Finish-A-Long Q1 2019 - My Goals

It's time to set some goals and finish projects up!  The end of last year was a bit of a whirlwind and I didn't get to sew nearly as much as I would like.  Perhaps the first few months of 2019 will make up for it? 

Let me see if I can complete some unfinished projects.  Here is my list.  Many items I've been recycling, so it would be fantastic for this to be their final appearance on my goals list.


1- On Ringo Lake
I've had this quilted and partially bound for ages. Other projects have taken precedence, but this needs to get done. Would you believe that I have this on my bed at retreat with a partial binding and clover clips in it? Would you also believe that this isn't the first time I've done that??!!?? =P

2- Midnight Star
This top has been done for a while, but I haven't had a chance to quilt it. There isn't a specific place this is going, so it has been aging.

3- Legendary

I did manage to quilt this top up a few months ago in a swooshy panto.  It needs to have a binding attached and to do the hand stitching.  I can do this!! Yes, I can!!  (positive thinking)

4- Black Diamond String

This quilt is quilted, but needs a binding. It is going to the August Lutherdale auction and I would LOVE to have it all done sooner rather than later.

5- Scrap Happy Sampler

This is my TOP priority. Blue Bar Quilts has offered to hang the quilts from our class in their gallery in March. I have 2 borders attached. Need to finish them and quilt and bind.

I have other things that need finishing (ahem-- incomplete bindings on charity quilts....), but I'm going to stop here and get my entry in to Finish-A-Long just under the wire.

Here are the hostesses of this year's event:

• Sandra - Studio Sew of Course
• Marci - Marci Girl Designs
• Leanne - She Can Quilt
• Izzy - Dizzy Quilts
• Ella - Throw a Wench in the Works
• Karen - Capitola Quilter
• Lynne - Tinking Along
• Sarah G - Sarah Goer Quilts
• Sarah Z - Cedar Fork Stitches
• Julie - That’s Sew Julie
• Nicole - Handwrought Quilts

I'm looking forward to another great year!


xoxo.
Kristin

Finish-A-Long Q3 2018 Wrap Up

Like a blink of an eye, another quarter has flown by!  Time never seems to slow!  It was a fabric-filled, quilty-goodness, stitches-a-plenty few months. LIfe has been so busy that I haven't been able to chronicle as much as I would like.  But let me wrap up my finishes and incompletes.

Here is my list of goals.  It was an ambitious list!  I predicted a great few months and it was not bad.  But I still have room for improvement and I love that this link-up keeps me honest.  It was helpful that I had deadlines, like the Lutherdale Auction and babies being born!


I finished these 5 quilts

• 1- Finding Nemo
• 2- St Nick
• 3- Stars and Stripes
• 5- Grey Plus Baby Quilt
• 6- Rainbow Plus Baby Quilt

Several of what I didn't finish, I've made progress and hope to have complete by the end of the year.  Wouldn't it be GREAT if I could finish each and every one of these??!!??

• 4- Bonus Charity Baby Quilt
• 7- On Ringo Lake
• 8- Midnight Star
• 9- Legendary
• 10- Charity Rail Fence
• 11- Bonus Baby Quilt
• 12- Featherweight Tote Bag - Purple 
• 13- Featherweight Tote Bag - Orange

If you would like to see links to other's participating in Finish-A-Long, here are the blog sponsors:

• Marci - Marci Girl Designs - USA

• Sandra (also Social Media Director) - Studio Sew of Course - Ireland

• Leanne - She Can Quilt - Canada

• Ella - Throw a Wench in the Works - USA

• Felicity - Felicity Quilts - Canada

• Karen - Capitola Quilter - USA

• Izzy - Dizzy Quilts - Canada

• Lynne - Tinking Along - USA

I'm looking forward to setting my year end goals.

xoxo,
Kristin

Finish! Baby Oliver's Quilt

This is the second of the two quilts for my tennis friends that had babies this summer-- the rainbow version! I had a lot of fun picking brights from my stash and putting this together.  It is my 4th finish for Q3 and is part of my Finish-A-Long goals.

This quilt is for Liesl and Tyler and their new baby boy, Oliver.  It was a total surprise to them, which is so much fun!! Not long before I gave them their gift, I was talking to Tyler about Quilt Expo and he was like, "oh-- do you quilt?"  I had to stifle my grin, because-- Yes!  I quilt and I made one for you!  😃

Here I am holding Baby Oliver.  Even more fun that giving a quilt is to see it with the new baby!

xoxo,
Kristin

Finish! Baby Flannery's Quilt

It has been a super busy summer and I've fit it a fair amount of sewing, including TONS of binding.  On my goal list for Q3 Finish-A-Long was to complete baby quilts for two of my tennis teammates. They work together and are close friends and were pregnant at the same time-- why not make matching quilts?!?  I'll do separate posts for each quilt.

This is the grey version of the pair of plus quilts and it is for Stephanie and Mac and their new baby girl, Flannery. 💗  

They didn't know if they were having a boy or a girl until she was born and decorated her room with white furniture and grey walls.  I used a lush grey minkee on the back and while binding, I noticed how much it resembled their precious first baby, a cat Beef.  Sadly Beef's long and fun life ended this summer, but he got to meet his new baby sister and now they have a quilt that can be a little reminder of him.

We had a combination end of summer tennis and new baby party last week where I finally gifted the quilts.  Both new families were thrilled!! It's the best part of making and giving! 😊

xoxo,

Kristin

Finish-A-Long Q3 2018 - My Goals

Q2 of 2018 was about being lofty with my goals.  I didn't complete much, but really-- I did push many things forward.  Q3 is the time to shine!  I will complete things, mark my words!! ;)  This list is mostly the same as last quarter, but I'm updating the projects with new statuses.

1- Finding Nemo
I quilted this on the Fourth of July (with 3 other quilts!!) and need to bind it.  It will be part of Lutherdale's auction in August.

2- St Nick
Another one of the Four on the Fourth that I quilted. Needs binding...Will be part of Lutherdale's auction, too!

3- Stars and Stripes
I threw this top together at the Lutherdale Gala Weekend and will donate it to their auction.  It is quilt 3 of the Four on the Fourth.  Needs binding!

4- Bonus Charity Baby Quilt
The fourth of the Four on the Fourth! This is a bonus baby quilt made from cutoffs from a jelly roll quilt that Anna made a few years ago.  I'll donate to to Project Linus.  Needs binding too!

5- Grey Plus Baby Quilt
Baby Flannery is born and needs a quilt!  I quilted this up in a quick loop-dee-loo a few weeks ago.  Need to bind and gift.  

6- Rainbow Plus Baby Quilt
Also quilted on the same day as the grey plus quilt. Also with loop-dee-loos. Also needs binding and gifting.  I can't wait for a baby party! Both mamas are friends and we are hoping to do a little joint shower/baby party.  Baby Patton is still 'cooking' and I hope to gift this before they are born. =)

7- On Ringo Lake

This monster is quilted and the binding is started.  I did submit it to the Mad City Quilt Guild's challenge in June even though the binding wasn't done.  I would love to have this complete this summer and use it on my guest bed. As you can see from #1-6, I've had few things going on and this got put on hold for a little while.  Sooooo much binding to do!!!

8- Midnight Star
This is languishing as a top.  It is like a fine wine or cheese.  It needs to age.  Maybe I can quilt it and bind it in the next few months?

9- Legendary

Still no progress on this top...I would love to snuggle under it on the couch this winter!! Can't do that unless it is quilted!

10- Charity Rail Fence
More quilting to do!  I joke that I need a sabbatical from work to catch up with my quilting.  It's true!!

11- Bonus Baby Quilt

See a trend? Quilting needs to happen!

12- Featherweight Tote Bag - Purple 
This is basically done.  I need to do some stitching on the corners to offer more structure. And do a little photo shoot/blog post.  Not technically done yet.

13- Featherweight Tote Bag - Orange
Like the purple one, this is nearly done, but I don't have any recent pics. 

Lots and lots to do!  I'm excited!  Wish me luck!

If you would like to join the Finish-A-Long fun, head on over to any one of the eight bloggers who host:

Marci - Marci Girl Designs
Sandra - Studio Sew of Course
Leanne - She Can Quilt
Izzy - Dizzy Quilts
Ella - Throw a Wench in the Works
Felicity - Felicity Quilts
Karen - Capitola Quilter
Lynne - Tinking Along

Finish-A-Long Q2 2018 Wrap Up

Time is moving too quickly for me right now! I set big goals for Q2 and didn't have a lot of completions.  It's ok! Quilting is definitely an ebb and flow sort of thing and I have a lot of flowing around the corner.

Here is a link to my goals for Q2.  There were 12 of them! And I finished ONE! I'm blushing a bit.

Hekla was my finish.  I submitted it to be shown at Quilt Expo this fall, so wish me luck!

If you would like to see links to other's participating in Finish-A-Long, here are the blog sponsors:

• Marci - Marci Girl Designs - USA

• Sandra (also Social Media Director) - Studio Sew of Course - Ireland

• Leanne - She Can Quilt - Canada

• Ella - Throw a Wench in the Works - USA

• Felicity - Felicity Quilts - Canada

• Karen - Capitola Quilter - USA

• Izzy - Dizzy Quilts - Canada

• Lynne - Tinking Along - USA

Next up-- Create a list for Q3 2018.  It will be a great few months!

xoxo,
Kristin

Finish! Hekla

I'm happy to report that I finally finished my binding on Hekla.  I tend to bind in spurts and I didn't have enough time to finish this up prior to the end of Q1.  So it became my slam dunk finish of Q2.  Here is the listing of my Q2 Finish-A-Long goals

I started this quilt almost exactly one year ago.  Gudrun Erla came to the Madison area and had a trunk show and workshop (sponsored by the Lodi Valley Quilt Guild).  It was a lot of fun and I was very inspired by her designs.  I bought the book Strip Your Stash, a few patterns and her Stripology Ruler.  The ruler is amazing! It exceeds my expectations and I absolutely love how easy and quick it is to cut strips with it.

Hekla is the name of a volcano in Iceland.  I love the design of the Scandinavian Stars.  This will eventually hang in my house (not sure where) and if accepted, I will show this at Quilt Expo this fall.  My friend, Heather, did the quilting and it really makes this quilt shine.

In other sewing news, I'm piecing a back together for my On Ringo Lake.  It needs to be done by next Friday, when I plan to quilt it at my parent's house.  I have my work cut out for me this week!!

xoxo,

Kristin

Linking up with Crazy Mom Quilts, Finish-A-Long, Let's bee Sewcial and Oh Scrap!!

Finish-A-Long Q2 2018 - My Goals

I had a little wrinkle in time at the end of Q1-2018.  I had a lot going on and wasn't able to link up my finishes for the Finish-A-Long.  Oops! Overall, it wasn't the best quarter in terms of finishing projects.  Apart from Elephant Parade, I didn't meet any of my goals!! =O

That doesn't mean I wasn't sewing, because I've actually been sewing up a storm.  And now I will have a very ambitious Q2 goal list!

Let me start with projects that were Q1 Goals:

1- Hekla
This was sooooo close to being finished for Q1, but see above statement--> lots going on!  And if you look closely, there is just a weeee bit of binding left to do! =O

2- Midnight Star
I did manage to get the top fully pieced this last quarter.  Now it needs some quilting!

3- On Ringo Lake

I worked soooooooooooooo hard on this quilt all winter and I'm thrilled to have the pattern complete.  I've decided that I'm going to add a border of oranges/corals/pinks to extend it a bit more.  I would LOVE to have this finished up by May, because I've used a challenge fabric in it for the Mad City Quilt Guild.  I'm really hoping to make this happen!

4- Finding Nemo
Not difficult, just need time with a longarm

5- St Nick
I managed to put borders on this at January Retreat

6- Legendary

No progress on this and it's ambitous to think I can finish it this quarter

7- Charity Rail Fence
The quiting doesn't need to be fancy, but everything takes time!

8- Bonus Baby Quilt

Isn't this fun?! I made this up out of leftovers from a baby quilt several years ago.  This will go to Project Linus

9- Grey Plus Baby Quilt
I think this baby is due in May, so it would be fantastic if I had it done by then!

10- Rainbow Plus Baby Quilt
I have a bit more time with this one, but it would be great to finish it along with the grey version.

11- Featherweight Tote Bag - Purple 
Getting there!  Not many steps left...

12- Featherweight Tote Bag - Orange
Still a fair amount of work to do on this one...

Twelve projects!! I know I won't be able to complete all of these things-- but it doesn't hurt to dream! Wish me luck!

If you would like to join the Finish-A-Long fun, head on over to any one of the eight bloggers who host:

Marci - Marci Girl Designs
Sandra - Studio Sew of Course
Leanne - She Can Quilt
Izzy - Dizzy Quilts
Ella - Throw a Wench in the Works
Felicity - Felicity Quilts
Karen - Capitola Quilter
Lynne - Tinking Along

xoxo, 
Kristin

Finish! Elephant Parade

Every finish is a happy finish and this quilt had been waiting for too long to be turned into a completed piece.  I participated in a quilt along with Lorna of Sew Fresh Quilts starting in Spring of 2015. 

I finished the top in December of 2015, but like a fine wine, it needed to age until it was ready for quilting.  I had a friend quilt this on his longarm with a whimsical allover pattern.

I really hoped to have this finished in Q4 of 2017, but there wasn't quite enough time.  Oh well-- It's my first finish of Q1 2018!!! And it is part of my Q1 Finish-A-Long goals.

xoxo,

Kristin

Linking up with Crazy Mom Quilts and of course-- Lorna's Let's be Sewcial!

Finish-A-Long Q1 2018 - My Goals

New Year - Fresh Start - New Goals!!

Q4 of 2017 was pretty good!  I finished 3 quilts from my list and that makes me incredibly happy.  Believe it or not, on New Year's Eve, I was stitching on a binding and hoped to complete it that night.  I had about 2 feet left and was out of steam.  Oh well-- it rolls into the 2018 goals. I'm excited to participate in the Finish-A-Long again.

Here are my 3 finishes:

Charity Chop, Kitchen Sink Scrap and Galaxy of Stars

For Q1 of 2018, I would like to finish the following:

1- Elephant Parade
This is my slam dunk! This is the quilt I was trying to complete the binding on New Year's Eve.  I plan to enter this quilt in the spring to the Sun Praire Quilt Show.

2- Hekla
The top is complete and I'm sending this out to be quilted.  Maybe this can be entered in Quilt Expo this fall?

3- Finding Nemo
This is a panel that I bought at Expo with the plans to donate to Lutherdale's auction. The paneled quilts were very popular!! So, why not?  I added the orange border--it's Moda Grunge Dot, my newest favorite fabric.  I plan to free motion quilt it with fun swirls and outlines.

4- St Nick
Another panel I found at Expo.  This is a kit with borders and it is still in it's packaging.  Maybe I can assemble this at my January Retreat and ask a friend to quilt it? It too, it destined for Lutherdale's Auction.

5- Legendary
I have a plan on quilting this, but it's pretty ambitious for me to find the time in Q1.  Never the less--it's good to have it as a goal!

6- Midnight Star

Now we are entering the very ambitious stage.  The top isn't done. It's been languishing on my design wall.  I want to swap out 2 of the smaller stars and I'm just a wee bit stuck.

If you would like to join the Finish-A-Long fun, head on over to any one of the eight bloggers who host:

Marci - Marci Girl Designs
Sandra - Studio Sew of Course
Leanne - She Can Quilt
Izzy - Dizzy Quilts
Ella - Throw a Wench in the Works
Felicity - Felicity Quilts
Karen - Capitola Quilter
Lynne - Tinking Along

xoxo,