Metro Lattice Update

I was working fast and furious on my Metro Lattice last week and then I came to a screeching halt.  I cut something completely wrong and thought it might just be time to step back and take a day off.  I decided that I should probably make all my four patches and get them cut and ready to sew before I moved on, which is exactly what I did.

I finished cutting them in the wee hours this morning and am ready to start sewing again.  I was outside with the sunrise today and there is something about the colors of this quilt and the early morning sun.  Don't forget to check out Thelma's progress, I cannot wait to see how far she got this past week.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Design Wall Monday

The last time I shared this mini medallion I was more than a little upset with it.  Now that I let it sit for a bit it all worked out well and I am happy with it.  I have found that when I'm struggling I do better to put the project aside for awhile, and when I come back things usually work out a lot better.

This quilt is actually on my design wall and all the borders are added.  I'm trying to figure out how to quilt it.  The evening is still early (kind of) and there are other projects that need attention (that list is never ending).

Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Lots and Lots of Strips

I spent part of my day sewing some strips together.  The best part of that kind of sewing is that it is mindless and quick.

Tomorrow these will be cut into strips crosswise and then sewn together again.  Funny sometimes the things we sew together, cut again, and then once again sew together. :)  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Design Wall Monday

My design wall is actually my small cutting mat today.  I spent a little time yesterday cutting pieces for the Lincoln Schibble.  Truth be told, I actually spent more time choosing the fabrics than I did cutting, and I have a long way to go on the cutting.

I thought I'd try some cooler colors during all this summer heat we've been experiencing.  Hopefully there will be some more cutting progress soon.  Happy Stitching!!

Kristen

Odd Fellows Chain

It all started Saturday when I found a quilt kit I had purchase a few years back.  It had no pattern with it, just a block name, Odd Fellows Chain, which meant I must have known I had the pattern at home.  The search began and after about a half hour of searching I decided to do a Google search.  Sure enough I found two versions of this, and don't you know it was the more detailed one that I needed to make.  I also realized that Lori Smith had a pattern for this block (Fat Quarter Quilting: Twenty Little Fat Quarters), and since there were so many fabrics in my kit that had to be the pattern to use.

I didn't realize there were 188 pieces for this block, I just liked it so I started cutting, and cutting, and cutting.  I had to use my design wall because there were just too many little pieces..and if I didn't keep them all in the right spot, there would be a portion that wouldn't be turned right (it happened anyway, but I'm just sure I avoided a major catastrophe).

This is 16-1/2 inches so far, I have another two borders to add to the top and bottom.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

A Fun Weekend Trip

This weekend my son had a pinewood derby race (you know, the little cars they spend hours making and race down a track?)  The wonderful thing about my husband and son is that if I have a quilt shop that I would like to visit during our travels, they are always happy to stop.  As a matter of fact this time they told me to go back in after I had shopped for 45 minutes because they were not ready to leave.  They had some game going between their Ipod and phone and they wanted to finish it.

I was hoping that the shop (Olive Juice in Onalaska, Wisconsin) would have some brightly colored wool and they did not disappoint.  The only problem I had was knowing when to stop.  I can now start my Summertime quilt.

I then found some 1/2" inch paper hexagons and a wonderful 2-1/2" pack of Kaffe Fasset fabric squares.  Since I tend to get really nervous during my son's events I decided I should baste a few.  And I obviously got quite a few finished.

They were actually very easy to baste, even with their small size and the glue pen...

I had to laugh a little as my husband never noticed the size until we were on our way home and I was still working on them.  He thinks I'm nuts (but what is new there).  He then told me he sure hoped this wasn't going to be bed sized.  HA!  You never know what can happen once I get started! :)  Happy Stitching!!

 --Kristen

Progress

As you can see I spent a good bit of time working on my embroidered hexagons this weekend.  They were so relaxing, and it is so fun to see them being close to finished.  Of course now that I see progress I'm trying to figure out how I am going to cut the finished ones off and get them attached to the hexagon flowers without affecting the embroidery waiting to be finished.  I am getting so excited to see this quilt to the end.

I changed my floss colors to DMC 3051 (green) and 3726 (pink).  They match the colors perfectly in the hexagon flowers.  I just have the yellow centers to finish and then I can move the hoop.  I've also spent quite a bit of time researching how to applique the blocks for my Stars and Sprigs quilt.  I'm not completely sold on doing machine embroidery, and I've ordered a stabilizer that is supposed to help with the hand applique.  Doing it by hand may take a little longer, but maybe doing a different technique will make it not seem impossible.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Snow!

We finally have some snow.  Usually by this time of year we have a base of feet not centimeters and this weekend we received about four inches +/- an inch or two and everything is white and clean looking. For a while our grass was starting to look green.

There is nothing like a clean white snowy background for a few blocks.  I took my sewing machine in to be cleaned and had to figure out how to use my old machine again.  It took me a while, but I finally figured it out.

Once again these are all fabrics that I never would have chosen to put together, but they work.  There are not many stars left to do so the decision is going to have to be made soon on what type of applique I am going to use.  I am steering towards machine applique, but I think that may be a bit slow going until I've done a few blocks as I am not fond of unsewing.

Stash Report

Used this Week: 0 yards
Used year to Date: 2.5 yards
Added this Week: 2.25 yards
Added Year to Date: 10 yards
Net Used for 2013: -7.75 yards

I went to this crazy quilt store super bowl sale yesterday.  They had 25% off all yard cuts of fabric and evidently everyone needed yards and yards of fabric because the store was so packed you could hardly get in.  I bought 2-1/4 yards for backing for two quilts.  As I left my sewing machine there for cleaning, I will not be able to do any quilting until I get it back, but the quilts should be pinned and all ready to quilt before then.  I also received good news from the doctor late Friday night that all the skin cancer was removed and the margins are clear, now to just get everything healed.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

I Think I Have a Thing For Pink

I've suddenly realized that everything I have been working on lately is very pink.  I tend to stay away from that color as no one else in my house cares for that color at all.  But, since I've decided to expand my horizons this year I've started making my pink quilts.  Besides, February is a pink month anyway.

I can't remember when I started this Schnibbles by Carrie Nelson called Summer Day.  At the beginning of the weekend I just had a big pile of flying geese.  Now I have only the other side strips to add and I can start putting it all together.  Hopefully by next week I will have a finished top ready to quilt.

Stash Report

Used this Week: 2.5 yards
Used year to Date: 2.5 yards
Added this Week: 4.75 yards
Added Year to Date: 7.75 yards
Net Used for 2013: -5.25 yards

We had a basketball tournament in a town with a really fun quilt shop this weekend.  When there are over 5,000 bolts of fabric it is kind of hard to leave all of it behind.  BUT, I do have a project for all of these (not just one) and I'm fairly certain most all of it will be in my used count soon.  Have you seen Pat Sloan's blog posting on counting your WIPs (works in progress) and UFO's (unfinished objects)?  I think I'm going to do some counting and sorting this week to see just what I have and what I need to finish.  I'm pretty sure I have some projects that will be taking a trip elsewhere to make room for the new.  You can check out Design Wall Monday to see some more WIPs.  :)  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Design Wall Monday And Stash Report

I think I remember saying something a couple of days ago about there maybe being an addiction problem with hexies.  :)  I set a goal this weekend to have 15 started "blocks" so that I would be half way done.  I figured I could spend my waiting time this week embroidering the center and connecting hexies and then hopefully have some time next weekend to finish a few more blocks.  I kind of got on a roll and I have 25 blocks now with only 10 to go.  I do have another project with a deadline due on Friday so most of my sewing time will be spent on that this week.

I don't know if there is any stage of a hexagon quilt that isn't exciting.  I am definitely motivated to keep working on it. :)

Stash Report

Used this Week: 0 yards
Used year to Date: 0 yards
Added this Week: 3 yards
Added Year to Date: 3 yards
Net Used for 2013: 0.00 yards

I made a trip to a new quilt store this weekend to purchase some Cosmo thread and fabric for my Friday project.  I did add 3 yards, but it is all cut up and ready to be sewn into this project so I am not feeling too bad about it.  They only had 3 of the 20 colors of Cosmo I needed so it would have been a wasted trip had I not found the fabric.  It seems I always find a way to justify a fabric purchase. :)  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Pot of Flowers and a BOM Block

Today's block made me remember my applique days.  It has been a while since I've gotten to sit down and do more than a few stems on a block.

I almost started to panic when it was getting pretty late and I had the four leaves to applique yet.  The one is a little funky, but it didn't take long and it all came back.  I think I may take the one leaf off and redo it, but not tonight! :)  This is a 10-inch block and is number 128 of 366.

Today's block actually made me start thinking that this Stars and Sprigs pattern might be a possibility.  I'm pretty sure there are only 1200 leaves on this one (I actually haven't counted them).  I think maybe that will be something for next year, a leaf a day?! :)  I think it might be more like 5 leaves a day.

 I also finished the Kansas City Star BOM for last month.  I need to get to work on the next one now so I stay caught up.  I'm linking with Judy for Design Wall Monday and Manic Monday.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Arizona and Design Wall Monday

Since today's block is called Arizona, I knew I just had to have some yellow in it.  Arizona is one state I have been to (I really do not travel far from home much) and something I remember about it...the absolutely beautiful blue sky and the warm sun.

Although there are a lot of pieces in this block, they are relatively easy to put together, lots of half-square triangles and a few flying geese.  This is block number 121 of 366 and this is a 12-inch block.  It is hard to believe that tomorrow is May 1 already!

Speaking of flying geese and my design wall...I made a few flying geese units last night...49 to be exact.  Now to get them all put together.  I was in the mood for a pink quilt...hopefully I can get it finished this week.  I'm linking with Judy for Design Wall Monday.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Design Wall Monday, Thimbles, and Texas Treasure

I started out the day finishing numbers 117 through 119 hexie flowers for the Vignette Hexagon quilt.  I got so excited about the fact that I was this close to 140 that I sorted and individually bagged all the flower pieces for the remaining 21 flowers.  I'm so close, if I can just sit still long enough to get them all put together.

Bonnie at Quiltville's Snips and Quips is having a Thimble Linky party today which I am finding very interesting.  It is fun to see what thimbles people use and why.  I've tried pretty much every thimble out there, and every time I'm in an antique store I look for the "old" thimbles to see if I can find a really pretty one.  I've never actually purchased an antique one, but I do have my grandmother's thimble which is very special to me.  

I always use a leather thimble and the one I use has the entire fingertip covered.  It seems I tend to use the side of my finger a lot, and when I use the thimbles that don't have the entire fingertip covered, I end up having a very sore finger at the end of the day.  I also found that as I tend to have a longer fingernail, the leather thimble is only one I can stand to wear as it doesn't get underneath my nail.  I wear my thimble so often that there have been times when my son has had to tell me to take it off because I don't need to wear it while I eat.  I used to find the thimbles I like in quilt stores (the early 90's) and then would order them from Herrschner's when quilt stores no longer carried them.  I've only recently found them in a quilt store again.  They are fairly cheap at $2.99 a thimble and they do last quite a long time for me.

Now on to my horror story for today.  Today's 12-inch block has a lot of tiny pieces, and when there are a lot of tiny pieces that makes for a lot of seams, which in turn makes for a lot of headaches.  In fact, this block could lead a woman to take up paper piecing and like it.  :)  I finished it, but I'm not happy with it.  As a matter of fact it has been finished for hours, and I'm so unhappy with it I actually considered not posting a picture of it.  But there goes the daily sewing of a block, blogging about it, and then posting a picture.  So dear reader, here is block 51 of 366.  Please excuse my ugly block.  This one is definitely going on the bottom of the pile, and I am fairly certain it will be never placed in a quilt.  I think it will be my reminder that as hard as I try, not all blocks are for me, and I need to accept that and move on.  

I'm linking today with Judy for Design Wall Monday, and Bonnie for Thimbles Up.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Design Wall Monday and Next Door Neighbor

The block for today is Next Door Neighbor and it is an 8-inch block.  When I first looked at it this morning I thought, no big deal and figured it wouldn't take long to piece it...

Design Wall Monday and Borrow and Lend

My design wall/table is full.  I can't wait to finish this quilt, and I had big plans, that is until a whopper of a cold hit this afternoon and I'm thinking the couch is sounding really good right now.

FNSI and Number 23

I forgot to post my FNSI finish on Saturday and Sunday, so I thought I'd post it quickly now...

I worked on my Fat Quarter Shop BOM block.  I can't believe it is block 8 already.  Only four more to go and it will be time to put the quilt together.  I'm still trying to decide if I'm going to sign up for the next one or not.

Today's block is Puss in the Corner.  Talk about going from one extreme to the next.  Forty triangles two days in a row and now a 9-piece block.  This is a 7-1/2 inch block and is number 23 of 366.  Can you believe we are this far into January already?  I was so excited yesterday when I realized I still have another weekend this month.  I have a lot to finish and that extra couple of days should really help.

I'm linking today with Design Wall Monday, Made by You Monday, and BOMs Away.  Happy Stitching!! --Kristen

Design Wall Monday

I'm back again...I know, I can't believe it either.  But, I finished another block, and I'm on a roll.

It's Monday

Time for Design Wall Monday again.  I actually did work on a few things over the Christmas weekend while watching old movies.

I've now finished flowers 88 through 95...I can see that 100-hexagon mark getting closer and only 45 total to go.  :)  I have the whole week off of work this week, and I'm so hoping to spend some major time in my sewing room.  Although using my sewing machine is at the top of the list, I can hear a quilt shop or two calling my name.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

More Farmer's Wife Blocks

I found my design wall this weekend while cleaning out my sewing room.  Once winter is here again and I cannot take photos outside I will be using it, until then I'm going to enjoy the outdoors.  The days are getting shorter and the evenings are cool.  Fall is my favorite season, although each season does have its benefits.

Here are blocks 70 Prairie Queen, 9 Box, 72 Railroad, and 41 Friendship Star.  I'm still enjoying them, although I think I'm going to put them on hold for awhile as I'm starting to need the other template sets, and I'm going to wait until I can get them on sale.  I may run through the Marti Michell emails and see if there are a few yet that I can do with the sets I have.

Here are the blocks I have finished so far.  I have 8 of 111 finished, only 103 to go!  I have to wonder why I am continually picking these extremely large projects. :)  I think I'm going to try and get my Vignette Mystery blocks put together and drawn out so I can work on them while I'm waiting at soccer practice and games.  It is fall again and time to get the handwork out.

I'm linking today with Judy and BOMs Away.  Happy Stitching and thanks for stopping by.  --Kristen

Design Wall Monday

I had so much fun last week looking at the blocks from my BOMs that I just had to see how my Vignette hexagons looked together.  I've been looking at these piles for so long I wanted to see how they would work.

They look so different when you lay them out.  It was also helpful to see what fabrics I've maybe used enough and which ones I definitely need more of.  A person sure can tell which fabrics are my favorites so far.

After looking at the Vignette hexies, I had to get out my grandmother's flower garden quilt and see how I liked those.  It has been quite a few months since they've seen the light of day, and I'm still loving these fabrics.

When starting this quilt 11 years ago I had no instructions and thought I wanted to outline each flower with an ivory pathway.  After working with the ivory, I then thought it might be nice to have a medium purple in between the ivory.  I hand basted all of the hexagons for this quilt and somewhere along the line I lost a bit of steam.  When I pick it up again glue basting is definitely the way to go.

 I'm going to be linking today with Design Wall Monday.  It is always so fun to see what everyone else is working on.  Thank you so much for stopping by!  Happy Stitching!  --Kristen