kwiltnkats

Sunday Stash Report, February 26, 2012

2012-02-26T00:01:00.000-08:00

I had a pretty good sewing week. I finished up my Kokonut No! early in the week and finished the Bear Paw Block. Both of these are February challenges. I thought I'd show you the back that I've managed to put every last bit of scraps into for Kokonut No! I even have enough of one of the oranges for the sleeve. And three of the greens for a scrappy binding. I think the flying geese blocks should face up...don't you?

Now on to Kordova Klosure. I'll be trying to get this one done before March challenges are announced. I'm in full production with Part 7. Others probably think the string blocks were the most labor intensive, but by far to me is Part 7. I've got just a few more to assemble then it's the finish with Part 8; putting the top together. Maybe I'll be reporting the fabric used in this project next Sunday. Looking pretty positive at this point.

Jeanne and Sally dropped off their Chunky Churndashes Blocks. Now I've got them all...time to divide them up!

Used this week: 11.25 yards
Used YTD: 57.25yards
Purchased this week: 0 yards
Purchased YTD: 9.75 yards
Net Fabric Used in 2012: 93.5 yards

End of February close and almost 100 yards this year already! How about you? See others progress getting through their fabric stashes at Patchwork Times.

Friday, February 24, 2012

2012-02-24T17:43:00.001-08:00

I finished my February 2012 Quilt Square Quilt Along with Jo's Country Junction just now. Look how cute it is. This block introduced gold, green and black. The green is barely visible...finishing just 1/2" x 1/2". Okay Jo I'm ready for March.

The post person did well today, delivered are Connie's blocks. Nice work! Two more to go and I'll be sorting them all out for redelivery. I should be done with the sort during the week and be able to start getting them to all the swappers next weekend. It's going to be a hard call on what color fabric goes into my hour glass blocks other than the neutral. Looks like the decision will be mainly on my stash!

No delivery today drat. I did get the borrowed chair until mine arrives. At this rate maybe the chair that's due the first or second week of March might beat the sewing cabinet!

Day for the Lakeside Retreat has been set for June 7 through 10. I'll be working on flights for my Mom's trip out. This has turned out to be an annual visit for my Mom. We have so much fun being able to sew this weekend together with the girls.

Enjoy your weekend, our weather is terrific these last few days and expected to continue much the same over the the weekend.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

2012-02-23T18:06:00.000-08:00

Today I received Sue's Chunky Churndashes Swap Blocks. I also heard from Jeanne that she will be delivering both hers and Sally's over the weekend. Now if only the post person would deliver Connie's I'd have them all!

I haven't received word from the local delivery company that my Koala Sewing Cabinet is in San Diego. Still have my fingers crossed that it's delivered tomorrow... Hope I have something wonderful to post tomorrow.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

2012-02-22T17:36:00.000-08:00

This is what's coming that I'll be on the road for...

2012 Cruisin' Quilters Shop Hop

(the two quilts you see pictured on the link are mine)

March 3rd - 11th, 2012 - Two Full Weekends

Come to San Diego County this spring and visit the hot spots – the Quilt

Shops! Join us and be part of the Eighth Annual San Diego Cruisin’

Quilters Shop Hop! Enjoy the unique flavor of each of the shops in

the Hop and leisurely take a week to do it. The dates are Saturday,

March 3rd - 11th. The shops will remain open with extended hours,

Monday through Saturday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm and Sunday

10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

By visiting all 14 shops, you are eligible to win one of three Grand

Prizes*. In addition, you are eligible to win a special prize valued

at $300 at each shop you visit! To commemorate this event, each

shop will be giving a FREE Signature Block Pattern that you can

use to make your own sampler quilt. Come for the fun! Shop for the

bargains! Win great prizes!

Pick up your Passport at any of the participating Quilt Shops,

March 3rd - 11th, 2012.

* To be eligible for a grand prize, you must have your Passport

validated at all fourteen quilt shops. Passports with fewer than

fourteen validations will still be eligible to win other great prizes.

2012 Prizes
(1) SPRING RETREAT
(2) Shopping Spree - $400
(14) Gift Certificate - $25

We hope to see all of you at our shops this year!

I didn't get Connie's Chunky Churndashes Swap blocks as I thought I might today. Guess the mail person will deliver them tomorrow. Buzzer is going off on my Tortilla Soup...gotta go!

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

2012-02-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

Got one more Chunky Churndashes Swappers block tonight. This one is from Susie. Thought I might see Jeanne tonight and get hers and Sally's but no Jeanne! She doesn't live far from my home so I'm guessing she'll be dropping them off soon.

I didn't stay for the lecture and trunk show tonight. I was anxious to get home and to bed at a reasonable time. That alarm clock goes off pretty early on work days.

Until next time enjoy your spare time quilting!

Design Wall Monday, February 20, 2012

2012-02-20T00:01:00.000-08:00

I had a good sewing weekend. I finished my February 2012 UFO with Patchwork Times. This is my Sunshine Pineapple design that I'm calling Kokonut No! I learned a thing or two with my new Phaff. Zigzag stitching with monofilament. This is the technique for attaching the pineapple leaves. I used a blanket stitch to attach the pineapples in a melon colored thread. I'm totally happy with the results. The extra colors in the outer border add a little interest too.

Next project to concur for February is the bear paw with Jo's Country Junction's Quilt Square Quilt Along. There will be more on this in coming days.

And then there are thimbles! Not a single one have I ever felt comfortable with. I really gave the leather Clover thimble a run for it, but it just didn't work. These others are mostly decorative, gifts from my Mom in many cases. There are three functional ones...one is real special as it was my Grandma's. Grandma was quite the quilter too, but she sure knew how to keep her finger from getting sore. There is a Thimbles-Up!! party going on at Quiltville...

Tonight is Canyon Quilt Guild meeting night. Terry Waldron "The Art of Landscapes" has a lecture and trunk show. I always admire this type of quilting, but give me a scrappy pieced project anyday! I hope to get four of the five remaining Chunky Churndashes from our block swap. Getting down to the last days for turning in on time. I think everyone is on track.

There are lots of us providing eye candy today via Patchwork Times.

Sunday Stash Report, February 19, 2012

2012-02-19T00:01:00.000-08:00

I'm working today on my Koknut No! project. It is my February 2012 UFO Challenge with Patchwork Times. I've still got to finish the pineapples. What remains is the zigzag stitching around the leaves. The four strips to the left are the first border. Next is a solid green narrow border and last a piano key border where I will bring in some other colors...not too many...just enough to add some interest. No purchases this week and nothing ready to claim as used.

Last Wednesday I got a call from a local delivery shop to schedule the delivery of my Koala Sewing Cabinet. Even though I tried hard to get them to deliver on Thursday or Friday (so I could have it for the weekend), Monday was scheduled. So excited about this delivery I'm sure you know. Saturday I was in the the middle of a manicure/pedicure and received a call from Koala. Surprised... The representative went on to tell me that they were sorry but the delivery for Monday had been cancelled. What? Turns out Koala still had my cabinet on their dock in Chicago. What? They had the paperwork mixed up and the wrong cabinet had been shipped to me. So disappointed I'm sure you know. I'm told the correct cabinet would ship on Monday. I'm to expect my cabinet now to arrive on Wednesday or Thursday in my area. Delivery hopefully can be Friday. Oh and since I'd not received the chair yet I asked about it. BACK ORDER!!! What? Since this is a taller cabinet I need a bar height chair to sew. Chair won't ship until sometime the first or second week of March! I've waited this long guess I'll need to wait a bit longer. Maybe I'll just have to borrow a friends bar stool...got one anyone?

For my stash report this week here's the totals.

Used this week: 0 yards
Used YTD: 46 yards
Purchased this week: 0 yards
Purchased YTD: 9.75 yards
Net Fabric Used in 2012: 36.25 yards

Be sure to see how others are doing at Patchwork Times.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

2012-02-15T20:46:00.000-08:00

Here we are the middle of the week...starved of sugar after all the sweet festive treats you received on Valentine's Day! ? Only one more alarm clock sound this week for me. Thursday ends my work week this week.

Betty, Collette, and Debbie

Debra, Joan S, and Joan T

Karen, Kerry and Lisa

Nancy and Sandi

I did end up with three more Chunky Churndashes Swappers turning in their blocks last night. The assortment as you can see from the pictures is grand. Only five more yet to turn in before I can start separating them for each participant. Lots I've heard have already started or even finished the hour glass block which is the only other block design needed for Bonnie Hunter's Project. I've mentioned before that this design is available free on her quiltville website.

Good for Bonnie Sue and Ingrid, but sad for me that I didn't win either the February BOM blocks or the seasonal opportunity quilt. Winning one of the six door prizes wasn't even in the cards for me last night. There will be more opportunities in the future I'm sure. I enjoyed Ms. Memory Lane's lecture last night; Chris told us all about how she came to own a quilt shop along with her newest opportunities in pattern design. You can check out her shop's website for information HERE.

Last night when I got home after guild a FedEx package had been delivered for me. Not expecting anything in a cardboard box of this size...I was surprised that the insert for my new Koala Sewing Cabinet had arrived. I was told this would be the last of the three shipments to arrive since it would be customized for my sewing machine. Wonder if I'll get the chair next which is supposed to be second to my home. Oh it would be so nice to be sitting at my new furniture this weekend!

With the new furniture or not I'll be continuing progress on my Kokonut No! project (February's 2012 UFO). Today at lunch break I applied Steam-A-Seam 2 to the pineapple stratas and started the leaves. I think the two brown pineapples will play nice with the others. What do you think?

Until next time, hope you find time to sew!

Happy Valentine's Day, February 14, 2012

2012-02-14T09:24:00.000-08:00

I just love this. So versatile wouldn't you say? It was part of a blog post of Bonnie Hunter's sometime last year. You'll see it again soon as it holds lots of holiday wishes. Each time I look at it I see yet another holiday...How about you?

Sunshine Quilt Guild meets tonight. I've got a couple of quilts for sharing. I've also got the block of the month for turn in which makes me eligible to win the entire lot. This month's design resulted in three 4" unfinished blocks. The white fabric was provided. Participants were to add a pink and a red charm fabric. Crazy cut the three and then assemble. We could embellish or not. Kerry made three too and I've got hers to turn in cause she can't make the meeting this month.

The mail brought me two more Chunky Churndashes Swappers blocks yesterday (pictures a bit later). I'm supposed to get more tonight...deadline is end of this month. All the blocks are looking great. I think all 16 of us will be happy with this swap! There are already plans underway for a Crabapple Swap that will have us making a bunch of 9-Patches.

Happy Valentine's Day to you. I hope something sweet comes your way today.

Design Wall Monday, February 13, 2012

2012-02-13T00:01:00.000-08:00

I've been working on my Sunshine Pineapple by Vicki Stratton and Barbara Jones. This is my February 2012 UFO with Patchwork Times. I've got the fabric foundations ready for the pineapples. It's the oranges, golds, and burnt oranges sewn in a half square log cabin layout. The burnt oranges are sticking out right now, but I think they'll give just a bit of change to make all the pineapples a bit more interesting...if not they come out! Fusible web along with the fabric foundations get cut next. The greens are for the leaves which are next up.

This assortment will be the first border. They will combined the background into half square triangles.

Then there will be a small solid dark for the second border. Finishing up with a piano key outer border which will be all these scraps.

My entire project is using scraps. I was really hard pressed to use this great blue print background. I've been holding on to it for just the right project...this is it! Koknut No is in full production.

Check out other great projects with the link on my side bar to Patchwork Times.

Sunday Stash Report, February 12, 2012

2012-02-12T00:01:00.000-08:00

Keeping Kool is finished. This project was a Row, Row, Row Your Quilt Exchange that began in late 2009. It was coordinated by Karen for the yearly challenge at Sunshine Quilt Guild. It started out with the sea gulls that I assembled. I asked for a beach scene and the gals did a great job giving me just what I asked for. Kerry, Karen, Jane, Sherri, Bonnie Sue and Hallie did an awesome job. I'm more than happy with my project.

These three blocks are the BOM for Sunshine Quilt Guild. I tried out some decorative stitches yesterday on these otherwise simple crazy cut blocks. The "kit" came with the white fabric. Participants were to add a pink and a red 5" square...slice and dice two times and rearrange the pieces and sew back together. We were encouraged to embellish. The blocks finished at 4". I'm anxious to see what others chose as their red and pink...be kind to your long arm quilter!

Here's the number for this week. Only a bit used...not worth updating...but nothing purchased which is excellent! So the report stays as it ended last week. I'll be working to have something in the used category next week.

Used this week: 0 yards

Used YTD: 46 yards
Purchased this week: 0 yards
Purchased YTD: 9.75 yards
Net Fabric Used in 2012: 36.25 yards

Be sure to see how others are doing at Patchwork Times.

Design Wall Monday, February 6, 2012

2012-02-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

This week starts with pulling fabrics from stash for my two February UFOs. First up is the Bear Paw 12" square block in this pattern by Lori Smith. It's part of Jo's Country Junction Quilt Square Quilt Along. In March another block from this pattern will be selected and then we move on to Quilt Squares #4 pattern. This is going to be a fun project to work on throughout the year. The Bear Paw design is one of my favorites. Is it one of yours?

Sunshine Pineapple by Vicki Stratton and Barbara Jones will be put together in February too. I'll be using stash and leftovers from the workshop I took at Road to California, Scrappy Layered Log Cabin, so I'll be getting to both of these in February. I've already come up with a "K" name for this 2007 purchased pattern. (I've had lots of time to think of one...) Kokonut No!

I got Keeping Kool back all quilted and ready to bind this weekend from Kerry's Quilting. Kerry did a great job changing up the quilting pattern on each row. This project was a row exchange coordinated by Karen Collin as a group project with Sunshine Quilt Guild in 2009. I'll be showing you this cute quilt a bit later this week. I've got a bunch of embellishments to put back on (not good to have on during quilting) before I reveal it to you. Don't know which row is my favorite. I'll be anxious to see which one you pick.

Check out other Design Walls this week via Patchwork Times.

Sunday Stash Report, February 5, 2012

2012-02-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

I have continued good news to report this week. Three tops went to Kerry's Quilting for stitching and that means more yardage to claim as used. I was also good and stayed away again this week from any purchases. Again my net goes higher YIPPEE!

Komplikated is a late 2011 UFO finish. I've got several more 2011 UFOs to finish but this one is one less! It's a Bonnie Hunter pattern called Patches and Pinwheels featured in Quiltmaker Magazine September/October 2008. I made mine rather unintentionaly rectangle, but I'm not dissapointed. Couldn't understand why I had some many extra blocks. Thought I counted right, but still why the extra...oh well I said I'll use them on the back. When I went to calculate the yardage I realized I'd calculated the number of blocks across wrong. According to the pattern it should have been 13 blocks across by 13 blocks long. I for some reason stopped at 11 blocks across! Kerry got the benefit of this error as she will be making the same project...no waste between the two of us.

Kindhearted Klues is a new project for 2012. It was the mystery at Road to California with Tracey Brookshier. The pattern is called Candy Hearts. Minky for the back on this one that will be gifted to my 4 years young niece, Morgan. The thread will be green and the pattern a cute one that's frogs for the quilting.

Not sure what the yards would be calculated for this Log Cabin Quilt Square. It really is just a bunch of scraps. It is from Lori Smiths's pattern Quilt Squares #1. I'll be making more of her 12" x 12" blocks with Jo's Country Junction Quilt Square Quilt Along through 2012. A sampler is my current thinking. February's block iw a Bear Paw Quilt Square from the same pattern.

Here's the number for this week. Hope you are on a good path to using your stash this year.

Used this week: 29.75 yards
Used YTD: 46 yards
Purchased this week: 0 yards
Purchased YTD: 9.75 yards
Net Fabric Used in 2012: 36.25 yards

Be sure to see how others are doing at Patchwork Times.

Quiltville Yard Sale, February 4, 2012

2012-02-04T00:01:00.000-08:00

~~FOR SALE~~ SOLD

HORN Sewing Cabinet and Storage Caddie

Sewing Cabinet in Closed Position

Left Side Storage

Lift

Right Side 5-Drawer Option and Folded Small Table

Storage Caddie

Removable Thread Tray

Sewing Cabinet with Storage Caddie Side View Open Position

Sewing Cabinet with Storage Caddie Top View Open Position

No Smoking Household
Pet Household
$500 Cash and Pick Up Only, San Diego California

Furniture is in like new condition. Cabinets are white with oak trim finish and easy-roll lockable wheels. From the manufacture’s catalog the sewing cabinet is similar to Model 2139 with an added option of 5 drawers and a side table that folds down easily on the right side. Sewing machine opening is 19”W x 11”D. Plastic insert can be purchased new through HORN to fit your machine (available from me is one that fit a Pfaff 1171). The side table works well for ironing, a serger, or additional workspace. The sewing cabinet is also lockable. The storage caddie is similar to Model 16 but with four shallow drawers and two deep drawers. One drawer has a large thread tray that is removable. The storage caddie can be stand alone or rolled into the sewing cabinet with the drop leaf extension surface in the upright position to provide a larger working surface.

Approximate Dimensions:
Open sewing cabinet with storage caddie and drop leaf extension surface upright position 84”W x 39”D x 30”H. With drop leaf extension surface in the upright position an additional 12”W x 23”D added to the right side.

Closed sewing cabinet 41”W x 20”D x 30”H
Storage caddie 26”W x 20”D x 30”H

If interested make sure I can reach you via your profile or include your contact information in your comment. This price is nearly 80% off the original cost. I wouldn't be selling if my new sewing machine fit in the sewing cabinet's cut out :( Oh, the threads not for sale....

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

2012-02-01T20:25:00.000-08:00

Happy February and more importantly Hump Day!

I have been real happy with my sewing these past couple of days. Monday night I spent time getting everything for my Chunky Churndashes project caught up. I had all 30 of the Chunky Churndashes blocks that I will swap complete, but needed to complete the rest of them. 61 are required for the project. I coordinate a swap with 15 quilters for this Bonnie Hunter design that is FREE on her website. Everyone is to have 30 blocks to me by the end of February. I'll be sending back two from each of the participants to all 15. This means half of the blocks will be exchanged for every one's project. A great way to get that scrappy feeling with only a few fabrics. The second block design which everyone will do for their own project is an hour glass block with a dark and a neutral. The dark is constant and the neutral should be scrappy as a continuation of the swapped Chunky Churndashes. I've not decided yet on my dark; it will have everything to do with what's in my stash.

Tuesday night was spent laying out a delinquent 2011 UFO, Komplikated. For some unknown reason I made more 12-patch blocks and light pinwheels than were required. It was nice for the variety afforded me in the layout with the extra pinwheels. All not wasted though as I'll use them on the back in some way shape or another. Tonight I plan to sew the blocks and rows together. There isn't a pieced border in the plans for this project...13 rows to sew and another chalk mark in the finished column. I can just see the "Used this week" increasing this Sunday!

I think then I'll work on Orca Bay, my Kordova Klosure. I put it aside to get some other projects with due dates finished. I'm somewhere along in Part 7 with only Part 8 assembly to complete.

Judy with Patchwork Times has made the selection for 2012 UFO February #1 which is my Kokonut No! This is a pattern called Sunshine Pineapple a Quilting Time Pattern 103. I've been wanting to make this one for years...since 2007 when I purchased the pattern. Now is it's time!

Jo's Country Junction Quilt Square Quilt Along for February is the Bear Paw design. I'm told this one takes a bit longer to assemble than the Log Cabin...we'll find out! I'll be using the same fabrics as the Log Cabin with hopes to put all twelve 12" blocks together as a sampler when 2012 comes to a close.

That's it for now. Will you be participating in Bonnie Hunter's Yard Sale on Saturday...I am! Check back Saturday to see what I'm selling.

Design Wall Monday, January 30, 2012

2012-01-30T00:01:00.000-08:00

January 2012 is nearly a thing of the past. Seems just days ago we were bringing in the New Year. Okay enough... I've got both UFOs for January done. With days yet to spare...imagine that!

I got this one done today. It is part of Jo's Country Junction Quilt Square Quilt Along for 2012. Not really a UFO I suppose...but it will be if I don't finish each month. Lori Smith designs these blocks. Each pattern comes with six different 12" square designs. For January we were to make the log cabin from her Quilt Squares #1 pattern. I'll be linking in tomorrow along with finding out what's next month's assignment. I plan to assemble all 12 blocks at the end of the year into a sampler.

I also was able to finish Kindhearted Klues. This one is from a workshop I took at Road to California last weekend. Tracey Brookshier led 32 of us on through the night with Lakeside Mystery 1. The binding will be more of the stripe that I used for the inner boarder.

Next up is Komplikated that happens to be a 2011 UFO that's been waiting its turn. I have all the blocks done its just waiting for assembly. Now that my January deadlines are complete this one is next. Pictures of this project will be posted later this week.

Check out more fun projects through links on Patchwork Times.

Sunday Stash Report, January 29, 2012

2012-01-29T00:01:00.000-08:00

Kontinuum 2012 UFO Challenge January

Hooray! I'm finally able to claim something in the USED category. It seems like forever since I've been able to. This USED is made even better since it completes my first 2012 UFO with Patchwork Times. #5 - Kontinuum is finished. I'll be getting this to Kerry's Quilting for some fancy quilting stitching. How about something in that blue? This is Patchwork Times pattern Connect The Dots by Judy Laquarida that you can find on her website. I finished mine just after the pieced border. I plan to use the blue for the binding. Did you notice the blue and the cream are scrappy? All of this from my stash. So drum roll please........

Used this week: 16.25 yards
Used YTD: 16.25 yards
Purchased this week: 6.75 yards
Purchased YTD: 9.75 yards
Net Fabric Used in 2012: 6.5 yards

I've got another 2012 UFO for January to get done yet. I'll be working on this today. Jo's Country Junction's Challenge has us making from Quilt Squares #1 a 12" x 12" small quilt this month. We'll be making the log cabin design and like Patchwork Times linking up on Jo's Country Junction blog. I think I'll be doing all these 12" blocks with a similar fabric theme so that they'll go together as a sampler at the end of the year. No name for this one yet. We'll see what comes to mind as the year progresses and more blocks are assembled.

After this one I'll be assembling the Kindhearted Klues. This project is from the recent Road to California Quilt Show workshop Lakeside Mystery 1 with Tracey Brookshier. Tracey's pattern is called Candy Hearts. I'm going to keep this one a mystery for you until tomorrow when I post on Design Wall Monday!

See others adding and using up their stash at Patchwork Times.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

2012-01-25T00:01:00.000-08:00

It is time to hit the sheets, but I did finish the pieced border elements for my January UFO #5 with Patchwork Times. Kontinuum is close to being done...

Design Wall Monday, January 23, 2012

2012-01-23T00:01:00.000-08:00

This is what was finished Friday at the first workshop of the day at the Road to California Quilters' Conference and Showcase. The workshop was with Karen Eckimer on her design Scrappy Layered Log Cabin. The technique is to press under a curvy side to your strip then starting with the black center layer it on top and top stitch the strip down. Cut off excess. Working in a counter clockwise direction add on the next curvy strip and repeat. Center, light, light, dark, dark then repeat with the light. These blocks have no particular size. You match them up in a row then attach them to the next row in the same press under a curvy side manner. You'll have to learn more with her pattern available in her book Layered Waves.

The Lakeside Mystery 1 that was the late night workshop was held at the Doubletree until midnight. There were about 30 something attending. We had cutting before class so we were ready to sew to our hearts content. Tracy Brookshier was our instructor. She was really prepared for us with seven clues and the reveal. She sure mixed it up so none was the wiser until clue seven was passed out. I managed to get all 36 hearts done during the six hours with a little help from speedy Kerry! This project is nearly finished which makes me real happy since I've got so many other projects going on.

This week I'll be focusing on two 2012 January UFO deadlines. This is Kontinuum my January UFO #5 with Patchwork Times. I have all the major blocks done. I am assembling the 84 small 9-Patches that will be part of the border right now.

How's your week looking? Lot's of quilters showing off their Design Walls today at Patchwork Times.

Sunday Stash Report, January 22, 2012

2012-01-22T12:01:00.000-08:00

Again nothing USED! But PURCHASE I did! What fun I had...of course now with less pennies in my piggy bank. The report is showing a bigger negative than last week. I'm not going to say anything about when this current trend will go in the other direction. This is just the way it is right now.

I attended the Road to California Quilters' Conference & Showcase. Kerry and I attend this together annually usually staying in the Doubletree which puts us in walking distance from the Convention Center and the location of the Mystery Workshop that finishes real late at night.

Quilters Paradise in Escondido helped me with my first purchase this week. FQs and a bit of yardage for the Road to California Quilt Show workshop Lakeside Mystery 1 with Tracey Brookshier that I took on Friday night from 6pm to midnight. I had a good start from my stash for the project, just not a stripe and some additional coordinating fabrics with the start. I was real excited how these pieces worked in to the rest.

The second purchase came at lunchtime the day of the workshop at the Vendor Mall on the Showroom Floor. Turns out the Mango Margarita Bali Pop didn't have enough lights in it for the Scrappy Layered Log Cabin workshop with Karen Eckmier. Kerry and I purchased a bunch of FQs and split them to keep going in the class. Both of us could have shopped in our stash, but it exactly in our reach being 1.5 hours one way away from the classroom. We also purchased Karen's book...sorry classmates I got the last one she had with her. Karen took the time to sign it too.

Saturday was our Showroom Floor day that began immediately at the Koala booth. I did it! In just a few short weeks I'll be having furniture delivered that will be awesome. I decided on white (just like the picture) and wine upholstery for the chair. In the photo the base cabinet which is where the machine is located with two sets of drawers one on either side fo the chair. I also got the optional leaf and shelves that attach under it. I also got the extra 6" height. The extra height will make it kitchen counter heights so there's no bending over to cut. I'm terribly excited! I picked up a package of bobbins for the new machine too. It was getting a little silly with only two bobbins; stopping to fill them up all the time instead of having a bunch done at once. You know how fast you can get through two bobbins.

The final fabric purchase was reproduction theme blacks and a great cheddar. A pattern caught my eye that will need a bunch of small scale blacks so I'll be building my stash with them until I need a new project and I've got enough variety. The pattern is called Licorice Allsorts by The Rabbit Factory. I also picked up the book Beauty 'n Check from the Cozy booth. I've been waiting for this book for at least two years. The authors held a class at Cozy's awhile back that I really wanted to attend but timing just wasn't what would work at the time.

Here's the damage! Check me out tomorrow and I'll show you what I was able to accomplish during the 12 hours of sewing in Friday's two workshops.

Used this week: 0 yards
Used YTD: 0 yards
Purchased this week: 6.75 yards
Purchased YTD: 9.75 yards
Net Fabric Used in 2012: -9.75 yards

How am I matching up to what you're doing? See others adding and using up their stash at Patchwork Times.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

2012-01-18T00:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Wednesday! Hump day for most of us...but for me its the start of only two work days left this week. Then it's time to have fun! Starting Thursday it's Road to California Quilt Show the Best Quilt Show in the West. I'm going with Kerry on Friday morning bright and early to arrive by 8am for the first workshop Scrappy Layered Log Cabin taught by Karen Eckmeier. We will be making a quilt that's approximately 42" x 50" with an assortment of dark and light scraps and black. I'll be using what is left of two Mango Margarita Bali Pops and my favorite black Kona cotton. It's a raw edge project that looks like it will be fun putting together.

Scrappy Layered Log Cabin

The second workshop of the day starts at 6pm and goes until midnight. Yes you heard right midnight. Sounds like Tracey Brookshier has a fun evening planned out with this Mystery project along with a contest to boot. We had homework and I'm working on that today. Fabric requirements are 1-2 yards of medium or large scale print in a particular theme along with 12 or more FQs of small or tone on tone prints; half light and the other dark that will coordinate with the large scale print. Last fabric to bring is a coordinating striped fabric; stripes running parallel to the selvage. Here are my fabrics before cutting along with the "or more FQs". Hope I've chosen correctly. Morgan my 4 year old niece will be the recipient of this project.

Lakeside Mystery 1

Lakeside Mystery 1 Extra Fabrics

Then it's to bed for the Quilt Show and Vendor Mall in the morning on Saturday. Hopefully I'll be able to meet up with friends at lunchtime on Friday and just before the second workshop. Not to mention seeing other friends on the show room floor. One thing I'm sure to purchase at the show is a Koala sewing cabinet. I've been waiting to see first hand what I'll be ordering and the "Show Deal". Today I learned of another item I'll be purchasing at the "Show Deal" is the book I've been waiting for for two years Beauty 'n Check by Janice Ellertson and Jodel Yover. It will be available at the Cozy Quilt Shop Booth. Wonder what other goodies will entice us this year?

Next picture is of a block swap that I've been coordinating. Blocks are due to me by the end of February and already I've got the blocks from Karen C, Lisa F, Joan T, and Collette M. The last stack are my blocks to swap. We are swapping Bonnie Hunter's Chunky Churndashes, 30 must be swapped giving each of us two from everyone participating. 11 more to turn in as of today but we've got lots of time yet.

Chunky Churndashes Swap

Last but not any less exciting came tonight to my doorstep from my Mom. I will certainly put this Iron Caddy from Keepsake Quilting to work this weekend. A big thank you to my best friend! Love you Mom.

Iron Caddy

That's it for now. I'll be back soon to tell you about my Road to California Quilt Show adventure.

Design Wall Monday, January 16, 2012

2012-01-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

I've got several things going on in my sewing room today. Too many to put on my design wall. This is what is on my wall. It is from a Scrappy Trips Around the World workshop I took with Bonnie Hunter at Memory Lane Quilt Shop on Wednesday. I have just six of the 20 that I'm planning on making. I've not decided on a name for this one yet, but it will go together fast once I get back to sewing it.

The other projects I have started and not finished include the Cheddar Bow-Ties (Bonnie Hunter) which is sewn up to my scraps of blues and oranges. This one will be sewn as these fabrics come along OR I get to excited with it to wait!

Chunky Churndashes (Bonnie Hunter) is part of a swap that I'm coordinating with 15 others. Several have turned in their swap blocks which are supposed to be to me by the end of February. There will be more on this project later in the week.

Kontinuum (Judy Laquidara's Connect the Dots) is at Clue #3 which is the last of the connector block being assembled with the top's assembly as well. It also has the instructions for the borders. This is my January 2012 #5 UFO with Patchwork Times.

Komplikated (Bonnie Hunter's Patches and Pinwheels) is ready to assemble. This is a 2011 UFO.

Kordova Klosure (Bonnie Hunter's Orca Bay) is at Part 7.

Korbell and her three kitties (JoAnn Mullaly's Mama Cat) is no further along since what was done in the workshop that was in October last year.

Kartwheels (Judy Niemeyer's Mariner's Star) hasn't been touched since May 2011. This one is a 2011 UFO. It is sort of on hold until I decide what to do with the center melons. Not excited with what I have at the moment.

Another January 2012 UFO is with Jo's Country Junction from Quilt Squares #1, the log cabin quilt. It is a 12" x 12" project that once going won't take long to finish.

Finally two new projects to cut for in the next couple of days. Yes it is crazy cutting out more when all the ones I've already mentioned aren't done! I'm taking two workshops at Road to California Quilt Show this weekend. The first is Scrappy Layered Log Cabin with Karen Eckmeier; the second is a mystery with Tracey Brookshier on Friday night. I'll show you what fabrics come from my stash later this week.

If you have more time look at other Quilter's Design Walls via Patchwork Times.

Sunday Stash Report, January 15, 2012

2012-01-15T20:59:00.000-08:00

I've been busy all day at my sewing machine. I am working on my 2012 January UFO #5 with Patchwork Times. So much on my sewing table these past few weeks I'm surprised I'm able to keep it all straight. It was the perfect day to stay in since I am fighting a cold and it was drizzling on and off all day.
Judy Laquidara offers this pattern free on her website. It was a quilt along that I knew I wanted to make but timing wasn't right to do it when it was first offered. It is called Connect the Dots. I will be calling my project Kontinuum. I have the first two clues complete and the cutting for the first four steps done on Clue 3. It should go together pretty good the rest of the way.

This week I went to Rosie's with my house guest for four days, Bonnie Hunter. She hadn't been to Rosie's before and I knew she'd enjoy the stop. I didn't purchase as much from the SALE room as she did, but my Cheddar Bow-Ties are going to need borders and a back. I think this three yard piece will do just the trick for one of them.

My report for this week is the first add of the year...darn it! Still can't claim anything used...something I need to correct soon.

Used this week: 0 yards
Used YTD: 0 yards
Purchased this week: 3 yards
Purchased YTD: 3 yards
Net Fabric Used in 2012: -3 yards

Design Wall Monday, January 9, 2012

2012-01-09T00:01:00.000-08:00

Komplikated

Sunday brought little time in my sewing room. I was spending time getting ready for my special guest, Bonnie Hunter, who arrives tomorrow. I will be her host for a few days while she lectures and teaches in the Southern California area. I did manage an hour in the morning squaring up the final pinwheel blocks and then just before bed another hour sewing them together. I have all the units ready to assemble on this 2011 UFO. I am feeling real good about being able to report some fabric being used next week!

I have also gotten this far on my Cheddar Bow-Ties. I will admit that I have not been assembling these cute little bow-ties as leaders and enders. I use what ever project I am working on as my leaders and enders. My bow-ties are coming together between projects. You will notice that I have a lot ready to go for the next opportunity.

Cheddar Bow-Ties

Tuesday night is Bonnie's lecture at Sunshine Quilt Guild in El Cajon. This is followed the next day at Memory Lane Quilt Shop also in El Cajon for a workshop on Scrappy Trips Around the World. I am ready with 120 strips of lights, mediums, and darks. I also have some extra strips if someone wants to trade. I sure hope we can get far along on this project during our 10 to 4 day of sewing. I'm certain we'll all have a great time.

Wednesday night there is another lecture for Bonnie at Chula Vista Quilt Guild. Thursday she heads north to Beach Cities and Friendship Square Quilt Guilds. She's one busy gal!

See other terrific projects in the making at Patchwork Times.

Sunday Stash Report, January 8, 2012

2012-01-08T10:42:00.000-08:00

Second report of the year and still nothing to show used...of course the better side of this is nothing to reveal as purchased! I continue to work on the many projects that I've found myself started in of late. Unfortunately I'm starting yet more. I'm usually a one project at a time sewer and really do prefer it that way. Just sometimes it happens and I'm feeling overwhelmed. All will get done I tell myself...just not all at the same time.

Used this week: 0 yards
Used YTD: 0 yards
Purchased this week: 0 yards
Purchased YTD: 0 yards
Net Fabric Used in 2012: 0 yards

Komplikated

So here is the one I'm most diligently trying to finish. Komplikated! A Bonnie Hunter design that appeared in the Quiltmaker Magazine issue Sep/Oct 08. Mine is a true stash buster. It will consume quite a bit of fabric (yes I've been saying this for awhile). I'm getting ever closer to assembly. I'm using my Bloc-Loc ruler to square up the last 23 pinwheel blocks right now. Some of these will be assembled in both directions; note that some go one way and the other group spins counterclockwise. I'm working on having somewhere close to the same amount of pinwheel color in each group. I've got pressing to do on the 12-patch blocks, however no more to sew on these. Next step ASSEMBLY on this delinquent 2011 UFO!

Kontinuum

I've also got my #5 2012 UFO fabrics figured out. Went through my stash and found this rich dark green that's plenty enough for the dark blue that Judy Laquidara uses in her Connect the Dots design. This pattern is available on her FREE tab on her website. I am determined to get this one going and done in January 2012! Kontinuum is the name I've selected for this project. I think the blue and the green/blue will look well as the tan and gold that's in Judy's quilt. The various neutral batiks will be used as the background. There are 4 fabrics in this project. I will probably stop after Judy's 5th border using that color, which will be my green as the binding.

I'll be sharing where I am with the other started projects tomorrow. Use up your stash! See other reports via Patchwork Times.

Monday, January 2, 2012

2012-01-03T00:01:00.000-08:00

Komplicated

I have some progress to show on Komplicated. This is a 2011 UFO. (Bonnie Hunter's Patches and Pinwheels design.) I've been working at it most of the day...my last day of holiday time off...:(! Yep its time to go back to work. Sure has been wonderful being off. I've got many of the pinwheel blocks done and about as much of the 12-patches. I'm really giving my Pfaff a workout these past few days.

Part 7

Part 8

Next up is Kordova Klosure. (Bonnie Hunter's Orca Bay.) This one the last parts have been released nearly on top of one another. I was caught up until Part 8 was released just two days after Part 7. I'm still working on Part 7...loving it! I've got a bunch more neutral triangles to cut still not to mention sewing on both of the pieces this Part has us doing. Then just to see how it's going to look I put together Part 8 with as many pieces as I have assembled so far and OH MY GOSH! Kordova Klosure is going to be one fabulous quilt.

Next Wednesday I'll be taking a workshop with Bonnie Hunter at Memory Lane in El Cajon, CA. We'll be making Scrappy Trips Around the World. I'll be hosting Bonnie for a few nights while she's in the Southern California area. First up is Sunshine Quilt Guild on Tuesday evening followed by Chula Vista Quilt Guild on Wednesday evening. Then it's up yo Mission Viego for Beach Cities Quilt Guild on Thursday evening where she'll be through Saturday. She's going even further north to another guild before she leaves the area.

I'm so looking forward to attending next Wednesday's workshop. I'll be busy this weekend pulling a variety of lights, mediums and dark 2 1/2" strips. Not to mention thinking about a "K" name for this one!

Design Wall Monday, January 2, 2012

2012-01-02T00:01:00.000-08:00

The first 2012 UFO Challenge has been selected by Judy at Patchwork Times. It's #5!

Connect the Dots

This one is a Judy Laquardia design called Connect the Dots. I love her borders. I don't have it yet in my hands but her book just released is full of border designs. I can't wait to see the collection she's assembled. She's so clever in her designs. You'll be noticing that I've got lots of her designs in my UFO list for 2012. I will need to decide which fabric tote pan is most overflowing... I'll be calling my project Kontinuum.

Sunday Stash Report, January 1, 2012

2012-01-01T10:53:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

Hope today has pleasant weather and lots of time doing what YOU want to do. Today I'm not doing what I want quite yet. I'm taking down all the holiday decorations and laundry. I'm far along now; hoping to be done soon so that I can get to my sewing room.

Kordova Klosure and Komplikated have my attention right now. You can see both projects on my sewing table. Both of these are Bonnie Hunter designs.

Kordova Klosure is Bonnie's Orca Bay is an 8 part mystery that started mid November last year. Pattern is available on her website right now. The reveal was today and what a beauty she's designed for us with this one. Part 7 is where I'm currently working on. It's sitting on the left just behind my sewing machine. It will use about 15 yards for top/back/binding.

Komplikated is Bonnie's Patches and Pinwheels from a pattern in the Quiltmaker Sep/Oct 08 issue. I've got about half of the 12-patch blocks made; its the pieces in the stack at the front. You can see by the machine is more 2" strips for the other half. I haven't done too much yet with the HSTs. It will use about 21 yards for top/back/binding.

For now I start with all zeros! But you can see that my report's about to change.

Used this week: 0 yards
Used YTD: 0 yards
Purchased this week: 0 yards
Purchased YTD: 0 yards
Net Fabric Used in 2012: 0 yards

See other quilters as they use there stash throughout 2012 at Patchwork Times.

2011 At A Glance, December 31, 2011

2011-12-31T00:01:00.000-08:00

Koncealled

Korrecting Koncealled

This year quilting had me involved with all sorts of new things. In January I hosted Bonnie Hunter in our home for three days. I got to know her a bit more while she was in the area lecturing and teaching at Canyon Quilt Guild then on to Road to California. I will be hosting her again in January 2012 as she comes back to lecture and teach at more quilt guilds in the Southern California area. I was the first Quiltmaker Magazine Online Mystery Hostess. The Mystery "Secret Window" started with the release of the May/June 2011 issue for three issues. Quiltmaker set me up on their community blog at Quilters Club of America where I posted three entries complete with step by step instructions and photos to assemble a quilt where the outcome was a mystery. I'm still connected to the members as they finish their projects. My online quilt was Koncealled and to make corrections to my posts was Korrecting Koncealled. In May I was the guest speaker at Sunshine Quilt Guild in El Cajon, Ca were I presented a one hour lecture on “How to Get Published” along with a trunk show. I was amazed to realize that I had around 100 quilts in my home at the time!

Continuing to use my fabric stash throughout the year several quilts were stitched. I selected 10 challenges for completion but unfortunately will fall short of my goal this year. It seems like this year I set my sights on more than I could accomplish; well at least in the sewing room.

Korabell

Workshops this year brought Komet, Kovers, Kalm, Korabell with her three kitties Krissy, Kitty, and Karl (third cat doll in my collection), Crazy Jacks, and Katnip Krazy into my sewing room. Cruisin Quilters Annual Quilt Shop Hop in March where animal theme fabrics for Kourageous were on the “get list”. This project is going to be awesome—exotic flowers using fabric with an animal skin print on a background of black. Dancing with the Dogs was the fundraiser quilt for the San Diego Humane Society’s annual Fur Ball. Kiwiberry, Krimson Khat, and Kandy Korn were San Diego Quilt Show entries in September with Krimson Khat on display at The Temecula Quilt Company in Temecula, Ca during the month of October and Komfort Kove at a show in Ramona, Ca in early October. Crazy Jacks was a fundraiser for Sunshine Quilt Guild in October. Koh-i-noor was published in Quiltmaker Magazine July/August 2011 issue. Starting November 18th with the first of 8 parts is this year's Bonnie Hunter annual mystery "Orca Bay". I'm calling my project Kordova Klosure. I'm up-to-date with this one...at least for now. I have five other quilts in various stages of progress. And too many 2011 UFOs not even started. So let me share my 2011 completions.

Geese in Flight
Denim Quilt
Dances with Waves
Karousel
Kamel Kountry
Koasting
Kottonwood Kurl
Dancing with the Dogs
Komfort Kove
Koncelled Korrecting Koncealled
Komet
Crazy Jacks
Kalm
Kondor's Klutch
Kolonial
Family Thanksgiving Reunion 2011

Kovers

Katnip Krazy

I'm looking forward to Australian Homespun February 2012 issue when Kolonial will be in print. As 2011 closes I've got four quilts at Kerry's Quilting where nearly all of my quilts are quilted. And of course another list of UFOs is assembled for 2012. I moved from storage tote pans to quilt projects nearly 125 yards of fabric as part of my goal to use my stash. And 2012 starts me off at zero once again. Finally, Santa brought me one of the best of gifts...a brand new Pfaff Quilters Expression 4.0. I'm waiting to see what specials Koala has to offer me at Road to California in January on a Quiltmate Plus IV cabinet.

Hope you've had a happy and joyful sewing year.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

2011-12-29T18:41:00.000-08:00

Kourageous Violets

The days are winding down for 2011. I'm happy to say that I've got my December UFO #12 with Patchwork Times DONE! YIPPEE! Kourageous Violets with 169 pieces and 26 sections completed today just before dinner time. I started it last night finishing 7 sections. I went to bed when I not only messed up once on the F section, but darn it two times. It took me three attempts to get the pieces 1 and two fabrics correct. I was beginning to worry that I'd have enough of the paper pattern to get it done without a visit to a local merchants copy machine...

Kourageous Violets F section mistake

I've got all my blocks finished that I challenged myself to accomplish in 2011. Next I'll be trying to figure out some sort of setting. Perhaps I'll be making a few more of these animal skin theme exotic flowers. I still have several patterns that invite me to be made; an orchid, a magnolia, a thistle, a flat pea, a bearbind, a corn poppy, and a red clover. Making more will be determined on the setting of course. I hope to finish this project sometime in 2012. The Violets pattern is by Linda Causee in her book 24 Flower Quilt Blocks. If you wish to look at the collection of blocks that were designed by Claudia Hasenbach you can start with the Heartsease block at her website HERE.

Kourageous 2011 UFO Challenge

Starting with the top left and working across the list below has flower design and designer along with UFO designation and the piece count. These are all paper pieced.

Lily by Linda Causee, UFO #6 January, 146 pieces
Cranesbill by Claudia Hasenbach, UFO #10 February, 82 pieces
Bellflower by Claudia Hasenbach, UFO #1 March, 81 pieces
Meadow Clary by Claudia Hasenbach, UFO #4 April, 99 pieces
Lily of the Valley by Linda Causee, UFO #9 May, 150 pieces
Larkspur by Linda Causee, UFO #8 June, 188 pieces
Flax by Claudia Hasenbach, UFO #2 July, 74 pieces
Iris by Linda Causee, UFO #7 August, 169 pieces
Pansy by Linda Causee, UFO #11 September, 232 pieces
Meadow Buttercup by Claudia Hasenbach, UFO #5 October, 89 pieces
Heartsease by Claudia Hasenbach, UFO #3 November, 61 pieces
Violets by Linda Causee, UFO #12 December, 169 pieces

So I'll close with a cute comic. I'm about to spend the rest of the evening cutting up scraps for future projects. My scrap basket overflows with neglect. Happy Sewing!

Design Wall Tuesday, December 27, 2011

2011-12-27T17:27:00.000-08:00

Well I'm a day late posting, but nevertheless here we go... Part 5 and Part 6 are done... And I'm not quite ready for Part 7! Somehow I managed to cut way more of Part 5 triangles. I haven't counted the mistake; it does look to be about twice as much as was required. Oh well, Bonnie is sure to use these in another project some day! The Orca Bay Mystery that's active on Quiltville has at least two more parts. I'm getting very anxious to see what my project Kordova Klosure is going to look like.

Kordova Klosure Part 5

Kordova Klosure Part 6

I'm certain there have been other quilters busy in their sewing rooms. Check them out at Patchwork Times. Happy Quilting!

Sunday Stash Report, December 25, 2011

2011-12-25T08:57:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Hope that this Christmas brings you all your dreams. Everyone should get at least one dream every year even if you must get it yourself! I got mine for me this year... I purchased a new Pfaff Quilt Expression 4.0. It replaces my previous Pfaff 1171 which I owned for nearly 20 years. Oh my what a difference this new machine is over the one just retired. I'm still getting used to it especially the automatic presser foot lift; not having an up and down lever behind the needle is quite an adjustment. The dual lights; a second light on the extra wide throat. There's so much to it I'll be learning through 2012!

Cheddar Bow-Ties

Chunky Churndashes

Kordova Klosure Part 5

Kordova Klosure Part 6

As you will see in the following photos I am very busy learning my new machine and working to make big reductions in my stash. For now though these projects aren't finished for reporting any usage. Funny each one is a Bonnie Hunter project. I've got a couple others in various stages of assembly; again not far enough for reporting any usage.

So for the last week of 2011's Stash Report I am pretty happy to have used so much. 2012 Stash Report should start with a bang since I've got the next eight days to sew!

Used this week: 16 yards
Used YTD: 251.25 yards
Purchased this week: 0 yards
Purchased YTD: 111.75 yards
Net Fabric Used in 2011: 139.5 yards

See how others finished 2011 with their stash report by way of Patchwork Times.

Quilt Square Quilt Along for 2012, December 21, 2011

2011-12-21T11:30:00.000-08:00

Quilt Squares #1 by Lori Smith

I have decided to participate in Jo's Country Junction's Square Quilt Along. This sounds like it could be lots of fun. The quilt along has you making a miniature project that measures 12" square when done. The patterns are from Country Treads Quilt Shop designed by Lori Smith. There are six patterns to purchase at around $10 each that you can order one at a time. There are several projects in each pattern. I've purchased #1 just now.

The project to sew will be announced on December 30th by Jo with a month to sew. On January 31st there will be a photo parade and link on Jo's blog where everyone will show their version of the project. It will also be the day when #2 pattern project will be revealed.

As a bonus everyone who completes the project for the month will have a chance to win something fun. It will be fun to see how everyone's project turn out. Amazing how the same pattern can look so different.

If you want to join in let Jo know you are participating and quick order pattern #1 from Country Threads so you'll be ready to start sewing on December 30th. There is a logo/link that you can get on Jo's blog. I'll have mine up shortly, but until then get started with the link in the first part of this post if you want to join.

Happy Sewing!

2012 UFO Challenges, December 20, 2011

2011-12-20T11:20:00.000-08:00

Here are my 2012 UFO Challenges:

#1 Kokonut No! This is a pattern called Sunshine Pineapple a Quilting Time Pattern 103. I've been wanting to make this one for years...since 2007 when I purchased the pattern. 2012 is it's year!

#2 Kamile. This pattern is called Perennial Petals from Quiltmaker Magazine Issue Mar/Apr 2011 by Caroline Reardon. I've started this one only through copying the pattern for the paper piecing technique that will be used to assemble it. Should be easy to grab from my stash.

#3 Klowning. Bonnie Hunter's Little Monkey design that was offered on her blog last year. I'm still not completely sold with this name. It will use up a lot of stash which is famous for Bonnie's designs.

#4 Knoted. Judy Laquardia design called Note to Self. This one caught my attention. Looks like a simple design, but has a bunch of character. I'm all about using up my stash and this one will be good for it too!

#5 Kontinuum. Judy Laquardia design called Connect the Dots. I love Judy's borders. She's so clever in her designs. You'll be noticing that I've got lots of her designs in my UFO list for 2012.

#6 Kaktus. Design called Prickly Pear that was in Quilters News Magazine in June 1997 by Terri Lynn Ballard. Yep this one is a pattern I've been thinking about for a long time. It has lots of pieces but again notice the trend USE STASH!

#7 Klappers. Judy Laquardia design called Jazzy Nights that was offered in Quiltmaker Magazine Issue Sep/Oct 2010. The name is funny don't you think? Can't wait to get to this one...again a stash buster for me...except the Kona black fabric that I'll be needing. Love that Kona black!

#8 Konnections to Kollinwood. Judy Laquardia design called Road to Brownwood that was offered on her blog last year. Collinwood happens to be the street that my parents live on. Just a simple change of letters. I'd say I have connections to Collinwood wouldn't you?

#9 Kooky Kins. A Buggy Barn pattern called Crazy Jacks. This will be the second project from this pattern. This one will be for me. I've already got most of the fabrics set aside. If you've never tried one of the Buggy Barn patterns I suggest them. Very whimsical designs and a totally different approach to putting the pieces together!

#10 Kommodore. A Judy Laquardia design called Indigo that was offered on her blog last year. Everyone feel in love with this project that Judy offers free on her blog. It was for her Monochromatic Challenge when the color was Indigo that month. I'm not sure I have enough of these colors, but it's fabulous in these blue purple tones. You may wonder what Kommodore has to do with Indigo...well commodore happens to be the color to the left of indigo in Sherwin Williams palate of colors LOL! I just may be raiding my Mom and Kerry's stash...watch out you two!

#11 Chunky Churndash (yet to be named). I've had two suggestions on a name for this project; Kat in the Korner and Klunky Korners... A Bonnie Hunter design that I'm coordinating in a block swap with 15 others. The swap blocks are due 2/29/12. Joan and Collette are already finished with their swap blocks. Mom and I cut out pieces when I was visiting during Thanksgiving 2011. Our swappers are in southern Maryland and the San Diego, Ca area.

#12 Tree of Life (yet to be named). A pattern from the Temecula Quilt Co. This one is tiny at 11" x 13". The month this is selected will be an easy month.

I'm also going to work at getting done what was on the 2011 UFO list that didn't get finished. Koda's Keeper, Kartwheels, Komplicated, Kaskade, Kurry, Krossfire, and Koriander Kompass. Yes I'm not happy that I didn't get these done; I'm not the type to set goals without results. A 30% success just isn't what it should be!

Design Wall Monday, December 19, 2011

2011-12-19T00:01:00.000-08:00

Let's start with Part 5! Bonnie Hunter's Orca Bay Mystery that many are working on right now from her blog. I'll be calling my quilt Kordova Klosure. I have all 700 pieces cut and ready for sewing. Its time to start putting parts together...

This project is another Bonnie Hunter design called Chunky Churndashes (yet to be named) that is also free on her website. I'm coordinating a block exchange for the churndash block. Joan has hers already done for the end of February 2012 deadline. I've got all of mine cut and just four sewn together. They go fast!

Another Bonnie Hunter design called Floribunda! Yep this one is also available for free on her website. Bonnie is Sunshine Quilt Guild's guest speaker in January...how fitting that we should be making one of her designs for our Block of the Month. We either received a floral where we supply a yellow or the other way around. I happened to get the floral.

Find time to be inspired by visiting Patchwork Times to see other great projects from around the globe. Happy Sewing!

Sunday Stash Report, December 18, 2011

2011-12-18T12:32:00.000-08:00

Just one more stash report for 2011 after this one. I'm using fabric for several projects that have yet to be reported. Looks like my stash reports for 2012 will record these. I've got Kordova Klosure, Chunky Churndash (yet to be named), Kartwheels, and Komplicated all in work.

Along with Kerry, we put together two baskets of fabric and notions for Sunshine Quilt Guild's Holiday Meeting and Auction. For this stash report I'm going to report all the fabric that I donated in these two baskets as used this week. There were three large pieces and 36 FQs from my stash. We purchased four yards of neutrals and split them between the two baskets. Since they came in and left in the same week I've not included them :)!

Used this week: 16 yards
Used YTD: 251.25 yards
Purchased this week: 0 yards
Purchased YTD: 111.75 yards
Net Fabric Used in 2011: 139.5 yards

Check out how other quilters worked with their stash at Patchwork Times.

UFO #3 Kourageous Heartsease, Friday, December 16, 2011

2011-12-16T22:38:00.000-08:00

November UFO #3 Kourageous Heartsease

A little late but its finally done; my November UFO with Patchwork Times. This is a design by Claudia Hasenbach. It had 61 pieces and 17 sections. It goes well with the other blocks which is what I'm working towards since this was the 11th block of the project that will contain 12 blocks.

Kourageous through November

Here is Kourageous through November. Anything stand out that should be replaced? OR did I do well so far?

December UFO#12 Kourageous Violets

This is the 12th and final block. I'm filling in the last of the colors that I think the project needs. #12 Kourageous Violets is December's UFO with 169 pieces and 26 sections. Gotta Go Out With A BANG! More on this block when its put in assembly.

Design Wall Monday, December 12, 2011

2011-12-12T00:01:00.000-08:00

I've been steadily working on Kordova Klosure this weekend. I'm completely up-to-date, just waiting on Part 5 next. Bonnie mentions that this Mystery called Orca Bay will last either eight or nine Parts. Wonder what will be in store for us next?

Kordova Klosure Part 1

Kordova Klosure Part 2

Kordova Klosure Part 3

Kordova Klosure Part 4

I'm real happy with how my red fabrics look in Part 4. The Companion Angle ruler worked real well for me. I've left the paper on the back until I understand how they will be sewn together in a future part. Its keeping the bias-y strips in place just fine.

Now that I'm up-to-date with this project its time to catch up with my November UFO Kourageous Heartsease. Tonight after work I plan to get it going after the dinner dishes are done.

So what's going on in your sewing room? Have you had time between decorating, shopping, baking, and everything else this busy time of the year asks of us? Check out other design walls today at Patchwork Times.

Sunday Stash Report, December 11, 2011

2011-12-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

Tick tock just two weeks till Christmas...are you ready? I'm still getting there. Today the big tree went up along with a couple of smaller ones and all the seasonal quilts I had wall space to hang them. Two are draped over furniture and one is saved for my office. I'll be baking today...the house is going to smell some kind of good by 10am!

Part 2 trimming up with the Bloc Loc ruler

Part 4 trimming up

Part 4 cut horizontally in half and trimmed

I've been moving right along on Bonnie Hunter's Mystery Orca Bay. I'll be calling my quilt Kordova Klosure; appropriate for a sunset at the harbor Orca Bay touches (both of course normally with "Cs" rather than "Ks"). Part 3 is in the iron and trim stage at the moment. There are 350 of these HSTs to trim up! I'm using my Bloc Loc 2.5" square for this step. If you don't have one of these rulers--get one!. Part 4 is all sewn and in the iron, cut horizontally in half, and trim stage. I've got lots of clean up ahead of me. It sure was nice to finally use the reds. Indeed the blacks and whites will sure make this a spectacular project, but the reds are much more fun to work with (wink)!

Not anything to report used or purchased. Bonnie mentions that we will either have eight or nine total steps for the Mystery so looks like there won't be much to report in the used category for awhile. Well maybe I can squeak something in; sure was hoping to have a net of 150 yards.

Used this week: 0 yards
Used YTD: 235.25 yards
Purchased this week: 0 yards
Purchased YTD: 111.75 yards
Net Fabric Used in 2011: 123.5 yards

Check out how other quilters worked with their stash at Patchwork Times.

Design Wall Monday, December 5, 2011

2011-12-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

Kordova Klosure Part 3

It's been a productive weekend :)! I am up to date on Kordova Klosure; the Bonnie Hunter Orca Bay Mystery. Three steps have been released to date. Everyone is busy working on Part 3 right now...just like I'll be doing later today.

Kordova Klosure Part 1

Kordova Klosure Part 2

I completed Part 1 the black and white quarter square triangles except snipping off the dog ears as well as Part 2 the blue strip blocks yesterday.

Kordova Klosure fabrics

I'm anxious to dig into my next color red!

Lover's Knot, Sunshine Quilt Guild December 2011 BOM

I also assembled Sunshine Quilt Guilds BOM for December. I'm a week ahead of it's due date...imagine that.

I'm still planning to get my November UFO Kourageous Heartsease flower block in work. Fabrics are all selected and ready to sew. Friday is an off day for me that will sure help me to get this one done. On average these complicated paper pieced blocks are taking about eight hours from start to finish.

Today I hung the Christmas lights outside on our home. It sure is starting to look very festive around the neighborhood. Check out other quilters to see what they are working on via Patchwork Times.

Until next time happy sewing.

Sunday Stash Report, December 4, 2011

2011-12-04T00:01:00.000-08:00

Part of what I'll be doing tomorrow is getting my home Christmas Festive! My Mom gifted me these cute ornaments. The two sewing ornaments are ones I already had, but I like them and certainly don't mind having two :)! Of course anything with a cute cat excites me. The book Cats' Letters to Santa compiled and edited by Bill Adler with illustrations by Paul Bacon is from my SIL Barbara. It's full of cute "notes" like:

Dear Santa:

I'd like a nice twelve-year aged-in-an-old-sock hand-selected, single-stalk catnip. Smooth, with a nice nose, and just a little bit of a bite to it.
Jean-Claude"

I've got two hung up in my sewing room already and one at work that went up on Friday. Last year I only hung blue Christmas quilts, but this year I'm planning on putting them all up or on a bed. I'll give you a glimpse once they are hung throughout my home.

Nothing in and nothing out! I'm working on all kinds of projects but not ready to show usage. I had hoped to visit a couple of quilt shops when in Maryland but it didn't come to pass. Just too many other activities occupying my time. Maybe that's a good thing...although there are a few really nice shops in Southern Maryland and the opportunity doesn't present it self too often.

Used this week: 0 yards
Used YTD: 235.25 yards
Purchased this week: 0 yards
Purchased YTD: 111.75 yards
Net Fabric Used in 2011: 123.5 yards

Today I'll be working on Step 1 of Orca Bay Mystery that is Bonnie Hunter's current mystery. Steps 1 through 3 are out if you are interested in catching up!

Just maybe I'll get to my November UFO Kourageous Heartsease. It's the first UFO in 2011 that didn't get done in time... December won't be that way for certain. Sure hope Judy at Patchwork Times doesn't close the link up before I can post my completion.

Happy Sewing!

Saturday, December 3, 2011

2011-12-03T20:50:00.000-08:00

I did not have the normal Saturday sewing with Kerry. She's in retail and this is a busy time for her with Macy's. I may have changed the routine anyway since I have so much catching up to do with all the sewing projects I have going on in my sewing room.

When I got home from my Thanksgiving trip I had a package from Australian Homespun. I won the the Readers' Showcase for Volume 13 No 2 which goes on sale in Australia on February 8. Thank you Elizabeth Newton, Deputy Editor of Homespun and Clover for great quilting tools! The 60mm rotary cutter and case are items I've been hankering to have in my tool box!

As I closed the evening on Friday I had quite a few Step 2s completed.

I was so excited to get going in the morning that before 8am I had finished all 72 blocks plus one for good measure. Before the day is done...after all the household chores these will be trimmed down and Step 2 will be done.

I'll be working on Step 1 next. I've got 145 of these to cut and sew. Friday during lunch break I did get a few cut, but much more to do before this step in complete.

I'm planning on the November UFO Kourageous Heartsease next and then it's on to the BOM for Sunshine and Step 3. Korabell and her kitties will have to wait along with Komplicated and the Chunky Churndash project. Bonnie Hunter sure has me busy!

Hope you have something fun in work in your sewing room.

Friday, December 2, 2011

2011-12-02T14:07:00.000-08:00

Isn't this the cutest drawing. It was on a blog post about tension, ever heard about T-N-T? If you haven't been looking at Quiltmaker's Quilty Pleasures blog posts you should. There are some very good tips, tricks, techniques and show/tell presented by Diane Harris.

I missed finishing my November UFO #3 Kourageous Heartsease block on it's due date :(! This one is designed by Claudia Hasenbach. Kourageous blocks completed to date and the fabrics intended for the last two blocks got a lot of oohs and aahs when shown to family. I sure hope I'm able to find the perfect setting for these extra special blossoms.

I did find time though to do a little sewing on Kordova Klosure that is Bonnie Hunter's current Mystery, Orca Bay. Steps 1 and 2 are partially completed. Step 3 was released today. I'm very anxious to get this one up to date.

My Mom and I cut from her stash pieces for a Chunky Churndash project where I'm coordinating a block swap with a total of 16 quilters. It's due date is the end of February. Another Bonnie Hunter design.

Komplicated (Bonnie Hunter's Patches and Pinwheels) travelled to Maryland with me, but didn't see outside my suitcase. You never know if time will be available so we must be prepared right :)!

Korabell and her three kittens are meowing to be finished...my goodness am I behind! I should ask Santa for more sewing time!

What order these get done along with Sunshine's Block of the Month is yet undecided...guess it really doesn't matter too much as long as they get done! Spending the Thanksgiving week and a few days afterward slowed me down in the sewing department. It's been unusually cool in San Diego of late so a good weekend to stay inside. Wonder if there are any TV Series marathons this weekend?

I'll have pictures to post as I make progress. Hope you have a quilty weekend.

Design Wall Monday, November 28, 2011

2011-11-28T00:01:00.000-08:00

Step 1, 2.5" hour glass blocks

Step 2, 3.5" string blocks

Don't have a wall to display my current project...the table in my parents home holds Kordova Klosure right now. I've got so much more to do on each of these steps, hey it may not be much progress but I'm trying!

244 black/neutral hour glass blocks are needed for Step 1. I've got a bunch of strips cut to size waiting on the EZ Companion Angle. As I start the day 99 are finished. They go together quick, should be able to catch up real soon with the clue that was released first on November 18th.

72 blue string blocks are needed for Step 2. This clue was released on November 25th. As with Step 1 I have lots of strips and strings and foundations ready. Only 56 more to catch up here.

December 2nd is looming along with the release of Step 3...I'm going to be pretty busy catching up with everyone. I certainly like what I'm seeing so far.

What's going on in your sewing room? More fantastic projects can be seen via Patchwork Times. Until the next time, enjoy the project you are working on.

Sunday Stash Report, November 27, 2011

2011-11-27T20:55:00.000-08:00

I've not had much time for sewing this week. Was able to get a little sewing on Kordova Klosure the day after Thanksgiving and a little bit today. I'm doing more family things and enjoying every minute of the time. For me these opportunities don't take place often enough.

My sewing on Friday was at my sister's work. She is an Assistant Principal at a day care center which unfortunately had her working. I set up the Janome Gem Gold 2 on a kids work table with a chair that nearly had me sitting on the floor :)! After several hours and the help of my niece; 99 Step 1, 2.5" hour glass blocks were cut, partially sewn and pressed. Today I've been working on Step 2 while chatting with my Mom. I raided her blues to add a bit of variety to my strings. 16 blocks down and 56 to go.

Step 1

Tiffany

Step 2

For this week no change! Hope your holiday was extra special.

Used this week: 0 yards
Used YTD: 235.25 yards
Purchased this week: 0 yards
Purchased YTD: 111.75 yards
Net Fabric Used in 2011: 123.5 yards

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

2011-11-23T00:01:00.000-08:00

This was on my Design Wall last week. It was made as a rememberance for my parents of our Thanksgiving Family Reunion that we are celebrating this week. The quilt is intended to be a table topper, but I put a hanging sleeve on it just incase. I enjoyed putting the turkeys together the most.

Are you eating less today? Saving lots of space for all the good things that may be cooking already...umm I can already smell pumpkin pie! Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Design Wall Monday, November 21, 2011

2011-11-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

Kordova Klosure Clue 1

I'm well on my way with Bonnie Hunter's Orca Bay Mystery. This clue has us taking our dark (mine is black) and pairing it up with our neutral. I'm using the companion ruler so I start with 1.5" strips. I'll be making 224 hour glass units. I'm going to do my best to keep up with the release of each Clue. This will definitely be a challenge considering all the goings on with family. There has to be time in the wee hours of the morning to make a bunch of these 2.5" hour glasses.

Check out other quilters' sewing projects today at Patchwork Times.

Sunday Stash Report, November 20, 2011

2011-11-20T00:01:00.000-08:00

I leave this afternoon for nine days. There's a big family reunion at Mom and Dad's home in Maryland. At last count I think there will be 15 sitting down for a fabulous Turkey Feast. There's going to be a full house for a few days! I'm so thrilled to be spend time with everyone. I'm sure there will be lots of good food, fun games, and laughter.

This week I pulled fabrics for projects that I might find the time to work on during my vacation. I plan to work on my November UFO Kourageous Heartsease flower. I also pulled fabrics for December UFO Violets. Here's the fabric selections I'm going with.

Next I gathered fabrics for Patches & Pinwheels. I did find time to cut the squares and mark the diagonal line on the neutrals that will be come HSTs. The strips are cut at the right size for sewing into rows of four and then cross cutting them into strips which then get made into a bunch of 16 patch blocks.

I was busy this week and will claim the yardage used. Check back later in the week to see what I did!

Used this week: 6 yards
Used YTD: 235.25 yards
Purchased this week: 0 yards
Purchased YTD: 111.75 yards
Net Fabric Used in 2011: 123.5 yards

Design Wall Monday, November 14, 2011

2011-11-14T00:01:00.000-08:00

Kordova Klosure

Here's the start of my Bonnie Hunter Orca Bay Mystery 2011. I selected the colors she's suggested in the Introduction that is available now on her website. I was considering cheddar, yellow greens, and dark browns at first thought. I do like these colors together and I can always use a little room in the three tote pans these fabrics came from! Besides I don't presently have a quilt in these colors. Why not?

Clue 1 comes to us on Friday, November 18. I'm ready! I'll have something from this mystery on my Design Wall next week you can be sure.

Find time to look at other quilters' Design Wall by way of Patchwork Times. Happy sewing everyone.

Sunday Stash Report, November 13, 2011

2011-11-13T08:15:00.000-08:00

Here we are the middle of November already. Where does all the time go? Before you know it we'll be bringing in New Year's 2012!

Last week was Sunshine Quilt Guild monthly meeting. This was the block of the month up for some lucky participant to win. I was hoping it would be me. There were perhaps 30 blocks made that the winner would take home. Each and every one different; some embellished. I didn't win, but fortunately for me I should get a chance to see the blocks made into a quilt because Kerry won them. Lucky her!

Did you have a chance to participate in the Quiltmaker 100 Blocks Volume 4 Blog Tour? I did and won a copy of the special issue. The magazine will be available on bookshelves on Tuesday, 11/15. Be certain to pick up one. As in volumes before this issue it is filled with 100 block designs from as many different designers. This year's volume has several different layouts...and the tour had all sorts of prizes to win by visiting the designers between Monday, 11/7 and Friday, 11/11.

No activity using up stash this week. I've been working on a surprise gift this week...can't give it away just yet!

Used this week: 0 yards

Used YTD: 229.25 yards
Purchased this week: 0 yards
Purchased YTD: 111.75 yards
Net Fabric Used in 2011: 117.5 yards

Kolonial (Bonnie Hunter's Jamestown Landing)

I have also included photos taken of Kolonial and Kondor's Klutch not draped over a chair. This way you can see the pattern design of both. Thanks again Bonnie for a wonderful pattern.

Kondor's Klutch (Bonnie Hunter's Hawk's Nest)

Design Wall Monday, November 7, 2011

2011-11-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

Heartsease

I'll be working on quite a few things this week. Heartsease is the Kourageous block for November. UFO #3 with Patchwork Times. It is a design by Claudia Hasenbach. I'm not sure what fabrics yet I'll be using but I do plan to start pulling them later today. 17 sections and 61 pieces make up this flower block. Not too bad!

Violets

The Violets are designed by Linda Causee and is the UFO #12 block for December. It has 26 sections and 169 pieces. I'm hoping to get a jump start on this one.

I've got a couple of finishes to show. Kondor's Klutch is a Bonnie Hunter design from her third book called Hawk's Nest. Mine is done with three different cheddar oranges. The border was the challenging part of this design. As you can see it is well worth it!

Kondor's Klutch

Kolonial is another Bonnie Hunter design from the Australian Homespun Blue Edition called Jamestown Landing. Mine is done with all kinds of pinks. Some of the pinks are hand dyes done by me several years ago. It has been great to finally use them. The binding turned out to be my favorite piece. I've got several cat theme fabrics in this one too with a martini thrown into this entirely scrappy project. This one uses one of her most popular blocks of late...strings!

Kolonial

See other beautiful projects via Patchwork Times.

Sunday Stash Report, November 6, 2011

2011-11-06T22:50:00.000-08:00

Katnip Krazy is off to Kerry's Quilting! This Buggy Barn Pattern called Crazy Cats turned out real cute. I really like the Julanne Bergstrom designed border; it really puts the perfect finishing touch on the quilt. Julanne suggested the gray ears; just perfect! Mouse tails will be sewn in during the quilting.

This is what Kerry will be adding along with an all over design that has yet to be figured out. I'm thinking about a small scale dragon fly. Gray thread will be used for all the quilting. Surprisingly the gray looks great; certainly not what you'd think if you didn't have the quilt and the thread in your hands.

Used this week: 14.75 yards

Used YTD: 229.25 yards

Purchased this week: 3.75 yards

Purchased YTD: 111.75 yards

Net Fabric Used in 2011: 117.5 yards

Check out other stash reports at Patchwork Times! Don't forget to join in the fun Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Volume 4 Blog Tour starts tomorrow. Happy sewing this week.

UFO #5 Kourageous Meadow Buttercup

2011-11-01T10:44:00.000-07:00

After putting together the Pansy flower block this one was a walk in the park. It had just 89 pieces that made up 18 sections for this 6" block. It's not the show stopper like other flower blocks before, but hey nothing is wrong with simple!

Add them all together through October and you'll see it isn't quite so plain to look at. Kourageous is coming along nicely.

For November's UFO Patchwork Times selected #3 which is my Heartsease flower by Claudia Hassenbach that will go nicely with Kourageous. I've not had time to count the pieces and sections yet. It does look simple though similar to the Meadow Buttercup flower. Since November has been selected...December has been revealed to be the #12 the Violet block by Linda Causee. I still have others that I may include which are a thistle, a magnolia, a calla lily, a morning glory, an orchid, and still three more that I have found patterns for. We'll see what develops. In the mean time head over to Patchwork Times to see how everyone else did with finishing up their October UFO.

Design Wall Monday, October 31, 2011

2011-10-31T00:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween! Watch out for all the trick or treaters tonight. Hope the weather is good in your neighborhood. Growing up in Maryland it was sometimes not so pleasant, but don't recall ever not filling up my sack with as many treats as possible!

I put together Kourageous Meadow Buttercup on Sunday. I'm happy with the results. It ties in the August block just as I'd hoped it would. Wonder what November has in store for me? This is Kourageous so far January through March on the top row. Row two is April through June. Row three is July through September and finally October at the bottom.

After finishing the flower block I moved on to putting the binding and sleeve on Kolonial. This is what I've got to look forward to after dinner...lots of binding. Kolonial on the left and Kondor's Klutch on the right. Both of these are Bonnie Hunter patterns Jamestown Landing and Hawk's Nest.

I found no time to work on Katnip Krazy yesterday. Except for preparing the 38 1" ears for the mice border. I will be using Steam A Seam 2 and a satin stitch for applying them. Rickrack whiskers are next and then time to put it all together. I'd like to have the top assembled by Thursday...we'll see.

Deadline met with October's UFO and excitement in seeing Kolonial and Kondor's Klutch finish is taking priority in my sewing room. Check out other quilters' projects this week on Patchwork Times.

Sunday Stash Report, October 30, 2011

2011-10-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

The calendar moves on...only one more day to the month of October 2011! Time stands still for no one. Wish the weekends would slow down a bit though (wink)! I've got so much hand binding to do right now. Kolonial just finished quilting, now trimmed, sleeve prepared and as you can see binding in work. I think I'll have enough of this hand dyed by me deep pink. Kolonial needs 366" to get around this Bonnie Hunter Jamestown Landing design. I've got right around 385"; keeping my fingers crossed with the corners and joining the ends its going to be tight. Kondor's Klutch is also awaiting its time. Perhaps tomorrow will be a big binding day that sees both of them done.

I got the individual sections of Kourageous Meadow Buttercup sewn on Friday. First thing tomorrow is assembling the sections. This shouldn't take too long as there is only 18 sections. Pictures on this newest flower on my blog tomorrow. Just in time for the due date!

This week I have continued and now finished the applique of the stems and leaves on Katnip Krazy. Yesterday Kerry let me use her Bernina to add the centers to the flower blocks. My 1172 Phaff doesn't have a blanket stitch. A big thanks Kerry! It took a bit of practice to get the stitch right, but by the third center I was feeling pretty comfortable. Twelve centers done in a few hours, not bad. I am on to the cute mouse border today. I hope to have the top assembled for Buggy Barn Club that meets on Thursday.

Today's report has nothing used and nothing purchased. Next week there will be a change; yardage for Katnip Krazy is real close. Hope your finding ways to use your stash. Look at what others are doing to use theirs at Patchwork Times.

Used this week: 0 yards
Used YTD: 214.5 yards
Purchased this week: 0 yards
Purchased YTD: 108 yards
Net Fabric Used in 2011: 106.5 yards

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

2011-10-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

So happy that we have reached the middle of this week. It happens to be a 4-day work week for me. I am hoping to finish my UFO on Friday.

Kourageous Meadow Buttercup October 11 UFO with Patchwork Times

I'm continuing to work on Katnip Krazy. Thanks so much to everyone leaving such nice comments about this project. It is a fun one that has me doing lots of different techniques. The applique portion is a bit slow for me, but it is moving along steadily. I would like to have the top done for next Thursday. That's the day the Buggy Barn Club meets at Amidon's.

I have Kondor's Klutch ready for hand sewing. I just love the way the scrappy navy binding will finish. I'll be showing you this Bonnie Hunter's Hawks Nest design soon.

I'll leave you with some Fall quilts that are around my home. Hope you are having a nice last week of October 2011!

Sunshine Quilt Guild 2006 Round Robin Challenge

Kornukopia by Quiltmaker Falling Leaves Sep/Oct 04 designed by Erin Wilcoxon

Yellow Brick Road Halloween

Komet by Bonnie Hunter Star Struck

Design Wall Monday, October 24, 2011

2011-10-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

Moving along on Katnip Krazy. I'm busy appliqueing the stems and leaves in place. Right now I'm working on the light green thread. Will move onto the medium green next. Then a stop by a local quilt shop for a matching thread to sew down the dark pieces. That will leave me with the pinwheel flower centers that are all olive green wool except one that is ivory.

Kondor's Klutch will keep me busy with sleeve and binding. I've got to put the sleeve together and machine both down then it's on to navy thread.

This is my first priority! This last week of October will have me starting and finishing Kourageous' 10th flower block Meadow Buttercup. Nothing else to share right now. Hope you have something fun to work on this week!

Sunday Stash Report, October 23, 2011

2011-10-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

YIPPEE! Today's Stash Report has YARDS USED! [Although I did find a Quilter's Yard Sale that added just a bit...:(! I'm getting ready for Bonnie Hunter's Yearly Mystery don't ya know? Need three strong colors and I'm positive a neutral. I'm thinking dark browns, light browns and perhaps a green and ??? Got any suggestions on a third?]

I have Kolonial done and at Kerry's for quilting. Can't wait to get it next weekend if all goes to plan. Kolonial will get a variegated pink thread and the back is 10.5" squares...all fabrics from my stash! How wonderful is that? Pictures are of the top on the floor so they aren't the best. I'm so pleased with the results.

I have Kondor's Klutch back from Kerry. I'll be using the dark blues that were used for the back (10.5" squares) as binding. I think it will look real nice against the cheddar orange triangles that finish the edges of Kondor's Klutch border. There will be pictures of Kondor's Klutch just as soon as the binding is on.

I made it over 100 yards used this year so far. I've got plans for several other completions using only stash...looks good for getting the Net Used in 2011 somewhere around 150 yards... Wish me luck! So this week here's my report:

Used this week: 16.75 yards
Used YTD: 214.5 yards
Purchased this week: 4 yards
Purchased YTD: 108 yards
Net Fabric Used in 2011: 106.5 yards

Check out other quilters using their stash at Patchwork Times. Happy Sewing!

Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Collector's Edition Volume 4, October 19, 2011

2011-10-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Volume 4 with more fabulous blocks from 100 creative designers is just about ready to hit the newsstands. The blocks keep getting better and better with each issue. Volume 4 is supposed to be full of bird and animal designs. I've got the first three volumes and will certainly add Volume 4 to my library.

Mark your calendar for Nov. 7-11 for the 100 Blocks Volume 4 Blog Tour at Quilty Pleasures. You'll meet many of the designers with chances to win an issue and fantastic prizes. Watch for it at quilt shops and on newsstands November 15.

Has anyone made a quilt from any of the previous three volumes?

Design Wall Monday, October 17, 2011

2011-10-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

Sunday has been a Katnip Krazy and Kolonial day! Between loads of laundry, breakfast, exercise, tidying up around the house, lunch, and dinner a bunch of sewing on these two projects was done.

Katnip Krazy is laid out the way it will be put together. I've got all the flower centers and stems figured out and all the mice for the border in full production. Next step will be to applique down the flower centers, stems and leaves. They are all prepared for Roxanne's Glue Baste It which will be started today at my lunchtime break.

Kolonial was laid out on the floor and stacked up in rows ready for assembly just before dinnertime. I was able to get the first two rows together before a break to season up the chicken for hubby to barbecue. Baked beans ready for heating, peaches ready for serving, and table set...time for putting together another row...heck why not!

Eat, clean up, prepare lunches for today, and get breakfast fixings ready for the start of another work week. 5:45am...YUCK...comes way too early for me! There was still three more hours of prime sewing time before lights out at 10:00pm. I have the first three rows and all the sashing or the odd numbered rows assembled. Next up is the even rows which are the Dark and Light Star rows; four of them. Finally the last sashing row and the bottom row which I'm sewing together into units like the Dark and Light Star rows; seems faster for me to to it this way.

Tonight is Canyon Quilters of San Diego monthly meeting. I'll be leaving from work to meet up with friends (also members) for dinner first. Don Lin "Mr. Quit" provides our lecture for the evening. It's a Friends Come Free meeting... If you are in the area and want to come by we start at 7:00 pm and the lecture starts at 8:00pm.

I'll be busy again on Tuesday evening. Want both of these projects finished so I can move on to something new. Check out other quilters' work today by way of Patchwork Times. Happy Sewing!

Sunday Stash Report, October 16, 2011

2011-10-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

Nothing to report as used, also nothing to report as purchased. A good sewing week on Katnip Krazy and Kolonial. (I'll have pictures of both these projects on my Design Wall post tomorrow.) The photo is of Kalm all finished. Do you think it feels Zen?

These next photos are from The Back Country Quilters Quilt Show that was this weekend in Ramona, CA. The quilts are hung fairly close together so it was difficult to get full quilt pictures. I hope you enjoy the show as Darlene, Sue, and I did.

This quilt is made with Horse Show Ribbons as a keepsake for her daughter. Clever idea!

The stockings had fake fur on them!

Komfort Kove was in the show. It is the second one in from the left.

This was my favorite display. They were all doll quilts.

Let me close with my report for this the third week of October.

Used this week: 0 yards
Used YTD: 197.75 yards
Purchased this week: 0 yards
Purchased YTD: 104 yards
Net Fabric Used in 2011: 93.75 yards

Design Wall Monday, October 10, 2011

2011-10-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

Here's my October UFO with Patchwork Times. The Meadow Buttercup design in her Series "Big Quilt of Nature - Wildflowers" by Claudia Hasenbach. This will be my fourth flower by Claudia that has made its way into my Kourageous project.

I have selected these fabrics. It will take four greens, three "animal", and the background fabric. There are 89 pieces that make up 18 sections. After the pansy block last month...a walk in the park! These itty bitty paper pieced projects need to be done with my work horse Pfaff machine. I asked several friends that have been keeping up with the designing of Kourageous and everyone decided the dark brown in the middle was the best dark to use. It holds up well against the background and compliments the browns in both of the other "animal" fabrics. I had thought I'd make the October block with black and white fabrics, but changed my mind deciding to bring out the colors of the Flax flower block that I put together in July.

Besides working on my October UFO...Kolonial will hit the floor and then make its way to the sewing machine "in rows" this week. I've got another four day work week with only one evening unavailable to sew. All looks good for having Kolonial ready for quilting this weekend.

Kowabunga

Tuesday night is Sunshine Quilt Guild where our lecture guest will be by Bette Runnels. I've made a quilt of Bette's design a few years back. A Hawaiian design from her Kapa Hawai'i pattern. I'll be bring this project that night for sharing.

Friday I'll be at the Ramona Quilt Show where Komfort Kove will be on display. This will be the first time I've shown a quilt at this event. If you are in the area and have time the show goes Friday and Saturday. It isn't a huge show, but the quilts are real nice mostly from members of the Ramona Quilt Guild. There are a few local crafters who vend along with a bake shop. If you happen to be there make sure you say hello. I'll be wearing a polo shirt with my kwiltnkats logo embroidered on the left shoulder.

Hope your week is full with needle and thread.

Sunday Stash Report, October 9, 2011

2011-10-09T09:42:00.000-07:00

My Mom and Dad sure know how to put a smile on my face when selecting birthday gifts! An added bonus is that gift fabric purchases don't get added to my stash report! What more can be said about this except a big thank you! My used this week comes from a back I put together for my Mom's charity quilt. Kolonial is still yet to be counted and Katnip Krazy isn't too far behind.

Used this week: 5.25 yards
Used YTD: 197.75 yards
Purchased this week: 0 yards
Purchased YTD: 104 yards
Net Fabric Used in 2011: 93.75 yards

Today I'm getting done with the weekly chores, making a lemon cake that I'll serve with raspberries, and finding time to get in a swift walk on this beautiful crisp cool day in San Diego. All of this must be done before we leave to join friends to watch the Chargers WIN...how's that for positive thinking?

I got Kalm back from Kerry's Quilting (pictures will come soon). The quilting pattern really continues the feel of the quilt's design and the Zen feel of the colors. Kalm is the quilt I took at a workshop on circles at Quilt in a Day in La Costa with JoAnn Lamb guiding us through her design What Goes Around. I need to figure out what I have left for the binding. Hopefully it's one of the tans although the pink could work too.

I do have lots of pictures to share with you from the first weekend in October. It was a very quick viewing of the annual Temecula Outdoor Quilt Show. It was a lovely day for it too. The event is held in Old Town Temecula which is an area known for wineries and more currently olives. Of course this means lots of taste testing spots for both wine and olive oil. The quilts are hung all over town from the buildings and the businesses have a very profitable day selling their merchandise. Quilters Coop was a must to visit and there is a wool shop that just opened up for a future trip. The Show is held the first weekend of October. Mark your calendar for next year. Enjoy the pictures....

Hope your sewing week proves to be what you've set out to accomplish. Or can find your way to getting lots of it done. See how everyone else is doing with their stash at Patchwork Times.

Saturday, October 8, 2011

2011-10-08T10:43:00.000-07:00

I spent the day on Friday, my birthday gift to myself...making Korabell and her three kitties Krissy, Kitty, and Karl. Probably hard to tell but I did make lots of progress. I have all the cats cut out. Korabell has her head, one arm, and two legs stuffed. Kitty is stuffed too! With the help of my classmates I have all the fabrics to make each of the pieces of clothing they'll wear, the cotton Pearle threads to put things together and rusty wire for their whiskers. The hardest part was finding the right pink for the cats noses and the right tummy and paw fabric. Thanks to Maureen and JoAnn's stash! The fabrics behind the cats are the clothes they'll be wearing. The tan wool at the lower left is for the tummies and paws. JoAnn is a great teacher. If you are in the area or just visiting and want to take a doll making workshop check at the Country Loft.

So let me share with you pictures of what was going on during our workshop. The workshop was scheduled to make the cute fairy doll most were working on. Clara and I worked on a different pattern. Clara is making a much smaller doll that has a male companion; both will be dressed in Halloween attire.

Susan

Maureen

Linda and Mary

Clara

Linda

JoAnn

This is Kit Kat Mama with her kitties. When I get done Korabell and her kitties will hopefully be just as cute as she is!

Friday, October 7, 2011

2011-10-07T09:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Karen!

My birthday wish come true when I was 9 years young. Back then I had two little brothers and when Mom told us our family would grow to one more baby brother or sister I wished for a baby sister when I blew out my candles. Two days later my birthday wish came true. Karen is married with two children and two cats. She's just the best sister I will ever have. I miss seeing her, but we are always just a phone call away. This picture was taken the last time we were together when I was blowing out birthday candles at Seaport Village in San Diego. I'll be giving her a call shortly to wish her the best today as I do everyday.

Let me share the Temecula Quilt Company's Red and White Quilt Show. This event goes on the month of October. This day was the Grand Opening and official start of the show. I don't know who all the makers are nor do I know pattern names (except for mine and one other). The shop is small, but the display throughout was done with such style. When you enter the shop you are taken back...very impressive just as those folks in New York were with the recent Red and White Show at the Park Avenue Armory. If you get the chance check out the show.

Krimson Khat at the bottom right position is a very large quilt. Displaying large quilts was difficult for the shop.

Bonnie and Mattie met me at the show that is just around the corner from her home. Isn't Mattie her grandchild the cutest?

Hope you enjoyed the show! I'm off to my Kit Kat Mama Workshop! I'll have updates so check back soon. Happy Quilting!

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

2011-10-05T09:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Wednesday! Its a special day for me today...my Birthday! I learned that today is the most common of days to be born...now that is some trivia I never knew about until yesterday. If you are one of them Happy Birthday to you too! I hope you've got something special in your schedule to celebrate. Bonnie and Sue are taking me to lunch and I've received well wishes and cards (which I love receiving) from several friends; ones that I've known for years too many to count on all my fingers and toes. I love celebrating my Birthday!

So this week I've been working on what I want to work on most, Kolonial. On Sunday I assembled all dark and light star blocks (two stacks on bottom right). Last night I finished the remaining broken dish blocks (the two stacks at the front on the left). Tonight I'll separate out the corner stone broken dish blocks and assemble what's left into pairs. That's it and I'm ready to assemble the top.

Thursday night I'll have to gather my supplies for my Kit Kat Mama workshop at Country Loft in La Mesa on Friday. I decided to give myself a Birthday gift with a class and a day off work!

Enjoy today, do something you want to do, and if you are celebrating a Birthday I hope you have some nice surprises. We only get these days once a year, right?

Design Wall Monday, October 3, 2011

2011-10-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

Here's Kit Kat Mama. I will be attending a class at Country Loft in La Mesa on Friday to make my own. I have found some cute names for my cats. Korabell is Mama and Kitty, Krissy, and Karl are her kittens. There will be more posts about this project as I bring my supplies together and take the class.

This past Thursday was the last workshop to make this project, Crazy Cats. I'll be calling my project, Katnip Krazy. Earlier posts will give you more information if you are interested in making one of your own. The quilt pictured adds a real cute mouse design into the border. The idea comes from Julanne who taught the class. My project is coming along nicely. I have all the cats done and four of the 12 flowers. I have a purple for the border and will use scraps from the project for the mice. I will probably remake one of the flowers as I like the way the one two in on the top row has a background that matches the border. Wasn't aware of the border when I selected the original flower fabrics. No biggy, I'll just put the extra flower on the back as part of the label.

Thanks Julanne for a great workshop. I will certainly be taking more from Julanne with these Buggy Barn designs.

Kolonial has had no progress. I really want to be working on this project. I've had some exciting news recently and having this project done would be great.

I'm at assembling the components into the main block designs. I have just had too many things going on with more demanding due dates.

Mom is helping me use stash too! Thank you Mom. This is one of her charity tops. It is a strip block design and I am providing from my stash the back. I have lots of novelty fabrics in colors that work with the top to be used.

What took most of my time the last couple of days was finishing the September UFO with Patchwork Times. It is the last block on the row by itself, the pansy, soon to be followed by October UFO, meadow buttercup. These blocks are my Kourageous project. I'm telling you now I will not wait until the last minute again.

The meadow buttercup isn't nearly as complex as others have been with just 18 Sections and a total of 89 pieces. I will be selecting black and white fabric this time as there aren't enough of these colors in the mix. There are only two more flowers to be chosen to finish off what I plan to use for Kourageous. Among the possibilities are magnolias, a heartsease, a thistle, a calla lily, and several others.

Do you think I have enough going on yet? Patches and Pinwheels a Bonnie Hunter design is a 2011 UFO also. My project is called Komplicated. I'm way behind on finishing these. I've got three Judy Niemeyer projects still to go plus more if I get through my list to do in 2011.

Well I think I've covered just about everything that's active in my sewing room. I'm working to get through each and every one. Wish I had a few days...perhaps a week...to sit and sew. Hey where and when is the next Quilting Retreat? Look for other wonderful project from the group of quilters that are participating this week on Patchwork Times.

Sunday Stash Report, October 2, 2011

2011-10-02T11:05:00.000-07:00

Awhile ago I participated for a second time in a 6" block swap. During the week I got two blocks. Bringing my total to a total of four. Not sure this is well received seems like I remember the exchange should have brought me enough to make a lap quilt... Oh well, I played along but please don't involve me again...thank you!

I did make some purchases this week and unfortunately I still have not been able to finish Kolonial.

Three of the fabrics are just because; shall we say stash enhancers? I picked up the three one yard pieces on the top right from Quilter's Coop in Temecula while walking the streets during the Temecula Outdoor Quilt Show. What a nice shop they have on Old Town Front Street. While there I was enticed to pick up a kit for my Mom that makes a Christmas Tree Pin and a pattern for a small 17" x 22" quilt project called Little School Girl by Lori Smith.

The bottom right are fabrics that do have a need for my Kit Kat Mama doll. I purchased these two half yard pieces from the Temecula Quilt Co on Temecula Parkway. I was there to attend their Grand Opening. They have a Red and White Quilt Show going on during the month of October. This is the show that my Krimson Khat is being displayed. I have photos to share of this event another time. Back to the need for the fabric...the class is coming on Friday at Country Loft. They will be for Korabell the Mama cat. She has a bibbed skirt and pantaloons. I've got more to pull from my stash to dress the three doll kitties; Kitty, Krissy, and Karl. I will have a post about this project a bit later this week. I also picked up a pattern book for several of the small Red and White quilts that were part of the show. None of the patterns needs more than half a yard of a light and a dark. The largest pattern is no bigger than 18" x 24". I'm rather partial to the Tree of Life design that makes up 11" x 13".

The top left fabric, 1-1/4 yards, is the borders for Katnip Krazy. The final class was this past Thursday at Amidon's with Julanne. I didn't have the yardage requirements or the instructions for the mice border until then. This purple batik had just the right things going on. The border is adorable with mice running about. I will be using pieces left from the cats and flowers for the mice. A later post with more about this project is coming as well.

So my used stays unchanged and my purchased accumulates to 104 yards.

Used this week: 0 yards
Used YTD: 192.50 yards
Purchased this week: 5.25 yards
Purchased YTD: 104 yards
Net Fabric Used in 2011: 88.5 yards

Och! My Purchased YTD has exceeded my Net Fabric Used in 2011! I best get something done. Hope you did better than me this week. Check out others progress at Patchwork Times.

2011 UFO #11 Kourageous Pansy

2011-10-02T00:51:00.000-07:00

I never thought I'd get the Pansy block done in time...but low and behold here it is!

Pansy (UFO #11 ) September 2011

At 9am I was halfway there.

I left to see two quilt shows in Temecula. Not good planning since I really should have stayed to accomplish what I delayed all month long getting done. When I returned from a fabulous day I started right away with the task of finishing.

By 8pm I was four sections shy of completion.

Out for a bite to eat at one of our favorite Thai restaurants and back to finish the remaining sections. I'm so excited with this block and absolutely no problems this month with fabrics in the wrong places. Once again Bonnie I'm ready if your willing for paper removal!

So I'm finished with nine UFOs to date. Judy...I'm ready for October's! Here's what Kourageous looks like so far. I've still got to get the paper off the Pansy, but at 11:59pm it was finished!

#5 Meadow Buttercup is up next. I have yet to count the sections and pieces. The design this time is by Claudia Hasenbach. I will let you know more details on this flower in tomorrows post.

Check out other UFO completions for this month at Patchwork Times.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

2011-09-28T15:23:00.000-07:00

Here are the fabrics for Kourageous pansy block. I've had some time to work on the individual sections of which there are 23 total (A to W). Monday while I was paying more attention to DWTS (Dancing With The Stars) for two hours...I got though the D section. Thought I would have gotten further, but progress still :)!

By the end of yesterday, another TV night with DWTS again my primary attention...I got through the G section. Unfortunately paying more attention to DWTS had me reversing some stitches on G! I put the wrong fabric in 3 places. Fortunately they were on the outsides so the ENTIRE piece didn't have to be done again. Referring to the picture the finished sections starting at top right (1 o'clock) and moving towards the bottom (6 o'clock) are A through G Sections. The part of the pattern these sections will become is the flower you can see that is white and purple (top left).

I'm hoping to get some more sections done tonight, without distraction! By the way no surprises on the first two eliminations of DWTS.

Thursday night is the second and final workshop for the Buggy Barn design Crazy Cats with Julanne at Amidon's. We'll be making flowers and mice! Thanks Betty for the inspiration to name this project Katnip Krazy. (I found out I can share the mice pattern.)

Hope to see you back here on Friday when I post my completed September 2011 UFO Kourageous pansy block.