2011 UFO Challenge #1 Kourageous Bellflower for March FINISHED! March 31, 2011

Bellflower (UFO#1) March 2011

Here's my Kourageous Bellflower finished.  I had it completely finished with the embroidery last night (the block itself has been done for awhile now).  This block is my March 2011 UFO with Judy's Patchwork Times.

Here's a photo of Kourageous so far.  I've got three blocks complete...bring on April's challenge!

Check out what could be next.

Still no date on the start of my QM Quilt-Along 2011 project at QCA.

Happy Quilting.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

There will be a short delay in launch of Quiltmaker's Mystery Quilt-Along 2011 online at Quilters Club of America. I'm anxious as I'm sure you are as well. It's a great project and well worth the short delay.

Tonight I spent time trimming up Kandy Korn. I got this Judy Laquidara pattern called Peaches and Dreams free from her website Patchwork Times. I'll be showing photos of it once the binding is in place. Thanks Judy for the great design. The quilting came out great as it always does from Kerry's Quilting.


Catch up with me soon. Happy sewing!

Design Wall Monday, March 28, 2011

I'll be working on the finishing touches of my March UFO this week.  I've got to add some embroidery (stem stitches) to the flowers creating sepals and two small leaves at the stem with green thread.

Next up will be finishing the mystery quilt project I started in January at Road to California. The center will be a simple applique pattern.

Don't forget to quilt-along with me starting March 29 on Quilters Club of America (QCA) when Quiltmaker's 3 Part Mystery Secret Windows unfolds. I'll be hosting this Debbie Caffrey mystery project for Quiltmaker over he next few months. You'll need to join the Quiltmaker's Mystery Quilt-Along 2011 group at QCA to participate. It is completely FREE!

Have a great week ahead. April and it's UFO project comes Friday! Gosh is it April already?

Sunday Stash Report, March 27, 2011

I've spent the entire day sewing pretty much.  It was a lovely day in San Diego!  Besides the weekly chores and meals Judy's Making Ends meet kept me occupied.  I've got the top done.  I had to make a few modifications in the border.  I got through Judy's pieced border and then only had bits and pieces to finish the rest.  I really wanted to use the cute animal print for part of the borders so I came up with a second pieced border.  I like it; how about you?

The quilt finished at 76 x 95.  I'm thinking of a "K" name for this one.  Any ideas come to mind?  The 1.5 yards purchased was needed for another project I've been working on lately. More on this one later in the week.  So how did you do using your stash this week?

Used this week: 18 yards
Used YTD: 82.5 yards

Purchased this week: 1.5 yards

Purchased YTD: 18.5 yards
Net Fabric Used in 2011: 64 yards


Check out more Stash Reports at Patchwork Times.

Friday, March 25, 2011

A busy time for me today, way too much going on!  Thought I'd share with you the news of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Volume 3 release. 

The blog tour introducting the softcopy publication runs May 2-6.  This was done when Volume 2 was introduced and was lots of fun.  You get a chance to visit the designer's blogs where they most times show their block design used in a project.  There are also lots of prizes to be won on their sites and the Quiltmaker site.  Quiltmaker will guide you through the blog tour sites via their website.  Last year I was luck enough to win a copy of Volume 2.  Play along and maybe you'll find a new favorite designer or win something!

Volume 3 goes on sale at quilt shops and local newsstands May 10.  For those who susbribe to Quiltmaker it's not part of your subscription.  So make certain you pick up this Summer 2011 publication.  Both Volumes 1 and 2 are available thorugh Quiltmaker.  Volume 1 is only available now as a download.  Volume 2 is still available in print.

Another place to win is the First Friday Show and Tell at Quilters Club of America.  Anyone who made a Quiltmaker project using one of their patterns can participate.  Do you have a project to share?

Don't forget to quilt-along with me starting March 29 on Quilters Club of America (QCA) when Quiltmaker's 3 Part Mystery Secret Windows unfolds.  I'll be hosting this Debbie Caffrey mystery project for Quiltmaker over he next few months.  You'll need to join the Quiltmaker's Mystery Quilt-Along 2011 group at QCA to participate.  It is completely FREE!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Secret Window

I'm happy to tell you that Quiltmaker Magazine has asked me to be their online host for their mystery project called Secret Window.  Debbie Caffrey has designed a quilt that will be published starting with the May/June 2011 issue and then bimonthly for a total of three issues.  I'll be guiding you through this Quilt-Along through Quilters Club of America.  Here's a link to get you started.  Its all absolutely FREE!

I've not had much time this week for anything else except getting ready for March 29th when the Quilt-Along goes live.  I'd love it if you'd join me.

Happy Quilting!

Design Wall Monday, March 21, 2011

Well Judy I tried.  I just couldn't do it.  Making Ends Meet in a weekend just isn't something I could pull off!  I've got all the components finished, but no steam left over to assemble it into a top.  So this is how Monday begins... 

I'm not certain I'll have enough blue for the 2nd of the 2 inner borders, but maybe...time will tell.  I don't want to cut anything until its sewn to the pieced border.  I'm still planning on the really cute novelty fabric for one side and part of the top.  The rest of the 4" outer border will be pieces of what's left.  I still have a bunch of the green, orange and gold.  I've been giving thought to adding in a zebra print.  What do you think?

Tonight is Canyon Quilt Guild's March monthly meeting.  I'll be meeting up with quilting sisters for dinner and then on to the meeting with guest speaker Laura Wasilowski, the Dean of the Chicago School of Fusing.  I'll be spending the rest of my evening with DH binding the second of three denim quilts.  Hope there is something good in store on TV. 

Find time to be inspired with other Design Walls through Judy's Patchwork Times.

Sunday Stash Report, March 20, 2011

I've been busy in the sewing room since Friday morning!  I've been working hard at Making Ends Meet.  With effort forcused on finishing this project that Judy shared with us in celebration of National Quilting Day.

I finished Step 5 earlier this morning which is why my post isn't until now.  I sure do like this blue fabric.  It is scraps from the back of a quilt that I can't recall.  The green fabric is also scraps from the back of a quilt that I can remember Katastropic Kraze made in 2007.  I'm hoping to use this blue for two inner borders so I've been really conserving it.

This is where I'm at right now.  The Nine-Patches for the pieced borders.

And this cute fabric is for as much of the outer borders as it will stretch.  I'll add pieces of the remaining fabric to get me all the way around.

I'm not quite yet ready to claim stash used, but before the day is out 18 yards will be out of my stash.  It takes 10 yards for the top and another 8 yards for the back and binding.  Next week 18 yards from this project will be taken...but that's next week.

Used this week: 0 yards
Used YTD: 64.5 yards
Purchased this week: 0 yards
Purchased YTD: 17 yards
Net Fabric Used in 2011: 41.25 yards


Check out more Stash Reports at Patchwork Times.

Making Ends Meet, March 19, 2011

Happy National Quilting Day!

I've been busy sewing with Judy's Quilt-Along pretty much all day Friday with a break for a few shopping errands in the afternoon.  So here's where I stand just after noon today. 

Part 1 was sewing all the 144 HST.  I used Triangles on a Roll for mine.  It took me 55 minutes to sew them and then 30 minutes to cut them apart.  Not sure if Judy's method with Triangulations considered her time at this point...if so Triangles on a Roll won by 5 minutes!  Of course I did need to clip the dog ears, pull the paper, and press yet...so Judy where did your time stop?

Part 2 was had us make the Nine-Patch that's in the middle of the star.  Eighteen were made.

Part 3 used the HST from Part 1 to make the star points.  Part 2 Nine-Patches took on some of the star points.  Two versions were made for the stars around the perimeter and the stars in the middle.

Part 4 is where I finished for lunch.  We added another 2 1/2" piece to the star points and then assembled the three variations of stars in this step.  Four for the stars, six for the perimeter, and the last eight go in the middle.

Part 5 starts building the chain that will run through the stars.  I'm looking forward to using my dark dark blue/teal fabric.  With a little luck I should be right on schedule for this project to complete tomorrow!  I'll be watching the SDSU Basketball team at 3pm today and hoping for a win!  Go Aztecs!

Friday, March 18, 2011

It's not yet 8am here in cool but clear San Diego.  The heater is on making it nice and toasty.  Kaos and Koko and I have had breakfast.  I've got my Hot Chocolate made and ready to sip waiting for me on my sewing table.  The parts and pieces are all cut up for Steps 1 - 4 and I'm off!

Darn it I just glanced over to Judy's Patchwork Times blog and Step 5 is up!  Time for me to get busy with what I have.  Progress report in a few hours.

I'm using Triangles on a Roll for Step 1 that is 144 2" finished HSTs!  I'm going to time how long it takes me; see if Triangulations is faster...

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

There is absolutely no sane reason to explain why I've decided to make Judy's newest design.  Judy is running this Quilt-Along on her blog that started yesterday in honor of National Quilting Day.  There are lots of events that quilters will participate in over the weekend.  Do you have anything planned?

Making Ends Meet!

Besides the introduction, steps #1 and #2 are available.  It is a nice pattern and one that I'll pull from my stash!

Design Wall Monday, March 14, 2011

Kourageous Bellflower is nearly done.  I've got to add some embroidery (stem stitches) to the flowers creating sepals and two small leaves at the stem with green thread. 

Bellflower (UFO #1) March 2011

This block is just as nice as the past two.  Unfortunately you would think it was getting easier as I become more ept at all the tiny pieces...but not!  I must have been distracted because where I've placed the flower pins are mistakes in fabric placement.  Darn it...of course these weren't realized until after the sections were sewn together.  Thank you Clover for my trusty seam ripper. 

If you've not used an Add-An-Eighth ruler by CM Designs and a bookmark or sturdy straight edge for your paper piecing I have learned its a must for assembling pieces as small as these.

So what's on your Design Wall today?  Check out other quilter's inspiring work at Patchwork Times.  Keep quilting!

Sunday Stash Report, March 13, 2011

Excuse me, sorry for the big yawn. Don't know about you but this loosing an hour really messes up body clocks. The cats can't figure out when to start bugging me for breakfast! Still dark out there, but I won't complain when it's still daylight at 7pm! Gives me ample time to take in my daily exercise instead of rushing like the dickens home to change clothes and be out walking that standard time during the winter months creates.

I have finished Krimson Khat. I am considering entering this quilt in the 30th Annual San Diego Quilt Show that takes place September 8 - 10. Three quilts can be entered into the show. Deadline for entries is June 12. One year I entered quilts and did not make it into the show because by the time they received my entry the display areas were already full. I did submit my three entries a bit closer to the deadline so I know not to let that happen again.

Like any other quilter who had a Shop Hop in their area my stash grew a bit from the event. Visiting 16 shops in four days is difficult to resist temptation. Fortunately this week's report has me reporting three of the four days since Day 1 was reported last week. Hey stretching out the Shop Hop's purchases doesn't make me feel quite so guilty! Well I do feel guilty, but it doesn't look as bad when reporting :). So for this past week my stats:

Used this week: 0 yards
Used YTD: 64.5 yards
Purchased this week: 3 yards
Purchased YTD: 17 yards
Net Fabric Used in 2011: 41.25 yards


Check out more Stash Reports at Patchwork Times.

Friday, March 11, 2011

TGIF!  Too bad it has to be a work day...but these past days have been a bit different.  Sue and I have been taking in two to three shops during a long lunchtime to get in all 16 participating in the 2011 Cruisin' Quilters Shop Hop.

Thursday we got to Aretoy in Oceanside, Quilt in a Day in San Marcos, and Starry Night Hollow in Encinitas.  All three shops are quite different.  Aretoy is the newest of the three where I picked up this pink jumbo rick rack that I'll use to enhance the binding.  If you've not done this before it really adds something special.  I'll walk you through it when it's used.  At Quilt in a Day we had to be a bit quiet...Eleanor was filming in her studio!  There were all kinds of specially priced batiks...so hard to resist, but I was good--my Stash Report on Sunday is already going to suffer!  Finally Starry Night Hollow had a cheddar that I had to put in my shopping cart along with an animal theme print that will find it's way into Kourageous.  Sort of hard to see the FREE blocks each shop had available; a horse, flamingos, and a turtle find their way into my studio as part of this year's theme "Its a Zoo Out There!"

Today had Sue and I at Fat Quarters Quilt Shop in Vista first where I looked at some of the newer Bonnie Blue patterns, but didn't get one.  I've got so many patterns already that I want to make...I was successful in resisting for now, but don't know how long I'll be able to hold out on two that are still in my mind hours later.  Next up was Quilter's Paradise in Escondido.  This place has a huge selection of batiks.  I did find two yellow/black/white prints that will be perfect for the Block of the Month that I started at Cozy Quilt Shop during this run.  We had lunch just around the corner and then headed to the last shop on the hop, Bits and Pieces also in Escondido.  Here I found for my BFF Kerry two blue canvas Janome Sewing Machine travel bags.  These are the best.  Kerry got both of her daughters at various times Janome Sewing Machines and wanted the canvas bags for them too (the tapestry bags just aren't as nice).  Anyway we've both been looking and by chance I asked and they had them!  I did find two animal theme fabrics for Kourageous here too!  A good trip at Bits and; Pieces.  These three shops offered their FREE blocks; a lamb, panda, and a chicken.  The Zoo is complete!  Passports were turned in here finishing the 16 stores in the 2011 Cruisin' Quilters Shop Hop in San Diego County.  Wish me luck that I win the GRAND PRIZE.

Enjoy your Friday, what's left of it.  I'm off to dinner with DH.  We are going for sushi!  Hey that could be a theme for next year's Cruisin' Quilters Shop Hop..."From your Aquariam!"  or maybe "Let's go Fishin'!"  What do you think?

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

For the most quilty news from my studio...Quiltmaker has announced my participation in one of their projects in the upcoming May/June Issue (no. 139).  I'll be the host of a Quilt-Along Mystery project designed by Debbie Caffrey.  This announcement was made with their Quilty News Newsletter on March 8.  I'm pretty excited and ready to go!  I hope you pick up the issue and find time to follow me online as I assemble my version (a fourth color way option).  My fabric selections are controlled scrappy and on the brighter side.  Check back for how to see my online project starting with my fabric selections.  I'll guide you through any hurdles you might encounter, and inspire you to take on a Mystery if you've been reluctant to try one OR hesitant to try another.

Today Sue and I continued the 2011 Cruisin' Quilters Shop Hop with Inspirations Quilt Shop in Valley Center.  This is a very nice shop in a more rural part of San Diego County (northeast).  I like the sounds and smells in the parking lot which is connected with a feed store that has roosters and chickens and who knows what else.  Their store has expanded in the past year allowing for more fabrics!  Quilter's Cottage in Fallbrook was next (most north part of the shop hop).  They have a great selection of batik fabrics here which never lack with neutrals.  Today I purchased a cheddar 100% cotton fabric to add to my growing collection for one of Bonnie Hunter's designs from her Scraps and Shirttails II book.  Bonnie has two of them in this book that suggest this yummy color.

Tomorrow we will continue the hop (and hopefully with Bonnie too) traveling to the northwest part of the county at Aretoy, Starry Night Hollow and Quilt in a Day.  Friday we plan on the last three shops of the 16 participating; Fat Quarters Quilt Shop Quilter's Paradise, and Bits & Pieces.  More on those shops and my purchases in future posts.

Here's the FREE block patterns so far in keeping with the 2011 Cruisin' Quilters Shop Hop theme "Its a Zoo Out There!"

Zebra Stars, Bears, Giraffes, Bunnies, Owls, Monkeys, Tigers, Lions, Cows, and Crows OH MY!

With just an hour before bedtime I should be able to get done with Krimson Khat's binding.  Come back soon for more information on the QM Mystery and my last shops of this year's Cruisin' Quilters San Diego's Shop Hop.

Sunday Stash Report, March 6, 2011

Lots to talk about today, a wee bit late in the day, but nonetheless...here I am!  First let's begin with my Friday sewing.  I finished Komet so today I get to claim some stash used!  It's a good thing because my annual Cruisin' Quilters Run day on Saturday really hits the purchase category :(.  But let me show you Komet. 

What's neat about some of Bonnie Hunter's designs is you sometimes get bonus half square triangles...and I got a bunch of them with this project.



Now Saturday's Cruisin' Quilters Run...what fun Tina, Bonnie, Sue, Kerry, and Kendyll had traveling around the southern part of San Diego county.  We visited nine different quilt shops Starting with store #9 and finishing with Quilter's Choice in Chula Vista (not on the Quilt Run, but one not to miss if you find yourself in the southern most part of the county).

I did make several purchases from several of the great shopw we visited.




Mango Margarita Fabrics

              3 Animal Fabrics for Kourageous (top left)

  


Building Blocks 12 Month BOM

Star Pieceing Thread plus more

The reciepts :(



So lets finish with the report:

Used this week: 9.75 yards

Used YTD: 64.5 yards

Purchased this week: 7.75 yards
Purchased YTD: 14 yards
Net Fabric Used in 2011: 44.25 yards


Check out more Stash Reports at Patchwork Times. 



Design Wall Monday, March 7, 2011

This week I'm going to work on Kourageous Bellflower.  This is my March (#1) UFO with Patchwork Times.  I took the suggestion from my first mention of fabrics and changed the green for the stems to something a bit brighter.  I do like the change!  This design has 81 pieces assembled into 16 sections.  It also has a little embroidery to add sepals and small leaves.  The stem stitch is what Claudia Hasenback has suggested.  I can do that!

Tomorrow is the monthly Sunshine Quilt Guild meeting in El Cajon.  I'll be meeting my quilting sisters at Marietta's Mexican Resturant at 5pm.  Social time starts at 6:30pm with the meeting beginning at 7pm.  Sue Bouchard from Quilt In A Day will be our speaker for the evening.

I finished the Sandy River Denim quilt.  This one will be donated to a Vetrans group. 

I've also finished preparing the binding and sleeve for Krimson Khat.  This one will find time in front of the TV with DH this week.  Kaos ever looking for a good comfortable place!  Isn't that just a too cute ironing board cover that my Mom found for me :)! 

Hope you have a quilty week, keep stitching. Check out other Design Walls at Patchwork Times for more inspiration.

Wednesday, March 3, 2011

I spent the evening working on binding.  I have nearly finished the first of three denim quilts with only one more corner to turn.  Sewing down binding on a denim quilt isn't exactly fun...if you understand what I'm saying!

Following up on a comment about what the Bullseye project might look like, I've attached a photo of Barbara's Show and Tell.  The winner of the BOM will have blue as the background for their project.  It does have a neat look don't you think?

Barbara is holding the quilt on the left--hiding!  Karen is our current President.

These are the fabrics selected for Kourageous Bellflower my #1 UFO with Judy's 2011 UFO Challenge.  This one has lots of pieces and sections that I'll divulge in a future post, but it only has four total fabrics.  These two animal skins should do the flower justice and the olivey green seems to work well with both of them.  Any opinions?

Kourageous Bellflower fabrics

I'm gearing up for the weekend's Cruisin' Quilters Run of local quilt shops in San Diego county.  The furthest north being in Fallbrook and south in Chula Vista.  There are five of us sharing a ride this Saturday (the first day of the "hop").  We are cruisin' the southern shops, leaving from Poway at 9am and heading to Ramona (futhest east).  We'll take in eight of the 16 shops (plus one not on the run) with lunch at some point during our travels.  This year's free block theme is animals.  I wonder if a future quilt project is in the making...  I'm taking my animal skin fabrics with me in hopes of picking up a FQ of something I don't have now to consider for Kourageous.  I'll also be looking for fabrics that are gaps in 2011 UFO projects.  Wht better time to find fabrics when a visit to all these shops takes place.  More on the 2011 Cruisin' Quilters Run to follow. 

Keep stitching!

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Surprised it's already March!  Did the first two months of the year treat you good?  Did you get done with the challenges you'd set in place for yourself materialize or are you still working on them?  As long as you don't give up on them you're doing great.  I'm pleased to report that I've made all my deadlines so far with one being very close but achieved with little more than three hours to spare... You might remember my Kourageous Lily block that I managed to eek out.  Well this one for March is going to get started early!  Judy pulled #1 a doosey!  I'm taking the animal fabrics with me today to start selecting what will go best for the Bellflower block.

Bellflower (UFO #1) March 2011

I've got to count out all the different colors that Claudia Hasenbach's design asks for to see how this one will come together.  The stem looks tough at first glance.  These are just 6" blocks mind you.  Once again the background is the same as the Lily and Cranesbill blocks already made used.

Lily (UFO #6) January 2011

Cranesbill (UFO #10) February 2011

Maybe I can use the deeper browns of the tiger skin and go even more vibrant than the Lily with the Bellflower's stem.  Fabric selections will be posted tomorrow for your comments!  Come back and visit me then.

Have a terrific Tuesday.

2011 UFO Challenge #10 Kourageous Cranesbill for February FINISHED!. March 1, 2011

I got this beautiful block done early...sometimes it just happens that way...  I'm anxious to see what number Judy pulls next; pick a good one Judy!

Check out what could be next!