52 lists in 52 weeks//week 52 :: The Finale

Shocking but true. I've been at this list-making project for one whole year. Kellie of get the words out started it, and for the most part, I have really enjoyed it. I even have a few followers who, if nothing else, faithfully read my lists. So, it'll be kind of weird without them, random though they've been.

So . . . without further ado . . . 
List 52 (the last one): Things I am currently obsessing over.

Rather than think of obsession as uncontrollable fascination, I'm going with the 'persistent idea' definition, ie. stuff that's on my mind.

If you're interested in seeing a compilation of the list topics, you'll find it here, and if you'd like to see my year in lists, look here. Thanks much for following along.

Linking up with 52 lists in 52 weeks.

A Reveal and 52 lists in 52 weeks//week 51

In addition to receiving my pouch in the FAITH Circle pouch swap yesterday, I found out that my secret partner, Melissa, also received the one I made her. So now for the reveal . . .

Melissa's inspiration mosaic had alot of rainbow bits in it, so that's where I started. Other details I wanted to incorporate were an inside pocket, a contrasting zip, and a flat bottom.

Elizabeth Hartman's "Perfect Zip Bags" pattern had several of the design features I wanted, and it was fun to try a new pattern. I made a Style C bag using Stone Quilter's Linen as the main body of the bag. And then there was the rainbow wave that I mimicked from Melissa's mosaic. The thread for topstitching is my old favorite King Tut "Jacob's Coat".

I finished it off with a loopy rainbow handle, really having enjoyed just creating as I went.

On to this week's list - the next-to-last one!
List 51: Wouldn't it be cool if.....

Very cool indeed.

52 lists in 52 weeks//weeks 49 & 50 and another do.Good Finish

There are two week's of lists to share today, but I don't want to bore you to tears. So we'll have a little quilty "commercial" between them and show off a brand new finish by the FAITH circle of do.Good Stitches.

List 49: 5 things I know at 25
Ok, so I was 25 like 30 years ago . . . It didn't take me long mulling over this assignment before it dawned on me - rather than trying to remember what I knew at 25, how about listing what I know at 56. So here are 5 things:

1. Feeling 'in love' is great, but committing to love makes it last.
2. There are always new things to discover, to learn, to master.
3. It's true that time heals, even though nothing is ever the same again.
4. Sometimes it's hard to face life's next stage, but delight can be found at each new turn.
5. Riding on a merry-go-round is as fun at 56 as it was at 6.

The latest finish for the FAITH circle was a butterfly quilt finished by Des of Taffy Talk. Each member of the circle contributed four butterfly blocks using this tutorial. Here are the blocks I sent in:

 

And here is Des's beautiful finish!

The colors are so fun together and I love the quilting she did and the scalloped edges. So fun!

Click on either photo to see more in Des' photostream

And now for the next list . . .

List 50: 10 things I learned from my mom

1. "do unto others as you would have them do unto you"
2. how to set a proper place setting at the table
3. help your kids do their chores; "do it with them"
4. writing thank you notes
5. how to sew on a button
6. love no matter what
7. how to be a nurturer
8. how to hoola hoop
9. that catching hail in a bucket is fun
10. all about prayer

Only two weeks left in the 52 lists in 52 weeks project!  If you have a chance, check out some entries at the Bloggers' Quilt Festival! I'm still hoping to get my current project bound up before the deadline!

52 lists in 52 weeks//week 48 and a do.Good Finish

This week's list is to pick someone close to you to write sweet things about. With Mother's Day right around the corner, it was pretty obvious who I wanted to write about. There's no way to write a comprehensive list about my love for my mom, but here's a start! {xo}

I'd also like to show off the November quilt from the FAITH circle of do.Good Stitches! It's made up of 16 1/2" Modified Bento Box blocks, which were quartered and rotated throughout the quilt. Here's the blocks I sent in . . .

And here's the finish!

Debbie (Blue.Ridge.Girl on flickr) finished up this quilt, and the recipient was her teenage cousin who experienced a devastating spinal injury. I was really pleased to be a part of this quilt that will hopefully be a comfort and an encouragement.

52 lists in 52 weeks//week 47 and Other Stuff

List 47: Things I've learned from my job:

• knowing others believe in you is a huge motivator
• working as a team is as frustrating as it is satisfying
• everyone deserves respect
• kindness is key
• all means all
• with the right encouragement, you're usually capable of more than you think

Guess I don't really feel like elaborating on work much, but it's been a good place to stretch myself, and I've grown alot there.

Meanwhile on to a fun, unexpected swap . . . Amy of Amy Made That! commented on my stamped fabric on my zakka pincushion post the other day, and before we knew it, we'd agreed on a swap ~ my leftover stamped linen strips for a couple of her fabric key fobs. How fun is that? We both received our goods today and agree it was a good trade! Thanks, Amy!

When I ordered the charcoal and tangerine for my 4x5 block quilt this week, I also stocked up on thread, and splurged on a "Bits & Pieces Scrap Bag PRINTS". It was quite a value for over 3 yards of "the good stuff", and though it appears they sold out quickly, I thought I'd show you anyway, as I think Pink Chalk Fabrics makes these up fairly regularly. I don't know what alot of them are, but they're still a pretty fun mix.

Last, I'm pretty excited to be dropping in on a book signing and trunk show tomorrow. The guest of honor will be Katie Pederson of Sew Katie Did, co-author of Quilting Modern along with Jacquie of Tall Grass Prairie Studio. Katie will also be demonstrating the ‘stitch and flip triangle’ technique featured in the book. Fun stuff.

The real reason I'm anxious to get my hands on the book is because it was from Jacquie that I was first exposed to "modern" quilting. And it was in a class with Katie where my limited world of hst was expanded. So they are both definitely part of my quilting journey, and I'm excited to share in their joint venture.

52 lists in 52 weeks//week 46 and Some Randomosity

This week's list makes me a little uneasy: List what you'd do with an enormous amount of money. I live comfortably, and have never really had the ambition to be rich, though by the world's standards, of course I am. But in the spirit of the list project, I'll play along. So in no particular order:

A new car - probably a hybrid, leather interior would be nice, and a sun roof. *** A new house or remodelling on our current one - it's a regular debate. *** Travel - continental and abroad. Just about anywhere. But not the moon. *** Donate to good causes - wells for clean water, cures for diseases. Totally. *** A professionally landscaped yard. *** Gifts for my family - their choice! Wouldn't that be fun?

Now for some random odds and ends . . .

I thought this discussion about the difference between patterns and tutorials was interesting.

Pretty sure I won't be able to fit in the Patchwork Prism QAL, but this is sure one awesome quilt!

You've probably been hearing about PicMonkey, a new "feature-rich, free online photo editor that works right in your browser". Personally, I'm impressed. Being a novice at Photoshop, I found PicMonkey really easy and fun to use. Curious what you think if you've had a chance to dabble with it.

And in project updates, I've managed to piece all the rows of Hopscotch, and have just two more seams left to stitch those rows together. Whew!

52 lists in 52 weeks//week 45 and a Glimpse

Ok, all of you - I need your help! The current week's list assignment is: "A list of kid sayings." Those cute little kid sayings from my own home are a distant memory, and precious grandgirl is still working on simple words and phrases, the likes of "more" and "oh, shoes". So here, in the comments, leave us some touching, some funny - whatever you've got. Help me with my list!

As a thank you, another glimpse of my current project in stained glass mode . . .

52 lists in 52 weeks//week 44 and Other Such Randomness

This week's list assignment actually is quite helpful!

In April I want to.....

As to other randomness . . . 

I love when website names tell you exactly what you're looking for. (ie. I bought hubcaps once from www.ineedahubcap.com. Serious.) Anyway, when cleaning out my magazine rack last weekend, I was thumbing through one and noticed http://www.heatpressbattingtogether.com/ and had to check it out. Has anyone tried this product?? Inquiring minds want to know. . .

And if you're participating in the Zakka Style Sew-Along, or even just bought the book for future use, be sure to note the errata list referenced on flickr today . . .

I was so excited to come across this block, which was the inspiration for my scrappy depression blocks! Now I can properly give credit to Ryan Walsh, of Ryan Walsh Quilts.

1. Buzz Cuts for Andrea

Have you been following the Fat Quarterly Modern Madness 2012?? Starting with 64 of quilty blogland's favorite fabrics, it's down to Ruby by Bonnie & Camille for Moda Fabrics and Echo by Lotta Jansdotter for Windham Fabrics. Wow! There's been several rounds when I was pretty surprised by the results! There's still time to vote!

And lastly, in the spirit of full reveal and all, if it seems that I made alot of blocks for March's Modern Blocks Bee, that's because I {somehow, crazily} made my initial blocks with the wrong background! I just couldn't sleep until I made up a new block and sent it off. (Not totally true, but it did really bother me!) 

"Pathways" designed by Weeks Ringle & Bill Kerr

Enough randomness for one day - better get back to marking things off my list!

52 lists in 52 weeks//week 43 and So Forth

Boy, if I ever needed a list, this one's it!

List 43: What's on your declutter list?

I've been meaning to do this for weeks, and have barely started. (I sorted out the spice rack and cleaned the fridge. Gotta start somewhere!) Kellie of getthewordsout, the originator of the '52 lists in 52 weeks' project, has some links on her blog about decluttering. You might want to check them out here. I actually went to Pinterest and just typed in 'declutter' and got all sorts of interesting info, including this site - Happy Clippings. I got a chuckle from the byline on the pin: "How To Declutter in 30 minutes a Day. Now get off the computer and do it!" Uh, yeah. That would be good advice!

Anyway, here's a list I jotted down without trying too hard - all worthy goals, ha. 

1. Magazine rack in family room has months of magazines that need gone through.
2. Fabric stash in sewing room needs tidied - it's controlled chaos and even a little time here would help.
3. Stacks of cookbooks around the house need corralled.
4. Main food cupboard in kitchen needs a reorg.
5. All kitchen drawers need a reorg also.
6. Laundry room counter - yikes!
7. Under my side of the bed is a mess of books and magazines that I mean to read but probably won't.
8. Recipe clippings have overgrown their space and need entered in my MasterCook database or tossed.
9. Spring cleaning time in my closet and dresser drawers.
10. Front of fridge needs freshened up.
11. Plastic bags need to be recycled.
12. Gift wrap shelf is a mess.

Since I know you love photos, here's a quick peek at what went on in the sewing room last night . . . nothing major, but fun nonetheless.

 "Pathways" designed by Weeks Ringle & Bill Kerr from Modern Blocks

My first two "Hopscotch" blocks! I'm working with rulers (thanks Sharon!)

rather than templates, and cutting my own "jelly roll" strips which is working just fine.

And a surprise from Toni! Wow! My count is up to 22 now! Thanks, girl!

52 lists in 52 weeks//week 42 Etcetera

12 things I've learned so far in 2012:
(or at least they've been reinforced!)

1. sometimes change is good
2. rescheduling a haircut too many times catches up with you
3. mixing and matching fabric for a project feels good
4. personal style changes over time
5. grief lingers 
6. every year, it's harder and harder to stay in shape
7. machine quilting is kinda fun
8. hugs from a grandgirl makes any day great 
9. it's amazing how satisfying a square of dark chocolate can be
10. starching hasn't impressed me yet
11. having an office to oneself feels luxurious 
12. encouraging newbies is very gratifying

What I'm working on . . .

Did you notice the new Festival of Half Square Triangles announced by Canoe Ridge Creations starting April 2? Definitely worth a glance - see details here.

And Lindsey of LRstitched and Sukie of Don't you know who I am? are cohosting a Zakka Style Sew-Along also beginning April 2! {see details here} My copy of Zakka Style is on its way, and I'm hoping to sew along at least a few of the projects.

I don't think April is going to be boring!

52 lists in 52 weeks//week 41 and FNSI

First, the list for this week . . .

Fours:
1. four places I've visited - Grand Tetons National Park, Crater Lake, Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater, Cinque Terre

2. four things I wish (maybe) I could get paid to do for a living - quiltyness, sight-seeing, something in the food industry, computerese

3. four things I am looking forward to - shopping at the new Whole Foods in our town once the Grand Opening crowd has disapated, settling into my new job, the next time we get to babysit grandgirl, teaching a newbie about quilting

4. four people who inspire me the most - hubby, daughter, son, mom

. . . and second, reporting in from Friday Night Sew-In. I didn't pick the quickest block in the book by any means, but do have two more 4x5 blocks to show for myself.

Four down, one to go!

52 lists in 52 weeks//weeks 39 & 40

52 lists in 52 weeks//week 38 and A Tiny Bag

Since making the largest drawstring bag from Jeni's pattern, I've been wanting to try some of the other sizes. (You can purchase the pattern here, though one size is offered as a tutorial here.) I decided to do double duty, and make it in all solids as my small project for my partner in the For the Love of Solids swap. Funny thing, with the pieced front, it took as long to make as the big bag {here}! And I realized after I finished that the cute ties aren't really solid, now are they?

52 lists in 52 weeks//week 37 and A Winner

I've seen lists like these around blog-land, so I was kind of excited to see this week's list assignment.

currently:

listening: morning silence
eating: too early, but soon - a glass of V8 & some fresh mozzarella
drinking: double sugar-free vanilla nonfat latte in my "Good Morning" mug
wearing: my slippers & jammies & my granny's flannel jacket
feeling: sleepy but waking up
weather: dark & chilly 38-degrees
wanting: a slow morning at home
needing: to go get ready for work
thinking: thankful
enjoying: reading quilty blogs

A change in focus - I just read through the link-ups to yesterday's Tuesday at the Table post,enjoying the treats and projects, and touched by the stories . . . I have randomly chosen a winner:

And it's Hueisei of Love is Sew it! She lives in Malaysia(!) and created this fun little mug rug for her husband for Valentine's Day!

Source: loveitsewit.blogspot.com via Debbie on Pinterest

Congratulations, Hueisei! I'll go order your gift certificate, which will come to you via email!

Thank you all for linking up and celebrating the day with me! I hope you'll consider linking up again soon and sharing from your table!

52 lists in 52 weeks//week 36 and Some Favs

The 52 lists in 52 weeks assignment this week is "My goals for February." Yikes. I'm kind of living day to day lately, so my list is short and sweet.

*write the house 'to do' list I mentioned in this post*
*get organized at work for an upcoming transition*
*finish "Wild Thing", FTLOS2 (need to come up with a small item too), and my scrappy depression block quilt and figure out this round's 4x5 block*
*set a date with a friend to celebrate our "same month" birthdays*
*sewing time with daughter dear*

Meanwhile I thought I'd share some of my current favorite projects out there in blog-land. Truly fun and inspiring, in my humble opinion!

Awesome, yes?? I'm impressed!

52 lists in 52 weeks//week 35 and Another Star

When Kellie at get the words out posted her list for this week, I kinda went, "Oh no." Our list assignment is "People I would love to meet." Honestly, I don't know who most of the people on her list are! {so oblivious} Anyway, I'm not really into meeting famous people. I like the idea, but when I've had the chance, I've gotten all nervous and tongue-tied. (Of course, the most famous people I've met are Alton Brown, the Pioneer Woman, and Rick Steves, plus a handful of Seattle chefs.) Anyway, my list is short, and in alphabetical order - Heather, Leanne, Lindsey, Marci, Nicole, Susan, and Toni. There are others, but meeting those women would be a pretty big deal.

The Solstice Star Series by Faith of Fresh Lemon Quilts has been really enjoyable, and I make block #3 last night, again with my DS blues and greens.

Here's my first three blocks all together . . .

And just a reminder - today's the last chance to comment on my One Year post and enter the give-away for some of Malka Dubrasky's new fabric. You can find the post here. I'll be back tonight to choose the winner!

52 lists in 52 weeks//week 34 and a Whirling Star

In addition to this week's list, I got star #2 in the Solstice Stars Series done last night. The Whirling Star is, uh, paper-pieced. Not my speciality, and I pieced it with about 30% of the seams being ripped out and stitched again (operator error!). I'm not super happy with the fabrics I chose to use together, mostly due to the last of contrast in the center "cones". But it looks good with the Ribbon Star from last week, so all's shining bright.

52 lists in 52 weeks//week 33 and The Weather

This week's list is right up my alley! Recipes I need to make . . .

Meatloaf 
Source: thepioneerwoman.com via Tara on Pinterest

Penne with Roasted Asparagus and Balsamic Butter 
Source: foodandwine.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Crisp Flatbreads with Honey, Thyme and Sea Salt 

Source: smittenkitchen.com via OrangeOnOrange on Pinterest

Lasagne Soup 
Source: afarmgirlsdabbles.com via Nikki on Pinterest

Curried Lentil Soup

Source: eat-drink-smile.com via Debbie on Pinterest

(while working on this post I actually made this one and it's a keeper!)

And since I've had some requests for pics of our Pacific Northwest weather . . .

I know it doesn't look like much, but 'we' aren't used to the ice and cold temps, and with our hilly landscape, things get dangerous fast. The roads are ice rinks, there are power outages, and apparently the Governor has declared a state of emergency. Meanwhile it's snowing {again}. 

52 lists in 52 weeks//week 32 and Some Modern Day Quilts

So there's this week's list. And in catching up on my blogs this morning, I see that Modern Day Quilts is one today. If you are interested in seeing a bunch o'great modern quilts, take a peek at the archive here! I confess it's great to see some of my friends' quilts posted there and, um, one of mine. Oh, and speaking of birthdays, be sure and wish a happy one to Susan of The History Quilter. She posted such a precious post this morning. Wishing her the best.