Make a List Monday

Well, we're almost half way through December. Crazy isn't it? It seems that every time I blink half a day is gone. Now that the Christmas work is all done (with the exception of the final stocking filling) -- I get some time to sew, and big plans are in store.

In the time since we were last together, I got the binding on Two Plus Two, and that one is ready for a trip to its new home. I have yet to work on the binding for Feathered Star Queen, but that will get done this week, as I have a full day on Saturday to binge watch Hallmark Christmas movies and sew binding and I intend to be fully ready for a day of indulgence. So, some night this week (maybe tonight), I'll get that put on.

I had a little time on Sunday to cut out the new Scandinavian Snowflake pattern, so I'll get some sewing done on that one as well....

And if there is any time after that, I'll be working on my On Ringo Lake mystery quilt. Seriously, that one is a LOT of work....I'm still working on last week's clue (Clue 2) - of 200 Flying Geese, and this week is 240 Chevron units -- 120 right, and 120 left.  

Well, I best be getting on with it....

 

End of November update

Well, tonight is the end of the Thanksgiving weekend, and I've had a chance to get quite a bit done over the last few weeks.....not everything that I wanted to get done is done yet, but I have a couple more days to finish up some items, and get started on some things for December.

I finished getting binding and hanging sleeves on these...

That completes the 25 items for homemade Christmas....

And I found this amazing card while teaching at the Sew n Sew in Glendora....

Isn't it adorable??? So I'll mail those off one day this week, and that leaves only a few items to finish up for Christmas...

I got my blocks done for the On Ringo Lake mystery quilt. Week 1 calls for 50 9 patch blocks, when are done....

I finished my Fractured Star quilt....

It just needs a good press and it is ready for a trip to Montana. 

I also squeezed in a top over the weekend. It WAS my oldest WIP, and it was started over 10 years ago...and it does feel good to have it done. It was a bit challenging. I obviously started and/or worked on it on two separate occasions...half of the seams were pressed one way, and half were pressed opposite, so nothing matched up quite right....

But it's done, which is the best kind of top.

Next up are the priorities for next month....

A couple of bindings...

One for Feathered Star Queen, and one for Two Plus Two in Queen, so 850+ inches of binding this month.

I have a few others goals for the month, but more on that on Friday, December 1st.

Until then, it's finishing this project....

The tree is up, but undecorated at the moment...so, that is tomorrow nights plan.

Are you ready for holiday decorating?

The Magic List Day 3

Well, day 3 and I have a new finish!

I got the binding done on Crossroads!

And I made some more binding....

And identified some items for destash in the craft cabinet....

The beading stuff I haven't used in ages, and I have a friend who will use/enjoy them! Now if I can only do that with the rest of the craft room!

I also picked up my paint chips for the Quiltville Mystery that starts the day after Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, I left them sitting on my desk at work, so my big plan for selecting fabrics tonight was foiled!!!! Good thing I have a couple of weeks to get that taken care of!

What have you been up to?

The Magic List Day 2

It's been a busy one today, I got off late, and didn't want to sit at the sewing machine since I was sitting all day at work....

So instead I sat in front of the T.V. Doing hand binding on the crossroads quilt. I got it half done in just over 2 hours, so not bad timing wise.

Here it was last night, sewn on, but not turned.

First side pinned.

Half completed. Two corners turned, 1 full side, and 2 half sides. I should finish binding this guy tomorrow night. It's only been in WIPwonderland for 6 months or so!

Magic List Day 1

Well, it was a good day! I got a lot accomplished, though not all of it was on the list!

I finished the binding on the Halloween Wallhanging (great timing right?).

I got the binding made and put on the Crossroads quilt.

I still need to do the hand work, but that will have to wait until tomorrow. 

I also worked on this unplanned project, a knitting project bag out of some beloved fabric.

And now, it's time for a little ice cream and couch surfing.....

The Magic List

Here is a pic of all those things I mentioned yesterday....

It's roughly 3 piles. The pile on the left has the Fractured Star and its borders, and the Feathered Star that needs binding. The middle pile has the Chocolate Couch Quilt, the borders for the 2 fabric Bargello, and the jelly rolls and papers for the Diamond Wedding Star. pile 3 on the right has the Halloween quilt and crossroads that just need binding as well as the brown star Wallhanging that needs a sleeve for hanging on the wall.

So that is the "list" for November.

So, now to get started.

November??? What???

Seriously, the year is flying by. Insane.

Three days from now it will be November, and Christmas will be 55 days away from that. Crazy.

It's been such a crazy time this year, with work, teaching and making decisions about the business. We had some emergencies at the house (broken water pipe in the hall bathroom and a broken washing machine).

Needless to say, I haven't gotten a lot done, and I have so much that I want to do! So, for the next few weeks I am going to try daily blogging, yes, daily. To record what I am doing, thinking, deliberating, planning, plotting, watching, and contemplating.

I'm starting Wednesday, November 1st.

Here's just some of the things on the horizon for November:

• Finishing the borders on Fractured Star
• Working on Diamond Wedding Ring
• Finishing the borders on 2 fabric bargello
• Binding Feathered Star Queen
• Binding Crossroads
• Binding Chocolate Couch Quilt
• Binding Halloween Quilt
• Hanging Sleeve on Brown Stars Quilt 

Ok, writing that down makes the list seem huge! Well, I better get onto taking pictures and getting exact statuses, and planning the days if I have any chance to get things finished in time!!!!

Make a List Monday - on Tuesday

Time sure is running at break neck speed lately. I've been a bit distracted with a full schedule of teaching engagements and regular work, I haven't had much time to work on projects at home, and even less time for fun projects. But now that summer is over and there are less distractions all should get back to normal.

Here's the plan for the month :

1. Poinsettia - all the pieces are sewn, I just need to do the assembly.
2. Fractured Star -- all the blocks are made and all of the background pieces are cut out, I just need to sew everything together.
3. Autumn Pines - all the units are made and the center is assembled, I just need to add the borders and I'll be done.

So basically, I just need to spend some time gluing and pinning and then sewing some curves, and I'll have 3 projects done!

Do you think that is plausible by the end of September, or am I insane?

Make a List Monday

Well, it's almost September, and time to get back to normal hours. I've had a couple of really big projects going on that are super secret until they are gifted, so I haven't been posting much. But fear not, I've been sewing quite a bit, just quietly sewing. But those projects are now both finished and with time to spare!!! So now, it's back to work....this week I am planning to finish up my Autumn Pines.....it just needs the borders finished up and it is ready to go.

Then I will be moving on to work on my Christmas Fractured Star. I just need to piece the borders and cut out the background pieces, and then assemble them. I'm not sure I will get that all done this week but we will see. I have the advantage of a long weekend with only 2 teaching days, so I should get a few hours in over the weekend which will be fun....

But of course I am a glutton for punishment, so I made some plans for IF I get those finished. Then I will work on the masterpiece.....the Diamond Wedding Star.....

so now, I better get to sewing.....

what i've been up to.....

Watching - Blue Bloods -- I've watched all of the new episodes, 

Craving - Rotel and Chips

Doing - lots of paper prep on the new patterns

Obsessing - over color ways for Judy's new patterns....

Loving - all of the new fabrics that have been released lately

Reading - Elon Hilderbrand, every book I can get my hand on....It's my new binge favorite

Wanting - a tropical vacation

Pinning - houses and recipes

Dreaming - about dying yarn. 

Writing - not much, except some procedures

Crafting - more crafty planning, than crafting

Sewing - Autumn Pines, Fractured Star, and Harbored Lighthouse all got love this week.

Knitting - not much, I struggle to knit in the summer when it is hot

Listening - to Tony Robbins in the car -- on investing

Wearing - my usual uniform, yoga pants, and a tshirt

Needing - not a single thing

Planning - a trip to see Mom for the holidays

Trying - new recipes

Make a List Monday July 17-23

It's been crazy here, hot and sticky (not good quilting or knitting weather). I also took a little vacation with my Mom to her hometown, so, I haven't gotten a lot done. And this month is equally busy, so I've decided some focus is in order.

So, this week, I am focusing on this guy...

Judy's new Autumn Pines Wallhanging. 

I'm also getting back on track with sewing everyday, even if it is only for a short period, like an hour. So tonight's hour i worked on the diamond wedding ring sections...

It doesn't look like much yet, but by Sunday, it will be remarkable....

Make a List Monday June 19-25

Well, this week was a bit different than I had planned. 


1. Quilt 3 projects -- these will go on the longarm this week. One lightening quilt and two tablerunners. - DONE

2. Bind 4 quilts - because the three from last week (and the week before) plus 1 of those tablerunners above (which is a gift for vacation). I see a binge watching session of The Fosters on Saturday to get those done. - I got the fronts on, but none of the handwork. That will just have to wait.

3. Harboured Lighthouse Spikes - sew these on Sunday. No need to grocery shop, or meal plan or anything else, so I am planning on chaining myself to the machine until I get some sewing done.  I spent the weekend running around and packing for my vacation, so I didn't get any sewing done.

4. Knitting - figure out a knitting plan for vacation -- I can't decide what I want to work on....I have so many items that I really want in the queue....and I need to  get the initial cast on completed before I get on the plane....DONE

And now, onto this week....

1. KNIT -- just knit, and nothing else. I'm headed home for a family reunion and I will be knitting the whole time....so I might actually get something done....as to what I am going to work on, I have 5 projects packed, we'll see which one speaks to me come Wednesday.

What I have been up to....

It's been crazy around here, but it was time that I gave you an update on the happenings around here....

Watching - The Fosters on Netflix.....it really is a good series, and has so many different facets. It continues to be interesting and show various aspects of something that I know so little about. 

Craving - chocolate. We're doing a pantry challenge this month (where we only eat things that are already in the house), and I didn't stock any chocolate....so I have been chocolate less for days now.

Doing - lots of cleaning, not my favorite

Obsessing - over golden doodle puppies. We have decided to get a new puppy, so I've spent hours looking a litters and planned litters and potential puppies. 

Loving- Reading - Lord of Shadows - the new Cassandra Clare novel - I finished it in just over a week. It was a little slow going at first, but by Chapter 3, I was back into the groove, and had remember all of the intricacies of the character relationships. Overall, a great read.

Wanting - that Golden Doodle, aforementioned.

Pinning - houses, specifically craftsman style houses

Dreaming -  about knitting

Writing - 

Crafting - no real crafting, but lots of preparation for crafting

Sewing - not a lot

Knitting - I finished my Hitchhiker, and started a Grain Shawl by Tin Can Knits. 

Listening - to Tony Robbins Unshakeable

Wearing - my standard uniform, cargo shorts and a tshirt

Needing - not a single thing

Planning - sewing, knitting and general crafting....

Trying - not much....the pantry challenge is in full force, so I haven't been trying many new recipes.

Make A List Monday - June 12 - June 18

Well, it was a bit of a crazy week....I got a bunch of things done that weren't on the list, and  a couple that were.I taught at The Orange Quilt Bee on Saturday, and we had a bunch of finished objects (which are always awesome). I wasn't feeling great on Sunday, and I had some things that had to get done, so I didn't really get much sewing done. I did get a bunch of knitting done (yippee!). So, let's review the plan and see what happened...


1. Finish those bindings. Yeah -- that didn't happen!!!!  That's right, the easy simple one didn't get finished. So, that will rollover.

2. Figure out what I am doing for spikes on Harboured Lighthouse and then sew them. Somehow I suspect the selection process will take longer that the actual sewing....My suspicion was correct. I ended up having to order fabric to finish it. I literally auditioned 50+ fabrics and none of them was quite right...so I ordered some fabric, and it will be here Wednesday or Thursday.

3. Put 2 teeth on my hitchhiker shawl  -- at this point, this is a fair amount of knitting, each tooth takes about 2 hours right now. But it is 3/4 done and it is looking so good and I am so excited!!!! Hopefully my excitement about seeing it finished will translate into knitting progress. This one is FINISHED!!!! I got it completely finished, or at least as finished as it is going to get. I ended up with  29 teeth total. The pattern calls for 34, but that was just getting too big for what I wanted it for, and I didn't want it oversized because I every shawl that I have is oversized, and that means that they are only wearable in the winter, which is very short here in California.

And for next week...I have some big plans...It is a free weekend, which is pretty rare around here. As a result, I literally have NOTHING to do. Plus, I head out of town the next week for vacation, so  there is very little to do in terms of housework, but vacation is all about knitting and crochet time. Since I am traveling, there will be zero sewing, but likely quite a bit of knitting. I even promised to help a friend learn how to knit and crochet, so that should be fun!!!

But before we talk about vacation week, let's talk next week :

1. Quilt 3 projects -- these will go on the longarm this week. One lightening quilt and two tablerunners.

2. Bind 4 quilts - because the three from last week (and the week before) plus 1 of those tablerunners above (which is a gift for vacation). I see a binge watching session of The Fosters on Saturday to get those done.

3. Harboured Lighthouse Spikes - sew these on Sunday. No need to grocery shop, or meal plan or anything else, so I am planning on chaining myself to the machine until I get some sewing done.  

4. Knitting - figure out a knitting plan for vacation -- I can't decide what I want to work on....I have so many items that I really want in the queue....and I need to  get the initial cast on completed before I get on the plane....

Southern Spirit by Joji Locatelli

 The Joker and The Thief by Melanie Berg

 On the Spice Market by Melanie Berg

These three have pretty similar yardage requirements, and I have enough to make this collection work....

with either a light or medium grey, from Sweet Georgia that have been in stash for forever.... now I just need to decide....no rush I have almost 10 days to decide!!!!

What are you working on this week???

 

Make a List Monday - June 5 - June 11

 Well it has been a  crazy week here. I got a lot done, but not a lot of the things that I was planning. That seems to be the way it is lately, a million things to do and no time to do it all! This week looks like it will just as busy as last, since I have just a few weeks to get ready to go home for a week to visit the family. First, here's an update on what did and didn't happen last week...

 1. Put binding on 3 quilts. I have three quilts that just need binding and can then be sent off to their new homes. I got the binding sewed on, but did not have a chance to do the hand work, so that will roll over to next week.

2. Make the spike units on my Harbored Lighthouse. I made these, and I don't like them, so I'm auditioning some other fabric combinations to see if I can find something I like better.

3. Add two teeth to my Hitchhiker shawl - it is now to the point that a tooth is about an hour of knitting. - I actually did quite a bit of knitting this week, and managed to get 10 teeth on my hitchhiker, leaving only 8 to go. I don't expect to have a lot of time this week for knitting, since I have some pretty ambitious sewing plans, so I don't see a repeat performance on this one.

So, with as many rollover, I don't have a ton of plans for the week, but here they are:

1. Finish those bindings.

2. Figure out what I am doing for spikes on Harboured Lighthouse and then sew them. Somehow I suspect the selection process will take longer that the actual sewing....

3. Put 2 teeth on my hitchhiker shawl  -- at this point, this is a fair amount of knitting, each tooth takes about 2 hours right now. But it is 3/4 done and it is looking so good and I am so excited!!!! Hopefully my excitement about seeing it finished will translate into knitting progress.

Make A List Monday

I'm trying to get back to make a list Monday, today, I had time, since it is a holiday here in the US. We're celebrating Memorial Day, the day that we honor our fallen heroes that ensured our ongoing freedoms. Sometimes, I think we are so removed from the wars of our forefathers that we forget that there are wars going on right now. We talk a lot about it, about the Iraqi and Afghan wars, but we've forgotten what those soldiers are fighting for. Our right to disagree with our president and not be killed for it. Our rights as women to vote, and be part of the political processes that shape our country. Our rights to choose to practice whichever religion we choose in a safe manner. There are so many things that we take for granted here where we are generally well fed and have access to safe drinking water. As one of the richest countries in the world, we are lucky and spoiled, and take those freedoms for granted. I don't want to be that anymore. I don't want to take those freedoms for granted, and waste my life in front of the TV, watching mindless programs, and leaving no legacy behind. It's time I really make something of my life, and stop living like everyone else.

SO, now that I have given my diatribe on freedom, its time to talk about the responsibilities, the things I want to accomplish as part of my life time goals....let's start with this week.....

1. Put binding on 3 quilts. I have three quilts that just need binding and can then be sent off to their new homes.

2. Make the spike units on my Harbored Lighthouse.

3. Add two teeth to my Hitchhiker shawl - it is now to the point that a tooth is about an hour of knitting.

I'm teaching in Thousand Oaks this weekend, so it's going to be a very busy week, and we'll see what I manage to get done...wish me luck!

What have I been up to.....

Watching - Sherlock Holmes -- binge watching specifically.

Craving - Chick-Fil-A, but alas we are on a no spend plan.....so no Chick-Fil-A.

Doing - lots of planning for some new opportunities

Obsessing - over laundry. I've been reading Fly Lady lately, who recommends a load a day, which means folding every day. My least favorite job. ever.

Loving - the weather - it's been great for barbecues and opportunities to have friends over for dinner.

Reading - The Magnolia Story -- about Chip and Joanna Gaines -- I just finished it last night, so it's time to visit the bookstore for something new.....

Wanting - a new puppy.....I'm trying to resist, but its getting hard as all my friends are getting new pups too.

Pinning - recipes, lots of recipes

Dreaming - of some new opportunities

Writing - new class decks. I've been wanting to update them for a while, but haven't had the time.

Crafting - not much....I have had so many little finish up jobs going....

Sewing - market samples, including lots of binding. Thankfully, market is done now, and I'll soon be able to publish pics of all of the projects.

Knitting - not much. I've had big plans, but not the mojo....

Listening - to Old Dominion -- really though I would have been done with that album by now, but it plays over and over and over.

Wearing - PJs. don't have to get ready for work for a couple of hours.

Needing - to make some decision about the grown up things in life. Why is it that when you know what you need to do, you still struggle to do it...

Planning - a summer full of barbecues.

Trying - to behave my budget. I've gotten a little lax with the budget lately, but I'm back on it firm starting a couple of weeks ago.  

Harboured Lighthouse Update

So, if you follow me on instagram, you know that I have started working on my Harboured Lighthouse, a new design by Judy Niemeyer for Quiltworx....

I chose a pallet of pale blue, turquoise, and teal, with hints of purple. At least for now....you know me and mid-stream color changes. 

I started in the center with the Snowflake block. It's not small!!! It's basically a super-sized version of the Winter Wonderland Snowflake block. It's 10" x 8 sections, so the finished block is 20", whereas the original snowflake block was 14" finished. As a result, it was a simple and easy assembly.

Then I laid out the strips for the lonestar.... 

And then got to sewing.....they look even better than I imagined.....

Next up, I need to sew these together, hopefully I can get that done this week.

And then next weekend.......the spikes!!! 

Make A List Monday

It's Monday, again.....

How did that happen??? I swear the weeks go by in a flash! Market is just around the corner, Paducah is next week...crazy!!!

This week I have a bunch of things I want to get done.......

Bind a few quilts....

cook a few new recipes....

make some units for Harbored Lighthouse.....

And then maybe a trip to the dog park.....or a hike, something outside, because the weather is amazing at the moment.

What are you planning this week???

Wedding Ring Update

Well, it's been a few weeks since I posted about my wedding rings....I think I was here.....

I had quite a few plans.....
Week 1 : April 3 - April 9
Sew 5 sets of As

Week 2 : April 1- - April 16
Sew 5 sets of As

Week 3 : April 17 - April 23
Sew 5 sets of Bs

Week 4 : April 24 - April 30
Sew 5 sets of Bs

And I am happy to report that all of the sets are done, both As and Bs, so I am a bit ahead!!! (what??? can that be true??? That NEVER happens.) Yes, I am done with them, sooner than I expected, and I couldn't be happier!!! I have a couple of other things to work on though, so instead of jumping ahead, I'm just going to stay the course, and spend some time on some other projects (like my Harbored Lighthouse which you can see in the back left corner below....

Wedding Ring Work

I can't believe that Brooke and Luke will have been married 2 years in August, and I still haven't gotten back to my Wedding Rings since they got married, so it's time to get back to it!!! My strips are all ready and sorted, now it is time to get sewing....

Week 1 : April 3 - April 9
Sew 5 sets of As

That's only about 5 hours of sewing, so I just need to get to it, and be diligent every day.

What I have been up to....

Watching - The new Iron Fist series on Netflix....it's pretty good. And House on Netflix, it disappears tonight at Midnight, and I have just a few episodes left, so we'll see if i make it or not.

Craving - Chocolate Mint Ice Cream -- I rejoined Weight Watchers, so no more ice cream for me....

Doing - working. we're crazy at the office, and my teaching schedule is crazy as well, so lots of working going on around here.

Obsessing - over recipes. I got a new slow cooker book, and we are going to work through it recipe by recipe. First up....Halibut with Pineapple and Mango Chutney.

Loving - aqua aerobics....I've been every day this week and it is really comical and fun at the same time.

Reading - contracts and more contracts....

Wanting - Chocolate Mint Ice Cream, oh yeah, I said that already.

Pinning - house plans??? Not sure why but pinning house plans has been my latest obsession.

Dreaming - about sleeping in. I've been working nights for 2 weeks now, and I haven't adjusted, so I am still waking up at 5:30am....

Writing - not much.

Crafting - not much.

Sewing - bindings, lots of bindings.

Knitting - not a stitch.

Listening - to some new podcasts.

Wearing - pajamas at the moment. I really have to get a plan together to update the wardrobe, it needs serious help!

Needing - a few days of fun in the sun.....

Planning - a cooking vacation with my stepmom....

Trying - to resist getting a new puppy -- Penny really needs a friend, and I really want a second doodle, but goodness, puppies are such a commitment.

What have you been doing this week???

Make a List Wednesday?

It's been a busy week, and I have been working crazy hours, including being home in hours that require "quiet working" because everyone else is sleeping. So, I've been working on bindings quite a bit....the plan was.....

1. Bind Two plus Two - done see below.

2. Pick Fabrics for Harbored Lighthouse - done. I chose this version in the end....

3. Cut out patterns for Harbored Lighthouse - done. All ready to go.

4. Bind Strip Quilt - done, though I didn't get a picture before I sent it to its new home.

5. Borders on Crossroads - done and quilted (thanks Judy!). See Below.

My crossroads quilt....

An old WIP....Two Plus Two

And Monkey Business....

That's about all I've gotten done lately....This next week doesn't look all that different, crazy work schedule and teaching all weekend in Thousand Oaks, so I don't know that I will get much done in the next week....but here's the plan...

1. Get Harbored Lighthouse cut out and bagged.

2. Bind Monkey Business and Crossroads

3. Create detailed schedule for Wedding Ring Quilt Along that starts on Saturday.....

So, that's the plan, and we'll catch up next week to see how it goes!

What are you working on this week???