UFO Done! Monday, February 28, 2011

Geese in Flight is done!  This is the first of five 2011 UFOs to finish in the challenge with BAE Systems Quilters this year. 

I won these blocks in December 2009 with the BAE Systems Quilters in a project coordinated by Susan.  It's not a very big quilt as it finishes at just 30" x 30".  It will be offered to employees at BAE Systems with proceeds going to our company's charity partner.  If it doesn't sell in a reasonable amount of time it's destined for Project Linus.  The quilting is especially nice so I've included a picture of the back as well.  Thanks Kerry for your part of this donation.

Have you been working down your challenges this year?



Design Wall Monday, February 28, 2011

Bulleye's Square blocks are on my design wall today. 

They are for the Sunshine Quilt Guild's March BOM.  This block is being coordinated by Barbara for us.  We started with a 10" square of the only directed fabric color "blue".  From there we were to put an 8" then 6" and finally 4" circles centering as you go.  The only stitching is 1/4" in on each of the three circles.  We also kept the bulk down by cutting away the background after the 8" circle was sewn down, the middle of the 8" after the 6" was sewn down...well you get the idea...we did this with the "eye" too.  This is a folksy project that doesn't require precision...a bit different than the projects I'm accustomed to sewing.  The winner will cut all the blocks into 4 parts and reassemble them into new 4-patch blocks and assemble them into a top.  The result is pretty neat as we were shown with a quilt that Barbara showed us.

I've got a real neat ruler that I've not used much, but it comes in real handy for cutting circles with your 45mm rotary cutter.  It's the WonderArc.  If you like speciality rulers this is certainly one to have.

Check out other design walls at Patchwork Times!

Sunday Stash Report, February 27, 2011

Don't have too much going on in my Sewing Room, but lots of hand sewing accumulating...  Okay, DH bring on the Netflix I'm ready!

Denim Quilt 1 (there are two more being quilted yet).  See the label?  How neat is that to find!  The navy stripe really looks good as the back and binding with the denim.

This is my first UFO completion with the BAE Systems Quilters 2011 UFO Challenge.  I'll be working on the binding of  this one first.  Tomorrow is it's deadline.  Don't you love the quilting?

Remember Krimson Khat?  I just got this one back from Kerry yesterday.  Can't wait to get started on this Big Red quilt!  The red thread and the "dove" quilting pattern really look fabulous.

I only had a little used this week.  The used went for the back of the UFO and the four blocks for Sunshine Quilt Guild's BOM for March that I finished (I'll show you these tomorrow from my design wall).  So now to report my stash after two months of 2011.

Used this week: 1.75 yards
Used YTD: 54.75 yards
Purchased this week: 0 yards
Purchased YTD: 6.25 yards
Net Fabric Used in 2011: 48.5 yards

Check out more Stash Reports at Patchwork Times. 

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Thursday today and it's not an Off Friday for me tomorrow :(!  It has been a slow work week.  Today it's made a little bit shorter by a 1pm appointment at Mane Tamers for a little personal pampering.

Last night while watching TV with DH (along with needle and thread) I made it around three corners to finish binding Katching Kisses.  This is a Cozy Quilt Shop pattern called Romantic Getaway.  I used a Bali Pop the Berry Bliss collection, only the darks, on this and a real neat patterned background white cotton with a blue design.  I think I found the background in Maryland when I was visiting my parents a couple of years back at Material Girls Quilt Boutique.  All the other fabrics are batiks, my favorite. The medium blue accent with a small triangle design comes from Cozy's shelves and finally the back and borders came from Quilter's Connection.  Quilter's Connection has closed it's doors, but I was able to pick up several beautiful fabrics during the closing sales.

One last binding project ahead of me is a blue jean quilt that will be a donation.  The pants are for the most part donated from a coworker Marco at work.  This one is heavy!  It was made in 2008 during a quilting retreat in Denison, Iowa.  We stayed at this great Bed and Breakfast called Providence Inn.  Our quilting group has connections...thank you Kristy and Bonnie!  The quilt has been tucked away in the quilting queue until this past weekend.  Quilting with denim and all it's heavy seams even with a very light batting and cotton back is pretty tough.  Especially made so with all the pockets and leather labels I included with the embellishments.  There are two others still tucked away in the quilting queue waiting for a good steam pressing and a hammer to help flatten down the seams.  Anyone have any suggestions for something better to accomplish "easier seams for the Gammill"?


Until next time...keep on quilting!

Design Wall Monday, February 21, 2011

I look forward to this day--how about you?  Here's what is on my wall (and sewing table) today.

This is a completion of UFO #10 Kourageous Cranesbill block.  This is the second of 12 blocks that I'll be making using animal skin themed fabrics.  I'm excited about this project.  I've been thinking of it for several years and of course collecting the fabrics along the way.  This one uses several fabrics that a very nice classmate gifted me during my Bonnie Hunter Star Struck workshop at Road to California in January (she was using animal theme fabrics for her Star Struck project).  I don't remember your name :( but I'm oh so happy you found it possible to give me some of your stash! 

I'm really looking forward to the next number that will be pulled to complete in March with Judy's Patchwork Times 2011 UFO Challenge.  March 1, 2011 can't come soon enough!

Here's what I started with.  A picture of Mother Nature's Cranesbill, the pieced pattern that  Claudia Hasenbach designed, the fabric to pattern rendition of my crazy idea, and the finish. 

I did have one hiccup along the way.  Do you see it?

That darn blossom and background got switched around...I blame it on the looking up to keep track of the Daytona 500 NASCAR Race that was on the TV keeping me company...not that I'm crazy about NASCAR, but wasn't that finish spectacular?  What a way to finish your 20th birthday...!

This last photo is my 1st 2011 UFO Project with BAE Systems Quilters due the end of February.  With this Challenge I'll be completing five projects during the year; one every other month.   It's as a result of winning the December 2009 Block of the Month coordinated by Susan Mugg for our guild.  Proceeds will go to the BAE Charity Challenge Partner who is the USO this year.  We've not been very successful of late selling to our coworkers for this charity; so if it doesn't sell within a reasonable amount of time it will be donated to a local charity.  It is from a design published in Quilter's World, October 2009 publication called Geese in Flight in their "The Last Stitch" segment.

So what's going on in your neck of the woods...  See you back here soon.

Happy Quilting!

Sunday Stash Report, February 20, 2011

Good Day Quilters!


The sun is out today here in San Diego.  It is still a bit chilly with some "full of moisture" clouds in the sky, but lots and lots of clear blue to be seen.  We've had a rainy weekend; not nearly the rain count the weather folks predicted -- enough though to make driving in it and doing things a bit messy.  We did brave the weather for a great dinner out at Poehe's on Coronado Island just outside downtown San Diego last night.  DH had an Ahi dish and I had Swordfish.  Of course we had their house salad which is really one of the best on their "too hard to choose from" menu.  We don't go there too often, only on special occasions, so making a selection is quite difficult.  Do you go with one that you've had before knowing its the best OR do you try one you've not had and end up with more than one favorite?  I'll leave it for you to decide what DH does and what I do...

Since I said I'd lock myself in my sewing room on Friday until I got much of my two due this month UFOs done...I didn't do as I said DARN!  I did a bit of sewing but household errands took precedence and their when the time for sewing.  Saturday had me going in other directions too.  Boo Hoo!  So today is my chore day and I will be in the sewing room after this post working on this:

I did find time to get the labels, yes three different ones onto 2008 Kruisin' Kwilt.  First I stitched on a block that was made that didn't make the front.  Then I have a list of all the participating quilt shops that year along with the event name and dates and finally the events logo that is an iron on transfer compliments of Rosie's Calico Cupboard (you just gotta love Rosie's generosity).  This last label with the logo also has my logo, name of quilt, it's size, date made, and where along with name of quilter (Kerry's Quilting of course) and her address.  Sounds like a lot of information, but it all fit in not too much space.  Oh forgot to mention the label with the participants also mentions the block design they provided.

Another repeat of the last few weeks as it ends up being this eighth week of 2011 Sunday Stash Reports.

Used this week: 0 yards
Used YTD: 53 yards

Purchased this week: 0 yards
Purchased YTD: 6.25 yards
Net Fabric Used in 2011: 46.75 yards

Check out more Stash Reports at Patchwork Times. 

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Here it is mid week and I haven't much to show for my past two evenings of sewing.  Well maybe I do though I wish it had been more.  I've got the second of three quilts binding complete.  Introducing 2008 Kruisin Kwilt.

This one is a combination of blocks designs passed out during the San Diego Cruisin' Quilters Run that took place March 1-8, 2008.  The shops that participated during the run were:

Quilter's Cottage, Double Sawtooth Star
Sowing Sisters Quilt Shop, Rolling Star
Starry Night Hollow Quilt, Shooting Stars

Sew Special, Starry Nights

Fat Quarters Quilt Shop, Starburst

Quilt in a Day, The Silent Star

Quilters Paradise, Friendship Star

Bits & Pieces, Three Martini Star

Inspirations Quilt Shop, Captured Star

The Crazy 9 Patch, Martha Washington's Star

Amidon Quiltworks, Fifty-Four Forty or Fight

Memory Lane Quilt Shop, Ohio Star
Rosie's Calico Cupboard, Nine-Patch Star
The Country Loft, Country Star
Quilter's Connection, Bento Star
Cozy Quilt Shop, Cozy Star
Ethnic Quilts & Fabrics
Quilters' Choice, Paper Pieced Star
Amethyst Quilts, Amethyst Beauty


I have a neat label plus a block that I didn't use to put on the back to document it's origins.  The quilting is hard to see but it's this really nice Star Sparklers stitch design using King Tut Sheaves thread (#965, almost a gold).  This one was a 2010 UFO (my challenge was to have the top done which it was).


Next up to sew are two 2011 UFO projects.  More on these with my next post.  Hope to see you back soon.  Happy Quilting!

Design Wall Monday, February 14, 2011

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hope your special someone has something for you today or perhaps on the weekend when it won't be so crowded.  I heard that this past weekend was part of the celebration too.  Ours will be next weekend to one of my favorite places, Peohe's located on Coronado Island just outside downtown San Diego.  Right on the water, the view is extraordinary. Wonder what fabulous specials they'll be serving next week...

On my Design Wall this fine day is Komet.  Komet is a design by Bonnie Hunter called Star Struck.  This is the lap quilt size--so uncommon of Bonnie.  I've got the middle assembled.  I do really like how the hot pink accent adds a sparkle.  Did I mention that this pink is a first time dye project for me? 

For the next few days I will be putting together the pieces of the border.  I will continue using the same Bali Pop Butterscotch strips along with the neutrals.  They will be the same element as in the star.  I will only be using the dark rectangle and the light triangle.  The pieced border will be separated from the middle with an inner border.  Any suggestions for what color this should be?  I am thinking that the hot pink would overwhelm it...help me out here followers.

Check out other Design Walls this day of Love at Judy's Patchwork Times.

Sunday Stash Report, February 13, 2011

Happy New Week!

The weather in San Diego this weekend has been simply beautiful.  The sun is out in full force, skies are clear and the temperature is crisp.  Great for my morning walk that comes next after this post.  My Sunday chores have started and with a little luck after exercising I'll be able to sit comfortably down into my most favorite spot in my home...  I have been doing nothing much in my studio beyond machining down binding quilts recently picked up from Kerry's Quilting and cutting down to usable pieces the basket of scraps that's been accumulating for far too long.  What I've been doing is the hand sewing part of the binding.  I've got one done and a photo to share of Kotton Kandy Kocktail.  This one used Bali Pops Cotton Candy fabric collection and the Strip Cocktail pattern by C.E. Designs.  It has the cutest quilting pattern on it with different adult beverage glasses garnished appropriately with little umbrellas or whatever is appropriate for the glass.  Cheers!  A variegated King Tut 937 thread just fit right for this festive warm weather quilt.


I am currently stitching the binding of 2008 Kruisin' Kwilt and next is Katching Kisses.  Today I am hoping to finish up Komet which is the quilt project from the workshop with Bonnie Hunter at Road to California the middle of January.


Now for the no change any which way Stash Report.  Just maybe I'll have something different to say next week.  DH is supposed to travel for business for a few days during the week and we all know what that means!

Used this week: 0 yards
Used YTD: 53 yards
Purchased this week: 0 yards
Purchased YTD: 6.25 yards
Net Fabric Used in 2011: 46.75 yards


Check out more Stash Reports at Patchwork Times.

Design Wall Monday, February 7, 2011

What a great Superbowl Sunday we had at our place.  We had five chairs arranged stadium style in our family room to watch the game on the big screen.  It was a good game with, according to our place, the correct team starting off, holding on, and winning the game.  We will all admit that the 3rd quarter was somewhat of a nail biter!  The Rubens were every bit as tasty as I'd hoped and all the healthy goodies during the game kept our tongues and stomachs happy.  There were some empty soldiers that lined the recycle bin after the kitchen was cleaned!

Well we are into our first full week of February and beyond much more than thinking about them (two) being done at the end of this short month I've not done much more to either.  I've got to get busy!  Here's what's simmering in my studio...what's going on in yours?  Check out other design walls today via Patchwork Times.



animal fabrics!

Sunday Stash Report, February 6, 2011

S U P E R B O W L   S U N D A Y!


Yes it's prime time sewing for those of us who don't like football and can escape from our partners without them knowing your not around.  As long as you keep the snacks a coming!  I on the other end love the game and can't wait till each new commercial is aired.  We have a friend coming over to join us today--a female friend who also enjoys the game.  Don't know who to root for since our San Diego Chargers aren't playing.  I'm sure I'll be rooting for the underdog unless my DH shows that he is more passionate about one of the two teams...  I've prepared for the long afternoon watching the game with two binding projects.  So I'll actually be accomplishing a few things today.  For our "game food" I've got corned beef, Swiss cheese, some sauerkraut, and seedless rye bread for some Rubens.  Sound tasty?


Did you receive your March/April 2011 issue of Quiltmaker yet?  I did on Friday and I'm so excited about a pattern in it that I'll be sure to make.  Perennial Petals by Caroline Reardon.  I don't have any piece large enough for the background and that part of this project won't be scrappy...well maybe I'll need to rethink that part.  I definitely have enough batiks for the "petals".  Hmm, scrappy neutrals just might work.  Get this issue it's a good one.

I've been sewing a little bit this week but can't say that I actually used enough to even get to a FQ.  I assembled a block for Sunshine Quilt Guild's BOM that I always participate in.  For years I've been doing this and only once have I won the blocks...does it seem to you this happens or are you lucky to have won a better percentage than just participate?  So for this week here's my stats.

Used this week: 0 yards
Used YTD: 53 yards
Purchased this week: 0 yards
Purchased YTD: 6.25 yards
Net Fabric Used in 2011: 46.75 yards


Check out more Stash Reports at Patchwork Times.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Today's Ground Hog Day...I didn't hear if a shadow was spotted although with all that Mother Nature has been dishing out this last few days probably not.  Very cold and breeze for San Diego today, but being inside at work :( all day it wasn't a bother.  I'm just happy to be here then to deal with the weather others are facing around the country (and the globe I might add).  Gosh I heard over the weekend it was -37' in Alberta Canada.  Then 20+ inches of snow in other parts with plumbing freezing in homes where only hot water could come from the spigot.  Also it doesn't escape my mind what Australians are facing with the cyclone and just after the major flooding.  So no complaints from me.

I had opportunity to select fabrics for UFO #10 Cranesbill block for my Kourageous project that will keep me busy in 2011.  So here they are...and a photo of what they'll become.  I have tried to select fabrics from the stem that are true to the real Cranesbill flower, but as you can see that is where all the realness stops. 

Now that my fabrics have been selected I'm going to spend the rest of the week and weekend working on my Komet from the Bonnie Hunter Star Struck workshop I took at Road to California quilt show on January 23rd.

Enjoy the rest of your week.  It's a short work week for me YIPPEE!

2011 UFO Challenge #10 Kourageous Cranesbill for February, February 1, 2011

#10 was selected for the month of February to finish in Judy's Patchwork Times 2011 UFO Challenge.  This means a change of designers to Claudia Hasenbach.  I'll be making her Cranesbill block from the Series "Big Quilt of Nature - Wildflowers".  I've got my planned fabric stash for Kourageous ready for tomorrow's lunchtime break with quilter friends to start figuring out which fabrics will be used.  This is a 6" block using ten fabrics one of which is the background; three the leaves, stem and bud; and the rest the blossom.  The Cranesbill is usually an assorted blue to purple flower with a yellow blossom...but you know I'm going for animal skin prints.  Thinking about brown skinned animals for this one since the Lily was black, white and gray.  I've got giraffes, lions and more to choose from.  More later this week when decisions are made.  Here's the block I'll be making.  81 pieces and 13 parts to this one.....a skip in the park compared to the Lily block with 147 pieces and 23 parts.

Happy Sewing!

p.s.  I've got a new name for Kotton my Bonnie Hunter Mystery Roll Roll, Cotton Boll quilt.  I came across this while looking for a quilting pattern for my Kamel Kountry also a Bonnie Hunter design Old Tobacco Road.  I'm really excited to change Kotton to Kottonwood Kurl...isn't that better?  Has sort of a melody to it when said!

p.s.s  I've got two quilts back from my quilter that I'm looking to prepare and get the binding on for hand sewing.  Kotton Kandy Kocktail and Katching Kisses.  I think this weekend I'll be getting back 2008 Kruisin' Kwilt too.  More about them later along with pictures!

2011 UFO Challenge #6 Kourageous Lily for January FINISHED!, February 1, 2011

Well as I was saying to my friends all week "come heaven or high water my first UFO of the year was going to get done by the January 31st deadline" and here she is!

The Lily block by Linda Causee is done.  I had to resew part W because I had the wrong fabric, background instead of the light, in two pieces...but that wasn't so bad it only had 11 pieces.  W was one of the easier parts.  This block took 147 pieces and 23 parts.  I think I'm ready for my second UFO which will be another one of the 11 blocks that remain in my Kourageous project.

Judy, please pull the February UFO number when Mother Nature allows you to.