Arnden's Scrap of the Net

February UFO #10

2011-03-01T09:23:00.003-07:00

So I got super busy in January and finished a bunch of my smaller UFOs including the one picked for February. My Double X mini was the top made int he last month of my Small Quilts class. I still have the very first top from that class to quilt and bind and I think it should be next one on my to-do list.

I am also only halfway done with my DQS10 top and am leaving for Europe in 8 days. So we know what I should be working on right now!

Here is the last progress picture I took of it...

It has the rickrack attacked and is laying on the backing (about two feet away staring at me hoping that I get some more work done on it today). All I really have left is the flying geese border and the quilting/binding. If I can get the top finished and basted I can do the rest on the 14 hour plane ride or during my trip. We will see!!!

Moving along...

2011-02-01T15:11:00.002-07:00

I am still hard at work on my UFOs. For the month of February, Judy chose #10 which is a mini quilt that I already finished in January. So I have a month to work on anything that I want... actually because of my trip in March I have to start and finish my quilt for the DQS10 this month.

While grocery shopping last week, I happened to look at the clearance isle of football stuff that was reduced since football is over here. While browsing the clearance I found a poly/cotton blend pillow case that will be a perfect center for the Broncos quilt! Yeah, I have pulled out those blocks and they are on my short list.

I am still undecided about the String Swap Blocks, because they are just brightly colored string blocks which I have gotten over already. I think I just need to choose a color and sash them into a top and get it DONE. Maybe aqua or white... hmmmm....

The Variation Stars top is still at the quilters, but I have the binding cut and ironed already. I also still need to get a photo of this.

I am half way done binding the Halloween quilt. It turned out awesome! I used a new quilter Eagle Mounting Quilters and they did a great job on this quilt. I love the lime green thread she chose!

Three of the mini quilts got done in January. Only one left... the Rainbow Rail Fence Mini and I have no idea how to quilt it!

I also finished binding the Brown Bag Challenge Quilt and am looking for a good place to donate it. It is way to girly for this household of boys.

I also started two new projects... a lime/gray quilt for which I have been collecting fabrics over a year and a batik quilt made with some green/blue batiks a friend generously gave to me. Little did she know my unlike of batiks...

I have been pretty sick the last few days and am hoping to get well by Friday because that is the next Sweatshop night at my LQS and I obviously still have lots to do!

Actual Progress...

2011-01-17T18:51:00.003-07:00

I have made progress on a lot of my UFOS...

Broncos Top - I think I have found a center, but it is knit. I am debating on whether it will work as a quilt center if I back it in interfacing or not....

Halloween – I have made the backing and mailed this to a quilter.

Variation Stars – I finished the borders and have made the backing and mailed this to a quilter.

Maple Leaf Mini - This is completely finished and ready to be gifted.

BBCQ - This has a backing and is at the quilters.

The variation stars was drawn by Judy for this months UFO and I finished it first and then kept on going. I am wanting to finish all of my list, but it is such a boring list that I really want to start something new.

I forgot to take photos of most of my completed tops that are now at the quilters... But here is the one I remembered, the Brown Bag Challenge Quilt.

I also managed to complete a ton of blocks for the 3 by 6 Mini Bee (check my Flickr photostream). I made angel blocks from my group from last quarter (4th qtr 2010) because one of our ladies went missing. I also completed the blocks for my ladies this quarter (1st qtr 2011) that are not actually due until March 15th! Woohoo!

I also finished my January blocks for BUZZCUTs for Andrea.

Maybe I can keep up the good work, but I feel the motivation waning...

12 Things in 2011

2010-12-19T10:34:00.008-07:00

So I have seen a bunch of people putting up challenges for completing UFOs in 2011. Don't we try to do that every year? I need to go back and see if I did that for 2010 and how well I accomplished it.

So for 2011, I hope to finish 12 UFOs in 12 months (maybe even one each month). Here they are in no particular order...

Broncos Top - Find Center and make into a top - Found a center
String Swap Blocks - Combine blocks into a top
Pirate Quilt - Blocks are cut, but not even started
Beginner RR - Finish Quilting/Bind
Triple Four Patch - Baste/Quilt/Bind
Variation Stars – Borders/Backing/Binding - Done in January
Halloween – Backing/Quilt/Bind - Done in February
Rainbow Rail Fence Mini - Quilt/Bind
Rainbow Stars Mini - Quilt/Bind - Done January
Double X Mini - Quilt/Bind - Done January
Maple Leaf Mini - Quilt/Bind - Done January
BBCQ - Backing/Quilt/Bind - Done January

The larger quilts I hope to get the tops completed and backings ready and maybe I can afford to have one quilted every other month (I have three tops with backings in line already). I hope to finish the quilting and binding on the smaller ones myself.

Finally Done with the ABCs!!!!

2010-11-29T10:16:00.006-07:00

I have finally finished the three ABC quilts that have taken over my quilting life for the last 6 or so months. I took the quilted tops to my mom's for Thanksgiving and managed to get them all bound before leaving Texas. I used up pieces of binding left over from other quilts so each of the three ABC tops has a very scrappy binding. The quilts are so scrappy to begin with that I thought this would be a great way to use up more scraps.

I also finished the red quilt from about 5-6 years ago and am thinking of donating it to that blogger 100 quilts challenge thing. Not sure yet....

Red Quilt

Miss Pam's quilt

Ronin's Quilt

Zach's Quilt

A little accounting to keep myself honest

2010-11-10T12:55:00.004-07:00

My Ongoing Projects:
Three ABC/I-SPY quilts - Need Bound

Variation Star Bee Blocks – Sashing Ideas?!

Halloween Quilt – Needs ironed and a backing made... Border?!?!

Brown Bag Challenge Quilt - Idea Created... now to cut

Last Small Quilt top – half done, but not interesting

Didn't do anything on these:
Charity Nine Patch Yellow – Missing?! Where are these blocks?!

Broncos Quilt – Blocks Made, but I need a center medallion/pillowcase

Orange Pirate Top - Cut PIGS (project in grocery sack)

Completed tops awaiting quilting:
RK Strawberries Top

7 of 9 Small Quilts

Beginner RR

Tops at the quilters:
Spring Strings Top*

HR Bee Top*

Fresh Squeezed Stripes Top*

* sent to LoveBug Studios as part of her 100 quilts challenge without my remembering to take a 'before' photo

This week's stats:

Currently in progress - 6
New projects started - 0
Completed projects - 0

One Thing One Week #3 - Halloween Quilt

2010-09-27T14:02:00.004-06:00

Once again Amy at Amy's Creative Side has challenged us to finish one thing in the last week. So I joined in and choose designing my Halloween quilt. I got the blocks from two virtual quilting bees so all my friends made them (plus I added a few to get the right number). The block sizes are unfisished 6.5", 9.5" and 12.5". So I had some finagling to do!

I also got a start on sorting the scraps and cutting them into sashing for the 9.5" blocks. Woo hoo!

Maybe I will get the top done by Halloween! Yeah maybe... LOL

DQS9 Finished

2010-08-30T09:45:00.003-06:00

I did finish my DQS9 last week and will be mailing it today with some fun extras.

I had two ideas and thought I could meld them, but that was a failure. So I just went with my original wagon wheel looking block and then hand stitched some details. I had help choosing a background from the ladies in the Flickr group.

I am also sending a couple of fun homemade sewing accessories including a needle book, a dangle for scissors/rotary cutter and a little needle magnet to hold while sewing. I might send a couple of fun FQs as well.

One thing this week

2010-08-23T14:47:00.002-06:00

Once again Amy at Amy's Creative Side has challenged us to finish one thing in one week. So I had to join in and choose finishing my DQS9 and sending it by Saturday. Honestly, the binding is 3/4 finished and I have an idea for the label and extras so this should be simple. But who knows what life will throw me in the next week!

2010-07-27T08:54:00.008-06:00

I joined Amy's Creative Side's One Thing One Week Challenge last week and committed to getting the sashing done on at least one of my ABC quilts. I succeeded and almost finished a second. The second only has the last bottom sashing that I need to add, but I had to piece the sashing and then put the rest off.

Here is a photo of the top that I finished. I will be quilting once school starts in the middle of August.

Careful use of my time

2010-07-22T15:52:00.004-06:00

I have started back to school for my Master's Program (only four classes left). I had taken a few months off. So now I have school work on top of everything else I try to do daily... cleaning, childcare, crafting, playing, TV watching, etc. I also have committed to a local roller derby league and have practice twice a week for a total of five hours of skating (though I have only been able to go once a week the last two weeks). So my sewing time has been reduced.. a lot. Good thing that four of my five quilting bees ended in the last two months!

I have been busy sewing though...
ABC Quilts (really moving along, but no where near done)
BUZZCUTS Bee (we just started the second year)

DQS9 (half of the piecing is done)

Small Quilts Class (only three more months out of nine)
January - Rail Fence

February - Interwoven

March - Old Maid's Puzzle

April - Lady of the Lake

May - Variable Star

June - Maple Leaf

July - Triangles and Squares
Class is this Saturday the 24th!

Accountablity and even more Bee blocks

2010-06-30T09:37:00.006-06:00

I have a horrid habit of starting projects with no intended recipient then letting them languish unfinished for years. I do not think I am the only crafter with this problem as I hear and see so many others complain about UFOs (Un-Finished Objects) and WIPs (Works in Progress). So I am tryingto hold myself accountable and made a list of ten projects to complete this year, I called it my "10 in '10" List. I am going to post it here to help myself stay motivated...

1. ABC - Ronin
This quilt has the blocks complete and I have started the sashing process. All sashing is cut and half is already attached, but not yet ironed.
Update 7/24 - This quilt top is now done and needs sandwiched and quilted.
Update 12/1 - Finished in November
2. ABC - Zach
This quilt has the blocks complete and I have started the sashing process. All sashing is cut and half is already attached, but not yet ironed. Yes, it is in the same stage as the other as I am working on them simultaneously.
Update 7/27 - This quilt top is now done and needs sandwiched and quilted.
Update 12/1 - Finished in November
3. ABC - School
This quilt has the blocks complete and I have started the sashing process, but I am half a yard short of the sashing material and need to find some more. (Anyone have 1/2 a yard of the White on Black dots from the "That's It" line by Michael Miller that they want to trade with me?)
Update 12/1 - Finished in November
4. Broncos Mountain Majesties
The blocks are done, but I am having a hard time find a cotton pillowcase or flag with a large Broncos emblem on it for the center.
Update 12/1 - Not even touched all year!
5. Bright Strings
This top is complete, but still needs a backing before going to the quilters. I need to find a big enough piece from my stash and prepare that backing.
Update 7/27 - I seamed the backing today.
Update 12/1 - At the Quilters
6. Halloween Quilt from Bee blocks
All the block are now here and I have a layout planned.
Update 12/1 - Top complete needs backing
7. Triple Four Patch
Top, Batting and Backing ready, so why I am I not quilting it yet?!
8. HR Stripe Bee Quilt
Bought sashing for the completed blocks last weekend. Next on my list after the ABC quilts.
Update 12/1 - At the Quilters
9. RK Strawberries Bee Quilt
This top is complete, but still needs a backing before going to the quilters. I bought a bunch of Kona Avocado and plan on putting the one incorrectly sized block off center within the backing.

Update 12/1 - At the Quilters
10. All 9 Minis for Quilter's Studio Class
I missed class in June, but am finished with Jan., Feb., March, April and Mays tops. So halfway done?!
Update 12/1 - Five are completely finished while four still need quilted and bound

Now for a June update on my quilting bee blocks...

BUZZCUTS Quilting Bee was for sunflowerquilt (Jennie) and she sent the gray/black and we added our scraps. I almost had enough to make three whole blocks.

In the Stash Busting Bee Int'l, it was my month and I had the group create the same variation stars as BUZZCUTs made me last month. With over half the blocks here, I am almost ready to start putting that top together. June is the last month so this bee is practically over.

Sew Kid @ Heart II Quilting Bee was for curtiqueen and we made wonky log cabins with her fabric as a focus. I failed to take a photo of the block I made, but it was cute. This was the last month for this swap.

Relearning iPhoto to show Bee Blocks

2010-05-25T15:27:00.004-06:00

Since my last post, my reliable old Dell laptop died and was replaced by a beautiful sparkly new Mac Book Pro, which I have no idea how to use. I have easily learned the internet via Mac... LOL But I have no idea where it is saving my photos when it downloads them off my camera, so it might take me a couple tries to get the photos added to this post as I hunt them down across the computer.

April BUZZCUTs for Sara we made monochromatic blocks from our stash. I got to pick my favorite color... Green.

April SK@H2 for Becca we made cute blocks with her novelty focus fabrics.

April Sweet Dreams Bee for Terrie we made blocks with her fabrics that featured the cutie kids fabric. April was the final month for this bee!

April Stash Busting Int'l for Kyra we made postage stamp blocks. This block took a long time for being simple squares.

In May BUZZCUTs started all over for another year and I got to go first this time! I sent out white fabrics and asked for a blue/green block from everyone following a specific pattern that has recently gotten popular in Flickrland. Check out the linky to see what people have been creating for me!

May SK@H2 for Ida we used her white background and added 2.5" bright squares from our stash.

May Stash Busting Int'l was for Corey and had tons of little (1" finsihed) squares that I added to her lovely grey solid.

For June in the Stash Busting Int'l, it is my month and I am having them make more more of the blocks that BUZZCUTs made for me in May. I should get 24 or so 16" blocks and hope to make a duvet cover for my own bed.

I have too much on my mind to organize it there...

2010-05-19T14:40:00.002-06:00

I had my Sweatshop UFO night at my local shop coming up Friday. I have so much to do by the end of the month that I was wanting to organize my thoughts in one place, so why not on my blog.

Here is all I need to finish by 5/31 or sooner….

1. May ‘Small Quilt’ for class – 240 1.5” HSTs already sewn, but need cut, ironed and pieced into a top (maybe I can cut and iron them tonight)

2. Two more April virtual bee blocks – Ida and Barb (all the pieces are cut, but they need pieced)

3. ABC tops 3X – get the blocks finished and assembled

4. Backing for Green Strawberries quilt (do I even have fabric for this???)

Then I need to get my Modify Tradition ideas sorted out and start working on a top to be mailed around June 8th.

Now that I write it all down it does not seem too bad… LOL If I can get the first three things on my list done at Sweatshop, I would be in a good place. I have to finish the first two because they have actual due dates. The 3rd is harder than it looks and is on my Spring to Finish 2010 Challenge list so I really want to at least get something done on them.

Spring to Finish Challenge 2010

2010-05-07T14:09:00.001-06:00

So I joined Jacquie's Spring to Finish Challenge 2010 over at her Tall Grass Studio blog. I joined her last fall and managed to get almost 10 project done before the new year.

I still have so many UFO/WIPs that I am going to try and be conservative this time. I am listing 5 WIPs/UFOs that I think I might actually be able to finish in the allotted time frame.

1. Get my Sew Kid @ Heart top ready for the quilter (finish top, borders and find a backing)
2. Get Ronin's ABC top together (fabrics cut, but that's it)
3. Get Zach's's ABC top together (fabrics cut)
4. Get School Charity ABC top together (fabrics cut)
5. Stay on time with all my VQB blocks for April and May

If I achieve these goals then I am going to cave in and buy the last 5-7 yards of the KJR blue basket weave hidden in the back at my LQS. – ALREADY DONE!

AS I get each project finished, I will try to get a picture up as soon as I can.

Trying Something New

2010-04-20T14:39:00.006-06:00

I am going to attempt to use Microsoft Office to create my blog posts. We will see how well this works soon.

My recent bee blocks…

Stash Busting Bee February for marilynkb we made ISPY squares. I used 34 different prints for this one block.

BUZZCUTs February for Olivethebeach. I had a difficult time deciding what to make with these fabrics, but I saw this block in a magazine and I loved it!

February was my month in the Sweet Dreams Quilting Bee, so check out the Halloween blocks everyone made me in the group photo pool!

Sew Kids @ Heart II February for RebeccaSewsAlong. She wanted a disappearing nine patch made from her pre-cut charms.

For the 3 by 6 sampler Quilting Bee, I sent the following blocks…

And I received the following blocks…

Plus and angel block from fancytwo….

Stash Busting Bee March for Quilting Barbie had us use scraps to make this super fun block. I am copying her idea for my month in BUZZCUTs for May.

Sweet Dreams Quilting Bee March for sewingoma. She sent the cutest reproduction fabrics specially selected for each month. I got October, which happens to be my birthmonth as well!

BUZZCUTs March for sunflowerquilt we created blocks around the chicken fabric. These are so cool to me!

Sew Kids @ Heart II March for Isaacsmama we made wonky stars with her blue as the background. I love making these simple blocks!

Doll Quilt Swap #8

2010-03-15T15:19:00.004-06:00

Here is what I did for the Doll Quilt Swap #8...

I had one idea...

But went a different direction with this idea...

This is what I sent to my partner mamaurchin...

Here is what I received from Brioni in the UK! I love it! It is so wonderful and perfectly me!

January Quilting Bee Blocks

2010-02-01T16:01:00.006-07:00

Sweet Dreams Quilting Bee for quiltedoma.

I had a very hard time with this block because the fabric was textured and rather monochrome. It was neat to work outside of my comfort zone, but I wish I could have thought up another block.

Sew Kid @ Heart II for sweetteamom

She is creating an I-SPY type quilt for her son and this was so fun and simple that I really enjoyed it.

Buzzcuts for sewwunderful

Pink is my least favorite color on the planet so it took me forever to decide what to do for this fabric. I was sent more than enough to make a second block, but the creativity was missing. This block is quite lovely though and it will fit in well with the blocks all the other participants created.

Stash Busting Bee - International for Mimipark

She wanted logcabins with red centers and the colors pink, red, brown and tan. I really had to dig in my scrap bag to find some pink and reds, but the blocks turned out fun and I cannot wait to see how all of our blocks look together!

I also finished my last block in the original Sew Kid @ Heart Bee. They are 30's string blocks for tessophia.

December Quilting Bee Blocks

2010-01-04T15:56:00.005-07:00

I had to finish all my December bee blocks early because we spent 2 weeks in Texas visiting my parents and sisters (plus Brian). We had a wonderful time, but the drive down was frustrating as we got stuck on a 4 mile stretch of I-35 in OKC for almost 8 hours because of the weather.

Sweet Dreams Quilting Bee for quiltinkimmie

For the Sew Kid @ Heart II Bee Terrie had us making wonky stars with some WWE fabric and I completely forgot to get a photo before mailing them.

Buzzcuts for Isaacsmama

Stash Busting Bee was on Christmas hiatus and will resume in January with Mimipark.

UFO Final Update

2009-12-28T14:31:00.005-07:00

I am at my parents until after the new year and have two quilts that I have almost finished binding. I am unable to sew here on holiday so I am doing my final update for the Joy in the New Year UFO challenge.

Beginner RR Mine - Completely Done (need to be washed and hang in the baby room)

Knot Block Quilt 1 - Completely Done (binding today and mailing to Holland next week)

Knot Block Quilt 2 - Ready for Quilting - Done

Black and Bright Swap - Completely Done (need to find a new owner)

Swap L'Orange - Ready for Quilting - Done

Purple and White Swap - At the Quilters - Done

Triple Four Patch Swap - Top Sandwiched

Blue and White/Yellow Swap - At the Quilters - Done

Scrappy Rail Fence Swap - Blocks together - needs borders and backing pieced

Spring Fling String Block Swap - Ready for Quilting - Done

So I have 8 out of 10 complete and the last two are almost done as well. If I were not spending the last 10 days of the year in Texas, then I am sure I could have finished them all. So I plan to finish the last two during the first half of January and start a new list of 10 UFOSs to finish next year. I might not even have 10 WIPs left now. I will have to check!

UFO Update Plus the last Nov Bee Block

2009-11-30T14:04:00.007-07:00

I had been updating the post where I listed my UFOs, but I think it might be more entertaining to give you all a play by play. So I deleted all the changes I had made so that list is in it's original form.

Here is what I have actually done...

I did most of the quilting on my Beginner RR at my UFO Sweatshop night at the local Quilt Shop, The Quilter's Studio. It still needs to be bound.

Knot Block Quilt 1 and my Black and Brights top have already returned from Margaret's and they are wonderful! Both still need trimmed and bound. Knot Block Quilt 2 has had the blocks pieced, but I still need the borders cut and sewn on. Plus I have to find a backing fabric large enough for it.

Both my Purple and White top and my Blue and White/Yellow are ready for the quilters. So I marking them off as done. I need to save up some cash and send them to the quilters after Christmas.

Swap L'Orange is what I am currently working on and hope to finish this Friday at UFO Sweatshop night. Each of the 20 blocks has one half of it's sashing attached, so it should not take too much longer.

I dug out the Triple Four Patch top and found a backing fabric (still needs cut to size). I also hope to use up some pieces of batting so I need to seam those for this quilt./ Maybe I can get it ready for quilting on Friday night.

I did get both the Scrappy Rail Fence blocks and the Spring Fling String blocks out of the chaos that is my sewing room, so I might start playing with layouts this week.

Overall, I have moved to the next step in 9 of my 10 UFOs and have 3 that only need binding and two I consider done (for now). If I got my binding butt in gear over the next few days I could be half done. Woohoo!!!

My last set of blocks for November are the Sew Kid @ Heart II Bee. littletykesmom has us make blocks from firemen fabric for her son.

Mid Novermber Update

2009-11-17T13:20:00.008-07:00

Newest Update...

So I have not been quilting as much as normally because we have battled H1N1 and the stomach flu here for the last 2 weeks. I even missed my LQS Sweatshop sewing night because I was so super sick!

I did finish some November quilting bee blocks in the few minutes I was not nursing a sick kid or sick myself.

My entry into the 'Hand Stitched' Embroidery SWAP for Jessica of twinfibers.

Missy sent us lovely Katie Jump Rope fabrics for the Sweet Dreams Bee. I barely got these done in October and mailed them 2 days late.

For November in the Sweet Dreams Bee, we got to make black and bright log cabins for Lori.

In October for Sew Kid @ Heart II, we worked with a fabric from Desiree.

For November in the Stash Busting Bee, we made wonky log cabins for Jill.

For November in BUZZCUTs Bee, I enjoyed playing with the Moda Neptune fabrics that Julie sent.

For November in the Sew Kid @ Heart Bee , I enjoyed making these airplane themed blocks for miniaturequilter.

I had a chance to get the border on my purple/white swap blocks and the backing done so it is ready for the quilter while tending to sick kids. I think it turned out lovely even though it is bigger than I expected.

I have had this black and bright swap block top finished for a little while, but recently got the border on and the backing ready.

I sent this and my Knot block top that I finished last month to Margaret from Quilts of Love for quilting. She is having a special on her blog so I decided to try her out!

UFO accountablity post

2009-11-01T15:36:00.009-07:00

So I have joined a UFO challenge over at Tallgrass Prairie Studio. I admit to 22+ projects that I have fabric for and 10 of those are in some stage of completion. So this post is my list of projects that I hope to finish by the end of the year and the stage where they are currently.

Beginner RR Mine - Top Sandwiched
Knot Block Quilt 1 - Needs Borders
Knot Block Quilt 2 - Blocks Here
Black and Bright Swap - Needs Borders
Swap L'Orange - Blocks Here
Purple and White Swap - Blocks Here
Triple Four Patch Swap - Top Finished
Blue and White/Yellow Swap - Blocks Here
Scrappy Rail Fence Swap - Blocks Here
Spring Fling String Block Swap - Blocks Here

I will personally quilt the Triple Four Patch Swap and Beginner RR Mine, but will consider the others finished when they are completely ready for the quilter.

Even more Bee Blocks...

2009-10-13T21:19:00.005-06:00

So I have been rather lazy lately. I was not really motivated to sew. Plus I made a little taggy blanket for a friend's son.

I was able to finish some quilting bee blocks, my backup DQS7 (which I sent to one of my mother's close friends) and I am working on my S.T.U.D. quilt which is a secret.

First lets start with the DQS7 that I received from Amanda! She had a baby about two weeks before sneding this to me as well, so she was one busy mama!

Beth's quilt

In September for the Stash Busting Bee - International, we made haunted houses for Terrie.

In Sew Kid @ Heart II, September was Viv's month. She sent a Moda Soriee charm and wanted wonky log cabins. I was inspired to make two since I had so many scraps that matched.

In the Sweet Dreams Quilting Bee, we made Kathy some Halloween blocks with panels she sent for September.

In the Sew Kid at Heart bee, my September block was for Susi's daughter Jamie's princess quilt. I had a hard time deciding what to make to fit the theme. But I found the funnest paper pieced crown and it made the decision for me.

In the Stash Busting Bee - International, October was Brenda's month. She wanted fall themes 9 patches that she is going to cut up to make a disappearing 9 patch quilt.

Yesterday, I finished Andrea's October BUZZCUT blocks. She wanted modern blocks (not my normal forte) and sent awesome fabric that had a lot of pattern. So I just went with the flow and drew some sketches and made some interesting blocks.

Next up are Missy's Sweet Dreams Quilting Bee Blocks (made with lovely Katie Jump Rope fabrics) and finishing my S.T.U.D. quilt for Cindy.

Almost done with so many things...

2009-09-17T12:31:00.005-06:00

I finished two quilt tops recently from old swap blocks. One is from a Black and Brights swap and the other is called the Knot block and is the only time I have worked with batiks; both are from swaps completed in 2006. I also have the backing ready for both, but will not send them out to be quilted until I save up some money. I also forgot to take pictures of the Black and Bright quilt before packing it away, so now I have to go dig it out and photograph it ASAP.

My monthly sewing night at the LQS is tomorrow and I have a plan to make 10 or so paper pieced blocks for some of the swaps I am in. I will try and post next week with pictures of those. Then I will be caught up on all the blocks due at the end of the month plus some. I will also be working on my Halloween blocks that I have received from the BUZZCUTs group. Only about half have arrived (as my month, September, is not over yet), but I have plans to make a few extra blocks for myself so will work on them tomorrow.

Amber in HI really liked my DQS7 and I am so glad. I am still waiting to receive the quilt made for me though I have been informed by my swapmama that it is on the way.

September Doings in Arnden's Space

2009-09-03T17:58:00.004-06:00

So I finished and sent my doll quilt... I sent the cutesy one and am still working to finish the other one. There was a small snafu and I sent my quilt to Amber in HI who had already received a quilt (two people were assigned her). She is going to keep the quilt I sent her (since it has her name on the label) and make a new quilt for someone else. She is a busy worker bee to get two quilts out in the 6 week time frame that is almost over!

Front of finished DQS7

Back of finished DQS7

And of course I have been busy with quilting bee blocks!

Terrie's blocks for Sew Kid at Heart Quilting Bee

She sent the cutest Bubblegum Basics fabrics and a FQ of white and we made butterfly blocks based on her pattern. Mine had to be a little different so I put them on point.

Roxanne's block for Sew Kid at Heart

She sent some race car fabrics that her son picked out himself. I wanted to make a block that highlighted all the fabrics sent.

Solidia's block for Sew Kid at Heart

She had a pattern already picked out and sent us fabrics with a plan. It was my first time working with some of the illustrious Flea Market Fancy fabrics.

Viv's block for Sew Kid at Heart

She sent flannel and it is my first chance to work with flannel. It was not much different than normal cottons, but I am not sure I will be come a flannel fan.

Lucinda's BUZZCUT Blocks - August

She sent two greens and a cream. I love how these blocks turned out!

I am up for blocks in September for BUZZCUTs and I sent Halloween fabrics. Once I receive some blocks back, I will post them in separate entry.

Sweet Dreams Quilting Bee - September
We are making Halloween blocks for Kathy. She sent a panel to be included and I have made one block, but hope to make another this week.

Sew Kid at Heart II - September
We are also making Halloween blocks for Terrie in this bee, but she wants wonky houses. I hope to start these soon!

Stash Busting Bee International - September
Viv is sending fabric from Moda's Soiree line for this bee, but since it is coming from New Zealand it might be taking the slow boat.

So I have quite a few September blocks left to make, plus I am almost done with the softie buddy I am making for Viv's son in the Sew Kid at Heart group. I can only give you a hint... It is a cow-print minki animal with a trunk... LOL

I have no big quilts on the table, but I have been working on getting old swap block sets put together into quilt tops. Last month, I got together the Black & Brights swap from delphiforums; I even have the backing ready for it. Now I am just waiting for cash to send it to the quilters. This month I have already started on the knot blocks also from delphiforums in 2006. I have enough for two tops and one is pieced and the other still waiting (both will also need borders).

2009-08-10T17:32:00.004-06:00

I have been having fun with my DQS7 ideas and have almost made 2 quilts.

My original idea (before getting my partners info) was a scene from my window. I wanted to include the mountains, a patchwork sky and a bunch of brightly colored flowers. I really really want to try the quilting in the details method that is becoming so popular with the flowers.

Here is a pic before quilting and binding...

Then I got my partner info and was super excited that she liked all the same fabric types and colors that I did, but she was not big on scenic quilts. So I saw a picture of a fun 'star' shaped table topper and modified it to include themes and fabrics my partner would like. It turned out really cute and forced me to cut into some of my favorite fat quarters (something I have been dreading). It is really cute and still needs bound and the gnome faces added...

I have also been working on the binding of my Father-in-law's golf quilt and should have that finished in a couple days.

I also participated in the Mini Quilt in a Bag Round 4 on flickr. Jessie from Tiny House sent me a charm pack of Moda's Wonderfland by Momo and this is what I made her...

and the back...

I sent her a Moda's Swell charm pack and this is what she made me!

and the back...

and it came in the cutest little bag!

Of course, I have been continuing to crank out Bee blocks, including...

July's Sweet Dream Quilting bee blocks for Julie Antinucci

and

For Rachel in the August Sweet Dream Quilting Bee

and

Wonky Stars for Melissa in the August Stash Busting Bee

So now I really need to go work on binding and finishing my Doll Quilt Swap #7 quilt so I can mail it soon.

Other things...

2009-07-16T09:59:00.005-06:00

I also just signed up for Doll Quilt Swap #7 (dqs7) and cannot wait to get my partner info. I think there might be a few spots left so go sign up here!

I finished Aunt Dianna's quilt in May and finally gave it to her in late June! She really liked it even though I had to add green to her normal black and white.

I also have finished Stan's golf quilt top, but need to prep the backing and send it to the quilter! Maybe I will have it done when I post next!

Here is a pic of the fabrics I sent for the Sew Kid at Heart Quilting Bee. I have gotten 8 blocks back already, but will wait to post a photo when I get them all returned.

In the S.T.U.D. Mini Quilt Group I received a quilt from from Chocolateisthebestmedicine and the Letter 'D' was her theme.

I sent her a quilt and the Letter 'L' was my theme.

Three days ago, I also finished a quiltie for Tiny House for the Mini Quilt in a Bag Swap Round 4. She sent me a charm pack of Wonderland by Momo for Moda Fabrics and I made a quilt. It is finished and will be mailed tomorrow, but I cannot post pictures until she gets it as it is a suprise. She is making me a quilt from a charm pack from the Swell line also by Moda Farbics and I hope if arrives in the next couple weeks.

Right now, I have two more July blocks to make for some of the quilting bees and then I think I will be working on some old WIPs that are pileing up in my sewing closet.

Even More Quilting Bee Blocks - June/July

2009-07-16T09:20:00.008-06:00

I am now part of five quilting bees on flickr and I have been super busy making blocks.

For the Sweet Dreams Quilting Bee...

For sunflowerquilt in June

and

For Julie Antinucci in July I am still working on her block to be made from these fabrics

For the Sew Kid at Heart Quilting Bee...

For sewdeerlyloved in June

and

For Midland Design in June

For Skovy in June

For Ariel Quilts in June

For Twenty-Eighth Street in July, I made two string blocks, but completely forgot to take a picture before mailing them. Doh! Maybe she will take a pick and I can link it later...

For hanies in July

For the Sew Kid at Heart II Quilting Bee...

Starting in July for aviva_hadas

and

For the BUZZCUTS Quilting Bee...

For JAmundsen in June

For NamawsBuzyQuiltn in July

For the Stash Busting International Quilting Bee...

For Sewwunderful in June

For Maydela in July

Yeah!!!

2009-05-07T16:05:00.002-06:00

Yeehaw! I got my DQS6 quilt in the mail today. It is very bright like I like and it has tons of polka dots in it just for me!

It came from Lurline in Australia... How exciting! I really do like it a lot (can't you tell)! Now to show it off to all my friends and then find it a spot on the quilt wall! My kids are already trying to run away with it in their grimy fingers...

More things done!

2009-05-07T15:39:00.003-06:00

So I have been busy and am excited that I am at least posting once a month... LOL

I have been working on blocks for for my sewing bees... I was already in one, another started this month and today I joined a third. I think that will be my max!

In BUZZ CUTS it was John's turn and the fabrics he sent were wonderful, but I sure had a tough time making the blocks.

For this block, I cut six 60 degree diamonds, but when I went to assemble them I had enough room to add a 7th perfectly. I cut the green too small so I had to improvise and add other fabrics around the edges to make it square and join up some of the smaller green pieces I had left over.

I am not even sure if this is a normal block, I saw it in my head and just made up the pattern as I went. I love how it turned out!

In the Sweet Dreams Bee, May was the first month and it was Carol's month. She sent 30s prints and I was lost on what to do with them as I normally do not use them. So I repeated one of the patterns I used for John and moved the colors around.

I also wanted to try something I have seen done on the DQS quilts in the past and tried quilting the leaves on the block. These are supposed to look like flowers.

I also finished Aunt Dianna's quilt and have no idea when I am going to get a chance to give it to her as we see her only every month or two. So for now it is safe in the basement crafting room.

I am halfway done making the blocks for Stan's golf quilt and hope to get the top done by the end of the month and maybe have the quilt completely done by Father's Day.

Diary of a Doll Quilt

2009-04-04T16:23:00.003-06:00

I have finished my doll quilt for the dqs6 and thought it would be cool to post a pictorial review of the process....

Design...

Blocks Laid Out...

Finished Front...

Labeled...

Kind of fun to see the progression. I cannot mail this for another week, but I am getting it packaged tonight so it is ready. Any ideas for some fun extras to send along?

I also mailed Aunt Dianna's quilt top off to the quilter's Monday. Unfortunately, I forgot to photograph it before sending it. I will be sure to post a photo once it is home and bound.

Now I am at a loss for what to work on next, so I pulled out some fabric for some pillowcases for Ronin and am digging though my UFO pile for inspiration.

DQS6 info about me

2009-03-03T13:30:00.002-07:00

Hi swap partner! Just wanted to give you a few hints as to what I'd like in a doll quilt! Hope this helps some!

- you can check out my Flickr favorites for quilt styles and colors that I like
- color favorites: Green, Blue, Brights
- color dislikes: dark colors or pale colors
- fabric likes: retro, modern, fun designs, novelties...Amy Butler, Heather Ross, Heather Bailey, cute Japanese, Kawaii, folksy, houses, birds, trees, polka dots, stars, mushrooms, clouds, clover, gnomes
- fabric dislikes: civil war reproductions, 30s prints, shabby chic florals, country
- doll quilt will be hung on a wall

About me: I learned to sew from my grandmother when I was 4 years old. I love making historical costumes and quilts. Only recently have I started making doll quilts and I love the ability to try out a new pattern on the smaller scale. I like many things, but mostly whimsical and fun. Most of the photos on this blog are of things I have made for other people and do not really reflect my personal favorites. My flickr has more photos and shows a wider array of what I like to make especially in my favorites.

Mission Completion

2009-02-24T19:13:00.006-07:00

Holy #$%^&*, I should make lists more often! I finished 7 of the 8 things I listed in my last posting. The 8th is also coming along nicely! Next week, I will make a new list and we will see how that goes... LOL

1. Z and R's Pirate Quilts are finally DONE!

2. A&B's quilt is complete and already in Texas waiting for her to be surprised by it.

3. The STUD #2 Quilt is home and was well received!

4. Stephanie's Baby Clothes Quilt is in the mail and might arrive tomorrow!

5. Mini Quilt in a Bag will be in the mail tomorrow.

6. Think Cherries will also be in the mail tomorrow.

7. Happy Toadstool arrived at it's new home!

8. Aunt Dianna's quilt... I have the rows complete, but have to iron them and sew all 20 together then find a color for the border and add borders.

Super Busy...

2009-02-17T12:48:00.006-07:00

So I have eight projects going on at once right now....

1. Binding Z and R's Pirate Quilts

2. A&B's quilt should arrive today and needs bound by the end of the week.

3. Just finished the STUD #2 quilt and it is on it's way home.

4. Stephanie's Baby Clothes Quilt (I have 49 blocks done, but have to cut and add sashing to them all then assemble them by the end of the month)

5. Mini Quilt in a Bag quilt with the following fabrics (top is done and layered, but needs quilting and binding not due until March 14th)...

6. A swapbot Fat Quarter challenge... Think Cherries... Barely started and due March 1st.

7. This week I made my second softie ever for a swapbot swap entitled the Happy Toadstool!

8. Aunt Dianna's quilt (blocks are done, but it is on hold while I work on the above 7 things).

So I have been working rather hard to get things done and still have so much too do!

My Sewing Spaces

2009-02-15T08:53:00.002-07:00

On a blog I like to read, Sew Mama Sew, there is a contest and tag game about people's sewing rooms. So I am going to participate...

What do you usually sew? Renaissance Costumes, Quilts and recently Stuffed Dolls
When you shop for fabric, what size cuts do you usually buy? If you see something beautiful, but you don’t have a use for it right away, how much do you buy? I like to buy FQs and up to a yard of things I like and novelties. If I love it, then it depends on the price. I have 5-6 yards of the Moda Strawberry Lemonade fabrics I found on sale.
Do you buy on impulse or do you go out looking for something you need? Both, normally I need one thing and bring home many.
Are you a pre-washer? If you are, do you wash your fabric before you need it, or only when you’re ready to use it? Nope, I love the crinkly look.
Do you iron it? If I wash it, yes, otherwise only if it is very wrinkly and I need to cut it.
How do you sort it? Color or collection and separate out polka dots and stars.
Do you have any special folding techniques? Not really.
How do you store your fabric? On shelves, in tubs and stacked. See pics...
What tips do you have for building up a well-rounded stash? Always look at the sale section!
When do you say enough is enough? Never!
What are some of your favorite stash-busting projects? Doll Quilts!
Do you have a current favorite print in your stash? I am really into Kawaii right now and love the fairytale line from kokka.
What’s your definition of the perfect stash? Well used, organized and bright!

Here is a view when you look into the door of my sewing/laundry room...

Books and WIP storage...

My precise scrap storage... LOL

Former Sewing Table and Current Organizing/Packing Table...

Color Coded Quilting Fabrics...

The Closet...

Where I actually sew... The Dining Table!

More progress...

2009-01-27T15:41:00.003-07:00

So it has been a month since my last post... I have done better, but I have also done worse.

Z and R's Pirate quilts are being quilted as we speak and I should be able to pick them up by Friday. A&B's wedding quilt is also at the quilters, but won't be home for 2-3 weeks. However, I did finish Dianne's quilt and here is a pic....

I also signed up for a quilt block swap where 16 people each get a month and then send out fabric and get blocks from the other 15 people during their month. this month was Tanaya and I ended up making 3 blocks.

Not my favorite, but interesting.

A good use of the zigzag pattern

My favorite and a crazy mess-up when I cut the fabrics too small, but it turned out great.

I have also got all 280 blocks done for Aunt Dianna's quilt and am in the process of cutting strips from old baby clothes to make a quilt top for a friend of mine. So I have a lot to do and should be busy for a while... Now if I could just get motivated to get off the computer and start working on one of those projects... LOL

A few thoughts...

2008-12-28T18:33:00.003-07:00

Okay... As the New Year 2009 approaches, these are just a few things I am discovering about myself:

1. I am weird... and I LIKE It!

2. Money doesn't matter!

3. I like making things myself, I'm very DIY (do it yourself)

4. I am a NOT homebody, I need to get out at least once a day

5. I miss my family and like my in-laws

6. I LOVE my babies

7. I LOVE being home with my babies and playing with them

8. I think it is ridiculous that we (Americans) feel the need to have sooo many things (myself included)

9. I think it is stupid that peoples homes are expected to be exceptionally clean at all times (I don't know who they are kidding more, themselves or others???)

10. I love to drink Pepsi, yummy!

11. Less is more

12. I love that "ah ha" moment of creativity

13. I am a picky eater and always will be

14. I like to have quiet time, especially in the evening (even if it means going to bed 30 minutes later)

15. I am a procrastinator... and i am working on it

16. I can survive on very little sleep

17. I like myself more the older I get

18. It is okay for people to see you unperfect... because it only makes them feel more normal

19. I like REAL people... life is messy, why clean it up???!!!

20. I can be very random.

Yeah, I am finishing things...

2008-12-02T17:57:00.005-07:00

I have not been doing a lot of sewing since my vacation, but I did catchup on a couple of swap packages. Swapbot is my newest addiction.

I finished the other Quilt of Valor for my other Mommy's Group.

I have a request in for a local place to deliver these, so they should be finding new homes relatively soon.

I am currently working on the blocks for a quilt for Dianne, who is Amanda's new MIL. It is out of the Blank Textiles Ovarian Cancer Fabrics... I have the blocks assembled and will be adding the borders this week.

I also completed and sent my doll Quilt Swap #5 in the mail to Europe. It kind of cutesy and uses some of the gnome fabric that I covet.

Not sure what I plan on working on next after this OC quilt... Maybe my FIL, Stan's, golf themed lap quilt or something else.... Hmmmm....

Ack... I am behind on posting.

2008-11-18T18:51:00.002-07:00

Okay, so I have not been good about keeping up with the blog… But I have been working hard. I finished 4 tops, quilted 3 quilts, finished 4 swaps and began another doll quilt. All while getting an A- in my first graduate class, a 13 day vacation, my sisters Florida wedding and Texas reception and my husband changing jobs and stressing me out!

I finished a quilt for my mom’s long time friend. I delivered it last week and am so glad it is done. I love bright colors and crazy design and this is pretty muted and tradition…

Speaking of muted and traditional my Twisted Mystery #4 is very much so… But I cannot post a picture until the quilts are on their way home at the end of the month. I got this done right before my big 13 days vacation and am pretty happy with how it turned out.

I finished the first of two Quilts of Valor my Mother’s groups made this summer. I only have to bind the one and then I will document it as well.

I got Ronin’s pirate top complete (finally) and it is at the quilters with Zach’s. I told the lady I did not need them by Christmas and she thanked me (she was swamped) and said I would be first in line after the holidays. So they will be back soon, hopefully I can get caught up by then.

I am working on my Doll Quilt Swap #5…slowly! It is due in Europe on the 1^st and I just finished the top today. No pics yet, but I will add some once it is finished. Lets just say gnomies and mushrooms...

After that I have a choice of what to work on, current leaders include Dianne’s quilt, Stan’s Quilt, about 12 different sets of swap blocks or a quilt for my newly married sister and her husband. I never get choices!!! I can’t decide!

Birthday gift!

2008-09-28T22:38:00.003-06:00

I am so behind on updating everyone! I have been doing a lot of sewing actually. I have finished the two QOV quilts for my mommies groups and they are at the longarmer right now. I should get them back in a couple weeks and then will have to bind them and make presentation cases. I also did my first swap in 4-6 months and made 140 rail fence blocks with my 2.5” scraps for a swap on delphiforums. I have all the blocks done for my Twisted Mystery #4 quilt and I am working on sashing it now. I hope to have it ready to quilt in 10 days so I can do some of it by hand on the 8-9 hour car ride to Albuquerque to visit my SIL and nephew.

I went to the local Quilt-A-Fair this weekend as a reward to myself for watching the boys last weekend while Matt went to both a Rockies and a Broncos game. I found a both with a great sale on a demo model and after much hemming and hawing... for my birthday and early Christmas gift I got a new sewing machine. It is a Janome Memory Craft 6600. It is amazing! It threads itself, cuts the thread, it has a button instead of a petal and a huge table attachment for quilting. It also can do small letters/numbers so I can finally make quilt labels!

I will try to update a little more often, but you know how it is!

I am still here...

2008-08-13T16:29:00.004-06:00

So I have been super busy and have not had much time for quilting and the like. We went out of town for a week, school starts next week, we have had two playdates at our house this month already and life is just streaming by…

Though I sent my Doll Quilt Swap #4 quilt almost a month ago, I have not heard anything from the recipient. I hope she gets it soon and says something. Even if she hates it, I will make her something else and she can return my cutie fishies back to me. I really like how my quilt turned out and had so much fun making it.

I received my quilt in the mail from Karen and absolutely love it! I really like the colors and swirlies quilted around the stars. As I am a newbie to Doll Quilts I am still trying to decide if I should display them on a wall or just let the boys play with them, any thoughts?

I was able to finish my first attempt at free motion quilting on my own machine. I bought a Cars panel and practiced tracing the characters. It is on the couch halfway bound and should be finished while I am watching the Olympics tonight after the boys go to bed. I will take a photo when it is done and share it. I learned a lot about free motion quilting while working on it and still have even more to learn.

I honestly am trying to work on quilting, I promise! I am putting the sashing on the blocks my Mommy ‘n Me group made for QoV. I wanted to have them done by the end of July, but.. ummm… yeah… Maybe I can get the tops finished in August, lol. Here is a photo to prove I am actually doing something!

So Ronin’s pirate quilt has been moved down the list and will be next after these two QoV tops. I really want to finish his so I can send it off with Zach's to be quilted before Christmas.

Some small successes and one big one....

2008-07-22T13:19:00.001-06:00

I have been pretty busy with crafty stuff the last few weeks, but I have not been updating my blog here very well. So to catch you up…

I finished the Doll Quilt Swap #4 quilt and named it Aqua Fishy. It is on it’s way to Canada and should be arriving any day now.

I also made a few blocks for different quilty friends on my Quilting Passions Delphigroup. I made 2 purple and white Ohio Stars blocks for Kimberly’s quilt, but completely forgot to take a picture. I also made a block for Lexie’s wedding quilt from the group.

I received my Beginner Round Robin Quilt from the Quilting Sister’s yahoo group. It was my first ever Round Robin and I thank Lisa, Nancy, Susan, Lorianne and Kim for their lovely work on my little dragon center. It turned out very cute!

On Saturday, I took my first ever quilting class at Dry Creek Quilts. It was a machine quilting class and I learned a bit from it and am practicing my machine quilting this week on a cheapo “Cars” panel for Zach from Hobby Lobby. The instructor talked a lot about needle and thread choice, but we did not get much constructive criticism on our small in class trial square. I wish we had done more in class practice and just gotten info on thread and needles that we could read at home.

Next up is Ronin’s Green Pirate quilt, Zach’s Red Pirate quilt is waiting so I can send them off to the quilter together…

Hopefully in the next month I get Sharon’s Quilt back from the quilters as I never took in pictures and want to have it complete by the end of October to take to Texas for Amanda’s Wedding.

As for the potty training fiasco… on Saturday Zach decided he needed to poop in the potty to make his ‘girlfriend’ proud of him, so far we have had no accidents. Isn’t 3 a little young to have such pressure from a ‘love’ interest?

dang it...

2008-07-10T08:39:00.000-06:00

While I have no fun pictures to updates with, I am happy to say my doll quilt is basted and ready for quilting. However, when I put my new free motion foot on my machine, it was the wrong foot. My needle hit the plastic guide rather than going into the fabric 1/8" away. I am pretty sure nothing is bent, so it has to be the wrong foot. So now I am on hold until I can find a free motion foot that works on my machine. I will try a couple stores this afternoon, but who knows!

Sneaky Peak of dqs4

2008-07-05T21:57:00.000-06:00

Here is a cute sneaky peak of my Doll Quilt Swap #4. It shows the quilt in the background and a few of the accents I am hoping to use after I get it quilted.

When I get it finished, I will be sure to post a picture.

2008-06-30T11:24:00.000-06:00

In the last two days I have not gotten any sewing done. I have completed some sewing related projects though.

I cut the fabric for the blocks for my Doll Quilt Swap #4 quilt. I also have an idea about the pattern for the top. Here are the fabrics for the dqs4 quilt I am making…

I also chose and packaged my fabrics going to the Twisted Mystery #4 Quilt Swap. They are playful, but I cannot post a picture because this is a secret swap and I would not want my partner to know I sent them. I will post again when I get the fabrics that I will be working with.

I also got Zach’s Pirate quilt ironed and packed to be sent for quilting, but I still have to piece the backing and decide if I am sending it alone or if I should wait to finish Ronin’s too and send them at the same time. Here is a picture of the top…

I really need to get to work on my doll swap quilt and Ronin’s pirate quilt, but I have been so unmotivated lately!

Zach has been regressing today with his potty training... he has soiled 5 pairs of pants this morning and it is barely 11am. So I am making him run around half naked. He still refuses to poo in the toilet. I have no idea what is up with this guy. He was doing so good with the training and then he just stopped going the to toilet at all today. I hope he goes back to at least peeing there soon! I know it is most likely my fault for freaking out after the 2nd or 3rd pair of wet pants this morning, but come on!

Edited to add: Never again will I let him go without pants! He pooped upstairs then played trains in the poop and made 'tracks' all over the floor in 3 rooms. Somehow he did all this in less than 10 minutes!

Got two things in the post today... YEAH!

2008-06-24T13:42:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I finished the RRCD Quilt top called Candy Stripes. I put on the second border of QST's and used all the 30s repro fabric I have. There are a few QSTs and 4patches left over that I might try to fit togerher into another charity top some day. I sent this in the mail with a ton of striped flannel for a backing to Dori to quilt and finish.

I also mailed Sharon's quilt and backing with some batting to Quiltgal for quilting. I have not used her before, but she is very reasonably priced and seems very knowledgable. So I think she will do a wonderful job. Sharon's quilt is gigantic and rather cute. I did not really like the colors before I made the top, but now that it is completed it all goes together nicely.

So now my sewing priorities are:

The second of three pirate tops...
The QOVs for the mommies groups...
And deciding what I want to do for the Dall Quilt Swap #4...

Speaking of dolls, here is mine. He has been my doll since 1981 when my little sister, Amanda, was born. I have cried on him a million times. Since there are no other females in my house, I doubt I could find another doll anywhere.

The boys and I went swimming this morning and had a great time. I think I am a little sunburnt on my back where I could not reach to put sunscreen on. I think we will go do a little shopping this afternoon after Ronin wakes up from his nap.

Doll Quilt Swap 4

2008-06-21T22:05:00.000-06:00

So I found this cute and fun looking swap on the net last year, but was too late to participate. I enjoyed looking at the photo's of the cute little quilts that were being made and shared by all. This year I was able to sign up and just got my swap partner's (SP) name. I am so excited... My SP did not give me a lot of requests, so I am revving up my creativity in hopes of making something cute and fun.

I think I am going to take a picture of my one and only doll as it is not a typical doll and since I am the only girl in my house it will have to due. My doll's name is Michael and I got him in 1981 when my little sister was born. He is well used and still comforts me when I cry those midnight tears. I will try to remember to do that tomorrow.

Here is a link to the swap info...

http://dollquiltswap.wordpress.com/

Quilty stuff I need to be working on...

2008-06-21T19:43:00.000-06:00

So I need to start keeping track of the things I have on my to-do list as I am starting to get forgetful... hehehe

Add border to 30's RRCD

Send Sharon's Quilt to quilter

Start sashing MnM QOV Blocks

Green Pirate Quilt

Orange Pirate Quilt

Triple Four Patch

Turn Orange and White Swap Blocks into top

Turn Purple and White Swap Blocks into top

Turn Blue, Yellow and White Swap Blocks into top

That is all I can think of right now, but I am sure I am missing a few. Nothing has a due date so I am not too stressed, but I would love to get some of these done!