Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Latest Quilt

This is the latest quilt I have been working on which is a shop sample out of Northcott Stonehenge Christmas fabrics.  A quick and easy panel quilt but I love the way it turned out.


I am getting more used to my daughter being off at college.  I still miss her terribly but guess I am starting to get in a new routine. 

I do enjoy doing less laundry and picking up less empty diet coke cans all over the house but I sure miss talking to her and seeing her every day.  I am looking forward to her first visit home this weekend. 

kathie

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

The Shop

The quilt shop is having good days and bad days.  Hopefully will have more of the good and less than the bad once kids get back to school and people start thinking about all of the things they want to make for holiday presents.


This is one class I am going to be teaching, a simple fall or Christmas Fused Wreath.   Thought it would make a quick decoration for peoples houses.

I am learning a whole lot having never worked retail before.  The parts that amaze me are how far out you have to order fabric, I currently have some on order that will not deliver until December!!  I will always think having to get delivery of Halloween fabric in May or fall fabric in June just is just plain weird. 

The fabric companies for the most part are great to deal with but having some calling wanting to ship things before they were scheduled.  Guess they think people have unlimited monthly budgets and unlimited space.   I currently haveone collection and a few stray bolts stashed under the cutting table waiting for free space to put them in.  That is actually nice as it is giving me time to work on a new shop sample using a new line from Northcott called Fragrance.  Maybe by the time I get the quilt done we will have room for the fabrics.

Main focus other than the shop the next week is getting Mandy ready for college. She has been busy spending time with friends and the boyfriend before they all head off to college.  Think most everyone she knows is heading off this weekend or is already gone so next week each night we will have to be organizing all her things, seeing what last minute things are still needed and getting her packed. 

As an only child with an only child have never been through anything like this before and I am finding it very hard  The house will sure seem empty but at least she will be close enough to come home every few weeks for the weekend. 

Kathie

Monday, August 6, 2012

Blogging

I can't believe how long it has been since I even looked at this blog.  I miss having the time to check a few of my favorite blogs on a daily or at least weekly basis.  Hoping to be able to get back to that at least once in awhile. 

I think I am fairly used to working full time again but it hasn';t been easy.  I was so used to making my own schedule and running errands and grocery shopping at slow times and always having the laundry up to date.  Having to learn to just go with the flow a little more and things will get done "eventually".   My hubby has also pitched in and days I work till 6:00 he will do dinner.  Usually just heating up leftovers but great I don't have to deal with it when I get home.   He is also planning on retiring the end of the year (he is submitting the papers today) so will be nice to have the extra help with things next year.

Summer has been super busy getting the quilt shop fully stocked again.  We are now at the point where every time some fabric comes in I have to rearrange to make room.  That is not all bad as it is nice to always have something new to put out. 

The rest of the summer has been helping Mandy get ready for going off to college (in less than three weeks now).  Started with a two day orientation in June, followed by several shopping trips (boy the need tons of stuff), back up to the college to open bank accounts, drop off medical forms etc. and now trying to take care of some of the last details and wondering how it is all going to fit in the van?

I didn't have much time to sew for awhile but recently finished two shop samples have have them hanging up now.  One was to show a different use for a striped fabric and the other to show off fabrics just received in the shop.


Monday, June 18, 2012

New Blog

I hope to get back to updating this blog from time to time when I am working on personal projects but have decided to start a blog for the quilt shop I purchased as I am spending most of my time there.  If you want to check out what is happening at Olde Towne Stitchery check out my new blog (as of yesterday) at  www.oldetownestitchery.blogspot.com

Kathie

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Graduation

Graduation last night and we couldn't be prouder of Mandy as she finished in the top 5% of her class.  I sure never did that.  Think I probably finished about in the middle and that was with lots of studying. 

Three of her very best friends were able to come so I know that meant a lot to her. 

kathie

Monday, May 28, 2012

Memorial Day

Hope everyone had a nice long weekend away from work and chores (not likely) and also remembered all the service members.  One of my favorite memorial day weekends was when we went to see the World War II Memorial.  My dad didn't live to see it finished so felt like I was seeing it for him. 

I have been doing some sewing this weekend, but nothing worth showing at this point.  I pieced a backing for my daughters dorm quilt and worked on some hidden 9-patch blocks that I started well before my hand surgery.   Hand is doing much better.  Part of my thumb is still numb and my hand is weak but I actually cut fabric for some customers on saturday.  I still couldn't do it all day but good that I can start doing some of it. 

Since I have no pictures of my own wanted to show a couple pictures of class samples that will be taught in the shop starting in July. 

I was scheduled to take a workshop on this spicy spiral table runner when my hand got real bad so if I think I can do all the cutting I might just take this class myself. 

The other one I think is extra cool is a woven purse.  It was made mostly out of the bright stonehenge fabrics that I love. 



My only problem is my purse is usually huge and don't know if I could carry something this size or not. 

Hope everyone has a wonderful week!!  It is 90 here today, I am looking forward to a little cooler weather. 

Kathie

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Shop Update

I am slowly getting used to having a schedule again and having to get going every morning to run errands of some sort and then head up to the shop.  At least with not having to be there until about 9:30 I have time to get a few things done before hand. 


Of course the most enjoyable part it still seeing weekly fabric deliveries.  This is still one of my favorite fabrics that I have received, it is a Princess Mirah batik.  I might just have to make something with this myself. 

The next few weeks are going to be a lot of fun but also stressful as we have so many things going at once. 

Mandy will be graduating in less than two weeks, followed by her last dance performance the following weekend, followed by a two day orientation at college right after that.   I am looking forward to every bit of it but once it is all over maybe we can take a breather.

I still have not been doing any sewing but feel that my hand is finally to the point that I should be able to start piecing again and as soon as I have time I want to try and quilt a table runner on my longarm.  Figure I should be able to do that since it doesn't involve any rolling of the fabric but won't know until I try.

Kathie

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Again it has been a long time since I have posted. I miss spending some time every morning checking on my favorite blogs and seeing what all my internet buddies have been up to. I am hoping when I get into more of a routine I can take the time to do so.

  After three years of working at home doing machine quilting at whatever time I wanted to it is a hard adjustment going into work every day again even if it is a fun quilt shop.

We had several glitches in getting things up and running including it taking two full days to get the credit card machine to function properly. Was days before we had on line access to review banking information and had a lady out half of last friday getting our payroll systems set up. I need to run my first payroll tomorrow so sure hope we don't have any more problems in that area.

We did some minor rearranging of things in the shop and also moved most of the stock around to make it look different. The previous owner had let the stock go way down so that is the first order of business to build the stock back up again. I started off with about 25 new bolts when I took over the shop and in the just about two weeks we have owned it we have got in about 30 more bolts, 12 of it just yesterday. It is fun to see things I have ordered come in. I did get one bolt of orange yesterday that I sure can't remember WHY I ordered it!! I must have thought it would go with something else we have there.

My hand is healing nicely. Won't be able to cut fabric for people for awhile but I can run the register and do lots of other things around there. How everyone is enjoying spring weather and getting lots done in their sewing rooms.

kathie

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Sunday Stash Report and Quilt Shop News

I have not been on blogger in so long that they changed everything on me and I can say I DON'T LIKE THE NEW FORMAT!!!

 Don't remember the last time I posted I have been so busy. First we were in the midst of purchasing the quilt shop then on wednesday I had surgery on my right hand. My thumb is still partially numb so a little difficult to type at this point but better than yesterday. Finally got the business license and a few other bugs worked out about the quilt shop and went to settlement on friday. The hubby and I were out to the shop both friday and saturday rearranging and taking all the stock and supplies we had been storing in our living room. Guess I must say with my hand bandaged I was mostly supervising and he was doing all the work.

 Then last night was Senior Prom. Can't believe she will be 18 next week and graduate in a little over a month!!! I think Mandy and her date looked wonderful.
On a personal quilting note, I have done nothing in the last couple of weeks as both my hand and time didn't allow it. I hope to finish up my batik quilt top as soon as I am able so at least I can claim that yardage. Stats remain the same.
 Fabric used YTD: 54 yards
 Fabric purchased YTD: 28 yards
Net fabric used in 2012: 26 yards


 Kathie

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Quilt Shop Trials

Have not been on here lately, no new pictures to post thou I did get the middle of my double sliced layer cake quilt together at a retreat last week.

Received some more patterns and books in the mail the other day and a whole shipment of Quilter's Dream batting today (all in my living room)!!

Have hit some glitches in the whole process that are out of my control and it has kind of spoiled the fun of the whole process. I am hoping that everything is straightened in the next few days and I can get back to enjoying the process.

Kathie

Thursday, April 12, 2012

More Quilt Shop Update

First off, no Sandy my thrill meter was not high..... think it was stuck on frustration for awhile.
We were shocked at all the things required by the town, state, and federal governments: Federal Employer ID Number, Workmen's Comp, federal and state unemployment insurance, sales tax number, trader's license, occupancy permit, even a
sign permit to allow us to display a couple of small signs that are already
there.

Then there's liability insurance, attorney's fees, and lease. Bank account, post office box, credit card processor, website, phone service, Internet, and so many other things necessary to running a shop. Because my husband still works full time (hopefully a year or so from retirement) I have been taking care of the vast majority of the details and it has really stressed me out.

The bright spot so far has been meeting with fabric reps and ordering lots of nice fabrics, $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Deliveries are spaced out over the next
five months but the first shipments have begun arriving and are piling up
in our living room waiting until the day we take over the business and
can re-stock the shelves.

I am making progress finally with receiving my Maryland Sales Tax ID number that is required to do so many of the items on my "to do" list and also insurance has been quoted, paid for and a binder in place.

Maybe I can de-stress a little this weekend and get some sewing done and also get all my things ready for our fiber arts retreat in a little over a week. I have everything prepared for my class, I just need to gather supplies and stage them all in one area.

Kathie

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Sunday Stash Report - April 7, 2012

Happy Easter to everyone!!

This is currently my living room!!! No, I am not going to add 25 bolts of fabric and a whole bunch of pre-cuts to my stash..........lol I got my first delivery of fabrics that will be going to the quilt shop the end of the month.


Also over to the right are 4 boxes that contain sewing tables and to the left are 4 new folding chairs, all for the classroom and a few patterns and misc things in the middle.

Progress on the shop is slow. Did get the agreement signed with settlement towards the end of the month. Its one of those things that everytime I go to do something they need one more number/form or whatever. It will all get done, just all the details are totally stressing me out.

I have not sewn again this week so my stats are the same:

Fabric used YTD: 54 yards
Fabric purchased YTD: 28 yards
Net fabric used in 2012: 26 yards

My day time guild is having a daytime sewing retreat this week both tuesday and wednesday. I hope to get there one day anyway and actually do some sewing so maybe my stats can change next week.

Kathie

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Quilt Shop Update

Its been a busy few days. Had a call from Northcott and they are going to be shipping my first shipment of new fabric this week. Met with a guy about business insurance (contents, liability and workers comp) yesterday and finally have an appointment with the attorney to sign the contract next monday night. He will have to register/file the papers etc. after that but we should be on track for settlement the end of the month.

If that wasn't enough I finally got a surgery date to have my right hand taken care of, that will be the 25th which is horrible timing in the midst of all of this but guess there is no good timing right now.

Here are a couple more pictures of the shop.



Kathie

Monday, April 2, 2012

Design Wall Monday - April 2, 2012

This is on my design wall, untouched for the last two weeks. I visit it every once in a while but have not had a chance to sew. This is a double sliced layer cake using a Timeless Treasures batik layer cake.


Spent most of the day up at the quilt shop today, finding out more about the shop and doing a little training on the computer/cash register. Think my mind has taken in all that it will take in today..lol. Need to sit and relax with a soda for awhile.

Kathie

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Sunday Stash Report - April 1, 2012

Can you believe it is already April!!! We had wonderful spring weather for a couple of weeks but now back to cooler temperatures.

My stash report did not budge one bit (either way) this week. Stats are still:

Fabric used YTD: 54 yards
Fabric purchased YTD: 28 yards
Net fabric used in 2012: 26 yards

Continuing to be VERY busy starting to take care of all the details in purchasing the quilt shop. This week I met with the landlord, we went to see an attorney and reviewed a draft contract and met with a Moda fabric rep. It sure was nice to pet and order lots of nice fabrics and NOT have it count in my stash.

We took lots of pictures of the shop so want to share a few of those.

Isn't this a cute looking cottage?


and a little bit of the inside...



Everyone have a wonderul week. If I can remember I will take a picture of the batik quilt I am working on that has been on my design wall untouched for TWO WEEKS.

I did put a binding on a quilt last night so at least I did sew something.

Kathie

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Sunday Stash Report - March 25, 2012

I have not blogged in a while, I have been busy getting a few customer quilts out of the way. My thumb has gotten worse and I know I will be facing surgery so wanted to get the ones that I had in house done and I just won’t be taking any for awhile. Also have been busy in meetings and a few other things going on.

In addition, I didn’t do last week’s stash report because I just didn’t know how to handle those big numbers! Are you curious on how big my numbers are?

Well…… we have a very small quilt shop in our town, they have nice things but the inventory has been way down lately. We heard about the opportunity to buy the shop and we are probably crazy but that is exactly what my husband and I are going to do. We are just starting all the legal work this coming week but hope to get it accomplished by 1 May.

I will be working in the shop most of the time and my husband will be helping with some of the book work, getting new shelves put together and servicing featherweight and other older singer and Kenmore and a few other brands of machines that have been around for a long time but still working well.

I met with one fabric rep most of today ordering fabrics , some to be delivered almost immediately and others spread over the next 5 months so that when the shop is officially turned over to me I will have some new things ready to put on the shelves. Much more will have to follow with other fabric reps but wanted to at least get a start.

So anyway, how do you put all this on a stash report..lol

My ACTUAL current stash report numbers are:
Fabric used YTD: 54 yards
Fabric purchased YTD: 28 yards
Net fabric used in 2012: 26 yards

I did actually find a few minutes to sew this week. I am working on a double slice layer cake quilt using a layer cake of batiks. I think it is going to be very pretty, just don’t know when I will get back to it. I think it is going to have to age on the design wall for a bit.

Kathie

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Mid Week Update

I am doing good on my weekly goals, helps when you don't set very many...lol

Here is the second customer quilt that I quilted this week.


I also got the binding on my kitty quilt the other day so my friend Jane is now going to hand stitch it down for me. I have not done #3 yet which is making the backing for my challenge quilt but it is washed at least.

The little bit of actual sewing time I had yesterday I spent putting the outer border on this little chick baby quilt. Love these little panels and don't know why it has taken so many years to make some of them up.


Today Jane and I are going layer cake shopping. I am hoping to find a great one and not do to much other damage to my stash report but my willpower doesn't seem that great this morning.

Oh speaking of willpower, its hard but I have now lost 5 1/2 pounds. I have a long way to go as I let myself get the heaviest I have ever been but at least it is a start. Can't see any difference yet, that will probably take about 10 pounds but my jeans are slightly less tight so thats something.

Kathie

Monday, March 12, 2012

Design Wall Monday - March 12, 2012

Nothing very exciting to post on my design wall monday post, just this little panel baby quilt on the wall. I got very ambitious last year, I was going to use up lots of the panels I purchased and never did anything with. Well only a year late but actually doing something with two of them anyway. This is the first top I finshed, just added the bear border and corner stones.


The other one I am working on has baby chicks on it, so cute.

Last week at my day time guild I was handed a finished quilt for Hospice. this quilt was made, quilted and bound all by Betsy..... great job.


I guess I should make another delivery to hospice in the next couple of weeks.

As for weekly goals, I finished all of mine from last week which was a great feeling. For this week I want to...

1. Quilt at least 2 customer quilts (one was done yesterday so will count that this week).
2. Put the binding on my kitty quilt
3. Make a backing for my challenge quilt

Hope to get a few more things done but want to keep my list simple and attainable.

Kathie

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Sunday Stash Report - March 11, 2012

I didn't have a lot of time to sew this week but did use up a fair amount of fabric. I did make up the remaining 3 kits I needed to make for a fiber arts conference in April. I also decided to use a couple of baby panels I had purchased a long time ago. Have one top done just having to add borders and the second one is half done. It was one of my goals in 2011 to use up some of those panels, so it is getting done, just a year late.

Stats for the week are:

Fabric used this week: 3.5 yards
Fabric used YTD: 48.5 yards
Fabric purchase this week: 1.5 yards (will be border for baby panel quilt #2)
Fabric purchased YTD: 20.5 yards
Net fabric used in 2012: 28 yards

I like that my numbers on net used are now gradually edging up. I don't guarantee it will stay that way this week as my friend Jane and I are going to visit a couple of quilt shops in search of a really nice layer cake. Even though I will be on a specific mission I don't doubt that I will come home with at least one other piece of fabric.

Kathie

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Mid Week Update - March 7, 2012

My midweek update of goals looks very good...

1. Quilt one of MY projects (probably kitty quilt) - quilted monday, here it is draped on the frame



2. Quilt customer quilt and two customer runners (Two runners done, customer quilt still needs to be quilted)
3. Cut batting to go with four charity quilts that people have volunteered to quilt for me and........(batting all cut and in bags with quilts and batting to take to next monday nights guild meeting)
4. Finish up the last three kits I am making up for next months fiber arts conference - (accomplished this yesterday while waiting for a delivery of our new treadmill.

Now to make sure the treadmill gets use and doesn't end up as a coat rack!!! Mandy can go to town on it, I am starting out with a slow 15 minute only workout for the first few days. Hopefully between that and eating much healthier I can finally get some weight off. Four off so far, but a LONG way to go.

kathie

Monday, March 5, 2012

Design Wall Monday - March 5, 2012

I finished the top for my guild challenge quilt a couple of days ago and it is still on the design wall until I start working on something else. Since the small green squares in the middle block (that I drew out of a bag) had tiny frogs on it I decided to stay with the theme so bought froggy fabric for the outside border. The quilt finished at about 45 inches square.


I did meet all my goals for last week, but then again I didn't set that many because I knew we were going to be gone a day and a half of that time.

This week going to keep it simple again since I have a day time guild meeting, doctors appointment and a couple of other things to do this week that will eat into my time. So my goals...
1. Quilt one of MY projects (probably kitty quilt)
2. Quilt customer quilt and two customre runners
3. Cut batting to go with four charity quilts that people have volunteered to quilt for me and........
4. Finish up the last three kits I am making up for next months fiber arts conference.

Kathie

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Sunday Stash Report - March 4, 2012

I do have a good stash report this week. I tried to buy some fabric (lol). I went in search of a layer cake to make a quilt from a utube video I saw that looked quick, fun and easy but JoAnns does carry layer cakes and my nearest quilt shop only has dark ones that it definitely not my taste.

I used fabric this week making the top of my challenge quilt (picture tomorrow as it is still on my design wall), a backing for a couple of runners and a backing for a kitty quilt that I made the top a couple of months ago.

Current stats:

Fabric used this week: 8.5 yards
Fabric used YTD: 45 yards
Fabric purchased this week: 0
Fabric purchased YTD: 19
Net fabric used in 2012: 26

I didn't get a chance to start a new project this week as we spent time on college stuff. We went to the Admitted Student Open House at the University of Maryland on friday. What a mass of people!!! Most of it was very well organized and gave us a lot of additional information some good, some not so good.

The not so good was information on how hard it is to get into their business school, which has Mandy rethinking her prospective major. The good part was presentations by the scholors program, finding out which Scholors program Mandy will be in, and getting to tour one of their residence halls which by coincidence is the hall that she will be living in.

Her favorite part of the tour was going through the gym which will be very close to her housing. The place is HUGE, with two pools, basket ball, racket ball, exercise machines, dance/exercise studios etc etc.

One more thing crossed off the list of things to do. Now lots of little things to do (immunization forms, getting AP info sent etc.) and then the next major step is a two day orientation in June which I was finally able to schedule around my hubby's travel and other various things. Maybe I can sit back and breathe for a bit (and sew!!!).

Kathie

Thursday, March 1, 2012

College is Stressful

College is stressful and I am NOT EVEN THE ONE GOING!!! Once you are accepted I can't believe how many individual things you need to take care of!!

Acceptance submitted, housing request form and reservation for open house have all been accomplished. Ok, three things off the list anyway.

Now need to try and get an orientation (2 day) set up. Challenge is that there are specific 2 days sessions (in June and July) for certain majors and then the scholors program within the majors and then trying to schedule one of those limited times around my husbands extensive travel schedule..... and somehow it is left to me to figure it all out!!!

Ok open house next, hopefully that will answer a lot of my questions. This WILL ALL GET DONE. I think I better stock up on extra hair color, think any of my hair that isn't already gray will be so before fall.

Kathie

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Midweek (Leap Day) Update

My only goals for this week were to quilt two customer quilts (lap sized) and finish my challenge quilt top.

I am doing great on those goals, customer quilts are done and I also managed to get a couple of my own table runners quilted. I need to start doing that again and quilt something of mine after every 2 or 3 customer jobs.

I also got one more round done on my challenge quilt, this is what it is currently looking like. So glad I found some bright green in my stash as I think it makes it look nice and bright.


Kathie

Monday, February 27, 2012

Design Wall Monday - February 27, 2012

Both of my guilds have yearly challenges, sometimes I participate and sometimes not. Usually depends on how many "rules" they put in place. The current challenge from evening guild was selected by the president. She gathered up a huge bag of orphan blocks from the guild members without telling us what was going to happen. A couple of months ago she had us close our eyes, reach in the bag and select a block. In addition to that we were given a FQ of cream tone on tone fabric of which we were to use at least 8 square inches.... This is what I received.


I knew the first thing I wanted to do was put it on point, then decided to go ahead and use the required cream...


It sat on my design wall for a day or so while I rummaged around in my stash trying to find something to go with the fabrics. I had already purchased an outer border fabric and didn't want to buy anything else. I found this blue and had enough of the yellow left to make the required squares...


So this is what is currently on my design wall, waiting for inspiration on what to add next. The challenge requires the quilt to be at least 36 x 42 inches. I am aiming to make mine between 45 and 50 inches square.

I completed ALL my weekly goals last week, hurray!!!! This week I have a couple of appointments and friday we will be going to the University of Maryland for their admitted student open house so I am not going to set many goals other than to get a couple of customer quilts quilted and hopefully finish the challenge quilt top.

Have a wonderful week.

Kathie

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Sunday Stash Report - February 26, 2012

I got a couple of tops done this week so finally have some good numbers to report. I finished Mandy's dorm quilt top


I also finally finished the hexagon table runner top that I started like a month ago...


My current stats are:

Fabric used this week: 7.75 yards
Fabric used YTD: 36.5 yards
Fabric purchased this week: 1.5 yards
Fabric purchased YTD: 19
Net fabric used in 2012: 17.5 yards

I broke my 3 week streak of not buying fabric but at least it was for a specific purpose. My guild is having a challenge. You drew an orphan block out of a bag and were given one FQ to go with it. Eight square inches at least of the FQ have to be used and you need to make a quilt at least 36 x 40 something.

Here is what I started with....


I will post a picture tomorrow on what I have done with it so far.

Have a great week.

Kathie

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Midweek Update

Seems like I have had a million errands to run this week but have also managed to make good progress on my goal list for the week:

1. Quilt customer lap quilt - DONE
2. Finish Mandy's quilt top - finished the top the other night, here it is.

not a very good picture of it as the light was funny but I like how the top turned out.

3. Quilt baby quilt - backing loaded on the frame and ready to quilt.

and yet again 4. Finally do the hexagon runner top - actually have been working on this. Have the blocks joined into rows, just need to sew the rows together.

Also have been learning some about the hidden costs of going to college. First we had to pay for SAT scores to be sent to the colleges, then it was application fees and now that she has selected a school it is Orientation fees!! Wouldn't you think that orientation fees would be included in tuition?

At the University of Maryland there is going to be a $160 fee for Mandy for the orientation (2 day) and $60 for each parent. Ok she does get overnight accomodations at the school, meals and a "free" t-shirt and I know it has to be paid for somehow as they have to have lots of extra staff for these functions but still think all this is some cost that should be hidden in your tuition? You know college is expensive, just didn't expect to have so many fees before she even goes.

Kathie

Monday, February 20, 2012

Sunday Stash Report and Monday Design Wall

I never got around to posting my sunday stash report yesterday as we went to Virginia in seach of a prom dress so that took most of the day. At least it was a successful trip.

My stats have not changed. The only thing I have been piecing this week is Mandy's quilt and since the top isn't finished yet I am not counting it yet. With going to a poetry reading, a play and making a trip to Virginia for a prom dress I didn't get the top done as planned. I did resist JoAnns/Quilt shops for the 3rd week in a row which I am proud of since I am addicted to all the newer fabrics. Stats are:

Fabric used this week: 0 yards
Fabric used YTD: 28.75 yards
Fabric purchased this week: 0
Fabric purchased YTD: 17.5 yards
Net fabric used in 2012: 11.25 yards

As for my design wall? Again the only thing I have been working on is Mandy's quilt top so the design wall has nothing on it other than a little fuzz and loose threads.

As for my goals, think I got them all accomplished other than the hexagon runner.

This weeks goals are:

1. Quilt customer lap quilt
2. Finish Mandy's quilt top
3. Quilt baby quilt
and yet again 4. Finally do the hexagon runner top

Have a great week.

Kathie

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Mid Week Update

Monday night was our guild meeting and I got this hospice quilt back from binding. The quilt was made by Jane, quilted by myself and Ann did the binding. I sure love all the pink and purples in this quilt.


I have been doing good on my list of goals for the week so far. I have blocks for 5 out of 11 rows of Mandy's quilt sewn into rows and I quilted the customer runner, baby quilt and lap quilt. Nice they were all small so could knock out several jobs without stressing my hand, which I am going to rest today.

Last night Mandy did her paperwork signing up to go to the University of Maryland in the fall so guess she is now officially a Terp!!

Kathie

Monday, February 13, 2012

Design Wall Monday - February 13, 2012

Well Mandy's quilt is still on my design wall though I did start sewing the blocks together but only one row.


I did do pretty good with last weeks goals...

1. Finish the hexagone runner top - nope, nothing done

2. Finalize the layout of Mandy's quilt - yes, laid out and started to sew together

3. Make a pillow case (my friend is showing me today) -two pillow cases made

and

4. Quilt a customer kids quilt (also involves making a backing for it) - done, in fact quilted a second customer quilt.

As for this week, I have something planned 3 out of 5 evenings so don't know how much I will actually get done but heres my list.

1. Finally put together the hexagon runner

2. Get all Mandy's blocks sewn into rows

3. Machine sew binding on wreath wall hanging

4. Quilt customer runner

5. Quilt customer baby quilt

6. Quilt customer small lap quilt

Hopefully will get to pick up my new glasses today so hoping that I will be doing less squinting!!

Kathie

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Sunday Stash Report - February 12, 2012

I didn't seem to do a whole lot of sewing this week but my numbers are great so must have got more done than I thought. Usage was on a couple of pillow cases, backing a couple of runners and using my stash for a customers quilt back since she forgot hers.

Weekly stats:

Fabric used this week: 7 yards
Fabric used YTD: 28.75 yards
Fabric purchased this week: 0
Fabric purchased YTD: 17.5 yards
Net fabric used in 2012: 11.25 yards

Nice I was able to drive right by the quilt shop and JoAnns without going in this week.

We went and walked around the University of Maryland again yesterday to take a second look. Mandy still likes it but I think a little less. She saw the area where she will be living if she gets into the scholors program of her choice and it is the older looking area of campus. Of course on a dark, drab, misty cold day nothing looked thrilling except the inside of the student union building that was nice and warm.

Also while walking around she got a text that her best friend committed yesterday to going to NC State so she was sad as she hoped they would both be going to Maryland together. Not sure if any of this will change her mind on where she wants to go or not. Figure we can wait till after the official open house the beginning of March to commit. Exciting but stressful times for a teenager.

Kathie

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Pillow Cases

My friend showed me how to make pillow cases with the decorative strip and french seams on monday, pretty much doing half the work of the first pillow case. Yesterday I decided to make another one before I forgot how to do it and before I used up the left over fabrics from Mandy's quilt on something else.


Quick, fun and I am sure she will be able to use a couple of extra pillow cases at college next year. I am sure the kids don't do laundry as often as they should!!

kathie

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Midweek Update

Doing good on my to do list.

Monday Jane showed me how to make a pillow case so I have another one cut out and ready to sew sometime today. Will try and remember to take a picture when this second one is done.

We finalized the layout of Mandy's quilt. Now I just need to take it all off the design wall, numbering it as I go.

Hexagon runner still is just sitting in a pile, seem to keep getting distracted with other things.

I did make the backing and quilt the customer quilt yesterday afternoon so thats done. I also quilted my small Christmas fused fabric wreath this morning so will probably give the hand a rest from quilting now until tomorrow.

kathie

Monday, February 6, 2012

Design Wall Monday - February 6, 2012

Well I was hoping for a different outcome of the game last night but at least it was a great, nail biting game!!

My design wall is currently in the middle of the family room so that we can play with the blocks to Mandy's graduation/dorm quilt. Since the quilt is going to be 11 rows long to accomodate an extra long twin sized bed at college all the rows won't fit on the design wall.


What we intend on doing is getting the first 6 rows how we like them and then take the first 3 rows off (marking the blocks) and then move everything up on the board so we can lay out the rest of the quilt. Think that should work. Mandy is liking it so far.

This was my "to do" list from last week:
1. continue making more blocks for Mandy's graduation/dorm quilt (about 3/4 of the blocks are done).

2. deliver a bag of quilts to hospice house.

3. quilt a charity quilt

4. make another hexagon runner

#1 is the blocks on the design wall, #2 I delivered 8 quilts to hospice on friday, #3 was accomplished last week also and #4 is partially done. I got all the corners sewn on the hexagons but then I needed the design wall for the dorm quilt.

As for this week:

1. Finish the hexagone runner top

2. Finalize the layout of Mandy's quilt

3. Make a pillow case (my friend is showing me today)

and

4. Quilt a customer kids quilt (also involves making a backing for it).

Hope you have great success with your weeks to do list!

Kathie

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Sunday Stash Report - February 5, 2012

This is currently what I am working on, another hexagon runner, but since the top isn't done yet I have not counted it in my stash report. The other one I made had black background, I think I like the light one better.



Continuing to make more graduation blocks but won't be counting that for awhile either so not a whole lot to report used on my stash report.

Current stats:
Fabric used this week: 1.25 yards
Fabric used YTD: 21.75 yards
Fabric purchased this week: ZERO, ZIP NADA
Fabric purchased YTD: 17.5
Net fabric used in 2012: 4.25 yards

I now have an additional reason to keep my numbers good, not only to use more than I buy but to keep the purchases down as much as possible. My daughter got accepted to the University of Maryland this week so it has been a thrilling few days but I am also starting to freak out a bit about the cost.

Maybe every time I want to go to JoAnns or the quilt shop for something I really don't NEED I can chant COLLEGE COLLEGE and turn in the other direction!!

Kathie

Friday, February 3, 2012

Hospice Delivery

I dropped off a bag of eight quilts to our local hospice house today. Five of them were from my evening guild and the other 3 from my day time group. About 12 ladies contributed to these quilts either by donating fabrics, piecing tops, making backings, quilting or sewing on bindings. Makes for a nice group effort.

This quilt I had not shown finished before as it just came back from binding but was one of the quilts delivered today. It is bright and sunny and I had fun practicing some leaves on it.




Here is a picture of the latest hospice quilt that I quilted. This one Jane had just recently pieced but since it was calling out for the exact color of thread that I had on my machine it became the next to be quilted.


Hope everyone has had a great and productive week. I have had a great week, just not very productive.

kathie

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

She Did It!!!!

Mandy got her acceptance to the University of Maryland last night, talk about excitement in our house. We had told her because of the cost she could only apply to in state universities. She applied to three and was accepted at all three!!! I am so proud my buttons are about to bust.

Maryland has always been her first choice but before she makes a final committment we are going to attend open houses for her top two schools to take another look.

I am doubly excited for her because I had to struggle to be a B student so would have never had this opportunity plus financially it just wasn't possible when I was that age.

I don't think she slept last night from the excitement and then also the realization that now she has to make a choice and it will be her first "adult" decision and a very important one.

Kathie

Monday, January 30, 2012

Design Wall Monday - January 30, 2012

Currently on my design wall is class sample #3 for the fused fabric wreath workshop I will be giving in April. Once I get this one all quilted and bound I will be done with all the samples I am making up. Glad to get them done way early.


I did well with my goals for last week getting all of them done. This week I have a couple of eye/medical appointments for myself or my daughter plus my day time guild meeting so I am not going to make to ambitious of a list for this week.

1. continue making more blocks for Mandy's graduation/dorm quilt (about 3/4 of the blocks are done).

2. deliver a bag of quilts to hospice house.

3. quilt a charity quilt

4. make another hexagon runner

Mandy is on pins and needles this week. Rumor has it that the University of Maryland is going to be sending out their acceptance/rejection letters this week. I think she has fingers, toes and everything else crossed. It is a hard school to get into. I think she has a chance but also think she is counting on it to much and is going to be very upset if she doesn't get accepted. I will just be glad when she knows one way or another.

Kathie

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Sunday Stash Report - Week 5 for 2012

I have gradually been using lots of yardage on my daughters graduation/dorm quilt but won't report that until the top is done. I did use yardage in a backing, a couple of minor projects and this table runner which I cut out using my Accuquilt GO.



I made another purchase this week but it was for a specific project which are kits I am making up for an April workshop. I glad to see that my numbers are still in the black though barely.

My stats for the week are:

Fabric used this week: 4.5 yards
Fabric used YTD: 20.5 yards
Fabric purchased this week: 4 yards
Fabric purchased YTD: 17.5
Net fabric used in 2012: 3 yards

I had my hand doctor appointment on friday to find out that it is a different problem than what I had with my other hand last year. This has to do with an arthritic bone on the palm side of my hand right below the thumb. It can cause some of the same pain etc. as the trigger finger. Had a painful steroid shot in my hand and will now wear a brace at night for the next two months and keep my fingers crossed that it works. If this doesn't relieve it I will be in store for more surgery.

Kathie

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Mid Week Update

I have been back to setting weekly goals for myself. This is what I posted on monday...

1. Finish cutting out hexagons (with my accuquilt GO)
2. Quilt customer table runner
3. Quilt customer lap quilt
4. Make up a few more blocks of Mandy's quilt
5. Continue to rest my hand as much as possible (doctors visit friday)

So far #1 is done and this is what I am starting to do with them, it is eventually going to be a table runner


#2 is completed and back to the customer.

#3 is partially loaded on the frame and will probably quilt that tomorrow or friday.

#4 I did sew a few more blocks for Mandy's quilt yesterday

and #5, I am continuing to only quilt on the frame not more than 3 days a week and am trying to do as little as possible that puts pressure on my hand (hubby and daughter opening all jars etc.). I am sure hoping the doc will say on friday that maybe more rest of it and a shot will do the trick, sure don't want surgery again.

So my list is doing well this week.

Kathie

Monday, January 23, 2012

Design Wall Monday - January 23, 2012

Well my design wall is a jumble of all sorts of things. In the bottom right hand corner are the two hidden 4-patch blocks I made for February's BOM for quilt guild. The bottom left hand corner holds a small fused fabric wreath that is one of my examples for a workshop I am giving in April. I have it tacked here to remind myself that I never put a hanging sleeve on it.


Lastly all the blocks on top are the first few blocks made for my daughters graduation/dorm quilt for next fall. It is just a rail fence variation so easy to piece.

I met all my goals for last week so need to set some more for this week. Since I have two doctors appointments and a meeting this week I am not going to set to many things to do.

1. Finish cutting out hexagons (with my accuquilt GO)
2. Quilt customer table runner
3. Quilt customer lap quilt
4. Make up a few more blocks of Mandy's quilt
5. Continue to rest my hand as much as possible (doctors visit friday)

Hope everyone has a great week.

kathie

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Sunday Stash Report - January 22, 2012

Well I managed to stay in the black on my usage this week but just barely.

Mandy and I purchased fabric both at JoAnns and the quilt shop to make her a dorm quilt for next fall. It was fun to have her pick out all the fabrics.

I also took advantage of JoAnn's 40% off fabric sale and purchased several creams and whites for kits I am making up for a spring workshop.

I used fabric by cutting kits, a backing for a couple of runners and these blocks of the month for our February guild meeting and a couple other small projects.


My stats for the week:

Fabric used this week: 6.25 yards
Fabric used YTD: 16 yards
Fabric purchased this week: 10 yards
Fabric purchased YTD: 13.5 yards
Net fabric used in 2012: 2.5 yards

Hope you are managing to stay in the black so far this year.

Kathie

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Another Charity Quilt

I had mentioned that I had 7 charity quilt tops here waiting to be quilted. I am trying to get them all quilted up gradually and then turn the hospice philanthropy effort over to someone else at my guild.

I quilted this top up one day last week and forgot to post the picture. This was from a 1/2 square triangle kit I cut using my accuquilt GO cutter. It was pieced by Pat, quilted by myself and has not gone off to Jane to do the binding.



I love how cute these quilts using the donated State Flower fabrics have been coming out.

I also wanted to post a picture of the little wall hanging I won at the guild meeting last week. Love these snowmen and goes perfectly in my house.

How are you doing on your weekly goals if you have them? I am doing good this week.

kathie

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Midweek Update

Doing good on the few goals I set. I finished up the chisel runner top that I was working on...


Doesn't this just look like spring? The pieces were cut with the accuquilt GO chisel die.

I also sewed the ribbons and elastics on my daughter's newest pointe shoes so two items crossed off my list.

In addition we picked out fabrics (will be on sunday's stash report) for her dorm quilt for next fall and I have all that fabric washed and ironed and ready to cut. I am going to cut just a few pieces a day until it is all done.

Kathie

Monday, January 16, 2012

Design Wall Monday - January 16, 2012

Hope everyone will be enjoying a nice relaxing day off of work today.

This actually isn't on my design wall anymore but didn't want to show a picture of pins and loose threads...lol

This is a fused fabric wreath that I made as example #2 for a workshop that I will be teaching in April. I finished this up by adding some pink, lavendar and clear crystals to it. Love the way it turned out.



As for goals for the week. I completed all my goals last week so for this week:

1. quilt customer tree skirt
2. finish chisel runner I am working on
3. sew ribbons and elastic on pointe shoes
4. rest hand as much as possible.

kathie

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Sunday Stash Report - January 15, 2012

Well not much sewing this week. First there were a couple of customer quilts to take care of, then getting ready for weekend company and on top of that I am having problems with my right hand so wanted to give it a rest. I had surgery on the left hand for trigger finger back in may and am afraid the same thing is starting in my right hand.

Stats for the week are:

Fabric used this week: 1 yard
Fabric used YTD: 9.75 yards
Fabric purchased this week: 0
Fabric purchased YTD: 3.5
Net fabric used this year: 6.25 yards

Hope your numbers are doing better.

kathie

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

More Charity Quilts

I wanted to share more pictures of some charity quilts I got back from binding on monday.

These first two quilts I quilted and Jane did the binding.

This batik rails quilt was made by Elsie. Can you believe someone donated these beautiful batiks?


This next kit was pieced by Cindy from a kit that I made up, also from donated fabrics.


The next two quilts were donated by Eileen from my quilt guild. The first one was made in memory of a friend she recently lost to cancer. What a beautiful tribute.


The next quilt she made out of some wonderful fall fabrics. Now why don't I have a fall quilt for my house?


I have completed all my listed goals for the week, yipee!!! Now does that mean I have nothing to do the rest of the week? Well no since we are having company this weekend and I was only reminded of that YESTERDAY. Somehow I lost a week and thought it was the following week. Since it is only wednesday if I do a little bit a day I won't have to spend all day saturday cleaning.

Hope your week is going well.

kathie