Final 2024 Finishes

     As 2024 ends I have tried to move projects closer to a finish, if not get them finished. I added borders on “Fishy Friendship Stars” and “Kira Fun” so they will be tops for charity waiting for quilting in 2025.

     I quilted “Wild Rainbow” and attached the binding and label so it is finished and ready to be gifted to a great niece.

Then I pulled out a QOV in case I had time to quilt. Sunday afternoon I was in the mood to quilt and finished the quilting so that makes my last 2 finishes for 2024.

*Update*  Now it is totally finished with binding and label. 

    It was fun to look back at the year's quilt projects. I made notes on all the quilting projects that have been finished and what UFOs will be on my list for 2025. I am pleased with what I've worked on and how much of my stash has been used. I began the year with 12 UFOs on my list and finished 6 of those. Four just need quilting.

For 2024 I finished: 11 quilts for family, friends or myself

14 quilts for charity/comfort

27 placemats for charity or friends

Additionally I pieced 13 quilt tops which are ready for 2025 and a few more that are in progress. One in progress is this improv floral swirl. I'm looking for a suitable border fabric in my stash but have not found one I like yet.

Stash Report for 2024

this past week - Used: 6.125 yds Added: 0.25 yds

So far this year - Used: 134.38 yds Added: 45.875 yds

Net decrease 88.525 yds

I enjoyed my year of quilting projects and look forward to another wonderful creative year for 2025.

I'm linking up with Alycia's FON Friday.  Check it out. 

Happy New Year !

May you have a wonderful year of learning, creating, sewing, quilting and sharing.

Quilting Progress Before Thanksgiving

       I'm looking forward to a busy week with family and still making some progress on quilt projects. I am continuing on a roll piecing and quilting comfort quilts. I pieced the center of our SQG group color palette Friendship Star project.

For most of the joining I was able to piece large units and then I used the partial seam technique in the middle. Joan has it now to add the borders.

    I finished the quilting on "Grandma's Flower Garden" comfort quilt.  The hand pieced hexi flowers were donated.  

*Update  -  The green binding is on for a total finish and a perfect frame.  Sorry there are some shadows. 

I FM quilted a leafy meander.  It is only the second time I have used that motif and I got more comfortable quilting as I worked. 

I finished 3 more Thanksgiving mug rugs which have already been shared.

I also finished 5 Christmas mug rugs.

I pulled another UFO project and cut sashing and cornerstones. Maybe I will have time to sew the blocks into a top.

Stash Report for 2024

this past week - Used: 2.25 yds Added: 0 yds

So far this year - Used: 118.005 yds Added: 44.625 yds

Net decrease 73.38 yds

My cacti have started blooming beautifully for the holiday. 

I have so much to be for which to be thankful. I hope you all enjoy a great week and time with friends and family. Happy Thanksgiving!

Busy Quilt Room

     Today we take time to celebrate Veterans Day and honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. Thanks to all Veterans.

A special way quilters say thanks is by making Quilts of Valor. I have 2 QOV tops ready. Saturday I prepared the backing which hopefully will be sandwiched Wednesday and ready for quilting.

    My sewing room was busy the past week with quilting projects and I have a lot of progress to show. I have been on a mission to finish comfort quilts. I quilted this maroon and pink and Sally with bind.

Here is a close up of quilting.  I used Angela Walters' ferny feather in the border.

Next I quilted this leafy log cabin.

Here is a close up of quilting.  The border motif is from Laura Lee Fritz. 

Then I added the check border to make this donated top wider and it is ready to be sandwiched.

I appliqued the leaves on Grandma's Flowers top and pieced a backing so it is ready to be sandwiched. The flower units were hand pieced and donated to my church quilt group.

Over the weekend I pulled out Thanksgiving/fall fabric scraps and pieced 7 mug rugs, pieced batting scraps and cut backings. Sunday afternoon I was able to finish 4.

      A large amount of fabric from my stash was used this past week. Sadly, it did not make a visible difference. I will just have to keep working at using stash. I started looking back at quilts that have been started and/or finished so far this year and thinking about my list for the new year. I have made many more comfort quilts than I worked on my own UFOs. I will share the details closer to the end of the year.

        Stash Report for 2024

           this past week - Used: 13.905 yds Added: 0 yds

So far this year - Used: 129.66 yds Added: 44.625 yds

              Net decrease 85.035 yds

Have a great week and enjoy some time for quilting.

A Couple of Finishes

      Surprisingly I had more time for quilting last week and finished “Fat Quarter 4Patch” ( a free pattern from Fat Quarter Shop) and binding is ready for Joan to bind.

      Next I worked on the custom quilting on the Faux Feathered Star group quilt. It was difficult for me to decide what designs to use. However, I persevered and the quilting is finished. I was able to cut enough scrappy binding from the medium value shirt fabrics that are in the top. As I was working I noticed a stain. I figured it was probably oil from my machine because I couldn't think of anything else that could have gotten on it. So after the binding was on I used some stain remover on the spots and put it in the wash. Now it looks great and is ready to share.

The free Faux Feathered Star pattern from Fat Quarter Shop finishes at 40 1/2” square and has a light background. Our group wanted a larger scrappy lap quilt so I came up with the plan in EQ to add borders and finish at 52” by 64”.  It was a bit confusing with the reversed color values but I love how it worked out.

     Wednesday at church sew day I took time to sandwich a couple of tops so that they will be ready when I want one to quilt. I had pulled fabric for backings from my home stash so backings were ready and made a dent in my stash.

Stash Report for 2024

     this past week - Used: 6.25 Added: 0 yds

So far this year - Used: 111.255 yds Added: 40.625 yds

      Net decrease 70.63 yds

I'm linking up with Cynthia"s Oh Scrap

Have a great week and enjoy some time for quilting.

# FauxFeatheredStar

A Finish and a Surprise

     Happy Friday ! I am pleased to share a finished quilt. “Rainbow Sherbet” was inspired by the “Birch Bark” pattern from Hunter's Design Studio and used jelly roll strips plus and accent fabric. My quilt was created by improvisation and measures about 63” by 69” after quilting. I simply FM quilted large swirls.  It is going to a great niece.

      I also finished a quilt top. The Double Nine Patch Chain was a UFO from MaryAnn.  I love the yellow and gray. I am thinking it would look better with a dark gray border added. I would have to go shopping for some dark gray fabric if I decide to add one. I think I have enough gray for a binding.

     Those are my finishes for the week. I started 2024 with 12 UFOs on my list to focus on. So far 6 have been finished. I have started 3 new projects for myself plus adopted 3 UFOs from MaryAnn. I have finished 3 of those. My UFO list is not shrinking very much and that count doesn't include comfort quilt tops. I hope I can finish a few more before the end of the year. Hope you are finishing your quilt projects.

      The South Carolina State Fair is going on. I entered 4 quilts and won 4 blue ribbon awards plus a wonderful surprise. My 2 wall-hangings received awards sponsored by the Quilters of SC. My appliqued “Fall Memories” received the Judge's Recognition award.

My modern improvisation pieced “Twisted Transistor” received the Sweepstakes for machine stitched.

I'm linking up with Alycia's Finished or Not Friday. 

Have a great week and enjoy some time for quilting.

A UFO Finish

     October quilting time is off to a great start. I sandwiched two UFO tops and one of those is now quilted, labeled and bound. It is also washed and ready to be gifted to a great nephew. I decided to call it “Circle Stars” for lack of a better idea. I was first intrigued by the block when I saw it on Linda's blog in 2019. I had a pile of the triangle in a square blocks left from a Bonnie Hunter mystery so they were perfect for these blocks.

     I have been trying to clear out orphan blocks and I would rather use them for something so I have made more placemats. I finished 4 fall placemats for Meals on Wheels clients.

I also finished 4 star placemats that will be a house warming gift.

   This week I have a full lots calendar but still hope to get some quilting done.

Stash Report for 2024

this past week - Used: 6 yds      Added: 0.5 yds

   So far this year -Used: 105.005 yds Added: 40.625 yds

Net decrease 64.38 yds

Have a great week and enjoy some time for quilting.

Last Finish for September

     On this last day of September I am happy to share a finish. “Tropical Logs” was adopted from a friend who gave up quilting. I made more blocks and pieced the top. I finished the quilting Saturday and the binding Sunday. It will be a gift to a great niece.

     Last week I also worked on a few small projects. My guild, Greater Columbia Quilters, is planning to play Quilt Guild BINGO. The game first came out in the Sept/Oct 2006 issue of “Fons and Porter's Love of Quilting Magazine.” You can still find the game rules and cards here. In order to participate members of my guild need to make 2 BINGO quilt blocks which will be used for charity quilts after our game day.

     When I was cleaning I found 4 kids pillowcase kits that I cut a couple of years ago. I sewed them up and they will go to our local Ronald McDonald House.

Stash Report for 2024

this past week - Used: 5.5 yds Added: 0 yds

So far this year -Used: 99.005 yds Added: 40.125 yds

Net decrease 58.88 yds

Have a great week and enjoy some time for quilting.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” - Philippians 4:13

Lap Quilt Finish

     After I finished my Hey June UFO last Thursday, (You can see pictures in Friday's post) I pulled a small lap quilt top pieced by the Cresco ladies of Iowa. I found backing and binding fabrics in my stash. I pieced together some batting scraps and before long the little lap quilt was finished.

It is a nice size for someone in a wheelchair.

     Now I need to pull another UFO top that is waiting to be quilted. It would be wonderful if I could get 2 sandwiched. The quilting might have to wait until next week.

Stash Report for 2024

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

So far this year -Used: 77.455 yds Added: 35.125 yds

     Net decrease 42.33 yds

Have a great week and enjoy some time for quilting.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” - Philippians 4:13

A Couple of Finishes

      I have been on a roll the last couple of weeks doing lots of quilting.  I finished quilting another charity/comfort quilt for my church quilt group.  The top was pieced by Jan and will be bound by Joan.

     Another of my UFO's has finally been completely finished.  I even hand sewed the binding and added a label.  Near the end of the Covid  shut in GE Quilt Design hosted the Hey June QAL  for her pattern "June".  Here is my finished "June".

 

and the FM quilting.

I'm linking up with Alycia's Finished or Not Friday.

Have great weekend.

Variety of Small Finishes

      The past week I spent several day quilting on a UFO but it's not ready to show. Then when I needed a break from quilting, I worked on small projects. I finished 3 very scrappy Christmas placemats for Meals on Wheels clients.

     In September my guild will host a silent auction fund raiser and I wanted to make some things for it. I decided to use a few of my practice quilting pieces to make notebook covers. Here is one I cut for the outside of a notebook cover. 

 Here are 2 finished.   Outside 

and inside view.

     Next I pulled another quilting practice sample and cut the outside piece for a notepad cover.  I hope someone will be willing to pay something for them. 

     I needed some quilting thread, and when I was in JoAnn Fabrics, I found a ¾ yd remnant for $0.82 which I couldn't resist so it was added to my stash of black and white prints.

Stash Report for 2024

  this past week - Used: 2 yds          Added: 0.75 yds 

So far this year -Used: 76.455 yds Added: 35.125 yds

     Net decrease 41.33 yds

Have a great week and enjoy some time for quilting.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” - Philippians 4:13

Comfort Quilt Finish

      I spent most of my time on quilting and binding last week. I finished the binding on the “Pinwheel Flowers” quilt I showed last week. Then I quilted a comfort quilt for my church group. Martha pieced the modern curves top. I played with a variety of quilt motifs in each area of the pieced curve blocks. I even sewed on the binding for the finish.

     I enjoy giving mug rugs with birthday cards and needed 3 for August. Here they are ready to go.

Stash Report for 2024

this past week - Used: 1.2 yds Added: 0 yds

So far this year -Used: 75.255 yds Added: 34.375 yds

Net decrease 41.28 yds

    I pulled another UFO sandwiched top for quilting this week and maybe I will also work with some orphan blocks to make more placemats. 

Have a great week and enjoy some time for quilting.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” - Philippians 4:13

Finished Except for Binding

     Progress was made on a variety of projects and that feels great.  My “Pinwheel Flowers” top waited for a while to be quilted. I am counting this as a finish since the binding is made and just needs to be sewn on. Here is my “Pinwheel Flowers” quilt.

My inspiration came from the “City Girl” quilt by Svanhild Schmidt-Havstad in the Dec/Jan 2009 “Quilters Newsletter” magazine.

The challenge was being consistent in making the triangle in a square units and I got more precise as I went.

      When I was asked to make the “Ribbons and Pinwheels” quilt that I recently finished, I was just sent a photo and did not know from where the pattern came. Last week I found out it was a free pattern from Robert Kaufman. You can find the pattern here.

 It was designed by Darlene Zimmerman and named “Buttons and Bows”.

      Other sewing projects got some attention. I used some stash to cut sashing and cornerstones for a comfort quilt. I used stash to make border corner quarter-square triangle units and border strips to move a scrappy improv UFO to a finished top.

I also finished 3 placemats that will go to Meals on Wheels clients in the fall. They are fast and easy when I have a great specialty print fabric.

Quilting is in progress on a charity/comfort quilt.  In addition to sewing I put lots of pears in the freezer. Hope you can tell how huge many of the pears were.

Hopefully next week will see another quilting finish.

Stash Report for 2024

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

So far this year -Used: 74.455 yds Added: 34.375 yds

Net decrease      40.08 yds

Have a great week and enjoy some time for quilting.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” - Philippians 4:13

Two Finishes

     It has been too hot to work outside so I have spent several days quilting and it feels great to have 2 finishes. First, the “Ribbons and Pinwheels” is finished and ready to be gifted.

It began as I was sent a photo of a quilt from Pinterest and asked if I could make one like it. I found the free ribbon (bow) block and used EQ to plan the alternate pinwheel blocks and the rest of the quilt. Almost all of the fabric came from my stash.  

I quilted a FM meander in the center and swirls in the outer border. I think it turned out lovely for a little girl.

    Second finish is a comfort quilt for church. I adapted the “It's A Snap” pattern from Fabric Cafe to use a little more than 3 yards of fabric for a little larger quilt to finish at 48 by 66”.

I quilted a FM meander in portions and a dot to dot motif in the dark green blocks. I quilted FM swirls in the border. Another member will sew on the binding.

Stash Report for 2024

this past week - Used: 3.33 yds Added: 0 yds

So far this year -Used: 70.205 yds Added: 30.875 yds

Net decrease 39.33 yds

     Another UFO is sandwiched and already being quilted.  I will be helping at Vacation Bible School this coming week; however, I hope to have some quilting time in the late afternoons if I'm not too tired from the fun.

Hope you are enjoying the July 4^th weekend.

Have a great week and enjoy some time for quilting.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” - Philippians 4:13