2016 At A Glance, December 31, 2016

There was a HUGE surprise awaiting me the evening before my holiday break from work started.  Both my parents greeted me to a chorus of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" as I entered my home.  Theirs was a visit planned way back in July to be with me and DH for Christmas and New Year's Day celebrations.  Throughout the year I put together numerous projects that numbered 18.  Ten projects await their turn in Kerry's Quilting queue as well as progress on 13 others.

Kurry

I participated again this year with Patchwork Times counting the use and purchase of fabric.  I finished the year using 206 yards and purchased 132 yards.  The year had me busy making quilts of patterns collected in earlier years.  Many times this required fabrics that could pull my scraps together.  I must say there ended up being quite a few fantastic quilts with names like Karduus, Kloggs, and Knikknakk to name a few.

Krosscheck

I attended one workshop at the beginning of the year at Road to California Quilter's Conference and Showcase where Kaffee Kisses came together.  Nothing was displayed at the show and the same will be true of the 2017 show.  There may be another of my projects entered in the future...don't think me giving up by any means.

Kaffee Kisses

My 2016 UFO goals have not yet been met.  Eleven of them are done with Kozy Korners still under the needle.  I am using my red, white, and blue stash along with two new purchased fabrics for this Patriotic quilt.  It will become a twin for my parents' guest room bed.  Kerry and I did set a lofty goal to finish three additional projects that we both have in common.  Turns out to have been too much for both of us.  Kalvery was completed and the other two, Konstitution and Kanton Kull, have become 2017 UFO goals.

Kozy Korners

Speaking of 2017 UFO goals, you can check mine out HERE.  I will be participating during the year showing monthly project accomplishments on Patchwork Times website along with 30+ others.  It hasn't been until recently that I had true UFOs, but this year all are but two (these two need names, hint hint...).  I am looking forward to finishing Kourageous and Kountry Kollection that have been blocks waiting a setting for much too long.

Kourageous

Kountry Kollection

Timing for the San Diego Quilt Show was not in my favor.  It comes at a time when I visit my parents.  This is the first year nothing from kwiltnkats was displayed.  Several of my quilts found new owners.  I surprised family and friends, some were given as donations, and others yet providing an opportunity for me to purchase more fabric.

Kwitcherbitchin

Today has me at Part 5 of Bonnie Hunter's Winter Mystery, En Provence.  New Year's Day brought the reveal...oh my am I glad I have this one in work.

Kourtepointe

So I ask like last year, which "K" name is your favorite this past year?  My parade of finishes in 2016 for your viewing pleasure.

Krystal Kreek 1/16
Komatose 1/16
Kwill 2/16
Kristoff 2/16
Kurosity 2/16
Kommon Kongregation 3/16
Kannine Karnivores 4/16 (donation Lionel's Legacy 2nd Annual Surf'n'Paws)
Kontentment 4/16
Krystals 5/16
Konstellation and Krown 5/16
Kattastic 6/16 (sold)
Kissin' Korner 6/16
Katachaklaus 7/16
Kalvert Kliffs 9/16
Kayenne 10/16
Buh Boys 10/16 (gift)
Kookoo Katchu 11/16
Sunshine Bimonthly Nov/Dec 16 Opportunity Quilt 11/16 (donation Sunshine Quilt Guild)

I close this year with two projects under the needle.  I had a wonderful sewing year.  Thanks again for everyone who has helped me discover "K" names for my projects.  I know there are some that will need your help with in 2017.  Happy New Year!

Design Wall Monday, December 26, 2016

Update!  Part 5 is complete...

There has been no activity in the sewing room.  Time with Mom and Dad is uppermost right now.  We have been doing a little of this and that in my home.  Dad helped DH disassemble some exercise equipment in preparation for the new carpet that will soon be installed.

Mom and I haven't had much time out of the kitchen up until now.  We still have lots of leftovers to consume from Christmas Dinner.  Monday night dinner was spaghetti, but Tuesday night will be our second Christmas Dinner!

I hope to find a little time in the sewing room later to stitch up Part 5 of Bonnie Hunter's Mystery.  But until then nothing to show.  I've probably got some orphans that can be used...

Sunday Stash Report, December 25, 2017

I've had a great year working through my stash.  There were a bit of purchases that it took to get through many of the projects but that is what it takes at times.  As this year closes with this stash report I have a couple of new additions.  I won't be adding them to my counts because I don't when they are gifts!  The first one comes from Mom.  It is a very nice collection of Batik strips and a FQ that matches.  The fabrics that follow are from my Sister and Kerry.

Karen's gift of four matching 2 yard pieces of "earthy" theme have my brain churning for just the right design.  She selected everything to match the colors in the pebble fabric.  The Charm Pack with the cats comes from Kerry.  I'm sure a smaller quilt will be using these cute charms.

Used this week:  0 yards
Used YTD:  206.25 yards
Purchased this week:  0 yards
Purchased YTD:  132.50 yards
Net used in 2016:  73.75 yards

I hope everyone's Christmastime was all that you wished for.  Mine was awesome...a very big surprise came my way all the way from Maryland.  Thursday evening when I arrived home from work, opened the door to the chorus of We Wish You a Merry Christmas being sung by my Parents.  Words can't express my thoughts.  It took quite awhile for them being here to sink in.  Just wonderful to have them with me for a Christmas in my home.

Friday, December 23, 2016

Christmas, surprised, Celebrate, amazement, joy, dreams, astonished, wonder, New Years, Holiday, Santa Claus, surprises, amazed, surprise, unaware, Family, delight, astonishment, Rudolph

Totally, completely surprised when I arrived home after work yesterday.  I opened the door expecting for Koko to be there and DH to be sitting in his usual spot in the family room...  Much to my amazement Christmas tunes were being sung around the corner by my PARENTS!  I'm still trying to get down from cloud nine.  No maybe I don't want to leave this most happy place.  Everyone in the family since July have been sworn to secrecy.  There isn't much that escapes me, but indeed this one has.  There visit is through New Years Day... OMG 

Christmas dreams can come true when least expected!  =^.^=

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Kourtepointe Part 4

I found a good name for my En Provence project.  It is the French word for quilt or Kourtepointe (courtepointe).  It means bed cover or bedspread.  Sounds pretty good rolling off the tongue; what do you think?

Susan C left a comment on yesterday's post of a potential name for Scrappy Mountains Majesty.  Certainly Kilimanjaro will do!  Funny, sometimes the easiest to figure out escapes us until our friends step in.  Maybe it is something about not being attached that works.  I will be using HST Swap blocks for this project.  Whatever the situation, Susan C, thank you so much =^.^=.

I have also figured out the remaining four 2017 UFOs.  I'll update this post when I have access to the projects photographs.  As always feel free to help me with "K" names!

#9 Kakes in the Kribyard.  Bricks in the Barnyard, Bonnie Hunter of Quiltville.
Started by Sue V several years ago until she cried out UNCLE!  Her work was gifted to me with the comment "more your style of piecing Sandi".

#10 Double Arrow (yet to be named), Lisa Norton and Lora Zmak of Material Girlfriends.
A new pattern purchased with 2015 Christmas gift card.

#11 Kissin' Korner 2.  Kiss in the Corner, Bonnie Hunter of Quiltville
Made one of these in and in so doing ended up with double to blocks.  This one should go together fast.

#12 Kapture.  Four Around Nine, Pam Buda of Heartspun Quilts

Now to share what I have found on the internet to be a Traditional Southern Christmas Dinner.  These come by way of Oxmoor House and Southern Living.  I'm certain to get flack* as this isn't a Traditional Family Christmas Dinner.  Old habits, pallets, are very hard to change I guess.  I'll start the cooking on Saturday, get the desserts and anything that will sit prepared in the refrigerator out of the big day. 

Seasoned Roast Turkey
Giblet Gravy
Cornbread-Biscuit Dressing
Green Peas and Baby Limas with Pine Nuts*
Swiss-Squash Casserole*
Mashed Potatoes (not to be left out)
Gingersnap Sweet Potatoes*
Cranberry-Kumquat Relish
Holiday Lane Cake w/Raisin-Nut Filling
Cranberry-Lime Sherbet
Ambrosia Cheesecake

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Happy Wednesday!

Besides working on the Christmas dinner menu for seven (possibly more) family members; I have been considering my 2017 UFO projects.  It is true that the last 2016 UFO, Kozy Korners, is yet to be started :(!  I have identified eight projects so far and all of them are true UFOs.  The remaining four will be starting from a pattern.  I did purchase a few new designs as well as couple gifted during the year that will end up being #9, #10, #11, and #12 =^.^=

Kozy Korners
2016 UFO

This is 2017 UFOs List so far:

#1 Kourtepointe.  En Provence, Bonnie Hunter's 2016 Winter Mystery - in work
Quiltvillians are working on Part 4 or eagerly awaiting Part 5 at the moment.  A "K" name needs to be decided.

#2 Kanton Kull, A Prairie Gathering - in work
At the start of Part 4.

#3 Kastaway, Catnip Trip - in work
At the machine applique stage of the hot air balloon.

#4 Konstitution, Union Blues - in work
At the start of Part 6.

#5 Kourageous - in work
My friend Shelly designed a setting.  All ready now to put the blocks together.

#6 Quilt Square Quilt Along, Jo's Country Junction - in work
Need to decide on a setting for this project.  All blocks are finished.  A "K" name needs to be decided.

#7 Kilimanjaro.  Scrappy Mountain Majesty - in work
Put this down when 2016 UFOs demanded my attention.  I will be using HST Swap for this project.  Need to stitch more blocks.

#8 Kutarug, Winning Combination - in work
Put this down when 2016 UFOs demanded my attention.  Need to stitch more blocks.

There will be more on the building of this list to come.

Design Wall Monday, December 19, 2016

No sewing since Part 4 was released.  I managed this evening after work to cut the pieces and sew one unit before bedtime.  Plans are to get these sewn before the next Part is released.

Our Christmas dinner meal plan has been figured out.  We will have turkey this year and a traditional Southern style meal.  I will be getting groceries which include the turkey so that it can start the thaw in the refrigerator.  I'll share more of the menu with you when Part 4 is complete.

Linking in with both Judy and Bonnie today.  Will be updating my post with Part 4 a bit later this week.

Update - Part 4 Complete on 12/21/16 just before bedtime =^.^=

Sunday Stash Report, December 18, 2016

Enhancing...  These FQs came from Ericas Craft & Sewing Center, South Bend, IN.  I don't often purchase from here, but I always like what arrives in my mail box.  Two of these neutrals have purple in them; can you guess where they will be used?  If you thought of En Provence you would be right!

Lucky Charms Pattern

Stitching...  I have one more UFO to finish for the year.  It is Kozy Korners.  I hope to pull all of its fabrics from my stash.  Wish me success.

Used...  Krosscheck was finished on Monday last week.  I enjoyed making this project and see a few more in my future.  So a little bit gained and a little bit used; the net works out in my stash reductions favor.  Linking in with Judy.

Used this week:  4.5 yards
Used YTD:  206.25 yards
Purchased this week:  3.25 yards
Purchased YTD:  132.50 yards
Net used in 2016:  73.75 yards

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

All I want for Christmas is a sewing studio large enough to deck this tree with all the sewing theme ornaments in my collection!  Can you imagine?  It is available for purchase at Home Goods.  I saw this one in the El Cajon store last night.  Did I hear a Ho Ho Ho or an OMG?

Enjoy your Wednesday =^.^=

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

I have a finish!  Krosscheck is a cutie indeed.  This project was fun to do with all the tiny 9-patch blocks.  Each unit finishing at 1/2" with the block finishing at 2 1/2".  Do you like the white and black fabric added in?  There are cats in one of the blocks.  Can you find them?  There will be more of these cute little wall hangings in my future...

I would be linking in with Marti, but the UFO Parade is no more...sad about this :(.  I have one more UFO to finish for the year.  This is achievable with Kozy Korners.  Stay tuned in =^.^=  Happy Tuesday!

Design Wall Monday, December 12, 2016

Kourtepoine Part 3 is in full production =^.^=  I am looking for time tonight to get these 2" twosie units into four patches.  Yes, all 168 will be done before Friday when Part 4 is published!

This past weekend was all about getting the decorations in place.  Quilts up, tree up and decorated, knickknacks in place, and outside lights hung.  I have the pine scented icicles on the tree and enjoying the twinkle of the lights.  After about 15 attempts trying to catch the lights when they weren't blinking at the top...I gave up...there are lights there trust me.  This photo imparts a smaller tree.  It is 9.5' tall.  The photo is taken from my second floor looking down into the living room.

I will be linking in with Bonnie at Quiltville today and then an update when my Part 3 is complete.

Linking in with Judy at Patchwork Times.

Sunday Stash Report, December 11, 2016

Most of my sewing time since last Monday has been working on Krosscheck.  I sure like how the little 3" blocks look; they finish at 2.5".  All of these fabrics are scraps from various projects.  Even the white border and two of the blocks come from a Christmas gift my Mom gave me last year...again scraps from Kookoo Katchu.  Have I heard somewhere before "the gift that keeps on giving".  Well that can be said about this white on white five yard piece.

The large piece which you will notice has shamrocks in the batik print is the back.  I can't tell you how long it has been in my stash.  I knew the perfect project would come for it though.  The other units are leftovers from the project that are planned for the sleeve.  No waste in my stash!

Since I am still working on Krosscheck there is nothing used this week.  Kourtepointe is using quite a bit of stash too.  I have been digging into the strips for the right shade of purples.  I anticipate a change next week =^.^=

Used this week:  0 yards
Used YTD:  201.75 yards
Purchased this week:  1.25 yards
Purchased YTD:  129.25 yards
Net used in 2016:  72.50 yards

There are more quilters using up their fabrics.  See what else is going on through the links that Judy has on her blog.

Design Wall Monday, December 5, 2016

Part 2 complete!  The constant looks nice against all these neutrals...I see a star in the making.

This is where I was on Friday.  Leaving me to finish the remaining 70 plus on Saturday.

I haven't taken the time to clip the tips.  Plan on waiting until I see how they fit together with the next unit.  They might come in handy with the next seams.

Krosscheck is coming along.  Here I am going through the steps of assembly.

These blocks are tiny (for me).  The nine patch consists of nine 1/2" finished squares.  They get "framed" then trimmed down to 3" squares.  There are 20 more to come.

I am linking up with both Judy and Bonnie today.  Krosscheck will be in work until the next mystery part is released on Friday.  Everyone enjoy your week =^.^=

Sunday Stash Report, December 4, 2016

Picked up this magenta for the Bonnie Hunter Mystery En Provence.  I have decided my quilt will be called Kourtepointe.  This is the equivalent of quilt in English.  The French call a quilt a bed cover or bedspread.  It is really spelled courtepointe...

I gave a lot of thought to making it scrappy.  I even pulled a bunch of pinks from my stash.  Would have been nice, but I decided to rely on Bonnie's wisdom with a single fabric "constant" for my project.  Sometimes if you go too scrappy the project becomes to busy.

I am also working on Krosscheck.  This one is completely from my stash and a 2016 UFO.  It will be nice to display during St. Patrick's Day.  The strips in the front are all that is left from the piece in my stash I cut from...so nice!

I have finished the Sunshine 2016 November BOM.  We added the batiks.  They were all supposed to be bright.  The white background was provided and the lime green (when sewn will be stars) was required.  Doesn't look too lime in the photo, but trust me it is.

Used this week:  0 yards
Used YTD:  201.75 yards
Purchased this week:  1.25 yards
Purchased YTD:  129.25 yards
Net used in 2016:  72.50 yards

There are more quilters using up their fabrics.  See what else is going on through the links that Judy has on her blog.

Design Wall Monday, November 28, 2016

Part 1 of Kourtepointe (aka, En Provence) is finished.  I spent Sunday finishing them.

I wonder what color is next?  I am also trying to come up with a name for my En Provence.  Something French that starts with a "K" =^.^= would work perfectly.  Any ideas are welcome.  Figured it out on 12/21/16.  The French equivalent of quilt is courtepointe.  They call their quilts a bed cover or bedspread.

In the meantime Krosscheck will be on the sewing machine...as soon as I pull fabrics!  I am linking up with Quiltville.com and PatchworkTimes.com.