Joining Judy's UFO challenge

UPDATED 2/3/2011 - some have pictures!

I'm joining up! Here's my 12 UFO's for Judy's UFO challenge. There's a chance at some point I may get too antsy and do one ahead, but never fear, I've got plenty of UFO's on deck. :-)

1. pink baby pins quilt as you go project. (some quilting done)

2. Bubba's football quilt (some quilting done)
3. sea life quilt (ready to bind)
4. pink/yellow/green/white YBR baby quilt (some FQ's cut)
5. Dad's Christmas/Fall placemats (finish binding 3)
6. Zoo Parade (finish binding) (front & back shown - reversible quilt, sorry forgot to rotate the pictures)

7. Snowman wallhanging (ready to baste - picture shows it not quite pieced all the way)

8. Button Christmas Tree wallhanging (assembling)
9. Christmas tree table topper (some piecing complete)
10. piecing Dad's star struck quilt (some blocks made)
11. quilt-as-you-go Dad's star struck quilt (some blocks made)
12. assembling & binding dad's star struck quilt (some blocks made)


#'s 10, 11, 12 are interchangeable. Obviously I can't quilt until I've pieced and I can't assemble/bind the quilted blocks until I've quilted.

Comprehensive exam is next week (8th), so until then a plain list will have to suffice. Once I'm done with comps, I'll update this post with pictures.

~QB29

FNSI tonight!

On the agenda: binding Christmas placemats for my dad!

Will check back when I've made progress. See y'all later!

~QB29

Plans for 2011

It looks like my blogging friends are gearing up for 2011 with a variety of special activities for the coming year. Of course, a UFO challenge is a given. I've also seen a PhD challenge. Judy over at Patchwork Times is hosting a monochromatic color challenge. Some are challenges for themselves while others are challenges for blogging friends.

Over the next few weeks I'll pick (or maybe create) one or two challenges in which to participate. Which ones have you seen that look interesting? Any you actually plan on doing?

~qb29

A Christmas present finish!

Well, close. The binding is done and now I just need to make a label. :-). I'm so happy that I finished the binding on it. I should get the label made tonight and will take a pic then!

Calling it a night on FNSI

While enjoying White Christmas, I was able to bind more on the red, blue, and cream throw pictured a few posts ago. It is now over halfway bound. I'll have it finished one night during this upcoming week and will post a "finish" picture then.

Night y'all. Hope you enjoyed your FNSI. I did :-)

~QB29

Fluffly Rag Quilt & FNSI check-in

I've been to the laundry mat and the rag quilt is fluffed!





I may take it back for another fluffing. Anyone know how many "fluffs" should be done on a rag quilt?

I also have about 1/4 of the throw bound. I'm getting ready to watch White Christmas and will work on it some more. Talk to you later!


~QB29

Reminder - FNSI is Tonight!

This is a PSA for all quilters: Friday Night Sew-In (FNSI) is tonight! FNSI is hosted by Heidi and Bobbi. Take tonight off. Sit 'n' sew. Let the housework pile up. Let the kids (and hubby) fend for themselves. Tonight's the sew-in!!!

~QB29

Christmas Decorations!!!!!!

I got to put up my Christmas decorations this year :-). Last year I was so busy with school that they stayed in storage.
My tree:

Angel on top:

Stuffed lion because I was a Phi Mu in college:
Mickey soccer player because I played soccer as a kid:

Hand painted animal ornaments from the local zoo from my childhood. I also have a tiger and a polar bear:
Handmade ornaments that my mom made back in the 70's:


Jesus is the reason for the season:

Jim Shore doggy:

Favorite glass blown ornament:

Jim Shore wise men:

Jim Shore Mary, Joseph, and Jesus:

Mom's nativity set made by her godmother:

~QB29

Pin Cushion Swap

Earlier this fall I hosted a pin cushion swap. I made a kitty-cat pincushion for my partner and also included a kitty-cat pillowcase:



~QB29

Photo catchup and other updates

My last several posts have been photo-less, but tonight's going to change that. Here's some crafty projects I've been working on for the holidays.

First up: The rag quilt. It's all snipped and ready to go to the laundry-mat. I'm planning on making my FNSI a FNSO tomorrow so I can get this quilt fluffed and ready for gifting.
Front view:

Back view:

Second up: The throw. The binding's attached to this baby and ready to be hand-sewn to the back. I'll be starting this at the laundry-mat and hopefully finishing it this weekend :-).
Front view:

Close up of aunt's quilting:
Back view:

Third up: Fleece no-sew blankets. I made 2 of these. Both have Buzz on the front. This one (with the gray on the back) is for Bubba. The other one is already wrapped for Bubby. It has a green for the backing.


~QB29

Snip, snip!

Tonight's task: Snipping the denim-flannel rag quilt I am making for Big C. I want it done to fluff on Friday night. I'm going to count sitting at the laundry-mat as FNSI time :-). Hopefully I'll be able to dredge up some handwork to take along.

~QB29

2 Friday Night Sew-in's for this month!

Dec. 10th and Dec. 17th. Are you in?



~QB29

What to charge for no-sew fleece blankets

I posted on FB the other day about finishing the no-sew fleece blankets I made for my nephews. A friend wants to know how much I'd charge to make one. I was thinking of breaking the charge down to labor + cost of fleece (or labor + she supplies fleece). Any ideas on the charge for my labor? It took me about 3 hours to do each of the boys, but I was watching TV and not always on task :-). For each of the boys I used 2 lengths of fleece about 1 1/2 yards. (They're 4 and almost 2).

I was thinking around $15, at least for the size I made the boys or smaller and maybe $20 for a bigger one. Any thoughts?

Thanks,
~QB29

Happy Thanksgiving Week!

Gobble, Gobble!

~QB29

FNSI is tonight!

On the agenda:
bind dad's placemats (Christmas present)
snip Big C's rag quilt

What's your plan?

~QB29

Another Go Giveaway!

I've found another Go Giveaway! Lavender Ridge is hosting this one.

~QB29

Tonight's Sewing!

I've decided to start walking again at the gym and purchased a new pair of jogging pants to wear. Problem was, as are most long pants and even long skirts, they were inches too long on me :-(. So tonight I pulled out my serger, ruler, and sewing machine. After chopping a surprisingly small 4 1/2" off, I serged the raw edge and then turned them up about half an inch and seamed into place. Now I have a decent length pair of jogging pants to wear on Thursday :-).

Note about the gym - it is a ministry outreach of a local Baptist church. Annual fee is $25 if using only the walking track For an additional $25 ($50 total) you can use the workout room. I joined back in the summer, went a week or two, missed for VBS, then they closed a week for annual maintenance, and then school started and I began taking a friend's daughter to soccer 2 nights a week. School's done and soccer's over, so I now have my M, T, and Th nights to myself and can start going again. (Well most Mondays - some I'll have Bible Study with the Forerunners.) Since it's a ministry outreach, the gym respects church hours (yeah!) and is closed on Sundays and after 5 pm on Wednesdays. The other weeknights, it is open until 9. It is also open until 2 on Saturdays.

Since this pair hemmed so easily, I may stop by the store later this week and buy another pair so I'm not constantly doing laundry.

~QB29.

Election Day

To my American readers -
Don't forget that today is Election Day.
Remember to go out and vote!

~QB29

Another Accuquilt Go Giveaway!

Follow this link to enter:
http://thedote.blogspot.com/2010/10/its-time-for-accuquilt-go-giveaway.html

Micki Butler of Irish Muses is hosting the giveaway.

Deadline is Nov. 5th, 2 pm her time (Ireland).

~qb29

smile pretty for the camera!

GradFest was this week. I had to go to campus for all of 20 minutes to take a picture and pick up my cap, gown, and hood :-D. Dec. 18th, 2010 - bring it on!

~QB29

Giveaway!

Little lady patchwork is having a guest blogger and a giveaway! Hop on over for your chance to win a Fat Quarter Bundle of Pure by Sweetwater for Moda.

~QB29

Next FNSI - 11/19

It's on! I'm planning on enjoying an evening in comfy-cozy PJ's in front of Husky working on Christmas presents. Who's with me? Sign up by clicking the button below:



~QB29

I've been blogged!

Judy blogged about me (well, about Husky :-)). Husky caught her eye at retreat. For those of you that don't know the story, here goes:

Husky is a Husqavarna 990 SLE. He was made in the 80's and was the top of the line machine at the time. He is an early computerized model. The "S" was the second edition of the 990 and the "LE" means that it is a "Limited Edition". In fact, this edition was so limited, that it's gold! Well, not real gold, but gold colored :-). The normal 990's are navy blue.

This was made for the store owner's wife, but she did not like it. My mom happened to be the right customer at the right time when the store owner sold it :-).

A few years ago my now-retired mom decided to join the crafters' group at the local hospital. They make all sorts of crafts to sell in the hospital gift shop and at the annual "boutique" every November. Proceeds benefit the hospital (such as the valet parking service there). My mom decided to upgrade machines to a brand-spanking new embroidery & sewing machine. Rather than use Husky as a trade-in, she gifted him to me :-). Husky has now been to retreats or classes in 4 states!

I found this site that gives a brief history on the 990 SLE.

~QB29

Accuquilt Go Giveaway

Not by me :-) If you don't want me to win, you can try your hand at entering. Just click the link below:

http://alderwoodquilts.blogspot.com/2010/10/alderwood-quilts-october-giveaway.html

Of course, if you want me to have a better chance of winning, don't enter :-D.

~QB29

I'm baaaaaaack!!!!!!

Sadly :-(.

I had a wonderful time at retreat in Shipshewana, IN. No pictures though, as my camera was buried in the bottom of my duffel bag with dead batteries. No matter, plenty of other bloggers were at this retreat, so I'll just send you over to them as they post great pics :-).

I got to meet Ruth (who organized the retreat) and Judy L (a good blogger friend of Ruth and my friend Jill that I went with). Bonnie Hunter was there too :-). It was a wonderful time just to sew, relax, shop, eat, and have fun. Once my camera batteries are charged, I'll post some pics of stuff I worked on!

~QB29

Friday Night Sew In - October

October's FNSI is set for October 15!



Click the image to sign up too!

camp (long)

Tuesday was an uneventful drive. It took about 8 hours, but that included 3 quilt stores, a Kroger's run, and a couple of gas stations. I realized when I had been on the road an hour that my puppy chow, which I had sitting next to my cooler, was not currently next to my cooler. My cooler was in the backseat while it was still in the kitchen. Oh well, my co-workers will get to feast on it next week.

I stopped at Sneeds Sew & Vac in Charleston, The Stitching House in Buckhannon, and Elkins Sewing Center in Elkins. I found something I liked at each store :-).

About 15 lades (out of the 55 or so attending) came for the Tuesday early arrival. We had a great time sewing and chatting together. I finished the applique and added the borders for Bubba's quilt. It is basted and partially quilted. I should will finish the quilting in time to get it bound and labeled for his 2nd Bday in Dec. Of course, that could mean I'll be doing the night before, but it will be done!!! No pic on this since his real name (not Bubba :-() is appliqued on it.

Wednesday morning we got pies! David made 2 pies for the early arrival crew. Let's just say they did not last long :-). I spent most of the day working on my denim and flannel rag quilt that I am making for Big C (Bubba's 13 yr. old half-brother, for those readers wondering how I suddenly got a 3rd nephew). I just need to seam around the outside edge, clip, and fluff. :-) It is all pieced together. This will be my TV quilt for the next few weeks, lol. Here is Anne helping me show it off at show-and-tell. Sorry the picture's not that great. I'll get another one once it's fluffed and ready to be gifted (by Christmas :-)).


Thursday I worked on a snowman wallhanging. It is an 10 1/2" center surrounded by 36 3.5" courthouse step blocks. Let's just say I did not realize that it would be that small when I signed up for the class. That was 468 pieces of fabric 1" wide. I like how mine turned out. I finally finished it Saturday morning. I cheated a bit and fussy cut snowflakes for the corner blocks rather than appliqueing them on. I also did mine in cottons in stead of wool (applique) and homespun (blocks). I hope to finish it up either before or at my Shipshewana retreat in October.


I like how Cindy did hers in Christmas prints instead of homespuns. She did use the wool for the applique.


I did not touch my table topper, but Susie got hers completely finished except for tacking the binding down to the back. Here she is showing it off:


I also only sewed 3 buttons on my tree wallhanging, but have tons of ideas to make similar designs for other seasons. Here's a couple that ladies finished. Don't they look good?



The big project for the week (which I elected not to do, but may buy the pattern later) was a Carpentar's star quilt. Here's several different tops that were finished. One lady did hers in black and batiks. It was beautiful!






The drive home was very uneventful. I'll post more pics later, but need to get ready for bed now. Night all!

~QB29

I'm Home!

I am home from camp. I had a wonderful time. Now to play catch-up. Stay tuned - I will be posting pics and updates this week :-)

~QB29

31

:=)

FNSI results

just a little sewing .... I finished the one earlier in the week and did its twin tonight. We need to bring two 12" 1930's/white (or WOW) blocks for the block drawing. Yeah, mine are done!

Friday Night Sew In Plans

first up - errands :-)

1. 12" 1930's block for lotto drawing @ camp
2. finish buttons skirt
3. prep for camp :-)

~QB29

96!

Hours, need I say more?

Quilt Camp Countdown

142 oops, I mean 118 hours, give or take a few minutes, until arrival :-)

Can you tell I'm excited? I've counting in hours!!!!!!

Oh, and BTW, I've got my route mapped, including stops for shopping (quilt stores!!!) and the usual (gas/food). I've got my schedule planned for classes, camp activities, meals (there's a great kitchen staff!), and other sewing. So am I ready? Almost. I still need to make my puppy chow (snack contribution), finish my 12" drawing block, and finish packing!!!!!

~QB29

Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)?

A blog friend posted this today and I am borrowing it:
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Working on some stage in LA
Did you stand there in shock at the site of
That black smoke rising against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger
In fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry

Did you weep for the children
Who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below

Did you burst out in pride
For the red white and blue
The heroes who died just doing what they do
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself to what really matters

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Teaching a class full of innocent children
Driving down some cold interstate
Did you feel guilty cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone
Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her
Did you dust off that bible at home
Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Speak with some stranger on the street
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and buy you a gun
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watching
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger
Stand in line and give your own blood
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

The greatest is love
The greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day

The lyrics (& song) are written by Alan Jackson

To answer ... I was preparing for a trip of a lifetime. We were to leave on 9/13 for a semester study abroad in Mexico. I remember making a bowl of cereal and sitting down to watch TV. My plans for the day were to run to my mom's school, get a haircut, and then work my last shift before my trip. I was a cashier at Kroger's and did the 5pm to 1am shift. I turned the TV on sometime between 8:49 and 9:03 because the first thing on the TV was coverage of the first tower to be hit. I was watching Live! with Regis and Kelly. At first I thought they were showing a clip from a new movie, as they sometimes did. Then I realized that the clip was too still and too quiet - it lacked the sound effects and movement typical of movies. I began to pay attention to what they were saying and then watched in disbelief as the 2nd plane hit. I finished my cereal with my eyes glued to the TV. I hurriedly got dressed and drove to my mom's school.

That day will be seared in my memory. It is a day I will NEVER FORGET. It is my generation's Day of Infamy.

~QB29

Sept. Friday Night Sew In

is on the calendar ...



for the 17th of the month :-D