Projects & priority setting

Due to last year's semi successes in getting a few finishes in I thought I'd give it another go this year. I  found by actually targeting a few projects for completion I knew where to direct my energies. I belong to a Ravelry group called Quilters Knitting and have found it to be a great source of support online (which is great as I don't belong to a guild). For the Quilters Knitting Group I have posted the following picture for this quarter (quilting projects only):

1. (Top left) - Circle Game Quilt - 1/16 blocks completed - #2 in process
2. (Top right) - Chatter of Houses - hand appliqué - 20/48 centre blocks completed
3. (Bottom left) - Gypsy Wife - all blocks done - need to sew together
4. Middle right ) Hometown Picnic Quilt - blocks done - joining rows
5. (Bottom Left) - centre paper pieced Mariner's compass - what to do? what to do?

For my own UFO quarter I have included both quilting and knitting:

1. (Top) Hometown Picnic* 
2. (Middle left) Chatter of Houses*
3. (Middle right) Circle Game *
4. (Bottom left) Viking Owl socks
5. (Bottom right) Sandness Shawl

(*in both groups)

Well that's it for now - just thought I'd get my head in the game for where my priorities are!

Linked to WIP Wednesday Needle & Thread Network

I have some completions! Woo hoo!

In the fall I shared a long list of "in process projects".  I joined the "2015 Fall UFO" group via a Ravelry Group called Quilters Knitting. I had to list at least 5 "in process" projects and make an effort to get "something" done, or (at the very least) to encourage others with their efforts. I visit the group threads everyday. Seeing every one's success (plus targeting a few of my own projects) resulted in a few completion's of my own!

fussy cutting and improv QAYG blocks in process

My first finish was a Quilt As You Go Table Runner that I think I had started earlier last year. It was primarily a stashbuster project. I used a panel that I had on hand and fussy cut the autumn themed leaves, sunflowers, nuts and pumpkins and went at it from an improv point of view from there. I highly enjoyed the process, but came to a complete halt when I hit the sashing bit (and into the UFO pile it went). I finally decided to pull it out, return to the tutorial and soldier on. I am embarrassed to admit how easy it was and how intimidated I had been. The technique is from The Quilting Edge. 

sashing added - QAYG in process

Finally finished!

With a heady feeling of success,  I pulled out my second "time sensitive" project. This was a Happy Holiday Runner that had been languishing from last Christmas.

I spent entirely too much time trying to create a great backing fabric using up my leftovers. In the end I was pleased and I guess the upside is I now have a reversible table runner!

I tried my hand at some free motion quilting (FMQ) with varying levels of success  - bearing in mind that no one who looks at my quilting efforts (in this house) has a clue!

Other than that I finished (finally) my Audrey Cardigan bribing myself that I could start another knitting project if I did.

I'm very happy with how it has turned out but I need to get used to the slippery / slinky feel it has. The yarn is a llama / silk blend and I'm used to warm and woolly yarns!

Well that's it for now. I've a few other thoughts mulling around in my head right now for this blog - just need to let them "moodle" a bit!

Happy New Year!

(Linked to the Needle & Thread Network WIP Wednesday)

Dear Jane ...

So after a few fits and starts and set backs and reviews and resuming, assuming, redressing, digressing etc etc...I am finally deciding to call it a day....

I've decided I won't be making the "Dear Jane - nearly insane" quilt  after all anytime in the near future.  It's taken alot for me to admit that it's just not in the cards for me...

I've got the book. And the software program. And the rulers. What I don't have is the commitment. Or the gumption.I started my whole "learn how to quilt" journey with the intention of someday making what is affectionately (awestruck) known to all as "that quilt". Groups from all over the world meet, blog and commiserate over their "baby janes".

But... it turns out that applique has hit me in a big way. And I've been hit hard. I have lots of projects in process - from nearly to not even nearly done. Projects that are on my wish list and my wistful list.

Having said that - another quilt has caught my eye... she's all applique - and I am smitten!

... come on now - what's a 196 blocks between friends?

Dear Jane ...

So after a few fits and starts and set backs and reviews and resuming, assuming, redressing, digressing etc etc...I am finally deciding to call it a day....

I've decided I won't be making the "Dear Jane - nearly insane" quilt  after all anytime in the near future.  It's taken alot for me to admit that it's just not in the cards for me...

I've got the book. And the software program. And the rulers. What I don't have is the commitment. Or the gumption.I started my whole "learn how to quilt" journey with the intention of someday making what is affectionately (awestruck) known to all as "that quilt". Groups from all over the world meet, blog and commiserate over their "baby janes".

But... it turns out that applique has hit me in a big way. And I've been hit hard. I have lots of projects in process - from nearly to not even nearly done. Projects that are on my wish list and my wistful list.

Having said that - another quilt has caught my eye... she's all applique - and I am smitten!

... come on now - what's a 196 blocks between friends?

Jumbo Christmas stockings...

So this year my goal was to "... get those stockings done!" I'd bought the pattern, fabrics, batting and threads last year - and of course I didn't quite get there. Although the boys are now 22 and 24 (as in years - not months)  I really needed to complete this so it wasn't technically a "quarter of a century" in the making. (They have had a Christmas stocking of sorts - but I always envisioned the handmade family heirloom that so many people talk about).

The pattern I bought (Simplicity 4842) was not a quilting pattern and I wanted to quilt something on the stockings; so I chose the heels, toes and cuffs. This of course required a few modifications (it always does) such as additional backing to the toes and heels, as well as some extra batting.

I am new to the whole "free motion" quilting concept, so my technique really isn't very good - but I forged ahead anyways.

As I worked away, it became readily apparent to me that the "medium size" stocking was immense. I'm of the mind set that stockings are hung and Santa traditionally puts in a box of pencil crayons, a magazine, a few little stocking stuffers (remember Mattel Hot Wheels?) and a bag of Christmas candies (which in our house has evolved into Holiday Skittles and the annual Christmas Terry's "Whack & Unwrap" Chocolate Orange). As I worked I could see that these stockings could easily replace any need for a tree at all.

Having said that, stocking number 1 was wonderful. Or so I thought. (Click here) Needless to say - stocking #2 is on hold

Jumbo Christmas stockings...

So this year my goal was to "... get those stockings done!" I'd bought the pattern, fabrics, batting and threads last year - and of course I didn't quite get there. Although the boys are now 22 and 24 (as in years - not months)  I really needed to complete this so it wasn't technically a "quarter of a century" in the making. (They have had a Christmas stocking of sorts - but I always envisioned the handmade family heirloom that so many people talk about).

The pattern I bought (Simplicity 4842) was not a quilting pattern and I wanted to quilt something on the stockings; so I chose the heels, toes and cuffs. This of course required a few modifications (it always does) such as additional backing to the toes and heels, as well as some extra batting.

I am new to the whole "free motion" quilting concept, so my technique really isn't very good - but I forged ahead anyways.

As I worked away, it became readily apparent to me that the "medium size" stocking was immense. I'm of the mind set that stockings are hung and Santa traditionally puts in a box of pencil crayons, a magazine, a few little stocking stuffers (remember Mattel Hot Wheels?) and a bag of Christmas candies (which in our house has evolved into Holiday Skittles and the annual Christmas Terry's "Whack & Unwrap" Chocolate Orange). As I worked I could see that these stockings could easily replace any need for a tree at all.

Having said that, stocking number 1 was wonderful. Or so I thought. (Click here) Needless to say - stocking #2 is on hold