Monday, January 25, 2016

2016 GOALS

I like to make lists and take sewing challenges 
Both keep me motivated and I have good results.

The first challenge that caught my eye
allow any kinda UFO to be done...
all or part...such as just make a top, but not quilt it

Participants use the #apqresolution hash tag on IG (Instagram)
whenever they post a pic of one of the UFOs


There was print out to list 12 UFOs - one for each month
I included some quilting, knitting, and card making 

Now remember this is a specific list...but I am also
working on other projects NOT on this list!


On the first day of the month All People Quilt
draw a number at random...that is the month
in you list and work on that UFO


February was a Halloween Quilt with 
"Too Cute To Spook" fabrics by Riley Blake

I will post about the UFOs as I work them up!


The next challenge was familiar as I did this for 2015...
#sewmaystash2016 on IG



Actually both challenges go hand in hand for a win-win!
 I can circle the wagons for two more wins when
I use some of the projects for the
Nationwide Plaza Quilters and Columbus Modern Quilters
2016 UFO challenges




I also made a list of 2016 vacations...
 January - Florida with the girls (check)
February - Florida with hubby (check)
 June - North Carolina Mountains with hubby (maybe)
August - Maine (BUCKET LIST) with hubby (maybe)
Sept/Oct - Myrtle Beach, SC  to visit my son (check)
...ahhh the beauty of being retired

So tell me...are you in any challenges?


Monday, January 18, 2016

CATCHING THE COLD

From Thanksgiving to Christmas
I was sick with "the crud" for 7 weeks.  
Two rounds of antibiotics, prescription couch syrup
and a trip to the chiropractor because I coughed
so hard I threw my back OUT!


When I could must up some energy I gathered up
lots of Christmas themed Moda charm packs


My new Bernina, Ms. Nina has the Dual Feed patchwork foot
and a wonderful guide bar and I was aching to try it out!

 TIP: To find a perfect 1/4" seam - Sew 3, 1 1/2" strips together
the center piece will finish at 1"
Keep adjusting the seam allowance til you get it right!


I began sewing 2 patches - 2 light / 2 darker volume prints


built those into 4-patches


check out these seam intersections
this dual feed and patchwork guide works!


My last finish for 2015...is this Christmas top
The strip on the left will be part of the backing.
I will quilt it in 2016.



Because I was so sick while making this top
I am naming it...

"Catching the Cold"

What was your last finish in 2015?


Monday, January 11, 2016

WINTER BED RUNNER

I found this fabric in my stash
and decided it would make a great winter
change-up!


Sew the design process began...just cutting and sewing
...no particular pattern.


and more sewing pieces together


When the piece was sized to fit my bed...
I added straight line quilting for a modern look and feel.


The binding fabric is same as the backing.  



I made a slip on pillow cover
and just slipped it over the yellow and gray one.
Slipped stitched the end shut.


Aren't they pretty!  



I made a couple mats for the side tables.


and here it is all together!


Sewed more pieces to cover a canvas which
hangs nicely by the Jacuzzi tub. 
Tucked in some fun holiday greenery,
red ribbon, owls and candles.



A favorite and fun upside down tree hangs over the tub
with coordinating red, gray and white towels.


Back in the master bedroom the holiday touches included
greenery, lights, ribbon, owls and trees on the dresser



I found a small $10 thrift store tree 
and decked it out to match everything else.  
The clear ornament hold tiny scraps from the fabrics I used.




The Christmas trees, lights and ribbons are stored away but
the rest of the red, white and gray remain!

I'll bring back the yellow, white and gray
just in time for spring!

Happy January!