Just in time

I am such a procrastinator. I work well under the pressure of a deadline but I really don't know why I do it! I have the time. I know about things in plenty of time. Yet I wait.

I just finished this apron for a bridal shower being held tomorrow afternoon.


The bride-to-be likes green. I hope she likes this combination of Sandi Henderson's Meadowsweet. I also made a simple potholder to go with it. Maybe she'll try it on at the shower and I can get a better picture because I know this one is pretty bad. Taken at night with flash.

I would have waited until the morning to finish the apron but I really need to start on a cake that I am making for a different shower being held on Sunday.

Just realized that I didn't do my stash report for the week ending 3/27. I'll just add that week and this week together and report on Sunday.

I think I'll go make some quilt binding for that Aviary baby quilt. I might be able to get that finished tomorrow so that I can give that at the shower on Sunday. No worries if it doesn't happen though since I've chipped in on a big group gift.

Praise - for the safe travels of a young family in our church returning from Peru.

Prayers - For College Girl's final quarter of her junior year.

Late Stash Report - Week ending 3/20

I've been enjoying time with my two college kiddos home and not spending much time on the computer. I did get a little bit of sewing done which finally got me to the point that I can say the Cotton Blossoms quilt #2 is finished! Well I almost have the binding sewn on the back.
I was just about to wash and dry Cotton Blossoms quilt #1 a week or so ago when I realized that I had not made a label for it. So both of this will be set aside for a couple of weeks while other projects take priority and then I will get the labels made, sewn on and then the washing and drying can take place so that FINALLY I will be able to take pictures.

here is my report;

0 yards in week ending 3/20
9.875 yards out week ending 3/20
16.625 yards YTD IN
38.375 yards YTD OUT

21.75 yards TOTAL BUSTED 2011


I'm reporting in here.

Praise - College Boy returned safely to college tonight.

Prayers - For the final 6 weeks of College Boy's freshman year at college.

Stash Report-week ending 3/6/11

I've tried to be strong. I've tried so very hard to stay on this fabric diet. I look at fabric online almost every day. I even fill up carts and make wish lists. I'm weak. There are so many fabrics that I'd love to buy. Some have even been on sale. I've resisted most of them. My all time favorite Fig Tree line since I have gotten back into quilting has been Patisserie. I have a layer cake of it and a teensy bit of yardage that is set aside with a pattern in mind. But I've been looking for another layer cake. I found one, full price and was about to buy it and then I got a sales notice from The Quilt Shoppe. I thought they had already closed their doors but this said that all remaining fabrics were 50% off. So of course, being weak, I went to take a look. There was ONE layer cake and ONE Jelly Roll of Moda's Patisserie! I put them in my cart and thought about them for a bit. Just for a bit, because I knew that at 50% off they wouldn't last long. I bought both of them thinking that surely one or the other or maybe both had really already been purchased by someone ahead of me and they site was not updated yet.

This is what showed up in my mailbox yesterday!!!



I want to use the Jelly Roll to make THIS pattern by Margot. I can hardly wait for that pattern to be released. I'm not sure what I will use as the border at this point. I'll have to start searching for some yardage and hope it will be available in June. I'm still undecided which pattern to use with the layer cake but I have a few ideas. I know that I will keep at least one of these quilts.

So all that to say, here is my stash report for the week.

6 yards in week ending 3/6
9.875 yards out week ending 3/6
15.75 yards YTD IN
28.50 yards YTD OUT

12.75 yards TOTAL BUSTED 2011

I am linking up here with my stash report.


The yardage OUT is what I've used for the Thimble Blossoms 'A Piece of Cake' quilt using Moda's Cotton Blossoms daughter colorway. I am sewing the binding to the back now and should probably finish that up tonight or tomorrow night while hubby and I watch a movie. I should have pictures of the completed, washed & dried quilt later this week.

Praise - Today we had sunshine AND snow. At the same time! God is so amazing.

Prayers - continued prayers for Katy (church friend), Grant and Joanne. For healing for their bodies. For strength and comfort and rest.

Some goals

I haven't set any goals for myself lately and I really like when I have them listed so I have something to work towards. If the goals are in print I tend to try harder to achieve them. We'll see how it works.

Both kids will be home this month for their spring breaks. They will overlap by a few days and so we will all be together!!! YAY!! I'm not sure how much sewing I will get done while they are home so I will make these goals good for March & April. That will work out perfectly for the Charming Girls goals.

*Finish Cotton Blossoms-Daughter Colorway quilt (binding to be made and attached)


*Finish Cotton Blossoms-Mother Colorway quilt (sandwich,quilt,make and apply binding)
*Pillows for Blogger's Pillow Party one for each month.
*Authentic Table runner
*A Ritzy Cracker Quilt
*Fandango quilt for Aimee
*Bliss camera strap cover

That is quite the list! What's crazy is I just got two GREAT books from the library that I want to read too. I don't need more hours in the day, I just need to really limit my computer time. THAT should be the real goal here.

I am a little excited because I am going to NEED to order some fabric for the Ritzy Cracker quilt. I have the charm squares already, but I will need the background, binding and backing. There is a chance I will delay this project and replace it with something else just so that I can avoid making a purchase right now. I'll make that decision in the next day or two.

Praise - Grant is being moved from the hospital to another facility. He is still in a coma but he is now breathing on his own.

Prayers - for continued improvement in Grant's condition, for his family as they prepare the house for his return and learn how to take care of him. Praying for healing for him.

Daisy's Bliss

We got new snow!! I even went OUTSIDE to take some pictures today. New snow and sunshine, how could I resist?

This to me is TRUE Bliss - snow and a quilt using Moda's Bliss. Have you seen the peeks of Camille & Bonnie's new line? RUBY looks like she would play quite nicely with Bliss.



Quilt was made using Elizabeth Hartman's tutorial that was featured on Sew Mama Sew.

Linking up to Quiltstory for Fabric Tuesday and also Made By You Mondays.


I decided to sew the binding by machine. I used the same method that I used for College Girl's mug rug. Tutorial found here. I actually combine Jennifer's method with Sharon Schamber's binding method (which is my favorite). I'm thinking I will do the machine binding on baby quilts from now on. Not only is it much quicker but I think it will be more durable and hold up to multiple washings and whatever else might get thrown its way.

Praise - for SNOW! For College Girl's safe travel back to school and for College Boy's safe weekend and travels.

Prayers - for the best friend of one of my nephews. Grant is a senior in high school and is now in a coma. Doctors aren't offering up much hope right now. Pray for God's will in this situation. Of course we would love to see Grant's health restored.

January report

I can't believe today is the last day of January. Already. Wow, time flies faster and faster the older I get. I did accomplish a few things this month believe it or not. I may take a couple posts to show them off though.

We haven't had many days this month that gave me enough light to take pictures without flash. Now today is a gorgeous day - blue skies and sunny but below 20 degrees. Of course the projects are no longer here so not photos being taken today.

Verna Easy Bake quilt front;

backed with Minkee Dimple Dot in white;


Folded up and ready to be given away;


Origins Easy Bake quilt front;


backed with brown Minkee Dimple Dot;


Folded up and ready to give to its new owner;


I received this charm pack from Lisa at Vintage Modern Quilts for finishing so many projects in December. Thanks, Lisa!

Since one of my goals this year is to use up fabric that I have in my stash rather than buy more I'd like to take part in a stash report. Judy at Patchwork Times has a link up for those participating.
Since I am late to this game I will do my stash report for the month of January and from here on out try to keep up with it weekly.

January IN:

9 3/4 yards This included fabric I ordered in Dec. but didn't show up until January as well as the Sherbet Pips charm pack, some Origins yardage for a project I was hired to do and some white and red fleece that College Girl got and sent to me.

January OUT:

11 1/3 yards White Minkee, Brown Minkee, Verna LC, Origins LC, yardage of Verna & Origins for binding, various pieces for a mug rug

January Total : 1.5 yards busted!

Praise - That both kids got back to school safely and are in the thick of things for this term. That my friend with bone cancer has finally started her chemo therapy.

Prayers - That College Boy's roommate situation would be favorable but we are trusting God that He knows best in ALL situations.

To start off the year

I need to find my oomph. I think I lost it in that last rush before Christmas to get all of my sewing done. I didn't feel rushed at the time but ever since Christmas I haven't been able to muster up the oomph to accomplish anything of substance. It was at the very last minute that I shortened and hemmed the sleeves for the jammie shirts I gave to College Girl. I mean she was packing to leave and I was cutting and hemming!

I seriously thought these would be sandwiched and quilted and bound by the new year.

They are still not sandwiched,quilted or bound. They are both sitting in a lump on my cutting table. I think about them. I think about all the things I could and should be doing with my time. I don't want to fritter away the entire month.


These are just a few of the things I'd like to take part in. If I can do them without having to buy fabric that is.

I almost bought fabric for this. I was going to time that fabric purchase for 2010 so that I would not be 'cheating' on my 2011 goal, of course. I have gone back and forth on participating. I don't even KNOW how to embroider! I do love the little birdies though and figure it would be good to learn something new.
IF I participate I think I will use Dream On. I just need to figure out if I have a solid on hand that I can use for the block centers. If not the entire project will be put on hold.


I would LOVE to participate in this one;
I have the book on the way but it is being shipped media mail (because it was free shipping - which I can hardly resist. It probably won't get here in time for me to join in for January. I have some large pieces of yardage but I'm not sure if I have three pieces that go together that are large enough for the first bag. I'm NOT buying more fabric right now. The January bag may be a pass for me.

I already joined in on this one. The January entry could be a pillow made in the last 3 months.

Good way to insure more pillows in my future.

I came across this while looking at the other pillows in the party.

If I have the materials on hand I just may join in. I need to bust the stash after all. If this one doesn't work out I have plenty of patterns and fabrics on my to-do list or I just might find another quilt along to join.

Pink Chalk Fabrics is going to have a sew along on their blog, using the One Yard Wonders book. I requested the book from the library and hopefully will have that by the time the details are posted on the blog.

In addition to all of that I would like to;
* alter messenger bag that I gave to friend in August (strap adjustment/add closure of some sort)
* set of 6 quilted placemats using Origins.
* start Fandango quilt

I'll still need to be working on my memory verses, working out, cooking/eating healthy meals, reading, baking/decorating cookies and avoiding the urge to buy new fabric. Guess I'd better find my oomph and fast!

Praise - for the beautiful snow we are getting and for a warm home that we have and capable vehicles to get around in the snow.

Prayers - for safety on the roads in the winter snowstorms.

Taking the Challenge

Amy has posted her One Week, One Thing Challenge and I am going to take her up on it this time.



Although this is obviously more than ONE THING, I do think that I can get 'er done.


My goal - get the two table runners DONE. The binding is all ready to hand stitch to the back which I will be starting as soon as I post this blog entry. I need to get them washed/dried, photographed and mailed. Then, choosing one of the three sweaters pictured I want to make a pillow.

I did my grocery shopping yesterday so I have no reason to go out in the frightful weather. I can just sit inside, stitch and enjoy the beauty of the snow covered scene through the windows.

Praise - I LOVE SNOW! It is snowing here.

Prayers - it is snowing here and where both of my children are. They are going to be heading home for Thanksgiving and I am praying for clear roads and safe travel. Trusting in the Lord! Being anxious will accomplish nothing but prayers will!!

Yes, I've been busy

In case you thought I wasn't working on anything;

Nicey Jane flimsy

I didn't take any pictures of the sandwiching, basting and quilting but here is the stage I am at now;

This should have gone with College Girl last week but...let's just say, it didn't. Must get back to work.

Praise - Hubby and I signed papers today to close on the property sale (it isn't closed yet though). This whole process started in early March.

Prayers - for a young lady we know who is spending a semester in Israel. She is very sick and has finally gotten some antibiotics. Prayers that she would be on the mend very soon.

Recap for part of July - LOTS of pictures

I just can't seem to get back in the blogging habit. Maybe I will get points for lots of pictures in a post and that will make up for lack of consistent posting. Maybe.

Jodi at Pleasant Home had a drawing for goodies she collected on a trip she took oh wayyyyyy back in June I suppose. I won the drawing and here is what she sent to me.

There is a bottle of Oregon water (dubbed as VIRGIN water that has never been touched by the earth...hmmmm), assorted candies that I DID NOT SHARE!, a cute little sewing kit from the Venetian (in Las Vegas) and a charm pack of Bliss! I have already made something with those (sometime in August) so I will show that to you eventually. Actually it isn't even finished yet but hopefully soon.

This is Alena's quilt, made with Moda's Snippets. I used the tutorial for the Charm Pack Baby Quilt by BubbaChic. The back was white flannel.


I found some Mingle yellow with white dot at the local craft store that I used for the binding. I wasn't sure of it for the longest time but when all was washed and dried I decided that I loved it.


A doe and her fawn crossing the creek;


Christian's Charming Baby Log Cabin quilt. Pattern by Threaded Pear. I decided not to add the borders or the prairie points. I actually made the top for this quite awhile ago but just finished it up in early July to give to the new baby.


I did some loop-de-loop and star quilting on this. Not THRILLED with it as it was my first time but it was 'okay'.


The backing is a very soft navy flannel.


I love a striped binding. Maybe even more than a dotted binding.


Christian's father called after church to tell me that they loved the quilt and had hung it up on the wall over the baby's crib! Oh my. I told him I would've have been thrilled if they threw it on the floor and let the baby lay on it there. I just want the quilts to get used and loved.

Praise - all of our summer travels were safe! So many miles covered by all four of us in a few months. For College Boy's involvement with Campus Crusade for Christ as well as InterVarsity. He is the new bass player for InterVarsity worship!

Prayers - For College Girls travels back from visiting her brother for the weekend. Continued prayers for College Boy, that he connect with some Godly young men that have similar interests (biking, hiking, fishing).

Up for air

That's how I feel, like I'm coming up for air and just a quick one. I know that I haven't posted in awhile but this past week I was trying to get so much done. College Girl even asked if I was wearing my SUPER MOM undies!

Three of the baby quilts were delivered at church on Sunday. Enjoy this photo of all the pretty bindings;

The first one is the Lydia quilt. Pattern is Allison at Cluck Cluck Sew's Modern Irish Chain. I LOVED making this quilt and I can't wait to make my next one. All prints are scraps from my stash,including Amy Butler,Heather Bailey, Moda, Sandi Henderson. The backing was a piece leftover from the quilt-along quilt I made last summer!

Scrappy binding;

(thanks for that input, Rene!)

A closer view;

Yes, I know the pictures are not well lit. We've had rain, rain and more rain here. GREAT quilting weather. Great weather to avoid doing the weeding and planting outside. Stinky weather for taking pictures of quilts.

A view of the entire quilt;


This is a close-up of the Megan quilt;


Tutorial by Natalia of Piece N Quilt. Fabric is Moda's Birdie, the binding is not from the Birdie line but I don't remember what it was. I forgot to put the flower appliques on.


A close up of the Patience quilt;

Tutorial was found at Sew,Mama,Sew! and had been submitted by Elizabeth of Oh,Fransson!
Fabric is Moda's Sleepytime and some prints I found to match at JoAnn's. The entire quilt;


We came home from church, ate lunch, and then I got busy with the next baby quilt.

Stay tuned!

Praise - for all the lovely little babies that have been born into our church family this year. Five precious little girls.

Prayers - for the safe delivery of the sixth baby - a boy, that will most likely be born on Friday, the 11th. The mother is in labor and has a C-section scheduled.

Sew-in Update

Here is my report for the;


It was supposed to be raining today but it isn't! Such a beautiful day, blue skies, big puffy white clouds,sunshine and a little breeze. Of course it was only in the high 40's when I first got up and not a whole lot warmer now.

I'm pretty happy with my progress from the sew-in. Here is the completed quilt top;

It does look a little washed out but the colors are very light and it is full sunshine out there.

I was pretty tired and ready for bed but I decided to press on and get the bindings made for the Birdie quilt (little blue flowers) as well as the Sleepytime quilt (orange stripe-matches the striped stockings of one of the characters in the print).


I realize this shot is not great but I LOVE that view. I hope to be sitting right there sometime this summer actually sewing on bindings.


These bindings however will be sewn on to the fronts this week and then be all ready for me to take in the car on Thursday. Long road trips are a perfect time for doing this work I've found. I also need to get a binding ready for the Modern Irish Chain.

Sleepytime is all spraybasted and ready to be quilted but I have another project that I want to work on today while the guys are away. ;)
More on that later!

Have a great day! I'm going to get busy on my project!

Praise - for this beautiful day and the beautiful place God has created for us to live.

Prayers - for safety on the road for my hubby and my son.

4/23-4/28 Update on the weekend

I had a great trip to the big city. My friend and I chatted the entire way, stopped for lunch in a cute cafe and I worked on my Blush runner binding.

Here is the reason that I went to the big city in the first place;



Isn't she beautiful? Well I know she is, inside AND out.

It was a nice ceremony. About 48 students were inducted into the Ivy Honorary Society which is focused on Scholarship, Leadership and Service. We're so proud of you College Girl!! I'm so glad that I was able to be present at the event.

I had the wrong shoes so walking much was out of the question. We tried to view the apartment where college girl wants to live next year but despite the signs that said OPEN HOUSE, they were closed. It was such a lovely day we ate our lunch in the sunshine;


I stitched more on the binding before going to bed on Saturday and Sunday after church I sat in the sun and finished that and then started on the Verna quilt binding. Such a relaxed weekend. It was good to see college girl and my friends.

Met up with my road trip friend on Monday morning and we made the long trek back home. Chatting about our weekend with our daughters and I stitched away on the Verna binding. When both were finished I got them washed and dried.


Hubby was completely floored when I told him the Verna quilt was for his mother for Mother's Day. He had no idea I was even making it! I think it is just hard to distinquish one project from another when he walks into my sewing room.



I have still sewed SOMETHING everyday. Once the runner and quilt were done I went back to the POSH quilt binding. I am ALMOST done with that, hopefully tonight after the VBS meeting that I need to attend.

I also have a purse cut out and fabric for three children's aprons ready to cut out. I've gotta get busy!

Praise - for the wonderful time spent with college girl and friends and the safe travels.

Prayers - for the preparations and the first meeting for VBS.