all blend so well together. This is what I worked on today, we got the last two borders sewn on and it's ready to go to the quilter. In November it will be auctioned off to raise money for missions.

Secret

I'm sewing on something tonight that is a secret for the quilt retreat on Sept 16,17 and 18. I'm taking pictures and will share after the retreat. I'm so excited for this retreat. I'm going to work on my King size quilt that is a quilt as you go. I'd love to have that big project done for the year. And having 2 full days to work on it will make a lot of progress.

Fear

Fear is such a paralyzer. I have been afraid to start these curtains for the skylights on the west side of the house, for fear of messing them up. I know where this fear started. I have made curtains for years for all of the places I have lived. So when my grandson needed some curtains, I volunteered to make them. They were navy blue in color so I knew they would need a lining. No problem.

First thought, layer the 2 pieces and handle the way I would a quilt. Wrong. The white lining showed. Did some research and read that if you make the lining 1 inch smaller than the curtain, it will be fine. So I did. And it was fine. Finished off the curtains and took them to my grandson's room. One panel is 2 inches shorter than the other panel. Darn! Left the curtains and proceeded to buy some for his room. So you can understand my fear when my husband asked me to make curtains for the skylights in the family room.

It only took 2 trips to Hancock Fabrics (sounds like my husband when he's doing a home repair project) and ripping out only one casing. I think they came out pretty well, so I'm now ready to THINK about the lined curtains for my husbands home office.

I also finished the pieced binding for the quilt at church.

Binding

The binding is coming along nicely. I'm not sure how much I need, but we can always make it shorter, so will keep going. I just measured the binding and I have 16 yards. Think I'll make 4 more yards for 20 yards, 5 yards a side. That should do it.

Charity Quilts

I got half of the strips sewn together for the pieced binding. Now I'm starting on the second half. I think I'll need to cut more 5 inch squares in half in order to finish.

Today was "Quilts from the Bluffs" day. I worked on a quilt for Project Linus, got all of the blocks sewn. Now they are ready to be squared up. If it isn't completed by someone else, I'll do that next time we meet. The weather was beautiful today!

Binding

I volunteered to make a pieced binding for the mission quilt at church. Tonight I spent 15 minutes cutting 5 inch squares in half so I can sew them end to end for a very scrappy binding. (OK, I did spell checker on scrappy and it still looks wrong to me, so if it is wrong, I'm sorry, I tried!) I think the binding is going to look pretty cool, I've never done a binding like that.

More Circles

I got the gold circles cut out this evening, so my 15 minutes for today is done. Not sure what else I'm going to do. I still have sashing to cut and background fabric for the flowers. Think I work on one of those.

Quilting at Church

Tonight my quilting was done at church. We are working on a quilt to be auction off with the proceeds going to help missions. We finished sewing the last two borders and will add them to the quilt next week. I'll take my camera so you can see the quilt we made, it's beautiful.

Freezer Paper Applique

I have the navy blue and cream circles done. Now I'm working on the gold circles. This is what they look like before I cut them out. See you tomorrow as there is a really bad thunderstorm and I don't like being on the computer.

Fabric

Thought I would show you some of the fabrics I'm using for the wool quilt. The stripe fabric is the sashings and corner squares. The fabric at the top is for the circle flowers and the wool at the lower right hand is for the leaves. I ironed on the freezer paper and I am cutting out 25 navy blue circles tonight for my 15 minutes. May take a little more time as I'm going to do it as I watch some TV.

New Project

I started a new project this afternoon. It's another wool project. I started cutting the sashes and traced circles on butcher paper. The block has 3 circle flowers and a couple of leaves. I'll be blanket stitching the circles and leaves onto the backing. There are 25 blocks and they are set on point. Now I'll have a hand sewing project and I think it will take a while to get it done.

Turkey is Done

It was a beautiful morning. I sat on the deck with my coffee and finished blanket stitching my turkey to the backing. It's done! That's the book that the pattern came from, "Autumn Threads" by Need'l Love Company. I love this book! I have made so many items out of it; money well spent.