It's all Natural!

August brought a new no color for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge ~ low volume! My little spools look great in low volume but I've been using the same color for The Milky Way QAL and low volume doesn't speak well with night sky stars! Here are the cute little spools in low volume prints ranging from whites to dark creams. Looks like threads I would have in my sewing room!

Here are all the little spools so far!

 For most of the months, I made 5 spools but I originally was going to alternate the layout from 5 spools to 4 spools. Not sure what it will be in the end. I may need to make one more purple and one more red. They are just too cute!

I'll play with the layout when we get closer to the end of this year's challenge! I'm linking up to Scrap Happy Saturday over at SoScrappy.

So I had this dilemma that I mentioned above...low volume doesn't work well for night sky stars so I needed to pick another color for The Milky Way QAL. Way back in January, the color of the month was purple. The purple I used for my star was a very pinkish purple. 

So I decided I would make another purple star using deep purples. 

Here is Polaris!

The patterns and designs are available from Blossom Heart Quilts. 

The 6th block in Grandma's Kitchen Sew Along is Wash Day! I love this block and how it reminds me of the agitators on my grandma's and my mom's wringer washer.

I linked up to Grandma's Kitchen Sew Along over at Pat Sloan's blog.

Do you remember my 15 Minutes of Play blocks? This is what I decided to do with them. 

Using this pattern I uncovered in my sewing room, I resized it to fit my 'Play' blocks (which are 6" and the pattern called for 4"). I still used 2 1/2" strips to border the  'Play' blocks and make the star points which will result in the center of the secondary stars to be 4". I felt that there would already be plenty of negative space without making the strips larger. My blocks finish at 14". 

Stay tuned to see how my August goal turns out!

It's Time

It is time to set some goals for July! We will be going through a kitchen renovation which will limit my time in my sewing room. 

Before the major packing started, I managed to sandwich my Go Cubs Go! quilt. So my goal is to move it forward and decide on the quilting and get it started.

The color of the month for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge is blue so I will make my spool blocks and I will use blue for this month's Milky Way QAL star, Regel.

I also joined in Pat Sloan's new Sew Along, Grandma's Kitchen. The first block was released on June 28th called The Kitchen Table. A block is released every Wednesday. There are 4 Wednesday in July so I hope to be able to get most of them done before I update my progress. 

I'm linking up to Elm Street Quilts - July Goals.

I really like stating my goals each month as it keeps me focused. I have learned to be realistic in setting goals and to be happy if I achieve more. 

Have a great 4th of July!

February Goals

Looking back at my goals set in January, I made a lot of progress!

 As I showed in my post about my OMG finished January goals, I completed 2 of the projects that I had listed. Yay!

I also had time to work on my Chicago Cubs quilt. The pattern for this one is the economy block. In making this block there are lots of points and those points often get pushed down into your machine when starting to sew. So I decided to try what others have been talking about...a leader/ender project. 

Way back in August 2014, I made this baby quilt for my niece's daughter. 

Somehow, I cut way too many squares and they have been stacked on the shelf in my sewing room ever since. So I decided to cut them up and use them for my leader/ender project. 

So in making all the rest of my Chicago Cubs blocks and the alternate baseball blocks, I also finished the leader/ender quilt top.

My goal will be to sandwich and quilt this baby blanket. 

This will probably be a donation quilt.

My Chicago Cubs quilt is also waiting in the flimsy stage. I ordered some backing fabric for it.

Next goal will be to sandwich and quilt it.

Still waiting for some attention is my Sail Away quilt.

I need to decide if I want to piece the back or use one piece. 

My goal will be to move this quilt forward in the next month.

A smaller project that I will work on is a UFO block from 2012. As part of the Wicked Blog Hop I created this spider web block. 

My daughter is interested in it as a Halloween wall hanging. 

I would like to finish it and bring it when we head down to Austin in March.

So my goal for February will be the baby quilt, the Halloween wallhanging and moving my Sail Away quilt forward. 

And as always, keeping up with RSC and the Milky Way QAL. This month's color is sea green and the star is Canopus. Stay tuned!

Linking up to OMG at Elm Street Quilts.

SaveSave

Welcome 2017

Today I am setting a few goals for 2017. 

Many of the quilts I make are a challenge to me as a new technique or pattern. 

It is a rare bird for me to make a quilt over again. 

I can only think of 2 repeat quilts patterns since I started quilting in 1996.

At the end of 2016, I had a few UFOs that carry over to 2017. 

First is my mini blue houses. When I started these little guys, I didn't have a goal in mind...just letting the neighborhood grow at its own pace. At the end of 2016, the population stood at 38!

The houses are 4"

This is the last addition to the neighborhood in 2016. 

In 2017, I will continue to add to the neighborhood until I run out of blues. 

(Ha! That maybe never!)

The second UFO from 2016 is my Sail Away! quilt. This is all pieced and at the flimsy stage. 

My goal will be to sandwich and quilt this nautical quilt. 

Third in line is my Chicago Cubs quilt. I'm using the economy block for this quilt. 

So far I have 10 blocks made. 

My goal will be to start making the alternate block to compliment these blocks. 

My fourth project is this delectable mountain quilt. My goal for starting this quilt was to use some of the fabric that was donated to me and try a new technique. 

(The bright large print flowers that I paired with Kona black.)

When fabric is donated to me, I feel guilty not using it even if it isn't my colors/style. So I use it as an experiment to try a new technique and often donate the finished quilt. 

My goal will be to finish the blocks, decide on a border or not, and get it to the flimsy stage.

The 5th project that I am setting a goal for is to use this pretty scrap piece of flannel (donated) and learn to crochet a border around it 

for a sweet receiving blanket.

And finally I will once again join in the 2017 Rainbow Scrap Challenge over at So Scrappy. January's color is purple! 

I need to choose a block that I will do this year. 

I will also link my scrap quilt progress to Oh Scrap! over at 

Quilting is more fun than Housework.

This year I will also join and link up to One Monthly Goal over at 

Elm Street Quilts. 

For January, I have picked my fourth project ~ the delectable mountain quilt. 

Head on over to see other quilty goals!

The rest of the year and a giveaway for the holidays!

Well it is time to finally post about the final goals for the year for the Charming Girl's Club.  Here is a brief summary of my last goals and the new ones:

Reading: continue to read at the 'school year' pace.  Just finished Prayers for Sale by Sandra Dallas and currently reading another Debbie Macomber book.  

Exercise: I have averaged 2 -3 times per week at the gym.  Continue to commit to 2 - 3 times per week. Seems more realistic than 4 -5 times. Yikes, what was I thinking!

Quilting: I really failed at the Free Motion QAL by Christine at A Few Scraps.  I know that practice makes perfect but I rather be doing.  I felt like my girls when they were told to practice piano.  

My daughter's wedding quilt is coming along nicely.  Blocks all pieced and sewn together. Now to add borders. Here is a peek.

2nd wedding quilt for my d2's best friend is also almost finished.  The top is all pieced and so is the back.  Now to sandwich and quilt.  No pictures yet.

3rd wedding quilt for nephew2  is planned, fabric and pattern purchased.  Still in holding pattern until after the Holidays.

Baby quilt for nephew1 is completed.  Needs a label.

I have drawn a snowman quilt pattern that I would like to make for the holiday season.  Make it a reality!

Make 6 placemats to coordinate with this table runner.

Stitchery project by Hugs from Helen.

Scrappy quilt for the Sew Scrap Along by Pleasant Home.

Christmas gift project like mug rugs and pot holders.  Here is my first mug rug!

This is also my first attempt at wonky (or liberated) quilting!  Very Fun!

Speaking of potholders...I made a set for a giveaway!  Here they are.  Thought they might help with someone on your Christmas list.  Of coarse there may be a little something more in the package.  If you would like to win them, leave me a comment telling me you would like to win.  For a second chance,  become a follower or tell me you already follow my blog and leave me a second comment.  I will select a winner on November 20th at noon.

Sorry about the poor picture quality. You can see another set here.

Friends and Family: Spend great holiday times together, make memories and share traditions!

Tomorrow I'm off for some girlfriend time!  

Good food, wine, shopping, games, catching up, good times! 

Catch you later!

Charming Girl's Club Aspirations for Sept and Oct

Somehow with all the time away from home recently, I missed the announcement of the Charming Girl's Club new theme and setting of new goals.  Not sure how that happened as I tried to keep up as best I could.  So here is the Charming Theme:

We are to share how we quilt our quilts, tips and tricks we use, books to recommend, and pictures to show.   I can't wait to hear what my charming friends have to say.  I'll just have to think on this one a bit more.  

My July/August goals were just about completed.  Our vacation/family times were wonderful!  I finished all my quilting goals with the exception of Happy Camper 2 quilt.  This was intentionally put on the 'back burner' due to the 3 wedding and a new baby announcements we received over the summer.  My stitchery quilt layout was designed but I will not be putting it together yet [for the same reasons].  

My reading goals were surpassed as mentioned here.  I also finished reading The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks, read 3 books in the Cedar Cove series by Debbie Macomber and I'm currently reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett.  That's 9 books finished and one on the way!

My aspirations for Sept/Aug are:

Reading: continue reading although the pace will slow as I'm back in school.

Exercise: I joined a local health club and my goal is to get there 4-5 times a week.  I actually joined with my D1 so she could push me there, literally.  But she got a job teaching [yay!] and needed to move closer to school.  I am on my own to get there unless she is visiting.  She is still encouraging me as she has given me pep talks on the phone!

Quilting: ~ I have joined a Free Motion QAL.  I hope to practice my free motion quilting so I can feel more confident in my quilting.  

~ I have begun the piecing for my D2's wedding quilt.  I need to continue piecing the blocks.

~ Plan and prepare wedding quilts for close friend's daughter's wedding and nephew's wedding.

~ Plan and prepare baby quilt for another nephew's first baby.

~ Continue Frosty Flakes BOM and making hexies from my scraps box when I am away from my machine.

Family and Friends: ~ assist D2 in wedding plans as needed.

~ learn to Skype to make communication easier with daughters.

~ clean and organize newly spare bedrooms

~ time with hubby and friends: local HS football games, camping one last time over Columbus Day

I really like setting goals and working to get those check marks ~ DONE! Seems to be a great motivator for me...let's hope it continues as the weather cools off and fall begins.  [hint: I am a warm weather gal!] 

Another great motivator is Friday Night Sew-In!  The September FNSI is on September 17th.  If you would like to join us, hop over to Heidi's blog and sign right up!  It is a lot of fun!

I'm off to read some Charming Friends goals and quilting ideas then off to the gym!

I'm back!

Well this post is well over due but somehow when you get back from vacation, it takes awhile to get caught up! 

First, let me show you what was waiting for me when I arrived home.  A package with these lovelies inside!

I won this give away from Dawn over at The Straw Needle.  Two quilted heart potholders and a charm pack of Aster Manor for Moda!  Thank you Dawn!

Next up is a follow up on my Charming Girls' Quilt Club.  As mentioned before, this month's theme is Self-Care.  When I first posted about this topic, I mentioned that I was going to treat myself to a pedicure!  And I DID!

It was wonderful to pamper myself and have pretty feet before heading off for vacation! 

Love the red!

This past Monday (the day after we got home), I completely finished by Between Charming Friends QAL quilt.  I needed to bind it since I couldn't do that without my machine.  Here is the finished 'A Little Gem!'

And finally an update on my goals!  

Quilting ~ finished by QAL

~put the borders on my Red & White, need to get backing material

~finished my Applique Posy Needle Case (and a little extra surprise) for my swap partner and sent it.  Will post pictures once it's received. 

~have worked on a design layout for my stitchery, but it isn't finalized.

~second Happy Camper quilt may have to be put on the back burner due to other priorities coming to up.

Reading ~ while on vacation, we listen to 3 books on tape.  Does that count?  I would think so since I couldn't really be reading while listening.  These included:

Airborn by Kenneth Oppel

Smiles to Go by Jerry Spinelli

and My Antonia by Willa Cather

I also finished 2 books.  

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

and Free Range Knitter by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee 

I'm currently reading The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks!

Vacation ~ I will share Part 1 of our vacation now! We had a wonderful time with our daughter, Kirsten and future SIL, Mike (and his family) in South Dakota. Take a look! Hope you enjoy it!

Digital slideshow generated with Smilebox

Will need to post about Vacation Part 2 later!  Be back soon!

What's up!

It has been a while since I have posted and I do have so much to share.  First up, I would like to say a BIG thanks to those who voted for my Mariner's Compass quilt.  The response was awesome and my quilt won!! The sponsor for the week was Around the Block Quilters Shop and I won a $30.00 gift certificate to use in the shop.  I already picked out and received my prize!  I chose 3 - 1/2 yards of Woodland Bloom by Lila Tueller for Moda, 2 charm packs and 2 - 1/2 yards of Frolic by Sandy Gervais for Moda.  They are so pretty!  Thank you Christine !

Next up is an update on the Charming Friends QAL.  I am in the process of hand quilting my quilt.  Kelly has given us free range on how to quilt our quilt.  I have never hand quilted an entire quilt before so I thought I would give it a try.  May take me awhile!  

Kelly also opened up the Charming Girls' Quilt Club to new members!  Yes, I went along and joined.  Kelly's QAL was so much fun I couldn't resist.   I hope I can keep up with it.  We are to post goals every 2 months and each month there will be a theme.  July's theme is 

Here are my thoughts on the subject....

Moms (myself included) generally have a hard time with this subject.  It is a part of us to be the caregivers to others, especially our children.  When our children are small, they need us - we drive them to their activities, wait for them, help them, nurse them, feed them, clean up after them, encourage them, cry with them, etc.  You get the picture - there is not much left for ourselves.  Our needs are happily sacrificed. Our identity becomes tied to our children.  

Have you ever been known as [insert your child's name] mom? 

But our children do grow-up and their need for us becomes smaller.  When this happens, our role changes.  Yes, I will always be their mom but the time invested decreases and now there is more time available for me. I tend to find it hard to allow myself 'me time' [other than quilting].  I need to learn to allow myself to relax, enjoy life, be thankful and feel pampered.    

To start, I think I'll get a pedicure this week!

GOALS!

My goals for July and August will include some quilting but I will be away from my machine for a good part of July.  

Vacation - Week 1 - really enjoy our visit with our daughter, Kirsten.  Make it quality time! See and experience her new life out in South Dakota! Visit Badlands, Mt. Rushmore, caves, some quilt stores and more!

                       - Week 2 - hubby and I head to Colorado for some alone time.  Relax and enjoy each other in the beautiful mountains atmosphere.  Outdoor activities may include hiking, biking, hot springs, sightseeing.  

Reading - Summer reading is really lagging behind my usual goal.  Pick up the pace and read at least 2-3 books during July and August.  

Quilting - Finish QAL - hand quilting

              - Red and White - add borders, sandwich and quilt

              - Applique Needle Case Swap

              - Stitchery Quilt - design layout

              - Happy Camper 2 - recut and piece top

Lastly, I wanted to mention that I did have another finish for June.  It is my Happy Camper quilt that I have previously mentioned and gave peeks of here.  I finished the last stitches in the binding and labeled it on June 30th!  I can't show you yet as it hasn't been received by the special recipient.  Pictures soon!