All Our Bags Are Packed...

...and we're ready to go. Well, not everything is packed, but a good portion was done yesterday. That took a lot longer than I had anticipated. Not only did we pack stuff, but going through our dressers/closets we found stuff we needed to donate or recycle. 

Interestingly enough, we found a set of locks we can't find keys for and we found a set of keys we have not a clue what locks they go to. And if we throw them away, the missing pieces will surface.

Before we started packing, this announcement came through on IG and FB...

Number Seven on the way

We knew about this already, but were told to keep our mouths shut until she passed her first trimester. That was tough! So grand baby number seven is due in January!

Saturday I was getting ready for the fair trying to find a small project to take to work on. It was pouring rain and I wasn't looking forward to the trip, and then I received a phone call from our daily point person indicating all the raffle tickets were sold in the preceding days of the fair and I didn't need to make the trip up. 

But while searching for this small project to take along, I found two WIPs that needed to be dealt with. Actually, I found four but I trashed two of them because they were no longer interesting to me.

Here is WIP number one...

Another studio-themed wall hanging

I had eight of the paper pieced blocks done. Could not find the book to do another, so put a quilt-themed block in the center. I sashed and bordered it out and then put it into the "to quilt" pile. 

Next. Part of a Farmers Daughter top. Again, the book is gone, I had no interest in making more blocks, and the colors in here aren't where I gravitate toward anymore. What blocks I did have done made a nice throw once I constructed them into rows, inserted sashing, and a small border...

A nice throw-sized quilt top

Those took me until later in the afternoon to complete. So much for "working" since I decided to squirrel instead. Jim got his first batch of spicy pickles up while I was doing all of this so we were both having a ball on Saturday. 

I'll finish Patty's table runner this morning and then get the next Tilda Sampler loaded onto Marty. I don't know how much of that I'm actually going to work. Patty has a few more smaller quilts in there that I think I'm going to get off the queue list before leaving Friday. 

Yesterday's Project

I thought yesterday's project would go quicker than it did, but of course, squirreling happened and so did neighbor visits. And movie day.

These two totes have all my tops in them, along with some of the backings that go with them...

Plum full as a tick

The tote on the left was as full as the one on the right until I started pulling out tops/backs. Then I found one in the pile that just had to be loaded onto Foster because I already had the top/back pair and it doesn't require ruler work (I'm still waiting on the ruler base for Foster). I hunkered down and actually pinned the backing on and it's waiting for me to do something with it now...

A "minky" dream big panel

Okay, so I may want to put some piano keys on those borders, but I'll see what I can do without my rulers. 

No customers expected today and it's a cool-ish day to start our summer, so I'll be cranking on Sherry's quilt until it's done. It's time to get that one off of DW's frame. 

Family...

...is so important. While I was in my groove working on my latest WIP (see below) the kids arrived for a cookout, some corn hole, and then off to the ice cream shop. We had so much fun! They weren't here long, but we knew they wouldn't be and we savored the time we had with them.

Before, and after they were here, I was working on my latest WIP (bags and long arming didn't appeal at the time). 

When I moved from the previous studio to the new one, I rounded up all the WIPs and put them in separate bags and then tucked them away under the spare room bed. This one is for me to be able to work on the sit-down machine at night if I'm tired from being on my feet all day.

Making the "base" blocks

I started this about two years ago. Then after getting Bernie, the sit-down machine and the quilting table had to be put into the barn until there was more room to house everything. I'm getting the blocks all made, sandwiched, and labeled so I can just sit and sew when I feel like it. 

It's a 365 quilt and a combination of two books are being used to initiate the quilting within each block. Every block will be quilted differently with white thread and after looking at the first four "sections" already completed, have realized I have learned so much since I started this back then. Once all the blocks are quilted, the joining of them will be similar to joining quilt-as-you-go blocks. Of course, I'll keep blogging about my journey on this one.

It's not going to be finished overnight but I'm excited about it coming together at some point. 

We Passed!

Only one more inspection to go and that's the final. But our electrician needs to come in and do his thing first. 

Paulette's quilt is not finished, but hopefully today. As soon as Jim came home we were out on the east side (the lake side) working siding. We had a little disagreement on how to begin the starter strip and after getting the first piece of siding on, had to rip everything off and start again. This is where we ended last night...

Getting the east side started

I've been participating in the Instagram fest this year (I usually skip it) and today's prompt is WIP's; Works In Progress. I snagged this pic this morning while the sun was playing nice...

WIPs

Those totes are full. The tops of the totes are becoming full and I still have a few more to add to the pile once I get them done. Do I have a few unquieted tops to work? Nooooo...not at all. 

But customers come first and that's why I'm getting a third machine. Just to do MY tops in my spare time. 

Not So Small Project Sunday

Saturday was spent working on customer quilts all day so nothing "personal" going on in there. But Sunday, while I was milling around trying to figure out what small project I could tackle, I stumbled upon this unfinished quilt.

Unfinished Puff/Biscuit quilt

This was made at retreat back in January and February up at The Springs. It's been hanging out in the closet since then and thought maybe some unfinished projects needed finishing before any new ones were started. 

I made and attached the backing to it, birthed it and am now tying each of the intersections. A great way to use up all the cross stitch floss hanging around here. Four rows were tied and I'll continue each night to chip away at it.

Carla's Flea Market is quilted (all while UofM was kicking MSU's behind) but still needs trimming. The Tilda quilt on Bernie will be worked today while frame ironing on DW for the next one up on him. And, I checked the weather this morning finding a little surprise in store for us later today; SNOW! 

Post Retreat

I love going to retreats. I guess I should otherwise I shouldn't be going, right? I get so much piecing done and get my current WIPs closer to being finished. Here's what I was able to accomplish...

I started with this one.

This needed blanket stitching, binding, and a hanging sleeve put on. Check. All Done!

This one was next

This was left in block format when I left the retreat back in January. Now it's ready for long arming. 

Puff!

This only had four rows done when I left the retreat in January. It still needs a backing and then to be tied, but it's at least put together. 

For the book worm

This was in pieces when I left the November retreat and found it in the pile. It's now ready for the long arm.

And then I was out of WIP's except for Farm Girl Vintage. I was able to construct five more blocks and now I'm at the half-way point on those. I'll not start anything major until all of them are done. 

It'll be good to get back on the big machines today. I miss both the guys and I think something like a retreat is just the thing needed to recharge batteries. 

I'll be working on Debs and Lindas quilts for today. I'm not expecting any customers; we have a winter storm coming in and should think my day should stay pretty clear. 

Small Project Sunday

Our grandson, Zechariah, was baptized yesterday down in Lansing. I was supposed to go. Our doggie daycare lady wasn't available. So just Jim headed down. And, he assisted the kids in the construction of their deck. Which they are replacing. So it was like a normal work day with him being gone all day. Except, I didn't do that. Work, I mean. 

This is what I made...

A new shopping bag

This is one of three I hope to make. It's from this pattern...

Sorry about the sideways pic

After I finished the first one (because all three bags are included in the kit), I looked down next to the thread cabinet and found a WIP I had completely forgot about. I figured I better finish that before starting a second or third bag. Here's the finished top. 

Cotton Cuts Mystery BOM 2021-2022

My fabric selection for this project was Tula Pink and I can't wait to get this on the long arm. But, alas, I will have to since I have many more customers ahead of my own needs. 

When I was nearly done getting those borders on, Jim arrived back home and we spent some time sharing our days' activities as well as a reunion discussion and playing with the girls. 

Packing Them Away

All the WIPs completed in 2021 are either quilted or standing at the ready, including those shown on the loft rail in yesterdays post. 11 of them were photographed, labeled, and packed into inventory.

Heading to storage

Here's the project I'm working on currently...

All the little pieces

Cathedral by Alison Glass

I used Misty Fuse on these pieces instead of the usual fusible (Heat and Bond Lite). It's supposed to be much more pliable and works without all those nasty chemicals. And since I want a raw edge finish, it worked out pretty good once I got the hang of it. It certainly was a learning curve (had to clean the iron four times). 

I think I need to invest in another silicone pressing mat because I was trying to make due with just the one I have, which is how I ran into problems. 

Adhesion of these onto the background will happen today so should be fun.

The long arm bobbin case is somewhere enroute. Our mail person isn't delivering every day and choosing to skip us about three days out of the six they deliver. Once I find out its actually in Gladwin, I'll just go pick it up from the post office maybe. 

Not Mine, But Beautiful

Yesterday was spent with friends downstate catching up on almost two years worth of life. It was wonderful and I didn't realize how much I missed them until I headed back home. By myself. Not knowing when I'd see them again. 

Barb hasn't had the greatest luck with her health but she did manage to get this beautiful top put together for a upcoming family wedding...

Barbs beautiful quilt top

I won't be quilting this one since she lives 2 1/2 hours away, but I admire the work done on this wonderful gift she'll be giving away.

A slow start today since I didn't hardly sleep the night before (too excited) and it was a late night for both Jim and me since he was down at his class reunion catching up on the last 40 years. 

And here's some not so stellar news. While looking for all my sew-in supplies throughout the house Friday night, we stumbled across three more piecing WIP's I was completely unaware of. I did manage to get the spools laid out and partially assembled yesterday with the girls. Maybe today, before our neighbors arrive, I can work on those for a little bit and see whether I can get a top together, because apparently I have three more projects to build and finish. 

Plans Going South

From the title of todays blog it sounds like I'm heading towards a southern vacation. But mom and I were actually planning on a trip south to North Carolina to attend the John C. Campbell Folk Art School in August. Mom's hip is really misbehaving and there was a concern for her having to sit in the truck for such a long trek. Just sitting here at our house for a half hour was causing her issues.

Sadly, the trip was cancelled yesterday. I'd rather have mom comfortable and looking forward to the class rather than having to stress about the trip down and back. 

Now I'm on a mission to try to find a retreat/class/seminar to attend later this summer/fall. That'll be tonights project on the iPad. 

Meanwhile, yesterday was filled with errands. Hazel is heart worm free. We have groceries in the fridge after the kids were in and out all weekend with the reunion. I have my tulle for the Painted Ladies, and I started the last WIP!

Happy Camper

This was a fat quarter kit picked up from the Pieces of Thyme quilt shop a couple of years ago. It came with no directions and is left to the quilters imagination. I tried to do something with this at a retreat the winter after getting it and was unsuccessful. I tried to do something with it again last spring. Lost interest. Now we aren't playing around any more. We're going to make this into something. 

I have a customer quilt to work on with the long arm today that should have been worked yesterday. And I'll work on the Happy Camper thing somewhat while it's stitching away and again more intensely this evening. 

Changing Oars

Since yesterday was Monday, it was a work-in-the-yard morning. Which actually took until 1:30 in the afternoon since the yard had been ignored for a week. And it was hot. And it was muggy. And it zapped most of my energy while giving me a stellar headache for the remainder of the day.

I decided to not long arm at all because my work wouldn't have been my best. Cleaning out a WIP tote seemed like the restful thing to do. Five projects total (four in the tote and one on the shelves) were found. 

Project #1: A Jacqueline DeJong class from Craftsy that was started years ago that I no longer have an interest in. 

What to do with this?

I decided this would make a cute table thing and quilted it up quickly, pinked the edges (was not going to spend that much time binding it) and put it under my clarinet lamp. 

Project #2: An anything bag, which was from another Craftsy class, that had the zipper on the wrong side. 

I wasn't going to salvage a $.32 zipper

I scrapped it because the zip was incorrectly put in and stashed out the rest of the fabrics. 

Project #3: A large bag model to use for laundry/customers that is just that...a model. Not really a project at all.

Project #4: The Painted Ladies. Now this one you'll be hearing about for a few weeks. 

The Painted Ladies

I have been looking for these houses for quite some time now. I have pulled apart pattern drawers, looked on pattern shelves, looked in pattern baskets, and could NOT find these anywhere. I knew I would stumble upon them eventually...and finally! Here they are!! 

I'm very excited about this project. Each house is a combination of paper piecing, traditional piecing, and raw edge appliqué. I started working on the third "house", which is actually the Bakery last night. After an hour and a half, I made a door. These things are not for the faint at heart. 

It's a door

It's hot and muggy outside and today is a normal work day in here. Long arming Norma's reindeer will begin shortly and if the storms kick up like they're predicting, I'll move on to something off the long arm. Like the Painted Ladies. 😀

Waking Up

The "lake" is starting to wake up. I'm seeing cars in driveways across the way that are usually gone throughout the winter. I hear activity in and around properties, and our neighbors two doors to the south, should be coming home from Florida soon.

It's Spring!

Yesterday, after working outside doing odds and ends, and after lunch, I dug through the WIP tote. This was next on the pile...

Town and Country

Remember this? Maybe you don't. But this was started back in the fall of 2017. It's been pulled out and put back three times already though I'm not sure why. Working these little (4 1/2") blocks is like an addiction and maybe, because they are so labor intensive, I needed a change. And...there are 365 blocks total in the piece. 

I left off with #184.

#184-Bird Feeder

#185-Fork, Flowers, and Bird

#186-Vegetable Patch

If I work two of these a day (or more) maybe I can have them done by August 1st? That's a long time to work on a project, but given the three plus years I've already been at it, I guess another couple of months isn't much. And, they're really fun to do!

But "work" calls and today will be loading a customer quilt onto the frame. Now that Jim and I have established a new routine and I feel comfortable leaving him alone for a few hours at a time, I should be able to focus on customer work with confidence.  

Quilted and Ready to Bind

Please take note! I'm going to actually hand bind this quilt. I know, I know, I usually don't. My exceptions are the following: 

1) An art piece (such as this), or 

2) An Heirloom piece that won't be used on a daily basis and will be used for guest beds and decoration. 

All other quilts (baby, utility, etc.) get a machine binding. And even some of those art quilts that would benefit from a decorative stitch in the binding may be machine bound.

For me, hand binding is done on those rainy days while watching a movie, or while visitors come to call and we are just sitting and chatting. Many of the later days will occur since Jim can't go visit other people. 

Here's the quilt on the rail sitting patiently for the binding to be completely attached.

It almost looks as good as the day it was made

Katie asked earlier what I was up to today. While Jim and I were getting the new pressing/cutting unit put into the studio, another few WIP's were found. I don't even remember what those were because we were trying to get that done and getting ready for his surgery as well and I just laid them in there until I had time to deal with them. 

Today's studio work is a mystery because whatever's on top in that tote is getting worked on next. Let's hope it's something fun!

Getting Back Into It

I've discovered I get less tolerant of junk food as I start to age. I ate a bunch on Sunday and I was a complete slug yesterday morning only finally perking up later in the mid-afternoon. Here's what was on the frame yesterday...

New customer Eileen's top

Putting in some "dock" around the "water" area

Here's what's on the frame this morning...

New Customer Gail's top

I'll start Gail's top this morning before I have to shuttle Hazel off to the groomers later. 

Andrew finally called back about his top (next out the of the WIP tote), which used to be a quilt, which is now just a top again. Only, its a very hole-y top and needs some TLC and minor repair work. I needed to know if he was planning on using it again once it was repaired or if he was just planning on hanging it once the repairs were complete. He's going to hang it downstairs in his "sports" room.

Then, I offered to make him a new one that he could use. He said he wouldn't say no to a new quilt. But we'll get the original one fixed first...which is going to take a LONG time to do and will be worked at night after long arming. 

Afternoon Project

After the dolly tops were made into quilts in the morning, work on this last dolly quilt was started. I kind of had a goal to get it completed yesterday but didn't really think it was a realistic goal. And with the leftover block from the next WIP in line, made a potholder since Jim said ours are getting holes in them. 

Dolly Quilt #8

Quick Pot Holder

Jim headed back out to his work shop after lunch and Hazel was tired from the morning activities, so she slept. I was left in relative peace so started piecing the top below. Before retiring for the night the top construction was complete. 

There is one block of the "old paisley" in here. Can you find it?

On to the next WIP...

Hmmm???

These are beautiful blocks, but there are a LOT of seams in here. I don't have a sashing fabric (I don't think) to get these together today. And those two extra blocks will have to be made into a pillow leaving me with nothing quilting to do today to work on. I guess I need to dig around in the tote and see what else is in there. 

Blogging Late Because...

...I did not have the energy to actually finish these dolly quilts last night. Six sets of customers yesterday and I was just spent. Five new quilts in queue and the tree skirts are gone. 

The frame was empty so the last two dolly quilts were done on the long arm. I quickly loaded them up and whipped out some quilting just to get them done within my self-appointed schedule of one week. 

Done on the long arm Dolly Quilt #6

Done on the Janome Horizon Dolly Quilt #5

Done on the long arm Dolly Quilt #7

I have one more dolly quilt to actually piece together.

Still needs to be put together

I was debating on whether or not to sash in between these but have decided against it. If it turns out too small I'll put a little border on it. 

Once those houses are put together I have found several sets of WIP blocks that need to go on the design wall to work through. 

We have a sunny, albeit chilly, day out there today. Sheets are hanging on the line and the mattress pads are also being washed. Is it too early for spring cleaning? No, because I've been working at it for a week now with the backroom and the studio. 

 

Internet-less

Could not blog this morning because the internet was down. And...then I got so focused on long arming I didn't find the time to come back over here and blog. Not that the internet came back any time soon because an 11:30 check said it still wasn't back yet.

Here's what's on the frame today...

Pat's Tree Skirts

The fame has two of four that I have to do and should keep me busy for at least a few days.

Another two WIP's were completed yesterday.

Doll Quilt #2

Doll Quilt #1

Both the doll quilts were quilted on the Janome 1600P (Jay) and since I haven't free motioned on a stationary machine in a while, I'm getting myself reacquainted with the process. What took me a few hours to do could have been done in minutes on the long arm, but it's still fun to sit and quilt for a change of pace. 

Another WIP tonight hopefully on the sit down after long arming tree skirts.

More WIP's/Orphan Blocks

I started cleaning out the tote behind DW yesterday morning before Jim was ready for me to assist on the back room flooring in the washer/dryer area. Barely even scraped the top contents and already have a weeks worth of work unearthed. 

These are all the orphan blocks I found. Most will be dolly quilts, although I'm not sure Charlotte is still accepting them. The hand embroidered piece (second from the bottom) is where I started since that isn't going to be a dolly quilt. 

Free motion quilting on the Janome 1600P (Jay)

Here's the finished piece.

Leaving this "raw"

I decided not to bind this piece after finishing it. There are buttons and other do-dads to have to get around to bind it and I think it's cute the way it is. It's now hanging in my bedroom. 

Working on the king-size quilt for Reta this morning. Will set up another one of those orphans for sit down quilting while long arming at the same time. I have another king and a kids quilt coming later today and those tree skirts are still hanging out waiting for me to do them.