Finish two graduation quilts that a friend and I are working on together. Also to try to learn a little more crochet to make sleeping mat for Haiti.

Oh, maybe a pillow case or two towards the pillowcase project. Then it should be spring and time to be outdoors.

Birthday blocks
Wall hanging challenge
Get machine sent for service
Find snips and finish rag quilt

beverly

Almost mid-month update.....even though I've been laid up for a week.

Mail BD Blocks - In the process
Make more BD swap blocks - One more for a total of 6 done.
Chocolate Stars BOM 12/4 done - Thinking about it.
Finish QSF BOM - All blocks made
Cut sashing & cornerstones-All sashing & cornerstones cut
Finish Wall Hanging Challenge top- getting ready to applique
Work on Uncle JÂs Tie Quilt
Backing on quilt top for Haiti
Backing on Aunt Marty's quilt

I think I put too much on my list.

SharonG/FL

Wallhanging challenge
March BOM applique
various stops and starts on baby quilts
Maybe a panel for GD room

I've challenged myself this year to make 2 mini quilts each month - one for my guild auction and one for AAQI. I got behind in Jan. and didn't finish those two till the end of Feb., then I decided to keep one and my sister wanted the other! I got 2 made at the beginning of March that were the Feb. ones, and one more Jan. one, so for this month I need to make 2 minis for March and one more for Jan. I just started cutting pieces for all 3 of them yesterday.

If I have time after the minis are done, I have a donation top waiting to be quilted, and about 3 dozen other projects either started or purchased and waiting for me to get to them.

:D Donna

TG Linda, "various stops and starts on baby quilts" LOLOLOL....I don't have a problem with this. @:)

Donna, What size do you consider a mini quilt?

deannabsd, How are you coming on the graduation quilts? Great idea to crochet sleeping mats for Haiti! Are you using 2 strands of yarn? Single/double crochet?

Beverly, You can snip, snip when your machine has gone to the clinic. lol

Sharon

Sharon, they are different sizes. The ones for AAQI need to be around 9 X 12 so they will fit in a Priority Mail envelope. Most of mine are 8 x 8 or 9 x 9. The ones for the guild auction can be up to 30" square, so I've been making those a bit bigger...mostly around 18" square.

Donna

Donna, I haven't made any minis for the guild, but I'm planning too. I've never done a mini before!

This month I'm working on...
- the April BOM
- 2 or 3 lotto blocks
- getting a month or so ahead on the birthday blocks
- getting the 'quit as you go' a little further along
- CLEANING UP THE SEWING ROOM (LOL-I think I say this every month!)
- work on the blue/white star quilt as soon as I get the sashing fabric I ordered this morning
- start a quilt for Quilts of Valor Foundation

Kate

I am working on another jelly roll quilt. This one is a log cabin with stars where the blocks are joined.
I also agreed to make something for the monthly mini at guild for December. I found a table runner pattern online and it uses 3 fat quarters. I have selected the fabric and want to make it this month. So, I only have 2 goals for this month...

...finish jelly roll quilt
...make table runner for quilt guild

Linda

I have run into a snag waiting for my last 24 inches of black fabric but should be in next week. My girl friend and I are making two quilts and we like to use the quilted fabric for the back and finding trouble finding that as well---we have become lazy and just eliminate one step (batting)!! We have two months left but had hoped to get them done this month.

As for my crochet-I have done four rows and they are from t-shirts that you cut into strips and I am not really sure if they are single or double crochet--a friend got me started and I just kept going until I ran out of the first shirt!! Hope to get started again. I have been watching a lot of basketball as we have a neighbor that plays for the gophers and also a girl from yankton that plays for the SDSU Jackrabbit women who will be heading for the NCAA tourney!!!

How are all of you doing? Deanna

Donna, Do you have pictures of your mini's? I'd like to see them.

Kate, I'm a few months ahead on the BD blocks, but I'd feel much better if they were all done. I'm leaving a link to a red/white/blue I ran across awhile ago. I really want to make this!

LindaOH, What do you think?....I'm thinking this r/w/b quilt would look good with the star cornerstones.

Deanna, Wow, never thought about using the already quilted fabric for backing. Will have to try that. Do you buy it by the bolt? We've been watching a lot of bsktball, too. Are they starting the bracket thing tonight? I've been disappointed in the Florida teams....except for the Bulls, and I couldn't be happier for them!

Keep on sewing girlfriends......I've been able to sew 30-45 minutes a day, so that's a big wooohooo in my book! Want to work on some applique today.

Sharon

Here is a link that might be useful: Stars Galore

Birthday blocks (March done, working on April)
Wall hanging challenge (about 1/2 done)
Get machine sent for service (waiting to hear from them)
Find snips and finish rag quilt (gave up, gonna order more)

Linda, is this for the "Sparkle" GD? I'm sure it will be wonderful.

beverly

Sharon - I saw that Stars Galore quilt- simply beautiful- is that going to be a Sew Along?
I want to see Mini pics also!!

So far for March - I finished the 12 14" stepping stones blocks for my BOM - PP
(yea! I disliked this part of the project) I copied & cut the pattern for the next PP block & I think selected the fabrics.
I played with the Accuquilt Go - I got it for 40% - a B'day coupon my Pfaff dealer gives for belonging to the Pfaff club. I bought it after I fussy cut 156 2.5" for the stepping stones blocks.
I made June's block for the Lotto (my pick-wanted to make sure it was simple)
I read most of a book by Sally Collins about sharpening your skills and techniques for precision piecing - good book.
I made March's B'day Block - hope to mail it Monday. I would like to get April's B'day block completed.
I shopped & bought fabric for a Quilt of Valor after reading Kate's post. It is washed - not pressed yet. Considering a DNP - since I have never made one. I'd like to be able to use my Accuquilt Go again - see if I like it.
I demo'd a midarm on a quilting frame (yikes!) I want one!!!
I put up a shelf where I sew & straightened up a bit - can't tell, but I can see my cutting table again :)
Listing this, makes me feel productive, because I didn't feel like I got much accomplished.

Sharon, I think your R/W/B would look great with star cornerstones. I finished the top tonight. My jelly roll colors are red, white, blue, green,and gold.
I will post a link to a picture of the pattern. I will get pictures of my quilt this week.
Linda OH

Here is a link that might be useful: Log Cabin Hidden Stars

I'm doing pretty well so far. I'm very close to finishing my BA applique block (I'll post a pic when I'm done). I need to start figuring out what is next. I finished my 2 lotto blocks and will mail them today. I played around with my machine on Sunday trying to figure out the quilting and walking feet. I've not used them before and wanted to practice a little. That quilting foot needs some getting used to! I have a class the end of the month, so hopefully I'll be more comfortable with them to quilt my son's quilt (all pinned and ready to go).

Lind OH, I love that Log Cabin hidden stars quilt. I'll have to add that one to my "to do" list :-)

I love those cornerstone stars!

Well, I had a BIG sewing weekend. We decided to move the exercise equipment out of the sewing room and into a second spare bedroom area of the house we hardly ever used as a guest room. (DH uses the equipment almost daily and I think he was tired of trying to share what had become a very congested room with all my sewing stuff.) Those simple ideas snowballed and so by Sunday evening we had rearranged the sewing room (which is now the second guest room too), the exercise area (not a spot I visit very often!), and our office. We have more room in each spot for the things we do often and it ended up with DH and I each having a room we can call our own. After 34 years I think we've earned it! LOL

I'm excited because I now have room to keep the cutting table open, I was able to move the ironing board next to the sewing table AND I have more accessible storage for fabric. Plus, I gained a comfy sofa/futon where I can sit and do hand sewing or just lounge with the cats & dog or watch TV. When Jim is traveling for business I suspect I'll practically live in this room! I was able to move the old treadle machine into the room too, where it now sits in a place of honor in front of the window (with a cat quilt on top so the kids have a space to sleep in the sun).

Of course, with my new, relatively uncluttered sewing room I HAD to do some sewing too so I did the lotto blocks, a few more blocks for the Quilt as You Go project and started on the valor quilt.

I set up one shelf in the room for Projects I Want to Start Soon, with the fabric where I can easily see it and not forget! On this shelf went the Mt. Fuji scene fabric that I plan to use for a big tote bag and the Retro 1950's Cherry fabrics I plan to use for a lined casserole carrier.

WHAT A GREAT WEEKEND!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kate

Here are the ones I've completed so far this year.

For AAQI:

For my bathroom when we finish remodeling:

For the guild:

This one was supposed to be for the guild, but my sister really, really liked it so I sent it to her:

Donna

Donna, Do I understand correctly? These are like the size of a potholder up to 18"? These are beautiful - and I love the one you sent your sister.
What does AAQI stand for?
Thanks for posting these pictures.

Yes, they are small! The top 2 are 8 or 9" square. AAQI is the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative. They auction donated "Priority Alzheimer's" quilts each month. They need to be small enough to fit in a Priority Mail envelope.

The third one is about 11" square.

The one for my guild is 19" square, I think. 3" blocks.

And the one on the bottom is 18" square. It's a kit from George Siciliano that I started in a class with him. Also 3" blocks (except for the elongated border ones). And there are 37 pieces in each block!

Donna

Donna, they are amazing! Do you make them exactly like a regular sized quilt, with backing and batting and quilting? For the guild is it OK to embellish them with beads?

Kate

Yeah, Kate - I usually make them just like a bigger quilt. Sometimes I birth them instead of binding them.

I think for the guild any embellishments would be great! I was just thinking of adding buttons on some of mine. Go for it! :)

Donna

Donna, Oh Wow!
I looked at the website AAQI (link below if anyone is interested).
Where do you get the patterns? So these are a just like a regular quilt but a teeny miniature version?
Another good charity - thank you.

Here is a link that might be useful: AAQI

The stars are blocks from a Carol Doak book. The bottom one is a George Siciliano pattern, and the 9 patch & crosses are from a book called Traditional Mini Quilts. There are 11 patterns in the book, so my goal for this year is to make 2 of each pattern - one for AAQI and one for my guild. (I stole the idea of making every pattern in the book from a friend in the guild, and she stole it from the movie Julie & Julia!)

But you can use any pattern, just make little blocks! :)

D

Donna, What a neat idea stolen from Julie & Julia! I should get out whatever miniature mags/books I still have and see what's in them......

Kate, You have got to be excited about having your own space!

Lafonda, Good for you.....taking a quilting class!

Deanna, Did the black fabric come in?

Mago, A lot of variations for the D9P. I'm sure your QOV will look fantastic!

Beverly, It's a wonder you get any sewing done with everything else that's going on.

Well, ladies, This whole month has been basically a washout for me and it isn't looking to promising for me to get much more done this month.....Too bad for my Wallhanging Challenge....I was going to try and do it Quilt As You Go. Maybe I can get at least one square done....we'll see.

Sharon

Well, I got them done!

For AAQI (9" square):

And for the guild (19" square):

These also have 3" blocks, and they were a trial! Some really teeny pieces and thick seams.

Donna

Have finished my wallhanging challenge (to be posted at end of March), one baby quilt top and the panel top. Will quilt it when "Sparkle" GD approves. It's very girly.

BOM challenge still in progress. Might miss my deadline as the local quilt show brought many other ideas into my designing head. Hard to think with all that fabric floating around in my brain.

TG/Linda, You can go ahead and post your challenge picture now. No reason to wait unless you want to.

Donna, Your minatures are pretty.

I know I won't be able to get my challenge done, but the 4 blocks are sandwiched and ready to machine applique.

SharonG/FL

Here is a link that might be useful: Post Seasonal Challenge thread

Sharon, Photobucket isn't speaking to me right now so I'll post it whenever things get better.

WOW - March is almost over & I missed this post - of course spring break, getting bronchitis, and snow days added to not being online much!

Donna, your mini quilts are amazing! very impressive!

I have reevaluated February goals & am now more realistic!
1. Queensize UFO wedding quilt - borders & applique done - finish the quilting - I started & it is turning out so nice - I am really excited!!! Binding is cut & ready to attach when the quilting is finished. If I can finish this by Easter I will be a happy quilter!

Sue/polardream

Sue, No problem......I believe family and health come before any kind of quilting goals or challenges that are put up. You still have a week til Easter, so you'll probably get it finished......or really really close. @:)

SharonG/FL.......still stitchin' chickens

Donna, those are fabulous! You have been so very busy.

Sharon, it has gotten worse, I'll e-mail.

Birthday blocks (March done, working on April)
Wall hanging challenge (DONE)
Get machine sent for service (waiting to hear from them)
Find snips and finish rag quilt (Almost done)

Extras:
Baby quilt finished
Another quilt (the last one from Sharon) loaded in the frame
6 Blocks each for QOV and Project Linus on another forum

beverly

March is winding down....everyone take a deep breath cause April will soon be here and we can start with a clean slate.
Here's my update:

Mail BD Blocks - DONE
Make more BD swap blocks - have 6 done
Chocolate Stars BOM have 5 done
Finish QSF BOM - DONE and is now a top
Finish Wall Hanging Challenge top - 3 blocks done
Work on Uncle JÂs Tie Quilt
Backing on quilt top for Haiti - DONE
Backing on Aunt Marty's quilt - carry over to April

One of my goals for the year is to complete (or find a home for) at least one UFO quilt top a month. I'm ahead of schedule as I've completed 3 and have found good homes for 2....puts a smile on my face. @:)

SharonG/FL

I am in awe of the miniatures! Wow ~~~ ms meow - I imagine these take much patience and a steady hand to work on these.

I just reread my March 14th post - didn't even think I posted in March goals- good thing, because I was thinking I did not accomplish goals - but I did way more sewing than I thought I did! Yippee -

In addition I also:
Made April's B'day block - need to mail.
I made 2 D9P Tops (is that the correct reference?):
Qof V - needs border - I found an appropriate, soft backing - bought it and got it washed.
The other D9P for a little girl (great niece) also needs border.

I see why the D9P are the go - to for fast tops. I spent more time shopping for the fabric than actual sewing. I also used both these 'oh so easy tops' to use the tips I read in Sally Collins' book on Precision Piecing - the simplicity and basic D9P are perfect to practice her techniques & tips and establish good habits for perfect matching and points. Yes - perfection is always a goal for me - makes me happy :)

I really want to explore the different layouts (Sharon - a long time ago, I bookmarked your Butterfly D9P before I 'knew' you - I was cleaning up my bookmarks /computer and opened your pic & album & thought this all looks familiar ~LOL~ and it was yours!! I said outloud "I know her!!!! DH is saying Who? what are you talking about???)

I still have tomorrow to make March's BOM -PP .....maybe - I have 2 sections made, if not - it is like housework it will wait for me~LOL

I finished one more mini quilt which catches me up with 3 each for AAQI and my guild:

Saturday I'm planning to start quilting a donation quilt I've had in the closet for a long time...didn't want to get it out with construction dust from the BR floating around, but the BR is officially finished now so I don't have any more excuses! :)

Donna

So how small are the flower pieces?
Really pretty!

I can't even begin to tell you how frustrated I am! The queen quilt I'm working on has come to an ABRUPT HALT! My beloved Pfaff has stopped sticthing ... actually it sticthes, they just don't stay together. Tensions are off and as much as I love my machine, it is not an easy thing to adjust (imho). Dropped it off at the dealer today and it will be at least 2 weeks before they will get it back to me! so much for those March goals .... And I have Friday & Monday off from work! maybe a shopping trip for a second machine is in order???
Sue/polardream

Oh no, Sue! I would be lost without my machine for 2 weeks. I'm so sorry!

Kate

Sue, That's a definite sign you need a second machine! Get going girl! You'd think the dealers would have machines to use while they are making repairs. Maybe we should contact Enterprise to add rental sewing machines to their stock.

Sharon

Sue, that's just one more argument for another machine. You might also want to get a treadle while you're at it in case of power failures.

My goals went to pot altogether but I do have a nice pergola built outside with just a few rafters to go. I also have more posts to put in for the footbridge. But, other than that, not much going on.

My BOM is about half done and I have a little panel I'll be turning into a wallhanging now that GD has blessed it. But, my April goals will have to include a "poodle skirt". She wants a half slip like we wore years ago to hold out our skirts. Can't even remember what we called them. So, my goals change from day to day. Life is never dull.

Looking forward to April, Sharon.

2 goals for this month...

...finish jelly roll quilt -- DONE
...make table runner for quilt guild--- DONE

I also made the table runner for April, quilted the jelly roll quilt, and quilted 4 table runners.

Linda OH

Linda, sounds like you have a nice addition even if it isn't a quilt! poodle skirt & a crinoline! how fun.

Think I'll skip the treadle ... but I agree Sharon, you would think our machine dealers would have rentals ... If I start to look for a second machine I don't even know where to begin! (Something with loads fewer bells & whistles)

I did manage to scrapbook 12 pages tonight since no machine so all was not lost!
Happy sewing,
Sue