OMG Finish

I really need to get a camera to use.

Not a great photo, but it is finished.

Doesn't look puckered in person.

This is my January OMG finish.

Stash report

I am so close to completing things, but not able to count them yet.

My mojo left and nothing got done. :(

Judy has us keep track of what our stash is doing.

Used this Week:                           00.00 yards

Used year to Date:                         5.50 yards

Used this Month (January)             5.50 yards
Added this Week:                           0.00 yards
Added Year to Date:                      7.00 yards
Goal:                                           100.00 yards

Yards to goal:                               84.50 yards

Net Used in quilts 2015:              12.50 yards 

A couple of other fun facts are:

Prairie Moon is doing a 350 blocks challenge this year:
Number of equivalent blocks:            55

Perimeter in inches                               682

Number of UFOs finished this year:    5

UFO Yardage Used                               12.50

Amount of yardage used in UFOs          100%

Studio Challenge

Work on organizing your books and magazines (and patterns)

Well, my bookshelf is still good.

I have found MORE magazines.

I swear they are hiding and multiplying while in seclusion. :(

I will work on going through them this week and see if I can donate more magazines.

If I have time, I'll look through some of the books on the shelf and see if any need to go.

Stashbuster #s

Not sure there are finishes from January's numbers, but I did make progress, and that is important.

So, the Stashbuster numbers for February are:

#7 -- Applique Turtles

I'm not sure this one is going to get done or not

Pieces are cut, but I'm having trouble with my left thumb.

and

#21  -- Children's book - Tidings

All the pieces are not even cut out.

I must have got frustrated with how it was printed.

I'll need to figure out a complete plan on how to make this into a quilt.

NYE top is done

I was going to add a border, but I don't have any of these fabrics, so I think I'll just quilt it and bind it in black.

Creativity Challenge

Color in your coloring book!

I think I will enjoy this.

The stress level here is high.

I've not quilted much of any this week and I can feel it.

The young people that have businesses are so much "experts" in their own minds that I am frustrated with the world. 

I need to find my coloring book

Fell off the wagon at the Cotton Boll.

I do have to say I found the perfect fabric for a new start that is a must do.

I am so close to completing things, but not able to count them yet.

Judy has us keep track of what our stash is doing.

Used this Week:                           00.00 yards

Used year to Date:                         5.50 yards

Used this Month (January)             5.50 yards
Added this Week:                           7.00 yards
Added Year to Date:                      7.00 yards
Goal:                                           100.00 yards

Yards to goal:                               84.50 yards

Net Used in quilts 2015:              12.50 yards 

A couple of other fun facts are:

Prairie Moon is doing a 350 blocks challenge this year:
Number of equivalent blocks:            55

Perimeter in inches                               682

Number of UFOs finished this year:    5

UFO Yardage Used                               12.50

Amount of yardage used in UFOs          100%

Twinkler Stars

This the quilty fun sampler quilt a long.

I finished the second set -- the twinkling stars.

Not a great photo with the sun shining on my curtains, but there are my apples and stars.

Stashbuster Retreat weekend

This is the weekend to sew and sew some more at a virtual retreat.

I don't have anything planned for tomorrow.

Sunday is the normal -- church and girl scouts.

So, what are my plans?

1. Clean up the studio

2. Keep working on the string sashing for the T-shirt quilt. Sew it together as I get things done.

3. Sew the NYE Mystery together and put on the final border.

4. Load and quilt the 30's quilt for Lana - I'm only quilting and binding it.

5. Get the fall table runner oak leaves made

6. Finish some paperwork

7. Redo the "school" area that got wet by spilling OJ on it. :(

8. Get area done to bring up the embroidery machine

9. Quilty Fun star blocks

10. Sew on the Christmas tree Applique

Will I get all this done?

Probably not, but it is a good goal to strive for.

Just One Thing

My Just One Thing (JOT) today was to sort through some scraps given to me by my friends Lana and Samm.

Out of the large trash can bag I found these strings.

All usable and some usable in my current project. 

All the little snippets that can't be used for anything but dog beds or pillow forms filled up my bag.

There was this pile from the T-shirt pieces.

My plan is to combine these with my leftovers and make some rugs from the strips.

This is the batting.

Some pieces are great for bag handles.

This was my JOT to get it out of the studio. :)

I wanted to vacuum and doing this creates a mess, so I decided it was time.

Creativity Challenge

Write down random words and practice the different styles of writing.

http://www.jakeweidmann.com/

Small amount of progress

I've not been in the studio much today, but I did get some T-shirts fused.

I don't think I want to use some of them, but will look again tomorrow.

I'm not happy with this layout.

I like this one better.

I will use the blue t-shirt with it too at the top middle.

Then, I wonder if I can applique Buffalo on the left border and Band on the right.

It's still a work in process.

The easy outside border is on.

I washed the red backing because I don't trust it.

I think I am going to load it and quilt on the long arm and then stitch down the applique. 

I cut the needed yellow cornerstones.

If I would stay home long enough, I would sew on this one.

I need to climb and can't do that a night when I'm tired.

I have Lana's 30's to quilt before I can do one of mine.

Samm is bringing over a quilt tomorrow that needs quilted.

A small amount of progress, but it is progress.

A great sewing day

I'm doing the quilty fun sampler with my sampler yahoo group.

This is our first block. 

Got the first border on the fused Christmas Tree UFO

Have a white border to put on next.

Then comes stitching down the applique. 

For my 2009 NYE Mystery UFO, I need to get the corner stones cut and put up on the design wall.

Next is chain it all together. 

This Band T-shirt is another of my UFOs I need done this month.

I remember now that I really don't like making string blocks.

I just don't like making them.  LOL

I promised myself to use up some of my strings this year.

The center of the quilt is approximately 22 x 36.

I think I might do a Chinese coin outside border, but I'm not exactly sure what I'm doing next.

I have 4 more shirts

I still need to get the binding on the tree wall hanging for Lana.

I still need to load the 30's quilt for Lana.

Very productive day!

Prairie Moon Organization Challenge

Our challenge from Prairie Moon this week is:

Choose an old UFO to work on

This is an easy one for me.

let's see, what UFOs am I working on?

1. Band T-shirt quilt

2. Ann's 2009 NYE Mystery quilt

3. Applique Christmas Tree Quilt

4. Fall Table Runner 

So, that will be easy, I pick 4 to work on. LOL

I am bouncing between them.

I use one as a leader/ender for another and it changes all the time.

Right now, the band tshirt one is having the string sashing made while doing the NYE Mystery Quilt (which I changed so as to not do HST).

Last week was to go through computer files.

I went through some of them, even deleted items and made folders for like things.

Is it done, no way.

But, it is better than it was.

Deleted lots of old emails that I won't want to read anyway.

some progress

So, today was a strange day.

After church I started to work on things.

then after lunch I was not feeling well and still don't, so I napped.

that did not help with the progress. LOL

I did get the Christmas tree fused.

Now to add the two borders, stitch the pieces in place and quilt it. 

Quilted Lana's Christmas tree quilt and made the binding.

Need to sew binding on and might stitch it down, but only if my thumb feels OK tomorrow. 

I got all the black frame done on this fall quilt.

The decision to use orange around the green that was already made is OK (see the right corner).

Yellow cornerstones will need to be cut. 

My t-shirt quilt is about where it was last week.

I had to get the applique off the pressing table to do the T-shirts and it didn't happen until late.

I also went through some booster paperwork to get it sorted and out of my house.

Monday will have me trying to focus on this more.

My Saturday

I did stitch a little bit on my applique project.

I'm having thumb problems, so I took it easy.

DD had a competition at the San Antonio College.

We were that at 9 to practice with the accompanist.

She played at 11.

Waiting for results at 2, we went to Barnes and Nobles

See my quilting books on the table while DD reads her books?

Back for the show time at 545 with at 7 pm performance.

These homeschool students are the finalist.

They are amazing musicians and they got a scholarship to SAC.

CONGRATULATIONS!

I'm so proud of all of them, especially DD (the one with the trumpet).

Stash Report #3

Judy has us keep track of what our stash is doing.

Used this Week:                           11.81 yards

Used year to Date:                       12.50 yards

Used this Month (January)           12.50 yards
Added this Week:                           0.00 yards
Added Year to Date:                      0.00 yards
Goal:                                           100.00 yards

Yards to goal:                               87.50 yards

Net Used in quilts 2015:              12.50 yards 

A couple of other fun facts are:

Prairie Moon is doing a 350 blocks challenge this year:
Number of equivalent blocks:            55

Perimeter in inches                               682

Number of UFOs finished this year:    5

UFO Yardage Used                               12.50

Amount of yardage used in UFOs          100%

Creativity Challenge

Go on over to Prairie Moon for her creativity challenge. this week is:

Make your initial out of something

I'm thinking of fabric.  I wonder how I could do that to make it creative?

time will tell.

Pink and White strips UFO

This started as a pink and white strips UFO.

I had numerous strips that were to become 9 patches.

But, then the Quilt bug NYD Mystery was announced and the number of strips I was close to the number needed in the mystery.

So, I said I'd try that instead.

I'm giving myself permission to change the UFO if I need or want to.

This is what happened.

The green was leftover strips too.

I had the border and backing in my stash, so 100% stash UFO is finished.

Test quilt is done

I wish I could show you a photo of the quilt, but I can't.
The binding is done.

I've also loaded the quilt bug quilt and hope to quilt it tomorrow.

Quilt bug NYD top

I finished the borders on the Quilt bug NYD top that started with pink and white strips that were to be used in 9 patches.

I think this is a better use.

I have the backing made.

Need to cut the batting for it and get it loaded.

Prairie moon

Clean off computer files

I did fairly well with the paper clutter challenge.

I do need to finish up half a box, and I'm sure more will surface.

Clean off computer files is a good one.

I'm sure some of the photos are duplicated.

I'm sure some of the mysteries clues were not all saved, so it is not good.

I'll start at the back and work my way through.

Design Wall Monday

I link up on Judy's website to share what is on my design wall.

My alternate design wall has Ann's 2009 NYE Mystery on it.

These have to have the black border around them and I need to make HST.

After laying it out, I have 3 started blocks and 2 focus fabrics that I don't think  I am using. 

I still need to fuse the band T-shirts, but my light went out over the pressing table.

If it is bright enough, I might be able to make this happen.

Bee Quilt done

Put the binding on during the Girl Scout meeting.

It's so nice having older girls.

Week 2 Stash Report

Judy has us keep track of what our stash is doing.

Used this Week:                             0.70 yards

Used year to Date:                         0.70 yards

Used this Month (December)         0.70 yards
Added this Week:                           0.00 yards
Added Year to Date:                      0.00 yards
Goal:                                           100.00 yards

Yards to goal:                               99.30 yards

New Yards to quilt goal (00):        99.30 yards
Net Used in quilts 2015:                0.70 yards 

A couple of other fun facts are:

Prairie Moon is doing a 350 blocks challenge this year:
Number of equivalent blocks:            3

Perimeter in inches                               108

Number of UFOs finished this year:    2

UFO Yardage Used                                 0.70

Amount of yardage used in UFOs          100%

I'm hoping I get going and all these starts are finishes and I have bigger numbers to report.

But, I got something done and that is a good thing.

Valentine door hanger

I try to get a festive door hanger for Mom each holiday.

So, I have a heart UFO that I made into a small door hanger

I wish I had noticed that the pink was all in the center, but it is what it is.

If it still bothers me in the morning, I'll add some applique hearts.

I found some heart buttons and pretty ribbon.

This will work.

Mom's name is Joy, so the Joy button will be perfect.

Crazy Star Tabletopper

OK, the Crazy Star Table topper is done.

Half a Yard of fabric used.

FIRST UFO of 2016 done

I had to finish something. 

 I didn't want another week of 0 yardage used.  LOL

Binding ready

I have the binding ready to sew down on both of the quilts.
I also loaded the Crazy star table runner.
I want to densely quilt this to see how the new batting works.

My camera is acting up, so I might update this later, but until then....

Not exactly quilting

So, in cleaning off my area where the embroidery machine needs to go back, I found a thread Christmas ornament.

I took the time to add in more and more and more threads.

I save the threads in the pincushion thread holders.

I have 3 around the room.

One at the long arm.

One at the embroidery machine, which always has prettier threads.

One at the sewing machine. 

I use the class craft ball and just stuff and stuff and stuff in the threads.

I use a bamboo skewer to get them in and swirl them around.

It takes lots of thread to make it full.

This time I added two jingle bells around the top and tied with gold ribbon.

I wrote Merry Christmas 2015 with a Sharpie.

When I tried writing with silver or gold, it looked washed out.

Today I am dropping by the quilt group and passing out to the two ladies who don't have one from me.

Bee Quilt

The Bee Quilt is quilted with the new batting.

I love it!

Now I'll have two quilts ready to bind if I get them trimmed and the binding on them.

Test Quilt is Quilted

I can't show you the front of the test quilt, but here is the back.

It is quilted with loops of all sizes and shapes.

Now to trim and get the binding on it ready to sew down.

That will be done while I am waiting at different things.

Crazy star

I know why I didn't continue this process.

These were the directions.

I have NO idea what they really meant.

I could not figure it out. 

I decided to redraw the design.

I drew the star first.

Then the cuts that would be needed. 

This is the result.

Started with a 12.5" square.

This trimmed out to 11"

It is more symmetrical than I remember, but it is still too crazy for me.

I am going to add a blue border and another of the print to make a table runner.

Creativity Challenge

Prairie Moon has a creativity challenge this year.  Our first challenge is to doodle for 30 minutes and through out the year.
She is so creative.  I don't think any of my doodles will look like hers, but I can play with it and see what happens.

Slow progress

I loaded my test quilt.

Took forever for me to get to it.

Here's a really washed out version of the border.  LOL 

Bee Quilt is ready to load when I get done with this one.

Christmas Tree is all fused.

Didn't take long, so why did I procrastinate so long?

When it is daylight, I'll get it ready to fuse on the white.

T-shirt quilt is in the same place.

I found the border fabrics for the Quilt Bug Mystery.

Nothing happening on the Simply Woven. :(

Lots of sorting and cleaning done.

Cedar Fever is getting to me.

Pollen count is supposed to be lower tomorrow, so maybe I will have more energy.

Update on working on papers

If you remember, I had some essential oil books that did not have a home.

I found that those green baskets were completely empty and taking up space.

I have this small book shelf that really is there to hold the DVR for the TV.

I keep binding scraps on it with some fqs from winnings on some groups.

Boy, I never noticed how messy those wires are. 

I took the containers and put them with all the other containers that are being emptied and reused.

My essential oils books and some DVDs all fit nicely there. 

I even bound up the wires to make them easier to get to.

I continued this morning and emptied the other box.

The bag behind it had things init before, but they are now in their own place.

The bag now holds the office supplies that need to be put in the closet.

I have a small box that has my franklin planner stuff in it.

I have not used the planner since I retired, but now wonder if I need it because of all the homeschooling stuff.

I still need to do my filing for 2015 that was left and find a place for the owners manuals.

I still have some booster things to go through and organize to pass on.

Overall, I am very happy with my success.

I will keep on keeping on.

Iheart Planners

The next step is to collect all the papers around the house to stop the clutter.
I've actually worked on that for a few days, so I have them all in a couple of bags.
I've actually been going through things and tossing all I don't need to do anything with.
Of course, DD just brought me additional things she found in her box.
Oh my. Will it ever end?

Fairy Name

Stashbuster UFO challenge is a Fairy theme for 2016. 

 My Fairy Name is Meadow Beamfilter

She brings light and enlightenment. 

She lives in fields where wild flowers and poppies grow. 

She can only be seen on midsummer's eve. 

She wears a skirt made of red petals and has bright lime coloured wings like a cicada. 

De-cluttering paper process

OK, so I'll use the green one in my office and the wicker one on the desk downstairs to collect paper.

I'll deal with them both before they become overflowing. 

If you remember the post before, I still had things in this box.

It is empty and all the items have found a home or being flung to someone else.

One step at a time.

2016 Prairie Moon Studio Organization Challenge

I'm thankful to join in on the 2016 Prairie Moon Studio Organization Challenge.
This week's challenge is:
Deal with paper clutter

OK, so if you want to add something snarky about the about of paper clutter I have, please don't.
I already know I have a problem, so I don't need your criticism.

I have been working at it, which is why it is bad right now.
I realized that I had bags and boxes hidden that need to be gone through.
I'm posting it here to make sure I realize how far I've come when I do get it under control

This blue bag contains old magazines that were hiding.

It also has some old paper files that I need to go through.

The brown bag is actually one of my row by row UFOs.

I need to work on the bag before it is stored until I am ready to do them. 

The green bag is all the filing, including the owners manuals that were in another container.

 I need to find a home for our owners manuals.
The flowered bag is full of booster paperwork that I need to finalize and pass on.
The purple bag is my essential oil paperwork and books that do not have a home.
I need to find a home for it.

 The lime green bag is Girl Scout things.
I need to do what I need to do with them and put them back where they belong.
They do have a home and it is not out in the studio.

This container is almost empty.

I've been working on it and have tossed two trash bags full of papers. 

This pile is two more boxes of "things".

There is lots of paperwork in there, including some of Mom's stuff.

There is no order to it, so it is overwhelming me.

I'm working on it a few pieces at a time. 

It might be slow, but some is better than no progress.

I make a deal with myself sew a chain pieced on a quilt and then deal with paper, press and sew....

Over the holidays my desk got completely out of control.

I need it cleaned up by tomorrow when school starts again.

The little white table (on the right hand side under the paper) is where I do my work while DD uses the desk for school.

It needs to be cleaned off and usable by tomorrow.

The papers downstairs are minimal.

I will see what is there and work through it.

I have a bankers box to put 2015 files in.

I plan to start on Turbo Tax when DD is not on the computer.

I am thinking to have two containers for paper - one for upstairs and one for downstairs.

When I accomplish something, I will post about it and show you a beautiful studio when the paper is under control.

Thanks for being kind.