Two out of Three Done

Popping in for a minute to do my NewFO Challenge report. I only got two out of my three done, so don't count me toward the giveaway, Barb. Go here if you want to see one I got done  and here for the other.  I've got to make a quilt top for St. Anne's so that will be my NewFO for June. That and finish the pink plaid and check top will be my Nothing by UFO challenge.  Those two will be my Get it Done Goals for June. It's going to be a way too busy month what with possible surgery for DH, visitors from Texas and babysitting marathon now that school is out for the summer.  Gosh the time is flying.  

Off to rock baby Alan for a short nap so he won't be cranky at dinner. I'm linking to Barbara's NewFO challenge , Carrie's Nothing by UFOs, and Judy's Get it Done challenge.   Go check them out!

Last but now least, here's a beauty from my DH container garden.  He always brings up beauties to the patio so I won't miss them.

It's Hexie Friday

I've a very busy day tomorrow so since it's only a couple of hours for the start of Friday here, I'm going to post my Hexie Friday progress now.
 
Got my third flower done and prepped the next center.  I'd hope to work on the first block but ran out of time.
 
Here are the three in an approximate layout for the block.  You can probably guess where this is going. Feel free to guess.
 
In case you didn't see it, go on over to Quilt Inspiration - they have some fabulous vintage hexie quilts in a recent post.  Love it!
 
Have you been working on a hexie project?  Have an old one or future one you can share? Or one you spotted on the Web?  We'd love to see it.  You can see Billie's progress/or not (we've both agreed this post was as life leaves us time) at her blog. So far these Friday eye candy links have been inspiring us to move along on our hexie hand piecing projects.  Here's the linky button:



And the Winners are...

of the 750th Blog Post Giveaway(I hadn't forgotten - just waiting to hear from the quilters) [I used Random.org to pick the winners]:

The 7 quilt items go to Terri J.  Here's what she'll be getting:
a Kim Schaefer's Calendar Quilts pattern pack -lots of yummy applique there!; a Pine Meadows pattern of Cardinals; a spool of water soluble basting thread - great for applique too; a spool of Wonderfil Mirage variegated thread; one 1/4 yard WOF and 1/2 yard of Free Spirit fabric and one Fat Quarter of brown and white dots.  Congrats, Terri!

Winning the 5 items was Michelle T of Canada.  She's getting:
the book Little Lone Star Quilts; a charm pack from Laundry Basket Quilts, a Southwind Designs pattern called Turtle Trails, a package of Texture Magic and an Aunt Becky's Finger Protector. Congrats, Michelle!

And thank you to all of you who left comments and shared your wonderful eye candy.  You made my 750th blogging post milestone very special.

Applique Thursday and a Giveaway

Got a little bit done on my Whimsical applique block:
It wouldn't have been so difficult if I'd done as I usually do and thrown the fabric for the flower on the background and seen if the dots showed.  They did, but I didn't find this out until I had already fused and cut out all the petals!  So I had to sandwich some more yellow and do them all over.  Oh well - more fusible scraps thrown into my bag.

Thanks to all who shared their eye candy.  It was so much fun reading about it on your blogs and seeing more in previous post, too.  This week we have another book giveaway.  This one is Simply Landscapes by Judy Sisneros.  You could easily add applique elements to any of her quilts.
I'm thinking you'll really like this one:
 
 To win this copy, all you need to do is comment or link to have a chance for it to be yours. Or do both and have two chances. And for extra chances, tell your friends about this giveaway. If they comment or link and mention you in their comment, you'll automatically get another entry in this giveaway. Submissions end Wednesday night. Use the blue link below. And remember, it doesn't have to be applique (that you share that is) - all sorts of eye candy is eligible and very welcome - even projects you finished a while ago - it's all new to me.

WOW - my Tuesday WIP

I got the secret quilt back assembled, labeled, sandwiched and pin basted.  And that's all I can say.
Now back to my UFOs.  I'm linking to Connie's Free Motion by the River and Esther's WOW. Check out all those WIPs.

Design Wall Monday 5/27/13

The secret quilt is still on my design wall and will be there as the boys are over and of course quilting and everything else comes to a halt when they are here. Not that I would miss these visits for the world. We'll be taking a few moments to visit our nearby cemetery to place a flag or two.

I'm linking to Judy's Patchwork Times for eye candy. What's on your design wall?

Stash Report 5/26/13

Pulled a 5 yard piece from my stash for a secret project I'm making. Can't show you yet, but here's the Northcott fabric I'll be using:
Also used 1/4 yd in making two swap blocks and bits and pieces for my hexie project for a total of 5.25 yards of destashing. Nice!  Here are my numbers:
in 0.0 yds.; out  5.25 yds.
Stash YTD: in 6.5 yds., out 57.97 yds.
Donated YTD: 26.58 yds
Net for 2013: out 51.47yds
 
Woo Hoo! over 50 yards and it's not even the end of the first half of the year.  Yes!
 
I'm linking over to Judy's Patchwork Times for other de-stashing stories.  See you there!


It's Hexie Friday!

Not much sewing this week, but did get some hexies done while Alan slept.  That's the beauty of hand piecing hexies  - you can just take them with you and prep and sew in little segments of time.
I'm hoping to make my first sample block for the quilt I have in mind once this third hexie is completed.  Thank you to all who linked up and showed us your hexie project (past, present and future).  They were great!

 Have you been working on a hexie project?  Have an old one or future one you can share?  We'd love to see it.  You can see Billie's progress at her blog. So far these Friday's  eye candy have been inspiring us to move along on our hexie hand piecing projects.  Here's the linky button:

Applique Thursday

I'm tired. Lot of family commitments this week and very little sewing. So here are some lovely applique quilts from the recent Inland Empire Quilt Guild's Quilt Show.





All of these quilts were made by the featured quilter at this event, Cheryl Giovenco. What a master quilter! It was a great show. Too bad the air conditioning wasn't working and it was one of our hottest days.  I had to go home early.

The winner of last week's Curves in Motion is Sophie!  I've sent her an email. Thanks to all who commented.

No book this week - just don't have the energy to scan.  Will be glad when things settle down.  Thanks for stopping by and commenting!  It's always fun to hear from you.

Design Wall Monday & A Giveaway!


I was looking at my dashboard and realized this will be my 750th post. Wow! So I've decided to have a special giveaway for you, my readers.  There will be two winners.  The first one will win a mystery box with seven items - maybe a little fabric, a book, a charm pack, a pattern, a notion - seven items. The second winner will get a box with 5 items.  Are you interested? Leave me a comment answering this question:  What is your favorite charity quilt pattern?   And if you'd like more chances to win become a follower or leave another comment saying you're already a follower. And lastly, earn another chance by linking (doesn't have to be a new post) a post that shares one of your charity quilts.
Here's the button:

Now onto quilting news. Last week was so busy and today is my volunteer day, so not much different on my design wall. I'm halfway done with the nine patch squares I need.   Ten days left to finish the blocks.  I'm linking to Judy's Patchwork Times and Lyn's BOMs Away. Check out what others have on their walls.

Stash Report 5/19/13

A waxy beauty from my DH's cactus!

Went to a Sew Day at our Guild today.  We made blocks for VA quilts.  I actually got a whole top done using a panel to which I added fabric round and round it.  It measures about 36 by 42.  I pulled a fabric from my stash to be the back, so that used a yard.  I also fussy cut some squares and that used up another 1/4 yard.  Not much other de-stashing, but I didn't buy anything either.
Here are my numbers:
in 0.0 yds.; out  1.25 yds.
Stash YTD: in 6.5 yds., out 52.72yds.
Donated YTD: 26.58 yds
Net for 2013: out 46.22 yds
 
I'm linking to Judy's Patchwork Times. Join me there to see other's de-stashing endeavors. 

Bring on the Candy!

Eye Candy that is!
AmysCreativeSide.com
 
It's time for Amy's Fabulous Blogger's Quilt Festival! While others have Quilt Market to go to, we that can't get there, have all the eye candy we could want to see at BQF. I find more wonderful quilting blogs to visit every time I attend, whether I participate or not.  Thank you so much, Amy!
 
My entry this year is a small item and picked, not in hopes of winning a prize, but to show a new technique I learned.  Here is my Christmas table topper.  I made this from a pattern created by Cheryl Phillips of  Phillips Fiber Art  .  I don't think I would have tried this without her wedge tool and excellent directions.  And it only took a few Christmas scraps from my stash! It measures 18" round.
Look forward to seeing a quilt of yours at Blogger's Quilt Festival.

It's Hexie Friday!

Firstly, the winner from last week's giveaway is Carrie P. I've sent her an email. Thanks so much to everyone who shared eye candy and comments. It was great to hear from you.

I made a little bit of progress. Seems like the only time I get to work on my hexies is when Alan, my DGS, is taking a nap, and they seem to be getting shorter and shorter - LOL.
A few more hexies and I'll be done with my second flower!  Have you been working on a hexie project?  Have an old one you can share?  We'd love to see it.  You can see Billie's progress at her blog. So far these Friday's have been inspiring us to move along on hexie hand piecing projects.  Here's the linky button:

Applique Thursday 5/15/13

Well, I've been called back into the ranks of Babysitting and I'll be putting in a couple of more 10 hour days to end the week.  But I did get a bit further on my applique.  Help me out here:
They're not fused down yet - the flowers that is. And I'm wondering if I should use a dark pink to delineate the petals. Once I have them detailed, I can add the centers and tone down those bright leaves. Suggestions?

I have another book this week.  It's called Curves in Motion.

Judy uses a system very similar to Ruth McDowell's for making her art pieces and it's fascinating to see how she puts them together.  To win this copy, all you need to do is comment or link to have a chance for it to be yours. Or do both and have two chances. And for extra chances, tell your friends about this giveaway. If they comment or link and mention you in their comment, you'll automatically get another entry in this giveaway. Submissions end Wednesday night. Use the blue link below. And remember, it doesn't have to be applique (that you share that is) - all sorts of eye candy is eligible and very welcome - even projects you finished a while ago - it's all new to me.

May Mid-Month Report

I'm happy to report I'm more along with my "get it done" goals than any month before. I think the secret for me is to pare down the goal to a small unit and then it doesn't seem so monumental and thus doable.  I've worked on all three and finished two!
Here are my Block Lotto blocks - of which the flying geese was this month's block. Wonder how many blocks will be done for this month - last time it seemed like a ton of the cute bird on the right.
I'm linking to Melissa's Sew Bitter Sweet Designs blog for this May mid-month A Lovely Year of Finishes challenge.
 

Design Wall Monday 5/13/13

I've been working on my nine-patches for DGD's quilt. Have8 done or at least to the nine patch stage.  Three are already divided into fourths, one is my mock-up, and the other 4 are at the assembled nine patches. Think I'll wait until all the 9ps are done before cutting any more.  And I won't assemble the four patches until I can lay all the units out and that way get the most random arrangement I can.
 
What's on your design wall?  I'm heading over to Judy's Patchwork Times and Lyn's BOMs Away to check progress there.

Stash Report 5/12/13

First  - Happy Mother's Day to all mothers! May many blessings be given you for your loving and continued care.  And a special hug for mine!

Secondly - there's a giveaway on my Friday post in case you're interested. Check it out for some hexie fun.

And now to my stash. I did sew most days, but mostly with fabric I'd already accounted for or not from my stash.  So I went stash diving and found 2.63 yards for a tablecloth (just have to hem it on four sides and it's done). Then I got rid of two florals that weren't saying anything to me (.25 yards). I did use about a fat eighth on all my applique blocks. And then I went through a big bag from a closet drawer.  Turned out it was a scrap bag of all sorts of sizes and fabrics (not my cup of scrap) from my old (as in time not age) neighbor - she's no longer with us.  I did pull a few that called to me. I found a hug wad of black - must be six yards.  I'm keeping that.  So I'm giving to the guild 10.24 yards out of that bag. Wow.  So here are my numbers:
in 3.5 yds.; out  13.25 yds.
Stash YTD: in 6.5 yds., out 51.47 yds.
Donated YTD: 26.58 yds
Net for 2013: out 44.97 yds
 
So some progress there! - even if it was mainly by donation.  There actually is now a hole in that drawer that can take another bag off my sewing room floor.  How did you do? I'm linking with Judy at Patchwork Times to see how others did on their de-stashing.
 

Winner of the 5/2 Applique Thursday giveaway is

Chris! .  I'm sending her an email.  Chris belongs to my quilt guild, so I'll be able to deliver it to her personally.  Chris has just started making memory quilts from a clients old clothes or those of a loved one.  You can see her website here.  You'll find the link to her blog there, also.

Congrats Chris!

It's Hexie Friday!

Another Friday already?  Time sure flies by when one has a ton of things to do.  I made some progress - barely. Got the first flower done and on to the second. I'm enjoying using the glue pen.  See a video about it here. When I can get to these, I can prep them pretty quickly and get on with the sewing.  I'm not too happy with the thread I used on the second one.  What would be appropriate for sewing together two such disparate colors.  I'd use invisible thread but I can't see where I'm sewing, much less thread the needle - LOL.  Suggestions?

I'm anxious to see what Billie did.  I'll have to go to her blog and see her progress.  Last I saw she'd done some slow stitching on Sunday.  That sounds so comfy and restful.  I'll have to pull out my embroidery block and try it - or make some hexies on Sunday - hehe.  Okay, no pressure, Billie.  I know perfectly well how life can change any and all plans. Like yesterday, I thought I was going to spend some time at the hospital, but Thanks be to God, I didn't .  You can read about it on my Applique Thursday post if you're curious.

Now since it's Hexie Friday, I saved links I came across that had hexies.  Here are three to browse for hexie fun:  Raconteur , a mug rug , and a free project .


 The pull of the hexagon is still strong.  In fact Quiltmaker for the May/June issue features them.

I have an extra copy. Let's have a giveaway and share it with someone. Leave a comment and you'll be in the running.  And we have a linky - please share your hexie project - we'd love to see what you are doing with this versatile shape (same linky will be on Billie's blog).  Links give you a second chance to win the issue, too.  Look forward to seeing your eye candy!

Applique Thursday 5/9/13

Sunday and part of Monday I had a burst of applique frenzy fun. I added to my block 6 of Esther's Forget Me Not BOM:
It's amazing what a photo can tell you.  I have this plant in my garden.  We have three colors white, red and pink.  The stems are gray and the thorns are almost white.  There are different greens in the leaves. I'll tone down the top ones with pencil. And I'm not sure there is enough contrast between the pink flowers( there will be a lot more in the final - testing pinks) and the red background. What do you think?
I also started my next Whimsical block:
and even began my 6th Anna's Garden block:
This set I am doing by needle turn so it takes me longer.

I'll post more tomorrow - I'm dealing with a kidney stone right now and can't do much more, but wanted to get something up in case I don't feel up to it later.

Eye candy (applique or not) would be most appreciated!

Design Wall Monday

Very busy weekend! Friday I took my Mom to a local quilt show for part of her 87th birthday.  It was a great show despite that the air conditioning wasn't working and it was the hottest day of the year (97) so far. Saturday I left at 6:45 to work a yard sale for our local food pantry - whew! - it was hot that day too especially the last two hours between 12 -2. But it was worth it - we made over $600 for food purchases.

On my design wall are pinwheel blocks for a quilt I'm making for DGD.  I only got to do a bit of sewing today, but it will be my priority for the week in between making another top for St. Anne's. That meeting is Thursday.  This week is always busy with all the prep for St. Anne's and getting ready for the Second Saturday sale at the library.  I'm already tired. 

What's on your design wall?  I'm heading over to Judy's Patchwork Times and Lyn's BOMs Away to see what others will be working on this week.
 


Looking for the Giveaway? Go here.

Stash Report 5/4/13

Essentially, nothing in and nothing out. I just used a few scraps from my stash to work on the applique blocks(probably about .01 yards). My numbers are almost the same as last week:
in 3.5 yds.; out .01 yds.
Stash YTD: in 6.5 yds., out 38.22 yds.
Donated YTD: 16.34 yds
Net for 2013: out 31.72 yds.
 
So here are some photos of  flowers in bloom around my yard.
 
 
 
 
 
Were you able to de-stash?  Let's go over to Judy's Patchwork Times and check out the posting there.
 
 

It's Hexie Friday!

Billie and I are having  a Quilt Along (or should I say sew along as this is a long time sewing project). And you're invited to join us.  We both have hexie projects started.  To keep us moving forward, we're going to share our progress (probably slow on my part) on Fridays.  You can see my first venture into "Hexidom" here .  This is as far as I've gotten so far:
Five more to sew on and I'll be done with my first flower - 26 to go! 

Billie has a beautiful pattern she is working on. It's called Star Flower. Please visit her Friday post to see it.  And she's having a giveaway!

Do you have a hexie project? I'd love to see it! Tell me about it in a comment.

Applique Thursday

Have started on my next Forget Me Not block - have a way's to go:

I'm wondering if you can guess which flower this is. Those who are making this BOM will know right away.

The winner from last week's giveaway of Frayed Edge Fun is  Desert Sky Quilts. I've sent her an email.

This week's book has some applique but is mostly easy piecing.
To win this copy, all you need to do is comment or link to have a chance for it to be yours. Or do both and have two chances. And for extra chances, tell your friends about this giveaway. If they comment or link and mention you in their comment, you'll automatically get another entry in this giveaway. Submissions end Wednesday night. Use the blue link below. And remember, it doesn't have to be applique (that you share that is) - all sorts of eye candy is eligible and very welcome - even projects you finished a while ago - it's all new to me.
I'm linking to Pat Sloan's Show and Tell - meet me there! And good luck on both giveaways.

SAHRR Round 5 and 6

  Ready to show rounds 5 and 6. Actually, the prompt for 5 was make 4 of something. So I chose four patch, and actually since that made my q...