Happy Friday! I can hardly believe it's already March. In my quest to practice setting realistic goals, I have been trying to have some monthly goals. It's hard, especially early in the month, to figure out what I can actually get done since I really don't know how the month will play out, but I think it's important for me to try. Having these goals and pushing myself toward them really helps me keep going. It's funny because I am not really a goal-setter in any other area of my life, but if I don't have my crafty stuff all organized I feel so lost.
So really I just have a list of some things I would like to get done this month. I honestly think I should be able to finish more, but I think in order to learn to set realistic goals I have to practice figuring out what that means for me. In February I went a bit overboard and didn't get to everything, so I am toning it down just a bit.
Quilts
finish scrap mini
echo quilt top
scrappy triangle quilt top
Other
zip wallet
purse
carry-on bag
That should leave me a bit of room to do random things that come up and hopefully add to my list a bit as the month goes on. But even if that's all I get done I'll be happy. And if I can't make all that happen, I'll know better next month. And I really hope to have my scrap mini done this weekend since that is a carry over from February. Now that I have that down, I'm going to go get to work. And then enjoy a glorious weekend with my favorite people :) Have a great weekend!
Friday, March 2, 2012
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
WIP Wednesday {The leap day edition}
Happy leap day! For some reason I am pretty excited about leap day this year... really I suppose it's not all that special, but that's alright, I'll keep pretending and enjoying my extra day :) As it is the last day of February I must mention that I did not get everything on my list for the month done (I may have been a bit ambitious) but I did well this week and I'm happy with my progress. I even did well focusing on quilts and not getting distracted by other {smaller} things.
Completed:
Broken Diamonds top
This is what I am calling this quilt for my aunt and uncle now. I am sure it is not an original idea, but it is really the first quilt I have designed from the idea in my head and not outside inspiration so I'm pretty proud of it. I don't know when I'll get to backing/quilting/binding it, but I am just happy to have the top done.
Leg Warmers
I am happy to say that my knit legwarmers are finished and I love them.
New:
Mini for the wall
I finally started this, which has been brewing in my head for ages. I am hoping to actually finish up the top today, but we'll see. I am using all my Farmer's Wife quilt scraps which are so bright and happy. I can't wait to have this hanging on the wall to brighten the place up!
Echo Quilt
I have all the fabric ready, and the templates printed so I am calling this one started. I have every intention of cutting this out this week. No picture yet unfortunately.
Waiting:
*scrappy triangles {I changed my scrap plan and strings are on hold for now. I will hopefully start it once the echo top is done}
*dresden toddler quilt
So, I completed a knitting project and a quilt top (a pretty big one) this week. And I got started on my mini. I am moving forward which is good because I have a lot of things I want finished in the first half of the year and tomorrow starts March already. These first two months of the year have absolutely flown by. Well I hope everyone enjoys the last day of February!
Completed:
Broken Diamonds top
This is what I am calling this quilt for my aunt and uncle now. I am sure it is not an original idea, but it is really the first quilt I have designed from the idea in my head and not outside inspiration so I'm pretty proud of it. I don't know when I'll get to backing/quilting/binding it, but I am just happy to have the top done.
Leg Warmers
I am happy to say that my knit legwarmers are finished and I love them.
New:
Mini for the wall
I finally started this, which has been brewing in my head for ages. I am hoping to actually finish up the top today, but we'll see. I am using all my Farmer's Wife quilt scraps which are so bright and happy. I can't wait to have this hanging on the wall to brighten the place up!
Echo Quilt
I have all the fabric ready, and the templates printed so I am calling this one started. I have every intention of cutting this out this week. No picture yet unfortunately.
Waiting:
*scrappy triangles {I changed my scrap plan and strings are on hold for now. I will hopefully start it once the echo top is done}
*dresden toddler quilt
So, I completed a knitting project and a quilt top (a pretty big one) this week. And I got started on my mini. I am moving forward which is good because I have a lot of things I want finished in the first half of the year and tomorrow starts March already. These first two months of the year have absolutely flown by. Well I hope everyone enjoys the last day of February!
Monday, February 27, 2012
Leg Warmers
Earlier this month, I posted a little round up of my knitting projects. I thought now would be a good time to check in and report that I am done my legwarmers! That means I got done the two projects I was trying to complete in February and I can start on the other things!
I have wanted to make some leg warmers for a while now. I have some Ugg slippers that I don't wear socks with, but my ankles get cold so I wanted something to cover them. I found this pattern on The Purl Bee and I love it. I obviously made mine shorter since I thought full leg warmers would be a bit excessive, so I stopped somewhere around 15". I used Berroco Remix yarn and I like it a lot. I have already washed them and they survived just fine and got softer and lovely. This yarn is a bit thick for this I think, but it works. The pattern is simple and went really quick when I actually worked on it.
In order to make sure it would go over the widest part of my calf, I did cast on and off with needles a couple sizes bigger, which I think helped. They fit great and I can't wait to wear them this week! This leaves me with just two current projects, the afghan I have had sitting around forever, and the cowl that I want to make for my sister. I am planning to make a few blocks and then when I get bored start the cowl. I must admit Downton Abbey is really helping my knitting addiction ;) Today, however, I have a bit of sewing I need to get done. I have starting working on the mini quilt that has been in my head for ages and I can't wait to see it come together! We'll see if I can get it put together today!
I have wanted to make some leg warmers for a while now. I have some Ugg slippers that I don't wear socks with, but my ankles get cold so I wanted something to cover them. I found this pattern on The Purl Bee and I love it. I obviously made mine shorter since I thought full leg warmers would be a bit excessive, so I stopped somewhere around 15". I used Berroco Remix yarn and I like it a lot. I have already washed them and they survived just fine and got softer and lovely. This yarn is a bit thick for this I think, but it works. The pattern is simple and went really quick when I actually worked on it.
In order to make sure it would go over the widest part of my calf, I did cast on and off with needles a couple sizes bigger, which I think helped. They fit great and I can't wait to wear them this week! This leaves me with just two current projects, the afghan I have had sitting around forever, and the cowl that I want to make for my sister. I am planning to make a few blocks and then when I get bored start the cowl. I must admit Downton Abbey is really helping my knitting addiction ;) Today, however, I have a bit of sewing I need to get done. I have starting working on the mini quilt that has been in my head for ages and I can't wait to see it come together! We'll see if I can get it put together today!
Friday, February 24, 2012
Ikea Quilt II
Happy Friday!! I am so glad this completely ridiculous week is coming to a close and I actually have a relaxing weekend to look forward to. My plan: a bit of sewing, a bit of knitting, a bit of Downton Abbey, some delicious food, and some extra sleep. The good life :)
Now I know I already made this quilt, pretty much exactly, back in November. But it came out really nicely and I somehow just had to do it again. I had half the fabric left still, just begging to be used. The only difference is that I used blue and green instead of red and orange. I like both combinations a lot, but I am slightly more partial to the blue and green in this one.
Actually, I take it back, the biggest difference is the quilting. The first time around I went with a quilting design that went along with the quilt design. I didn't love it, mostly because of the quilting in the borders, but it worked out okay. This time I wanted to try something different. I went through a few ideas before deciding to do something I had been wanting to try for ages: organic wavy lines! Most of the quilts I've seen quilted in this style have more dense quilting and less even wavy lines, but that's okay. I love the look of this. The lines are roughly 2" apart so the quilt is still super soft and has such a good drape. I kinda can't wait to try it on another quilt, but maybe closer together to see how that comes out. I used another black/white polka dot for the binding and I just love the way it frames the bright colors. My favorite block is the bottom center with the lion, in case you were wondering.
This is my first quilt of this year start to finish, but number 3 overall. Hopefully I can keep it up and reach my goal of 12 this year. I am most of the way done the next top, and plan to finish that up this weekend. And the one after that is ready to be cut. But I have a feeling I am just going to end up with a bunch of quilt tops for a while. Oh, and I think *fingers crossed* I should be back Monday with some super sweet legwarmers all knit and ready to go :) And I guess this weekend will determine how realistic my goals for February were. Have a lovely weekend!
Now I know I already made this quilt, pretty much exactly, back in November. But it came out really nicely and I somehow just had to do it again. I had half the fabric left still, just begging to be used. The only difference is that I used blue and green instead of red and orange. I like both combinations a lot, but I am slightly more partial to the blue and green in this one.
Actually, I take it back, the biggest difference is the quilting. The first time around I went with a quilting design that went along with the quilt design. I didn't love it, mostly because of the quilting in the borders, but it worked out okay. This time I wanted to try something different. I went through a few ideas before deciding to do something I had been wanting to try for ages: organic wavy lines! Most of the quilts I've seen quilted in this style have more dense quilting and less even wavy lines, but that's okay. I love the look of this. The lines are roughly 2" apart so the quilt is still super soft and has such a good drape. I kinda can't wait to try it on another quilt, but maybe closer together to see how that comes out. I used another black/white polka dot for the binding and I just love the way it frames the bright colors. My favorite block is the bottom center with the lion, in case you were wondering.
This is my first quilt of this year start to finish, but number 3 overall. Hopefully I can keep it up and reach my goal of 12 this year. I am most of the way done the next top, and plan to finish that up this weekend. And the one after that is ready to be cut. But I have a feeling I am just going to end up with a bunch of quilt tops for a while. Oh, and I think *fingers crossed* I should be back Monday with some super sweet legwarmers all knit and ready to go :) And I guess this weekend will determine how realistic my goals for February were. Have a lovely weekend!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
WIP Wednesday {2.22.12}
Wednesday again! And although I am quite tired and things are pretty stressful around here, I am feeling pretty good. So far this week I am staying on task and I am making good quilt progress. Which is good since I just keep getting excited about new quilts I want to make, but clearly I need to get some others done first :)
Completed:
Ikea Quilt II
I love this! I will do a full post Friday now that I actually have some pictures, but I am so happy with how it came out.
Zip Pouches
All 3 done! Ready to be given this weekend :)
Still Going:
Quilt for my aunt and uncle
Making good progress on this. I have 3 rows left to trim and then I can start working on the sashing. Hopefully today. I am really anxious to see this come together.
New: Nothing, I have refrained from starting anything else that is swimming in my head. I make no promises for this week.
Waiting:
*echo quilt {I finally got the rest of the fabric!}
*scrappy string quilt {still deciding on a design}
*dresden toddler quilt
*scrap mini for the wall
So there you go. I am kinda hoping I have a quilt top finished by next week. Along with possibly a new wallet and/or purse. And maybe start my mini for the wall. I don't know about all that yet, but I do hope so. I am looking forward to a more relaxing weekend anyway, and one which will involve more sewing as we finally have a visitor-free weekend. Oh, and some Downton Abbey and knitting {my new favorite obsession combo}. Happy Wednesday!
Completed:
Ikea Quilt II
I love this! I will do a full post Friday now that I actually have some pictures, but I am so happy with how it came out.
Zip Pouches
All 3 done! Ready to be given this weekend :)
Still Going:
Quilt for my aunt and uncle
Making good progress on this. I have 3 rows left to trim and then I can start working on the sashing. Hopefully today. I am really anxious to see this come together.
New: Nothing, I have refrained from starting anything else that is swimming in my head. I make no promises for this week.
Waiting:
*echo quilt {I finally got the rest of the fabric!}
*scrappy string quilt {still deciding on a design}
*dresden toddler quilt
*scrap mini for the wall
So there you go. I am kinda hoping I have a quilt top finished by next week. Along with possibly a new wallet and/or purse. And maybe start my mini for the wall. I don't know about all that yet, but I do hope so. I am looking forward to a more relaxing weekend anyway, and one which will involve more sewing as we finally have a visitor-free weekend. Oh, and some Downton Abbey and knitting {my new favorite obsession combo}. Happy Wednesday!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Bags, bags, bags
So here's the thing. I love to make quilts. I really do. And I think that probably has a lot to do with the finished product and not just the process, although I like that too. But I feel like I have quilting ADD. I just constantly feel the need to make other things instead of just focusing on the quilt like I intend to. Which I think has to do with the fact that I need a feeling of accomplishment and am a sucker for instant gratification (I hear it's a generational problem...) and to further the cycle, this makes the quilts take even longer. *sigh* Point being, while I did work a bit on my most recent quilt top this weekend, mostly I made bags. Which is good because now they are done, but that kind of leaves me feeling like I might have time to make a couple other small things this week that I was going to hold off on. So I am going to try and focus because I want this quilt top done, but I'm just saying that I am having a hard time with the whole focus thing.
And now that I am done analyzing myself, I must say the bags turned out awesome. Two of them are gifts to be given next weekend and the other is just because. I used the Emmy Clutch pattern again from Paisley Pear Quilts on Etsy. I love this pattern. It just comes out so nicely. The pleats take a bit of time, but maybe that was because I was doing 3 bags so that was like 60 pleats. The zippers even all went in without a problem!
I kind of want to keep them. But I think I'll be more happy to give them to loving homes. So now I need to get into quilt mode. To be fair to myself, I did lay out my quilt and start to sew/trim the blocks and got through almost half of them. And today I am going to try to finish the rest. Maybe I'll surprise myself and have a quilt top by next week...or maybe I'll have a new wallet/purse. Either way I suppose I win :) I just really keep meaning to focus on quilts for a bit. Also, I finished up the binding on my Ikea Quilt II last night so it is just waiting to be washed and photographed.
And now that I am done analyzing myself, I must say the bags turned out awesome. Two of them are gifts to be given next weekend and the other is just because. I used the Emmy Clutch pattern again from Paisley Pear Quilts on Etsy. I love this pattern. It just comes out so nicely. The pleats take a bit of time, but maybe that was because I was doing 3 bags so that was like 60 pleats. The zippers even all went in without a problem!
I kind of want to keep them. But I think I'll be more happy to give them to loving homes. So now I need to get into quilt mode. To be fair to myself, I did lay out my quilt and start to sew/trim the blocks and got through almost half of them. And today I am going to try to finish the rest. Maybe I'll surprise myself and have a quilt top by next week...or maybe I'll have a new wallet/purse. Either way I suppose I win :) I just really keep meaning to focus on quilts for a bit. Also, I finished up the binding on my Ikea Quilt II last night so it is just waiting to be washed and photographed.
Friday, February 17, 2012
stuffed love
Happy Friday friends! I am happy to report that yesterday was super productive, which will hopefully carry over into today. I managed to not only get my quilt quilted and the binding sewn on, but I am thisclose to finished the bags I am making. If I can finish those up today and lay out my next quilt, I will be a happy girl. And then maybe I'll feel ready for another weekend of guests. Maybe. Also, I made my list of things I want to finish by the end of the month and it is feeling really possible at this point. I think I'm even going to get my leg warmers done; I worked on them the other night and found out I have less than half of one to go. I might even get to wear them this winter!
I thought I would go ahead and tell you about this little stuffed birdie I made my little lady for Valentine's day. I almost didn't get it done, what with making the e-reader case and 2 cards as well on Monday. I knew I wanted to make her a little bird (she loves birds and making a little "tweet" noise that really sounds nothing like "tweet" haha) so I set off to find a pattern or something since, as a general rule, I shouldn't try to make my own templates unless they have straight edges, and even that is iffy.
I found this lovely little tutorial at lavender's blue and it was perfect. Exactly what I was looking for. Just the right size for those little hands to squeeze. I did have a hard time deciding on fabrics, but in the end I had a couple of fat quarters I cut into. I even used my new found embroidery skills to do some little satin stitch eyes.
And since I finished it Monday night, I gave it to her before I got pictures of it. And then had a very hard time getting it away from her to get said pictures. So I got one clear shot and the next one has her hand in the picture trying to grab it away. Oh yes, she had to come with me if I was going to be going anywhere with her bird. I suppose I could probably have waited a few days until she was less attached to it, but I'm just not that patient.
Anybody got any good plans for the weekend? I think my main decision of the weekend will be whether I want to knit or sew down binding. Honestly, at this point I have no idea which one will win, but either way it should be a good weekend. See you Monday!
I thought I would go ahead and tell you about this little stuffed birdie I made my little lady for Valentine's day. I almost didn't get it done, what with making the e-reader case and 2 cards as well on Monday. I knew I wanted to make her a little bird (she loves birds and making a little "tweet" noise that really sounds nothing like "tweet" haha) so I set off to find a pattern or something since, as a general rule, I shouldn't try to make my own templates unless they have straight edges, and even that is iffy.
I found this lovely little tutorial at lavender's blue and it was perfect. Exactly what I was looking for. Just the right size for those little hands to squeeze. I did have a hard time deciding on fabrics, but in the end I had a couple of fat quarters I cut into. I even used my new found embroidery skills to do some little satin stitch eyes.
And since I finished it Monday night, I gave it to her before I got pictures of it. And then had a very hard time getting it away from her to get said pictures. So I got one clear shot and the next one has her hand in the picture trying to grab it away. Oh yes, she had to come with me if I was going to be going anywhere with her bird. I suppose I could probably have waited a few days until she was less attached to it, but I'm just not that patient.
Anybody got any good plans for the weekend? I think my main decision of the weekend will be whether I want to knit or sew down binding. Honestly, at this point I have no idea which one will win, but either way it should be a good weekend. See you Monday!
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