2011 At A Glance, December 31, 2011

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

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

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

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

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

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 Kollinwood Konnections.  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 Klunky Korners.  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 Koppice.  A pattern from the Temecula Quilt Co called A Tree of Life.  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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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!