UFO Challenge 2012

Here is my list for 2012, the first 5 are from my 2011 list. 

1.  Snow Business Quilt (Planet Patchwork Mystery Quilt 2007) - quilt and bind
2.  Sister's Choice Quilt - finish blocks, assemble, quilt and bind
3.  Cherry Irish Chain - finish blocks, assemble, quilt and bind
4.  Cathdral Stars -  bind.
5.  Orca Bay Mystery Quilt - finish blocks, assemble, quilt and bind
6.  Thimbleberries BOM #1
7.  Thimbleberries BOM #2
8.  RRCB (Bonnie Hunter Mystery 2010) - finish blocks, assemble, quilt and bind
9.  Starry Rail Fence - quilt and bind
10. 1930's Dresden Plate - assemble blocks, quilt and bind
11. Christmas Wall Quilt - finish applique, quilt and bind
12. Thimbleberries BOM #3

Yarn Stash

This morning I decided to get my yarn stash all listed on Raverly to get ready for

My totals are not very impressive but at least I can knit up all my yarn within my lifetime.

My totals are:  6118 yards / 3.46 miles

All of the yarn was purchased in 2011 and fits in this bin.

I think the purple tonal (top middle) will be the first yarn I use in 2012.

Mary

What I am Working On

 After 4 trips to the Quilt Shop to have issues with my sewing machine taken care of I am now back in business.  First  and (maybe) second trip was my fault (thread wound around handwheel - not sure how that happened) then last two for a cable not attached or loose.

I'm a little behind on my Orca Bay Mystery Quilt from Bonnie Hunter, so I am jumping around and completing different steps.

This week I am working on Step 4 - red string blocks, I have 4 done - 60 more to go.

So far I have completed Steps 1 & 2, working on Step 4 and over half of Step 6.

 I don't think I am going to add this to my UFO Challenge list, I'm just going to get it done.

Mary

Merry Christmas to All

Happy Holidays,
Mary

Do You Ever Wonder......

.....how long it takes to use a cone of thread.

Today I found out - 9 months 10 days.

The idea came from JudyL at Patchwork Times when she had dated one of her cones, so I decided to see how long it took me.  I like piecing with Masterpiece Cotton Thread, I believe it's 50wt so it doesn't add much bulk to the seams.  I started using the cone on 3/8/11 and today it ran out.  I always cringe when I spend $20 for a cone of thread, but divided by 9 months it's only $2.22 per month - much more livable.

WOW - 2 posts in one day!

Mary

Domestic Diva!

OR MAYBE NOT!

A few months ago I found this site Salad in a Jar and found rather interesting.  First I tried her instructions for Greek Yogurt - not a failed batch yet.  I have been making my own Greek Yogurt now for about a month and it's probably the easiest thing to do.  Sometimes I get 2 pints, the batch before I got 3 pints, now this one 2 1/2 pints.  Pretty cost effective too - I save about half over buying already made.

Another thing I started to do is make my own bread again.  This time around I am using white wheat flour for some added nutrients and fiber, it gives a denser bread and very filling.  My new favorite recipe is also from Salad in a Jar site - Sweet Milk White Bread.  I made a loaf last week and it uses sweetened condenser milk but only half a can so I mixed up another loaf and froze it after the first rise - that is the one rising now.  I was never really happy with the size loaf that came out of the bread machine, so now I let it do the mixing and first rise then finish the rest the conventional way.

And that was the end of the Domestic Diva for Saturday, went back to sewing.

Mary

UFO Completed

But it's not Number 5, I completed September's Number 11 -Random Ohio Stars that I started I believe in 2008.  All it needed was to add borders, quilt and bind.  I had all but the binding finished in September and finally finished machine stitching the binding this morning.  The pattern is by Bonnie Hunter and the panto is from Lorien Quilting called Scallop Grass.

And here is my UFO Number 5 - Sister's Choice (by Bonnie Hunter).  I'm trying to use up some of my stash but it doesn't even look like I made a dent in it.  This one might just be Number 1 on my 2012 UFO list.



Looking forward to Tuesday's number.

Mary

Socktoberfest

This morning I started knitting another pair of socks.  Since it is October and with all the Octoberfests going on I decided to use a German yarn - Opal.  If I could read German I would know what color name it has but it does have blues, yellows, orange, browns and white, love the color changes I saw as I was winding it.  I am following a pattern by Wendy Johnson - Slip Stitch Heel Basic Socks.  Easy to knit and the yarn color changes make the pattern interesting.

Welcome to my Socktoberfest!

Mary

Remembering

Awesome Lunch

My husband I both enjoy good cajun style food but since we left Oklahoma City we have not come accross anything close to our favorite restrauant - Pearl's - until today.  OMG - good!  Gumbo to dye for!  I had a Catfish Po' Boy and my hubby had Red Beans and Rice, both excellent.  Can hardly wait to go back for Jambulya and diffinetly more Gumbo.

Just had to share.

Take Care,

Mary

UFO #7 Completed Plus One

Today I completed my Rosebud Quilt aka UFO #7.  I had the quilting done a week ago but today I finally did the binding today and now it is done, no longer a UFO.  For the quilting I did a simple swirling design in the sashing and stippling around the Rosebuds with piano keys in the border.  The stopborder has a small leaf design that I found in QuiltCad - when I first stitched it out I almost frogged the stitches but now that it is complete I really like that it did not fill the border.

My plus one this weekend was another I had done the quilting a week or so ago but finally did the binding this weekend.  The quilt is from a kit I bought from Connecting Threads called Midnight Madness.  I used a panto from Anne Bright called Variety and stitched with Signature thread.

More pictures of these quilts can be found in my Webshots Album.

Mary

Design Wall (Floor) Monday 8/1/11

I have been MIA for about a month plus - been doing my Quilter-for-Hire gig.  Now that I am finally caught up decided to start a new quilt.

On Saturday afternoon, hiding inside from the heat, I went idea shopping on the web.  I decided to make Trips Around the World I found on Quiltville.  I made the decision that I did not want to go totally scrappy like Bonnie but a little more controlled.  So I went stash diving and came up with red, teal, plum, gold, green and grey.  Wasn't sure of the combination but I do like how it is turning out.

No more sewing for today - off to the Biltmore House to spend the day.

Enjoy the Day!
Mary

Current Knitting Project

I am currently slowly working on my Sprinkle Socks, another 1 1/2" I will be starting on the gusset.  I am really liking knitting socks 2 at a time with the Magic Loop method, seems a little slower but both socks done at the same time.

This yarn is for my Camp Loopy Project.  I will be making a shawl and the pattern is called Daybreak.  The pattern appears to be simple and going along with Camp Loopy Project rules it will be done in 2 colors.

The yarn is Heritage Silk in grey and lilac.  This yarn is so soft as it is right now, can hardly wait to see how it feels knitted.

I need to load a quilt on the frame now, time to stop knitting this morning (after 2 more rows)

Mary

Cathedral Stars

Finally finished my Cathedral Stars today - well the quilting at least.  About half way through the quilting I wasn't paying attention and the thread popped out of the tension discs, never had that happen before.  So after I spent time frogging half a row of stitching then continued on without any other issues.  Pattern is from Bonnie Hunter.

The panto I used is called Fay Feather from Lorien Quilting.

The thread is from Superior, it is King Tut Joseph's Coat.

Mary

First Completion for June

                     

Is Socks!

I finally finished my first ever socks done Toe-Up 2 at a Time.  These are Plain Vanilla Socks but I followed the pattern, Toe-Up Socks with a Difference.  The pattern has an interesting way of doing the heel gusset and turn where the gusset is on the bottom of the foot.  I really like how they turned out.

My next pair is Sprinkle Socks, also doing them toe-up 2 at a time.  I really like knitting socks 2 at a time, may seem like it takes longer but they are both done at the same time.  I purchased the yarn on ebay and is a wool/cotton/nylon blend, should be nice for a summer sock.



I did start quilting my Cathedral Stars quilt this afternoon.  I was able to get the program set up and quilt the first row before the thunder started and thought it was best to shut the machine down and try again in the morning.  The panto I am using is from Lorien Quilting called Fay Feathers.  The thread is a variegated thread - King Tut Joseph's Coat.

Signing off now - storm is getting closer.

Mary

Planned Completions for June

I have proclaimed June is 'Border Month' - at least for me.  I have 4  quilts that need borders before moving the 'Need to be Quilted' list.  Newly added to the list is my UFO #8 that is just a stack of fabric.

1. Star Chain Quilt - add borders, quilt and bind.
2. Midnight Madness Quilt - add borders, quilt and bind
3. UFO #9 Cathedral Stars - quilt and bind
4. Double Pinwheel Lap Size Quilt (2) - add borders
5.  UFO #8 Cherry Quilt- starting from scratch on this one! New!
6. Finish knitting second mitten from YOSS Feb 2011 - hard to knit mittens in 90+ degree weather
7. Finish knitting TAAT socks toe up from YOSS Feb 2011 - Completed 6/5/11

So much to do - so little time.

Mary

May Completions

 Thought I would get more done in May, but just could not get more checked off.  I think the least favorite part of assembling a quilt for me is adding the borders, which is probably why I have 4 quilts on my ironing board waiting for them.  That said - June will be 'Border Month' for me.

My Double Pinwheel quilt was the first completed for May - UFO #1.  The quilt was first started long ago and finally finished being assembled and quilted in April but just could not get the binding done until May.

Tossed 9 Patch is my second completion, quick and easy pattern by Eleanor Burns.  Love the 30's fabric, always makes a lively and colorful quilt.

And my last completion is a quick charm quilt made from the Moda's Sunkisssed fabric line.  This quilt not even on my planned list but the fabric was calling to me.

On to "Border Month'

Mary

UFO #9 Progress

 My UFO #9 did not quite make my completed list for May, but it is close.  The pattern is from Bonnie Hunter called Cathedral Stars and my finished quilt top measures 64" x 76".  I think I started the quilt last fall, got the blocks assembled and for whatever reason put the quilt aside.  Last week with the end of the month coming near I finally pulled the blocks out and got the quilt assembled.  Bought the backing fabric last week at Hancocks on sale - the fabric for the back is black and white (reads more black) and the binding color is black.

 

I pieced the batting together which was leftover from a few different quilts.  In fact I have done that on most of my quilts this year, had so many pieces leftover and cut off of other quilts I spent one day stitching them together to make them usable again.

The quilt is on the frame and ready to be quilted, unfortunately I will not be able to quilt it all at one time - work is going to get in the way (as usual).
I have not decided yet on the panto but the thread is a variegated thread from Signature called 'Summery Fun'.

For sure this one will hit my June Completion List - hopefully JudyL will be kind and pick an easy UFO for June.

Mary

2nd Completion for May

 My second completion for May was easy, just to add the binding - no reason way it took til the 23rd to finish.  My 30's Tossed 9 Patch has a scrappy binding and the panto I used is from Anne Bright called Splat and Signature Cotton White thread.

Hot off the frame is a quick quilt I put together from charm squares.  The fabric is from Moda called Sunkissed.  I used a panto from Anne Bright (one of my favorite designers) it is called Feather and Flowers.

This morning I have finally pulled out my UFO #9 Cathedral Stars.  I have only half of the top assembled - so I have a ways to go to try to get it finished by the end of May. 

The challenge is on!

Mary

Planned Completions for May

Making a list for April and being able to check them off was allot of fun and kept me focused on what I wanted to get done for the month.  My list for May is a little shorter and obviously a few carryovers from April with a couple of additions.

Here is my list to get done this month.


1.  Tossed 9 Patch 30's Quilt - bind   completed May 23, 2011
2.  Star Chain Quilt - add borders, quilt and bind.
3.  Midnight Madness Quilt - add borders, quilt and bind 
4.  UFO #9 Cathedral Stars - assemble, quilt and bind  New!
5.  Double Pinwheel Lap Size Quilt (2) - just started  New!
6. Finish knitting second mitten from YOSS Feb 2011
7. Finish knitting 2AAT socks toe up from YOSS Feb 2011

Another busy month.

Mary

April Completions

I was able to complete 4 quilts in April along with the taxes.  I almost could have bragged on 5 but I needed 2 more days.  I also completed the quilting on my Tossed 9 Patch but have not even started on the binding.

The first quilt pictured in the video is my UFO #10.  It was a 2010 New Year's Day Mystery Quilt hosted by Planet Patchwork - the quilt is called "Have a Nice Trip".  This is the first quilt I used a mono nylon thread on and I was very pleased with the results.  Allot of the patterns I used in the blocks came with my ProStitcher.

The second quilt is my UFO #4 - Sailboat Quilt.  I drew the blocks in EQ7 and built the quilt from that point.  The panto I used is from Anne Bright called Sailin'.

The third quilt in the video is my Un-named Quilt which I also drew in EQ7. Easy quilt to assemble. The panto I used is called Bountiful Feathers by Lorien Quilting.

And the last one pictured was the first one done in April - the Charm Quilt.  On this one I also went with designs from Anne Bright;  in the center is Soft and Sweet b2b design with Soft and Sweet Striped for the border - the stop border has a design I bought from Intelligent Quilting called Feather Twirl.

This is the quilt that almost made it for April - it's my UFO #1.  The pattern is by Eleanor Burns and is called Double Pinwheel.  The blocks I assembled I think in 2003 but had run out of the cream fabric for the inner border and never went to get more.   I pulled the quilt out last year and decided to add the burgundy fabric for the missing border, kind of happy I did since I think it really adds to the quilt.  The panto in the center and also used in the outer border blocks is by Anne Bright and called Wildflower and the border is her Wildflower Wings.  This quilt gives me a good start to brag about my May Completions.

On to the next which includes UFO #9 Cathedral Stars plus more.

Mary

UFO #4 Complete!

Mission accomplished for April, I finished the Sailboat Lap Quilt, UFO #4.  I had assembled the blocks maybe last year and just put them aside but never got back to them but thanks to JudyL's UFO Challenge it is now done - binding and all.  For the batting I used Hobbs 80/20 batting and the panto is by Anne Bright called Sailin.' 

Now I am also on a mission to complete UFO #1 and #10 which I did not finish during the past 2 months.  Both quilts are quilted and ready for the binding, which are going to be done by machine.  My preference is hand stitching the binding to the back but #1 is a Queen size quilt and my heart isn't in to doing all that hand sewing.

Got my fingers crossed for May's choice to complete.

Mary

My Garden

Decided to have a hobby garden in the backyard this year.  It's the perfect size (4' x 8'), it only takes a couple of minutes to weed and should yield some great vegetables.  Jody put this together for me about 3 weeks ago and I have planted broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts, tomatoes, lettuce, peppers and this morning beans.  I also added basil, oregano and chives - the basil is growing the best right now.  The cabbage, broccoli and brussel sprouts actually should have been planted a month earlier than I did but the plants were on sale for $.99 for a 4 pack - no out much if the don't produce.

Mary

March Madness Completions 2011

Well, once again I have no actual completions to brag about. I do have some nearly there.

Here is my list to get done this month.
1. Charm Quilt - working on binding now.  Completed 4/9/11
2. UFO #10 - quilting done, binding ready to attach.  Completed 4/29/11
3. UFO #1 - prepare backing, quilt and bind.  Completed 5/2/11
4. Star Chain Quilt - add borders, quilt and bind.
5. Midnight Madness Quilt - add borders, quilt and bind
6. Un-Named Quilt - attach binding.  Completed 4/28/11
7. Finish knitting second mitten from YOSS Feb 2011
8. Finish knitting 2 at a time socks toe up from YOSS Feb 2011
9. Tossed 9 Patch Quilt - quilt and bind.
10. UFO #4 - assemble, quilt and bind. Completed 4/27/11

April looks a bit busy - might need 90 days this month.
Mary

Went for a great ride today - up to Lake Jocasse - what a beautiful day. Stopped by Subway for a couple of sandwiches for a picnic lunch.
Love Springtime in the South.
Mary

Design Wall (Floor) Monday 3/7/11

My newest quilt - unsure of the block name, I saw the block in a quilt somewhere on the web and drew it in EQ7. The border fabric is a floral on a black background that I picked up at Hobby Lobby.

Hope everyone has had a great day - I'm back to JudyL's blog to take a look at everyone else's walls and wonderful quilts.

Mary

February Fabulous Finishes

Short list - None!- allot in progress though and hopefully the list will be long for March.

Design Wall (Floor) Monday 2/28/11

Been MIA lately and not because I have allot of finishes for this month, just busy. This is the latest quilt I am working on - Midnight Shadows. This a kit from Connecting Threads and more than likely bought it at a great price. My goal for this week is to get the blocks sewn together and get the borders on but the trees are budding here and I'm thinking some outside clean up is in order.

All have a Great Week!

Mary

Design Wall (Floor) Monday 2/7/11

I have made some progress on my Sawtooth Star Chain this past week. I have half of the quilt put together and now it's time to make more star blocks. The quilt has 6 inch blocks and should measure 56" x 68" once the borders are added.

Thank you for checking out my post also see other works in progress at JudyL's blog.

Mary

UFO Challenge #10

My UFO #10 is from 2010 Planet Patchwork Mystery, the quilt is called
Have a Nice Trip Quilt.


I thought I just needed to quilt it and do the binding but much to my surprise I need to add the borders too. At least I folded the border fabric with the top so there was no searching for it. My plans are to add the borders, load the quilt and start the quilting on Monday.

All for now, time to get ready for work.

Mary

From UFO to Done!

Every now and then I procrastinate on sewing the binding on a quilt and this little quilt was been waiting since November to move from the UFO category to the Done category. Today was it's day. Since I still had my machine's walking foot on I decided to get this one done.


On this quilt I decided not to hand stitch the binding to the back and do it by machine. I prefer hand stitching over machine but on quilts that will more than likely be used and washed allot I go with machine stitch.


I did just a flower border that was similar to the flowers in the fabric. The fabric is by Moda from the Birdie Collection.


It is just a simple coin quilt so the feather that is quilted in the solid strips I used a variegated thread in bright colors.

Tomorrow onto UFO #10.

Mary

January 2011 Completions

I was kind of thinking of then I saw JudyL's blog on completions and decided to also post my completions for each month. I have just a few completions with a three quilts in progress.


My UFO #6 was completed yesterday. Fabric all from my stash - no shopping involved. All ready to curl up on the couch to watch a good movie.


KAL - YOSS2011 St Brigid's socks I completed on the 16th. The yarn is Bamboo Ewe, bamboo and wool blend, a little stretchier than I like but soo soft.


Then my challenge socks; two-at-a-time on two circular needles I finished on Sunday the 30th. The yarn is Serenity by Deborah Norville, feels really soft, made from wool, bamboo and nylon. Will definitely be wearing them soon.

Pretty happy with my completions, ready to get more on the done list in February.

Mary

UFO Challenge #6 Done!

I finished my Oklahoma Backroads quilt this morning - extremely pleased with the quilt. This was basically a start to finish quilt this monthly, when I started I only had a few fabrics pulled and the pattern printed off. The pattern is one of Bonnie Hunter's at Quiltville - my go to website when I want to do scrappy from my stash. This quilt did not put any dent in the stash but I am pleased to say that I did not purchase any fabric to make the quilt.


The panto I used is from Anne Bright and called Variety. I used Signature 100% Cotton thread, color is Oyster Shell - and the batting is Hobbs 80/20.


The outer border is just a simple feather and the inner border is from Anne Bright, Variety Stop border design - Signature 100% Cotton thread, Black and Holiday Red.

I'm ready for February's number - got my finger's crossed that Judy's Vince picks something easy on the lists.

Mary

Design Wall Monday

Not much progress on my Sawtooth Star Chain Quilt. I did manage to finish the chain blocks last night because I wanted to post something this week. I'm working on binding on a couple of quilts so hopefully I will get back to it later in the week.

Hope all have a good week,
Mary