Two Off to the Quilter

I decided to kick it into high gear now that it's almost half way through January! How did that happen??

I added the borders to my Bow Tie Quilt last week. I wanted a true twin size, so I had to do it. I know it makes this more traditional in a sense, but I just wanted it off my plate so I could move on with other things. And then I pulled a funky yellow, sort of tie dye look, wide backing out of my bin that I got on clearance a while back. Its not the greatest, but once again, Git'n it done sometimes requires a little compromise here and there.

Here is the top on my ironing board after its final steambath...

and that yellow backing fabric all squared up and ironed

And I'm finally sending the red and black patchwork out too. Oops, forgot to get a photo of the back before it left the house.  So, off to the magic of the long-arm quilter they go!

I worked on gathering fabrics for the Lucky Stars BOM with Elizabeth from Don't Call me Betsy which I joined up with late. I feel like I am already behind, so I'd like to get caught up with the practice block and work on January too. I will be using a bunch of the fabrics from V&Co.'s Simply Color and some added fabrics from my stash. I will be sticking with the cooler colors (blue, purple, aqua and lime) from the line, and just using pops of orange and pink. Haven't decided yet if I'll use any gray.  

But, that will all have to wait until I make my January block for Liberty and Justice. Sarah has asked that we write a note to the service person who will be receiving it. I think that's a really lovely idea, but it does give me a small bit of butterflies not knowing exactly what to write!  For sure I'll write it on paper first so as not to mess up on the fabric!

Starting out with goals

I am not one to make resolutions, as such. But there are some things I'd like to try to move toward this year with my quilting! Last year was sort of a "get back in the swing" refresher course. I jumped in to some quick online swaps and a bee, all of which helped me build a new stash! This year I would like to  take a little bit more time with designing my quilts, and possibly to be a little bit more detailed in what I choose to do. This past year I felt like I was simply banging out the quilts. I was happy with what I produced, but I feel like they were too simple. I know I am capable of more. I have some things to get off my plate (and design wall) before I can move on to new ideas. Who doesn't like new ideas, right?? This will require some discipline!

I did finish 4 quilts in 2012. One was a really old WIP, 2 were given as gifts, and one was a holiday quilt. So, tops on my list for 2013 is to finish a quilt that can be used by my family year round. This is already underway, but has been stalled on my design wall for far too long! I thought I might want to make it bigger, but felt daunted by the number of 4" blocks I would need to complete. Also, the thought  of rearranging what I had to keep the balanced scrappiness was not so appealing... But, I need to finish it. Suck it up and get to sewing!

NUMBER 1 - Brown and Blue scrap/lap quilt

Second, I have one quilt at the flimsy stage that I need to get quilted and bound. It's been waiting for about 6 months already - yikes. I have a pieced back for it, and I think I like the back better than the front. It is simple and modern and uses one test  block that I eliminated for use on the front.

NUMBER 2 - Red and black quilt

This next one is the result of one of those Flickr swaps I jumped in on... my Bow Tie Swap Quilt. I ended up adding plenty of extra blocks so I could get this up to a twin size. It needs its borders added, quilted and bound. This one may be held as a possible donation quilt, but I'd like it off my plate!

NUMBER 3 - Bow Ties twin quilt

My final 1st quarter project that I'd like to complete is a little quilt I designed. It has curves and was cut with templates. I don't know why I have been putting this off so long - It is only 16 blocks!

NUMBER 4 - Leaf mini quilt

I also have a pillow to finish up.
NUMMBER 5 - Odds and Ends Poinsettia Pillow

To help keep me motivated to move these projects to the finished pile, I am excited to be joining in with Leanne's Q1 Finish-a-Long. Looks like some great prizes are out there for completed projects! 

Happy New Year and Happy Quilting!