Friday, March 2, 2012

I'm in Koala Heaven!

My sewing cabinet arrived yesterday around lunchtime.  The delivery guys, three of them, were real nice.  They had a major task at hand...to move 400 pounds to my sewing room which just happens to be on the second floor of my home.  There's one landing on the stairs where it turns out they had to physically muscle the 400 pounds. 

A dolly was used to get it to the ramp where it came off the truck.  Next a thorough inspection...looks good... Back on the dolly...watch those wheels!  Up a step on to the front stoop and then another step over the threshold of the front door...looking good...  Through the entryway and living room to the STEPS!  EEK!  Still on the dolly up nine steps to the landing.  The biggest guy pulling the dolly and the two other guys pushing from the front.  Landing YEAH take a deep breath...oh no Plan A won't work to turn it on the landing for the next seven steps...hmmm what to do now?  Of course Plan B!  Remove the dolly shift the cabinet on its right side around...watch those wheels!  YEAH Plan B worked!  Hmmm can't get the dolly back on not enough room on this landing.  Plan C?  Muscle it up one step at a time to the second floor...deep breath...you ready big guy?  When they got to the top there was enough room for the dolly and back on it went.  Down the hall to the second room on the right.  Darn there's a difficult wall....hmmm off the dolly and slide it still on the right side into the room.  YEAH take a deep breath!  Next righting it on it's wheels, again a muscle job and a perfect one indeed.

Next all the pieces for shipping were removed.  Finally all the remaining parts were brought in and up to the sewing room for a bit of assembly.  Hmmm where's the hardware packet that contains all the nuts and bolts, shelf clips, and special screwdriver for the lock nuts???  Don't see it here, not here either.  Did you check all the drawers?  Go look in the packing still left in the hallway...nope.  Go look in the packing in the truck...nope.  A call out to Koala. 

"Hello Koala, I just had a QuiltPro Plus IV delivered and we can't find the hardware pack." 

"Sandi did you look in all the packing?  the drawers?" 

"Yes Koala.  It didn't come in the shipment." 

"Sandi did you get the remote that operates the lift?  It should be in that package."

"Yes Koala.  I did get the remote, but no hardware pack."

"Sandi so sorry we will send it out FedEx Ground...it should get there soon."

"Koala, that isn't fast enough how about FedEx next day...I've already had several delays."

"Okay Sandi we'll send it the fastest we can.  So sorry."

None of the shelves have been installed yet, but the lift works just fine and the sewing machine is in place and ready for action.  The work surface is fabulous and no major problems discovered at this point.  I love the clean white finish and my wing back chair still fits okay in the room.  I'll be using a loaner stool until the Koala one arrives.  Hopefully that will be within a couple of weeks.  I've got all kinds of tools and supplies to move out of temporary totes and boxes into new homes either in the drawers or on the shelves once they can be installed.  I'm thinking linen boxes from the Container Store will be perfect on the shelves.  More to see another time when I've got the shelves in place and supplies in their new home.  Here will be my view as I sew. 

I'm lovin' it already!

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

I've got lots to write about today. 

 

These are the ready to deliver Chunky Churndashes Swap blocks.  Everyone will start receiving them over the next few days.  Three head east to Maryland tomorrow morning.  I'd hoped to get to Beverly's tonight, but it didn't happen.  Other arrangements will need to be made for Jeanne and Sally.  Next up is Amidon's on Friday where Sue will get hers.  Saturday brings a stop at Rosie's where Debra, Collette, and Susie will get theirs.  Then there are all the rest to find there new owners.

Judy pulled #8 for March's 2012 UFO Challenge project.  I'll be making her design Road to Brownwood.  Not sure at this time what colors mine will end up.  I very much like her use of scrappy purples, green and yellow.  Need to check the stash and get busy on this beauty.

The 2012 Cruisin' Quilters Shop Hop starts this weekend in San Diego.  I'm not sure I'll get to all 14 of the shops this year, but I'm going to give it a go!  Maybe I'll see you out there.  I'll be wearing my kwiltnkats logo T-shirt...look for me :)!

 

Here's my other March project.  Jo's Country Junction's Quilt Square Quilt Along.  The star design is for this month.  I'll be using similar colors to go along well with the log cabin and bear paw designs from January and February.  These blocks along with six others will come together to make a sampler at the end of 2012.

I have the blue string blocks removed of paper on Part 7 of Kordova Klosure.  Still need to pick up the flying geese Bloc Loc ruler for squaring up the 127 flying geese units.  Then it's on to assembly.  Pictures of Part 7 coming soon.

The best part to write about is that my Koala Sewing Cabinet is being delivered tomorrow!  I'm so excited.  I have the insert already and a borrowed chair (just until mine arrives)...so I'm set!  I'll be sure to show you my new set up after a bit of arranging.  Come on tomorrow!

Thursday, February 23, 2012

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.

Sunday Stash Report, February 19, 2012

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

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!

Sunday Stash Report, January 22, 2012

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

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.

Stash Report Sunday, November 28, 2010

Today I have no fabric to report as used.  I'm still working on my last UFO for this year.  I've got eight blocks done with the next one cut and ready to sew.  This block design is from Cozy Quilt Shop called Cozy Waves.  Block designs yet to sew are from Bits & Pieces called Perfect Patriotic Peony, Rosie's Calico Cupboard Quilt Shop called Patriotic Heart Block, and Fat Quarters Quilt Shop called Union Square.  All of the designs finish at 12".  This week I did get 1 yard of fabric (light blue) to complete 2009 Kruisin Kwilt, too bad since I wanted to only use my stash.  I kept strong at Amidon's Quilt Shop as I only left with the one piece.  I'm cutting the timeline pretty close on this one!

I worked this week on the binding and labels for Koala, Adel's Betty Boop Christmas Tree Skirt, and Kreepy.  All three of these are done.  I'll be giving Adel her gift tomorrow.  Hopefully I'll be able to catch her with a big smile.  I continued with Bonnie Hunter's 2010 Mystery Roll, Roll, Cotton Boll Clue #2 AND decided to work on one of her earlier released Mystery Old Tobacco Road.  I'm going to go clue for clue on these two projects.  Someone else mentioned they were going to do it and I liked the idea so I'm going for it too.  I'm right now in the middle of Clue #2 on this one.

Roll, Roll, Cotton Boll Clue #2

Old Tobacco Road Clue #1

Old Tobacco Road Clue #2

Yesterday I got my Quiltmaker 100 Block Designs magazine that I won during the Blog Tour.  There is something I'm sure to make from all the wonderful designs that are in this publication.


Here are my numbers for this week:

Used this week: 0 yards
Used YTD: 136.75 yards
Purchased this week: 1 yard
Purchased YTD: 11.25 yards
Net Fabric Used in 2010: 127 yards


Go to Judy's blog at Patchwork Times and see other Sunday Stash Reports.

Sunday Stash Report, November 21, 2010

Here we are at the start of a fresh new week, the last full week of November.  The big Thanksgiving Holiday just a few days away from today.  Do you have anyone traveling who is concerned about the new TSA boarding policy?  Frankly, I'd prefer to be safe if unfortunately this is what it must take thanks to the few who continue to make it so for us.  There's always a car, bus train, or boat right?  All this transportation stuff aside, I hope that you have a nice Thanksgiving Holiday.

Further communication with Quiltmaker has me busy having appraised both Koh-i-noor and Kiwiberry.  I have an appointment with Julia Zgliniec a little later this morning. Julia is a certified AQS Appraiser that I've used a few times before for appraisals.  She's located not far from my home which makes it convenient.  I'll be shipping this week in hopes that the quilts will reach their destination by Wednesday.

Thursday the surprises continued one more day with an award for recognition.  I haven't yet decided what this unexpected surprise will be used for, but it's sure to be something fun.  Thursday and Friday I started assembling the first blocks of 12 that will comprise the last 2010 UFO.  There are three other blocks that were part of the 2009 Cruisin Quilter's Run that will be assembled for the back as they are not very "star" themed like the rest.

Block #4

Saturday all Roll, Roll, Cotton Boll fabrics in hand I headed over to Kerry's for a day of sewing.  On tap for today until finished Clue #1.  Kerry had the long arm humming while she sewed the 2" strips of pink/green/pink together.  I'd take take it from her to the ironing table and then to the cutting table where they'd be cut a second time into 2" segments.  Somewhere along the process it occurred to us that we just loved what we saw with the combination of color and the quantity of fabrics we had available to make two full quilts instead of splitting one.  We made an additional 172 segments then split the entire 344 equaling out the variety of fabric combinations proportionally.  Now we will have to find another red constant since we'd only planned for one quilt.  We both are going to start pulling potential fabrics for 10 1/2" squares for the back.  This might be a challenge as we've depleted most of the color groups used in this quilt for earlier projects...stash it needs to be!  Did I mention that I've already named my project Kotton? Bring on Clue #2.

Clue #1

I'll spend the day today on binding.  I've got Kreepy, Adel's Betty Boop Tree Skirt, and Koala all ready for needle and thread and of course Kaos and maybe even Koko will nap awhile.  It's still rather damp and chilly with rain being called for still through Tuesday.  No stash to report as used and nothing to report as purchased either.  Next week I'll claim a use with my UFO 2009 Kruisin Kwilt that's certain to be finished just in the nick of time.

Used this week: 0 yards
Used YTD: 136.75 yards
Purchased this week: 0 yards
Purchased YTD: 10.25 yards
Net Fabric Used in 2010: 128 yards

Go to Judy's blog at Patchwork Times and see other Sunday Stash Reports.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

I've had an exciting quilty week so far...if something else happens today I'm going to rush out to buy a California Lottery Ticket. 

My first surprise was on Monday when I learned that I'd won the Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Volume 2 publication from the week long blog tour hosted by Quiltmaker to introduce their publication.  Imagine my delight when I saw on the winner's list "#5 Sandi" listed on the Winners from the 100 Blocks Vol. 2 blog tour for a comment I made on the Quiltmaker 2011: A Sneak Peek give away.  Check out my blog entry on Tuesday, November 9 for more information on the tour and a picture of the cover of what I will soon have coming to me from Quiltmaker.

My second surprise was on Tuesday when I learned that Eileen Fowler, Associate Editor in charge of Spotlight for Quiltmaker requested I send them two of my quilts.  Koh-i-noor and Kiwiberry are being considered for Spotlight which is one of the regular departments in each issue (it's on the last page of each publication).  Both of these quilts were made in 2009 and both happen to be Bonnie Hunter designs e.g. Blue Ridge Beauty and Strip Twist respectively that were published as a pattern in Quiltmaker in 2008 and 2009.  I've contacted an AQS appraiser to establish their value and hope to have them in the mail to Quiltmaker real soon.  I'm so excited to be considered by Quiltmaker again!

Monday night was my Canyon Quilt Guild's Holiday Meeting.  The potluck offered all kinds of tasty delights for all of us.  Salads seem to be the popular dish nowadays which meets with my approval 100%.  The challenge of aprons was outstanding...some very clever garments that took prizes for the best of about nine different categories that included sexiest, gardening, recycled, and several more.

Tuesday night I spent time hand sewing the binding down on Krumbs and preparing Koala for sewing down the binding and sleeve.  Both of these quilts happen to be Bonnie Hunter designs Fun with Bricks and My Blue Heaven.  I've got fabrics selected for my last 2010 UFO; it's a start although not as fast as it needs to be considering my deadline of November 30th!  Here's a photo of the fabrics I'll work with to make the 15 different star blocks that will become this quilt.

The anticipation of the release of Clue #1 for Bonnie Hunter's Mystery being referred to as RRCB (short for Roll, Roll, Cotton Boll) that is scheduled for Friday is crazy for all the Bonnie-ites!  Hope your week is going as well as mine has so far.  Happy Sewing.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Today my home has been pretty quiet. My parents left yesterday morning after a fabulous visit. Wish that they could have stayed longer; hopefully the next trip for the both of them won't be as long as the gap was before this trip. Here's Mom's finished Any Witch Way from the Quiltmaker Magazine Sep/Oct 2009 issue.


There were many firsts for her with this project. A mitered seam on the pieced border was the biggest challenge. As you can see she did real well. Her next challenge will be to quilt it. The plan when Mom left was to stipple in matching colored thread the hair, hats, and background. Not sure how the borders will be quilted. I'll look forward to her finish. Now it's on to getting mine done. Since both of these projects came from my stash I'll be claiming the yardage used on both of them this Sunday.

I finished the back for Koala so it's ready to get into the quilter's queue. Step 1 of Kollette is on the agenda for tomorrow night. Friday this week is an Off Friday from work where I hope to finish sewing down the sleeve on Kufflinks and put the binding on Katalooche. I've got several blocks for various commitments due in the coming weeks so I plan to get these done this weekend or at least make a big dent in that direction. Two are paper pieced, a Morning Glory block (need to make two) and a Mississippi Wheel of Fortune block. Two are pieced, a combination Log Cabin/Maple Leaf block and a Pinwheel block. The last block to make is a Basket. Look for photos on Sunday of what I've been able to accomplish.

Think I've got my weekend packed?

Sunday Stash Report, October 3, 2010

Happy October!

Today in San Diego we have the last day of the annual Air Show at Miramar. Wasn't sure if the planes would fly today since it was overcast for nearly all of the morning, but they are flying now. Lots of noise, the rumble of the jets flying over and over and over...

I am getting ready for my parents visit that begins Tuesday! I've been putting two identical kits together for small Halloween wall hangings that my Mom and I will be making while she is here. Its a Quiltmaker pattern from the Sep/Oct 09 issue called Any Witch Way North and South, East and West. I had to make a very small purchase of three FQs for the "gray" looking witch hats. One would think with all the fabrics I have it would have been easy to pull out a "gray" black and white. Unfortunately this was not to be. I will be needing one "K" name for my quilt. Is there some witch with a "K" or "K sounding" name? If not, I'll come up with something Kreepy. Hmm...maybe that will work.

Kollette is continuing a bit slower than I'd like but moving forward nonetheless. More on Kollette tomorrow. This week I look forward to picking up Katalooche from Kerry's Quilting and also dropping Koala off. I'm still working on the binding of Kufflinks the last one I picked up.

Have a wonderful sewing week.

Used this week: 20.5 yards
Used YTD: 90.75 yards
Purchased this week: .75 yards
Purchased YTD: 6.75 yards
Net Fabric Used in 2010: 85.5 yards

Go to Judy's blog at http://www.patchworktimes.com/ and see other Sunday Stash Reports.

Sunday Stash Report, September 26, 2010

Wow it's been a scorcher here in San Diego this weekend. Today has been the hottest of the heat trend we are having so late into September. We've taken today to be our token air conditioning day. We have central air conditioning but seldom ever need it. This year has been a very cool one for San Diego, one of the coolest in history. Anyway as Bonnie Hunter says "It's Africa Hot" in San Diego!

I've finished Koala. Don't really know why this name has stuck with this quilt. It does have browns and tans which initially made me think of the name. It really reads more green so hmmm...maybe we can think of lush bamboo? I do like the way its turned out. I was somewhat skeptical during the process since I was using every green 2 1/2" strip in my stash. With the exception of the "way too blue green" fabric that I took out of four different puss blocks that it ended up in I like how all the greens mixed together. The back is a combination of 10 1/2" green squares, hence I've really put a dent in my green stash. This week starts me off with 20 1/2 yards used and a project completion.Here's my report for this "It's Africa Hot" San Diego Sunday.

Used this week: 20.5 yards
Used YTD: 90.75 yards
Purchased this week: 0 yards
Purchased YTD: 6 yards
Net Fabric Used in 2010: 84.75 yards

Go to Judy's blog at http://www.patchworktimes.com/ and see other Sunday Stash Reports.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Hump Day! The rest is all down hill. Gosh with the first part of September having four work day weeks this one has been tough. Since the day light is getting shorter after getting home from work, I've started back up on my morning exercise...rise and shine and out on the pavement at 6:20a this morning. I'll have to admit that it's nice coming home and not having to rush to beat the sunset.
Koala is ready for final assembly. I've got all the puss and star blocks done and pretty certain all the hour glass blocks for the border ready to go. I will use the tan paisley print for my inner border that was pictured in the last blog post. I did go back and remove the "not reading green" corner unit in that puss block. Went through the rest of the blocks and removed it everywhere. This one was a blue green that just had to be removed when I noticed how much it popped out after taking the photo. I'll probably do this again when I have it all laid out to make sure nothing else pops out that I hadn't expected. I've also got most of my 10 1/2" squares of green cut and ready to assemble for the back.
I've been considering my next project and decided to work on two. One is to be called Kollette. I've chosen this name because it sounds femine and Spring like. Kollette is a pattern called As the Geese Fly by Cozy Quilt Designs. I'm told that it is a combined effort of Cozy Quilts, Amidon Quiltworks, and Quilt In A Day. I purchased the pattern in 2009 and then in 2010 found the kit of all Batiks at 50% off. Needless to say at that price it came home with me. This project is on my challenges 2010 UFO Patterns that happens to be the last one to complete on the list. My second project is my last 2010 UFO Projects quilt to complete. It will be named for the event that made it come about 2009 Kruisin' Kwilt. During the San Diego Cruisin' Quilters Shop Hop held March 7 -14, 2009 each participating shop passed out a free block pattern (it's done every year). 2009's event theme was stars. I'm still trying to decide on fabric colors, but it will be scrappy as I want to continue using my stash. Sorry no photo of this one as I'll be figuring it's layout along the way.
Time to get back to Koala. I'll be posting again on Sunday with my Stash Report.

Design Wall Monday, September 20, 2010

Monday! It's here once again, five full days of 9 hour days ahead...oh boy! Tonight is Canyon Quilters monthly meeting. It's also the beginning of the new TV show season. I'll definitely plan to leave a little early to catch Dancing With The Stars.

Sunday had me pretty busy with Koala. I'm striving to get this quilt complete so that I can move onto something else. I've got a lot accomplished right now; 40 puss blocks and 36 star blocks. I've only got 45 of each to make...getting there, not far off, YIPPEE! Since I wasn't counting I'm not sure how many more hour glass segments I need for the border. I've got quite a few done, but may need more, we'll see. I think I'm happy with the inner border...What do you think?

Here's my wall for Monday. It's just a a corner section of the 81" x 89" project that is how Koala is supposed to finish.
Check out all the other design walls at www.patchworktimes.com.

Sunday Stash Report, September 19, 2010

I have not had much time this past week for sewing. Well I suppose I did but somehow I did not get much accomplished. On second thought I probably did as the final seams of the two blocks are coming together quite quickly when I do sit down to my Pfaff.
Monday after work, dinner and the dishes I cut yet more segments for the hour glass and flying geese. A little different this time in my cutting technique...I'm not cutting all at once as I usually would. Honestly I don't know how many more I need to prepare. All I do know is that I've been having to cut more to reach the 45 of each block type. After the cutting I've been paring the pieces and to the sewing room I go. Monday was the day for component assembly.
Tuesday and Wednesday were late nights, doing sewing things but not in the sewing room. Sunshine Quilters monthly meeting and the Preview Night for the San Diego Quilt Show....oh that reminds me I need to pick up my quilts today at 1pm. Didn't hear about any potential buyers for them, but last year I didn't hear from a buyer until nearly a week after the show. So I've not dropped the possibility just yet. I didn't make any fabric purchases at the show. I did purchase a cute pattern by Whistlepig Creek Productions. No I didn't break any of my sewing rules as it isn't a quilt pattern! It is a pattern called Wild Cats! that presents two styles of decorated sweatshirts, a wallet type purse, and a cute beret. This will make into a very cute Christmas gift for Morgan my soon to be three year old niece.

Thursday was more cutting and paring of pieces. Around 10pm I got to assembling the two block types and got 24 of one and 11 of the other together before I ran out of components.
Friday was my OFF Friday (love the short weeks). I spent time with household chores and errands after my exercise. I spent a few hours sewing components before my DH and I took off for our Friday Night Date. We went to Ali Baba's Cave. This fun Mediterranean sports bar and restaurant is located just a few miles from our home. They have hookahs and live entertainment that starts at 9pm. Before the evening was out I had to get involved in the lively entertainment...gave my best attempt at belly dancing... I even had DH shuffling his shoes. No you sillys DH was slow dancing!
Saturday I packed up Koala for my sew day with Kerry, but ended up instead with the second project I packed up worked on instead. We together sorted out anything less than 1/2 yard pieces from a tote pan of neutrals, pressed and cut into either 3 1/2 or 2 1/2 inch strips. Not what you call a fun day, but it will make pulling the next quilt project together quicker.
Here it is Sunday, the start of a new week. Tomorrow is Canyon Quilters monthly meeting so sewing today and then next opportunity could be Tuesday. No purchases and no used to report this week. I'm shooting for a used to be reported next week. Happy Sewing to All!
Used this week: 0 yards
Used YTD: 70.25 yards
Purchased this week: 0 yards
Purchased YTD: 6 yards
Net Fabric Used in 2010: 64.25 yards

Go to Judy's blog at www.patchworktimes.com and see other Sunday Stash Reports.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Monday I turned in my three San Diego Quilt Show entries. I received lots of very nice comments from the volunteers as they processed my quilts in. I was told when volunteers were hanging the quilts at the San Diego Convention Center Karnations Karnival was getting all kinds of oohs and aahs. Karnations Karnival is one of many that are part of a group entry from a Mystery Project done with members of Canyon Quilters.

Tuesday was Sunshine Quilters guild meeting. It was the first meeting of the 2010-2011 Membership Year which always starts with an Ice Cream Social and Announcement of Officers. We have a great schedule of lectures and work shops...one of which is me in May 2011. I sure was honored to be asked, it will be my first lecture that will include a trunk show. I'm a bit nervous and excited all at the same time.

Now its Wednesday and the only sewing progress made so far on Koala is cutting more 2 1/2" strips to make more of the hour glass components and flying geese components. I did sew a little on Monday night after being disappointed with the Chargers loss. Yes they are always slow starters so I suppose I should have been expecting the outcome...always nice to hope for a win though. This photo is where I've been cutting my strips and pieces. You'll notice the surroundings. The two tote pans are part of my stash, the neutrals and the yellows (and purples in the back of this tote). Next is where I store my rulers and extra cutting mats. Then there is the surface where I cut or stage projects I'm working on along with my electronic picture frame that holds images of many of my quilts, family and friends (notice the Red Hat quilt?). Then above the surface are Kaos' Cat Show Ribbons and my thimble collection. The shelves are filled with patterns to the left and a variety of nick nacks that are either sewing or cat related in nature. There's lots more stuffed into this former closet that I had converted into a more useful work and storage area in my sewing room. I've been delighted with this investment since the day it was built.


Tonight is the San Diego Quilt Show Preview Night. I will volunteer a little bit of my evening selling chances on Sunshine Quilt Guilds Opportunity Quilt Golden Nugget and enjoy all the beautiful quilts and be tempted by all the vendors. You'll see if anyone got me on Sunday when the Sunday Stash Report is posted!

Have a wonderful rest of your week.

Design Wall Monday, September 13, 2010

Already the middle of September. My how time passes quickly. Football is in full schedule with three games yesterday and two games tonight. Of course I'm interested in the late game where the Chargers are poised to win! Go Chargers!

My design wall is on my sewing table this week. I've been sewing away on the different components of the two blocks and border but have nothing really to show except all the stacks. I've got quite a few more to assemble, especially the hour glass component. One thing I've realized is that I never needed the 696 hour glass components that I mentioned earlier. That huge number was the amount of triangles that needed to be cut to make what was needed or only 170 components. I really did think something was out of whack! Here's Koala in pieces. I hope to make lots more progress throughout the week.

Today is entry check in day for the San Diego Quilt Show that runs September 15 thru September 18. I'm planning on attending the Preview Night on Wednesday. The vendors will be there along with opportunity quilts as well as all the beautiful entries for this years event. I've got three on display; Karnations Karnival, Kool, and Karmel Kolors. Karnations Karnival will be part of a group display with other members who participated in Canyon Quilters 2009 Mystery Challenge Project that I coordinated.
Tomorrow night is Sunshine Quilters first meeting of the new membership year. Their opportunity quilt that will be offered for chance makes its first public appearance at the San Diego Quilt Show. Kerry and I assembled Golden Nugget. Let me know if you want a chance!
Check out all the other design walls at www.patchworktimes.com.

Sunday Stash Report, September 12, 2010

Good Morning All

I had a very busy work week which unfortunately led to not too much sewing time. By the time you finish an eleven hour day, make dinner, clean and put away dishes and tidy up little time is left in the day. 6:00 am comes early for me. I did get in several hours yesterday which resulted in 87 of the 696 hour glass components that will be needed for Koala.
I received the fabric ordered for Kufflinks from Hancock's of Paducah on Friday. Just as perfect a fit for Kufflinks as I'd hoped for. I'm always a little bit apprehensive that the color online is representative of the actual fabric when it arrives. Preparing it for the back was the first seam taken Saturday. Now the package is complete and ready for quilting. It's first in my queue at Kerry's Quilting.

Since I'm still busy with Koala I'm not posting as fabric used. I'll be showing 20 1/2 yards when the time comes. This week will be a busy one with Sunshine Quilters meeting on Tuesday evening and the San Diego Quilt Show Preview Night on Wednesday evening. Looks like I'll have opportunity for sewing today and a couple of days during the week. I'm progressing pretty well as I've got a lot of the components complete. It's just those wonderful 609 hour glass components that looms ahead. They do go very fast though. I'll post a picture of Koala later today.

So here's my numbers for this fine day in September.


Used this week: 0 yardsUsed YTD: 70.25 yardsPurchased this week: 6 yardsPurchased YTD: 6 yardsNet Fabric Used in 2010: 64.25 yards
Go to Judy's blog at www.patchworktimes.com and see other Sunday Stash Reports.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Already the middle of the week. Sure seemed to go by fast, but Monday being Labor Day and a day off made it so. Okay certainly by me. Two more days of work after today and the weekend will be here. Don't you just love short weeks? Unfortunately, a long five day week is right around the corner :(.

Monday was a great sewing day that I got lots done toward my current project Koala (still playing with this name....). I cut into more of my green stash as the already Scrap Users System was depleted of green 2 1/2" strips. Can you hear excitement? I had to do this pretty much from the beginning for the 2 1/2" strips of neturals and tans. I cut up neutral stash that I've had since 2007 when I purchased for Katastrophic Kraze. Can you hear excitement yet? I've put together both blocks for Koala and I'm liking what I see. (There are lots more put together that aren't in this photo.) I've not been counting yet so I may have more than I need of the triangle shape in the green that becomes the hour glass unit used in all three star, modified puss, and border blocks--but that is okay because my quilting buddy is making the same Bonnie Hunter My Blue Heaven! pattern and will happily accept any of them I don't need.Not sure if I'll be far enough along to claim stash used on Sunday from Koala. I didn't get an opportunity to sew last night since work claimed an additional two hours of my day. I've had time only to put labels on Kupkake, Kastanets and Flip Flops.

Haven't received Kufflinks back fabric from Hancock's of Paducha yet. Hopefully my quilter also my quilting buddy (aka Kerry of Kerry's Quilting) will have a batting large enough for Krimson Khat or that will be a purchase I'll need to take care of this weekend.

The 29th annual San Diego Quilt Show is next week Wednesday, 9/15 Preview Night with the Show Thursday, 9/16 through Saturday, 9/18. Quilt turn in is Monday, 9/13 which starts my involvement. I've got Karmel Kolors, Kool, and Karnations Karnival entered and offered for sale. Sunday, 9/19 is pick up--wish me luck that I'll have less to bring home than I dropped off!

Note: Flip Flops, Kufflinks, and Krimson Khat can be seen on earlier posts. Links to Bonnie Hunter's My Blue Heaven! can be found on earlier posts too.