It's a glorious day when . . . .

an entire 12 hours is devoted to quilting.

 Of course, now my right arm hurts since my sewing table is about 3 inches too high.

 And the pup really would rather be out riding around doing errands.

 But that can wait, I'm 3/4 of the way done - woo hooo !

Major cleaning continues and I have hung up some new quilts for the New Year. You may recall I completed this string quilt about 7 years ago.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Quilted AND bound in one week . . . amazing!

 From the book, Nickel Quilts, page 42.

 Started about 10 or 12 years ago, then aged well in a baggie.

 Various pre-printed panels such as vest, bird house, duck and kitties used for backing.  All very good muslin and now it's out of the stash.

When you compare the picture in the book to my quilt, you'll realize that I paid little attention to value placement.  Very much a reflection of my life at the time, extremely chaotic.

 We're all enjoying these 70 degree days.  This is my oregano plant on the front porch soaking up sun.

Tomorrow we're going down to 28 though, so a bit more back to normal winter.

As the sun goes down on another year, Dolly and I would like to wish you all a truly wonderful 2016.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Happy Christmas Ya'll

Dolly and I would like to wish you all the most peaceful of holidays, both here and around the world.

First the good news . . .

This weekend's weather of sunny in the 50-60s, allowed me to work on 3 more windows.

 I did this chore a few years back, all sanded and sealed.  However they need re-doing.

My newest Amish piece is a combination of blues, pinks, violets, and purples.  The hand-dyed fabrics really make it shimmer. I've enlarged it to twin size and by Sunday night reached the half way point. This is the kind of quilt where left over pieces of solid black fabric can be used.  The varying shades add to the glow.  I'm searching for stray fabric in baggies in an attempt to use up odd stuff.

Dolly wanted me to pass the word that Santa has delivered extra large chewies to the big box store. Over in the Christmas section.  They're good for keeping wee munchkins entertained while sewing.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Oh my, it's been awhile.

I'm sure you knew I was up to something.  Several somethings in fact.

 In September 2014, I began "consolidation" of the sewing room.  A big word for a giant task.

 These 4 QOV tops came from one bin of a project I grew weary of.  It is now empty.

 Do you recall this one, made about 7 years ago.

 And this one, made about 8 years ago.  Both came out of the 18 gallon bins holding quilt tops.  There were 3 bins of tops, now I'm down to 2.

 After seeing a lovely quilt on Alycia's blog, I borrowed the concept and came up with this.  My big bin of 2-1/2" strips was too full and in total disarray.  I pulled out every red, white, blue and patriotic fabric to create 6 QOV tops.  Here you see 4.

  The strips were cut 11-1/2" long, combined into a vertical unit of 28 pieces (7 red, 7 blue, and 14 light), then trimmed down to 10-1/2".  Borders 5".  Finished size about 50" x 66".

Roy would be proud.

 And this week, I've consolidated the bins of 3-1/4" squares by making 4 tops.  12 squares across, 14 squares down, 5-1/2" borders.  A nice size for wheelchair bound vets with a vast array of colors and patterns to help keep their mind off of bone pain.

Did you know that trimming up leftovers into one size helps tidy the stash and allows for impromptu sewing on rainy days.  I've managed to get all remaining squares into one bin.

 Cigar label fabric makes for wonderful borders.

All 16 quilt tops will be going out to Alycia along with some backing fabric I've unearthed.  I'm proud to say this is a great way to consolidate.

To date, I've emptied THREE 18-gallon bins, TWENTY-FOUR 20 quart bins, SIX shoe box bins, ALL of the metal tins except 2, and more baggies than CARTER HAS LIVER PILLS.

To be fair, I did buy 2 clear 66 quart bins to re-group baggies so I can see what I need to work on.

Currently there are 3 tops pinned and ready to quilt, 11 tops with backings waiting to pin, 2 tops waiting for borders and about 10 tops waiting for backings.  Many of these are doll size, wall size, or crib size.

Do you remember me mentioning I was afraid to count UFOs, that it would be too overwhelming.  Well it's true.  I've yet to count them all.  But I did find one from 1974 so you know I'm years and years behind schedule.

This year there will be absolutely NO holiday baking or decorating at my house.  I've made an executive decision and relieved myself of the responsibility, time allowance, stress, and expenditure.

In fact, I'm going to quilt.

Feel free to do the same.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .