WIP Thursday?

As usual I'm a little late to the party. I try to post with everyone else on Wednesdays at Freshly Pieced, but this week has really passed me by. However, that doesn't mean that I don't need/want to show everyone in blogland my lack of progress! Oh no, I want the world to know how unproductive I am!

Just kidding! I'm not unproductive, I'm just not very good at quilting so it takes me a little while. Especially when I make a mistake. Then, not only do I have to pull out the stitching, I also get extremely frustrated and have to step away for a little bit to work on something else. Now a smart person would work on something they already have in progress, correct? Especially if said person's projects are taking over their basement, right? Well, I've never claimed to be smart or sane because I've started something new!

You won't blame me for wanting a break from quilting when you see this photo. I'm apparently the worse baster in the world because look at this:

Isn't it awful? I have about 8 inches of quilting to pull out and then I'll try it again. I'm going to try to finish it this weekend. That will be hard to do because this weekend will be busy, but it's what I want to do. I'll let you know what happens.

My other quilt project is going pretty good. Last Saturday I met with the Quilting Angels and finished the blocks for my next Quilt of Valor. Now I just need to arrange these in a pleasing manner, sew, and then attach the borders. By the way, I hate attaching borders, so I don't know why I keep choosing Quilt of Valor patterns with them. My next one won't have one, much less the two that are required for this quilt!

My new project is a Christmas cross stitch I bought a couple of weekends ago. So far I'm loving it! It is so nice to curl up on the couch after the kids are asleep and work on this project. It is very slow going, but so relaxing. I'm positive I won't finish it by Christmas this year, but I love it just the same.

So far just two bells, the letter C and the beginning of a lower case a, but it's still progress. I'll keep you up to date on the project as I go along. My plan is to quilt in the morning before the boys wake up and cross stitch in the evening while hanging out with my beloved.

I hope everyone else is making heaps of progress this week with their work. Hopefully, I'll remember to update my progress next week on Wednesday. WIP Thursday just doesn't have the same ring to it...

Take care!

Northern Virginia Quilt Show

Today I had the great pleasure of going to the local annual quilt show. Just in case you're reading, THANKS for taking care of the boys honey!! I had a great time!

What I love about this quilt show is quilters of all levels are allowed to submit quilts and there is no judging. No pressure, just a lot of fun and a lot of beautiful quilts. Sadly, there aren't many what would be considered "modern" quilts in the show, but they are spectacular! I'm always amazed by the talent of other quilters. Everyone says it just takes practice, but I'm not so sure...I think some people just have IT.

Here are just a few pictures I snapped from the show:

Gotta love a Scrabble quilt!

I thought these bright, polka-dotted baskets were adorable!

I had to take a picture of the Mount Vernon quilt. Not only do we live about five minutes from this beautiful part of history, but my husband is a huge history buff. As soon as he saw it he thought I should make one. Sorry buddy, way too much work for me!

I really wish I could have gotten better pictures of this pair of Pickle Dishes made from Kaffe fabrics. Absolutely breathtaking! I would love to try this pattern one day. Maybe I'll bust into my stash of Kaffe...

I thought this was incredible! Those are teeny, tiny yo-yos if you can believe it! Aren't they cute?

I have wanted to make a scrappy spiderweb quilt for ages, and this really made me want to dig into my scraps.

There is even a spider in the middle. So clever!

I had to snap a picture of this quilt because it was inspired by the Rappahanock River and the Northern Neck of Virginia which is where I grew up. It is a really beautiful part of the state!

Finally, a close up of a large scale Ruby Hexagon. I couldn't get a good full shot of the quilt, but this close up not only shows the hexagon, but also the beautiful quilting. Makes me wish I had bought more of this line when it was available...

I had a great time admiring the quilts and browsing the vendors, but I really couldn't wait to get home to my machine. I am so close to finishing the quilting on the baby quilt I'm working on. I hope by tomorrow I can finish it up!

I hope you liked this abbreviated tour of the show. There were many, many other quilts displayed, but these were my favorites at least the ones I was able to photograph. It was crowded!

WIP Wednesday

I'm so excited to be participating in WIP Wednesday again!  I'm hoping it will help me stay on track with my next couple of projects then it's back to the UFO's from last year that need finishing!

Orange Elephants:

Thanks to some early morning cutting, all the pieces are cut out waiting for me in the basement.  I just love getting up early when the house is still quiet, drinking coffee, and working away in my sewing space.  It's the best!  This afternoon while the boys are napping and after I'm finished making dinner, sewing will commence!  I hate when my domestic life gets in the way of my quilting!!

I have received a ton of pictures of the new little guy and I can't wait to meet him!  My cousin Elise did good, he's adorable!

Sailboats:

Here is my stack of Anchors Away by Dear Stella.  I wish I had seen the kit from FQS before I bought yardage.  It would have been perfect!  I just bought the pattern, so I'll have to see if I have enough fabric on hand to make it.  Here's hoping!

This stack will turn into a beautiful quilt for my sweet step-sister's baby who should be here in Mid-May.  I can't wait because I just know he will be gorgeous!  Now, I just wish somebody in the family would have a little girl!  Oh well, I guess I'll just have to use A Walk in the Woods for myself!  :)




I can't get enough of these anchors!  They are so preppy which will be just perfect for this family!  They look like they stepped right out of a J. Crew catalog!

 Of course I have a million other projects either already started or spinning around in my head, but these two for the new babies are the priority.  Not to be selfish, but I can't wait to get back to a project for me.  Oh well, soon enough!

To see what others are working on head on over to Lee's.  Good luck making progress on your project's this week!

2012 UFO Challenge

I have been doing Judy's Sunday Stash Report this year, and it has been a blast!  I have made new blog friends and have seen some incredible stash busting!  Unfortunately, I wasn't one of the stash busters.  This was a year of stash enhancement for me, ahem, but it was still a lot of fun and I'm definitely playing next year.

I've also decided to join in the fun of Judy's 2012 UFO Challenge.  Not only will this help me finish up some of my projects, but maybe it will help the weekly Stash Report too!  A girl can dream right?


1.  My Halloween Table Runner.

All I have to do is sew on the binding.  Why haven't I finished this yet?  Ridiculous...

2.  Fruitcake Quilt. 

I wasn't able to finish this in time for Christmas, so I'm going to try to finish for next year.  Hope my son is still fascinated by snowmen next year!

3. Nicey Jane Quilt.

I was making good progress on this one earlier this year, but when I started assembling the rows I realized I wanted it to be bigger.  Then I came to a complete standstill.  I would love to give it to my wonderful Aunt Kathy next year for either her birthday or Christmas.  If I can just get it finished!  I blogged about it earlier this year, see a WIP pic here.

4.  Flannel Quilt.

This is one of the first quilts I ever started.  It's all flannel and it's for the Hubs.  He would be thrilled to finally have this one finished especially considering I started making it for him fifteen years ago...

I can't believe we have been together that long and that I still haven't finished the poor guy's quilt!

5.  Butterfly Quilt.

I started making this for the MSP Quilting Angels sewing group I joined earlier this year.  I really want to finish this one sooner rather than later, so if I can I'll finish this before Judy announces #5.  I've made all of the blocks, so I just need to add the sashing, quilt it, and then add the binding.  I think I can, I think I can...

6.  Kaleidoscope Quilt.

I have to finish this one.  I just need to finish quilting and binding it.  It is going to be donated, so I need to get the lead out.  If I have time after Christmas I will try to work on it.  Blogged about it here.

7.  Christmas Tree Skirt.

I really wanted to finish this for our tree this year, but it just didn't happen.  Next year, next year...

8.  My first QOV

I haven't technically started this one yet, but I'm putting it here.  I've picked the pattern, pulled the fabrics and it's taking up room in my crammed project box, so I'm counting it!  It will be donated through the MSP Quilting Angels group.

9.  Postage Stamp Quilt

This was the first ever Quilt Along I joined and then I never finished it.  I will be honest and say that when I started it I was so excited, but I lost interest soon after the piecing commenced.  Unless I have a complete change of heart I think this one will be donated to the Quilting Angels when it's finished.  See progress pics here.

10.  Heart Strip Quilt.

I started cutting this out for the 100 Quilts for Kids project this year and then ran out of time.  It would be great to have one already made when the next round is announed.  Since all I've done so far is cut the strips it's not picture worthy, but check out the tutorial here.

11.  Super Nova Quilt

I am so in love with this quilt!  The pattern and the fabric equally, but it's for me, so it kept getting pushed to the back of the list.  Hopefully 2012 will be the year I get to snuggle with it!  All I have to do is quilt it (it's even basted) and bind it.  See progress photos here.


12.  Dutch Pinwheel Quilt.

I've made a couple of blocks from this tutorial.  I'm thinking it will become a QOV that will be donated through my MSP Quilting Angels group. 

My goal for this project is not to necessarily finish all of these, but to work on them even it's just for the assigned month.  My concern is if I don't have a working list, these projects will be shoved in a closet and forgotten.  Of course I do want to finish some of them, I'm just trying to be realistic.  Twelve finishes in a year would be a lot for me and that's just my UFOs.  Don't get me started on the new projects I want to start...

I can't wait for 2012 to get here, so I can get to work!  How about you?  Do you have any UFO's creeping around your sewing room?  Care to join us?

100 Quilts for Kids

There is a reason I don't sign up for online quilting bees.  I love reading about the bee blocks others are making and I especially love to see the finished product.  Alas, I know in my heart of hearts, that I would totally be that person every month freaking out, driving like a mad woman to the post office to get the blocks off on time!!

I finally finished sewing the binding on this little beauty last night.  What can I say?  I made it!  Deadline met, at the last second, but met just the same! 

It isn't fancy, the quilting is far from perfect, but I love it!  I truly hope that a local child will get a some comfort from this little quilt. 

I used the leftover 5 inch squares from the front for a little framed patchwork on the back.  Simple, but very pretty.

I didn't bother to take any close ups of the quilting because it's not great, but I'm definitely getting better.  Anyone reading this who is contemplating trying free motion quilting: Go for it!  It's challenging, but so much fun!  It is absolutely true that your quilting will look better the more you do it!

Now, I'm off to get ready for the DC Modern guild meeting today.  We are meeting on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.  How cool is that?

Enjoy the weekend everyone!

Sunday Stash Report

I had a great sewing week!  I did a little bit of sewing, and I made it through another week without adding anything to the stash!  You can't beat that!

I finished my quilt top for 100 Quilts for Kids Friday night with the DC Modern Quilt Guild.  What a fun group!  Now that baby boy Graham is a little older I hope to spend a lot more time with them!

My numbers for the week:

Used this week: 2 yards
Used YTD: 30.5 yards
Added this week: 0 yards
Added YTD: 112 yards
Net Added YTD: 81.5 yards.

My numbers don't quite look the way I had hoped they would earlier this year, but I am pleased with my numbers the past few weeks.  I love that I was able to make this adorable quilt for a child in need in my area strictly from stash fabrics!

I hope everyone enjoys what's left of the weekend!  Head over to Judy's to see how everyone else did this week.

Friday Night Sew...Out

Instead of staying home and sewing, last night I met with the lovely ladies of the DC Modern Quilt Guild.  It was so nice to spend the evening chatting and sewing!  The best part is I was able to finish my top for the quilt I'm donating for 100 Quilts for Kids.

Needless to say when I pulled the fabrics for this quilt, I was definitely ready for fall!  I started with the owl, apple and flower fabrics and just started pulling oranges, yellows and greens from my stash.  As with all of my projects it's not perfect, but I love it!  During naptime I'm going to piece the back with some leftovers from the front, and IF I have time I'll do some really simple stippling.  I'm hoping to have this finished really soon.

It's not too late to make a quilt to donate.  If you haven't already, check out the list of prizes on Katie's blog.  There are some really great sponsors this year!

I'm off to go spend some time with the boys.  Hope everyone enjoys the weekend!  It's cool and rainy here today.  It might be the perfect time to decorate for Halloween...

Edited:  Quilt top made using this tutorial.  

Sunday Stash Report

Hello!

Despite the two natural disaters in my neck of the woods this week (earthquake and hurricane...yikes) I've managed to get quite a bit of sewing done.  I basted and started quilting my Kaleidoscope.  I'm hoping to finish up the quilting this afternoon and attach the binding.  I think I might have a finish to show off really soon...

I also found some time to start working on my 100 Quilts for Kids project this week.  I'm using this awesome tutorial from Amanda Jean.  So far, So good!

I just love these fabrics!  I might even have enough left over to make one more quilt.  Maybe for the local NICU?

The best news is, all this sewing, and no shopping!!  Not that I need anymore fabric, but that's never stopped me before...

All in all, this has been a great week!  My family and property survived all nature threw at us with no problem.  We are so very lucky and thankful!

Used this week: 5.5 yards
Used YTD: 28.5 yards
Added this week: 0 yards
Added YTD: 112 yards
Net Used/Added YTD: -83.5 yards.

I still have a long way to go, but at least it is going in the right direction!

To see how everyone else did this week, head on over to Judy's.



**FYI-If anyone is interested, I am hosting my first ever giveaway.  It's a pretty good one, so see this post if you're feeling lucky!

WIP Wednesday

Hello Everyone!

The past couple of days have been beautiful (and shaky!) here in our nation's capital, so I haven't had a great deal of time to sew.  We've been too busy going on nature walks and playing at the park to be at home!  Never fear, I have accomplished a little for my Kaleidoscope.

Here are the top and bottom sitting patiently waiting for me to baste them.  Living in such a small space, I have to move furniture and roll up rugs to baste, so I'm waiting until all the men in my life go to bed tonight to move on to the next step!  Then this will move into the to be quilted pile.  I like to do my quilting on the weekends when I can have a large chunk of time to sit and quilt.  My husband has promised me some mommy time on Saturday, so hopefully I can use that time to sew, sew, sew!  I find during the week doesn't work for me.  My sons just aren't supportive of my crafty endeavors!

In the meantime, I think I will start cutting out these fabrics for 100 Quilts for Kids.  I'm still trying to decide which pattern to use:  zig zag or coin quilt?  I'll have to decide soon...

Thanks for stopping by!  To see what all the other fabulous quilters are working on head over to Lee's.


**FYI-  I am hosting my first giveaway!  If you are interested see this post.**

Sunday Stash Report

Well, it is nice to be visiting my blog!  I have been on a bit of an unplanned blog break.  This summer has been so crazy busy!  Lots of out-of-town guests and fun activities with the boys, not to mention the ridiculous heat and humidity!  Needless to say, sewing hasn't been a top priority!!  I'm hoping to be back in the swing of things soon!

I was able to finally finish the top to my Kaleidoscope quilt!  I must admit I am so excited to have made some significant progress on this quilt!  Tonight after the boys are in bed I want to finish up the backing and maybe, just maybe, get it basted!  I really want to have this one finished by the end of the month, so that I can send it off to the fabulous Army Baby Quilts organization! 

While I have been doing some sewing, as usual, I have also done some shopping.  I know I don't need new fabric, but it's so pretty...

The top to the Kaleidoscope is completely pieced from stash, which feels great, but I did need to buy backing and binding fabric:

On the right is a print from Clermont Farms for the backing and the left is a navy blue shirting (it has little cream keys printed on it) that I will use for the binding.

My other stash additions were purchased solely because they are pretty.  I don't have any concrete plans for them...yet!

While at my favorite quilt store I finally caved and bought some Aviary 2.  I held out as long as I could!  Isn't it beautiful?

Like I said, I don't have any immeidate plans for it, but I know whatever I make, I'm keeping it!

I took advantage of a really good sale and got a Strawberry Fields jelly roll:

Not sure what I will do with this, but it is so pretty and the price was right, so I didn't want to pass it up!

My numbers for the past couple of weeks:

Used this week: 4.5 yards
Used YTD:  23 yards
Added this week:  8 yards
Added YTD:  102 yards
Net Used/Added:  -79 yards.

My numbers still don't look great, but I am starting to sew from my stash, so that's something.

I hope everyone else is enjoying their summers as much as I am.  I can't wait to head over to Judy's to see what everyone else is up to.  Thanks for stopping by!

Kaleidoscope QAL update

I finally finished the top to my Kaleidoscope quilt!  My quilting ADHD has been fierce this summer!  I just cannot stay focused on one project!  I am very pleased to have at least completed part of this one.  I think it turned out pretty cute if I do say so myself!

Please forgive the not so great pictures, but we have been getting some much needed rain showers today, so this was taken in between storms!

It's nice to finally have something to show on this poor neglected blog!  I'm hoping to be more productive this fall!  There is something about the crisp, cool air that makes me want to quilt!

WIP Wednesday

Hello everyone!  This has been a very exciting week here in the Burnett household!

Our little Graham is six months old today.  I just don't understand where the time has gone!!  Didn't I just give birth?!?  To celebrate, last night was the first night the little stinker slept through the night!!  BEST present ever!!

Can you believe this chunk was a premie?


Okay, thanks for indulging me, onto the sewing!

Nicey Jane Quilt:

I now have 21 out of 49 blocks.  Only six blocks this week, not good if I'm going to finish this in the next couple of weeks.  I'm hoping to really put some work into it this weekend!

Super Nova:

Nada, unfortunately.  I hate leaving this one hanging because it's gorgeous!  (If I do say so myself)  Since this one is mine, I keep pushing it aside to work on other things.  I plan to finish it up after I finish Nicey Jane.  No more new projects until I finish the Super Nova!

Kaleidoscope QAL:

I have all of the quarters sew together, so I just need to make them blocks.  If the boys cooperate and nap at the same time, I will work on these this afternoon.  I want to actually finish one QAL on time!

Farmer's Wife QAL:

I have cut out the next two blocks, but no sewing yet.  The cutting seems to be the most time consuming part for me, so hopefully they will come together quickly.  My goal is to finish them by Friday.

Hope everyone else has achieved or surpassed their goals for the week!  To see what others are up to, head on over to Lee's.

The Farmer's Wife QAL

Like so many others, I was pulled in by the Farmer's Wife Quilt Along.  I just couldn't resist!  I just imagine that Laurie Aaron Hird feels like one of the authors Oprah picked for her bookclub!  It must be exciting have so many people interested in her book!  It is lovely, by the way, even if you don't make the quilt, it has been so nice to read the letters by the farmer's wives.

I thought I would use this quilt as a chance to try to use up my scraps and stash, and so far it's working.  It has been fun to embrace the Farmer's wife's philosophy of using what you have on hand instead of buying new.

I have to admit I haven't enjoyed every step of this process.  The templates drive me crazy and I haven't used them unless absolutely necessary.  As I have been doing these, I'm realizing that my piecing skills probably aren't as good as I thought, but I think this quilt will help me improve.  I'm also loving that I'm using up my extra little pieces I have been saving for years (some of the scraps I have used, I've had since I first started sewing).

So, here they are, the first ten blocks:

**WARNING**

If you are someone who is bothered by scrappiness, don't look at these pictures!  These blocks look like a bowl of jelly beans!  I love that look, but I know it drives some people crazy!

Block #1  Attic Windows

I used some Art Gallery prints that I have had forever, and the center square is Gypsy Road by Moda.

Block #2  Autumn Tints

For this one I used AMH Innocent Crush and more Art Gallery.

Block # 92  Streak of Lightning

The #3 block is a basket ,which requires applique, and I don't applique.  I will have to come back to it later.  I need and want to learn, but I don't think this tiny little block is the place to start.  That's why I did #92 instead.

I used AMH Innocent Crush.

# 4  Basket Weave

I'm very pleased to say I used some of my oldest sewing scraps for this block.  I don't even remember what the blue and red fabrics were for, but I've had them for a long time.  The white is a polka dot from Bliss by Moda.

#5  Bat Wing

I love this one!  I thought it screamed for some black fabric, so I used (I think) a Michael Miller print, and a burgundy quilter's linen.  This one is a little smaller than the others so I might have to add a little border all around when I'm piecing this together...I have decided that no matter what I'm not re-doing any of these blocks!!

#6  Big Dipper

This one is kind of blah, but when paired with the other 100 blocks I'm sure I won't care.  I used some of Tula Pink's Hushabye and more Art Gallery.

#7  Birds in the Air

Thought I'd be clever and use bird fabric in this block.  I think it actually works! 
Fabric:  Erin McMorris and Michael Miller

#8  Bouquet

This block almost did me in!  While trying to piece this one, I came so close to throwing in the towel.  I'm glad I stuck with it because it actually turned out okay...

Fabrics:  Gypsy Road by Moda and more Art Gallery.

#9  Box

Fabrics: Innocent Crush by AMH

#10 Bowtie

I wasn't sure about this one while I was making it, but I think it turned out pretty good!  I'm starting to get a little adventurous with my fabric choices!

Fabric used: Dolce, Innocent Crush and more Art Gallery.

If you stuck with this whole post, thanks!  I appreciate it!  From now on I will post whenever I make two of them, I promise!

The blocks do seem a little busy when all put together, but I'm hoping when paired with some Kona Snow sashing, they will somehow come together.

W.I.P Wednesday

Hi Everyone!

I'm so excited to have something to share for WIP Wednesday!  While I haven't been blogging much lately a whole lot of sewing has been taking place.  All of them new projects of course, nothing previously started has been finished, but that's okay.  I do love to start new projects!

Nicey Jane:

This is going to be a very special birthday present for my Aunt.  It needs to be finished by the end of the month.  Fortunately for me this is the easiest quilt pattern ever!  Just simple squares and rectangles, but still so pretty!  Here it is spread out on the design floor.  Fifteen blocks out of 49 made.  I need to get moving!

Can't wait until it's finished!  I know she is going to love it!

Kaleidoscope QAL:

See earlier post for details.  I am actually up to date on a QAL.  I'm just waiting for furthur instructions. 

Super Nova QAL:

What can I say?  I have been way too distracted by other projects, and I'm pretty much in the same place...oh well!  I'm keeping this one for myself, so there's no rush...

Farmer's Wife QAL:

I will do a post for these soon.  So far I have made 8 out of 111.  Not too bad!

Believe it or not, I have more projects started, but I have decided to focus on just these for now.  If I don't, I'll never finish anything!

To see what everyone else is up to this week, check out Lee's blog.