January UFO; Quilts 4 Kids; Stash Report

kaleidoscopeNothing like saving a January finish (or TWO) for the very last possible moment :0)
I really don't know when I began this quilt, but early 2008 is a good guesstimate. Once the label is made and attached, it'll be included in the package for a trek to Quilts 4 Kids. January UFO : DONE!

A Cowboy's LifeQuilts 4 Kids kit: DONE! And since this pattern was soooooo quick, I decided to dig into the new Loot from yesterday....


...I chose this fabric yesterday with Quilts 4 Kids in mind. BRIGHT FROGS!!! Borders will come tomorrow evening.

Stash Report: January 25 - 31
Used this week: 3.94 yards
Purchased this week: 54 yards (GASP, GASP! ((grin)))
Used-to-date 2010: 31.00 yards
Purchased-to-date 2010: 86.25 yards
Net used: -55.25 yards
I got my work cut out for me now...no more purchasing until I get back to ZERO!
:0)


And thanks to Candace for linking the Fransson PaintBox Quilt-along! I may just have found a way to use up some more of my stash :0)
Classic Block directions

Happy Sunday

2010 BOM - February posted

Hiya BOM ladies!
Okay, trying something different.
"back in the day", I had an internet site that I used for my family and quilting 'stuff'. Sadly, the company that hosted my "home" closed their doors, and I hadn't found a replacement.

Knowing I needed to offer a downloadable file for February, I started scoping the net for a new home for the website. I found Bravenet.com, and so far am "satisfied" with it (not completely in love yet!) I signed up for the FREE version to try it out; I have a feeling I'll cough up the bucks for the upgrade because the ads on the pages are a bit annoying, and I'll run out of disk space awfully soon!

Anyway, here are the links that'll lead you to my February BOM's.

February - Blackford's Beauty












February - Mosaic Star












February - Florida's Key West













(This list is also linked on the side bar)

For now, PLEASE forgive the annoying ads at the top of the pages and the "blandness" of the pages. I don't have my design software loaded on my new laptop yet, and the software is at school. I'll need to get it installed before the pages can get a facelift. But, for those of you antsy, I'm sure you'll have no problem with the blandness! :0) My plans for the facelift: better layout and bigger photos. Deadline: end of this week (2/5/10). For those of you starting right away, have no fear; directions will not change, nor will page URL's change. Goal achieved! 2/5/10 updates have been made :0)

A little story about the third block:
this choice really had two inspirations. When I inherited my Grandmother's stash, I came across a set of blocks already made and a faded sheet of paper with what appeared to be a secret code written on it. Days later, I found this stack of WorkBasket magazines, and suddenly the code made sense. The WB mag. shared a "state BOM" each month from 1985-87; she had the entire set and had started making a sampler quilt. I took over where she left off, and ..... well.....it's still sitting as a "Special UFO" that may never see a finish???
Okay, that's the first part; the second part was----"Wouldn't it be cool to share a pattern each month of states of where the BOM followers live???" I know not all of the participants live in the States, but for those that do, I'm thinking that's the game plan??? I'm not picking favorites, but the reason Florida is first is simple: Angela (soscrappy, who lives in Florida) was my first blog-buddy!

I don't know where all of you live, so when you comment today, share the state you live in!!! :0) Oh, I'll admit, if you live in Hawaii, oh dear! That will just plain "stink!" I don't have the magazine handy to take a pic of the pattern, but---WAY too much applique!!! LOL

Alright---time to get downstairs. Don't be bashful to leave comments, opinions, questions. I really don't know if I left anything out or if things are unclear.

Happy Sunday

The LOOT!

and I quote....
"Don't go too wild at the fabric sale this weekend, remember, you'll have to use it all someday." - Angela (soscrappy)

Mhuaaa-ahhh-ahhhhhhh

My rough estimate.....40 yards---YIKES!

the start of a DOTS collection...

my fav: 30's reproductions....

the start of a black/white collection (and maybe some red for the Black/Red pineapple blossom finish)

a couple more pieces for the Red/Blue/White BOM quilt

some BRIGHTS for possible Quilts 4 Kids donations....

close up of one of the brights----I finished off the bolt (~4.5 yards)

some random pieces I grabbed from all over; hmmm, I see many of them "go together" quite nicely....

The total damage: yeah....... went over budget JUST a little....really, JUST a little. They had an even BETTER deal than 50% off cottons, and then an additional 10% off total purchase. When I brought up my CARTS full of bolts to be cut; (after the sales lady went into panic-mode), she smiled and asked if I knew about the "buy $100 worth, take $20 off total purchase". (Which equates to 20% off total purchase -- if right around $100). Thank goodness they weren't overly busy, because I kept adding to my piles. Kinda like our stash---she barely made a dent into cutting the stack of bolts when I added more to it! I started at 10:00, and was done "shopping" at noon. Pam, sales lady, offered a suggestion that we (my MIL and I) head to lunch while they finished the order. Great idea! So we called FIL (from work) and we went out for a burger. And, naturally, I made out on THAT deal too! Dad bought.

Anyway---back home now with hopes to get all the new purchases pressed, folded and stashed away for the perfect project in the future.

BOM'ers---I'm working on getting February out to you too. Trying something different, I hope it'll work out just a nicely for y'all :0)

Happy Sunday morning

Two near finishes before February???

A new project and a UFO.........a great duo...

Yesterday, I received a package in the mail, sponsored by Downy. I had actually forgotten I had requested this kit for Quilts for Kids. My first thought when I opened the package and saw the fabrics: "Oh my---BOY colors!" LOL; quite a change from my pinks and purples! And, of course, I couldn't NOT dive right in to the quilt top; the kit came pre-cut, so I could literally jump right in.
After about 90 minutes, the top was together. VERY fast piecing!
The blue dot fabric on the left is the backing they sent along in the kit --- YUP! Backing included in the kit! I'll have to wait to quilt it until after I return Saturday night from picking up Candace from my parents. If you are interested in donating your time and piecing talent to help some children, here is the link to request a kit.



Recently, I received a package from Connecting Threads that I had ordered when they were having a close-out sale on their Twilight and Mama's Cottons lines. I simply couldn't resist!
Sadly, this will bring my Net Stash Used for the year to a DRASTIC low (specially after hitting the 50% sale at Hancock's this Saturday). But, speaking of that, I HAVE set a limit and shared that number with hubby. He didn't faint, so it must be okay :0)

Take a trip back down memory lane with me:
Date: April 29, 2008 (yes, two thousand EIGHT).
KALEIDOSCOPE

Fast-forward to present day:
Blocks done with hopes to have a finish Sunday---before February hits. It's not the UFO that I had scheduled for January, but----SO WHAT!?!?! It's a UFO that has been sitting for dang-near 2 years :0) Do I hear a woo-wooo???

Happy Thursday everyone :0)

Cuttin' some bright colors! :0)

Last night and tonight, our kitchen table was taken over by my cutting mat and rotary cutter, in addition to some lovely BRIGHT fabrics. The two piles pictured are pieces for Hannah's Rotation(left) (oh, and, still awaiting better name---do you have any suggestions??), and Jade's Heart (right). I'll be starting the sewing soon; not exactly sure if it'll be tomorrow or later.

Tomorrow evening, I may find myself working on the third BOM for February seeing that Feb. 1 is NEXT MONDAY! Wow! A month gone already in 2010. How is your year going?

Stash Report: January 18-24
Used this week: 5.681 yards (cut, not sewn yet)
Purchased this week: 19.25 yards (YIKES!)
Used-to-date 2010: 27.056 yards
Purchased-to-date 2010: 32.25 yards
Net used: -5.194 yards
Comment from Regina:
I think you should be exempt from this fabric since it's school related.

Alright girl, sounds good to me!!!!

nah...just makes me really need to boogie down with some sewing and using!

But, the scary thought: I'm heading down to my parent's house this weekend for ONE PURPOSE: Going to Hancock Fabrics for the 50% off sale on all cottons!!!! Uh-oh!!!

Happy Monday!

No pics, but have been quilting; Math 8 Quilt Design winner

I didn't realize it's been a week since I last posted---I've been out-n-about all week reading blogs daily, but simply never got around to posting on my own.

I have finished Step 2 and 3 of Bonnie Hunter's Carolina Christmas, and have cut most of step 4.

This weekend, I hit the shelves at Walmart to find fabrics for the 3rd Annual Math 8 Best Quilt Design winner:
At this time, the name is Hannah's Rotation (yeah...boring! I'll talk with Hannah to see if she has any suggestions for a name).

pst....pst......I also purchased fabric for the runner-up as well this year, simply because I REALLY like it and won't take all that much effort to make.
I'm going to see if I can find some thin, black, bias iron-able tape that I've seen advertised in quilting magazines. Purpose: to use on the seams as shown in the picture---I THINK that's why I like this design----Jade (student) used a black sharpie to outline the pieces which makes it look like a stained-glass-window. Something new to try.... Tentative name: Jade's Heart

I'm tired tonight even though I really WISH I was motivated. The fabric for the quilts has been washed and partially pressed and cut already. I want to keep going, but the will just isn't strong enough tonight. My back is sore and "tired"---feeling lazy, and may just slide into the tub until half-time is over (Vikings vs. Saints). Maybe then I'll be recharged to tackle some more cutting and pressing.

Happy Sunday!

Weekly stash report to be announced later---I don't have my numbers readily available.

WOW--hate to share, but.....

An AMAZING 1000+ (that's ONE THOUSAND PLUS) post Giveaway:
Suzanne's Great BIG Giveaway and Sale!!!!!.

Trust me, I would rather keep this one hush-hush, but to all my lovely follower's who are often reluctant---I REALLY don't think you want to pass this one up!

Sunday's Quiltathon status and Stash Report

I actually SET my alarm for this AM so I could get cracking bright-n-early at quilting. Funny though, I snoozed for about 45 minutes anyway!
But by 8:00, I was rockin-n-rollin!


Row 1:
8:00 am - Started cutting template pieces for February's BOM (**GASP**)! Yes, TEMPLATE pieces will be coming in February, ladies!
9:15 am - Trimmin' off some dogears
10:30 am - Sneak-peak at one of the completed February BOM.
10:35 am - Cutting HST's for the 2nd February BOM
Row 2:
10:53 am - Cutting complete -- time to sew some HST's
11:10 am - Pieces pressed (yup ladies! ALL those pieces are going into ONE 12" block---and there are a few more than just these)
12:00 pm - Pulling out Steppin' Out - dyed. No WONDER I set this project aside---I only have a GaZILLION HST's to square up....
12:30 pm -- still squarin' up!
Row 3:
12:40 pm - pieces squared
12:45 pm - Adjourning to the upstairs to watch the game and press
1:12 pm - Pressed and dogears removed
1:30 pm - family arrived home and Caitlyn helped me put labels on my Swap Blocks
Row 4:
2:39 pm - Carolina Christmas Step 2 pieces cut
4:18 pm - Carolina Christmas Step 3 pieces cut
6:09 pm - Back downstairs, more CC pieces getting cut
7:02 pm - The status of my sewing table after calling it a night. CC Step #2's first part was just chain-pieced and will await pressing for tomorrow evening.

LOVELY LOVELY weekend! Sadly, YES, I DO have school tomorrow---we never have Martin Luther King day off----hm! Wonder why!

Follow other Quiltathon-er's progress!

Stash Report: January 11-17
Used this week: 9.75 yards
Purchased this week: 4 yards
Used-to-date 2010: 21.375 yards
Purchased-to-date 2010: 13 yards
Net used: 8.375 yards