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!!

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

Make-A-List Monday: 7/14/14

Hello there ladies & gents!  Hope everyone had a great weekend!  I photographed a wedding on Saturday, and between the rehearsal on Friday and the big day... I am exhausted (still).

Here's a recap of last week's list:

• Continue working on the Lattice Quilt - Hoping to at least get all the squares cut and the strips cut to size - D.O.N.E.  Got all the layer cakes cut into squares and then into triangles.  The honey bun has been cut into 7" strips.  That's about all I got done on it so far.

Here we go with this week's list:

• Continue working on the Lattice Quilt - Wanting to get all the strips and triangles ironed in half so I can start piecing the blocks together.  Also hoping I can start sewing these blocks together and getting this show on the road :-)
• Work a little bit on the Entrelac knitted pillow

Don't have much on the list again this week, but I'm also still recovering from the big wedding weekend last weekend.  I've got housework to do and I've also gotta get something organized for Hubby's birthday this weekend :-)  Trying not to over-extend myself this week.


That's it for me today.  Hope you have a great Monday and a fabulous week to come!

Make-A-List Monday: 7/7/14

Hi there!  Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend, and for those in the States... a great Holiday!  It's that time again for Make-A-List Monday.

Here's a recap of last week's list:

• FINISH the Pink & Chocolate quilt - D.O.N.E.!  Finished it up in the wee hours of the morning on the Fourth.  It's washed and packed away until December.
• Start working on the table runner for my coffee table - D.O.N.E.!  Actually finished it up on Saturday.  I'll be posting pics with details hopefully tomorrow :-)
• Start working on my next big quilt - D.O.N.E.!  I started prepping and cutting out the materials for my Lattice Quilt for my aunt for Christmas this year.

So.... here we go with this week's list:

• Continue working on the Lattice Quilt - Hoping to at least get all the squares cut and the strips cut to size

That is honestly probably the only thing I might get done this week.  I'm photographing a wedding on Saturday, so between the meeting I have with the Bride tonight to go over final details and the rehearsal on Friday night, I'm probably not going to get into my sewing room much this week :-(  However, come Sunday.... I may.  Totally depends on how I'm feeling.  Usually, after a wedding I'm dead to the world the next day and don't move off the couch.  Lol.  They totally wear me out!

Well, that's it for me on this gloomy Monday here in NE Ohio.  Hope you have a great Monday and a fabulous week to come!

Sunday Stash & To-Do List Update

We're coming to a close on this glorious 3-day weekend here in the States :(  I'm really dreading having to go back to work tomorrow, but I just keep telling myself... only a few more weeks until Labor Day!  :D 

I know I said I wasn't going to be buying anything for a long while, but I kinda broke my own rule and did a bit of shopping at JoAnn's on Thursday night last week.  Between the sales and the coupons... I just couldn't help myself. 

Butterflies

Super Heroes

Space Aliens

I don't feel too bad about the purchase.  All this, PLUS two crib-sized battings for $40!  The fabric is enough to make 3 child-sized quilts that are going to be for my niece and two nephews (hopefully) for Christmas. 

If you haven't noticed my ever-growing "To Do" list on the right sidebar, be sure to check it out.  I've got the links to all the patterns as well on there.  If you have been watching it closely, you'll notice that there have been TWO projects checked off this weekend, but three added to the bottom as well.  Lol. 

With the holiday weekend, I managed to not only finish the first Christmas gift for this year, but also to crank out the table runner for my coffee table (post & pics to come).  Checking two off the list felt REALLY good!  I've made myself a schedule of sorts to stay on track for the Christmas gifts this year.  Permitting no major catastrophes occur, it's looking like they should all be done by November and ready to go for Christmas. 

If the three child quilts get done prior to Christmas, great!  If not, no worries.  There are about 3-4 months of winter here after the holidays, so even if they didn't get them until January... they'd still have plenty of time to use them before the warm weather hits.

Hope everyone has had a wonderful weekend, a spectacular Sunday, and have a great week to come!

Make-A-List Monday: 6/30/14

Wow!!! Already the last day in June!!  This year is going by so quickly, I can't keep up!  With this week being a 4-day workweek for us here in the states, hopefully it'll go by quickly and we'll be on to the big 3-day weekend!!!

Here's a recap of last week's list:

• Finish at least the top of the Pink & Chocolate quilt - D.O.N.E.  I actually finished the top on Friday night (missed the TGIFF/Finish-It-Up Friday post unfortunately).  I got it basted and started quilting yesterday.  This will definitely be a finish this week!
• Start working on the table runner for my coffee table - Haven't started yet.  Had to finish the Pink & Chocolate quilt first, but this will be carried over to this week!

So.... here we go with this week's list:

• FINISH the Pink & Chocolate quilt - just have the quilting to finish and get the binding on, and it'll be a finish this week!
• Start working on the table runner for my coffee table - Hoping to start this by mid-week and finish it over the 3-day weekend
• Start working on my next big quilt - not sure which one it will be... but I'm going to start another one :-)

I'm planning on some mega "quality time" in my craft room this week working on projects.  With any luck, I'll be able to cross off not one but TWO projects off the "To-Do" list by week's end!

Hope everyone has a fantastic Monday and a great week to come!!!

Make-A-List Monday: 6/23/14

It's been a busy, busy week again.  Sewing, cleaning, laundry, and being sick.  All rolled into one fun-filled week.

Here's a recap of last week's list:

• Finish the Jolly Jelly Roll flimsy - Not quite..... Had every intention of working on it all weekend and having it wrapped up by yesterday, but it never happened. 
• Make a Playtime Cuddle quilt for the baby shower this weekend - D.O.N.E.!!  Kinda had a minor hiccup when cutting the pieces, but I managed to figure something out and get it all done and ready to go for the shower.
• Finish cleaning up and re-organizing craft room - D.O.N.E.!!  Well, as much as I need done right now.  Got my room all cleaned and organized between Friday night and Saturday.  It's going to be so wonderful to work in a space where I'm not tripping on everything!
• Work on the knitted pillow for my living room - Honestly, didn't even have a chance to look at it last week!  Too busy working on other projects I guess.

So.... here we go with this week's list:

• Finish at least the top of the Pink & Chocolate quilt - almost there... just need to finish up the borders and it'll be ready to baste, quilt, and bind!
• Start working on the table runner for my coffee table - I've got the pattern, fabrics, batting, and backing ready to go.  I DESPERATELY need this done ASAP as my coffee table is currently unprotected and getting scuffed up :(

Keeping it really simple this week.  Don't want to over-plan and under accomplish.  Hopefully I'll get more done, but I'm not going to hold myself to it.

Hope everyone has a fantastic Monday and a great week to come!!!

Make-A-List Monday - 6/16/14

Sorry I was M.I.A. all weekend!!  It was crazy, crazy, crazy at Chez Rosie.  I hope everyone out there had a beautiful weekend and a great Father's Day yesterday.  I know I did. Even though I spent my entire day on Saturday cleaning and doing laundry, it was still a great weekend.  I got my chores to a good stopping point for the day around 7:30 pm, and then I headed up to my "Craft Cave" for the rest of the night.

Anywho, here we go with another Make-A-List Monday.

Here's a recap of last week's list:

• Photoshoot with my Dr. Seuss quit -D.O.N.E!  Not quite the photoshoot I was hoping for, but I managed to snap a couple of pictures in between the bouts of rain
• Start my next quilt - not sure yet which one. - Made a decision and started my Jolly Jelly Roll quilt.  I've got the main part of the top done already.  Just needs the borders and it's done.
• Get my craft room cleaned up and re-organized - Partially done on this one.  Got some stuff cleaned up and organized, but then managed to tear it apart again :(
• Finish the knitted pillow for my living room - Nope, didn't touch it all week.  I'm not too worried as this is not an urgent project.  I just want to get it done. It'll get done.... eventually.

Didn't get as much done as I had hoped, but still did accomplish a few things which was great.

Here we go with this week's list:

• Finish the Jolly Jelly Roll flimsy - Just needs borders put on
• Make a Playtime Cuddle quilt for the baby shower this weekend - As if I don't have enough to do, I decided to do a cuddle quilt for the baby shower this weekend.  I already knitted her a blanket, but wanted to do one of these too as they are so stinking cute!
• Finish cleaning up and re-organizing craft room - Pickup the newly made mess in my room and continue organizing as I go.
• Work on the knitted pillow for my living room - I know I won't finish it, but I'd like to at least work on it a bit and do minimally a few rows this week.

That looks like about it for this week.  It's going to be a busy week at work and at home this week, so I'm just praying I can make it! 

Hope everyone has a fantastic Monday!!!

Make-A-List Monday: 6/9/14

It's been a LONG week! Dr. appts, spring cleaning, and trying to get projects worked on.  Had a relaxing and productive weekend, and unfortunately it's Monday again already.  Without further ado.... here we go with this week's Make-A-List Monday.

Here's a recap of last week's list:

• Continue working on the Dr. Seuss quilt top - D.O.N.E.!!  I actually FINISHED it over the weekend!!!  Formal post and pics to come this week :-)
• Work on the Sunny Side Cardigan for my niece -D.O.N.E!! I didn't think I would actually get it finished this week, but between the couple of nights off of doing much else and my determination of finishing it... it's done :-)  Ready to be put aside for Miss L's first birthday in October

Again, not too shabby if you ask me. I did take a couple of nights off, but still managed to chug along. 

And here's this week's list:

• Photoshoot with my Dr. Seuss quit - Hoping for nice weather so I can get outside to take some nice pictures
• Start my next quilt - not sure yet which one.  Either the Jolly Jelly Roll or my June Mystery Quilt Workshop.  We'll see what strikes my fancy
• Get my craft room cleaned up and re-organized - Kinda made a mess during my last quilt and need to clean it back up before starting anything new.
• Finish the knitted pillow for my living room - I'm ultimately making 4 of these, so I'd like to get at least one done and checked off the list.  Planning on finishing a couple more UFO's before tackling the other 3, but need to get this one off the needles.

I'm trying my best to focus on one project at a time to prevent from being overloaded with UFOs.   It's hard, but I'm determined. 

Hope everyone has a fantastic Monday!!!

Make-A-List Monday - 6/2/14

I can't believe it's June already!  This year seems to be flying by so quickly.  It's Monday again already, so here we go with this week's Make-A-List Monday.

Here's a recap of last week's list:

• Take the Cleveland Browns Baby Rag Quilt to the laundromat for a good washing D.O.N.E!  Took it on Sunday and it's officially checked off the "To-Do" list.
• Start working on the Dr. Seuss Quilt for my "Baby Rockstar" stash. - D.O.N.E.!  Spent most of my day on Memorial day working on the layout for the quilt and then managed to get started on the cutting and piecing of the top
• Diligently work on the knitted baby blanket for the baby shower next month. - D.O.N.E.!  Blanket is finished, washed, and ready to wrap :-)

Not too bad.  I normally over-plan my week and end up barely making a dent in the list.  This time, I think I planned just right and even had some time to spare.

Here's this week's list:

• Continue working on the Dr. Seuss quilt top - Hope to have it completely done and ready to quilt by the weekend.
• Work on the Sunny Side Cardigan for my niece - I know I won't finish it this week, but would like to at least make a dent in it.  It's knitting UFO #1

Hope everyone has a fantastic Monday!!!

Make-A-List Monday - 5/26/14

Happy Memorial Day to all you in the US!  Sometimes it's hard to remember what today is all about.... not about the 3-day weekend, not about parties and BBQs.  It's about remembering all those who have served in our armed forces and the sacrifice that they make for us.  I'm not going to lie though, the 3-day weekend is wonderful!  A chance to spend time with friends and family, the "unofficial" start to summer, and a chance to "reset" from life.  At least that's the way I look at it. 

Anywho, it's time for Make-A-List Monday.  I've actually added a box on the sidebar showing where I'm at on my monster of a to-do list.  Figured it would be easier just to update that than post it here every Monday :-)

Here's what's on my plate for this week:

• Take the Cleveland Browns Baby Rag Quilt to the laundromat for a good washing
• Start working on the Dr. Seuss Quilt for my "Baby Rockstar" stash. 
• Diligently work on the knitted baby blanket for the baby shower next month.  Goal is to have it 100% done and washed by the end of this weekend. 

Hopefully this week at work won't be as crazy/chaotic as the past two weeks, and with it being a short (4-day week) it'll go by quickly.  Fortunately Hubby and I don't have any major plans this week after work or this upcoming weekend, so I'm determined to get a couple more projects worked on/done :-D  It's really a great feeling checking things off the "To-Do" list instead of adding to it!

Happy Monday Everyone!!

Make-A-List Monday

Phew... it's been a week and a half since my last post!!  Where did the time go?!?!?  Well, part of it was crazy, stressful days at work resulting in literally crashing when I got home.  The other part, and I'm pleased to announce, was a couple of productive days.  Housework and laundry mainly, but I did manage to get into my "Craft Cave" this weekend and get some work done on a couple of projects :)

Unfortunately, the rest of the weekend was chaos, so I didn't get a chance to take any pictures.  I'm planning on doing that tonight when I get home so I have a couple of things to share with you. I have a finished project, and one WIP moving. :-)

So... with it being Monday, I thought it would be a good idea to do a "Make-A-List  Monday" so I can see where I'm at.  I posted a list on my last post, but it has been adjusted a tiny bit since then.  This is a comprehensive list of all the projects that I need to do/need to finish.  Hoping that putting all down in a list will help me stay motivated.  Without further ado, here we go...

 Knitting:

1. Finish Baby Blanket for a baby shower next month.  I'm about 75% of the way done... but then Vito (the fur-baby) decided he needed to get into my knitting bag and play with it.  I haven't had a chance to look at it since Saturday night, but I'm praying its OK.  If not, I'll have to come up with something else to make her :-(
2. Start Fingerless Gloves for my "Secret Santa" gift for Christmas this year.  Every year, my family does a Secret Santa exchange where you have a certain dollar amount limit to the store-bought gifts and then you have to do a handmade gift.  This year we pulled names in January so we would have plenty of time to get the handmade part done.  The yarn is bought and ready to go :-)
3. Finish Sunnyside Cardigan for Miss L.  I started this cardigan back in March and it's a 12-18 month size, so I've got some time to finish it.  It does need finished though, and preferably before her 1st Birthday in October.
4. Finish Entrelac Pillows for living room.  I've got the first one at about 75% done and all 4 pillow forms bought.  Just need to get these suckers done.  Not a hard pattern by no means, just a little time consuming.
5. Finish Endless Waves Scarf for me.  I found this pattern on Raverly and fell in love.  I ran out and bought the perfect yarn for it and cast on.  Well, it was short lived as sometimes I have a bad case of "start-itis" and quickly cast on for another project shortly after starting this one.  I would like to get this one done by the fall so I can use it this winter.

 Sewing/Quilting:

1.  "Playtime" Cuddle Quilt for Miss L.  D.O.N.E.!!!  Finished on Saturday (5/17) Pics to come :-)
2. Finish Placemats for my kitchen.  I got the pieces cut on Saturday and the interfacing attached to the backing.  I'm adding some embroidery to the top and I hope to get started on that this week after work.  After the embroidery, the rest should go together quite quickly.
3. Cleveland Browns Baby Rag Quilt.  Easy-peasy quilt for my "stash" of baby stuff.  All the materials are bought and ready to go.  Going to try and whip this one up as soon as the placemats are done.
4.  "Dr. Seuss" Disappearing 9-patch baby quilt.  This is for my "stash" of baby stuff, so there's no real deadline for this.  I am using this quilt as an icebreaker for getting into doing larger quilts.  All the fabric is bought and pre-washed.  Just need to get started on it.
5.  (5) Self-Binding Receiving Blankets for gift stash.  Saw the tutorial on YouTube and thought they would make quick and easy baby gifts.  All the fabric is bought, just needs pre-washed.  Going to use these as in-between projects.
6. "Jolly Jelly Roll" Quilt for my BFF for Christmas.  This is going to be a huge undertaking for me as it will be my first big quilt.  Pattern seems easy to understand and not so complicated that I think I'm getting in over my head.  Fabric/batting/backing is bought for this, but that's as far as I've gone with it.  Hoping to get started by the end of June/beginning of July on this one.
7. Lattice Quilt for Aunt #1 for Christmas this year.   I've got the precuts all picked out over on Missouri Start Quilt Co. website, and I picked up the backing and batting yesterday at JoAnn's (had some mega coupons). Hoping to start this one by the end of July/beginning of August
8. Easy Jelly Roll Quilt for Aunt #2 for Christmas this year.  Again, the precuts are all picked out and sitting in a cart on Missouri Star, and I picked up the backing and batting yesterday at JoAnn's.  I'm hoping to get this one started by the end of August/beginning of September.
9. Rag Quilt for my Grandma for Christmas.   My mom loved the Survivor Rag Quilt I made so much, she suggested I make one similar for my Grandma for Christmas this year as she is also a cancer survivor (colon cancer). 
10. "Summer In The Park" Quilt for my living room.  Fabric and materials are bought, just waiting to be started.  With this one being for my living room and really not having a deadline, it's been bumped to the bottom of the list.  I would like to get it done by the end of the year, but looking back on my list, it's not looking to promising. 

As of right now, this looks to be it for the projects to do.  This isn't including any of my scrapbooking WIPs and UFOs, but those really don't have a deadline and I work on them here and there in between other projects. 

WOW!!!! That's a LOT of stuff to do!!  Especially with summer right around the corner.  Our weekends become a bit chaotic during the summer and my time in my Craft Cave is going to be limited, so I need to make the most out of my time.  I'm really going to do everything I can to get thru this list one way or another.  Just need to keep the mojo going and motivating myself to keep going.

Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend and a wonderful Monday!!

Motivation

I am in desperate need of some! I've got a list of projects "to-do," but seem to be lacking the motivation to start them. Here's my list:

• Placemats for my kitchen (fabric bought & pre-washed)
• "Dr. Seuss" Disappearing 9-patch baby quilt (fabric bought & pre-washed)
• "Cuddle" blanket for my Niece (fabric bought)
• Cleveland Browns Baby Rag Quilt (fabric/materials bought)
• (5) Self-Binding Receiving Blankets for gift stash (fabric bought & partially pre-washed)
• "Jolly Jelly Roll" Quilt for my BFF for Christmas (fabric bought)
• "Summer In The Park" Quilt for my living room (fabric bought)

I'm also trying real hard to finish a knitted baby blanket for a baby shower I have to go to in June, plus I've got 3 knitting UFOs that need to be wrapped up ASAP.  Fortunately, knitting is one craft that I can take pretty much anywhere and work on it here and there.  I can't exactly lug my sewing machine around to work on projects.  Lol. 

I have a relatively quiet weekend coming up and I'm trying to get the motivation to get into my "craft cave" and start working on projects.

I got my room somewhat cleaned up last weekend, but found myself just staring at the tubs of fabric, just waiting to get touched. Just didn't have any motivation to start anything. Now the list is long, and the urge to keep planning (and shopping for) future projects is becoming overwhelming again. I made myself a promise though.... no more buying until I finish something. You'd think that would be motivation enough, but not so much.

Unfortunately, I've been under the weather over the past few days, so I REALLY haven't been doing much of anything other than sleeping.   I'm really hoping to get back in the swing of things tomorrow night and at least tackle something.  ANYTHING.  We've got a couple of errands to run right after work, but then it's going to be off to my "craft cave" to work.  Maybe I'll get the fabric for the cuddle quilt washed... maybe it'll be cutting out the pieces for my placemats.  We'll just have to wait and see.  But I am determined to do something!