You may have recalled at the end of second quarter finishalong that I was close to many finishes but only one finish. Because of all that progress last quarter, it is the catalyst for all the finishes this quarter. Hmmm. Something to keep in mind when I get down on myself for not finishing anything, right?
Above is the final picture for the Jack ‘O Lantern. I had really hoped that the adorable pumpkin craft holder I ordered would be here, but I did only order it on Wednesday. Once again, I will be linking up this finish with Capitola Quilter in October for Quarter 3 Finish-A-Long. You can find the original list here. This is my sixth finish as we pass the halfway mark for this quarter.
Machine Applique Series Project Updates
Once I gave up the ghost on using metallic thread, these adorable little wall hangings are going fast. My apple a-door-nament one is almost done as well. Just have to do the hanging sleeve and label. This is the last one of that series for this quarter.
Laying out all my applique projects at the beginning of the quarter that I was committing to and then one color every couple of days has really really worked. I did Christmas Red a few nights ago and Dark Green the night before that. Here is the progress pictures on all my applique wall hangings.
I made a note to self, that it also works better to have all the Fall projects out together and not my random Spring ones thrown in there (Easter Eggs & Pansies). All of my current applique projects are from Shabby Fabrics as monthly kits. They have a fabulous selection.
Sew-A-Long Updates
#100days100blocks2019
This one is clipping along. I have now finished the first 50 blocks. We are only on block 48 today so I can only share up to that. Here is blocks August 14th-17th:
Row 31-40 has been assembled and will be attached in time for you to see 1-40. I am just loving my design choice.
#mamagypsyquiltqal
I have done nothing but agonize over this quilt-a-long. Seriously. I was trying to restrict myself to my fat-quarter bundle of Tula Pink’s Zuma fabric. I considered purchasing some more but felt that was ridiculous since I have a LOT of Zuma fabric. Yesterday I gave up the ghost on using the fat quarter and switched over to my half-yard bundle. The design choice just flowed after that. With such large cuts (up to 18.5 inches) I was struggling with my fat quarter which was 18×21. I probably could have still made it “work” but I don’t think I would have ever been happy with the quilt. Now, I am in love. I get to feature the squids, seahorses, and bat rays, while using the tiny prints as accents. Definitely more into it now. Here is my redone coloring sheet. You have already seen the fabric pull and the fabric is the same, just bigger pieces.
I am way behind on this QAL though. I need to kick it in gear now and get my first two rows cut and sewn. LOL! I have studied the directions so much over the past two weeks, I think I will be good there.
#QP2019sewalong
Finally the 15th arrived. Thursday night I pulled out my August cut blocks and fell in love with my fabric all over again. I just can’t wait until November gets here and we begin assembling this one. Cream, Aqua, and Navy look fantastic in my all time favorite block – Churn Dash.
If you are looking for a good planner and something to help with tracking your quilting, you might want to pop over to quiltersplanner.com They are taking orders for the 2020 planner which is a 100% customizable which means you won’t find them in stores. They ship in October. I went with a nontraditional Monday start and non traditional weekly layout of just dots. I love my cover I picked too. Seriously, pick what you like.
Cotton Cuts Cosmos Mystery Quilt
Don’t say it! I know I have too many projects, but I just couldn’t resist signing up for my first mystery quilt. My first clue arrived quickly. It is really cool. They cut it for you! I picked a colorway sewing with my first Guicy Guice fabrics. I am loving them. Trust me, my love affair with Alison Glass fabric made this choice tough as they had two different colorways with her fabric as well as a batik option. It was tough, but with finishing my first clues (1A & 1B), no regrets here!
#fw1920eppsal
Zero. Nada. None. Progress here other than thinking about them. I have 8 more pieces to glue before I can start my next block. I promise I will do that sometime today. It is silly being hung up by something so simple. Meanwhile, I designed myself a Sew-A-Long spreadsheet (did I mention I am an accountant) with this project in mind. Last night was me adding at least my first 40 blocks (positive thinking) to the spreadsheet. When I did this for my series, it was very encouraging to see all the little steps/progress I was making. I am hoping that will help with this project as well.
Other Sewing Updates
#onethingwithamy & Wooly Mug Rugs
My goal this week as you may recall is to finish my August Sunflower Mug Rugs (to at least use for a few days that are left in August.) That darn ladybug has given me nothing but troubles from the very beginning. First I forgot to cut out her head and fuse on. I didn’t realize until I was doing the embellishing. Going backwards seems… counter productive. Then I have no black wool thread to whip stitch it on so I had to use brown. This is not my way but I forced myself to do it anyway last night. After that, the embroidery for her wings went quickly and I began the “binding” of the front and backs together. I finished joining with my black blanket stitch one mug rug. Only one left now. Sunday seems doable now!
I re-watched the YouTube video for the September Schoolhouse wooly mug rug. There is very little embellishment and what there is to do, I already know the stitch! Yea! So I am thinking they will go quicker once I finish up the sunflowers. I still need to cut and fuse the Jack ‘O Lanterns. Wow, I was just thinking about it. After I finish these 3, I will only have 3 left to do in the series. That sounds crazy to me.
Happy Quilting and Safe Travels everyone!
Peggy Stockwell