Spring Cleaning!

I think that maybe one of the reasons I've been enjoying my handwork projects lately is that my work space (and desk, if we're being totally honesty) is completely overflowing with various projects in various stages of completion.  It's a little overwhelming ... and avalanche-esque ... so I've decided to devote the rest of the week (I know ... two whole days ... whoppee!) to getting things whipped into shape.

First up, here are the latest numbers for my stash update.  They're not pretty.  Yup - about as small of a finish as anyone could get.

Stash Update: 1/27/12 - 2/13/12

• Purchased:  7  yards including 3 Charm Packs each of California Girl and Papillon for my paper piecing, and some solids to be used in some upcoming projects.  More on them soon!!
• Used: 0.25 yards - for my measly little mug rug!

YTD: + 18.38 yards

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Second up - I'm reinstating the 5 boxes rule for my own sanity!  Several years ago, my sewing room was in a similar state of disarray, and so to save some poor archaeologist having to excavate my sewing table through hundreds of layers of fabric a thousand years in the future, I bought 5 little plastic boxes and {tried} to limit myself to only five projects going on at a single time.  Well, when we moved last summer, I used those five little boxes to help transport my sewing room ... and never really got around to cleaning them since I hardly touched my sewing machine in the last half of my pregnancy.  So, lately, instead of storing all my WIPs in those little boxes, I've been storing them in stacks!  And looking at those stacks this afternoon, there are WAY more than five projects, so I'm starting fresh!

Just to keep myself honest - I'm creating a new page here on my blog to track everything. You can click on the link at the top of the page to see all my current projects, but here's the basic gist of the box contents.  

1. The monthly Another Year of Schnibbles project.
2. My current handwork or paper piecing project.
3. An old WIP that needs to be finished.
4. A new project of my choice!
5. The Swoon Along project.

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Third up - I'm starting another page to track all of my WIPs (including those that have been shelved), Floppy Tops, and Yearly Finishes, just for fun.  Plus, I love lists and since my sewing space is about half the size as the one in our last house, I'm in some serious need of organization.  I'm hoping that this will keep me motivated, curb my crafting ADD, and keep me on track for some record finishes in 2012.

How do you organize your current projects and curb your crafting ADD?

It's a rather gloomy Thursday ...

... and I'm really in the mood to curl up with Aiden, a good book and a cup of tea!  I have a feeling that it's going to be one of those days where I'm just not going to get a whole lot accomplished!

Yesterday, Aiden had his weekly "Grammy Date" so we decided to venture out to explore a new-to-me quilt shop here in Sacramento:

Shirley, aka "The Knot-y Embroidery Lady" and the gals there are so much fun and their shop looks fantastic!  Of course, we didn't make it out of the store without some new goodies!  I was so thrilled to find Robot Factory by Caleb Gray for Robert Kaufman Fabrics.  I had pinned this fabric last fall but didn't order it from the Fat Quarter Shop before they ran out, so I was thrilled to find them in the shop!

While we were there, the Lately Arrived from London line by Barbara Brackman for Moda really caught my eye.  I'm not sure whether I was attracted to the name or the colors more -- I'm definitely not a Civil War prints kind of gal -- but two charm packs and a couple of fat quarters made their way home with me.  I can't wait to find out what next month's Schnibbles pattern will be to see if the fabric will work!

I have been able to get a little bit of sewing done here, despite have a really busy week!  I was able to finish up two of my Swoon Along blocks -- and I've decided to break my rule of only counting finished projects for my weekly stash update for the Swoon blocks only.  Since it's going to take several months to finish this quilt, I figured that I deserved to show some stash progress each week!

My favorite finish of the week has to be this cute summery dress for my niece's first birthday!

The fabric is Lovely by Sandy Gervais - forgot how beautiful this whole line is!! - with a coordinating lemony batik.  I haven't really ventured much into the realm of sewing clothing, but I found this great free pattern from Oliver + S called "Popover Sundress" ...

Photo from Oliver + S

... and had to try it out.  This is a great pattern (available in sizes 2-7) and is definitely beginner friendly! And as a bonus - there was enough fabric leftover to make a cheery little on-point checkerboard!

My little man just went down for a nap, so I'm off to de-clutter my sewing table and finish up some more projects!  Before I forget, though, here is my stash update:

Stash Update: 1/18/12 - 1/26/12

• Purchased:  11.75 yards including my Flurry fat quarter stash for the Swoon Along, 2 yards of Robot Factory, and 2.75 yards of Lately Arrived from London
• Used: 2.25 yards - 1.5 yards for the Birthday dress, and .375 yards each for my two swoon blocks

YTD: + 11.63 yards  

Wow!  If I hadn't done any shopping this week, I would have been breaking even.  Oh well - I promised the  hubby I'd lay off the fabric acquisitions for a little while, so maybe I'll be able to report a smaller number next week.

Happy Sewing!!

Stash Update

I can't believe I forgot to include my stash update, especially since I did really, really well this week.  Yipee!!

Stash Update: 1/9/12 - 1/17/12

• Purchased:  2.75 yards of Butterscotch & Roses for a double Irish chain quilt that I'm getting ready to cut into in about five minutes.
• Used: 8.75 yards - Holy Cow!  My Full House quilt and mug rug  are done for our January Schnibbles assignment and I just finished the quilt for my little niece.  The new pattern, called Pretty in Pink, will be available next week and I'll share pictures soon!

YTD: + 2.13 yards 


It's a good thing that I had two big finishes this week ... because I have a whole fat quarter stack coming in next week ... because I joined another quilt-a-long.


Katy at I'm A Ginger Monkey is hosting a "Swoon-Along."   We're all making the Camille Roskelley Thimble Blossoms quilt, SWOON!  I'm loving this group because the goal is to just work at your own pace and upload pictures as you finish.


If you'd like to see everyone's progress so far -- there are more than 400 participants!! -- click the button below or on my sidebar to view our Flickr group.

For more information on how to join in the fun, just visit Katy's blog.

I did it ...

I signed up for "Another Year of Schnibbles" with Sherri @ A Quilting Life and Sinta Renee @ Pink Pincushion.

For those of you not familiar with the club, each month these ladies pick out a fabulous Schnibbles pattern by Carrie Nelson of Miss Rosie's Quilt Co..  You can make the pattern with any fabric you like, and some people even turn their quilts into table runners, or pillows, etc.  Then, you just need to email them pictures of your finished project (or at least finished quilt top) by the end of the month, and then check back for a parade of all the finished projects the following day.

This month's project is "Full House" ...

I'm not sure why, but I'm seeing fall colors for my version.  I'm off to go shopping in my stash!

Oh! And speaking of stashes, I'm re-instating my weekly(-ish) stash update!  Here are this week's numbers:

Stash Update: 1/1/12 - 1/8/12

• Purchased:  8.05 yards for a new pattern and some more on my favorite polka dot background fabric (I seem to be using this in almost all of my new quilts!)
• Used: 0.00 yards since I'm only counting fabric as busted once it has either been given away, sold, or used in a COMPLETED project.  Now, if I can only I get the quilting done on two quilts this week, I'll actually have a negative number for next week!!

YTD: + 8.05 yards

{Warning} MEGA-blog-post ahead!

I'm not sure why, but I've had a mega case of "blogger's block" over the last couple of weeks.  While I seem to have manged to write and re-write my growing list of things I wanted to share with you, I haven't managed to write a single word here.

So, when I read Rachel's post over at p.s. i quilt about "indecisive blogging" this afternoon, I decided to take her advice and "just do it" already!  Without further ado, here's what's been going on in Poplun-land lately.

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A little bit of shopping ....

Stash Update: February 1 - February 17, 2011

• Purchased:  13.5 yards including a Lollipop fat-eighths bundle for this month's Le Petite Project, and a whole bolt of my favorite white-on-white polka dot fabric.
• Used: Zip.  Unfortunately, no finished projects in the last two weeks.

YTD: + 18 yards

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A little bit of sewing ...

So, I've finally been able to clean up my sewing room and have organized my works-in-progress back into their five little boxes.  This month, I've been working on:

Box #1: The February Le Petite project, "Sweet Spot," a Schnibbles Pattern by Miss Rosie's Quilt Co.  

We have three baby boys expected in the (extended) family between May and June, so I've been on the lookout for boy friendly patterns and fabrics lately.  When Burgundy Buttons, one of my new favorite online quilt shops, had a great sale on Lollipop fabric bundles, I poked that "purchase" button like lightening and immediately cut it up for this pattern.

I'm really happy with my progress, so far, but also know that I need to get my butt in gear if I'm actually going to finish before the 28th!  I'm not sure why, but for some reason I made the HST border blocks first, and then started on the center stars.  Maybe I was inspired by my "Lemon Taffy" quilt ... who knows!

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Tangent Warning!!

I just realized that I never posted pictures of my "Lemon Taffy" quilt.  Yikes!  So, since this is a "just go with it" post, I'd better share them now ... because at the rate I've been blogging lately, if I don't, it might be next October before I remember.

 *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  

... and back to the 5 Boxes update ...

Box #2 contains another Miss Rosie's Quilt Co pattern called "Eventide" and my stash of Martinique leftover from last August's "Twin Quilts".  

Ever since I purchased my sewing machine almost 4 years ago, I've either sold or gifted every quilt I've made.  I have been wanting to take the time to make a quilt for myself to keep at home and share with my family for awhile now, but haven't been able to find a pattern I was in love one, and hadn't taken the time to design one.

When I started the "Twin Quilts" last August, I went ahead and splurged on a whole Fat Quarter stack just so that would have enough fabric left over to make a quilt for me too.  I happened to stumble across the Eventide pattern around Christmas time over on Thelma's blog, but a couple of days ago, I saw that Thelma is hosting an Eventide Quilt-Along!  Since I'm already waaaaaayyyyyy behind on my prospective projects for the year, I initially had some reservations about committing to the project ... but as you might have guessed, I decided to say "What the Heck!" and signed up to participate.

If you're interested in joining up, there's still time!  Just hop on over to Thelma's blog to let her know that you want to sign up, and post your quilt progress every Tuesday!

Box #3: is breaking the rules this week.  I'm 95% done with last month's Le Petite project - embarrassing, I know!  I really only have to put on the final outer border and then that baby is done!!  However, I ended up with an awkward number of leftover 2.5" squares, so technically, this box is also holding my first forays into Hexagon English Paper Piecing.  I have to tell you, I think I'm addicted!  I totally understand why they're so popular!  I've found that it's really nice to have some hand-work to do in front of the TV.

If you're interested in giving it a try, I found my templates here.  For me, the 1" hexie works great with a 2.5" square of fabric.

Boxes #4 & #5: contain my two spring patterns.  I'm hoping to having them available in my etsy shop soon, but in the meantime, here's a quick sneak peak!!

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And {finally} a little bit of knitting!

I've finally finished the first of my Embossed Leaves socks.  Hooray!  The pattern is a great one by Mona Schmidt in Favorite Socks and it's really easy to follow ... but I'm the world's SLOWEST knitter ... so they're taking forever.  Let's hope that the second one doesn't take quite as long as the first one took me!!

Stash Update

Yikes!  I just realized that I haven't done my weekly Stash Update at all for 2011!

Stash Update: January 1 - January 31, 2011

• Purchased:  10.75 yards for a new pattern, a shower gift, and a great sale on my favorite polka dot background fabric.  
• Used: 6.25 yards on my "Lemon Taffy" quilt

YTD: + 4.5 yards

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Project photos are coming soon, and I'll post my 5 Boxes update as soon as I find out what the February Le Petite project for February will be ... and mange to clean up my work space to actually find the boxes ...

... In the meantime, as no blog post should be picture-less, I leave you with photos of my babies enjoying their favorite treats.  Happy sewing!!

Luigi chomping down ...

Lily, practicing her best "Disney Princess" eyes - tink, tink

Happy 2011!

Well, after five different Christmas celebrations this year, with various branches of our family, hubby and I are pooped!  We had a great time, but have definitely enjoyed a couple of days of relaxing and practicing the art of doing nothing.  With how busy we were during the months of November and December, I didn't have time to make as many hand made gifts as I had initially hoped, but I'm really pleased with how my two gifts turned out.

First up was a handmade gift for my hubby.  While he's always more than willing to give me his opinion (when I ask) on which color combination or block pattern looks better for a work-in-progress, and has even been willing to accompany me to a quilt show or two, quilting is just not really his thing.  He has been known, however, to enjoy the occasional video game and really gets a kick out of "vintage" Nintendo stuff from when we were kids.  A couple of years ago, he realized that since the 8-bit images from the original Nintendo games that he loved as a kid were nothing more than a series of colored boxes ....

... that they would translate REALLY well into a quilt pattern.  So, he decided that I was going to make him a Mario pillow and promptly dragged me off to JoAnn's (I KNOW!!!!) to get some solid-colored fabric so that I could get started.  Unfortunately, we purchased some fabric on sale that shrunk when ironed - even after pre-washing - which made the task of sewing together 256 squares into a 1" grid really unpleasant and impractical ... and the project was shelved.

I began playing around with the idea of the pillow again, after I stumbled across a tutorial by Elizabeth from Oh! Fransson on Sew, Mama, Sew's website.  Elizabeth started by drawing a grid on a square of super lightweight fusible interface, and then used the lines as guides to place her individual squares.  She ironed them in place and the seamed the back, and voila! ... she made a perfect mini-quilt without having to individual piece together a bunch of tiny squares.  (Check out the tutorial for some great pictures and more complete directions)

I tried her method with some higher-quality solid fabric for my pillow and was absolutely thrilled with the result!!  The grid on the front was so precise and the whole pillow front was done in less than two hours!!

Hubby was thrilled with it too!  He's dubbed it his video-game pillow and has already asked for a second one (specifically the green 1-UP mushroom) to take into his office at work.

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My second handmade gift this year was for my mom, aka "my fabric-shopping partner in crime."  Over the summer we took an embroidery class at one of our local quilt shops (which sadly went out of business this month.  I'm so bummed!!).  I knew after we finished the class that I wanted to make her a Christmas quilt that incorporated embroidery.

Every Christmas, my mom has this great collection of snowmen that she displays on the wall behind the kitchen table, so I decided to make her a quilt that matched.  I used Bird Brain Designs' Redwork Snowmen pattern ....

... along with Mom's favorite snowman fabric line, Makin' New Friends by Deb Strain for Moda, and Carrie Nelson's (Miss Rosie's Quilt Co) Hot Cross Schnibbles pattern ...

So sorry for the crummy picture quality!  We've had weeks of rain in Sacramento, so it was hard to get pictures with decent lighting.  Here are some close-ups of the Snow-Peeps ...

Mom loved her quilt, and it's now happily living on the back of the living room sofa ... just waiting for someone to come by and take advantage of the dreary weather with a good book!

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So, with those two finishes, I'd like to present the FINAL status of my 2010 stash.

Purchased: 3.0 yards for the Mario Pillow

Used: 6.12 yards as follows:

• 3.58 yards for Mom's Snowman quilt
• 0.75 yard for three new mug rugs to be listed in the Etsy shop soon ...
• 0.69 yard for the Mario pillow
• 1.10 yards for the December Le Petite project

Grand Total for 2010: +90.78 yards

A bit higher than I had hoped ... but as of today, the numbers all roll back to 0.  Let's see if I can start the next update off with a negative number!!

Holiday Crafts

Every year my hubby's office hosts a Holiday handmade gift fair, where employees (or their families) donate handmade gifts that are sold at the fair, and then all the proceeds are used to purchase Christmas gifts for the homeless or foster kids in need.

I had originally planned on just donating this winter table runner ...

... but when I came across Jennifer's (from That Girl, That Quilt) tutorial over at Stash Manicure for a Mug Rug with a tea pocket, I decided to give to make a couple of extra gifts to donate as well.

I've been seeing these "mug rugs" around blogland for awhile now, and after making two of them, I understand why they're so popular!  I mean, what's not to love about using those scraps from your favorite projects (that probably were too small to save for anything "practical" but were too beautiful to throw away) to make such cute little mini-quilt-coasters that can be completely finished in an hour flat!!  Plus, I'm finding that it's a great way to use batting scraps too!  I always feel so wasteful throwing away all my quilt sandwich trimmings, so I love having a new use for them.

Besides working on these three little holiday projects, not a whole lot of sewing has been going on in my little crafting room.  I did, however, take advantage of some crazy good "Black Friday" sales going on over at Connecting Threads and Burgundy Buttons.  I guess I went a little overboard ... as in 26 yards, plus a jelly roll, plus a layer cake ...

It's a beautiful sight to me, but hubby wanted to know if I actually was planning on using any of the fabric I already have.  I guess they just don't understand. :)  Needless to say, however, my stash for the year is WAY out of control.  I think it's best just to accept them and get ready to do much better in 2011!

Since I did have some small finishes this week, here is my current stash update:

Stash Update: November 4th - December 9th:
Used: 1.5 yards ... whoop-dee-doo.
Bought: 34.34 yards ... yikes!  (biggest purchase of the year, btw)
YTD: +93.9 yards

What's New?

Fall is my absolute favorite season, and I'm happy to say that it is finally hitting the Sacramento region!  While most of our trees have been picking up a little bit of color since mid-October, we've been having some unseasonably warm days lately, making it a little difficult to get into the autumnal spirit of things.  As of Saturday, however, the temperatures have dropped back down to where they should be, and we've some great, gloomy, rainy days -- and even some snow as low as 1500 ft!  Yay!

While this time of year is usually my favorite to either snuggle in with two puppies and a great book, or to hunker down in my craft room for some quality sewing time, lately, I seem to be off my groove.  Hubby and I are making some changes on the homefront, so we've spent most of the last week and a half in a frenzy of Spring-Cleaning-like activies.  I spent a good couple of evenings cleaning up my craft room, ironing and putting fabric away ... and I even tackled my crazy "shove" closet.  Everything is all neat and organized now ... but other than that not much has been going on, craft-wise.

I did happen across a stash of fat quarters that I purchase along with my sewing machine back in 2007, along with my first attempts at "quilting."  I had to laugh, because the blocks were really awful!  I hadn't invested in a rotary cutter or rulers yet, so I traced the shapes onto the FQ's (with no idea that grain direction made a {BIG} difference), and cut them out with scissors!  I hadn't quite figured out the whole 1/4" seam bit on my machine, so those first blocks were incredibly wonky, none of my seams matched up, and most of the blocks were about 3/4" (or more) smaller than they were supposed to be!

Unfortunately, I didn't stop long enough to take pictures ... I was really in "purge" mode at the moment ... but my first blocks really did make me smile and appreciate how far I've come!  I also have to say a big THANK YOU to all of you fellow bloggers - I've learned so much and been so inspired by your shared creativity!

While no significant new sewing has been going on, I have decided to use some of these scraps from my first blocks in a new quilt I'm working on.  My plan for 2011 is to do a series of quilt patterns using modern fabric with traditional quilt blocks.  The first pattern in the series should hopefully be releasing in the first part of January ... provided that I can be a good girl and finish all of my Christmas sewing in a timely matter.

Unfortunately, my super secret Christmas projects haven't received any love, which is scary since Christmas is only like 5 weeks away.  Yikes!  I have several open evenings this week, and a 3 day weekend following all of the Thanksgiving festivities, so I have no excuses for not having some sneak peak pictures ready soon!

I have made some progress on this month's Le Petite pattern (Butter Churn by This and That Patterns ...

... but after playing around with some of the square blocks and the little "ribbon" squares, I decided to make my piece a little bit bigger and completely re-worked the outter border, so that the finished project is about 40" square, instead of the 20-something" square shown in the pattern.  Leave it to me to make a project more complicated, especially when I'm on a tight time frame with other projects!  Oh well, it'll all work out.  It always does.

Happy Sewing!!

Stash and "5 Boxes" update

I didn't realize how long it's been since I've posted my stash update and the status of my 5 little boxes - yikes!

Stash Update: Sept. 18th through Nov. 4th, 2010
Used: 10.96 yards on Puppy Dog Tails, Cherish, and an autumny wall-hanging with matching table runner to be revealed soon!

Purchased: 18.78 yards, of which 12.5 will be used on super secret Christmas gifts and 4 yards was already used on Puppy Dog Tails.

YTD:  + 61.06 yards  ... good thing we get to start over in January!!

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5 Boxes Update

Boxes # 1 and #2:  Sorry to disappoint, but these two boxes contain super-secret Christmas WIP's.  I may post some sneak peaks over the next few weeks as the projects, but that's all the detail I can divulge at the moment!



Box #3 has been dedicated to my month Le Petite projects.  While October's Le Petite hasn't been bound yet (and thus, can't be counted as a bust yet), it's time to move on.  November's pattern is Butter Churn by This and That Patterns.  I've decided to make this into a wall hanging, but I can't decide whether to continue destashing (like I did for October's project) or to order that Awesome by Sandy Gervais layer cake.  We'll see

Box #4 still holds the pieces to my Country Inn quilt.  I've made absolutely no progress on it whatsoever, but I love it and can't put in on the shelf just yet.

Box #5 is currently empty.  Technically, it should be holding the 4 or so unfinished Fat Quarter Shop BOM shipments that really need to be completed ... but I'm going to leave it empty in case any surprise inspiriation comes my way!

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Don't forget to check out the Blogger's Quilt Festival over at Amy's Creative Side to check out all the beautiful quilt submissions!!

No Longer MIA ...

I can't believe that we're over half-way through September!  I feel like I just flipped the page on my calendar from July to August.  As you've probably noticed, I've been MIA lately ... but for good reasons, I promise!  Over the last six weeks or so, hubby and I have attended a wedding, a funeral, a bridal shower, a party for two very chic 80-year-old twin grandmas, hosted his-n-hers bachelor and bachelorette parties, gone camping, and travelled from California to Missouri and back again. PHEWWWWWWW!

And while I didn't find time to blog very much, I still managed to (completely) finish two large Schnibbles quilts, two good sized table toppers (about 40" square), and a new Halloween table topper pattern.

... and now I need a nap ...

(Check out my new "trimmings trash can" - it's a 9" tall plant plot shaped like a THIMBLE!!  Love it - especially since it was on clearance at JoAnn's!  It's full of the trimmings from my 4 August projects)

I'll be posting my two Schnibbles photos and reviews over the weekend, along with the new pattern and toppers, and a "little boxes" update.  I'll also be rolling out the details for Table Topper Palooza.  Check back for the scoop soon!!

In the meantime, here are my stats.  Thank goodness for Microsoft Excel to help with the calculations!!

Stash Update: (Aug. 16th through Sept. 17th, 2010)

Used: 14.418 ... biggest monthly stash-bust this year!!  Here's the breakdown:

• 
  
  1.86 yards for the potholder giveaway
• 
  
  1.16 yards for my Modern Haunted House table topper (pics and etsy listing coming soon!)
• 
  
  3.016 yards for my Haunted Home table topper (pics, pattern, and etsy listing coming soon!)
• 
  
  3.213 yards for Tita Ita's birthday quilt (Hot Cross)
• 
  
  5.169 yards for Mama's birthday quilt (Plan C)

Purchased: 7.5 yards -- all miscellaneous Fat Quarters on sale at JoAnn's

YTD:  53.244 ... yup!  that's the first drop in my YTD numbers all year. nice.

Weekend Update

***Please pardon the poor picture quality. I'm not sure what happened with my uploads, but will fix them as soon as I get home***

I'm so excited!!  Look what came in the mail this weekend!!

Two of the cutest Christmas projects from Cinderberry Stitches!  I've had my eye on these patterns for quite a while now, and a great sale at Burgundy Buttons gave me the (little) incentive that I needed to finally purchase them.  I have all sorts of Christmas gifts in mind now!!!

However ... I have a number of projects that need to be finished before I can even start thinking about Christmas -- it is only the middle of August, for goodness sake!  First, however, here's my latest stash update.

Stash Update (August 1st, 2010 through August 15th, 2010):
Used:  1.86 yards went to the fabulous winners of my first giveaway.
Purchased: 4.38 yards, including a couple of charm packs and fat quarters of Haunted Mansion by Sanae for Moda Fabrics for a jaunty little table topper -- more on this in a minute!
YTD: 58.30

A stash updated wouldn't be completed without an update on the status of my five little boxes -- a system, which has been working GREAT for me so far!

Box #1:
Pattern: Cherish (Poplun Patterns)
Fabric: Cherish Nature by Moda

This quilt is coming along slowly, but surely.  I've been working on it mainly at my Thursday night sewing group, but don't have any new pictures to share this week.  The middle checker-board border is done, and the outer border is almost ready to put on.  Yipee!!


Box #2:
Pattern: Plan C from Schnibbles Times Two
Fabric: Martinique by 3 Sisters for Moda Fabrics


This pattern calls for a bunch of piecing, and will showcase 25 little 6" stars showcasing this great fabric line!  I can't wait to show you the finished project soon.  The pattern should be available for sale right around the beginning of September in my etsy shop.  Stay tuned for more sneak peaks!!

This quilt is HUGE!  It's finished size is a whopping 80" x 80" - which is GIANT when compared to the baby blankets I've been working lately.  I've finished and attached 3 of 5 rows, and made quite a lot of progress on piecing the 4th row tonight.  I can't wait to see the whole thing pieced.  


The pattern calls for a piano keys border, which I'm not quite crazy about, so we'll see how it will actually finish up.
Boxes #3 and #4 still have Country Inn, and Candy Stripes Table Runner.  Both of these projects are on hold until September.


Last week, Box #5 had the pieces for my upcoming pattern, Autumn Ohio Star Table Topper.  With the purchase of my Haunted Mansion charm packs, however, Autumn has been temporarily sidelined for a new Halloween table topper pattern.  Here's a sneak peak at all of the pieces!

Little Boxes ... an update

A whole lot of sewing has been going on in my studio over the past couple of weeks, so here's my stash update!

Stash Update (July 17th - August, 2010):
Used:  3.43 yards, for my Schnibbles finish (again, used a Target sheet for backing, so the yardage was lower), Block #1 for the Fat Quarter Shop Designer Block of the Month, and a set of potholders for a shower gift for a family friend.  It was a great couple of weeks!

Purchased: (hubby, if you're reading, please skip down to the next paragraph ...) 15.73 yards, mainly comprised for a beautiful fat quarter bundle of Martinique and some coordinating yardage for two big projects ... more on that later ...


YTD: +55.88 yards






Over the last two weeks I finished two quilts (here and here), so I have some new projects moving into my 5 Boxes.


Box #1:
Pattern: Cherish (Poplun Patterns)
Fabric: Cherish Nature by Moda

Cherish is coming along really nicely.  After feeling like I spent so much time on my Schnibbles Contest piece, this quilt feels like it's flying together.  I had cut all the pieces out last month, and was able to get the main panel and the first of three checkerboard borders on this afternoon.  I'm hoping that the quilt will continue to go together quickly.


The pattern will be available the weekend of August 21st in my etsy shop, so stay tuned!!


Boxes #2 & #3:
Patterns: Plan C and Hot Cross from Schnibbles Times Two
Fabric: Martinique by 3 Sisters for Moda Fabrics

(thanks to Fat Quarter Shop for the pictures!!)

These two (almost) twin quilts will be going to my hubby's grandmother and her twin sister, in honor of their 80th birthday next month!  Cutting and assembly should be starting next week, so I'll try and post pictures as I go along, but I can't tell you how much I love this beautiful fabric.  I'm not sure I can stop at just two quilts!

Boxes #3 and #4, which hold Country Inn and Candy Stripes Table Runner didn't get any love last week, and with three big projects to finish in August, plus three more patterns releasing, they might be on hold until September.  I'm not giving up on them yet!!

Box #5:

Pattern: Autumn Ohio Star Table Topper

Fabric: assorted fall-ish pieces from my stash!!

I cut out all the pieces for table topper and pattern over Thanksgiving break last year, but moved on to Christmas-y stuff before putting it together.  I'll be happy to have it together ahead of time this year, so it can spend Thanksgiving on my table, not in a box with all my other fall fabric.  The pattern should be available in my etsy shop starting the second week in August!

In the meantime, though, don't forget to check out my potholders giveaway.  You can enter here!  A winner will be chosen on Saturday, August 6th! Giveaway is now closed.