Blog Anniversary and Gingerbread Houses

    Today is the 13^th anniversary for my blog. At the time I started my main interest was to share projects that I was doing with my local quilting students and for myself. I no longer teach as I did; however, I continue to share my skills with my church quilt group of friends. Now my blog is mostly a record of my projects and the crafts I do with and for my granddaughters.

    This past Wednesday my GDs made gingerbread houses which is a holiday tradition for us. They have progressed from just adding candy and icing to decorate to this year both used royal icing to construct their houses as well. I still prebaked the gingerbread pieces. I'm sure they are ready to do that; however, it saves time for me to do the baking ahead. Here are this year's creations.

Mattie's is a Christmas boat house.

        

Lily decorated all 4 sides differently.

       

       

Have a great week whether or not you have time for quilting.

Enjoy this special season! Merry Christmas!

Sewing Holiday Items

       My only goal for the past week was to make progress on a UFO.  I did that but have no photo to share. Last week I shared a crochet hook holder design I found that I wanted to make for my granddaughters. You can find the link for the pattern on last Monday's post. Here are the 2 finished by me. They each contain a few of their Great-grandmother's crochet hooks.

I also made a few other Christmas items. I used the pattern from SewCanShe blog found here except I did not add the zipper. The mini-stockings are large enough to hold a gift card or other things, yet not too large and cute enough to hang on a tree.

Stash Report for 2023

       this past week- Used: 1.75 yds Added: 0 yds

     So far this year- Used: 106.35 yds Added: 50 yds

      Net decrease 56.35 yds

I have a UFO to work on if there is time between holiday happenings. This week I plan to do some crafts and baking with GDs as is our holiday tradition.  Hope you enjoy some holiday happenings.

Have a great week whether or not you have time for quilting.

Holiday Activities Take Place

     The busy holiday time is here so I have not spent much time quilting but I didn't expect to this past week. My only goal was to make progress on a UFO and I did that.

    I spent a few days with family and enjoyed GD Lily's school orchestra concert and her school musical.

While visiting I did a little shopping for Christmas gifts and decided to make a couple.  GD Mattie crocheted a pillow for her bedroom 

and would like to do more crochet so I plan to make her a crochet needle holder and fill it with hooks from her great-grandmother. I found a free tutorial online for this one.

      Stash Report for 2023

this past week- Used: 0.5 yds Added: 0 yds

So far this year- Used: 104.67 yds Added: 50 yds

Net decrease 54.67 yds

         With more holiday events between now and Christmas plus more family time, I do not expect to get much quilting done so any progress will be good. I will review my UFO list from January. I didn't finish very many on that list; however, I moved several to be finished tops.

Goal for this week

1. Make progress on a UFO.

Have a great week whether or not you have time for quilting.

Enjoy this special season!

Progress and Weekly Goals

    I hope you are enjoying this busy, hectic time of year. Sunday I accomplished minimal decorating as I changed out my fall wall-hangings for holiday ones including a couple of newer ones – the small snowman and the “Dancing Garland” tree plus the older Santa Block Exchange.

This is how I did on last week's goals:

1. Quilt more on “Celtic Fantasy”. Not Done.

Instead I focused on a charity quilt.

2.  Start quilting a charity quilt. Done.

I quilted this star burst quilt which is a variation of the “Bursting Forth” pattern - a kaleidoscope variation. I used Accuquilt GO dies 13 and 15 to cut the pieces and used scraps from my church stash. I quilted with a light gray thread for low contrast so the FM quilting doesn't show very much in the photo.

     I finally added the borders on to my crumb top. A backing is pieced and all is waiting to be sandwiched.  I love the scrappiness of  all the blocks and the border.  

     I sewed 20 coffee gift bags. My church sells Cafe Justo coffee which is a grower owned Coffee Cooperative based in southern Chiapas Mexico, formed to address the poverty and migration from Mexico to the U.S.A.. During December if you buy 10 bags, you get one free bag and a colorful gift-bag for each.

      With all the sales I could not resist and bought fabric. Some was for charity backings which doesn't go into my stash but then I added 2 pieces to my stash. Both are for specific projects so I hope they will not be lingering in my stash. I have been wanting to make the Jelly Snowflake quilt from Fat Quarter Shop in 2020 and now have the fabric for it.

Stash Report for 2023

this past week- Used: 1.75 yds Added: 8 yds

So far this year- Used: 104.17 yds Added: 50 yds

Net decrease 54.17 yds

Goals for this week

1. Make progress on a UFO.

With holiday happenings I don't expect to get a lot of sewing done this week.

Hope you have a great week and enjoy some time for quilting.

Mug Rugs Finished and Goals

        The weather was perfect for Thanksgiving Day and I enjoyed visiting with the crowd of 31 family members. I am thankful my brother and his wife hosted. All my siblings were able to be there. It was a very special day. I hope you had a wonderful holiday. After family guests went home, I was able to do some quilting.

How I did on last week's goals:

1. Quilt more on “Celtic Fantasy”. Done.

Sunday afternoon after the holiday celebrations were over, I quilted a couple of hours. I struggled deciding how to quilt the black area. I finally sketched a motif I was happy with. I practiced on a fat quarter sample.

I also marked registration lines for the center. I quilted with purple thread so it only shows a little and you probably can't see it in the photo.

2. Finish some snow people mug rugs. Done.

I didn't think I would get them all done so fast. I got carried away with making mug rugs and finished 29. All except one are on their way to their new homes. It was great to use up some scraps of fabric and smaller pieces of batting as well as some large holiday prints for backings.

Stash Report for 2023

this past week-   Used:   2.5 yds     Added: 0 yds

So far this year- Used: 102.42yds   Added: 42 yds

Net decrease 60.42 yds

Goals for this week:

1. Quilt more on “Celtic Fantasy”.
2. Start quilting a charity quilt.

Have a great week and enjoy some time for quilting.

Lots of Mug Rugs In Progress

       I love this time of year with cooler temperatures, fall colors and family holiday gatherings. I am looking forward to Thanksgiving this week. Family time takes priority then quilting projects second so I don't expect to get a lot of sewing/quilting time and that's okay.

Here is how I did on last week's goals:

1. Make a few more small gifts. Done.

When I was looking through my stash of Christmas fabric for a border fabric for “Oh My Star”, I pulled a fabric with squares of adorable snow characters. 

 I especially love the snowlady with quilts on her arms and thought it would make great mug rugs for quilting friends. I have pieced 12 snowlady tops

and 12 snowman tops.

2. Finish piecing Christmas “Oh My Stars” top. Done.

The top is finished. I thought about adding another border but could not find a fabric that I thought looked good so the quilt will just be small. It is a free Pat Sloan pattern and she has directions for a wider border than the basic pattern.  I made the outer border an extra inch wider than that. 

3. Quilt more on “Celtic Fantasy”. Not Done. 

I should not have listed this as a goal since I knew I had a lot on my schedule plus a long weekend trip to visit family.

Stash Report for 2023

this past week- Used: 4.25 yds Added: 0 yds

So far this year- Used: 99.92 yds Added: 42 yds

Net decrease 57.92 yds

     I'm expecting family Wednesday afternoon through Friday so no sewing will happen during that time. I hope to get a little done today and tomorrow.

Goals for this week:

1. Quilt more on “Celtic Fantasy”.
2. Finish some snow people mug rugs

Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Progress - Not So Much

     Time flew by last week and I don't have much to show for it. I had the car at the shop one day, an electrician at the house an afternoon and 2 morning meetings plus church quilt group day Wednesday so I didn't get to much quilting at home.  

Here's how I did on last week's goals:

1. Quilt more on “Celtic Fantasy”. Not Done.

I spent some time trying out quilting motifs for areas with special Dragon Con fabric and no applique. I like to practice on paper or plastic before I start FMQ.  Here is a sketch from my planning.

2. Quilt a charity top Not Done

I did not want to change the color thread on the machine so did not quilt.

3. Make a few more small gifts Done

I did get more small gifts made and may make a couple more.

      For church quilt group day we sewed colorful pillowcases to give Meals On Wheels clients for Christmas. We got 17 finished and plan to finish a few more this week.

     Thursday Pat Sloan started an “Oh My Star” QAL. I have made one before and like her pattern. . Last year I was given 2 Christmas charm packs so I decided to use them to make this quick holiday lap quilt. By Sunday afternoon I had half the rows sewn together.

Stash Report for 2023

this past week-   Used: 2 yd Added: 0 yds

So far this year- Used: 95.67 yds Added: 42 yds

               Net decrease 53.67 yds

     This week my calendar if packed with obligations plus some fun plans which means I may not get a lot of quilting done. That's okay because the holidays are getting close and sewing/quilting time takes a back seat. I hope you are preparing for some special holiday time.

Goals for this week

1. Make a few more small gifts

2. Finish piecing Christmas “Oh My Stars” top

3. Quilt more on “Celtic Fantasy”.

Have a great week and enjoy some time quilting or having fun.

Weekly Update and Goals

      Mornings were unusually chilly here last week so that was a great time to stay inside and sew. I worked on lots of small projects and got some quilting done.  I enjoy giving handmade gifts and that makes good use of my fabric stash.

This is how I did on last's week goals:

1. Quilt more on “Celtic Fantasy”. Done.

I quilted about 3 hours on it. Making good progress. Echo quilting around all the applique is done. 

2. Finish charity top. Done

I added the borders onto “It's a Snap” for a finished top.

3. Work on more small gifts. Done.

I finished another panel soft book, another 2 pairs of microwave bowl cozies, and a set of 4 placemats.

I finished 2 more pillowcases for Meals on Wheels clients for Christmas and cut 3 more pillowcase kits.

     While searching my stash for pillowcase fabrics, I also discovered a few forgotten projects and fabric. It was the perfect time to do some organizing and decluttering. It felt good. I need to plan projects to use scraps and precut fabric units such as 3 ½ “ squares which are overflowing. Maybe a Scrappy Trip Around the World is in the future.

Stash Report for 2023

this past week- Used: 6.66 yds Added: 2 yds

So far this year- Used: 93.67 yds Added: 42 yds

Net decrease 51.67 yds

Goals for this week:

1. Quilt more on “Celtic Fantasy”.

2. Quilt a charity top

3. Make a few more small gifts

Have a great week and enjoy some time for quilting.

Project Update and Weekly Goals

     This time of year I am happy to make requested Halloween costumes for GDs although that may be coming to an end as they age. I enjoy making and giving handmade items for Christmas and other occasions so that is how I spent most of my week.

This is how I did on last week's goals:

1. Quilt more on “Celtic Fantasy”. Done .

I quilted for 2 hours Monday, There is lots more to be done.

2. Sew Christmas gifts. Done

I made 2 pillowcases, 2 Christmas soft books from panels 

 
  

   

and 2 microwave bowl cozies.

3. Sew charity quilt project. Done.

I pieced the center of a 3 yd “It's a Snap” quilt.

A friend from church pieced “Stepping Up” blocks and I pieced them into a top.

Stash Report for 2023

this past week- Used: 2 yds Added: 0 yds

So far this year- Used: 87.01 yds Added: 40 yds

Net decrease 48.01 yds

     I have only been counting cotton quilting fabric in my yardage used; however, I want to note that I am also working to reduce other fabric yardage. GD Lily is in a school musical and there was a recent call for items to use in the show. I found scraps and yardage of suggested fabrics, ribbon and lace they can use.

    GD Lily tried on her Dorothy costume and it fit well after a minor adjustment.  * (update) She got her basket and red shoes.  Halloween was also Book Character Day so she wore her outfit to school.

 I also made her dog a lion mane for his costume. They were so cute together.

Goals for this week:

1. Quilt more on “Celtic Fantasy”.

2. Finish charity top

3. Work on more small gifts

Have a great week and enjoy some time for quilting.

Weekly Goals and Small Gifts

      It is Monday already and the start of a new week. Last week I stayed busy and feel good about what I accomplished even though I didn't meet all my goals. Friday I shared 2 small quilt finishes.   

This is how I did on last week's goals:

1. Quilt more on “Celtic Fantasy”. Not Done.

I just didn't have the energy to tackle the large quilt so chose to work on small projects.

2. Finish quilting the “Dancing Garland” wall-hanging. Done

The top was finished last year and was waiting for quilting. You can see more about the finish on Friday's post.

3. Quilt the snowman mini quilts. Done.

Both are finished and I'm keeping the one with the light blue border with mittens.

      In addition to quilt projects I made a Dorothy dress for GD Lily's Halloween costume. Hope it will fit.

      Sunday afternoon I did some organizing of projects and found a kit for a microwave bowl cozy. I needed a new one so quickly made it and one more. Then I cut out kits for 2 more pairs which will become gifts.

     Next I found 3 panels for Christmas soft books. One was already cut out so I cut fusible fleece and it is ready to sew. I also cut fleece for the other 2. These will be quick projects and will become gifts. Best of all, they will be out of my house and useful for some young children.

Stash Report for 2023

this past week- Used: 3.5 yd Added: 0 yds

So far this year- Used: 85.01 yds Added: 40 yds

Net decrease 46.01 yds

Goals for this week:

1. Quilt more on “Celtic Fantasy”.

2. Sew Christmas gifts.

3. Sew charity quilt project.

Have a great week and enjoy some time for quilting.

Friday Finishes

      This has been a great week for finishing small quilt projects. Early in the week I put the finishing touches on mini tabletop quilts. I couldn't decide on which fabrics to use so made 2. I will keep one and give the other away. I hope I will be able to choose one. The pattern is “All Bundled Up” from The Wooden Bear.  I love what the 3D yarn adds to the little quilts. Next time I use the pattern, I hope I remember to quilt the snowmen before adding the 3D yarn on the hat and scarf. The pattern tells you to quilt first but I got carried away with applique stitching and didn't pay attention.

     Next I finally quilted and finished the second Dancing Garland wall-hanging. This one is for me. You can still get the free pattern here.  

     I FM quilted a continuous design on the tree and then FM quilted  Leah Day's “Echo Shortcut” motif in the background. I did not put up a Christmas tree last year and this wall-hanging will be my tree this year.  I'm considering sewing on buttons from which to hang mini ornaments. 

    It feels great to finish projects. I hope I can finish a few more before the end of the year. I have too many quilt tops waiting for quilting.

Check out some inspiration at Alycia's Finished (or Not) Friday.

Have a great week and enjoy some time for quilting.

Goals and Progress

      I had great intentions to make a lot of progress quilting on the Celtic Fantasy quilt; however, health took a hit.

This is how I did on last week's goal:

1. Quilt more on “Celtic Fantasy”. Done.

Early in the week I finished echo quilting the Celtic motifs in the outside purple areas. Then I got a cold virus and didn't feel like wrestling a big quilt so it stalled. Here is what the top looks like. I have not yet echoed the dragons.

I decided to pull a small UFO to quilt and worked on quilting the “Dancing Garland” wall-hanging. I only need to quilt the white background.

      I was still not feeling up to a big project so found a cute snowman mini quilt pattern. I pulled from my stash and made 2 versions since I couldn't decide which group of fabrics I liked best. The snowman is all fusible except for the background and borders. I did machine blanket stitching around the pieces. I still need to hand embroider a mouth on each. Then they will be ready to sandwich and quilt a little.

Stash Report for 2023

this past week- Used: 1 yd Added: 0 yds

So far this year- Used: 81.51 yds Added: 40 yds

Net decrease 42.51 yds

I am hoping to feel much better this week and get a lot more quilting done.

Goals for this week

1. Quilt more on “Celtic Fantasy”.

2. Finish quilting the “Dancing Garland” wall-hanging.

3. Quilt the snowman mini quilts.

Have a great week and enjoy some time for quilting.

Comfort Quilt Finish

    It is Monday and the start of a new week so I'm looking back at last week's projects and planning for the new.  I like to keep one charity project and one of my own projects going. I still have plenty of quilting work to do on my son's Celtic Fantasy quilt. I finished the wildlife charity quilt so I'm thinking on what charity project to work on. 

This is how I did for the past week:

1. Quilt more on “Celtic Fantasy”. Done but just a little.

It is tedious work with a lot of stops and starts that I mostly avoided for something more fun. I wish I could get more excited to work on it because I know it will be special when finished.

2. Finish quilting charity/ comfort quilt. Done.

Last week I shared progress on this quilt and it wasn't laying very flat. With more quilting it lays better. I used leftover binding pieces for a scrappy binding of browns and blacks.

I used several FM motifs in the borders. 

 They show up better on the back.

3. Finish all fall theme mug rugs for homebound. Done.

I made more than needed for the homebound so a few with be small birthday gifts.

I decided as an afterthought that a few needed something so added silk leaves and stitched veins to attach them. Here is the before and after on one. 

    

Most of my time was spent on quilting.  Sewing used only scraps so my stash report did not change.

Goals for this week:

1. Quilt more on “Celtic Fantasy”.

2. Work on a new charity project.

Have a great week and enjoy some time for quilting.