2016 Goals

Val over at Val's Quilting Studio has suggested we put some of our goals down for this year.
Where do I start?
Of course for January you know I want to get the sewing room cleaned up and workable. I just have now umph to get down here and work cause it's sooooo messy. That is #1 goal.

I would also like to get 1 UFO a month done. This may be possible because every Thursday (unless we're gone to vend at a show) my BQB (Best Quilting Buddy) comes over and we have been working on UFO's.

Another goal is to get at least 1 or 2 of my own quilts quilted each month. I probably still have 50 tops to do. I have sold off some tops that I have lost interest in or just know I will never get around to doing.

I also want to be a little more organized in my business/ This last year things sort of got away from me and I felt so frazzled by the end of the year. I was stressed to the max. Not this year. (I hope.)

Also, I would like to have certain days that I work on the Vintage Machines that I have accumulated. Some of these I will keep and some will be sold. I just need time to work on them.

MORE Treadle Time!!! I haven't messed with my treadle in a while and I really, really want to do some more treadling.

I guess what it boils down to here  is that my goals this year are to have more me time to do the things I wants to do instead of being pushed by deadlines for the business. Which means-------get organized. Wish me luck.

I'm going to link this up to Val's post HERE.

Til later,
Hugs & Stitches
Mary

Let's Hit 2016 Running

I've sort of started working on 2016. Since I had all my client quilts done, I have spent some of December working on class samples.
I did get one Marti & Me sample made and still have 5 more to do. I do have 2 of them cut and ready to piece. I just got the rest of the fabric for the others, so I'll be starting them soon. I also got 4 Mini's done, quilted and bound and out to the LQS for the Mini of the Month Club after Marti finishes up. I didn't get pics of them before I took them out, but I will be out there Monday so I will get pics them. 

Now I have started on one of the classes I will teach out there. It is called Pi-2 by Maple Island Quilts.

 

I have that cut out and have started piecing.

 

Another project that I am starting on isn't actually going to be a class, but when the pattern came in I fell in love with it. I got talked into making a couple of the blocks to show our BOM group in hopes of selling some of the patterns. IT'S PAPER PIECED!!!! I normally shy away from PPing but this is sooooo pretty. So I'm trying to get a couple of the blocks done for Monday.

 

 

I am using Michael Miller Crystals (and a couple of Shadowplays). My accents are black & whites.

 

 

 

I am using Step 1 of Allietare as leader and enders so I am sort of working on the MQ also. I have Step2 cut out, but I really need to get going on Steps 3-5.

 

I have also loaded my BQB's Moth in the Window to start quilting for her.. After that, believe it or not, I will load one of my quilts.

 

 

 

Starting next week everything gets set aside until I do the Great Muck Out. I swear I WILL get my sewing dungeon turned into a "sewing studio" by the end of January.

 

With that said, I guess I'd better go back to work.

'Til later,

Hugs & Stitches,

Mary

 

 

Reporting In

I know it's been a while since I posted anything.
I've been busy getting the last of the client quilts out and have started working on class samples.
This last week I have made 4 class samples, embroidered a sweatshirt that a friend brought over that she wanted to give as a gift. Embroidered 2 towels for another friend (BQB) that she wanted for her DH (they have a '57 Chevy on them). Started piecing the alternate top of Country French (a BOM at the LQS).Worked a little on Allietare MQ from Bonnie Hunter. I still need to cut clues 3 & 4.
Hopefully after Christmas I can get a couple of my quilts done. After the first of the year I plan on a MAJOR clean out of the "black hole" and turning it into a "sewing studio" (haha).

I realize I have no pictures for this post, but I need to find my camera and get some of the samples I am making for next post.
In the meantime, I will leave you with this---

Merry Christmas!!!!!

Til later,
Hugs & Stitches,
Mary

Catch Up Time

I know I haven't posted for a while but things got a little busy around here. I've been busy trying to get all my client quilts done so that I can have some time off. I usually take January off to work on some of my own things (imagine that). This year I wanted to get everything out by the first of this month so I could concentrate on some other stuff. Well, I'm down to 2 client quilts and then I'M DONE!!!!!!!!! I should have everything out by the 7th.

Sooooo, this month I can concentrate on getting shop samples done for my classes this year. I have 7 Marti & Me samples to finish. Then I need to make up about 6 samples for a new "club" we will start after the Marti & Me ends. It is a Mini of the Month Club. I also need to make 3 other samples for some new classes I'll be teaching. All of this I want done in December. Oh, and I would like to get at least 4 of my own quilt tops quilted.

In January I'm going to try to get the "black Hole" cleaned up. It's been a long time coming, but I really need to get a more workable place. Right now I feel like I have pathways to navigate to get to things instead of an open workspace. I plan on going through fabric and thinning the herd, so to speak. Organize project bags and decide if I'm really going to do them or not, and decide their fate as to what happens to them. And I really need to get the worktable for working on machines cleared up.

The BOM that we are doing at the LQS is called Country French. Each month I have done a step out block to demo at the meeting. I have pulled it all from my stash for the demo block. Here is a pic of the fabrics I am using. The actual fabrics that are used is from the Country French line, so this one is really, really, REALLY different from the original. (Tried looking for a pic of the original but couldn't find one online.)

 

 

I have all but 1 of the blocks made, so I will be putting this together during my down time. Can't wait to get the border on and see the finished product.

 

 

I did manage to start on Allietare. That is Bonnie Hunter's Mystery Quilt this year. I have all the HST's cut for step 1. Now all I have to do is get them sewn.

 

 

I am going to try to get them done this week so I will be ready for Step 2 on Friday. I would like to keep up with this one. I have her last 2 mysteries started and in different stages of being done. Those are on my finish list for the sew days on Thursday's when my BQB (Best Quilting Buddy) and I get together.

 

I'm linking to Quiltville page so you can check on the progress of others who are doing this.

 

That's all for now.

Til later,

Hugs & Stitches,

Mary

Progress 10/18 through 10/24

Sunday-NOTHING!!!! There was a Harry Potter Day on ABC Disney. I watched HP all day. Although, I did take some time to start stacking some of the stuff I'm taking to retreat.

Monday-cutting stuff to go out to retreat.

Tuesday-packing for retreat and servicing machines for Bonnie and myself to use at retreat.

Wednesday-pick up Bonnie Hunter at airport. Stopped for lunch and then headed out to Camp Arnold for retreat. Spent the  night at CA.

Thursday-Retreat starts. 112 people coming in to set up all their stuff. The following pics  are of a wonderful weekend we all had.

                                                                The start of set up.

                                                            Bonnie watching set up.

                                                         Lecture on Friday night.

                                                     Bonnie working hard on her string piecing.

/

One of the workshops.

 

Yo Wright, Bonnie Hunter, myself, Vickie Swann

Leaving retreat on Sunday.

From there Bonnie and I went antiquing and toured the Meeker Mansion (a historical house in Puyallup).

 

I dropped Bonnie off at her hotel after dinner (Mexican food) and picked her up the next morning to deliver her to the airport.

It was a wonderful and exhausting weekend. Please visit Bonnie's blog here to see more adventures and pics of Show & Share with everyone.

 

Til later,

Hugs & Stitches,

Mary

Progress 10/11 through 10/17

Sunday-finished up my beading project.

This little needlecase is a gift. I made it to give to Bonnie Hunter when she is here for our retreat in 2 weeks. Or should I say, by the time you read this it will be a week away.
I also went downstairs and quilted a client quilt.

Monday-out at LQS for the Marti & Me Club and Open Sew.

Tuesday-back out to LQS for Beginning Quilting Class. For those of you interested in what we make in class here are some pics of my last class. They had their tops complete and ready for basting at our last class.

Wednesday-BQB came over and we unloaded the van of the quilt show inventory. We then went through the cases and picked out stuff that does double duty and goes with us to the craft show that we will be doing in 2 weeks. I also got the rest of the craft show inventory out of the back room and we reloaded the van. We then made a trip out to the LQS so she could spend her Birthday coupon money.

Thursday-meeting day with the Paws to Sew Group. This month's birthday girl was BQB. I went down to the black hole to put together her present that I had hidden from her. Well guess what? I hid it so well I had to look for 2 hours before I finally found it. But find it I did and was able to get it wrapped before everyone got here.

Friday-busy, busy. I started out the mooring running some personal errands and then went and got the reservation set for the one night we need to put Bonnie Hunter up between the end of retreat and when she flies out. Then I went looking for a couple of door prizes for the retreat.

Saturday-spent getting some of the things ready that I will need at retreat. I cut out some totes for the cancer center. They are out so I need to get some more done. Cut out a mini quilt project to take. Packed up some hand embroidery just in case. I don't know if I will have time to do anything really. I might spend more time assisting Bonnie than anything else.

That's it for this week.
Next week I hope to have lots of pics of the retreat and Bonnie's classes.

Til later,
Hugs & Stitches,
Mary

Progress 10/4 through 10/10

Here we go:

Sunday-day after quilt show. I didn't do anything. Oh--wait a minute, I did go downstairs and quilt a small client quilt.

Monday-Out at LQS all day for Block of the Month.

Tuesday-back out at LQS to teach a Beginning Quilt Class. Did a little beading in the evening.

Wednesday-went and got flu shot then messed around upstairs. Did some beading.

Thursday-BQB came over and we went to do some shopping. One of our local quilt shops is closing. Owners are retiring and moving to Texas. We were out there from 9:30 until about 12:45. The shop opened at 10 AM, but we got there around 9:30 and there was already a line of customers. I did get some good buys. We also stopped at a new quilt shop that just opened last Tuesday. I found a couple of things there also. Then we went to a bead store to pick up some colors of Delica beads that I needed. Did some beading in the evening.

Friday-cut out the next 3 projects for the Marti & Me club. Finished making some pot holders for some friends. Worked on inventory for the next show coming up. Quilted some on my spool quilt that is a Bonnie Hunter leader/ender project. In the evening I worked on a beading project.

Saturday-in the morning I worked on the beading project. Went downstairs and quilted on the leader/ender project. I only have a area of about 6" x 15" left to do when the power went out. Sheesh! After about a hour the power came back on and I was able to finish it. Then I sewed the binding to the front. All that needs to be done now is the hand stitching to the back. Also been working some more on the beading project. I am almost done with it. I should be done by tomorrow.

That's about it for this week.
Til later,
Hugs & Stitches,
Mary

Vending at the Quilt Show

In my previous post I said I would post pics of my booth at the Quilt Show. Here they are.

Here's a couple of quilt pics also.

The first 2 pictures are from the collection of the featured quilter.

Hope you enjoyed.

Til later,
Hugs & Stitches,
Mary

October Goals

Goals this month will be light. As I said in my other post, this month will be busy. I still have about 16 clients quilts to do plus vend at quilt Show this past weekend. The 21st of the month is our Quilt Retreat where our special guest Teacher is Bonnie Hunter. I have to privilege of picking her up at the airport and taking her around that weekend.

So, here are the goals

#1-get at least halfway done with the Vintage Tin embroidery piece.



#2-get one of my own quilt tops quilted.

#3 get the rest of the Craft Show inventory made.

That's it for this month.

I did mention that I was vending at a quilt show this weekend. In my next post I will have some pics of our booth. I still have to download from my camera.

Til later,
Hugs & Stitches,
Mary

Report on September Goals

Let's start with the Scrappy Spool Leader and Enders project-
I have borders on, backing pieced and as I write this I have just finished loading it on the machine. I am trying to have this done as Bonnie Hunter will be here in about 2 1/2 weeks for our retreat.

#2-Vintage Tin block is almost at the same point as it was at the beginning of the month. I have done a little on it, but not enough to make a difference.

#3-Celtic Solstice Part 1. Did not work on that. It would have been my Thursday project when my BQB and I get together and sew. Instead we worked on inventory for shows.



#4 the stack of fabric between ironing board and cutting table. A no go. What can I say?

#5-Star Struck has been completed. Quilted, bound and labeled

We'll see how much I can get done in October.

It's going to be a busy month with a quilt show to vend at and being hostess to Bonnie Hunter at quilt retreat. Plus getting ready for a craft show the first week of November.

Til later,
Hugs & Stitches,
Mary

9/27 through 10/3 Progress

Sunday-had all intentions of going down and working, but hubby said he had to go to Home Depot and WalMart. Did I want to go? Well of course. So we ran some errands and then went to lunch. I picked up some new houseplants, so I spent the afternoon transplanting them into new pots.

Monday-Hurray!!! I finally went downstairs and worked on a client quilt that I've had on for----forever. Got it done and loaded another quilt on. Guess what? I got that one done too. YAY!!

Tuesday-got another client quilt done-hurray!!

Wednesday-loaded van for set up at Quilt Show this weekend, then went a got haircut, bank and grocery store.

Thursday-Set up at Quilt Show. We got there at 11 AM and didn't get home til 6 PM.

Friday & Saturday-Quilt Show

That takes care of my week.

Til later,
Hugs & Stitches,
Mary

9/20 through 9/26 Progress

Sunday-worked on samples for Marti & Me Club.

Monday-out at LQS for Marti & Me Club.

Tuesday-nothing done as I had to go for a "procedure". Let's just say I'm glad that one is done for the next 5 years. No sleep the night before, so I snoozed most of the rest of the day.

Wednesday-downstairs and worked on some of my stuff. I should have done some client quilts but have just had a hard time getting started.

Thursday-BQB came over and we worked on inventory as we are getting ready for a show next weekend. I stuffed the pincushion part of 47 scrap/thread catchers.

Friday-spent the day downstairs going through my quilt tops that I have had stacked up for forever. I have LOTS of unquilted tops. I have finally decided that I am not going to get all of these quilted in my lifetime. I decided, that if I'm not going to quilt them, I might as well sell them. I have kept the ones that I really feel I will get done. The rest are going with me to the shows I vend at. I feel these would make good practice quilts for someone that is just getting into long arming, or someone that likes the quilt top itself. Here are a few of the ones I'm selling.

I have somewhere between 30-35 tops of various sizes that are going. A lot are tablerunners, table toppers, lap quilts and a few larger size quilts.

Saturday-I will be out at the LQS teaching the final class on Beginning Quilting. The students actually are doing a fine job and should be ready for the basting of the quilts and final instructions on quilting ideas and binding.

That's my week. Hope your week was full of quilting.

Til later,
Hugs & Stitches,
Mary

9/13 through 9/19 Progress

And away we go--------

Sunday-Went out early to check out a sale. They had advertised some vintage machines. Nothing

Monday-out at LQS for the Block of the Month.

Tuesday-Not a lot done. Went to friends house and we went in search  of some fabric I need for a project.

Wednesday- Did some house cleaning to get ready for our monthly meeting tomorrow. Ran some errands.

Thursday- monthly quilt meeting. Had lots of show and tell (forgot to get pics).

Friday-Computer work. Printing more Beginning Quilt books, etc.

Saturday- out at LQS for the 3rd installment of Beginning Quilting class.

In other words, not any quilting done this week. What can I say. I'll try to do better next week.

Til later,
Hugs & Stitches,
Mary

9/6 through 9/12 Progress

Let's get this week started.

Sunday-had a Beginning Quilting Class out at the LQS on Sunday. Four students, and they all seem like they are going to be on the ball and quick learners.

Monday-put one of my quilts on and got it quilted. The quilt is Star Struck. One of Bonnie Hunter's patterns. After I got that quilted, I loaded client quilt and got that one quilted. I loaded another client quilt so it will be ready to go in the morning.

Tuesday-was a really *###*! day. I got the client quilt loaded the day before to get a start on it this morning. When I loaded it I noticed a few little problems with it (a little rippling here and there), but nothing really too serious that couldn't be "quilted" out. Well when she pieced the back, the selvedges were left on. I guess there was some rippling on the back too. I get about a 1/4 of the way through and find "folds" on the back. Soooooo, now I have to un-pick and get this straightened out.
I also put the borders on my "Bonnie" leader and ender spool quilt. I guess tomorrow I will load another client quilt and work on that.

Wednesday-just couldn't get it together. I did load another client quilt on. I quilted a couple of passes on it and quit for the day. Just couldn't get the mojo going after yesterday's frustrations. I did finish sewing the binding down on Star Struck.

Thursday-BQB came over and we got right to work. I have the borders on the Spool leader and ender from Bonnie Hunter from 2 years ago. And I pieced the back from all the left overs, and got the binding ready for the quilt.

I also finished Part 3 (I skipped Part 2 for now) of Celtic Solstice.

BQB got this done. It's a project that our sewing group is doing and we have to have our final top done by October meeting. Each one of us is doing something different in fabrics that we have chosen. I'll post mine sometime next month (I hope).

 

Friday-quilted client quilt and got another one loaded ready to start on.                                                

 

Saturday-out at LQS for the second class of the Beginning Quilting. Students were ready and actually had done some homework done.                                                                                                             

 

That's about it for this week.

Til later,

Hugs & Stitches,

Mary