2013 Finish-A-Long: Q1 Finishes

There's always a hopeful sort of feeling when one posts a new Finish-A-Long list, as I did just three short months ago. And I'm more than pleased to be able to report that I finished my list!

Mod Crosses - The blocks for this quilt were all done when the quarter started, but I was short on time to get the rows together before an appointment with the long-arm quilter. Thankfully I made it and was super pleased with the finished quilt, and hubby and I took it out for a fun photo-shoot.

Quiet Book - This project was intended as a Christmas gift for grandgirl, but the details took longer than I anticipated. At least she enjoyed it when I finally finished it.

Merry Stocking - Another belated Christmas item, but at least it's ready for Christmas 2013.

Scrappy Trip - On a whim I joined this sew-along on Instagram, and maybe even due to its impromptu nature, I thoroughly enjoyed putting these blocks together straight from the scrap bin.

Mod Angles Cushion - This was one of those finishes that really made no sense to have dawdled on so long. The blocks were already made, and once I sat down to stitch them together, it was a quick finish. And the quilting on this one was immensely satisfying. {tutorial here}

So that's it for this quarter - time to start pulling together a new list!

Linking up with Q1 post quarter link up at shecanquilt.

#scrappytripalong

Desperate times call for desperate measures. And there was no guarantee that the sun predicted for my work day would last till my day off or even that evening. So I took my camera and my finished Scrappy Trip quilt to work, and on my lunch break, took a saunter around the building.

The #scrappytripalong on Instagram is totally responsible for me making this quilt in the first place. I had already had in my mind that I'd like to lower the level of my scrap bin this year, so when I saw these scrappy trips start popping up, I jumped right on the wagon and made my first block January 1.

 

I love quilt patterns where every block is like a new discovery - and as more and more blocks were added, it just kept getting better and better. The tutorial for the block is here, and seriously, this block is fun, easy, and dare I even say relatively quick.

After the first couple of blocks were pulled pretty randomly from my scrap basket, I started getting comments on folks liking the palette, so I went with it. The one constant was a gray print down the center of every block, which later influenced the gray metro circle backing and the scrappy gray binding.

When it came time to quilt, I really wanted to try something new-to-me, and settled on the orange peel. See this post by The Girl Who Quilts for some good pics and tips. I used white Aurifil 40wt 50wt thread, my go-to for piecing and quilting both. Now here's where this quilt took an odd little side-trip. I started the orange peel with my free-motion foot, and had serious trouble keeping control. So considering the curves were quite large (6"), I switched to my walking foot, but that really did not work for me either. SO {lightbulb!} I put my fm foot back on, and roughly marked a row's worth of curves with my hera marker. Bingo. That was just the bit of guidance I needed to stay on track. After a few rows of doing that, I was able to stitch the peels without any markings. Progress for sure. Shortly into quilting this one I decided it was fine to have it be a learning piece, so you'll see some peels that are near-perfect, and others that are decidedly not. But it's a journey, and I feel great about taking another step on mine.

Linking up with Fabric Tuesday. This quilt was on my FAL Q1 list!

W.i.P. Wednesday

This last week I have been focused on two projects only - my Scrappy Trip Along quilt and my entry for the Emerald Challenge. One is done now and one nearly - I hope to post about them each separately over the new few days.

Completed projects
Scrappy Trip Along - I'll tell more about it in the reveal post but I tried a new-to-me quilting pattern on this quilt, love the look, and hopefully will be perfecting it on future quilts.

This quilt is so cheerful, and I love the unique color theme that grew out of the scrap basket.

Ongoing projects
Emerald mini/placemats - This project is nearly done! Using pretty simple blocks, I've tried to add interest with bold colored prints, quilting and thread, and binding. Anxious to be using these on my dining table soon.

x and + blocks {#xplusalong} - This is next up on the scrappy quilt list! I counted 40 completed blocks (badskirt's original 8" unfinished blocks), and 8 more cut out ready to sew. Unfortunately I estimate I need 30 more than that to make a good-size lap. So this will take a bit.

Woodland cross-stitch sampler - no progress.

Upcoming projects
* pin cushion custom order
* flannel pillow for grandgirl
* table topper for mom
* March bee blocks
* March's Lucky Star block
* February's FAITH circle quilt
* Doodle Memory Game
* scrappy Metrolink - still debating
* Polaroid block projects

Linking up with W.i.P. Wednesday.

W.i.P. Wednesday

Thanks to a fun-filled, sew-till-you-fall-asleep quilting retreat last weekend, I have plenty to show for myself, which actually feels very very good. Mostly littles, but still . . .

Completed projects
Merry - Hubby's Christmas stocking may be late in coming, but worth the wait. I posted it here.

Sweet Heart purses - This project was timely and fun, a quick tutorial by Simple Things. So fun in fact, I made a second.

Open Wide Zippered Pouch - Again, after making my first . . .

I couldn't resist making another. Very fun indeed.

Mod Angles cushion - If this looks kind of familiar, it's because I made it with my Chicopee practice blocks from the tutorial I wrote back in October. The hst blocks were inspired by don't call me betsy's Double Flip HSTs tutorial.

Ongoing projects

Scrappy Trip Along - I'm SO excited I got my blocks all pieced into a top. The backing should arrive any day, so I hope to get quilting on this shortly.

Emerald mini/placemats - These two projects may have merged and become one. TBD. Meanwhile, I'm piecing blocks - 3 1/2", 6 1/2" and 9 1/2".

x and + blocks {#xplusalong} - I managed to get 12 blocks done and have 12 more ready to stitch up.

Woodland cross-stitch sampler and Modern Crosses quilt - no progress.

Upcoming projects
* flannel pillow for grandgirl
* table topper for mom
* scrappy Metrolink
* Polaroid block projects

Linking up with W.i.P. Wednesday.

Another Look

When I showed off my Scrappy Trip Along blocks on W.i.P. Wednesday, I shared a pic taken at night in my sewing room. So today, still with design wall peeking through between blocks, some blocks on the floor because they wouldn't fit, and some literally hanging off the corner of the wall . . . I at least got a picture with some natural light.

And then, what I also wanted to see was how the value distribution looked in a black and white picture.

I see a couple of placement switches are in order, but overall, it doesn't look half bad. 

My schedule has me away from my machine this weekend, but I'm anxious to get these blocks sewn together. It's been such an enjoyable trip.

Linking up with Fabric Tuesday.

W.i.P. Wednesday

The last week has been a teeter-totter, the 'up' an unexpectedly delightful revisit to paper piecing, and the 'down' being some cross-stitch confusion. The constant pleasure has been my #scrappytripalong! The more blocks I've done, the more I love it, and I am so excited to move on to the #xand+along in February.

Completed projects
Lucky Stars BOM - I was able to complete both the practice block + January's block. These were great fun and I can't wait for the next one! Plus I'm really happy to have gone the 6 1/2" route and with the fabrics I've chosen.

Ongoing projects
Woodland cross-stitch sampler - Whew! After much encouragement, I have finally begun stitching!

Modern Crosses - This quilt's at the long-armer's. I might even have pics to share soon, and better yet, should have this back by week's end!

Quiet Book - I have made real progress on this project! Can't say it's the most fun I've ever had, but I'm on the downhill stretch. Just have had a few 'issues' along the way, and there's lots of fiddly pieces to deal with.

Scrappy Trip Along - This one may be the most fun I've ever had! The 30 blocks are done! There's not enough room on the design wall to show them all off, but I can live with that. There will be another row along both the side and the bottom (5 blocks x 6 blocks). I don't expect to be overly thoughtful about block placement for the final layout, so hopefully the top will go together fairly quickly.

Triple-Zip Pouch - The 3ZAL officially starts Monday, January 28. Meanwhile, fabric and zip choices have begun to pop up in the flickr group. Here's mine:

Upcoming projects
* Hubby's Christmas stocking - no progress yet
* Binding for Mod Cross quilt
* plan for FAITH Circle's February quilt
* Emerald mini
* Mod Angles cushion
* flannel pillow for grandgirl
* table topper for mom
* scrappy Metrolink
* x and + blocks {#xplusalong}
* Polaroid block projects
* placemats

Linking up with W.i.P. Wednesday.

W.i.P. Wednesday

It's been an enjoyable week working on the Triple-Zip Along, which is shaping up to be a really good time. That and working my way down my list, and still finding time for the unexpected.

Completed projects
Bee blocks - It's a relief to have these done and mailed off, but definitely fun while they lasted!

Kindle cover - You're right if you're thinking, "I didn't notice this on her list before!" But it has been on my mind. It totally deserved its own post, but since I can't stop looking at it for the record, I'll share it here again.

Ongoing projects
Modern Crosses quilt - This one, as big as she is, earned a ride on a long-arm . . . hope to see her again before long.

Quiet Book - Not quite done, but I've been working on it. Here's a peek at one page I finished this week.

Scrappy Trip Along - Like many others, this is really all I can think about. 12/30 blocks done, 8 more are strip-pieced, the remaining strips cut and sorted. And it just keeps getting better.

Hubby's Christmas stocking - no progress. No offense hubby! ;-)

Upcoming projects
* Binding for Mod Cross quilt
* Lucky Stars BOM - practice block + January block
* Woodland cross-stitch sampler - supplies arrived!
* plan for FAITH Circle's February quilt - it's in my head
* Emerald mini
* Mod Angles cushion
* flannel pillow for grandgirl
* table topper for mom
* scrappy Metrolink
* x and + blocks {#xplusalong}
* Polaroid block projects
* placemats

Linking up with W.i.P. Wednesday.

W.i.P. Wednesday

The pending report on my Finish-A-Long list for 4th quarter was motivation enough to get me going this last week. Good thing. I feel pretty great about what I've gotten accomplished!

And something to look forward to! A Triple-Zip Along is coming soon! You may already be plenty involved in monthly, quarterly, and yearly groups. But this sew along will be just a few weeks long, making a project that will take just a couple hours of your time {a Triple-Zip Pouch!}. What could be better? I'll be posting more details before long, but meanwhile you can join the Triple-Zip Along flickr group, where the most detailed and up-to-date info will always be! Hope you can join in!

Meanwhile, about those projects . . .

Completed projects

Binary - I managed to finish this FAL quilt just in the nick of time! Full post here.

Ongoing projects

Modern Crosses quilt - Even I can't believe I was still piecing blocks last Wednesday. As of today, the top (98" square!) is pieced, as is the back, and will be hooking up with the long arm quilter yet this week. (yay)

Scrappy Trip Along - I've shown real restraint not moving too far forward on this one before dealing with the projects above. So as a reward, I cut more strips and pieced another couple of blocks.

Quiet Book and stocking - no progress, but soon.

Upcoming projects - yeah I put pretty much everything I could think of on the list here. Hope to get those bee blocks started over the week end . . .
* Binding for Mod Cross quilt

* FAITH Circle January "Sparkle" blocks (2)

* That Stash Bee's January "Birds in the Air" blocks (2) + siggy block

* Lucky Stars BOM - practice block + January block

* Always Bee Learning Bee - herringbone block + improv block

* Mid Century Modern Bee - churn dash block + siggy block
* Modern Blocks Bee January"Piece of the Garden" block

* Woodland cross-stitch sampler (waiting for supplies)

* plan for FAITH Circle's February quilt

* Emerald mini

* Mod Angles cushion

* flannel pillow for grandgirl

* table topper for mom

* scrappy Metrolink

* x and + blocks

* Polaroid block projects

* placemats

Linking up with W.i.P. Wednesday.

2013 Finish-A-Long: Q1 List

It's time to link up with Leanne/shecanquilt and the new year's Finish-A-Long! If you've stopped by A Quilter's Table anytime recently, you've seen most of these projects, but they are nonetheless at the top of my first quarter to-do list.

Modern Crosses - The 60 blocks for this quilt are done! Now to piece rows together. Hopefully it will be handed off to my longarmer this week. I plan to make the scrappy binding while it's away.

Quiet Book - Since this was officially a Christmas present for grandgirl, I want to finish it pronto and get it back in her sweet little hands.

Christmas Stocking - Hubby said, "You've got a whole year to get it done." And I replied, "No, it's going on the 'to-do-asap' list, so it's ready for Christmas 2013!

Scrappy Trip Along - A month ago, this quilt was not even a twinkle in my eye, but today, it's all I want to do, and as soon as I deal with the above projects, it's all holds back on this one. Two blocks done, and I'm working on cutting strips . . .

Mod Angles Cushion - When I made the original Mod Angles Cushion, I first made some practice blocks. They are too pretty not to use.

So there's my list - hopefully manageable, as you never know what else will come up to tempt and motivate!

Linking up with the 2013 Finish-A-Long, Quarter 1!

So Much Randomness

It's been one of those weeks where I've had to make choices. When I've had a free moment, do I answer email, scroll through my reader, or actually sew! I've usually chosen option one or three, so I am waaaay behind on blog reading. But I did catch the exciting news that Leanne/shecanquilt is taking over the helm of the Finish-A-Long that Rhonda/quilter in the gap has been spearheading. The FAL has been a huge motivator for me, so I definitely will be participating again in 2013.

As part of the FAL, there was a really good article posted today, "Start the New Year without the WIP Guilt." It's by Kelly of blue bird Sews, and is thoughtfully written, motivating yet practical. I strongly advise you to go read it and I'd love to hear your thoughts.

I also caught that Camille Roskelley has published five new patterns (I really enjoyed her Swoon and Hopscotch!) and I'm especially fond of fireworks.

Source: camilleroskelley.typepad.com via Debbie on Pinterest

And another thing I saw on her post was a new pre-cut from Moda, Honeycomb. Now I'm not a huge hexie user, but I know alot of you are, and these do look pretty fun in Camille's new "happy-go-lucky"!

Source: camilleroskelley.typepad.com via Camille on Pinterest

Meanwhile, over on Instagram, it's been all about the #scrappytripalong, or in other words, the Scrappy Trip Along! It's like one day (December 29 according to i'm a ginger monkey) there was one or two scrappy trip around the world blocks, and next thing I knew, they were in every other post! I have serious scrap issues, and had already planned some scrap reduction for January (specifically Metrolink), but gee whiz, I couldn't resist! I'm being loyal to a few wips I really want to finish, but have also managed to make two #scrappytripalong blocks so far.

I kind of sense I have more than enough scraps for both quilts and may just work on piecing them simultaneously as I cut up my scraps. We'll see. Meanwhile, consider joining in! And btw, I enjoyed Megan/lucy and norman's post about the #scrappytripalong - she gives lots of details and pics of her lovely blocks!

There's also a Scrappy Swoon Quilt Along starting up with Hopeful Homemaker. I'll for sure at least be watching this one - isn't it fun?

Source: hopefulhomemaker.com via Hopeful on Pinterest

One last little thing for today - a sneak peek of my Binary quilt - one of the {FAL} wips mentioned above. Just finished binding it tonight and put it in for a quick wash. So it's all crinkly and finished. Hope to get some real pics tomorrow, as time is running out!

Linking up with Really Random Thursday.

W.i.P. Wednesday

In lieu of a W.i.P. Wednesday post last week, I shared about several small finishes. Since Christmas, the little time I've had in the sewing room has mostly been spent on a few wips that I really want to finish before moving ahead.

Ongoing projects

Quiet Book - This was my Christmas gift to grandgirl, though it was only half done. So I'm working on finishing the remaining pages. It's very like one I made for her mommy years ago.

Binary - I've pulled together the blocks from my month with the Modern Blocks Bee. I'd had no big plan for these blocks, so basically just want to get them sewn into a small quilt. Hope to be able to call this a finish by week's end.

A stocking for hubby - It was crazy to start this so late in the game, but I do want to finish it so it's ready for next year.

Modern Crosses quilt - I'm embarrassed this isn't already done, and shame on me for setting it aside. But Christmas is over, and it's high on my list!

Scrappy Trip Along - I didn't mean to do it. I mean really, I have the above wips I really want to finish! Call it peer pressure . . . curiosity . . . nostalgia. Block one is done and we'll just see where this goes.

Upcoming projects
* FAITH Circle January "Sparkle" block
* That Stash Bee's January "Birds in the Air" blocks
* Lucky Stars BOM - practice block + January block
* scrappy Metrolink
* Woodland cross-stitch sampler
* plan for FAITH Circle's February quilt
* Polaroid block projects
* placemats

Linking up with W.i.P. Wednesday.