End of April Already?

Where did April go?  I do not know, and I'm once again figuring out how to accomplish my one monthly goal before the end of Saturday.  It should not be too hard, but I have to remember to follow the schedule I have created for myself, which I also consider to be my daily list of goals.  I take the time every Monday to sit down and plan out what I want or need to accomplish for the week.  Sometimes I put too much on, but sometimes I am able to get ahead.  (It really depends how motivated I am, right when I get home from work)

The one thing on my design wall this week is finishing the top for a Dr. Seuss baby quilt.  It is a simple pattern, but it is not going to sew itself!

I have made a little progress since this picture was last taken.  I have sewn the strips in a tube to cut and then take apart to create the design on my drawing, which is a simple diagonal pattern of each fabric.

Once the quilt top is done, I hope to get it quilted on Sunday, renting time on the long arm quilting machine.  I'm thinking of putting "Oh the places you will go" in the middle.  I feel like it is very appropriate for a baby quilt, especially a Dr. Seuss quilt.

Once the quilt top is finished, I have some cute baby shoes I want to cut out, and start to put together. I hope to finish them no later than the end of next week.  (I will share a picture next week)

I can not wait to see what is on everyone else's design wall over at Patchwork Times with Judy, and linking up with Lorna from Sew Fresh Quilts.

-Christina

Baby Gifts

This past week we had a baby shower at work, and of course I whipped up a few things for the new Mom.  I tried a few new patterns, and have some thoughts on them, which I will share.

First thing I made were burp rags.  The baby is a girl and the nursery that she will share with her older brother has zoo animals in it, so I thought these prints were perfect for her.

The second thing I made was new to me, and that was a tag blanket.  It turned out soooooo cute!  It was super easy to put together, the only thing that took some time was pinning everything together with the ribbons (tags) in place.  While I was putting it together I was squealing of how cute it was, and had to show my husband about half a dozen times.  I'm sure he enjoyed it about as much as I did (not!).  I plan to make more of these for my business.

The last thing I was able to complete before the baby shower were three baskets.  The original pattern was the Sturdy Fabric Basket pattern from Craftsy, for free.  The pattern only produces one size and I wanted three nesting baskets, so I altered the pattern and made two other sizes I wanted, which were the small and large baskets.  I enjoyed the pattern, very detailed and showed some great pictures.  The only thing I didn't like was ironing on the fusible after the basket was made, to help give the basket some stability.  I had several issues getting the fusible in the basket properly and then trying to iron it.  Besides that I think they turned out very cute.  (I love the X's on the handles)

I ran out of time to make Maggie's Stay on Booties from Etsy (a new pattern to me), so that is my goal this weekend, and post next Friday about finishing them.

Another friend just recently had a baby girl, and I'm making her the same gifts with different fabric.  I want to get her gifts done in the next week or so.  I am going to try a different pattern for the baskets, one that has the fusible ironed on the fabric before the basket is made for a smoother process of making them.  I will let you all know how it goes when I get them done.

I'm linking up with Crazy Mom Quilts for Finish it Up Friday, and I always look forward to seeing what everyone else has been working on this past week.

-Christina

Table Runner Finshed

Yay!! The table runner is finished!  I was able to complete it this past weekend, just two days past the deadline of the March 2016 OMG.  I'm happy it is done, and it is already off to its new home, which is one of my best friends.  The runner was an engagement party gift, and the party was in...(do I really admit for when?) October.  Only 6 months late.  Better late then never?







I think I'm going to name it Swirly for the fact of the Dr. Who fabric in the table runner, and the quilting.  I like the binding on this one as it is skinnier, but man was it hard to coral into place to stitch!  I did remember to put a label on it while I was stitching on the binding by machine.  Now to keep this up on all quilts and quilted things!







I can't wait to see what everyone else has finished at Crazy Mom Quilts today!

This was one of my Finish-A-Longs for Quarter 2.
-Christina

Quarter 2 Finish-A-Long Goals

Quarter 1 of the year is completed.  Where did it go?  Oh well, time to think about this new quarter.  My list of goals has grown because I feel like I can get more accomplished this quarter as things are closer to being done.  Without further ado here is my list:

1. Baby quilt with Dr. Suess and minky fabric.  Everything is cut, all I need to do is put it together, quilt and bind it.  To complete the quilt top is my one monthly goal this month, and I hope to get it further along than that.  This quilt was intended for an arrival in December.

2. Baby quilt with forest friends and minky fabric.  Everything is cut, all I need to do is put it together, quilt and bind it also.  This quilt was intended for an arrival in September, and I will be seeing him in July (can not wait), but I want to get it done before then.

3. Hand sew a rag rug together.  I made progress from January, however not enough to finish.  I am also thinking about changing the pattern, as I have found a pattern that does not involve sewing.  The sewing part is what takes so long because my fingers can only take so much at a time.  The new pattern would alleviate this issue and I could get all four of the rugs done by the end of summer.  (I'm talking myself into this plan, I'm going to take the plunge!)(I did, I just bought the pattern, maybe I will even start on it tonight)

4. Finish quilting, squaring, and sewing on binding for a table runner in black, orange, and Dr. Who fabric.  This is for one of my best friend's engagement party that took place at the end of October last year.

5.  Un-baste, quilt, square up, and sew on binding for a quilt.  I need to un-baste it because I thought I could do it on my machine for free motion quilting.  But, when I started to quilt it my machine decided to have tension issues.  Fast forward almost a full year, and I have now learned how to use a long arm, and I can rent time on a long arm.  I believe it is sooo much easier to quilt on a long arm, so I'm going to un-baste it and get it quilted via a long-arm.  This was for a wedding that happened almost two years ago....do I need to say more?

6. Repair clothing.  A lot of these have small holes that I need to sew up, or the hems have fallen out and I need to replace them or a plastic support has fallen out of the dress that I need to sew back in.  These are not hard repairs, I just have to sit down and do them.  Hopefully by putting them on my list I will accomplish it this quarter.

7. Quilt, square up and sew on binding for a cute baby quilt.  It was an intended gift, however it will not go to it's original recipient.  Instead I'm going to stick it in my Etsy store when I complete it.

8. Sew on binding for a table runner.  I have no idea where I stalled on this one, as it is quilted and squared.  I just have to cut the binding, sew the strips together and then sew it onto the table runner.  I could complete this in an afternoon.

Sometimes I wonder why some of these items take so long to complete, but then I remember that I got distracted by something else, or I was working on practicing a skill to complete it, and now that I've experiment/found a new way of doing it, the item sits in the corner to get accomplished.  I hope that with this quarter's goals I can just crank things out, as I have gained the necessary skills to accomplish what I want to do on each item.  Now to make the time to get it done!  Spring and the summer time frame quiets down for us a little as not as much family is out, which increases my time at home.

Here is to a great quarter!
-Christina

Rug Sewing and Wedding

After finishing some computer work today, I will be working on hand sewing a rag rug together.  It has been a long road, but I love how it is turning out.  I just haven't taken the time to hand sew it together, though I did make some progress yesterday!

Too bad the rug isn't for my house, at least the next four that I'm working on.  It has taken so long, I just have to keep reminding myself one stitch at a time, and eventually they all will be done.

After I get a little bit of hand sewing in, it will be a friend of my husband's wedding this afternoon.  A relaxing evening will ensue with no time for hand stitching as I will be visiting with friends and family at the wedding.

I can't wait to see what others are working on at Kathy's Quilts.

Christina

April 2016 OMG

Due to not finishing last months goal in the month of March (it is finished now, and a post will be out on Friday to show it off), I decided to try to complete something even bigger.  Reverse psychology?  I'm not sure.  My goal for this month is to get a baby quilt top completed.  I'm calling it Dr. Seuss thanks to all of the fabrics in it.  Strips are cut, so all I need to do is sew everything together and then a few more slices, rip out a few seams and put everything back together.  Easy?  I think I can complete it in a weekend if I really put my mind to it.  I'm confident and looking forward to get some serious quilting time in for the month.

This is what it currently looks like.  I even have it all planned out to make it easier.  What is stopping me?  

If I can accomplish that, my over achiever goal is to get it machine quilted (as the backing is already picked out), and maybe even get all of the binding done.

Positive thoughts!  I'm linking up to the OMG for April at Red Letter Quilts.

-Christina

Oh Procrastination.....

I did not complete my March One Monthly Goal due to procrastination.  There, I admitted it.  I decided to work on other things, and then the last few weekends of March got booked up.  As a result I did not make my goal.  Oh well!  I will get it done this month, but I'm going to challenge myself and  try to do something else also.  A small goal is to get my table runner completed this weekend.  Off to complete the goal and officially decide what my April OMG is.

-Christina

Long Arm Certification Class

On Saturday I completed a long arm certification class to be able to use a shop's long arm machines to quilt my quilts in the future, and checked a goal off for the year.  I had a ton of fun!!!!  I got a rating of two thumbs up and was told that I am a natural at long arm quilting!  After we went over the basics of the machine I had the whole afternoon to play, and boy oh boy did I play!  I learned what worked for me, what did not.  I learned I can do straight lines with a machine even when I can not draw a straight line to save my life.  I can not wait to go back in to quilt my first quilt on the long arm.  The quilt is going to be a baby quilt, but first to practice drawing out the design so I have some muscle memory of how each design goes.  Here are a few examples of what I did:

Practicing Pebbles (not the best, it was about learning about control and planning where to go next)

Practicing Shapes that I would use in a baby quilt.

My favorite; daisies.  They are fun to draw out, and they will get better as I learn/plan out what I'm doing.  These would be fantastic on a little girl's quilt.

I also bought a few free motion quilting books to help me learn more/learn various designs to add to my pattern repertoire.

This past weekend I was able to get a few of the different fabric patterns glued to templates. Seven down, eleven to go.  This weekend I have a movie day with my best friend planned, and an evening catching up on shows with my Mom, which will give me the opportunity to finish glueing a few more patterns.  I should also start working on my March OMG as we are half way through the month. (Opps)  Where has the time gone?  Lots of things to do, so little time, but that sounds normal!

Linking up to Sew Fresh Quilts.

Have a great week!

Christina

Glueing Fabric to Templates and Binge Watching

I have found a show to binge watch.  The show is:

It is something to keep on in the background while I glue, and glue, and glue fabric to my templates for some future english paper piecing (EPP).  The EPP part I'm looking forward to, glueing, not so much, but I'm happy to do the part I do not necessarily like to get to the good stuff.  It sounds like a Cadbury egg, the middle is my favorite, but to get to the cream center you have to eat the chocolate outside.  (Yes I do not like a ton of chocolate, do not shot me!)  Now I want one, but I gave up candy for Lent...  Looking on the bright side of life, and trying to get to my end goal, which is a beautiful finished wedding quilt.  Five out of eighteen fabric patterns down, number six is almost half way done!

This weekend I will be taking a long arm certification class to learn how to use a long arm, and be able to rent time to quilt my quilts at my local quilt shop.  I've been considering this for a while, and I made it one of my goals for 2016, and I'm excited!  I'm a little nervous, because I know it will take a while to learn how to really quilt well on the machine, but I do not want it to take too long.  (Patience is not my strongest suit).  Wish me luck!

Linking up with Sew Fresh Quilts.

Have a great rest of your week!  I'll share about my class this weekend.

Christina

March 2016 OMG

For the month of March, my OMG is to completely finish the Swirly Scary Table Runner. (I just named it, and I think it is fitting)  This is a table runner that is a belated gift and I want to get it finished and sent off to the recipient.  I have to finish the quilting, square it up, sew on the binding, and finish the binding by hand sewing.  The binding is already prepared for this little project.

How the Swirly Scary Table Runner just got its name is because of the fabrics.  There is a Halloween theme to them plus some Dr. Who fabric of the Tardis doing its take off.  It makes sense to me.

Off to link up with Red Letter Quilts.

Christina

Yee-Haw! Quilt Shop Hop

This past weekend, my Mom and I went around San Diego County and explored 10 different quilt shops via the Cruisn' Quilters.   We broke it up and hit all of the stores in the North County region on Saturday, and finished the last three stores in the Mid-County region on Sunday between church and a concert.

We had a ton of fun, picked up 10 different block patterns for a Country theme quilt, and of course a few goodies.  Who couldn't resist some of the yummy goodies?

Below are each of the patterns, and the items bought from some of the stores.  I can't wait to break into everything.  I bought with a few things in mind during the shop hop.  I was looking for fabrics to go together for the APQS plus quilt that started last month, and baby prints that I can turn into blankets and gift items for a few friends who are all having baby girls in the next few months.

On Saturday-

1st stop: Annie's Quilting Den.  This shop wet our appetite for all quilty fun.  I was able to find a fat quarter that was perfect for my plus quilt.

2nd stop: Grand Country Quilters.  I loved the fabric in this shop.  It was country style, with wool items, and of course a ton of samples of different patterns.  I have already planned a trip back bringing my husband because there is an English pub just down the street.  (You have to do a little give to get what you want sometimes)

3rd stop: Quilt in a Day.  Lots of light, bright and airy.  This shop had some cute Disney prints that my Mom picked up, and I found some more fabric for my APQS plus quilt.  I also grabbed a grab bag, where I got some really nice stuff; some Metler thread, a pattern, embroidery pattern for letters, and a bookmark.

4th stop: Fat Quarters Quilt Shop.  An old house filled to the brim with fabric, and patterns.  A whole lot of fun to explore and check everything out.  I was able to find a pattern that I've had my eye out for, and of course some fabric.  Who doesn't have enough neutrals?

5th stop: Quilter's Cottage. Pre-cut half yards, and little book patterns of the classic Golden Books that I grew up on.  I sure could not resist!  Here I was able to find some prints for the baby gifts that I plan to make.  Now to actually make them!

6th stop: Inspirations Quilt Shop.  This shop has grown, and has a few neat things.  We were on a time crunch so we got in and out, but still ended up with a cool boot pattern!

7th stop: Paradise Sewing.  This shop has also grown, and some of the fabrics tempted me, but we were trying to make it home by a certain time, so after a quick browse, we headed home.  This is a shop I definitely want to come back to.  They are an authorized dealer for Pfaff's, and that is my long term goal machine, which one is to be determined especially now that I'm also considering getting an embroidery machine.

On Sunday

8th stop: Memory Lane Quilt Shop.  They made two additional quilt blocks to make the quilt an even 12 blocks, we were tempted, but ended up not getting them.  We love the first quilt coming into the shop, it was stunning rainbow Bargello quilt that didn't have intricate waves just a simple wave, but was stunning.  The fabric choices helped.

9th stop: Cozy Quilt Shop.  They had a book in stock that I needed, as I had already bought the paper pieces.  I am also going to take a long arm certification course from them to a. learn how to use a long arm, b. be able to rent time to use theirs, and c. figure out if I really want to invest in a long arm down the road.  Many thoughts running through my head.

10th and final stop: Rosie's Calico Cupboard.  This is the largest quilt shop by far on the shop hop, with of course the largest amount of fabric.  It is always great fun to explore the clearance room, which there were many bolts that were calling my name.  They also had their semi-annual staff stash sale going on, and we both found UFO's from other people that we wanted for ourselves.  I love when that happens.  Lots of goodies found.

Overall, we both had a ton of fun, being able to chit-chat while driving from place to place and seeing all of the wonderful possibility of all the quilts.  I loved being able to explore the quilt shops that are not in my normal realm of everyday life.  There were a few that pipped my interest, and I'm going to try and make a point to go back to them before the next shop hop in 2017.  But, first a lot of sewing with my new and old goodies needs to happen.

Off to link up to Sew Fresh Quilts.

Christina

Completed February OMG 2016!

I finished!  Just in time.  I was able to complete cutting all of the fabric out for the Dresden plate quilt, all of the paper templates are cut, and I have glue basted five of the different prints, which I consider a decent number.  I need to work on making sure that my monthly OMG is achievable without totally breaking my back, and letting me accomplish it a few days before the end of the month, not the last!  But, alas I'm a work in progress.

Christina

Progress on a Long Road Ahead

I am making progress on the big quilt I'm working on.  The beginning part of this quilt is my February OMG.  I have finished cutting the paper blades that will be used as my templates, and I have also finished cutting all of the fabric blades.  The paper blades was a huge accomplishment.  I like to try and bite more than I can really chew, and so I am working on myself to really take a look and learn what I can accomplish in the amount of time I am given.  I am doing better (than when I was a younger kid), but it is not 100% there yet.  As I like to say, I am a work in progress.




To help me make my February OMG, which ends only 5 short days ahead; I have a lot to do!  My goals this weekend are to finish cutting all of the 2.5" squares, the background squares that the plates are going to be appliquéd onto, and the fabric circles for the middle.  This will complete cutting all of the fabric pieces for the quilt.  The last thing I need to do is to glue 5 different fabric prints (43 blades each) to the paper templates to have the process started.  This I hope I can work on while watching TV with my husband during the weekend.  There is a Quilt Shop Hop starting this weekend for the area I live in, and my Mom and I are participating this weekend.  This cuts down on my time considerably, but I am the little engine that could, and next month for my goal, I am going to try and make it even more achievable!

On an exciting note, I had a wonderful dinner catching up and just hanging out with my best friend at Sonic.  Classy, I know, but so good when you can just sit, talk and sip a milk shake or slush.  The real purpose was to actually celebrate Christmas with each other, as our schedules have not lined up until now to hang out.  We already have another get together planned for next month, and I am counting down the days!  The saying that no matter how much time you have spent apart, when you get together with your best friend you do not miss a beat.  This is so very true!

Linking up with Sew Fresh Quilts.

Have a great end to the week!
Christina

Happy 50th Day of 2016!

Today is the 50th day of 2016.  How have you spent the last 50 days?  Quilting?  Working on accomplishing those UFO's?  Starting new projects?

Today, I am finally posting about how before I left for vacation I was able to finish up my brother's afghan, which was intended to be his graduation present from collage.  I'm only 7 months late, but I got it done!  His school colors were blue and gold.  (A finished project in the new year, and something that is on my list to complete this year!)

A close up detail of all of the stitches that make up this nice big and heavy afghan.

I think he loves it (he is a man of few emotions).  On the other hand, my Mom loves it!

I was able to get this done as part of my Quarterly Sew-A-Long, which I find very exciting.  Now to keep working on my goals!  Light speed ahead.

Linking up to Crazy Mom Quilts.

Christina

Vacation and Slow Progress

I have just returned from a wonderful vacation that was also my husband's and mine belated honeymoon to Disney World.  We had a magical time exploring all of the parks.  Besides tired feet, and a cold caught from the passenger sitting next to us on the way to Florida we fared very well.

Me and Tigger, my favorite character from Winnie the Pooh.  I love his happy personality, it is similar to mine.

My husband and I with the castle lit up behind us.  Even though it is dark, I really like this picture of us.

While on vacation, I could not just leave home and not take any craft projects, who could?  My slow progress for the week has been the prep work for this quilt:

It is going to be a dresden plate quilt, and I have been working on cutting the fabric and cutting the templates for the blades of each plate.  I made a decent dent in them while traveling, however I have some work to do at home to finish my One Monthly Goal (OMG).  Moving forward this is going to be a constant WIP because I need to get the top finished no later than August to quilt and get it bound for a wedding at the end of the year.  I am up for the challenge, but this quilt is on the forefront of my mind.

I also started a cross stitch, more like I found the middle and put in three stitches before I had a knot in my thread.  As a result, no pictures of it yet, another project to finish by the end of the year.  I think it is a gorgeous design, but simple, which is perfect for when I have three other big things to finish this year.

I'm excited to see what everyone else is working on.

Linking up to Sew Fresh Quilts.

Christina

February 2016 OMG

For the month of February my one monthly goal is to cut out all of the fabric pieces for a Dresden plate wedding quilt, have all of the paper pieces for the curved blades of the plates cut out, and have a good portion of fabric glue basted on the paper pieces to them ready to sew at a moments notice.  This quilt is something that I need to have completed by the end of the year, as that is when the wedding is.  It will contain English Paper Piecing, appliqué, and two and a half inch squares in rows between the big blocks with the dresden plates.  I am up for the challenge and excited to get this quilt off to a great start.


I am out of town next week and it is going to be a perfect hand project to do on the airplane, and/or if I have any down time during my trip.

Here is to an exciting month, in which I hope to get a lot of prep work on this quilt done so it can be smooth sailing to get it finished on time.

Linking up with Red Letter Quilts OMG

Christina

Project Finished!

I finished a project for a client!  I think it turned out extremely darling.  The hat and flower are knitted, and it didn't take very long to create.  The picture that my client showed me was of a crochet hat, which I can not do, but I showed them a knitted hat and they liked that better.  As a result I kept the pattern similar, and found directions for a knitted flower, and this is the end result.  This cute hat has been sent off to be enjoyed by my client.  I can not wait to see what everyone else has finished at Crazy Mom Quilts.  See you there!

Christina

WIP Wednesday - 01.27.16

This week I'm trying to work on a table runner that is on my list to complete for the Quarter Finish-A-Long.  My goal is to have the quilting finished by the end of the weekend, which is already a forth of the way finished.  The quilting pattern is a simple wavy swirly pattern, as I'm working on improving my free motion quilting.  The over achiever in me, wants to get it squared up, and sew on the binding to be able to hand sew it during my visit with family on Sunday.  We will see if that happens.




Another item I am trying to finish is putting together an afghan.  I just need to crochet 4 long seams.  This is for my brother's graduation, which happened last June.  However his birthday was this week, and during his party (this weekend) I hope to have it done to give to him.

Fingers crossed I can get my goals done on both items!

I'm linking up at Freshly Pieced for the WIP Wednesday and at Sew Fresh Quilts.  I'm excited to see what everyone else is up to.

Christina

Christina's Handicrafts Update

I have been working hard on updating my Etsy shop.  First thing to go back up are my spring earrings.  They are cute and festive, and I'm sure they make many people want to have Spring come now after the big snow storm that moved through the East just recently.  These earrings can help you think about Spring, and who knows maybe it will be here sooner than you think!

The next few items to get an update in the shop are my burp rags.  Perfect for any Mom, new or expereinced.  The burp rags work better than store bought ones, and will absorb more than them with any mess that is create.  Check them out!

I hope everyone has a fantastic week!

Christina