Memory Wreath

It is so nice to finish early.  Last night I finished late...and I ended up making three of the same block.  There was some sort of a problem, I'm just glad I finished, and I'm moving on to other things.

This block was fun, it is block 152 of 366 and it is a 12-inch block.  It was an easy stitch even though it looks more difficult that it is.  It reminds me of the summer sun.  I'm in the summer mood as tomorrow marks the end of the school year for my son.  He has had perfect attendance which has been a huge accomplishment for him.  He has tried so hard to achieve it in years past and was pretty excited tonight to receive his certificate.  We tend to celebrate the little things, a good grade on a paper, being able to finish the mile (rather than really worrying about the time), being able to eat a meal and not get sick (we have some serious allergies here), or even just finishing one block a day.  Do me a favor tomorrow as you start the new month of June, celebrate a little accomplishment.  Maybe decide on a pattern to start, pick out some fabric for a quilt, or cut out just a few pieces.  If it isn't starting a new project, get out an old one and figure out how to get going on it again.  It is the little accomplishments that end up making the whole finished project a success. I'd love to hear what your celebrated little accomplishment is..and it doesn't have to have anything to do with quilting.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Memory Block

So this is one of those blocks where everyone would make a block, sign their name in the middle and then make a quilt for someone who was getting married, moving away, or some other special occasion.  When I started this I thought it sure was a fancy block.  When I finished it I thought thank goodness this one is done.  Too many triangles for me today.

This is block number 151 of 366 and it is a 10-inch block.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Memory

I had two strips of this orange/multicolored fabric left and don't you know they were the perfect sized strips!  This has to be one of my favorite blocks, its a star, and it uses the last of some of my favorite fabric.  I have two triangles left and I think an odd sized strip that is basically too small for anything, but I cannot bear to throw it.

Look what a person can do with just half-square triangles and a few squares.  I think this could make an amazing quilt (I need to make a note of that in my notebook).

I think this block is great on point too.  This is block number 150 of 366 and the half way mark isn't far away.  I'm linking with Fabric Tuesday.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Hen and Chicks

This block was the perfect block for today.  I spent most of the day in the garden planting tomatoes and flowers.  The weather was perfect and it was so nice to have an extra day added to the weekend.

Since I spent so much time with my flowers today I thought I'd use a little flowery fabric.  This is a 10-inch block and is number 149 of 366.  Can you believe we are already almost 150 days into 2012?  I hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day today in the States.  I had two grandfathers who fought in WWII, and the stories they told were horrible.  I'm so very thankful those two men made it back safely.  I'm also very thankful for all the men and women who are brave enough to make sure that I have the freedoms and safety that I do.  I'm linking with Judy for Design Wall Monday.  Happy Stitching!!
--Kristen

Duck and Ducklings

I decided I would start my cleaning bright and early this morning (okay 10:30 a.m.) while my husband and son went golfing.  I don't golf, I did once and when my score was 90 at hole two I just decided to caddie.  At any rate, I thought I would have some uninterrupted time to clean the walls in our bathroom after having taken the wallpaper border down a few weeks ago.  It has been driving me nuts, and I thought today would be the perfect day.  I finished 2-1/2 hours later.  It is so nice to have the border down, but after 2-1/2 hours of cleaning above my head I can hardly move my arms tonight.  I sure hope I'm able to move tomorrow...

Today's block fits the fabric, and I didn't even notice it until I sat down to start writing.  Funny how that works sometimes.  I really like this block, it actually went together easily, and it is mostly half-square triangles.  This is block number 148 of 366 and it is a 12-inch block.

Stash Report....

Used this week:  0 yards
Used year to date:  4 yards
Added to this week:  1.50 yards
Added to year to date: 97.00 yards
Net used for 2012:  -93.75  


I added 1-1/2 yards of a background fabric this week.  Oh I hope I having something finished for next week. :)  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

A Little Cross Stitch, Some Knitting, and Mother's Own

I love long weekends.  I always feel like I have just a little more time for those things that usually are long forgotten.  When I got up this morning I decided to do a little cross stitching.

This is a A Quaker Christmas II by ByGone Stitches.  I'm doing it on 40 count linen (which means 40 threads per inch) and I'm loving it.  Anyone who knows me knows I love Christmas and I usually start singing Christmas Carols in July.  I started this a couple of weeks ago, and I'm almost finished with the first page of the pattern (only 17 more to go).

After my nap (I was really lazy today, but in my defense, it was a rainy, stormy day) I decided to pick up this scarf again.  I had started this a few years ago and lost the pattern, don't ask, I'm sure I'm the only person in the world who starts a knitting project and loses the pattern half way through.  But all is well now, and I have just about a skein and a half of Koigu yarn to knit yet and it will be finished!

And last, but certainly not least, I finished today's block.  I have never seen this block before.  It was a simple stitch with oddly sized pieces and I'm not sure I'm crazy about it.  It probably needs at least four more of them to make sense.  It is called Mother's Own and is an 8-inch block.  It is number 147 of 366.   I also did some shopping today, so I must say I really did enjoy my Saturday.  I figured the laundry and cleaning can wait until tomorrow.  I hope you are enjoying your weekend as much as I am.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Mother's Fancy And A Winner

These bigger blocks are a bit harder to photograph, but they are fun to make.  This was a great test for the 1/4-inch seam allowance and a few blocks would easily make a bed-sized quilt.

I usually crop off the seam allowance around the outside of the blocks, but it is nice to see the whole block with this one.  I did use red, white, and blue for the Memorial weekend.  This is block number 146 of 366 and it is a 14-inch block.

Now for the winner.  First of all, I have thoroughly been enjoying all the comments.  So many of you have the same dream projects I do, and the recurring theme, just to finish them! :)  I keep trying, and hopefully I will see some progress in that area this weekend.  The winner was comment number 153 who just happens to be Jenniffier Kramer.  


Jenniffier, I will be sending you an email shortly.  Thank you everyone for entering, I wish I had 
194 scissors to give away.  I am linking with Can I Get A Whoop Whoop?  Happy Memorial Day 
weekend and Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Mother's Dream

WOW, have I been having fun reading about all of your dream projects!  It would be so fun to be able to supply you all with everything to make your dream project a reality, even the time!  You've given me quite a few new projects to think about too, which is the best part.

Today's block took me 2 hours to make.  It is an 18-inch block and has 24 half-square triangles in it.  I think this one is almost a quilt in itself.  It definitely wouldn't take too many of them to make a bed-sized quilt.  I keep thinking what fun it would be to put some applique in the squares or embroider something.  The squares could also be great spaces for some quilted feathers. :)  This is number 145 of 366.  Don't forget to leave a comment on yesterday's post telling me your dream project (there is an Olfa scissors up for grabs).  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Mother's Favorite, Your Dream Project, and A Giveaway

When I sit and work on my block each night I think about things that I never have the time to think about otherwise.  The other night I had this thought...If I had all the tools, fabric, time, and knowledge what project would I make, especially if I was guaranteed to finish and have it look great.  My list of "want to make" is long, and I mean so long I doubt I could ever finish the whole list.

This is the BOM from The Quilt Show by Sarah Vedeler.  Yeah, I look at it about once a week.  I download the pattern each month and file it away in my trusty binder.  Someday I would love to make this quilt.

I love the patterns by Kelli Wulfsohn at Don't Look Now!  I think this tree might actually be a possibility, that is if I ever get my hands on one of her patterns.  I know I would love to make any of her designs.

There are many other designs that I love to look at and dream about making...and since I am just linking with SewMamaSew for Giveaway Day (which is really a week) and there are only two days left, I wanted my giveaway to help you maybe get started on that project you really want to do someday, or help you work on your "now" project.

I purchased a pair of these Olfa scissors a while ago and I love them.  I don't care if I'm using them on fabric, yarn, or felt, they are wonderful.  If you would like a chance to win this pair, leave me a comment telling me what your dream project is.  I can't wait to see what everyone would love to work on..and I just bet I might find something that I would love to add to my list.  If you would like a second chance, leave another comment letting me know you are a follower.  The winner will be chosen by random.org on Friday, May 25,  at 8 p.m. (Central Standard time), so hurry and leave me a comment!

Today's block (Mother's Favorite) is a fun one with a lot of half-square triangles.  It actually looks much more complicated than it is.  It is number 144 of 366 and it is a 12-inch block.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Mother's Choice

This block would be a block that my mother would choose.  It has a lot of pieces, you have to get the fabrics in just the right place, and all those pieces had better line up right or you aren't going to have a nice looking block.  My mom always challenged us when we were growing up.  She always did it in a loving way, but she would never let us just give up or settle.

I'm pretty sure if my mom had let me quit I wouldn't be on block 143 of 366 right now.  It would have been easier to quit on the nights I'm tired or the block is a difficult one.  I can always hear her telling me to just try one more time.  I think tomorrow I will thank my mom for being the mom she is and was when we were growing up.  :)  This is a 12-inch block.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Lady of the Lake and Blogger's Quilt Festival

I do not know how I forgot about this, but I did...and I was very determined to participate again so I actually finished a quilt this weekend.  You should really go and check out some of the over 500 quilts here...

Now for my quilt...I machine quilted it on my home machine.  I have had this sitting for quite a while trying to get up enough nerve to do something other than stiple...and it worked.  I stitched it in the ditch and then did some little swirls around the inner star.  I'm so ready to finish another quilt now!

There are so many quilts to see and so many fun new things to try...it might take me a while to get through all of them.

Today's block was all half-square triangles.  This is a 10-inch block and number 142 of 366.  I'm linking today with Judy for Design Wall Monday, Manic Monday, and Bloggers Quilt Festival.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Grandmother's Basket

Today went better.  And although it is late as I write this, I did finish my block much earlier today all except the handle.  I went to photograph the block and realized I hadn't finished.  It was okay, it was an easy stitch and relaxing after a long day.

I always love to find a new basket block.  This is block number 141 of 366 and it is a 10-inch block.

Stash Report....

Used this week:  1.5 yards
Used year to date:  4 yards
Added to this week:  0 yards
Added to year to date: 96.25 yards
Net used for 2012:  -92.25  


I finished a quilt today...it is just a wall hanging, but for once I have used fabric to show for my stash report.  I will post a picture of it tomorrow.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Grandmother's Favorite

This may be Grandmother's Favorite, but  it is not mine.  This block has a lot of bias seems which makes for difficult piecing.  I think it should have had a disclaimer...do not start this block late in the evening or if you have a limited amount of time.  Extra time will be needed as well as numerous tools for removing seams and extra fabric to replace pieces.  :)

I should have known it wouldn't go well as I spent most of today on another project tearing out rather than putting together.  I apologize now for this one...I may just piece it again tomorrow to see if it goes better.  It is a 10-inch block and is number 140 of 366.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Grandmother's Choice

So far this week we've had Aunt Sukey's Choice, Sister's Choice, and now tonight Grandmother's Choice.  I know I've made this block before, I just can't remember when...maybe I should go through the pile of 139 blocks and see if it is there only with a different name?!  It might have been for BOM quilt too...(it's been a very long day).

It is simple and sweet and number 139 of 366.  It is a 10-inch block.  It is Friday and I had wanted to get a binding sewn on a quilt today but that just did not happen.  I'm hoping it will tomorrow as I'd like to finally put some fabric that has been used in my stash report this week.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Sister's Choice

I like this block, it was fun to choose fabrics for and the piecing was quick and easy.  Now I'm not always a fan of quick and easy, and I tend to love blocks with a ton of pieces in them, but for tonight this block was perfect.

It might just be that I really like the fabrics.  At any rate, this one was enjoyable.  It is block number 138 of 366 and it is a 10-inch block.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Aunt Sukey's Choice

I love this block..and you may be thinking right now that I've flipped my lid or that I've completely lost it...but I haven't.

I did do this block this way for a reason...I know normally it would have the green going all the way through the middle, but I got this great idea when I was putting this together.  I will have to share that idea another time as it has just been too long of a day.  At any rate this block is really fun because it could look so different just by using more fabric choices.  I could have easily done five completely different looking blocks tonight just with this one pattern.  I love that kind of a block!  This is number 137 of 366 and this is a 12-inch block.  I'm linking with WIP Wednesday.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Watering Can

I can say that I have never thought about making a watering can block before...a birdhouse, yes, a watering can, never.  But this one is so cute I'm glad I did!

It took about twice as long to do the applique handles than it did to piece the block.  The handles made me wish my watering can actually had two, one on the top and one on the side.  If it did I might not end up wet every time I water my window boxes.  This is block number 136 of 366 and it is an 11-inch block.  I'm linking with Fabric Tuesday.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Bird House And An Old Quilt

I'm so ready for summer break from school for my son.  He had a late start today and that left room for me to complete my block BEFORE work.  :)  Only 12 more days of school and we will have three months of late starts (for him), I still have to work.

The bird house is a simple block with simple piecing, but the applique was fun as it was a circle instead of a stem.  I used the Perfect Circles by Karen Kay Buckley.  They work great and I would suggest them to anyone who needs to applique a circle.  Definitely easy to use.  This is block number 135 of 366 and it is a 6 x 10 inch block.

Yesterday while at an antique fair we found this quilt.  The entire quilt was hand quilted and I can only imagine how long it took to complete.  Unfortunately I was using my phone and it didn't get the best photos, but this quilt was amazing.

When I find something like this somewhere unexpected it really inspires me to continue working on all my huge projects...when they are finished, they really are worth it.  There was no one around this quilt to give me any information about it, but who ever worked on it was definitely talented!  I'm linking today with Design Wall Monday and Manic Monday.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Flower Pot and Stash Report

Today's block is a bit odd, but after stitching it I thought about how wonderful it would be to make a small quilt with maybe 6 or 10 of these blocks.  Each flower could be a different color and I think it would make a really cute quilt...it could even be used as a doll quilt.

It is only a 5-inch block.  The pattern had used blue, and after piecing it I wished I had used a different color.  If I do make the small quilt I could still use this one and I'm sure it would be fine.  This is block number 134 of 366.

Stash Report....

Used this week:  0 yards
Used year to date:  2.5 yards
Added to this week:  0 yards
Added to year to date: 96.25 yards
Net used for 2012:  -93.75  


I have a funny stash report note this week.  I added nothing.  And although I finish a block a day, nothing has been completed for a while now.  My family went to an antique fair today and we found some beautiful old hand quilted quilts.  My husband informed me that if I didn't start finishing something soon he might just have to start buying some of these old quilts.  I think that was supposed to be incentive to finish something!  It is so nice to know he actually appreciates what I do.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Tulip

It's another tulip today and another odd sized block, but no templates this time!

This one is a little different, but I love it.  Each night as I complete another block I start dreaming about the wonderful garden quilt I could make with them all.  I know there are a few more flower blocks this week, and I may just have to lay them out to see what I can do with them.  Wouldn't it be fun each spring to take out a quilt with all these different flowers on them and put it on the bed...or hang it on the wall?  This is an 8 by 10 inch block and is number 133 of 366.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Tulip Time

I love tulips and I'm especially fond of this one.  Once again it uses templates and has some applique, but I hope someday to have a bed sized quilt made out of this block.

These flower blocks have really been fun.  Once again I'm not sure I would choose this block on its own, but now that I have made it, I really like it.  It is block number 132 of 366 and is 8 x 12 inches.  I'm linking with Can I get a Whoop Whoop?  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Magnolia Bud

Today was one of those days where the weather was just so nice a person couldn't help but smile.  My family actually spent an hour on the patio enjoying a 70 degree evening.  I wonder if there is anywhere that it is 70 degrees all day everyday with no humidity.  If there is, I might even be tempted to move there!

Today's block brought a smile to my face too...I had to use those templates again, but they weren't a problem.  This is such a nice 8-inch block I think I'd enjoy making another and another. :)  It is block number 131 of 366.  The weekend is almost here, and I'm hoping the weather will be just as nice as it was today.  I have flowers and veggies to plant so here's hoping the weather cooperates!  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Daffodils and a Winner

I look at these blocks all day long everyday.  The calendar sits on my desk and when I sit down to work the first thing I do is flip the page.  I looked at this block all day today and for some reason I had no idea what I was in for.

The pieces are small, some of them 1-1/2 inches small.  There are a lot of them and there is applique.  I'm also thinking these flowers need some leaves.  There were none on the pattern, but I'm still thinking about adding some...although I'm not sure if daffodils have leaves.  I grow them, but I never pay attention.  Isn't that awful?  This is an 8-inch block and is number 130 of 366.  The winner of the magazines was Wendy.  I will be sending you an email shortly and your magazines will be in the mail.  Happy Stitching!!  
--Kristen

Nancy's Nosegay

Nancy's Nosegay uses multiple templates for multiple cuts which is not my favorite way to make a block.

I admit it, I struggled tonight and I'm not actually sure why.  The template pieces went together fairly easily...maybe I just need to sleep on it.  This is block number 129 of 366 and it is an 8-inch block.  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

Rosebud, A Hexie, A Giveaway, and My Stash Report

Hopefully tonight Blogger doesn't give me any trouble.  Sometimes it can work so well and at other times it seems a bit finicky.

Today's block is called Rosebud.  This block doesn't remind me of a rosebud, but I did look ahead today and there are a lot of flowers scheduled for the week ahead.  They seem perfect for May.  This is block number 127 of 366 and is a 9-inch block.

I still have a bag of hexies in my purse for those times when I'm waiting for one reason or another.  I had some time on Friday and decided rather than just sitting I could be doing something.  I have another one almost finished, and I'm thinking I might just use some of these in the border of the Vignette Hexagon Quilt.

Now for the giveaway.  I bought copies of these magazines and then received the same magazines in the mail yesterday.  Since I've already read my copies, I thought I'd share these two with one of you.  Just leave me a comment that you would like me to send them to you (wherever in the world you are), and I will draw for them on Wednesday, May 9.

Stash Report....

Used this week:  0 yards
Used year to date:  2.5 yards
Added to this week:  2 yards
Added to year to date: 96.25 yards
Net used for 2012:  -93.75  


I added nothing this week.  I did work in my sewing room this weekend, and I'm hoping to have a couple of finished quilts soon.  I should have some stretches of time coming up that would be perfect for bindings, if I could just get the quilting done.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Flower Bud

Today's block probably looks a little familiar.  I have used it before, but today I thought I would make it a little brighter.

I had made a wall hanging with this block about a month ago and used softer tones.  I actually love them both ways.  I was going to post a picture of both, but it seems Blogger is having a few issues tonight and I will have to cut this short.  This is block number 126 of 366 and it is a 6-inch block.  Stop back tomorrow, I have a quick giveaway for you.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Flower Basket

A few more flowers and another basket..seems it must be May! :)  I think quilters like flower baskets..hmm...I wonder if the quilters of long ago felt like they didn't get flowers often enough so they sewed their own.  What a terrific idea!

Every night I'm amazed at how I am using what I am learning and that I am actually learning a lot.  Last night I tore the block apart four times (I don't always tell that part, but honestly it happens often).  Tonight I used what I learned last night so that I didn't have to do any unsewing.  This is another 10-inch block (yeah, two in a row), and it is block number 125 of 366.  It's the weekend!!!  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

Flower Pot

If you ask me, I think this block looks like a basket, but it is called flower pot so I will go with it. :)

I kept thinking this block would be smaller like the last few, but it is larger at 10 inches.  It also is number 124 of 366.  The day kind of got away from me, and I suddenly realized it is close to being over. Tomorrow the weekend starts, and hopefully it will be a sewing filled one for both you and me!!  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

May Basket Mistake

Today is another May basket block.  I was excited because it had a little bit of applique on it.  I love to do handwork so I quickly pieced my block and got to work on the applique.  I was thinking about how much fun it is to do hand work and how I really do like it.  Then I took the picture....

It didn't take two seconds for me to realize that I had appliqued the handle onto the wrong side of the block.  So, I unsewed the handle and put it on the right side...

It looks so much better on this side.  This is a 6-inch block and is number 123 of 366.  I am linking with WIP Wednesday.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen

May Basket

Happy May Day!  I remember being a little girl and loving the first day of May.  We would make our baskets out of Dixie cups with pipe cleaners the night before and then fill them with fun treats.  On May 1 we would hurry home from school and quietly place them on our friend's doorsteps, ring the doorbell and run!  We didn't want to get caught, and we wanted to get home so we could try and catch the kids leaving baskets on our doorsteps.

Today's block is tiny.  In fact, when I showed it to my husband he asked me if I left it in the clothes dryer too long.  I guess after that 15-inch block the other day this is pretty small.  It is a 5-inch block and is number 122 of 366 (one third completed).

Being that it is the 1st of May I had to pick some Lily of the Valley.  They are so tiny, but they fill a whole room with their fragrance.  I hope your May Day was as sweet as ours was.  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen