Make-A-List Monday: Week ok 3/23/15

Here we are again.. Monday! I've got a busy, busy week ahead of me. Projects to finish, projects to start, and the Sewing Expo on Friday. Going to be a good week!  Without further ado, here is this week's list:

1. Finish the cuddle quilt for my new nephew. It is assembled and the binding is attached. Just needs the hand-sewing done and it will be ready to give this weekend. 

2. Start working on my "secret project".  Unfortunately I don't know if the recipient of this one reads my blog or not, so to be on the side of safe, I'm going to keep this one under wraps for a bit. All the materials are pressed and ready, just need to get started.  

3. Finish up the "Fru-Fru" swirl scarves I've been commissioned to do by a co-worker. I really wanted to have had them done by now, but I just haven't had the time to work on them much. I've got one done, just two more to go. 

Add to that list housework, getting my shopping list done for Friday, and grocery shopping at some point... I'm going to be a busy gal!!

Hope everyone has had a fabulous Monday, and have a great week to come!!

National Quilting Day

Happy National Quilting Day to all my fellow quilters out there!  This is my first one, and I'm totally excited!  I've got big plans for my craft room this weekend.

Before I get started on some quilting, I got a bit sidetracked trying out this "Eggie" design I got from over at Uncle Matt's Crib.

I bought a bunch of fleece remnants a few weeks back from JoAnns specifically to try these out.  Not only were they easy to do (only took about 20 minutes) but it didn't even use much fleece.  1 yard of the anti-pill fleece will make LOTS of these guys!  All the parts of the face are just plain crafting felt.  So incredibly easy!  This one is for my niece, Miss L, who is OBSESSED with Elmo!  Better yet, I stuffed it using an old bed pillow that was on it's way to the garbage :-)

Now it's time to get to doing some quilting....

First up this weekend is at least one Cuddle Quilt. This one is for my new "nephew" and his nursery is bee-themed. I love these little quilts and got so excited when I found them at JoAnns a few weeks ago. Fabrics are pre-washed and ready to go. 

Hoping I can get minimally the cuddle quilt done, and really hoping I can get started on another gift. This one I won't be able to share until it's done as I don't know if she/he reads my blog or not. Don't want to ruin the surprise and the theme of the quilt would totally give it away!!

Off to go play in my craft room for the day. Hope everyone has a wonderful Saturday!!

Linking up with Show Off Saturday at SewCanShe

Friday Finish - For the Hubby

I know every person out there who is married thinks the same thing.... I am the luckiest person in the world.  I'm here to tell you, I fit into that group as well!  Hubby and I have been together for almost 15 years (married for 10 years this October) and he is truly my best friend, my other half, my soul mate.  He loves me for who I am and says he wouldn't change a thing.  It is because of that love that I am the person I am today.  He supports me in whatever I want to do, and even "fuels the fire" a majority of the time, enabling me more than any one else I know.

Because of that, I knew I just had to make him something (well, other than another button-down shirt).  I knew he was going to get a quilt.... someday.  But when I found this "Family Guy" fabric over at the Fat Quarter Shop as one of their 24-Hour Flash Sale items, it was a perfect fit!

  "Family Guy" Quilt Details:

• Started: January 3, 2015       Finished: March 18, 2014
• Pattern: "Jack's Blocks" by A Bright Corner
• Fabrics: "Family Guy" Fat Quarter Bundle from the Fat Quarter Shop (No longer available), Country Classic Solid - Black
• Thread: Coats & Clark Cotton Multi - Gumballs
• Batting: Warm & Natural

This quilt should not have taken as long as it did, but my indecisiveness on the quilting added to the impromptu other projects that needed done caused it to get sidelined for a bit.  Overall, I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out, and I think Hubby is too!  

Now it's on to the next one...... :-)

Happy Friday Everyone!

Linking back to Fabric Friday at Fort Worth Fabric Studio, Finish It Friday at Crazy Mom Quilts , TGIFF at ayliN-Nilya, Can I Get a Whoop Whoop? over at Confessions of a Fabric Addict, and Link-A-Finish Friday at Richard & Tanya Quilts

Actually Making Progress!

It's been what feels like years since I've actually quilted!  Between all the shirts and vests, and then the Bionic Gear Bag... Hubby's poor "Family Guy" quilt has been on a back burner.  I think the side projects were partially to blame, but also my indecisiveness on the quilting was also a major factor.  I think I was over-thinking the process and making it out to be more difficult than it needed to be.... resulting in it sitting for the past 6 weeks or so.

So... this weekend I was determined to get it done.  I pulled it off the shelf, dusted it off, and got to work.

Just simple straight-line stitching in the smaller blocks and rectangles, then some diagonal lines in a couple of the larger rectangles.  Then it was time to tackle the 12" square blocks and the 8" square blocks.  Didn't want to do something too crazy or intricate, but they definitely needed something.

On the 12" blocks, I just used my Silhouette Cameo to cut out a star shape out of cardstock that was about 8" x 8", traced it on the block, and then used my FMQ foot.  They're far from perfect, but they look OK.

Then, for the 8" blocks, I used my loopy swirls stencil and just did some FMQ in the block.  Again, far from perfect, but doesn't look terrible.

It's now about 95% done with the binding attached and just needing the hand-stitching done.  Add to that a quilt label (which I still have to make), and it'll be ready to go.  Figures... I am finally going to finish it and we have officially entered Spring here in NE Ohio with temps in the 50s.

Linking up to Linky Tuesday at Freemotion by the River, Fabric Tuesday at A Quilt Story, and Sew Cute Tuesday at Blossom Heart Quilts

Also linking up to Freshly Pieced's WIP Wednesday and Sew Fresh Quilts' Let's Bee Social

Linking back to Needle & Thread Thursday at My Quilt Infatuation and I Quilt Thursdays at Pretty Bobbins.

OOPS! I Did It Again

Every time I put myself on a "diet," I manage to fall off the wagon.  Not just a little bit, completely off the wagon.  Sometimes I can't help it ;-)  When there are so many gorgeous fabrics and so many great deals to be had.... I just can't help myself. 

Aside from the crazy order I got last week from Wawak for more zippers (216 in total!), I found this A-MAY-ZING online store located in Fort Worth, TX.

Jodie and the gals over at The Fort Worth Fabric Studio have such a great online store, PLUS they've got a totally awesome blog with tons of patterns and tutorials.  My mail organizer I made a few weeks back came from their blog :D  I grabbed a few of their "Friday Bundle Batches" from a few weeks ago and checked out.  The next day I realized I forgot to order one and placed a second order.  They've got such great customer service that with a quick email, Jodie was able to combine the two orders and ship them together.  Easy peasy!  Ordered on March 4/5 and received it on 3/7!  Lightning fast shipping :D

Here's what I got....

L-R:

• Friday Bundle Batch Exclusive - Garden Notes and 1/2 yd of Pinhead Fog by Michael Miller
• Friday Bundle Batch Exclusive - Pink Limeade and  1/2 yd of Mini Confetti Dots Pink by Dear Stella
• Friday Bundle Batch Exclusive - Silent Movie and 1/2 yd of Crackle Black by Windham

They even included a cute FWFS pen and a YUMMY hot cocoa mix (it didn't make it 10 minutes in my house! Lol).  I LOVE their shop and they have just gotten a loyal customer out of me!  I'm looking forward to their upcoming Friday Bundle Batches.  I'm sure there will be more heading my way :D  These fabrics are slated to be used for more Bionic Gear Bags, but I'm not quite sure.  They're so pretty.... I don't know if I'll be able to actually cut into them or not!  Ha ha ha.

If all that isn't enough..... I went to JoAnns.  Not once, but TWICE over the weekend!  Went right after work on Friday, only to grab some more yarn I needed to finish up my Baby Brights Scallop Blanket.  The yarn wasn't on sale, but I had a bunch of 50% off coupons to use.  That was the ONLY thing I was supposed to get.  Weeeeellllll.... you know how that goes.  Lol.  Came home with just a wee more than I had planned on.

The ONLY things I went into JoAnn's For!

The additional stuff that "jumped" into my cart before I left the store

And THEN... on my way home Friday night I realized I forgot the batting I needed.  I'm making a Doll Carrier for my niece's American Girl Doll.  Bought the fabric and the bias tape and everything.... forgot the batting.  I don't normally use this kind of batting, so I don't have any scraps.  JoAnn's had all their batting 50% off, so I was kicking myself for not grabbing it.  This would just have to require another trip... doesn't it?  Lol.

Grabbed the batting, plus some more Warm & Natural since they were on sale as well.  Again, that was all I was going in to get, but somehow my cart ended up full again.  Lol.  I grabbed enough flannel to make 4 of my little Cuddle Blankets for my in-progress Etsy store I'm putting together, and then I made the mistake of going over to their remnant bin.  50% off the current price per yard.  With the Anti-Pill Fleece Solids already on sale for $4.99/yd, most of these remnants only cost me a little over $1.  Don't really have a plan in place for them, but I'm sure I'll think of something.  Lol.

That's IT!  Well, until I go to the Sewing & Quilting Expo here in Cleveland in two weeks with my mom.  I've gotta save pennies for that trip!

"Ransacked" the remnant bin!

Flannel for 4 Cuddle Blankets and 1 Self-Binding Receiving Blanket, and "Dr Who" fabric for a shirt for Hubby

Always needed cotton batting, plus some new crochet hooks and a case

Looks like I've got a LOT to do.  Best get back to work so I can "un-bury" myself from the piles of stuff in my craft room!

Happy Monday Everyone!

Linking up to Linky Tuesday at Freemotion by the River and Fabric Tuesday at A Quilt Story.

Finish Friday - It's About Time

I'm Being "out of commission" for most of February has put me behind where I want to be by now with my projects for this year.  When I started off this week, I had three UFOs on my desk.  Hubby's Family Guy quilt, the Valentine's Day vests for my DJ's, and the Bionic Bag for my BFF. 

Well.... I got two of the three done this week.  Not too shabby if you ask me. 

Bionic Bag for the BFF

As I stated in my post from earlier this week, thank GOD for the video tutorial I found on YouTube for this little bag!  I don't think I would have been able to complete it without it!  I bookmarked the link, so for the next one(s) I've got planned, it'll be an easy reference for me.  I'm sure that after I get a couple done, it'll be easy-peasy... but until then, I'm grateful for the help!

Bionic Bag Details:

• Started: February 26, 2015     Finished: March 2, 2015
• Pattern:  Bionic Gear Bag by Sally Thompson
• Fabric: Novelty & Keepsake Calico fabric from JoAnn's, Pellon SF101 Interfacing
• Notions: 4 - 9" zippers and 1 - 22" zipper from Wawak.com
• Thread: Coats & Clark - Pink All-Purpose Thread

Valentine's Day Vests for the DJ's

These were intended to be worn on Valentine's Day by my DJ guys, but alas... life got in the way and I didn't get them done in time.  Hubby ended up not DJing that night anyways because we were headed to PA for my grandmother's funeral, but that's besides the point.  I wanted to get them 100% done so that they will be ready to wear for next year, plus two less items on my UFO list!
 
Valentine's Day Vests Details:

• Started: February 5, 2015     Finished: March 5, 2015
• Pattern:  McCall's Pattern M2447 - Sizes XL & XXL
• Fabric: Valentine's Day Fabric, County Classic Solids (lining), and Costume Satin (Backing) from JoAnn's
• Notions: 5 - 5/8" Buttons & Tie Buckle from JoAnn's
• Thread: Coats & Clark - Black All-Purpose Thread

I've still got Hubby's Family Guy Quilt to finish, but it's going to have to stay in the UFO pile for a little while longer.  My DJ guys are going to be MC'ing a St. Patrick's Day party on the 13th and they want St. Patrick's Day vests to wear.  I've had the stuff for months, but now it's crunch time to get them done in time.  With any luck, they'll both be done by the end of this weekend, and then I'll be able to tackle finishing up on the quilt.  As of today, we've only "technically" got 14 days left until spring, and I'd like Hubby to be able to somewhat enjoy it this year.  Lol.

Hope everyone is having a fabulous Friday, and has a great weekend to come!

Linking back to Fabric Friday at Fort Worth Fabric Studio, Finish It Friday at Crazy Mom Quilts , TGIFF at Quokka Quilts, Can I Get a Whoop Whoop? over at Confessions of a Fabric Addict, and Link-A-Finish Friday at Richard & Tanya Quilts

AWOL!

Wow, did February get away from me!  I can't believe it's already March!!!  The past five weeks have been the most emotional and trying weeks I've had in a long time....

Towards the end of January I got slammed with the flu.  Hit me like a ton of bricks and completely knocked me down for a few days.  Then, just as I was starting to feel better, round #2 started.  Unfortunately, it was that strand of flu that knocks you flat and between the upset stomach and the fatigue... I didn't get out of bed for days.

Then, on February 12th I lost my dear grandmother.

She survived the open-heart surgery back in December and was on her way to a full recovery when...WHAM!  She gets hit with the flu while in the nursing home which turned into pneumonia.  Such a shocker, especially seeing as though they were talking about sending her home. We spent a few days in PA with my family for the funeral, which turned into some of the hardest days of my life.  I was very close with my grandma, and now there feels like such a void in my life.  I don't think it's really hit me yet, but I'm sure it will here soon. 

As soon as we got back from PA, I was hit (yet again) with some kind of bug that knocked me down again.  I think it was a combo of being around so many people for a few days, plus being physically and emotionally drained that did me in.  Finally was feeling a bit better by the weekend, and spent two days cleaning my house.  It had been in shambles for going on three weeks due to being sick and then having to go out of town.  It was in DIRE need of a good scrubbing!

That weekend I also had to finish Hubby's scarf for Comic Con.

He and a group of his friends went to the Cleveland Comic Con and of course they had to dress up!  Well, it was only him and one of his gal-pals, but they had a blast!  The "Gru" scarf was simple enough to do, just took a little bit.  Stephanie is a dead ringer for "Lucy" from Despicable Me 2!!  They said they had a ton of people stopping them and asking for photos.  Lol!  I managed to finish the scarf in the wee hours of the morning on Sunday, but it was done in time for them to leave at 10 am the same day.

The past week or so has been crazy at work which has left me exhausted by the time I get home.  This past weekend totally got away from me and I didn't get anywhere near what I wanted to do done.  I did manage, however, to get the Bionic Gear Bag started for my BFF.

I'm not going to lie, I was a bit intimidated to do this one, especially after seeing that the instructions were over 80 pages long!!!  I did find an awesome tutorial on YouTube of a gal demonstrating the construction of the bag from start to finish.  It was a total life saver! The bag is sitting at about 95% done, just have the main outer zipper to finish and it'll be done.  I had every intention of finishing it up on Saturday, but the day just slipped away and I never got around to it.  That's my goal for tonight is to finish it up so it can be packaged and mailed off to her by the end of the week :D

Also on the list to finish up this week....

1. Finish the Valentine's Day vests I started for Hubby and & DJ partner - I know it's past Valentine's Day, but I don't want to leave these as a UFO until next year.  Better to get them done and off the list.  Just have one to finish the side seams on, and then both need buttons & buttonholes.  
2. Finish Hubby's Family Guy Quilt -  This sucker has been sitting on my work desk for weeks... just needing quilted.  I am DETERMINED to get this done this weekend!  I think I'm just going to keep the quilting simple for now so it can get done.  With any luck, it'll be ready to hand-bind by the end of the weekend.

Well, that's it for me for now.  Sorry again for abandoning you again!  I would say it won't happen again, but unfortunately.... I can't make any promises.  Lol.

Linking back to Freshly Pieced's WIP Wednesday and Sew Fresh Quilts' Let's Bee Social