Next in line...

I'm working on an old UFO...one that I really love. Years ago I taught a class and sewed up a class sample. I made a few extra blocks as I taught how the blocks went together. I usually use solids to test blocks then when I get enough, I make a solid scrappy sampler quilt. But these were all in blue and white so I saved them for a two color quilt.

This block below is what I stitched up today after taking apart a block I didnt like.

I think this was "cups and saucers" block....usually a nice design but just too bold in solids.

It took a while to reconstruct such a big block but I'm so much happier with the new one. 

This was the start of the quilt center. 

It needed 4 more stars then I needed to add a 2" border all the way around because I needed the center to become a 36" square. 

I figured i could use my leftover class blocks in the four corners of the next border....but what about in between?

Do you like EQ? I have to say it sure makes it easy to see what a quilt will look like. I tried out a few different ideas...couldn't decide...so i put a poll on Instagram. The quilters voted this design as the favorite.

So this what I'm working towards. I need to make a dozen 12" blocks to finish the next round then 3 borders.

Shouldn't take too long.

Oh, and I finished the flannel squares quilt top. It's off to the longarmer. 

Joining the FINISHALONG2020 on IG

Have you joined in the 2020 finish-a-long? With my long list of UFOs, I really need the push finish-a-long gives. 

This one, below, is going to be first to finish up. It's not the oldest. I started it when Henry was a baby and now he's 5-1/2. This quilt needs to go on his new bed, a queen size. His twin bed will be passed down to little brother Charlie, along with his doggie quilt...maybe...

I've just finished the 9th and final block. After those are sewn together I'll start the border. Maybe I can get this finished in the next few weeks and have a January finish. 

Working on UFO #1

My News Years resolution was to get 15 of my UFOs done this year. I have 29 on my list (listed on my UFO page here on my blog). The pile of UFOs has decreased over the years from 40 ...my all time high🙈

For January, I would like to complete #1, Henry's flannel squares quilt.

I worked on it for a few hours today and can see progress. The blocks are 24x24"...I need at least 9 for a 72x72 quilt. I now have 7 done. 

These bobbins came in handy today as I was sewing the sub-blocks. I ran out of bobbin as I was chain stitching. It's so nice to have this huge supply of prewound ones! It was my Christmas present from Lisa...one of my favorite gifts every year (I always request this, don't always receive it).

So my sewing room is going to be in the basement...I have a huge window facing east for good light but it's on the back burner for now. Al and I need a building break for a little bit. We'll be heading to Florida soon so we'll wait till we're back before tackling the basement. In the meantime I'll be sewing here in the kitchen.

             
I started this quilt for Henry, about 4 years ago and since then have changed my color preferences. The 4 blocks that were done seem too dark now so I'm making the next 5 blocks lighter and I will alternate darks and lights. I hope it works the way I'm envisioning it. Otherwise I'll be UNSEWING a bunch and inserting more lighter pieces.

These are the lighter ones below...there are still darks but not as many. And I've pulled out the brown...I have too much of it....Replacing it with navy and dark greens.

Here's the 7 blocks on my "design" floor. I still see too much brown. I'll make the last two blocks then decide if I need to "delete" some or remake a block. 

The main thing is, the quilt is getting worked on and will be finished SOON.

So that's my 1st New Years resolution. The second is to limit my sugar intake. My family has a history of diabetes. That really worries me. I KNOW I have a sugar addiction and I also know that if I don't consume it the cravings go away. SO, I'm trying REALLY hard to stay away from it. Wish me luck!

Hope all of you are enjoying a wonderful 2020 and doing well with your own resolutions! 

Happy New Year, All!!

Well, we made it! Finished the house by Christmas...moved in, unpacked some and had family here for a Christmas Eve dinner.
Daughter Jenn helped with dinner bringing this delicious blueberry dessert and her famous dinner rolls.

Daughter Lisa made her annual gingerbread house...a lighthouse this year! It was HUGE and the boys loved it. Not sure how she got that up here in one piece (she lives 4 hours from us).

I made dinner but Al helped by barbecuing steaks and chicken. The only cookies I made were these Spritz...requested by my daughter.

Christmas day was even easier and relaxing...Al took us out to dinner to the Grand Traverse Resort. 

So now we are in the house, finishing details like staining doors and handrails, adding cabinet knobs, doing touchups to walls and trim, caulking and adding shelves where needed. 

I'll be dragging out my sewing machine pretty soon. On Instagram, I posted my UFO list and my New Years resolution to cut the list by half. Let's see if I can! I'm also trying to cut my sugar intake. Two VERY difficult resolutions for me. 

Here's to a wonderful new year!!!! I hope you all have much success with all your endeavors. Have a happy, healthy, successful 2020, everyone!