That Time I Finished Four Quilts in Two Weeks

Finish being the operative word.  These tops were all pieced (some for over a year!), plus they're all baby quilts, so I'm not breaking any world records or anything.  But this many finishes at once is definitely a record for me!

These pictures aren't great, but it's super cold and windy outside, plus I think it may rain.  I'm going to do posts on each of these quilts soon, so there will be better photos and more details then.  Plus they'll be all crinkly fresh from the dryer then too.  Instant improvement if I do say so myself.


And now, here's an update of The List:

DONE
Scrappy Little Heart Block tutorial/pillow
Patchwork Baby Quilt
Hedgie Pinwheels Quilt
Inside Out Plus Quilt
Lattice Baby Quilt

PROGRESS
Sapphire Stars Quilt - contacted a local long-armer

NO PROGRESS
Scattered Squares Table Runner tutorial - pattern written
Dwell Quilt - add sashing and borders
Rockin Robin - planning
Fireworks Pillow - basted, ready to quilt
Hulk Pillow - finish embroidery

So the list has shrunk from 13 (originally) down to 6.  That's huge for me!

It helps that the husband is away for work and there's no one here to make me go to bed.

Today I'll try to schedule a drop-off with the long-armer on the Sapphire Stars quilt, and then I'll get to work on finishing the Fireworks pillow and piecing the Dwell Quilt.  Once those are done, I'm going to work on my additions to Jess' Rockin Robin quilt.

Have you been making any progress on your WIPs?  I'd love to hear about them!

The List

This is finally getting quilted.  It's backed with minky, which I've never FMQ'ed on before, and I love it.  This photo shows the real color of the background fabric.  In previous photos, the color was reading more grey.  It's Connecting Threads Latte.  I'm quilting it with the matching Connecting Threads Latte thread on the top, and white on the back.

Scratching some things off my WIP list feels really great.  Yesterday my awesome-sauce friend Hilary came over and we crossed things off our lists.  And made a pact to hold each other to our WIP lists.  We're not allowed to start anything new until we finish what we have going. (we do have some clauses for important things that we don't know about yet haha).

Yesterday I finished all the stuff for my Sew Sew Modern Swap partner .  I'm wrapping some extra goodies and waiting for the Scotch-Guard to dry on the low volume Aeroplane Bag I made and then it will get shipped today.  Major thing off The List!

Still on The List:

-I have two tutorials in the works, so hopefully I will have those ready in the next week or so, then they can be crossed off the list.  

-Dwell quilt - top is not completely pieced yet (needs horizontal sashing and then borders).  

-Linen Plus quilt - next in line for quilting.  The backing is voile, another new material for me, so we'll see how that goes.
-Rockin Robin borders - no progress

-Fireworks pillow - basted

-Lattice baby quilt - no progress

-Patchwork baby quilt - no progress

-Hulk pillow top - no progress

-Sapphire Stars quilt - beginning the search for a local long-armer to take over

Dropped off The List:

-Purple Monstrosity - I just hate it.  I'm sorry, hate is such a strong word.  But it doesn't make me happy and I don't HAVE TO finish it.  If anyone wants it and wants to pay shipping for it, be my guest.

-Strawberry Social - I have barely even pulled fabrics for this.  It's off The List for sanity's sake.

My list has gone from 13 things to only 11 in a week.  That feels great!

Works in Progress

The other night I put pen to paper and made a list of all the sewing projects I have going.  A lot of the projects are tops that need quilting, which brings me to the confession that I don't really enjoy quilting.  I love piecing, but quilting, not so much.  Maybe it's because I don't have the right tools for the job.  Anyhow, because I don't love quilting, I tend to put it off.

Here's my list:

Quilt Tops that Need Quilting

1. Working Title: Monstrosity,  blogged here

2. Linen Inside Out Quilt,  blogged here

3. hedgie pinwheels top,  blogged here

4. sapphire stars top in progress,  blogged here

5. Zoology II Patchwork Quilt Top,  blogged here

6. Breakfast At Tiffany's Lattice Quilt Top  blogged here

Piecing in Progress

Dwell, blogged here.  I have all the blocks joined in their rows with the vertical sashing.  I still need to attach the horizontal sashing and borders.  Then it goes to the giant "to be quilted" pile!

Butterflies (and Hearts?) - not pictured.  I have 11 butterfly blocks from Lori Holt's book "Quilty Fun" pieced.  I was thinking I would alternate rows of them with some heart blocks, space them all with plain white squares, and add a top and bottom border, perhaps with an appliqued name if this quilt ends up getting going in time to become a gift.

Deadline Sewing

Sew Sew Modern 4 Aeroplane Bag (hand stitch where lining meets zipper ends) - Mail 2/10

Sew Sew Modern 4 Device Pouch (fabric pulled, not started) - Mail 2/10.  It will look a lot like this, but with a different color linen.

Rockin Robin borders - Mail 3/10, not pictured.

Orphan Blocks to Turn into...Something


Scrappy Fireworks block with April Showers, will become a pillow



Incredible Hulk block (from testing a pattern for Kristy at Quiet Play), I have the face mostly embroidered.  the husband thinks I should make all the super heroes and make a quilt for our boy.  Another option would be a tote bag.  Or a little pillow.

Things to Start

Table Runner tutorial, pattern is written, just need to make it and take photos.

Strawberry Social Quilt (still acquiring fabric)

Whew.  So that's my list.  I'm thinking I just may suck it up and quilt those quilts in February.  Except for the Sapphire Stars, because it is big.  It's also a special quilt, so I may send it out to be quilted all fancy-like.  Or pay my sister to do it, though I am not sure if she has the time (or even wants to).

What's your WIP pile like?  

Works in Progress

I've got a mish-mosh of things to share today.  First up is this mini quilt for another Schnitzel & Boo Mini Quilt Swap member that ended up not receiving.  All the angels had already been assigned, so I went ahead and made another angel quilt.  Can't leave anyone out in the cold!  I used some fussy cuts I had been hoarding and a bunch of coordinating solids, and played along with the #economyblockalong on Instagram (using this tutorial from Red Pepper Quilts).  It's super bright and fun, and I hope my angel partner loves it.

Next are some blocks for Love Circle at do. Good Stitches for Ara Jane.  These are monochromatic courthouse steps, and I used the tutorial Ara Jane posted on her blog to get them just right.

 

And finally, I'm working on a low volume, patchwork Aeroplane Bag for my secret Sew Sew Modern 4 partner.  I blew through a large portion of this bag thanks to Hilary, who came over to sew with me.  She's making the same bag (in beautiful quilt-as-you-go Constellations!).  Having a sewing buddy for me and a playmate for LT is really helpful!

Wordless WIP Wednesday

Christmas Granny Squares.  Tutorial by Blue Elephant Stitches.

WIP Wednesday

I want to say thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart, for all the love on yesterday's post.  It really means so much to me to know that I've got so much support.  Y'all make a wonderful cheering section!  

I guess this is the ultimate Work In Progress for me right now!  If you'd like to keep up with shop news and stay in the know, please feel free to like Stitcherie's Facebook page.  Right now there isn't a lot of news, but you can bet I will be posting about it there as things happen.  And pretty soon, I'll update here with a big post telling y'all everything you need to know.

This sweet block is part of my project for the Schnitzel & Boo Mini Quilt Swap.  I hope my partner likes it!  The pattern is from Charise Creates.

This is a baby quilt I'm working on to gift to a friend.  I've used Kate & Birdie Paper Co.'s line for Moda called Bluebird Park.  It makes a wonderful palette for baby - I love that the colors are soft and sweet without being too pastel.  The solid I've used is Latte by Connecting Threads, which is reading grey here, but is really very light brown.  I happened to have some in the stash and it matched perfectly.  Isn't the pattern fun?  It uses only one charm pack and a little bit of yardage.  This was my first go at prairie points, and I gotta say, they add so much to a simple quilt like this.  I think baby will like them too as he gets older and starts exploring all around him.  I'll back it in some white stripe minky from Joann, and hopefully I have something in the stash for binding.

Here's part of my contribution to Tessa's center for our Threadbias Round Robin bee.  I added the very outer border with the blue cornerstones.  I'll add one thin border of solid black Kona before popping it in the mail.

And last, I'll share a little finish with y'all.  This quilted selvage pouch was supposed to be for my Nook, but alas, I mis-measured and it's like a 1/4 inch too thin at the zipper opening to get the Nook inside.  So I'll have to find another use for it.  I still love it though!  It's lined with a fun Japanese fairy tale print.

Thanks for stopping by!

Linking up with Freshly Pieced.

WIP Wednesday

Just a quick WIP update so you know I haven't disappeared on you again.  I haven't gotten much sewing in except bee blocks, so here's what I've got.

Progress on Rachel's Go Anywhere Stripe block for do. Good Stitches (Love Circle).  Sorry about the terrible picture.  I'm trying to teach myself how to shoot in full manual as opposed to aperture priority.  I will get there!

A fabric pull for Kristi's halloween block for my Stitch That Stash! bee.  Kristi requested a non-bloody/scary halloween block of our choice.  This lovely pile will become a Barn Bats block, tutorial found on Oh, Fransson!.  I am thinking of adding a border to frame it as well, to help it not get lost with all the other cool blocks Kristi is bound to receive.  

And that's it.  Thanks for stopping by! 

WIP Wednesday

Lots of little projects lately!  First up, the finishes:

Summer Sampler Pillow 

from the Summer Sampler Sewalong at Ellison Lane

do. Good Stitches Love Circle blocks.

For June, Deborah asked for Goose Creek blocks

Stitch that Stash! blocks.

Monique asked us to make some Scrappy Trip Around the World blocks for her this month

Simplicity 1616

This is a grey knit, fold-over waist skirt.  It's a little body hugging at this size.  I guess I need the next size up in order for it to be comfortable like it's supposed to be.  I have a friend that it should fit well though, so not all is lost!

I also made Simplicity 1693, which you can see on Instagram (@kristananne).  I will post about it here when I take better photos.

Pile of fabric for garment sewing (it seems I have become obsessed!).  Some for me, some for my boy.

A little car organizer in the works.  Just a little hanging pouch to hold my phone and get it out of the cup holder so I have a place to put my iced tea!  Pattern is Simplicity 2553.

I haven't touched the quilts I was working on.  I had planned on quilting and binding my Marcelle Medallion quilt this week, but I forgot to buy more spray baste.  I've lost momentum on the Ohio Star quilt and the Inside Out quilt, but I'm sure I'll pick them up soon.

Linking up with Work in Progress Wednesday on Freshly Pieced.

WIP Wednesday

Welcome!  Here's what I have going on.

Cluck Cluck Sew Inside Out Quilt

I am pretty sure I am going to run out of linen.  I should just order a bolt with how much I'm obsessed with this stuff.

Fabric pull for d.GS blocks for June (Love Circle)

I need some more greens.  The color inspiration was a Sorry! board.  How fun!

Summer Sampler Sewalong via Ellison Lane Quilts

I'm turning my blocks into a pillow.  I was on vacation when Jennifer started the sewalong, so I am a bit behind!

Here's a slice of pie.  I need to un-pick some stitches to try to fix that part near the crust that is way off.

Today I am so excited to have a sewing buddy.  My friend is coming over for a sewing playdate!  She'd like to learn how to make a pillowcase dress for her daughter and a matching top for herself, so I'm giving her a lesson.  It's going to be so much fun.

Linking up with Lee at Freshly Pieced for WIP Wednesday.

WiP Wednesday

Whew, May was a busy month for me!  Travelling, last day of school, a family birthday, Memorial Day weekend, starting to overhaul our home, a stolen cell phone (sad to be missing out on Instagram while I use an old "dumb-phone" until my upgrade...), and even a fender-bender (someone ran into my parked car while I was in the grocery store) has left little time for sewing and blogging.  Man, I'm tired just re-reading that super long rambly sentence.  Too tired to fix it too!  ;)

So I haven't been up to much in front of the sewing machine except the things I HAD to finish.  Here's the progress on those things:

Pillow Talk Swap 10:

I finished and mailed out this pillow cover, along with some other goodies, to my PTS10 partner.  I hope she loves it.  Fabric is Denyse Schmidt's Chicopee along with Essex Linen.  The pattern is Evan's Star.  The closure is a zipper from the tutorial on Sew, Mama, Sew!.

do. Good Stitches Love Circle bee blocks for May:

These are for Jacey, who asked for wonky stars in purple, yellow, and grey.

Stitch that Stash! bee blocks for May:

These blocks are for Krista, who asked for scrap-pile 64 patch blocks in low volume with yellow, red, brown, and blue.

And we all remember that tragic tornado that hit Moore, OK last week.  I have family in the area who watched the tornado pass by their homes (thankfully) only to demolish the homes of their friends and neighbors.  Please see the OKC MQG blog for more details if you would like to help.

Linking up with Lee for Work in Progress Wednesday.

WIP Wednesday

Comma and yarn-dyed Essex linen drawstring bags: complete.  These were part of the Pretty in Patchwork Holidays sew-along on Threadbias.  You can read more about the bags here.

Top for my partners pillow in The Pillow Talk {Swap} 10: complete.  I know I want to quilt it with lines that echo the piecing, but I'm going to stare at it for a couple of days to figure out just which parts of the piecing I want to echo.  I hope my partner thinks it's as pretty as I do!

New to the list are two sets of bee blocks for Stitch that Stash! (scrappy 64 patches) and Love Circle at do. Good Stitches (stars).

No progress on the Inside Out quilt.  I stopped working on it because I was running really low on linen and wanted to make sure I had enough to complete the pillow top.  It will probably stay on hold until I finish this months bee blocks.

No progress on the fabric basket.  I lost interest.  I don't need to give it as a gift any more (got the recipient something else instead) so I may just scrap the project all together.

No progress on the Marcelle Medallion.  Probably won't pick that back up again until June.

I will be on vacation next week, so I won't be around for a while (but you're used to that, right?).  Hopefully I'll have some finishes to share soon!

Linking up with Lee for WIP Wednesday on Freshly Pieced.

WIP Wednesday

Backing pieced for a Marcelle Medallion quilt (pattern in Liberty Love by Alexia Marcelle Abegg).

The makings of an Inside Out quilt (pattern by Cluck Cluck Sew).

Fabric selected for a patchwork fabric basket (tutorial by Pink Penguin).

Fabric selected for some drawstring gift bags (pattern in Pretty in Patchwork Holidays by John Q. Adams).  These bags are part of the sew along on Threadbias.

Linking up with WiP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced.

WIP Wednesday

Here's what I'm working on lately!

Quilted rugby stripe pillow shams for a friend.

Getting ready to cut out the real version of this Lisette pattern.

A pile of Ohio Star blocks.

And my current love, this pretty skirt!  Simplicity 2226.  It's almost done, I just need to sew on the yoke facing and then hem it!  Here's me trying it on this morning after the zipper was installed.  (Pardon the toddler smudges on the mirror).

Linking up to Freshly Pieced!