Wow, just one more day in August. Hard to believe it's almost September. Summer for us is coming to an end, though with our highs in the upper 90's and lower 100's you'd never know it. Along with those thoughts comes the one that if I have quilts to make for Christmas, I'd better get busy.
I'm going to have to be very diligent about staying with the 15 minute challenge. Those 15 minutes in the sewing room everyday are going to be very necessary if I'm going to finish what's in my head. Which is a quilt for my mom, my niece and the one that Kiddo wants. Flurry is going to be a Christmas gift and it's moving along nicely. I worked on it quite a bit this week.
Not a bad week, I managed at least 15 minutes in the sewing room the last 6 out of 7 days. It's going to be more and more challenging to get in those 15 minutes each day. Kiddo's playing volleyball for the school team and is still on the swim team. That means she has some type of practice 5 nights a week and on Saturday. That doesn't include games, which will start up after Labor Day. I haven't seen the swim meet schedule yet, so no idea how many weekends we'll be on the road attending those.
How did you do this week? Link up and let us know.
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Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Design Wall Monday - August 29th
Not much of a change on the design wall again this week. The final borders were added to Flurry on Friday. It doesn't look much different then last week.
I started piecing the back yesterday, so maybe this one will be ready to go off for quilting next week.
All the blocks for the yellow and purple scrap quilt (pattern by Judy Turner and Margaret Rolf) were laid out on the design floor in the library. This is the final layout.
Since this had been my leaders and enders project, I'm going to keep on that path and sew the blocks together as I work on my other projects. The first row of blocks have been squared up and lined up on the design wall ready to go when I start assembling the back for Flurry. I need to come up with a new leaders and enders project. I finished up Flurry without any "leader" blocks and it felt weird. Does that mean I'm addicted to leaders and enders?
Check out Judy's Patchwork Times to see what else is up on design walls across blog land.
I started piecing the back yesterday, so maybe this one will be ready to go off for quilting next week.
All the blocks for the yellow and purple scrap quilt (pattern by Judy Turner and Margaret Rolf) were laid out on the design floor in the library. This is the final layout.
Since this had been my leaders and enders project, I'm going to keep on that path and sew the blocks together as I work on my other projects. The first row of blocks have been squared up and lined up on the design wall ready to go when I start assembling the back for Flurry. I need to come up with a new leaders and enders project. I finished up Flurry without any "leader" blocks and it felt weird. Does that mean I'm addicted to leaders and enders?
Check out Judy's Patchwork Times to see what else is up on design walls across blog land.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Stash Report - August 28th
Sunday already? Saturday went fast this weekend, probably because I spent yesterday morning on stuff for work, then the rest of the day on stuff related to Kiddo's school. Not much sewing going on so far, I hope to remedy that this afternoon, but that won't help today's stash report.
Used this week: 0.59 yards
Added this week: 0 yards
Used year to date: 43.09 yards
Added year to date: 60.25 yards
Net stashed for 2011: 17.16 yards
I finished the Flurry top on Friday. Today I hope to piece the back. That should remove about 4 yards from my stash, which will be big help in moving back into stash busting range. I still need to make the binding for the Buck-a-Block quilt, which will help some too as it's such a large quilt. That probably won't move up the to do list until next weekend.
A week from today will be the one year anniversary of Life in Pieces. I hope you'll come back next week and help me celebrate.
Enjoy your Sunday. There are many more stash busters who need your support this week over at Patchwork Times.
Used this week: 0.59 yards
Added this week: 0 yards
Used year to date: 43.09 yards
Added year to date: 60.25 yards
Net stashed for 2011: 17.16 yards
I finished the Flurry top on Friday. Today I hope to piece the back. That should remove about 4 yards from my stash, which will be big help in moving back into stash busting range. I still need to make the binding for the Buck-a-Block quilt, which will help some too as it's such a large quilt. That probably won't move up the to do list until next weekend.
A week from today will be the one year anniversary of Life in Pieces. I hope you'll come back next week and help me celebrate.
Enjoy your Sunday. There are many more stash busters who need your support this week over at Patchwork Times.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Foto Finish - Favorite Places
What a weird week! Earthquake damage on the east coast, hurricane evacuations in New Jersey? As the east coast braces for Irene, my thoughts and prayers are with those in her path. We were in Texas for Rita and had close friends who were still living there for Ike. Some folks are in for a very long weekend and then the weeks of clean up after.
So I feel very fortunate to be land locked here in Oklahoma, with my morning cup of coffee, cruising around blog land and contemplating Barbara's theme of "Favorite Places" for this week's Foto Finish. There are so many great places that we visit, not just vacation destinations, but trips to my Mom's to sit out in the garden and trips to my mother-in-law's to visit the farm. So it's hard to pick a single favorite place, but I can pick a favorite spot that we always search out no matter where we go.
This is the coffee shop in downtown Ardmore, OK. It rained one day of our vacation this year, so we spent the afternoon hanging out here, drinking coffee, reading and taking photographs (a pretty idea combo for a rainy afternoon). Whenever we go someplace My Guy likes to locate the local coffee shops. It often becomes the meet up spot on any trip if My Guy goes off to take photographs and us girls go off to shop. I like this picture because it shows not only the shop, but the town too. Coffee shops are definitely one of our favorite places, no matter where they are.
Stay dry, stay cool, stay safe this weekend. Once you've managed that, hop over to Cat Patches to check out more favorite spots.
So I feel very fortunate to be land locked here in Oklahoma, with my morning cup of coffee, cruising around blog land and contemplating Barbara's theme of "Favorite Places" for this week's Foto Finish. There are so many great places that we visit, not just vacation destinations, but trips to my Mom's to sit out in the garden and trips to my mother-in-law's to visit the farm. So it's hard to pick a single favorite place, but I can pick a favorite spot that we always search out no matter where we go.
This is the coffee shop in downtown Ardmore, OK. It rained one day of our vacation this year, so we spent the afternoon hanging out here, drinking coffee, reading and taking photographs (a pretty idea combo for a rainy afternoon). Whenever we go someplace My Guy likes to locate the local coffee shops. It often becomes the meet up spot on any trip if My Guy goes off to take photographs and us girls go off to shop. I like this picture because it shows not only the shop, but the town too. Coffee shops are definitely one of our favorite places, no matter where they are.
Stay dry, stay cool, stay safe this weekend. Once you've managed that, hop over to Cat Patches to check out more favorite spots.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Favorite Things Friday
I'm ready for the end of the week. How about you? It hasn't been a particularly bad week, it's just been a busy one. Which means it's gone reasonably fast. No complaints from me on that front. It's not quite Friday, but it's Friday in Mrs. Pyjamas part of the world, so we'll just adopt Australia time for this FTF post.
Do you have things in your house that you see every day, but don't really see? The power went out for a few minutes last weekend, when it came back on, I realized the lights were on in the china cabinet. I went to turn off the lights and realized just how sparkly everything was with the lights on. I walk by this cabinet several times a day, but I don't look at what's in it.
The biggest resident ismy our china.
Its a very simple pattern called Hancock. It tookme us years to accumulate a full 8 place settings. But I like it as much now as when I we picked it out when we got married.
The glasses were a gift from my sister many years ago. I like the sparkle.
This wine glass is the newest addition to the china cabinet. It's signed by all of Kiddo's classmates from school. It was the class auction project for last year that My Guy so very successfully bid on. There is a whole set of glasses, but we have just the one in the cabinet.
I'm not much of one for nick-knacks, but the seated bride was given to me by my sister right before I was married. She told me it reminded her of me. I never quite figured that out, I never looked anything like that (other then being a brunette). So of course, this piece is one of my favorites.
Next to the bride is our wedding picture. My bouquet was yellow roses, so the frame was very appropriate (another gift from my sister). One of my sister-in-laws took the picture. We had asked her to shoot black and white film for the wedding. You know I've been married a while, you could still get black and white film developed when we were married (and there were still film cameras). This picture is our favorite from the ceremony.
So those are my favorites this week. Maybe I should turn the lights on more often, no telling what other favorite things are lurking in the shadows around here. Check out Quilting in my Pyjamas for more spotlighted favorites.
Do you have things in your house that you see every day, but don't really see? The power went out for a few minutes last weekend, when it came back on, I realized the lights were on in the china cabinet. I went to turn off the lights and realized just how sparkly everything was with the lights on. I walk by this cabinet several times a day, but I don't look at what's in it.
The biggest resident is
Its a very simple pattern called Hancock. It took
The glasses were a gift from my sister many years ago. I like the sparkle.
This wine glass is the newest addition to the china cabinet. It's signed by all of Kiddo's classmates from school. It was the class auction project for last year that My Guy so very successfully bid on. There is a whole set of glasses, but we have just the one in the cabinet.
I'm not much of one for nick-knacks, but the seated bride was given to me by my sister right before I was married. She told me it reminded her of me. I never quite figured that out, I never looked anything like that (other then being a brunette). So of course, this piece is one of my favorites.
Next to the bride is our wedding picture. My bouquet was yellow roses, so the frame was very appropriate (another gift from my sister). One of my sister-in-laws took the picture. We had asked her to shoot black and white film for the wedding. You know I've been married a while, you could still get black and white film developed when we were married (and there were still film cameras). This picture is our favorite from the ceremony.
So those are my favorites this week. Maybe I should turn the lights on more often, no telling what other favorite things are lurking in the shadows around here. Check out Quilting in my Pyjamas for more spotlighted favorites.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
15 Minute Challenge - August 23rd
It's Tuesday, time to reflect on this week's sewing progress. The 15 Minute Challenge started as a way to help me find the time to sew. I enjoy sewing, you would think finding the time to sew would not be hard. Some weeks it is truly impossible to find the time to visit the sewing room due to work schedules or family obligations. Sometimes I can squeeze in those 15 minutes each day, some times I can't. But knowing that I'll have to post on Tuesday keeps me from playing on the computer all night, which is another temptation. Some nights I debate with myself; am I really tired or am I just being lazy. Being lazy is OK too, some times you need to be. Getting myself up stairs can be hard, but usually, once there, the being tired feeling goes away and 15 minutes can easily become an hour. After that hour I feel more at peace and energized then when I got home. So why do I need the challenge? Beats me as to why knowing that I have to come clean on Tuesday is just that little bit extra I need to abandon my "I'm too tired" mantra and head up stairs in the evening. I'm just glad that it does.
For those of you who made it through my wanderings, here is this week's report.
Last week was good for me. So how did your sewing life go last week? Link up if you want to share.
For those of you who made it through my wanderings, here is this week's report.
Last week was good for me. So how did your sewing life go last week? Link up if you want to share.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Design Wall Monday - August 22nd
Not much change in my design wall over the last couple of weeks. I'm still trying to get Flurry finished.
All that is left is the final borders. Those should go on this week.
The last block needed for the purple and yellow quilt was finished yesterday. I was using Bonnie Hunter's leaders and enders approach to piecing these blocks. It's been slow, but it has made for steady progress on this UFO from 2006.
The first 5 rows are stowed away in the closet. Once Flurry comes off the big design wall, I'll lay this one out and play around with the layout. It might just get done before the end of the year.
For more design walls, check out Patchwork Times.
All that is left is the final borders. Those should go on this week.
The last block needed for the purple and yellow quilt was finished yesterday. I was using Bonnie Hunter's leaders and enders approach to piecing these blocks. It's been slow, but it has made for steady progress on this UFO from 2006.
The first 5 rows are stowed away in the closet. Once Flurry comes off the big design wall, I'll lay this one out and play around with the layout. It might just get done before the end of the year.
For more design walls, check out Patchwork Times.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Stash Report - August 21st
I really did sew this week, but most of it was sewing together bits and pieces that have already been counted on the stash report. It didn't help that Connecting Threads had marked down some of their batiks. I was unable to resist that temptation and ordered a few half yard cuts for Kiddo's Jigsaw quilt. I definitely have more then enough fabrics to choose from now, so it's time to get out of acquisition mode. Here's the report:
Used this week: 1.02 yards
Added this week: 6.5 yards
Used year to date: 42.5 yards
Added year to date: 60.25 yards
Net stashed for 2011: 17.75 yards
My objective this year is to use more then I buy. I think I can still manage to make that objective, but I'm going to have to finish up some projects where the back can come from the stash.
I had not ordered batiks from Connecting Threads before these came on Tuesday. The colors are bright and the feel is nice.
Kiddo loves the colors. These all need to be scanned into the computer so we can start playing with the color layout she wants for her quilt.
For more tales of stash management, check out Patchwork Times.
Used this week: 1.02 yards
Added this week: 6.5 yards
Used year to date: 42.5 yards
Added year to date: 60.25 yards
Net stashed for 2011: 17.75 yards
My objective this year is to use more then I buy. I think I can still manage to make that objective, but I'm going to have to finish up some projects where the back can come from the stash.
I had not ordered batiks from Connecting Threads before these came on Tuesday. The colors are bright and the feel is nice.
Kiddo loves the colors. These all need to be scanned into the computer so we can start playing with the color layout she wants for her quilt.
For more tales of stash management, check out Patchwork Times.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
FNSI - Follow Up
Friday Night Sew In was a success. I came home from work, fed myself (Kiddo was going to eat with the gang before playing a pick up game of volleyball, poor My Guy had to feed for himself when he got home). Once Kiddo was out the door, I headed to the sewing room and made some progress on a couple of projects. I finished the upper and lower borders for Flurry and pieced the 2.5 inch squares for one of the side borders.
I made some progress on getting the second side border put together.
The next to last block in the purple and yellow scrap quilt also came together as it was worked into the other sewing as a leaders and enders project.
I made a start on the last block, but didn't get a picture of that. Not bad for an evening of sewing. Check out the links over at Handmade by Heidi to see how FNSI went for others this weekend.
Foto Finish - Things in the City
It's Saturday. The day of the week usually reserved for laundry and housework, both of which I'll get to in a bit. Or maybe I'll be a complete slacker on that front and go sew. There's always tomorrow, the laundry and housework definitely aren't going anywhere.
It's also time for the Foto Finish post. I've been sitting in the recliner drinking my coffee while looking for a shot that fits this week's theme of "Things in the City". This picture from our trip to Washington state in 2009 seems to fit the bill.
This fountain was in the courtyard next to the hotel we stayed in the first night we were in Seattle. (Actually this was across the bay in Bremerton, which is a long story all it's own). This fountain changes it's pulse pattern, water flow and color. It fascinated us for quite a while. We just sat outside and watched it. Not a bad way to wind down after flying half way across the US and navigating Seattle (We never did figure out the ferry system.)
Enjoy your weekend. I'm hoping too. Check out other things in the city over at Cat Patches.
It's also time for the Foto Finish post. I've been sitting in the recliner drinking my coffee while looking for a shot that fits this week's theme of "Things in the City". This picture from our trip to Washington state in 2009 seems to fit the bill.
This fountain was in the courtyard next to the hotel we stayed in the first night we were in Seattle. (Actually this was across the bay in Bremerton, which is a long story all it's own). This fountain changes it's pulse pattern, water flow and color. It fascinated us for quite a while. We just sat outside and watched it. Not a bad way to wind down after flying half way across the US and navigating Seattle (We never did figure out the ferry system.)
Enjoy your weekend. I'm hoping too. Check out other things in the city over at Cat Patches.
Friday, August 19, 2011
August Friday Night Sew In
I've been given permission by my family to come home and play in my sewing room tonight. It always seems like we have something going on the third Friday of the month so I rarely get to to participate in the Friday Night Sew In.
So what's on tap for tonight? I'd like to finish the borders on the Flurry quilt. I only have two more blocks to finish on my purple and yellow leaders and enders project. I'm hoping I can finish those up during the border sewing. I also need to cut the strips and make the binding for the Buck-a-Block BOM. I doubt I get that far tonight. But there's no penalty for optimism, only a limit on how late I can work and not start making mistakes.
Check back tomorrow for a status update. Hopefully mucho progress will be made.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Favorite Things Friday
Not quite Friday in my neck of the woods, but getting close. I'm ready for a weekend. It's been a long week and I still have to get through Friday. Why is it that weeks always seem longer when you had the week before off? It must one of those weird laws of vacation physics. Time slows down the week you go back to work to compensate for how fast the week of vacation went. (This has to be an example of Newton's Third Law of Motion: For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.)
Obviously I'm mourning the end of this year's summer vacation. We took our week off later this year then we have in the recent past. Vacation was a very relaxed affair this year. We drove a few hours south to Lake Murray, rented a cabin, and pretty much just hung out for the week.
My Guy and I got up early one morning and went for a walk along the lake shore. I love watching the sun come up, it's even better watching it come up over the water. The light just sparkles and shimmers as it hits the water. One of my favorite things.
Last year summer's vacation was in May, just about at early as we could take it. We flew to Savannah, Georgia. My Guy wanted to go someplace neither of us had ever been. Savannah fit that bill.
We walked all over the town that week. Savannah is an old city, with gorgeous old buildings and majestic churches. The sun shining through the stained glass windows in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist brought out the richness of the colors. Another favorite thing.
In 2009, we took vacation the last week of July. The thought being we'd visit the cooler climate of Washington state during what is typically one of the hottest weeks of the year in Oklahoma. In what can only be termed a cruel joke, mother nature graced Washington state with record high temps in the 100's, while Oklahoma cooled off to the high 80's. We ended up staying in Lake Chelan an extra day to avoid the high temps in Seattle. We spent only one night in Seattle, and that only because our flight was at the un-vacation like hour of 7 AM.
Even Kiddo's generally genial travel companion, Siberian, was grouchy that morning. She cheated at cards and took Kiddo's muffin. Consequently this was Siberian's last gig as a vacation buddy. So though it was not one of Siberian's favorite things, this photo is one of mine from that trip.
We've had lots of other fun vacations. We've been to the Painted Dessert,
which lived up to it's name. We've visited the Lava River Cave near Bend, Oregon (I'd show a picture, but as it was a black walled cave, all you see is black.) As Kiddo said at the time, "Who knew lava could be so cool."
Summer vacation is definitely one of my favorite things. I wish it wasn't over for this year.
To check out other favorite things, buzz over to Quilting in My Pyjamas.
Obviously I'm mourning the end of this year's summer vacation. We took our week off later this year then we have in the recent past. Vacation was a very relaxed affair this year. We drove a few hours south to Lake Murray, rented a cabin, and pretty much just hung out for the week.
My Guy and I got up early one morning and went for a walk along the lake shore. I love watching the sun come up, it's even better watching it come up over the water. The light just sparkles and shimmers as it hits the water. One of my favorite things.
Last year summer's vacation was in May, just about at early as we could take it. We flew to Savannah, Georgia. My Guy wanted to go someplace neither of us had ever been. Savannah fit that bill.
We walked all over the town that week. Savannah is an old city, with gorgeous old buildings and majestic churches. The sun shining through the stained glass windows in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist brought out the richness of the colors. Another favorite thing.
In 2009, we took vacation the last week of July. The thought being we'd visit the cooler climate of Washington state during what is typically one of the hottest weeks of the year in Oklahoma. In what can only be termed a cruel joke, mother nature graced Washington state with record high temps in the 100's, while Oklahoma cooled off to the high 80's. We ended up staying in Lake Chelan an extra day to avoid the high temps in Seattle. We spent only one night in Seattle, and that only because our flight was at the un-vacation like hour of 7 AM.
Even Kiddo's generally genial travel companion, Siberian, was grouchy that morning. She cheated at cards and took Kiddo's muffin. Consequently this was Siberian's last gig as a vacation buddy. So though it was not one of Siberian's favorite things, this photo is one of mine from that trip.
We've had lots of other fun vacations. We've been to the Painted Dessert,
which lived up to it's name. We've visited the Lava River Cave near Bend, Oregon (I'd show a picture, but as it was a black walled cave, all you see is black.) As Kiddo said at the time, "Who knew lava could be so cool."
Summer vacation is definitely one of my favorite things. I wish it wasn't over for this year.
To check out other favorite things, buzz over to Quilting in My Pyjamas.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
15 Minute Challenge - August 16th
This is back to school week which has it's own craziness. Hopefully we'll get into a reasonable schedule in the next couple of weeks. Actually, now that I think about it, probably not. Swim practice is on hiatus until the last week of August, which is when My Guy leaves on his next 4 week long overseas assignment. So maybe no routine till he gets home in late September. Well at least my life is not one big rut.
It is Tuesday, so it's time to confess how well I did on keeping to my effort to sew for at least 15 minutes every day. The 15 Minute Challenge is intended to give me that little push to sew each day, and hopefully make more progress on all my quilt projects this year. Which in turn means I'll use more fabric, so then I can buy more fabric.
A total of 4 out of 7 days where 15 minutes was spent on quilt related projects isn't bad, especially since we were off on a family adventure most of the week. Last night was back to school night for Kiddo and I had some parent/teacher organization stuff that had to be done, so the sewing room remained dark. This week should be better, no other obligations are on the calendar.
How did you do with your craft plans for the week? Link up and share your success or morn your failure.
It is Tuesday, so it's time to confess how well I did on keeping to my effort to sew for at least 15 minutes every day. The 15 Minute Challenge is intended to give me that little push to sew each day, and hopefully make more progress on all my quilt projects this year. Which in turn means I'll use more fabric, so then I can buy more fabric.
A total of 4 out of 7 days where 15 minutes was spent on quilt related projects isn't bad, especially since we were off on a family adventure most of the week. Last night was back to school night for Kiddo and I had some parent/teacher organization stuff that had to be done, so the sewing room remained dark. This week should be better, no other obligations are on the calendar.
How did you do with your craft plans for the week? Link up and share your success or morn your failure.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Design Wall Monday - August 15th
Last week was spent with the family off in the "wilds" of Oklahoma. I did take the GFG hexes to work on, but didn't make a whole lot of progress while we were gone. I'm still working to get Flurry assembled.
The rows are all sewn together. The first set of pieced borders is cut and partially assembled. Most of the pieces are laying on the sewing machine. So not much to show, but some progress has been made.
Check out Judy's Patchwork Times for more design wall updates.
The rows are all sewn together. The first set of pieced borders is cut and partially assembled. Most of the pieces are laying on the sewing machine. So not much to show, but some progress has been made.
Check out Judy's Patchwork Times for more design wall updates.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Stash Report - August 14th
What a difference one week can make. Last week we took our summer vacation. My family usually grants me one day of quilt shop hopping no matter where we go for vacation. My Guy actually enjoys my "shop hop" day because we usually end up in many small towns with very interesting architechture. It's typically a draw as to who finishes first, me with my shopping or him with his walks around the town with his camera. Kiddo brings either her DS, cell phone or a book, finds a quite corner and does whatever until we are both done. This trip she was just thankful for being able to sit in the air conditioning, it was 110 F according to the thermometer in the Jeep. However, by the time we hit the third quilt shop, she felt it necessary to follow me around the store and remind me about my fabric budget. I really do think that large amounts of fabric excrete some type of chemical that affects some of us with the urge to pet it, admire it, buy it and take it home. I was unable to maintain my resistance and came home with some lovely additions to my stash.
The yellow and pinks came from the Sewing Boutique in Collinsville, TX. It's a small store, but the owner, Sue Stinson, has some have some lovely fabrics and is an accomplished quilter.
Up the road a piece is the Kaleidoscope Quilt Shop in Whitesboro, TX. I fell in love with the bright colors in Deb Strain's Fresh Flowers for Moda.
Down the street from the Kaleidoscope is Lovejoy's with it's old fashioned soda fountain. It definitely felt good to have a cold old fashioned Dr. Pepper as hot as it was outside. Kiddo was fascinated that sodas didn't have to come from a can (We counted that as the educational part of our vacation).
Finally, I picked up a few more batiks for Kiddo's Jigsaw quilt.
These came from Kaleidoscope and the first shop of the day I visited, Pass the Time Fabrics in Gainesville, TX. Gainesville is easily reached from Highway 35, the major interstate highway in the area. We started our day there and had lunch a couple of doors down at Sara's on the Square. Sara's is located in what used to be the town saloon, so it has a rich hertiage. The food is pretty good too (Another reason My Guy likes my shop hops, where there are quilters there is usually good food nearby).
These three shops are within 20 minutes of each other, along some typically scenic back country roads. However, the extreme drought in TX has turned the countryside brown. All three shops had friendly staff and were well air conditioned (very important this trip). If you are ever traveling to/from Texas via Oklahoma, any one of these shops is worth a stop.
That was the fun part, now for the painful part. The stash report.
Used the week: 0.18 yards
Added this week: 17 yards
Used year to date: 41.48 yards
Added year to date: 53.75 yards
Net stashed for 2011: 12.27
I'm leaving off the fabric budget report because it's pretty meaningless at this point. I'm going to need to rethink my strategy on that front. I'm not so far in the hole that I can't get out, but I'm going to need to stick to my 15 minutes a day of sewing to get there. My goal was to use more then I purchased and that's still doable (as long as I avoid fabric shops).
How is your stashbusting going? Check out Judy's Patchwork Times to check in on all the other stash maintance work going on.
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Bright yellows just because I like yellow |
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I'm pretty much a sucker for butterflies. All of these pinks are by Lake House Drygoods |
Up the road a piece is the Kaleidoscope Quilt Shop in Whitesboro, TX. I fell in love with the bright colors in Deb Strain's Fresh Flowers for Moda.
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I love these brights. |
Finally, I picked up a few more batiks for Kiddo's Jigsaw quilt.
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Blues, greens and purples is what she wanted. She suspended my fabric budget for these. |
These three shops are within 20 minutes of each other, along some typically scenic back country roads. However, the extreme drought in TX has turned the countryside brown. All three shops had friendly staff and were well air conditioned (very important this trip). If you are ever traveling to/from Texas via Oklahoma, any one of these shops is worth a stop.
That was the fun part, now for the painful part. The stash report.
Used the week: 0.18 yards
Added this week: 17 yards
Used year to date: 41.48 yards
Added year to date: 53.75 yards
Net stashed for 2011: 12.27
I'm leaving off the fabric budget report because it's pretty meaningless at this point. I'm going to need to rethink my strategy on that front. I'm not so far in the hole that I can't get out, but I'm going to need to stick to my 15 minutes a day of sewing to get there. My goal was to use more then I purchased and that's still doable (as long as I avoid fabric shops).
How is your stashbusting going? Check out Judy's Patchwork Times to check in on all the other stash maintance work going on.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Foto Finish - Things That are Slow
It's Saturday. The suitcases are unpacked. Laundry has been started, emails have been read, blogs have been reviewed. I seem to be back to where I was last Saturday. Which also means it is time for this week's Foto Finish.
This little guy was caught attempting to scurry away from the walking path. He blends in really well with all the leaves, I only noticed him because I heard the leaves rustle. Have you ever seen a turtle in the water? They are not slow in that environment, they can really move (as I found trying to photograph a couple swimming in an aquarium).
If you're having a slow Saturday, pour yourself another cup of coffee (or tea) and check out what else is slow over at Cat Patches.
This little guy was caught attempting to scurry away from the walking path. He blends in really well with all the leaves, I only noticed him because I heard the leaves rustle. Have you ever seen a turtle in the water? They are not slow in that environment, they can really move (as I found trying to photograph a couple swimming in an aquarium).
If you're having a slow Saturday, pour yourself another cup of coffee (or tea) and check out what else is slow over at Cat Patches.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
15 Minute Challenge - August 9th
Sorry to be so late posting the challenge this morning. I had to find a place that has a dial up modem, there is no wireless anything where I'm at this week.
Last week was a mixed bag in terms of getting to my sewing room for at least 15 minutes. Thursday there was a parent meeting for Kiddo's swim team and I got home late. Friday and Saturday were not feeling well days. I bounced back on Sunday, but had to hit the road again. I was able to bring the hexes with me this time and was able tofind make some time in the mornings to get in my 15 minutes of stitching.
The 4 out of 7 days isn't too bad. I've done worse. Last week's report also included travel days in it. There were several comments last week about how much easier it would be if those of who have day jobs didn't. Without the day job, I wouldn't be able to afford the fabric. So for now, I'll have to keep working. I've been using the challenge to keep me on track with my projects. It helps. Having a hand work project also lets me keep my hand on a project when I'm traveling. Do any of you have tricks/tips on how to keep your projects on track when you work and/or travel?
Thanks to all who link up each week. It's nice to be reminded that I'm not the only one who occasionally just doesn't feel like sewing or has family commitments that don't always allow for quilting time. Thanks also to those who provide support and understanding via comments. They are all appreciated.
Here's Mr. Linky if you want to link up this week.
PS. I promise to comment on everyone's posts, but I will probably be a bit late this week.
Last week was a mixed bag in terms of getting to my sewing room for at least 15 minutes. Thursday there was a parent meeting for Kiddo's swim team and I got home late. Friday and Saturday were not feeling well days. I bounced back on Sunday, but had to hit the road again. I was able to bring the hexes with me this time and was able to
The 4 out of 7 days isn't too bad. I've done worse. Last week's report also included travel days in it. There were several comments last week about how much easier it would be if those of who have day jobs didn't. Without the day job, I wouldn't be able to afford the fabric. So for now, I'll have to keep working. I've been using the challenge to keep me on track with my projects. It helps. Having a hand work project also lets me keep my hand on a project when I'm traveling. Do any of you have tricks/tips on how to keep your projects on track when you work and/or travel?
Thanks to all who link up each week. It's nice to be reminded that I'm not the only one who occasionally just doesn't feel like sewing or has family commitments that don't always allow for quilting time. Thanks also to those who provide support and understanding via comments. They are all appreciated.
Here's Mr. Linky if you want to link up this week.
PS. I promise to comment on everyone's posts, but I will probably be a bit late this week.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Stash Report - August 7th
It rained last night. Granted it was only for about 5 minutes, but it was rain. It's supposed to cool off just a bit mid week. It's really sad to think that mid to high 90's constitutes "cooler" weather. Even with the heat, I can't say that I'm ready for winter. We had record cold last winter and I'm in no hurry to have that back. There is a bright side, it's been too hot to do much outside, so I haven't felt guilty about staying in and sewing.
The stash report looks a bit anemic this week. The Flurry quilt is under construction, I'm pinning and sewing all the rows together but I've already counted most of that fabric.
Used this week: 0.87 yards
Added this week: 0 yards
Used year to date: 41.3 yards
Added year to date: 36.75 yards
Net used for 2011: 4.55 yards
Fabric Budget: 14 yards for July to September
Bought/Budget: 20.75 yards/14 yards
I'm slowly digging out from my fabric buying binge last weekend. More out then in this year, which is way better then last year's numbers. I'm only about 4 yards short of using as much fabric as was used in 2010. I'm hoping to piece a back for Flurry out of left overs from last year's Charming Christmas Cardinals so I don't have to buy any additional fabric. I should be able to make my stash busting goal this year.
How is your stash management going? Check out Patchwork Times for the state of stashes everywhere.
The stash report looks a bit anemic this week. The Flurry quilt is under construction, I'm pinning and sewing all the rows together but I've already counted most of that fabric.
Used this week: 0.87 yards
Added this week: 0 yards
Used year to date: 41.3 yards
Added year to date: 36.75 yards
Net used for 2011: 4.55 yards
Fabric Budget: 14 yards for July to September
Bought/Budget: 20.75 yards/14 yards
I'm slowly digging out from my fabric buying binge last weekend. More out then in this year, which is way better then last year's numbers. I'm only about 4 yards short of using as much fabric as was used in 2010. I'm hoping to piece a back for Flurry out of left overs from last year's Charming Christmas Cardinals so I don't have to buy any additional fabric. I should be able to make my stash busting goal this year.
How is your stash management going? Check out Patchwork Times for the state of stashes everywhere.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Foto Finish - Travel Images
It's Saturday. I don't have to pack a suitcase, load up a swim bag, or gas up the car for the second Saturday in a row. All I really have to get to is laundry. Works for me.
It's Saturday, so that means it's also time for this week's Foto Finish. Barb has chosen "Travel Images" as this week's theme. My mind flashes to National Geographic as the gold standard for travel photos. I don't take those kind of photos. Mine usually have the touristy feel, not the travel documentary feel. I had to scour my files, but I finally found one that might be "travel image" worthy.
A few years ago, I traveled to Vancouver for a conference. This is one of the views from my hotel room. Mountains and ports fascinate me. Maybe because I've lived most of my life in the mid-continent of the US. No mountains or ports here. Unfortunately, I had a lot of meetings during this conference, so I wasn't able to get out much and see the sites.
That's it for me this morning. I'm going to grab my second cup of coffee and check out the exotic travel photos over at Cat Patches.
It's Saturday, so that means it's also time for this week's Foto Finish. Barb has chosen "Travel Images" as this week's theme. My mind flashes to National Geographic as the gold standard for travel photos. I don't take those kind of photos. Mine usually have the touristy feel, not the travel documentary feel. I had to scour my files, but I finally found one that might be "travel image" worthy.
A few years ago, I traveled to Vancouver for a conference. This is one of the views from my hotel room. Mountains and ports fascinate me. Maybe because I've lived most of my life in the mid-continent of the US. No mountains or ports here. Unfortunately, I had a lot of meetings during this conference, so I wasn't able to get out much and see the sites.
That's it for me this morning. I'm going to grab my second cup of coffee and check out the exotic travel photos over at Cat Patches.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Favorite Things Friday
It's still Friday in my part of the world, just barely. I had really intended to write a post last night, but after a full day at work, a mad dash across town to get Kiddo from summer camp to home, additional dashing back across town (wasn't I just here?) for a swim club parent meeting that lasted for an hour and a half. Combine that with the previous two nights of poor sleep, I wasn't coherent enough to type anything. (Did that make any sense? Maybe I'm still not coherent). Well, it is Friday, so I no longer have to be coherent. So consider yourself warned, you may want to stop reading now.
Earlier this summer my younger brother had a heart attack. Thankfully he's fine. However, that whole episode was a big wake up for me. So I've finally bitten the bullet and decided to do something about my poor health habits. My diet, though not that of a sugar crazed 8 year old, doesn't even closely resemble the recommended guidelines published by the US Government (Considering the fact our government can't balance their budget, should we really trust that they know how we should balance our bodies? OK that's too deep a thought for a Friday). At any rate, the last week I started keeping a food diary, which appears to be as effective at reducing food intake as my weekly stash report is at reducing fabric intake. For some reason knowing I have to write down it down, makes me much more selective about what I choose to put in my mouth.
None of the above is my favorite thing. But I did discover a new favorite today because of all of the above.
This is a "Berry Good Salad" available at our favorite sandwich place, but never ordered because, well who wants just a lettuce salad when you can have creamy chicken salad. The "Berry Good" comes with a low fat raspberry dressing that is absolutely yummy. For some reason plain green lettuce is so much better with strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries. This was lunch (along with a skinny latte). So maybe eating healthier won't be such a sacrifice after all.
Hope that everyone has shed the work week and is well steeped in weekend. For more favorite things, check out all the cool links at Quilting in My Pyjamas.
Earlier this summer my younger brother had a heart attack. Thankfully he's fine. However, that whole episode was a big wake up for me. So I've finally bitten the bullet and decided to do something about my poor health habits. My diet, though not that of a sugar crazed 8 year old, doesn't even closely resemble the recommended guidelines published by the US Government (Considering the fact our government can't balance their budget, should we really trust that they know how we should balance our bodies? OK that's too deep a thought for a Friday). At any rate, the last week I started keeping a food diary, which appears to be as effective at reducing food intake as my weekly stash report is at reducing fabric intake. For some reason knowing I have to write down it down, makes me much more selective about what I choose to put in my mouth.
None of the above is my favorite thing. But I did discover a new favorite today because of all of the above.
This is a "Berry Good Salad" available at our favorite sandwich place, but never ordered because, well who wants just a lettuce salad when you can have creamy chicken salad. The "Berry Good" comes with a low fat raspberry dressing that is absolutely yummy. For some reason plain green lettuce is so much better with strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries. This was lunch (along with a skinny latte). So maybe eating healthier won't be such a sacrifice after all.
Hope that everyone has shed the work week and is well steeped in weekend. For more favorite things, check out all the cool links at Quilting in My Pyjamas.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
15 Minute Challenge - August 2nd
Can you believe it's August? I can when I step outside. The high today is supposed to be close to 110 F. The first 2 weeks of August are typically the warmest of the year in Oklahoma. In a summer that has already been one of the hottest on record, that's a bit alarming. It's hard to do much outside, which is OK with me since quilting is an indoor activity.
I didn't do too well last week on the challenge. The out of town business trip took up 3 nights. I didn't bother taking my handwork, as I fully expected to work late both nights I was on site and that's exactly what happened. Add in the two nights spent wrestling with ear problems induced by flying with sinus congestion and I only managed to find time in the sewing room 3 out of the last 7 days.
The ears are still messed up, but I at least feel up to sewing. This next week should be better, not as much going on. Though Kiddo and I need to make a few shopping runs to get school supplies and find her some new tennis shoes before school starts. I have hopes of finishing the Flurry top and getting the binding sewn to the front of the Buck-A-Block quilt.
How did you do on your sewing/crafting goals last week? Link up and share if you are so inclined.
I didn't do too well last week on the challenge. The out of town business trip took up 3 nights. I didn't bother taking my handwork, as I fully expected to work late both nights I was on site and that's exactly what happened. Add in the two nights spent wrestling with ear problems induced by flying with sinus congestion and I only managed to find time in the sewing room 3 out of the last 7 days.
The ears are still messed up, but I at least feel up to sewing. This next week should be better, not as much going on. Though Kiddo and I need to make a few shopping runs to get school supplies and find her some new tennis shoes before school starts. I have hopes of finishing the Flurry top and getting the binding sewn to the front of the Buck-A-Block quilt.
How did you do on your sewing/crafting goals last week? Link up and share if you are so inclined.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Design Wall Monday - August 1st
It was a nice weekend. Other then a trip to Tulsa for school stuff, we didn't do much this weekend. Parts of the house are much cleaner due to the time at home. Thanks to My Guy for pitching in and helping with those chores. After 4 weekends of being gone, a number of areas needed some definite attention!
The only sewing this week happened on Saturday and Sunday, but progress was made on the the Kate Spate Flurry quilt.
I'm still way behind Shay, Larri and Marg on this quilt along. The remaining sashing strips and border strips are cut, so the rest of the assembly should go pretty fast if I can find the time to spend in the sewing room.
Check out Judy's Patchwork Times for more WIPs.
The only sewing this week happened on Saturday and Sunday, but progress was made on the the Kate Spate Flurry quilt.
I'm still way behind Shay, Larri and Marg on this quilt along. The remaining sashing strips and border strips are cut, so the rest of the assembly should go pretty fast if I can find the time to spend in the sewing room.
Check out Judy's Patchwork Times for more WIPs.