Get It Done Challenge

Another wallhanging finished

2010-09-06T20:41:00.003+10:00

:-) Finished another wallhanging, machine pieced/hand-quilted. 29" x 33".

Realized the colors are terrible.....

2010-08-23T15:37:00.002+10:00

Sorry after posting saw that colors are terrible. So here is a little better photo before I added the final borders. :o/

Finally a finish...

2010-08-23T15:24:00.005+10:00

It has certainly been a crazy year. Lost my mother to cancer, mom in law broke her hip, and a bad car accident! My collar bone still is healing, but 6 weeks out, I have begun to use my dsm this past week and finished a quilt....from 1999! From these wonderful little blocks made in a friendship exchange by my guild members from Pampa Texas, to this: I hope to get it quilted as soon as the collar bone heals completely. Think the white spaces will lend themselves to some cool feathering or McLeafing. Hope to finish a lot more. Already have another quilt top almost finished. It only needed borders that have been cut for months. Maybe next week.

Wallhanging finished! :)

2010-07-05T18:07:00.003+10:00

I've finished a wallhanging, 24" x 24", 19th Century reproduction prints. Hand-pieced and hand-quilted. I'll be sending it to a woman who had to re-home her two African Grey parrots in December and chose me to be their new "mom".

Checking in

2010-06-06T16:58:00.002+10:00

Just checking in. :-)

No finishes, but I've been working hard and have a couple things pretty close to being tops. I've been making great progress on my tumbling blocks (hand pieced) and I finally got brave and did battle with my CW pink/brown/cream HST's top. It's very close to being all in one piece. I'm also very close to finishing a handpieced/handquilted wallhanging. Woohoo.

Pictures when I have something worth showing. ;-)

Finally something to Blog about.

2010-04-16T14:54:00.004+10:00

I went to Mrs Martins Quilt Camp last weekend, and I had decided to finish of some quilts that had been hanging around for a long long time.

Here is Aunt Purdy's Parlour.....I bought this fabric around April 2007....got the top finished quite quickly. Then it waited a year to be quilted. It has actually been quilted for almost 2 years....now it is all done.
And here is the stack and slash. Bought this fabric at the beginning of 2009, so really this one has not been quite so long, but it is still really good to clock it up as finished!!!

Pink and Green

2010-03-31T19:50:00.001+11:00

My second UFO finished for the year! This is a quilt top I bought on Ebay about 3 years ago. I had it professionally quilted with an all over rose design, and all I had to do was bind it. Well, I have finally bound it. :)

It is square, btw. The breeze was blowing when DH took this photo, and I couldn't keep it still.

A Finished Top...Woohoo!....

2010-03-23T19:15:00.004+11:00

I finished a Christmas quilt top. Yay! This is the first top (or ANYTHING) I've finished in over a year! So this is a big step in the right direction. Now to just keep the momentum going.

2010-03-18T21:49:00.003+11:00

I feel very guilty that I haven't even looked at any UFO's in 2010. I've been working on a quilt for my sisters 60th birthday coming up in early April...I'm nearly finished. The rest of you wonderful 'GIDY' ladies have been working furiously and getting heaps done. I'm very impressed and hopefully your energy & motivation will rub off onto myself.
My friend had a clean out of her sewing room in October last year & she had heaps of projects that she had started & then lost interest & didn't want them anymore. Anyway me being the quintessentional hoarder and who cannot throw anything out, grabbed all of these projects before they ended up in the skip. So I have been working on some of these....hmmm...I wonder if they could be classified as inherited UFO's??????
It is so long since I even looked at my UFO's I cannot recall them all. But I do know that I have an english paper pieced hexagon quilt which needs finishing, a xmas table runner & a bag. So I guess that is a good start to commit to for 2010.
Wish me luck while I procrastinate a little more about which one to I'll pick up to finish first.

alpine village aka gloria loughman quilt done!

2010-03-06T08:10:00.000+11:00

Late last year I did a weekend quilt class with gloria loughman that my local pathchwork group in Cohuna had organised. The deal was that we got to do the class really cheaply but the con was that we had to have the quilt we made completed ready to be hung at the Victorian Quilters Showcase in July, but our quilts had to be finished in March so that they could be photographed etc. Yep it sounded easy at the time! In the class I got heaps done and promptly put it away as I had "heaps of time"...lol
Did I??? Of course not!!! It was all of a sudden March and mine wasnt done.
OK then I thought to myself, get to it. SO I did and here is the result. Im actually really pleased with it and Gary is even impressed (which is not an easy compliment to come by I can tell you)

UfO from 1988....and another finish.

2010-02-18T13:06:00.004+11:00

A very old UFO finish.... from 1988. The calico in the center(basket) cant' even be matched anymore. So it was added to from my stash, and the local quilt shop. It is quilted like mad...so that my sister who will receive it, can turn over the ugly side to use as a white on white quilt. Just glad its done! Motivated me to do another partially started quilt for, yet another sister. This simple turning 20, which was simply quilted in order to be delivered to Pennsylvania, early Feb. Unfortunately my flight was canceled as it went through Baltimore ..... so no cake at my mom's birthday...no quilt deliveries. But soon it will be there. Just hope its still cool enough to use it, when they get delivered.

Oh my stars!

2010-02-01T00:05:00.003+11:00

Here's a picture of my 1930's stars, where I am at the moment. I'm handpiecing, and have finished 7 blocks since I pulled these back out of the UFO box. I love these! I'll be making this quilt 7 blocks by 6 blocks, with 2" sashings in unbleached muslin and then figure out the border size when it's at that stage. 10 more blocks to go....

Hello.....

2010-01-29T00:27:00.002+11:00

So I am here (thanks for the invite Lindi) what do I do now!!! LOL

Lynda

One down!

2010-01-26T18:55:00.005+11:00

Last night, I finished my first UFO for the year. This little stitchery was done sitting next to Dad's bed when he was in palliative care, back in 2008. I finished the stitching back then, but after Dad died, I put it away. Last weekend, out it came, and I felt I was ready to make a border and quilt it. Finished, it measures 11 1/2" x 13".

I am very happy with how it turned out. It has nice memories of lovely conversations with Mum and Dad at Dad's bedside. I'm going to buy one of those metal hangers with hearts, and hang it on my sewing room wall. :)

My commitment

2010-01-20T22:16:00.003+11:00

Hmmm.....well, that picture didn't go where I wanted it to and I can't get stuff to move. So....it's my Grandmother's Flower Garden. Someone gave me a beautifully made antique top, which I handquilted (400 + hours) and have not had much luck finding a matching shade of green for binding. Will try harder, as I'd really love to finally get this one finished and maybe hang on a wall.

OK, I've thought about it and here is what I want to...WILL...accomplish in 2010:

Binding on antique Grandmother's Flower garden quilt

1930's Stars - Oversize Queensize-get it at least to finished top
CW Pink/brown HST's Oversize Queensize--get it at least to finished top
Hand quilt at least one of the above two tops and have it bound and usable

This appears to be a very modest list, but I'm handpiecing and handquilting--enough said, right ;-)

I'll most likely get sidetracked along the way, and pull out something else to work on occasionally, but these are where my focus will be. Anything else I might finish along the way, will be icing on the chocolate cake.

another finish - breast of friends the wallhanging

2010-01-17T06:51:00.001+11:00

This quilt has been a bit of an ongoing saga. When it was first listed in the homespun magazine I loved it - it was a block or two each month in the magazine. So I made block one. Then of course I forgot about it and had to chase up the patterns and old mags etc.
Then a lady at my patchwork group brought the finished quilt for show and tell and I remembered about it and decided to make it (again) BUT after a few blocks I again lost interest.
According to the original pattern it is huge - king size I think or maybe even bigger. I decided I didnt really need another huge quilt as its not one that could do with lots of washings etc....so....to cut a long story short I decided to make up the blocks that I had and make a wallhanging from them, which Ive done and finished and its hanging above my sewing machine and I quite like it.
So a ufo is finished - hooray - breast of friends, the wallhanging.

Break time's over

2010-01-16T19:55:00.002+11:00

I've had a very emotionally draining several months, and I've pretty much taken a break from life. Breaktime's over, and I'm ready to get busy living again. That includes making progress on UFO's and seeing some FINISHES this year. I need to go through my projects this weekend, decide on my priorities and what I can realistically accomplish, get some pictures and make my commitment.

More Log Cabin Progress

2010-01-16T09:43:00.002+11:00

Next progress report ... chocolate lattice strips added Friday night.

King Log Cabin Progress

2010-01-14T20:02:00.003+11:00

Slow and steady wins the race ... or so the saying goes. I've been making slow progress on my King Size Log Cabin Quilt. Just before Christmas I took 36 blocks of these ...

and added a strip to each.

Then today I added the next strip to all 36 blocks so that they all now look like this one.

Only 6 more strips x 36 blocks to go :o)

Early attack on remaining UFO's!

2010-01-12T17:47:00.003+11:00

Remember this pile of UFO's? It was my 2009 pile, actually I got them all together and compiled the list in December 2008.
Look at it now... 7 tops waiting for me to quilt, or for me to send out for someone else to quilt.
Note the cobwebs way up on this highest shelf... I could have brushed them away I guess but it was too darn hot to bother. Anyway cobwebs are good, they catch mozzies!

Here is the list... there are more crossing outs than there is left to do!! Hurray!!

First one off the rank!
These are table mats that I started in 2005 for a Sydney SCQuilters Quilt Show Dinner Challenge and for the life of me I cannot remember what the challenge was but I only got 5 done... I want 12 so I've started on them today! I want to use them for our Birthday Celebrations the first one of which will be for Tim on Saturday! Better get a move on eh!

first quilty finish for 2010

2010-01-06T17:47:00.003+11:00

Hooray my first quilty finish for 2010 - well sort of anyways.
I gave this quilt to DD1 Aimee ages ago to hand sew down the binding (she was looking for something to do at the time)Its a simple disappearing nine patch made from blocks I swapped
Well she has just moved to Bendigo and in the sorting out of stuff found the quilt and she hadnt even started sewing down the binding.
Finished it off today and its washed and drying.

Sooziii's Dilemma

2010-01-05T13:46:00.003+11:00

What do I really want to finish and what will I continue to hide behind everything else?

Oh my, what a dilemma?

I would love to finish :

Jinny Beyer's "around the world" kingsize quilt - started it 4 years ago.
Jenny Haskin's "robyns romance" also king sized quilt - only started a year or so ago.
Flying Geese Rainbow quilt - started 2 years ago

Well actually there are heaps more I would love to finish but I am realistic and know that I get side tracked so easily; beside two of them are king sized quilts with lots of work in each block. The jenny haskins quilt blocks take a minimum 14 hours for each block and I have only finished 9 of 16!!

Ah excuses, excuses I hear you say ....rotfl!! Yes, but they are my excuses......

2010-01-05T08:49:00.000+11:00

COMMITMENT

Ok, I'll start with 2 projects I want to finish.

In my classroom, I tell the kids "Short, short and shiny!"
Both of these have been hanging around for too long.

Old Time Flower Graden Quilt
Christmas Cats Quilt

Carmel

Another welcome

2010-01-04T14:06:00.002+11:00

And another new player! Feather Duster has joined us, too. Welcome!

Anyone else game?

Oh, I can be so mean!

2010-01-04T13:55:00.003+11:00

OK everyone, it's commitment time! We didn't do this last year, but I thought it might be a good idea this year.

Think about how many UFOs you really want to complete this year. Set them aside in a separate place to the other UFOs (yes, I know there are more than 12 month's worth, you can't fool me!) and then post them here on the blog. Let's see how many of them you actually do! Be realistic, though. We don't want you feeling stressed.

To start off, here's my Commitment:

I intend to finish my Circus quilt, Roses quilt, Malcolm's quilt, Frog quilt, experimental bag, 2 mini quilts I started in 2008, my Sister's quilt, the Christmas quilt.

What are you intending?

*********

Hi from the New Kid on the Block!

2010-01-03T23:31:00.000+11:00

Hi everyone, Thanks for letting me join the fun. In 2009, I did track you guys from time to time to see what was happening. My last big year for finishing things was 2006 when I set myself the goal of Six in 2006.
I won't be aiming for 10 this year but am hoping this will give me motivation to just keep plugging away. I will go very quiet at report writing times though! Carmel

New Player!

2010-01-03T09:06:00.002+11:00

Welcome to Quiltycat, who has decided to join us and play this year!
Anyone else game to join us?

We also, sadly, say goodbye to Dorothy, who just has too much on her plate this year to even consider UFOs. She will be checking in on us from time to time, to see what we are all doing. So lets give her plenty to look at.

....................

So another year over, a new one just begun, let's hope it's a good one, with UFOs all done! (apologies to John and Yoko)

Let's get cracking, folks! Who will be first? Double entry in the first comp, for that person!

-----------------

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T09:10:00.006+11:00

'Tis a New Year, folks, and a new beginning for us Gidy Girls! Happy New Year to all of you, and may it be a year for finishing off lots and lots of UFOs.

Yes, we will continue. To those that got a lot done last year: Well done! You are a shining example to us all!
To those that didn't: Maybe a little more whip cracking required?

I'll clear the decks (the sidebar lists) and off we go. If you aren't a member of this blog, but want to join, send me an email. Just click on Lindi over there -> and it will take you to my profile and email. Likewise, if you have had enough of us, and want to hand your Gidy Girl badge in, let me know.

So go, get cracking on those UFOs! We want some new eye candy to bring in the New Year! Who will be the first to post a finished item?

.................................

Last winner for 2009:

I have drawn the winner for the 4th Quarter and it is.......... Colleen!

Send me your snail mail addy, Colleen, and I will pop a little something in the post for you. :)

Oh, and for the record: Soozii finished the most UFOs with 8 finished, followed by Pennie,7; Colleen, 6; Molly and Blessed, 5; Narelle, 4; Sheila and Marilyn, 2; and the rest of us, 1.

....................

So off you go, everyone. Get started on your first UFO for the year. Go on, shoo! What are you waiting for?

Christmas Wishes

2009-12-24T08:01:00.003+11:00

Merry Christmas, everyone!

May you and your families be blessed with Peace, Love and Joy at this magical time of year!

************

another finish

2009-12-16T07:04:00.003+11:00

These are the blocks I got back from my swap on scqis (southern cross quilters initial swap) All the ladies did lovely work on my blocks and Im really pleased with it

Finished Bargello and Big bed quilt...

2009-12-14T03:43:00.003+11:00

I just posted photos of the bargello I finished and a large bed quilt....about 5 years in the "finishing". Have also completed two table toppers...but they have already been gifted. Still have so many more..they seem to multiply!

Last One For the Year Finished!

2009-12-07T15:14:00.016+11:00

Well, I finally finished the last supper (lol) cloth on my UFO list - this one I really had to finish as it is a present. The last one I did and this are for my sisters for Christmas, okay they were meant for the Christmas before last but at least they are now done.

This one is white on white with a briar roses motif, I like all one colour cloths because it doesn't matter what colour china you put with them and you can change your colour scheme without worrying that it won't fit....lol.

I didn't get as many UFO's completed as I would have liked but I am pleased that I was able to cross a few off the list.

Big thanks to Lindi for organising this blog challenge because without it I would have added more UFO's to the pile and not got any done!!

another finish

2009-11-26T08:08:00.004+11:00

HI all,
Well the "rebellion quilt" is now finished and I think I will keep it for myself.
I was trying to tell myself that I had to finish off ufos etc before I could start something new. I was being soooo good, but well you are all quilters, you know how it is!!!
Anyways a quilty friend was offloading some of her excess stuff, at really good prices I might add and one of them was a layer cake.
I bought it and found a great pattern on the moda bake shop site and this quilt is the result.
Sorry its not the best photo but I didnt have any "quilt holding" helpers around.

Two finishes.....finally

2009-11-21T01:34:00.003+11:00

Just finished this x block....... quilt. Piecing that is. Hope to get quilted before Christmas. Also finished a Table topper...but forgot to get a photo...and have given it away...so hope my friend will send me a photo. I have been

swamped with customer quilts at the moment. But finally a finish. Actually...I did also finish a baby quilt for my new grandbaby.... but that was also delivered! So a couple....done finally.

7 Weeks Left!!!

2009-11-14T18:17:00.003+11:00

Yes, ladies, only 7 weeks left for this year's challenge. What are you going to achieve in this time? Will you finish a UFO? Or are you too busy doing new projects for all those Secret Santa swaps you signed up for?

Despite being very, very busy, I still intend getting one teeny weeny UFO completed. Not much, I know, but it is something!

BTW, Blessed, you still haven't sent me your addy! Or don't you read this blog anymore?
Sooziii, somewhere in my gmails, I have yours. Just have to find it!

UUUUU

this is what you get done when you get not sleep

2009-11-11T18:13:00.000+11:00

This is what can be achieved in a week with hardly any sleep due to horrible hay fever. Firstly quilt from last week bound and labelled.

Not One, But Three!

2009-10-31T01:28:00.013+11:00

You thought I'd given up, didn't you? But I'm busy here, in my little corner, stitching away! I have [shamefacedly hangs head] been working on some projects that weren't even a gleam in my eye this time last year, but I'm still trying to discipline myself to finish those UFOs.

Here are a couple of recent triumphs.

Exhibit A:

This is a little wall hanging/tabletopper I pieced at the turn of the century! I had already machine stitched-in-the-ditch, so all I needed to do was a little hand quilting in the border, zap on the binding, and Voila! Another UFO bites the dust!

Exhibit B:

I started this sewing machine cover at least six or seven years ago. A friend had sent me the embroidered panel, along with the pattern. But somehow it stalled, and was unearthed on a recent archeological dig in the nether regions of the closet. And I wondered why I hadn't finished it? Got bored with it I guess....But I'm much more mature now, so I got down to business and finished the binding, which was all it needed. Now, it's performing duties as a dust cover for my machine, when it's not in use. Which, admittedly, is not often.

And lastly, exhibit C:

This might not qualify as "finished", since it is only one of a set of four place mats, started sometime last year. The other three are in various stages of development. This one was finished except for the binding, a matter of half an hour's work.

So there! What have the rest of you been up to?

3rd Quarter gone!

2009-10-07T11:40:00.003+11:00

Well, there goes the 3rd quarter! How much did you achieve?

I managed to start a few new things, but no WIPs or UFOs were done! Congratulations those who did cross things off.

The usual draw was made for a winner - each finished UFO getting an entry. The winner is Sooziii (Christening Gown entry)! Congrats, Sooziii!

As soon as I work out what you have won, I will post it off to you. :)

BTW, Blessed, I still don't have your addy to send your prize off.

Good luck with the Final quarter, everyone! Don't let all those Christmas projects get in the way of at least finishing one thing!

2009-09-18T16:37:00.012+10:00

AT LAST!!!

Knuckled down, finally stopped procrastinating and got the Christening Gown finished. I had finished all the embroidering last year so I really have been putting it off!

I realised that if I didn't stop making excuses I would never get it done so when I knew that the baby was being induced I decided that it had to be finished before it was born.....lol.

I have never been, and never will be a seamstress - I won't tell you how long I read the stupid directions and tried to make some sense of them. I also know, just like when you pull an engine apart, I ended up with left over bits....rotfl. But regardless of all that I am really pleased the the final result - in fact I have surprised myself.

I still haven't completed the back - trying to decide whether to have buttons or ribbons to fasten the back. Finally decided that ribbons would be best in case future children are bigger/older/plumper and need that little extra room that you could get by tying the back opening instead of buttoning it.

Anyway, my most important UFO is now in the completed pile and I couldn't be happier especially in view of the devastating news about Abigail - I doubt I could concentrate on the sewing with the news hanging over my head. Still trying to get my head around the diagnosis.

For some reason the colour hasn't come out right - it looks white when in actual fact it is Ivory - Swiss Batiste in a lovely ivory colour - but at least you get the idea.

So my next UFO to attempt? To be honest I have no idea - been doing a lot of knitting of cute little girlie boleros and hug me tights ...lol ..... but rest assured I will try and get at least one more done before the year is out! Actually I have one more cloth to complete that I want to give as a Christmas Present so that will have to be done.

I Hope It Is Done

2009-08-27T23:27:00.003+10:00

Yes, I thought it was done a couple of months ago but my DS#1 wanted it big enough to fit his queen size bed (with the deep mattresses they have now) so what's a mother to do but please her darling boy. All it lacks is the quilting. This is a two block quilt of my own design using blocks from the Quilters Cache--one is called Winding Blades and the other Soaring Past Time--hence the name Time Travel. DS#1 loves to travel. Strike off one UFO!

Blessings to ya'll,

Marilyn

TaDa!!!

2009-08-21T13:17:00.003+10:00

Finished another one!

Spent the last few days making a concerted effort to complete my Hidden Star Log Cabin and finally got it done.

Now all I have to do is quilt it (along with the 1000 peace quilt) but it can wait a little before I do that.

The pics don't do it justice because I can't get the colours right. The aubergine just doesn't seem to want to come out right but at least you get the general idea.

So another UFO is crossed off the list. Not sure when or what I will start on - I have a machine embroidered quilt on the go and .....yes I know ...... still have the christening gown to get done....rotfl.

The Supper Cloth Lady Strikes Again ......lol.

2009-08-14T13:04:00.005+10:00

Yep, finished another one, that leaves just one more supper cloth in the Great UFO Pile. This one is a little larger so could count as a small table cloth I guess. I really like the pattern of this one, in the white on white it looks very elegant.

It was started er, um - let's just say it was started sometime in the previous er 3 years.....lol.

Now if I can just get the remaining one finished I will have two Christmas presents completed way in time for Christmas. (Please don't hold your breathe though).

As well as finishing this I also have completed the quilt top I started when Philip was in the Palliative Care unit. I have made a few starts on it over the last year and a half but just haven't been able to really get into it.

I decided to make a real effort and get it finished. I was going to donate it to the unit but now have decided to donate to the 1000 Cranes for Peace Challenge.

I will quilt it after I finish a log cabin started sometime between the above supper cloth and the just finished quilt top.

I have made inroads on the log cabin one and am a little over half way through it. It is a basic log cabin until the last round when it has plain coloured bits (very technical term) that make stars when the log cabins are joined together.

There are 16 12 1/2" squares in it and I have to think (rotfl) to make sure I do the correct plain shapes in the right places to form the stars. So far so good. Have 5 blocks completed and the remaining blocks completed to the final two rounds.

Monkey Quilt Finished

2009-08-03T09:54:00.006+10:00

With my DIL's pregnancy getting close to the end I figured I should get a move on some of the UFO's I started last year. With that in mind I decided to make a concentrated effort and get my Five Little Monkeys quilt finished.
So with no further ado I give you my latest finished, completed, done with and over UFO! Ta Da......rotfl.

I handed it over to her and my son yesterday and both we very happy with it. It looks great in the nursery which has been painted with a soft green and has the theme of Noah's ark. The animals on the ark are in soft colours and have things like lions with mauve manes and giraffe with blue and pink spots so I chose soft colours to match for the patchwork blocks. The furniture in the room is caramel so that's why the number locks have a caramel background.

I have also finished the jelly roll log cabin sort of quilt top I plan to quilt it over the next week so will post a picture when it is done. I also finished another supper cloth (one more to do in the UFO supper cloth pile....lol); just need to put some lace around the edge when I hem it so will post a pic of that when I post the quilt.

Introducing UFO #4

2009-07-18T12:00:00.003+10:00

At last I have made a start on the next log cabin quilt. This is to be for our king size bed so I'll be making 36 x 14" squares, quilt-as-you-go style.

I decided on a log cabin quilt for our bed and bought some fabrics for it last year, along with the fabrics for the first log cabin, seen here. Then I purchased a few more plus the backing in January of this year. Now I still need to buy one more dark brown/chocolate fabric for third row of dark.

I've decided I can make a start on the squares and get them made up to the point of needing that third dark. Then I can take one square shopping with me so as to get just the right fabric.

So off to the sewing maching I go. Hope everyone else is enjoying some sewing time.

2nd Quarter Winner!

2009-07-04T12:43:00.002+10:00

drum roll......

The names have been placed into the hat.

An independant, non-related and totally unbiased person has drawn out the name.

And the winner is........................................................

Blessed Speedy!

Congratulations! Please email your addy (link on my blog or leave comment which i wont publish) and there will be a little something popped in the mail for you.

YYYYY

What constitutes finished?

2009-06-22T09:50:00.003+10:00

So far, quilts have only been counted as finished once they have been quilted and bound, simply because that was what you were all posting. Some of you don't quilt all your quilts yourself, so the question has been raised "Do tops count?"

As we only have 8 days left in this quarter, we will continue with that for this comp.

drum roll....

However, next quarter, we will also count quilt tops!

Finished Large Lap Quilt

2009-06-09T23:03:00.005+10:00

At last! A totally finished (bound and labelled) UFO that is no longer a UFO!
This is a quilt for my Great-Niece, S. Can't wait to give it to her.

More finishes happening soon, all going well.

(And provided I don't get caught up in on-line Scrabble matches with Di! - which reminds me: Where are your finished UFOs, Di?)

Running Ahead or Running Behind?

2009-06-01T21:14:00.003+10:00

Are you ahead with finishing UFOs or are you getting left behind?

June has now begun, so you have 1 month to get your name up on the finished list. The prize this Quarter is not going to the person with the most finished, so don't get disheartened by Pennie's burst of energy! :)

Instead, for every completed UFO, your name will go into the draw for the prize. Doesn't that make you want to finish something?

So get cracking, everyone! Get those entries in!

eeee

#4 of 4 FINISHED!

2009-05-23T10:06:00.002+10:00

Now this finished #4 of 4... I started making this for my DB1's 50th birthday... he turned 60 last year...
It was never going to be a big quilt, just something to throw over his lap but... he gave me something really *#@^%$^* for my birthday so I threw this top down the bottom of my UFO pile and have maintained my rage! LOL I've softened over the years and have a much nicer quilt in mind for him now.
Having just bought a Supreme Slider and Hoop I decided I'd practice machine quilting on this little one. I pin basted half of it and was so impatient to start I did... I was going great guns and thought I didn't need to pin baste the rest sooooo off I went till... UhOh!!! Puckers galore! I decided to cut off the last three rows and turn it into an even smaller quilt but then changed my mind and went for it LOL It doesn't look too bad till you realize it isn't square!!!!!

2009-05-23T05:46:00.003+10:00

I'm so quick to start new projects and so..o...o slow to finish them. This is the first finished UFO in a long time so I'm hereby giving myself a pat on the back!

She's Back... #3 of 4 Finished

2009-05-22T09:12:00.002+10:00

This one has been hanging around for years, I made these sorts of Raggy quilts for my grandchildren, two brights for the boys and two pinks for the girls. This one uses up the last of my Jan Mullenz flannels. When I made one like this for my 6 year old grandson all my DD1's friends children wanted one so several mothers decided they wanted to learn how to make them themselves so I very carefully started this little sample keeping the stages separate then writing all the instructions and so on... but they never came... something always turned up but at last early this year a date was made and I was able to teach them but this little fellow just sat and waited unfinished. My DD1's friends have made theirs and at last I've finished off my sample... now I'm just waiting for the birth of my #5 grandchild in Macao and if it's a boy it can have this quilt and if it's a girl it can have yesterday's quilt.

2009-05-22T09:10:00.000+10:00

Warning - There is a 'Show Off' loose in the top paddock! #2 of 4 Finished.

2009-05-21T16:31:00.005+10:00

My friend Michelle gave me these lovely soft fabrics about 8 years ago, I washed them with something and the colours went dull so I napisan-ed them which improved them a little, then I cut the fabrics into 3 1/2" squares which left no leftovers and started sewing the fabrics together but as I sewed and the more I looked at the fabrics I could see another napisan was needed and I couldn't do it now because the fabrics were far too small... soooo.... this little project was put away and became a UFO... till last week when I really got stuck back into it.
It's for a toddler of the female persuasion and measures 40" X 43"

Another Warning... I've almost finished another little quilt...

#1 of 4 - Finished!

2009-05-18T14:00:00.003+10:00

This FINISHED Tablerunner is the SCQuilters Mystery Quilt #4 - which I started on Saturday 3rd of November 2001. How precise is that!! No I didn't get that from my files (i.e. my head) I looked it up in the SCQ Mystery Quilt Group Files.
It's only small and when I dug it out I wondered why it had been hanging around for so long... now that it's finished and on the dining table I know.... I DO NOT like it!!!!!!!!! It's chunky, blocky and boring... it had 3D triangles which would have been perfect for catching things so I machine quilted them down. I liked the fabrics 8 years ago but... nah... it will have to go back in the box.

Warning Warning Warning... you will need to get your skates on to catch up to me :-)

2009-05-17T12:17:00.006+10:00

I have been working on my pile of UFO's and have three lap quilts and one table runner almost finished, two are raggy and need clipping and two need their bindings sewn down... I will search my files (i.e. my head) and find the start dates for these four, finish them off and then 'Wow' you with photos this week.. Okay!
In this photo you will see the four quilts I'm working on and behind the 'decreasing' UFO pile.
I think I will do a little happy dance then settle down in the sun and sew... or clip...

A Surprise Finish

2009-05-17T10:54:00.003+10:00

Saturday was full of surprises. I didn't think I'd get this quilt finished but it came together quickly at the last. "Double Choc" was my T-block quilt which I put together using quilt-as-you-go method. Each block is joined with a finished half-inch strip front and back. Of course put a quilt down and a cat will always appear.

Here is a close up of the cream fabrics.

"Toffee Bon Bon" is the log cabin quilt I completed in early March and now has a name. It looks like a giant bon bon wrapper to me so I went with that.

Both quilts were gifted last night at my brother's surprise "Big O" birthday party. Above is his and "Double Choc" is for my SIL who also celebrated her "Big O" with a surprise party earlier in the year. I was very happy to deliver his and her's gifts just in time for winter next month.
*

Now to ponder which UFO will get my attention next. DH thinks I need to make our bed quilt next which will be another quilt-as-you-go log cabin but I only purchased the fabrics for it in January this year so it doesn't qualify as a UFO.

Happy Sewing

feeling virtuous, stuff done etc but you'll have to take my word for it

2009-05-10T07:39:00.000+10:00

feeling virtuous, stuff done etc but you'll have to take my word for it
Well I got up this morning and thought I should post my progress here on my blog, so here am I....sadly no photos to prove I have done what I am going to tell you, as DD2 Sarah has taken my camera to a deb she went to last night, so you will have to just take my word for it.
How many of you, and I can see heads nodding, download patterns, blocks of the month etc and print off or save them onto your computer? Do you ever ACTUALLY do them???
I realised I am very guilty of this the other day when I went thru a pile of stuff Id printed off for "later" and went to file them
There were hundreds!!!
Anways found six (yes six!!!) blocks of the month in progress that I had printed off.
All cute, all ones I still want to do - so said to myself "enough is enough".
Started on the first one bunny hill which started in January, of course I have ALL the months printed off so traced them all and did them - hooray!!!
Then quickly check the site and May was up, so I've done it too - I think this qualifies for saying I'm up to date
PLUS I finished the little quilt I made/designed in the class with Michele Hill at the southern cross quilters retreat in Adelaide
Amazing!!!
(but true - trust me, photos WILL follow)

An Answer for Pennie

2009-05-07T08:56:00.003+10:00

Pennie - yes this is called Cutwork. It is a type of embroidery and can most certainly be done by hand. But not me -ROTFL - I do it on a machine!

I have an embroidery machine so it is really very easy to do. Basically the machine stitches out an outline of the completed design; I then carefully cut away the fabric where there is to be 'gaps'. Once the fabric has been removed, its back to the machine and let it complete the design.

The hardest part, apart from the careful cutting, is laying out the design in the beginning. Taking the time to draw centre and placement lines means a neater more professional finish, although I have to admit I am still not perfect in my placement.

The design can be as simple as a few areas of cutaway fabric to something almost like lace.

A Supper Cloth - or an Afternoon tea cloth - is a small tablecloth; the idea was that for supper or afternoon tea a full table is not set so a small cloth is thrown on one end of the table and set with china and yummy cakes etc. You could also use it as a topper over a larger plain cloth or on a small round table.

Yes, Its Another Supper Cloth But It IS Finished!!

2009-05-05T17:35:00.009+10:00

Despite spending most of my time painting recently I did manage to finish another UFO.

This is another supper cloth that I started, er, um way back when....lol.

I had completed three of the four butterflies in the centre and that was as far as it had progressed. I finally got stuck into it and completed all the embroidery a couple of weeks ago and then did the wing needle edges and hemmed it this week.

I am a happy camper because I was thinking that nothing was going to get completed this quarter.

The corners are a sort of cut down version of the centre although they are quite large. I would normally put lace around the edge but I felt the cutwork was so heavy and so pretty it could stand alone.

The centre is a really pretty cutwork design and I was very pleased with the way it stitched out.

I have realised that my grandchild is due August/September so I think my next project is going to be finishing the Christening Gown I started last year. I have completed all the embroidery on the eight panels, sleeves, bodice and back so now I have to cut it all out then stitch it together.

I am not looking forward to it - it is going to be a very big learning curve for me because I am not a clothing sewer, and this is full of entredeaux lace and insert lace and ....oh my!

PS - the cloth has got a new home to go to - B11 forgot it is Mother's Day and started panicking about what he could buy his Mum. I offered the cloth and he jumped at it ..... rotfl..... just hope she likes it.

Finished Pattern tester, Floating Bubbles quilt.....

2009-05-04T14:08:00.005+10:00

Finally finished the Floating Bubbles test pattern, my DD in law, Jen created. It is done and hanging in the quilt shop. I am so pleased with it...it was pretty quick and easy, and fat quarter friendly. I have another full sized quilt ready to have final borders added then it is going to be quilted. It seems to be getting harder to get my UFO's finished.... maybe its the nicer weather?Have a great week.

Sweet Baby Jane

2009-04-24T10:49:00.005+10:00

I haven't been blogging much, but I have been busy in my sewing room, working on new projects and UFOs.

These are squares I started last year sometime, using my Sweet Baby Jane jelly roll.

This is where they were still up to at Easter.

This is where they are up to now.

The top is now finished, [and square, i might add! :)]. I'm trying to decide whether to quilt it myself or get it done professionally. It will all depend on how I decide to quilt it.

So that's another UFO well on its way to being done.

Into The Stretch On One More!

2009-04-17T03:29:00.008+10:00

A recent, casual comment provided me with the needed inspiration to finish this wall hanging. This time it is a legitimate UFO! I was inspired by a pattern based on the blocks that would have been made by the characters in the Little house On The Prairie books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. We lived in Minnesota at the time [we moved here from there in 2001!] I had a good friend, Heide, from Germany, who wanted to learn to do patchwork. I volunteered to teach her [sort of "the blind leading the blind!"] We both learned a lot and our weekly stitching sessions cemented our friendship, and helped to make the long Minnesota winter bearable!

The top picture was my first try at Quilting With Laura. When we moved here I taught a class in it at a local quilt store. This is the version I made there:

It eventually became a gift for my sister, who is taking very good care of it!

There really isn't much left to do. It's already sandwiched and basted. All I have to do is quilt in the ditches [by machine], and maybe a few little hand quilting touches.....Then a sleeve for hanging, some binding, and Bingo! A gift ready to go...

I'm quilting some teddy bears right now, so am all warmed up for ditch quilting!

Given away UFOs

2009-04-11T09:03:00.002+10:00

OK, the decision has been made!

UFOs that are given away cannot be counted as completed UFOs, however, if you post a picture of them on this blog, I will start another list on the side bar and call it "eliminated UFOs".

That would certainly be one way of reducing your UFO pile, Sheila! I might even consider it myself.

Hey, we could even offer them to other Gidy girls through this blog! (Although I believe Jane has her eye on Sheila's and we might have a challenge claiming any of hers!)

Yay... Yay... Yay...

2009-04-09T10:16:00.002+10:00

Thanks Lindi, for my prize and for setting up this Blog!! Yay... I just love the fabric and the Knickers as well... what a fun thing to do! Yay, Yay, Yay!

David is very impressed with the knickers, he loves the idea of giving prizes and he says to tell you that if you would like him to find a prize in his Garage he will... Oh dear! I just dread to think what he might come up with.Now don't be mistaken, don't be misled,
These aren't for your legs but your nose instead
Just take off the bow and undo the stitches,
You've got two hankies, but you've lost your Knickers...

1st Quarter Tally

2009-04-01T14:37:00.003+11:00

The First Quarter for 2009 is over. How did you go with your finishing goals?
If, like me, you didn't finish any, did you at least work on some? (I did!)

Here's the Tally results for the 1st Q:

9 of the 14 Gidy Girls completed one or more UFOs

Pennie completed the most with 3 shot down, and Narelle came in 2nd with 2

Those 9 girls completed 1 knitted garment, 1 wallhanging, 3 quilts, 1 bag, 1 cross-stitch, 2 table cloths, 1 set of stuffed dolls, and 2 small/mini quilts.

Great effort ladies, for a start to the year, but we want more, more, more completed in the next quarter!

As a reward, there will be a little something in the mail for you Pennie; and Narelle, if you send me your addy (my email is here), there will be a little something for you as well.

Ha! You didn't know there were bonus rewards, did you? So come on Gidy Girls, get cracking! Who will get the award next quarter?

eYe

First Quarter

2009-03-27T12:35:00.003+11:00

Well, what do you know! The first quarter of the year is nearly over. How many UFOs have you finished? How many have you worked on?

I will have to admit that I haven't completed any (yet!), but I have worked on 3.

March isn't over (4 days to go) so I am going all out to try and finish at least one!

What are you going to do in the next 4 days?

Log Cabin Finished

2009-03-21T12:19:00.006+11:00

Firstly I'd like to say a big thankyou to the lovely comments to my posts. I would find it very easy to allow a UFO to stay a UFO, but being a part of this wonderful group keeps me motivated to plod along.

So . . . ta da . . . I'd like to share my next finish with you all. This was the #1 UFO I started on and here it is ready for gifting.

I'm not good with naming quilts so if anyone would like to make a suggestion?

So now it's on with a couple of swap pieces and then back to the T-Block quilt.

Happy Crafting

a knitting ufo finished

2009-03-12T09:27:00.002+11:00

I do hope we can post knitting ufos here - cos I am....lol
I started this cardi for Mia last year for last year - glad I didnt finish it till THIS year as its still big!!!
But she loves it and wants to wear it all the time
Di

Wall hanging finally completed

2009-03-09T01:49:00.003+11:00

I finally completed this wall hanging & it has been sent off to Susan in Stitches as it was a prize for the 'decorate your blog for Christmas'.

Another Quilt Finished!! It may not be Queen Size but it is Finished.

2009-03-07T19:19:00.002+11:00

Admittedly it's only 8 inches by 6 and 3/4 inches but it's hand quilted, bound and all finished! Each hexagon side measures 3/16th of an inch and have I already said? ... It's Finished! :-)

I'm almost finished as well :-) but it is so cute isn't it, my next project is quarter inch Sunshine and Shadow, then I intend to do a Double Wedding Ring to make a Triptych.

I finished a UFO!

2009-02-26T01:12:00.003+11:00

Yes, I did! The Rose 4 Patch Stacked Posies is now a quilt top. It is a gift for our out-going club president. I hope she likes it.

Blessings everyone,

Spiderman ~ Finished

2009-02-24T09:50:00.007+11:00

Oh what a feeling!!! Finally a UFO completed.

This was #3 UFO that I've worked on and is now finished, wrapped and awaiting delivery to the lucky little birthday boy. (The breeze wasn't helping my photography skills.)

#2 is still in blocks but #1 is about to have the binding machined on and then I'll just have to hand stitch it down on the back. Hopefully I'll be back in the not too distant future to show another finish.

Another one finished...

2009-02-21T11:02:00.004+11:00

I made this tablecloth for Easter 2008 but it wasn't hemmed, I was going to put a backing on it but decided it didn't really need it so I just machined along the blocks to keep the seams from fraying... now it's ready for Easter 2009! (probably won't pass the 'quilt' test but it is patchwork!)

A Little Further Along

2009-02-20T10:58:00.004+11:00

Well I have done some more work on the quilt top that was started last March.

Have started sashing the blocks together and please with how it is looking.

I am not keen on pinks but tried out so many colours for the sashing and kept coming back to this one. There is some of this colour in 90% of the blocks so it seemed to fit perfectly. Anyway, it lifts the whole top because there were really are only lights and light mediums in the jelly roll.

I think it will turn out a pretty quilt for what it is intended for; I am sure the Palliative Care Unit will be able to make use of it.

Not sure if I will quilt it straight away and completely finish it or wait until I get a couple more tops done and do them all together. I guess it would be wise to finish it completely - then I can cross of another UFO...lol.

Yes, I succumb and purchase the book on making bags, etc by wrapping fabric around clothes line. There are some great ideas in it and the basic premise is really simple so I will take a trip to Bunnings and get some clothes line and then attack my stash.

PS As suggested by our Gidy Queen I have posted some info about the fabric wrapped bags on my blog.

#3 is Behind Schedule

2009-02-14T21:14:00.004+11:00

I'm afraid I'm running behind with this particular UFO. I purchased this panel towards the end of last year with the intention of making it into a wall hanging for my nephew's 5th birthday. Needless to say he's a big Spider-Man fan.

All I planned was to sandwich it, quilt it appropriately and bind it, adding a hanging sleeve ... plenty of time ... famous last words.

While his birthday was yesterday, I won't be able to visit for another ten days, so I'm going to get cracking on this tomorrow.

The Log Cabin is still progressing and close to finished so I'll just keep plodding along.

Checking In

2009-02-14T07:04:00.002+11:00

I am working on a UFO. Just not the Dresden Plates yet. I need to finish this one up before I start on them. I have all the vertical rows sewn together and I am trying a method I saw at Exuberant Color. Next I iron the seams this-a-way-that-a-way then sew the horizontal rows then the borders.

Blessings to you all,

Marilyn

A Basket full of Matryoshka's... Real UFO's... Done and dusted!

2009-02-13T15:22:00.003+11:00

These lovely Matryoshka's were supposed to be Christmas Presents for my 4 Grandchildren... but ooooops Christmas is past so it looks like I will have to keep them :-))) what a shame! Although you never know I might weaken one day, grandchildren are very hard to resist.
The designs are by Kirsten Doran, don't you just love them!

A Quick Question

2009-02-12T17:33:00.003+11:00

If I buy a book, (it's only 'cause its on special) does that mean I am being slightly naughty?

I mean I could use up some FQ in the cupboard with it.

It is called It's A Wrap and I know I promised not to buy anything but it is calling to me.

Please, please can I??

Indecision ,Thy Name Is Molly

2009-02-11T11:23:00.002+11:00

This is an update on the guild challenge I posted on last week. I decided to just plunge in---enough with the agonizing.

At first I was tossing around different stars in my head, and leaning strongly towards your helpful suggestion of the friendship star.

But then I was flipping through some old quilt magazines and found a block called Uncle Sam's Star [also known as President's Star, very apt, considering the year that's in it!] and I fell in love.

So, with a fire finally lit under me, I made my first block.

Voila!

I love it!

But, Houston, we have a problem! Reckless that I am, I went with your suggestions to use gold. I had a brighter yellow [on the left in the picture] but got cold feet, and went with the more muted gold batik.

"So where's the problem?" you're asking, tilting your head at me quizzically.

The problem, my friends, is that the size of the remaining piece of gold is 9"x3"!
It must have been a remnant I picked up somewhere, because there was less than a fat quarter when I started. Which begs the question "Well, genius, why did you use it at all?"

"Because it was perfect!" And I didn't know when I started that I'd want more of it for the background of the entire piece. Yeah, forward thinking. Not my strong suite.

I'm also dithering on which of those two greens to use. I like the dark blue but can't make up my mind about the lighter blues........and I can't use more than five fabrics in addition to the challenge fabric, so six altogether.

If I had more of the gold I'd attach wide strips of it to all four sides. Then I'd do some applique over it. I looked up the stargazer Lily, Faerie Queen. What a beautiful flower! If I could come up with a simplified version of it I'd incorporate it into my applique....sigh....

The pinwheel in the center of the nine patch was my own attempt at, ahem, creativity! After it was finished, I wished I'd used the "cleaner" lavender, but I may just live with it. Time is racing by! Deadline is 26th.February. Picked up SIL from airport today; go again tomorrow for OC, who is cutting his trip to the frozen north short because the hospice nurse has told us his mom may not last much longer, go again on Sunday for oldest son and two grandchildren---I could probably give my car a push and it could go, all by itself, to the airport and back!

Since sister-in-law is here now, I may be able to manage a quick trip to my favourite quilt shop, fingers crossed all the way there that I'll find some more of that gold. That would really make my day!

I Did One!!!

2009-02-06T13:17:00.006+11:00

Remember this pile of UFO's? Well I have actually finished one!!!!

I started making a tablecloth for MIL in August for her birthday (was the beginning of December) but it got relegated to the UFO pile. I had machine embroidered two of the centre cutwork pieces and three on the outside before it got tossed in the cupboard.

Now it has been washed once to get the stabiliser out and now needs a second soak and wash before an iron. It will now be given on Mother's Day .... lol.

The quilt top from the jelly rolls is also progressing. I have actually made 12 x 12 1/2" squares and will be starting on the sashing next but not until this hot weather clears up.

I have also made a start on a painting that has been languishing for a while (I have shown the progress on my blog if anyone is interested).

So all told I am a happy camper with one UFO finished and two more which have progressed rather well and I didn't have to buy anything to finish them.....lol.

UFO done to flimsy and friends UFO done....

2009-02-03T13:41:00.003+11:00

I have had this quilt since early 2008, put the final border on today...and will load on the longarm tomorrow.I plan to take to Pennsylvania on Friday to give to my brother. I have owed him this quilt since 2007 when he sent hundreds of dollars worth of books to my South African library. So I promised to make him a quilt. Now need to get it done. I have also finished a friends UFO.... a lonestar quilt. Guess that doesn't count for me...but I have been extra good...and purchased no new fabric....this week! :o) HAve a great week.

Finished UFO #1.

2009-02-03T03:00:00.004+11:00

Presenting....
Sebastian Rose.

He has just embarked on his 10,000 mile journey across the world to his new home.
You better look after him sheila.

He took me about 45 hours to cross stitch - 1 hour to wash, press, add backing and post him.
I feel so good about this, number 1 ufo finished and 30 more to go........

A Sporty Night

2009-02-02T07:29:00.003+11:00

Well not exactly me playing sport, but I switched between channels a lot while watching the tennis and cricket last night. I also made good progress on the log cabin quilt. I've now done the hand stitching part of joining the blocks so that they are in four strips of four blocks. Just three x 56" long seams to go and then the binding. I'd share a photo of the strips but I think my camera just passed on.

Off to town today which includes a visit to the local fabric shop. I need backing and wadding for the T-block quilt and also some backing for my nephew's quilt which is due by the 13th of this month and where is it . . . still in the UFO pile. I see a busy busy week ahead as it's also GST (Goods and Services Tax) time for this little procrastinator.

Happy Sewing
Narelle

Quilt Guild Challenge 2009

2009-01-31T15:24:00.013+11:00

Last Spring I signed up to do our quilt guild's challenge for 2009. I paid my few dollars and received my kit, comprising an instruction sheet and a fat quarter of the challenge fabric.

"Stargazer" is the theme for the challenge, and we are to incorporate a nine patch, or a series of nine patches, within a star of our own choosing.

We are to use a "recognizable piece of the challenge fabric and no more than five other fabrics."

It has to be at least 26"x 26", but can be as big as we care to make it.

The finished entries will be displayed at our guild meeting on 26th. February.

Which means we've had three seasons. Not months, seasons, to work on it! Guess who hasn't made one cut in her fabric yet? Yup. That'd be moi.

Is there such a thing as Quilter's Block?

If so, I think I have it!

My brain shuts down every time I think about this challenge. I can't come up with anything imaginative or creative, beyond a nine patch in a star. Duh!

Would you like to see the challenge fabric?

And the five I'm thinking of using with it?

I may change some/one/all!!of these yet. It needs something with more sparkle, don't you think? Something I'm low on at moment.

It's way past my bedtime.

Maybe I'll dream a solution.

Maybe the Ghost of Challenges Past will come to inspire me while I snooze!

Maybe the moon is made of green cheese.

Maybe........zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!

What is a UFO?

2009-01-31T14:53:00.004+11:00

Thank you Boss Mama for clarifiying the position on what a UFO is - I have to admit to getting worried; my pile of UFOs is big enough without adding my fabric stash as well....lol. Feel like a recovering addict facing a 12 step program to finish my UFO's....rotfl.

So I shall proudly stand up and declare:

"Yes, I am a GIDy Girl"

New name

2009-01-31T11:40:00.000+11:00

Ok. You all have a new name to add to your other titles.
As of now, you are all hereby proclaimed "The GIDy Girls"!
:P

(Boss mama indeed! I could be mean and remind you that I am younger than most of you! rofl)

2009-01-31T02:08:00.000+11:00

Oh yes Boss Mom,
I will bend over to get my bum slapped!!!!!

Does UFO mean,
Kits I made up myself, with chart, fabric hoop needle and thread and stashed away in my sewing drawer from about 5 years ago and have not even started count as a ufo??????

If this is so, then opppps I have about 30 or more........ all nicely packed in their own little plastic zippy bag, just waiting to loved, touched and sewn.

Yes I mean about 30...... I think I must suffer from CCCSS. (Compulsive Collection of Cross Stitch Syndrome)

Defining UFOs

2009-01-30T22:39:00.000+11:00

Attention, ladies! (Assumes schoolmarm voice)

Oh boy, we certainly know how to justify ourselves don't we? LOL (you guys so crack me up)

At the beginning of the challenge, I laid out some rules, but perhaps they weren't very clear. Our object is to finish projects that have been waiting for hhmm *muffled talk* years, is it not?

Whilst I agree with you all, :-) we need to be clear on what we want to achieve and we also want to be fair to the others who are seriously trying to shoot down those flying saucers.

Feel free to start new projects (yes, Pennie, it was a new project!) out of scraps and stash, but to be fair, I will only list projects that were started and then neglected before 2009, as finished UFOs, in the side bar list.
You may, however, count as a started UFO, a quilt that hasn't been cut out or sewn at all, if you bought almost all the fabric ready for it, before 2009, and you had a definite project in mind.

I think that is only fair.

[Sorry if I sound serious. I am really laughing guys! No wonder we have UFOs! ]

I'm with Molly...

2009-01-30T17:48:00.001+11:00

I've always wondered about the definition of UFO, I reckon something like this has to have broad boundaries... for example if you make a quilt (top) using all the fabric from your stash, fabric that is left over from say... Sean's quilt, A challenge quilt, a blue and yellow hexagon quilt and so on and so forth... surely that can go in the basket of using up your UFO's?? Just like Molly's BOTM this is a 'new' project aka the Bonnie K Hunter Double Delight... but not one new fabric went in it!! So Ta Daaaa! another UFO hits the dust ??? Well I will have to get someone to quilt it.

But wait there's More... I have finished... as in top, batting, backing, quilting, label and binding... another UFO, one that was started last August but it's the 2009Kambrachallenge and not to be revealed until August this year, you can go and see the fabrics that Wendy chose for us on the Kambrachallenge Blog... 10 years of Challenges are there.
Anyway... January 2009 is almost over and I'm feeling and doing good!!

I've Been A Ba-a-d Girl!

2009-01-30T13:12:00.000+11:00

I was browsing around quilting sites recently, when I happened upon the Bunny Hill Designs site.

And their free Block of The Month.

Lead me not into temptation, because Lord, you know I'm weak!

But into temptation I recklessly ran.....I did finish it though. Already!

So, really, it was only a teeny, tiny little peccadillo---no more than eight inches square! Would you like to have a peek?

Since I had most of the fabric in my stash, was it even a sin at all??

Reverend Mother Lindi, what say you?

Note to potential sinners: There'll be a new basket block at the beginning of each month throughout the year, culminating in instructions on putting them all together in a wall hanging! Go on; you know you want to!

2009-01-30T01:09:00.001+11:00

Well Sebastian Rose has finally come out of the packet, (ufo number 2)and this is him after 3 days. I have decided that he will be a present for my aunt, Sheila. As she knows about him, I can post a picture.
This was a pre-made kit that I brought last year, opened it and put it all together. Though for many months it was just a blank fabric in an embroidery hoop. I have to say that I was very disappointed with this kit, which cost me a lot of money - the fabric was not cut properly and had frayed a lot, and the silks were not what they said they were. So I have replaced the silks for a better quality. And to top it all, the needle which came with it, had been stuck into the fabric and left a rusty mark. I was not amused. I shall not be buying pre-made kits again. I shall make up my own and just buy the charts.

Hmmm Fairy Grandmother is on hold. I have spent 2 weeks on her now, and am getting very fed up with the constant change of color on these wings. So I am desperately in need of a quick kick up the rear end from you ladies.

The Taxi quilt..... pattern by Heidi Pridemore

2009-01-24T15:59:00.000+11:00

Since you all were betting.... I brought home a few bits of fabric the very first day of work...probably 1/3 of my wages for week..... but it really will finish up a block of the month...that I am doing this year....so not too terrible. I am including the Alabama version of the TAXI quilt ...available as a free pattern ...by Heidi Pridemore...the link is at http://www.ttfabrics.com/images/patterns/Taxi.pdf My friend chose to do it in crimson black and white. and using Alabama fabrics randomly. I adore that color combo...but any color plus black and white would be fun. I have thought about turquoise. So here is the photo of her quilt .... and I am happy to say I have begun to applique on my UFO ...very wonky 9 patch. I am continuing to hand quilt on my When oh WHEN.... as in WHEN oh when will it EVER be finished????? quilt. Hope to finish a customer quilt by tomorrow evening....then add borders to a UFO...on Sunday. Maybe get it quilted too. It is a simple quilt for a brother of mine. Now if I can resist the Fabric Temptation just a bit better next week. I have completed part 1 and have just cut all of part 2 for the DD online Quiltville Mystery Quilt. I am doing a 1/2 size version...as in half of the blocks in total. Maybe will sew on that a wee bit as well. Have a great weekend.

She Has Actually Made a Start!!!

2009-01-24T09:06:00.000+11:00

Okay girls, I have made a start!!

After opening the dreaded cupboard I have removed a few items to start with.

I wonder if there is a record for the number of UFOs? If there is I must be getting close to it.....lol

These baskets contain not one, not two, three or six projects but nine!!

Then there is this lovely Elizabethan quilt I started way back when.

Then I found this great Jinny Beyer quilt called Around the World with a very complicated mariner's star as as centre along with lots of foundation piecing. It also has a lot of fussy cutting to make kaleidoscope blocks and squares with circled motifs. Now I have never done a Mariner's Star so I figure why not? The main problem was and still is, I am not a blue person and most of the quilt is. So it got relegated to the UFO cupboard.

Next I thought I would make some lace tablecloths and attacked the lace in a mad frenzy which wore off reasonably fast .... lol

This picture shows another six UFO's, bear in mind girls, that I have only looked at a couple of shelves in the UFO stash.....rotfl. So I am showing you 19 UFOs. I don't think I will tell how many more there are.

This origami style peace quilt took my fancy way back when, and as I had a very large oriental stash I thought it would be a perfect way to use it up. The cranes are made foundation way and contain 18 pieces. There are I think 96 cranes and I began drafting up the papers for the foundations. Think I made about 45 when I thought I would start sewing them. Heavens they look great but they are so time consuming. Each block is 4" so you can see how tiny some of the pieces are.

But the main purpose of this post is to say I have started on the first UFO ......yahooo!

This quilt is made from a jelly roll - I purchased it last February and cut it up. Then Philip went into the Palliative Care Unit so I thought I would hand piece it for something to do while I sat with him.

You all know what happened and suffice to say, the quilt was thrown into the UFO stash, I think because of what it represented. Now I have decided to finish it and give it to the Unit to raffle or use whatever they choose to do with it. When Philip was having chemo I made a quilt then and donated it to the Chemo Unit so the idea is the same with this.

So got the machine out and began making more blocks to add to the ones I had already completed.

See Lindi I can make a start and 'search' for a man on the internet at the same time..... rotfl.

A very quick note..... UFO 9 patches....and a new job!

2009-01-21T13:25:00.000+11:00

I have been offered a very part time job...at a fabric store. I am so excited about this. It won't interfere with my quilting, it is only a few mornings...no weekends. I can promote my quilting...and .... although I am hoping to remain true to my fabric "diet", I receive a discount on fabric. It isn't just a quilt shop...it actually has more...decorator fabrics....but a nice little quilting section. I am excited about this. It will let me be out with people...but still give me plenty of time to do what I also enjoy. I was given a wonderful opportunity to quilt this wonderful quilt...which is this years block of the month for the fabric store, it was made by Gloria Reeves, the soon to be named President of the Mississippi Quilt guild association. I was scared.... of the ruler work...there has to be some tricks...but she wanted the paisley flourish in all the setting blocks...which I can almost do in my sleep now. I think it turned out pretty well. Up next is an Alabama lap quilt, that a friend of mine, Linda made for her son who graduated from Alabama...it is based on the taxi quilt pattern. I really enjoyed doing this one. I think I need to make one of these for our family. I also am working on these silly 9 patches, and only realized after they were sewed into a wall hanging size that I had accicentally cut one sashing strip the wrong size..so it is wonky.Therefore, Iam determined to make it right..by sewing something prim....on top of it...any ideas???? I have none at the moment. I am sure Libby can suggest somthing. Thanks for the visit.... I will update soon.

40 Hours so far.

2009-01-21T02:44:00.000+11:00

You all seem to be getting on better with your ufo's than I am.
Fairy Grandmother. Looks like it is going to be a good few months before she gets done. This is 40 hours of work - so far. and counting, lol.

T-Block Quilt On a Roll!

2009-01-20T14:12:00.000+11:00

I can't believe how quickly this quilt is coming together. I've sewn the strips together to make 64 x 6 1/2" squares.

Then the squares are joined in sets of 4 to make 16 x 12 1/2" blocks.

The finished block size is 12" so at this stage my quilt will be 48" square.

This will be the layout, however I'll do some playing around with colour combinations for a bit before I start to join anything.

I'm also thinking whether or not I should have a thin sashing between each block and/or a border?

I found the pattern while browsing some old magazines over Christmas. It's called 'Sunshine and Moonbeams' by Adriana Gismondi featured in AP&Q Vol 4, No 2. Adriana used sun, moon, stars themed fabric, hence the name.

As soon as I opened the page I knew that I had to make it. Better keep at it now.

Happy Sewing

Can't Help Myself - Here's #2

2009-01-20T08:57:00.000+11:00

This is why I have UFO's. I get bored quick and move onto another project.

While deciding that this is the layout I will go with for the Log Cabin Quilt ...
(Thankyou for your comments. I was swaying between two so it's nice to have another opinion.)

I started cutting strips out for the next quilt, a T-block Lap Quilt.

At the time, I purchased twice as much fabric for the log cabin as I needed, so I found a pattern over Christmas that I could put the extra fabric to good use.

Here is 64 bundles of 4 strips waiting for the sewing to begin. I turned these into ....

these. After the first 10 or so, I decided to sew a second row of stitching, half inch from the first. That way when I cut away the corner, I'll have little 1 3/4" squares for ... something else.

After sewing and pressing I now have 64 of these ready for the next step.

I hope to be back later today more progress pics. The Log Cabin Quilt is not forgotten. I've been brushing up on how to now join the blocks with no strips inbetween.

Happy Sewing

Finally making a start on UFO's

2009-01-15T23:07:00.000+11:00

Well I have finally made a start on some UFO's. As I am a relatively new quilter (3/4 years) I haven't had to delve into the deep dark depths of cupboards, etc. Having said that doesn't mean that I don't have UFO's. I'm sure that I have at least one or two for each year I have been quilting...possibly more. To start I have chosen two wall hangings and a table runner which I started in the latter half of 2008. My reason for choosing these is that they were on the top of the pile and they are relatively smallish projects, so they won't take months to complete.

1. This is a wall hanging which I am making from a panel. There is a lot of faux embroidery stitching in the sashing, but it is difficult to see. I have overstitched these through the three layers which will hold it all together. I now just have to trim it up, do the binding, add somthing to enable hanging and add a label.

2. Christmas table runner. I actually bought this fabric around Xmas 2007, but didn't find a pattern I liked until 2008. This one I still have to quilt, bind and label. You can just see all of the pins in the picture which are holding it together at the moment. I was debating to machine quilt this one, but not ever having machine quilted before I think I might hand quilt it until I can practice on the machine a bit.

3. Another wall hanging. 'Chooks Rule the Roost'

There legless at the moment, so I'm surprised they haven't fallen off the roost yet!! LOL My attempt at some humour. Still have some more to add to the top, then it will need sandwiching, quilting and binding.

Now, one of the above projects will be for one of the blogs in 'Sooziii's decorate your blog for Xmas' comp. And I'm not saying which one, that will be the surprise.

A Promise to Keep

2009-01-15T19:59:00.000+11:00

Alright girls, despite spending hours playing with prospective boyfriends on line I have been shifting through my UFOs.

Son goes back to work on Monday and so my workroom becomes free of his presence (he has be using the PC in there while I play on the laptop). I have been slowly organising the ever growing pile of UFOs and I have to admit to being a tiny bit ashamed at how many there are..... NOT!!

I have promised myself I will not buy any more fabric, unless it is to finish a UFO, or patterns or take on board any new ideas until I have at least cleared out 10 UFOs. Just how long I can keep the promise will be very interesting.

So next week I take a photo of the pile and then dip in and start.

Completed Blocks

2009-01-15T09:52:00.000+11:00

Ok, so now I have my 16 blocks completed and I've been playing with layouts.

Having blocks with two different colour combinations means almost twice the choices. In photos 3 and 4 I've just swapped the colours around. I have several other layouts on the camera but these are the family favourites.

Please feel free to leave your thoughts or preferences, I appreciate your ideas.