WIP Wednesday - and some additional short term goals.

Before I get into my WIP list, I'm going to post some short term goals for myself as a way to keep myself on track and accountable.

Goals for the next week or two:

1. This week I want to send out some emails regarding sponsorship for my blog. It's been a couple months since I've done this. (If you have any suggestions of shops who might be willing to sponsor me that'd be great!). It takes a lot for me to put myself out there like this - for every yes there are ton of no's. It will be worth it though. My goal is to spend less out of pocket on the zillion quilts and projects that I make. Will work for fabric.
   
2. I need to make some solid progress on my Doll Quilt Swap project. I've got so many great ideas that I just can't leave until the last minute. I'd love to have this quilt finished by QuiltCon.
   
3. I want to baste Michelle's Quilt. I'm guessing there will be points while I'm working on my Weekender that I'll need a break - that's when I'll quilt this one. :) Michelle visits in a couple weeks and it'd be amazing to have it all quilted up and ready for her to snuggle with!

The WIP list:

Bella Quilt Finished!

Finished:

1. Bella Quilt AKA Aunt Kathy's Quilt!!!! IT's FINISHED!!!!!!! I got it done just in time to deliver it to her in person! I'll be writing a full post on this soon. I need to let it marinate in my head first so that I can do it justice. This was the most complex and amazing quilt I've ever made.
   
2. The Yellow Quilt. Somehow just writing it down on that list last week made me drag out the binding fabric and put it together! It's done, finished, and awesomely soft. Again, I'll be blogging about this one soon. 

Some Progress:

Fabrics for my Amy Butler Weekender

1. Weekender - I've cut the duck cloth, batting, and the lining. Tonight I finished the straps and made the piping. So far easy peasy. Really. I'm sure the hard part will be assembling all the thick pieces!
   
2. DQS13 - Doll Quilt Swap. I've made a decision about the English paper pieced block, and I started on the HST zig zag that will run through the quilt. The HST's are all finished so I just need to sew them together to make the zig zag. 

No progress:

1. Michelle's Quilt - no progress, but the batting arrived this morning. So quilting soon! (still waiting for the thread!)
2. {Modern} Robin - no progress. 
3. Bubble Quilt - no progress.
4. Sabrina's Quilt - no progress.
5. Harry Potter Patronus/Dementor Mini - no progress.

Linking up with WIP Wednesday!

I have no desire to make a rag quilt.

I don't want to hem those pants either.

And I have no desire to sew a new jacket for your dog (yes he is cute).

****

Is there an easier way to say this? I'm not sure. When people assume I am interested in those types of sewing my mind wants to launch into a discussion about art vs craft or sewing being my creative outlet vs just something to do. The average person doesn't want to discuss this. They just thought that I sew so I wouldn't mind sewing whatever needed to be sewn. 

Here are my thoughts. I have a really strong desire to create. I want to make something. If I'm not able to sew for a few days then I find myself doodling a lot, or planning out my next quilt in a sketch book. I'll use that time to gather inspiration online using flickr and pinterest. Etc. If I'm too busy to quilt it doesn't just go to the back burner - it runs through my head in every moment of down time. I want to create.

I don't really enjoy repeating things a zillion times. Some artists / quilters do. They enjoy it. I don't. I like to use a minimal few quilt blocks, or add some element that makes it a real challenge (shrinking the blocks to a tiny size, blowing the blocks up to a huge size, adding curves or drafting by hand, etc). I don't love repetition. I want to be completely IN the moment. I like to be focused, considering all my options for the next step, considering possible design elements to change or add. I like to be mentally present for each stitch.

This way of quilting defines my quilts. My quilting is as much about the process as it is about the finished product. I like to enjoy the process, challenge myself, and learn new things. 

The desire for a creative outlet also inspires me to write about my quilting. My mind wanders while I sew, I think about the possibilities of each step. I think about what makes me decide to use this block or that fabric. I also think about inspiration sources that I'm drawing from (online, from work my guild friends have made, architecture  etc). I like to document that - sometimes you'll see blog posts from me that have a ton of links. These are things that I'm considering and drawing from as I work. I've always kept a journal in one way or another. This is my catalog ideas.

So no. I don't want to make an easy quilt. Or make something just to get it done. I want to pour my heart into it, and savor every moment. (So go ahead and buy your dog a cute jacket at PetCo). 

WIP Wednesday - the one where I'm truthful with myself.

Quilts in progress:

Michelle's Quilt

(1) Michelle's Quilt (finished around 65" square)

The top and back are both pieced. The binding is cut and prepared too. I'm waiting for Michelle to send the batting and Aurifil tread along. I'm planning on quilting this one with large strings of words, hearts, and stipples.

{Modern} Robin quilt top.

(2) {Modern} Robin Quilt (finished size 65" x 88")
The top is finished; I need to buy batting, and piece the back. I finally purchased the last bit of backing fabric, which arrived yesterday. I plan to quilt this fabulously... considering some long arm work if I can manage that.

(3) Roseann's "Tiny Scrappy Fun" (finished around 65" x 88)

The main panel of patchwork is finished. I need to buy fabric for the last wide border, fabric for the backing, and batting.

(4) Bubble Quilt (finished around 48" x 52")

This will (maybe) be a Pellon project, it matches the pillow I made for my first Pellon project. I have the piecing done, but need to finish putting it all together to finish the quilt top. I don't have fabric for the backing, or batting. I intend to quilt this with straight lines.

(5) Sabrina's Quilt (finished around 48" x 53")

The strip of patchwork is finished, but I need to order some Charcoal for the sashing. I also need batting and backing fabric. I'm intending to test out my friend Marla's long arm on this quilt - doing some echo work and fun free motion stuff.

(6) Bella Quilt - Secret! (finished around 70" x 88")

I'm so close to finishing this one! I quilted it last night, and the binding is already cut and prepared. I just need to square it up tonight and attach the binding! Whew - the most technically challenging quilt I've ever made!

Doll Quilt Swap 13

(7) DQS 13 - Doll Quilt Swap 13
I need to get my butt into gear on this one. It needs to be mailed out by mid February and I've barely started on my crazy piecing plans! At least I have an idea sketch and fabrics pulled.

(8) Ahem... The Yellow Quilt
LOL... yes, that quilt, you know the one. My kid took it and has used it off and on for MONTHS - without binding. I haven't even cut the binding. It needs to be washed and I can't do so until I bind it. Oops.


Small projects:
(1) Patchwork Amy Butler Weekender!
Yes I am going to drink the kool-aid and make one of these. QuiltCon is as good of excuse as any to make myself a fabulous bag! I have my fabrics picked out, and most of the supplies gathered. I'm itching to get started, which is good since QuiltCon is coming up quickly!

(2) Coffee Cozies
I need to sew buttons on these guys before this weekend's family gathering.

Harry Potter Quilt

(3) Harry Potter Dementor / Patronus Mini Quilt.
Yeah, this was one of those "I can start and finish it today" projects... It has been neglected due to my tight timeline for the Bella Quilt. Further distraction, I just managed to wander upon the Harry Potter Wikipedia page.

Small projects finished but need to be mailed:

Shruti's gift.

(1)Shruti's gift - Happy Birthday!! :)
This one has been a long time coming, I made it months ago when she re-did my blog layout for me... but I keep getting stuck because I'd like to send some extras. I mean it's not often that I mail things to India, so I think I should send some goodies. I have a couple in mind now (Kraft Mac N Cheese!) so this should be out the door shortly.

(2) EEE Swap stuff.
We've decided to push off our swap date to when we see each other at QuiltCon. I'm finished with my stuff... but wrapped up Elaine's gift before taking proper pics of it... so I guess I should unwrap and photograph. I'm excited about these gifts - they were really fun to make, and I really enjoyed the challenge of chosing fabrics / designs specific for two of my closest sewing friends!

I'm linking up to WIP Wednesday over at Freshly Pieced.

Gearing up for the Weekender Bag!

As you probably already know, I'm heading to QuiltCon in a few weeks (eek! It's coming up soon)! So of course I need to travel in style. I'm about to get started on my very own weekender bag!

The fabric on the far left is for the lining. The grey polka dots will be for the piping and handles.

It's been dubbed the "holy grail" of bag patterns, and I think I want to make one simply for the challenge. I'm sure without this trip it would take me ages to decide to actually dive in and try it out. 

With the trip coming up, my best sewing friend Emily and I have decided to give it a try! We're going to to the panels pieced and quilt as you go - like Elizabeth Hartman's. Elizabeth breaks down how she assembled hers in that link there. She uses duck cloth and a layer of cotton batting. 

Emily and I have gathered our materials and started to pull fabrics. I can't officially start on this project until I finish the quilt that needs to be done - by friday! I've been working full speed on this quilt, but I did take a little break from it the other night to pull fabrics for my weekender! 

My colors will be based off of the following Kona colors: Berry, Aqua, Lagoon, and Bright Pink. I only have one of those three colors in my stash - so I'll need to take a trip to the store for them... I think I can get them all locally. I also have a couple fabrics that I saw on my last fabric shopping trip... I'll need to head back to The Needle Shop for them... it's nice having store credit there. I even broke down and bought some Echino last time!

So wish us luck! Hopefully this project goes smoothly and we have fabulous bags to show for it! :) 

You can check out my Weekender gallery on Pinterest. I've listed possible fabrics to add, as well as tutorials for tips etc. If you've made a weekender and have any major tips, please let me know! :) 

{Sew} Beautiful Bee - Wrap-up

2012 Bee blocks made by me! 

On a sad note, Lindesy's quilt is the last quilt of mine working in collaboration with the {Sew} Beautiful Bee. We are disbanding, which will be really sad for me. I'm biased, but our bee has been the best online bee ever! We've been together for two years, and it has been a real joy. I've had the opportunity to get to know these lovely talented ladies. I'm still not sure how I lucked into a bee with such wonderful talented people! 

The thing about our bee is that we share a common theme of favorite fabrics, and a desire to try new things, all the while keeping an open mind. I've learned a lot from being in this bee, and I've also made some great friendships and even future industry connections (these ladies are on their way to the top!). 

We're planning on having a private swap sometime next summer, but until then I wish them the best of luck to them. Keep your eyes open for their fabulous work - I'm sure you already follow all of their blogs! 

Elizabeth / Don't Call Me Betsy

Cherie / SEW and So Quilts

Angela / My Three Sons

Kati / From the Blue Chair

Lee / Freshly Pieced

Megan / Canoe Ridge Creations

Katie / Katie's Korner

Brooke / Pitter Putter Stitch

Cara / Me? A Mom?

Anne Marie / Gen X Quilters

Sewing on a strict deadline...

Do you guys do this to yourselves? 

Paper pieced arcs of flying geese.

I've been working on a quilt for ages. It's the most complex quilt I've ever made. I thought I'd have it done by Christmas, but things got away from me. I pushed it back a bit, but now I've committed to finishing this before a family get together in a week and a half nine days! Whoa it's only nine days away! lol.

Last night I spent a lot of time figuring out the last bit of piecing - and decided to applique the last round of flying geese down instead of piecing a gigantic curve twice (while maintaining those perfect points!) So now I need to schedule my time to ensure I'll finish - goal setting time!

Tonight I'm going to work on backing the flying geese to turn the edges to applique.

My goal tomorrow is to acquire the final bits of Kona Ash (why is Ash so elusive?) for the final corner. I'll also applique those flying geese to the quilt top tomorrow.

By the end of the weekend my goal is to have the backing pieced (and any additional fabric needed for that purchased). 

Here's hoping I can pull this off! 

2013 Goals

Pulling fabrics for my Weekender!

Goals:

• Begin a weekly blog topic linky party. (Name yet to be decided) Open ended questions related to sewing - things that I'd love to chat about but rarely get the chance.
• Continue blog hops. Happy Little Pouch Hop will be annual, and if you're starting a blog hop and need some guest posters drop me a line. :) I love playing along with blog hops!
• Continue swaps: DQS and personal side swaps. 
• Look into teaching and/or making quilt samples for local fabric shops. 
• Register as a small business and sell some box pouches.
• Publish a quilt pattern, preferably one that's very "me"
• Upgrade to a pro flickr account. (I'm putting it on here so I can cross it off... I've been putting that off for a long time).
• Push myself to not feel confined by the size of a finished quilt. Some quilters feel so free to make whatever size (even if it turns out to be a small small throw quilt). I get stuck on my 65" x 75" approximation. 
• Get published in a magazine.
• Play around with some less "me" color palates. Looking back at the Bella Parade mosaics makes me want to use some new palates. 

Projects to finish this year: 

                {Modern} Robin quilt

                Weekender bag to take to QuiltCon

                 Bella Quilt (eeek this one has to be finished next week!)