Finishes and Goals

I think a great thing to do is set a goal to finish something each month.  I half reluctantly decided last month that I would try to see if I could actually post a goal and accomplish it.  I soon realized that I may have set my goals a bit high for the month, but in the end it was worth it.

After hanging "Have Yourself A Quilty Little Christmas" and photographing it, I soon realized I couldn't see the quilting I had spent so much time on...

With a little experimenting we can see it! :)  It is only -20F windchill  today...and as my husband was helping me he said "Wow, this really is a pretty quilt."  I'm sure it will be used and loved for many years to come at Christmas.

My This Way and That Way Quilt (pattern by Me & My Sister, fabric is Fig Tree Coney Island) is finished and I'm so happy about that too. 

Now on to my February goals.  I decided that I wanted to make a goal of quilting a quilt that is in my HUGE "piecing is finished, but it needs to be quilted pile."  It should serve two goals, working on my machine quilting, and actually getting something off that pile.  ;) 

This is from the Take Wing pattern by lillyella stitchery.  I still need borders, and I had always thought about adding some smaller butterflies...I may still have to do that.  I guess we will see where this month leads.  I am linking up with Elmstreet Quilts with my one monthly goal.  If you are interesting in the Coney Island fabric, Stitchin' It Up Quilt Shop is the place to look.  I will be back again soon with something else I've been working on.  Happy Stitching!!!  --Kristen

Happy New Year!!

Well, it seems all the end of the year holidays have passed us by, and it has almost been two months since I have posted.  A few days after my last posting I began a job search which has been less than exciting, frustrating, exhausting, and was taking everything I had just to participate in.  It always comes when you least expect it, and there are days I don't know what to do because I'd love to believe that perfect job will just land in my lap.  Haha!  So I've stayed away from my sewing room, and I decided its a new year, and time to get back to what I love most...creating.

It is my hope to finish the started projects that have been pushed aside to make room for some fun new ones.  As you can see we have snow, and it is was -6 F when I was out trying to photograph this.  It is almost all quilted, needs binding, and then it will be ready for Christmas next year.  This pattern is Have Yourself a Quilty Little Christmas by Lori Holt.  I used Nancy Halvorsen Christmas fabrics which are bright and fun.

This quilt is This Way and That Way from the book 12-Pack Quilts by Me and My Sister Designs.  I used Fig Tree Coney Island fabrics and love how it is turning out.  It needs borders and to be quilted and bound.  It is my goal to finish both of these in the month of January while participating in the One Monthly Goal Link Up.  Hopefully I can motivate myself to actually finish something big each month (and take my mind off of looking for a job).  I am wishing you a happy, healthy New Year, and that you are surrounded by those you love!  Happy Stitching!!  --Kristen