Catching up

I can't believe the year is coming to a close soon.  So many projects still in the works - but first.....

Custom cake for me! (@KTCakesBakeshop)

My birthday gift

Practice

First finish off the frame

Easy Loop quilting

A Call to Make a Change

A SAMPLING OF 2018 STASH BEE BLOCKS

  A Look at the Ever Changing Design Wall

Again, so many projects - all in different stages.  

Multiple Finishes

I have finally completed a number projects.  Quilts and bags.  Some quilts I have had in the works for several months (not the oldest WIPs) and others I've been cruising along steadily to complete.

I wonder why some projects linger longer than others.  Is it because I don't love the fabric or the quilt design?  Is it that I don't have a plan for what to do with it when it's finished?  Or is it because I have too many ideas and not enough patience to see one project through without starting the next?

The bags caused me to detour from the quilts.  I was in the midst of quilting the latest Halloween quilt when I decided I needed to make some end of the school year gifts - 1 week before school was out!

As soon as these were delivered, I jumped right back into quilting and finished these quilts.  Now these three quilts are completely finished, including labels.  Once they are washed, I will be sending them off to their new homes.  As each one is a surprise, my fingers are crossed that they are loved.

Back to the sewing machine!

Drowning in Scraps

Scraps - they multiply when I'm sleeping.

After I cut for a project, I always have leftover pieces.  After collecting a small basket full, or deciding it's time for a good cleaning, I cut the scraps into a variety of sizes for future use.  About a month ago I found that the 2" square container was filled.  At first I thought I would just sew these squares together in a classic patchwork pattern.  The piecing evolved into 16 square patches. I remembered making the Scrap Jar Star block in a bee and thought this would be a great way to use these scraps.  The pattern also called for 3 1/2" square triangles.  I had plenty of 4" and 4 1/2" squares to turn into HSTs.  

Blocks ready for assembly

7 Strips ready for joining

First Layout

Top Completed!    

 72" x 84"    

Now for the backing.

Quick and Easy

Most quilts I make are twin size or larger, mostly larger.  I recently completed a quilt for my niece's baby who is arriving any minute.  I bought the owl fabric a long time ago.  Guess I was just waiting for the right recipient to come along.  Lucky, I also had the solids!

As for the quilting, I made circles using a walking foot.  After reading blogs & books, I used the advice of going slow.  I changed the speed setting to veeeeerrrry slow to keep me from speeding.  This really helped keep the circles from getting wobbly.

Planning to make this pattern again - only larger!

RobinSue

Two More Finishes!

I'm excited to be able to cross two more projects off my list!

The first one, started sometime this past summer, is finally done.  Late for last Halloween and early for the next one.  Label ready to be sewn down, and then a quick wash and it'll be ready to use.

Displayed on a Full Size Bed

Meandering Stitch on Domestic Machine

This is a Magic 8 Ball quilt.  It is from two bees I participated in last year.  I added a few blocks to even out the blocks received.  The backing is flannel.  

Displayed on a Full Size Bed

Quilted on Domestic Machine

Stash Bee 2017 & Bee Hive Quilt Bee 2017

Off to finish another one,

RobinSue

Project Update

At the beginning of the year, I wrote a list of current projects including a few that have been lingering for more than a year.

The first project I focused on was the Windmill Quilt.  It was paper pieced and took me a while to complete.  Now all it is waiting on is a label and a wash & dry.

It finished at 50" x 50".  Perfect for a little girl.

RobinSue

2018 Begins

This year is starting with a lot of leftovers from last year and many new ideas.  I made a list of WIPs that's as long as my arm!

I'm starting with quilting basted quilts.  I have 3.  When those are finished I will baste the next three and then finish piecing a few others I have cut. First up is this Windmill quilt.  

Of course, I couldn't resist participating in bees and this year I am also joining a monthly QAL.  I even bought a planner to help me stay on track.  

 My 2018 Word of the Year is IMPROVE.

I have a plan for this - I know it will be a successfully improved year.

RobinSue

What Happened in 2017?

2017 was a busy year in the sewing studio.  Let's see if I can find pictures of everything!

I finished a few quilts, participated in 3 bees and took a tuffet class.  All in all, I think it was a productive year.  Already working on finishing WIPs, new bee blocks and non-quilting items.  

I feel I accomplished a lot, yet, I also feel like I could have finished so much more.  Who knows what I'll do in 2018. 

RobinSue