Monday, February 17, 2014

Belated finish pics and a Fabriholics update

I had envied some Atlantans (Allegory mainly) taking these lovely snow pictures during the first storm.  See, I didn't think about it.

Lucky for me it stormed again, right?  (cough)

I hauled myself out on the ice and took some pics of finished quilts.

First up, the Feathers quilt.

I love this one.  Love it hard.
I backed it in a fleece blanket, no batting.  This is my favorite all time quilt for the sofa and tv watching.  It's so fuzzy.


Feathers finish, pointing up

I'm trying so hard not to buy more Field Study.  The leopard is killing me.  Want. More.

That quilt is the product of a QAL.  I'm actually thinking of making a version 2.  I have a bundle in mind.  I have a second fleece blankie that needs using.

I will be linking up to Nydia when the link goes live.  It's not too late to join:

I also finished my Economy Block quilt a while ago.
I hand quilted on this one.
Can you tell I like Orange and Purple?
Also, pretty much used up the rest of my Field Study on this one.

economy block finish

Economy block finished

Okay, now the fabriholics update.
I've been pretty good.  I did cave and buy 2 FQs and a yard and a quarter of solids for a bag for the Color Intensive Workshop class's bag.  I also bought 3 FQs in low volumes for bee blocks.  Turns out I had pretty much killed my supply of those, too.

Ok, before the "I've tripped off the wagon" bit, I started the 17 day diet again.  I did it two summers ago and lost like 25 pounds.  I've been eating crap since Christmas.  After the Class Play anxiety/ClusterFlake of 2014 resulted in me mainlining chocolate and candy, I realized that I not only feel like crap, my knee is acting up again, and I've gained back 7 lbs I had lost.  Nope.  Not doing that again.  Especially not setting myself up for knee surgery in the future.  Because of the knee, I'm trying to be a bit more mindful in reupping my physical activity.  I'm wearing my fitbit and trying to add in more each day.  I want to return to Zumba.  I started dancing again last week. I need a plan...and probably a reward system that doesn't involve food.  So, it may be fabric.  (I'm pondering a punch card for the gym...like when I fill a card, I get a 1/2 yard or something...)

Anway, if you read this far, here's where I was bad on fabric. I got some destashed out of print Tula.  I did keep myself on a strict budget, though.  $20 with shipping included.  I so wanted more.

I may treat myself with some shot cottons after finish Mad's quilt, the red/purple one, and retro rubies.  I've started trying to clear the scrap bin with some present piecing.  I do like "making" scrap based fabric.  The bin doesn't look much smaller, though.  My reality is that this weekend is going to involve some MAJOR cleaning, as I have to clear out the guest room to make it ready for a replacement mattress.  My folks are coming in March and the current mattress is terrible.  (I tried to sleep on it when I had a really bad cough a few months ago and the floor would have been softer.)  Anyway, confession over.

New goals for the next week and a half:
Piece Mad's top, piece red/purple top (same game plan of layout), finish the applique on the Hexy MF, mail international bee blocks, catch up on some qals, scrap sew!  Baste a bunch for quilting (Mad's, Red/purple, Retro Rubies).
We'll see how it goes.  Wish me luck!

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Icy in Atlanta?!

I'm pretty much trapped at home right now.
School is out for at least one more day.

I know some of y'all on IG and that follow me here have heard me complain hyperventilate over my class play.  Well, I totally lucked out.
See, it was supposed to be last night and this morning.  And, well, this morning is when the ice kicked in.

Thankfully, I was able (with the help of my boss and the lovely lovely maintenance peeps at school and the kids who were ready to go!) to move it up a day.  So, we did the show for kids in the morning yesterday and the show for the parents last night.  Phew.  Just in under the wire.  The kids were rock stars.  My set is still sitting in the theatre.  Not sure when I'll be breaking it down yet.  My (frozen) car is full of props and costumery.  Such a relief, though, to have it done and not to have to worry if we can reschedule....or to worry if everyone was going to be able to get home safely.  Thank you, weather gods, for keeping it rain until the wee hours.

I was so full of plans for my day off today.  Sleep was priority #1.  However, my cat decided I only needed an extra half hour before she started throwing things and walking on me.

I had elaborate sewing plans, but they kind of fizzled.  I decided I'm not allowed to start anything new until I clear out at least one UFO.  I worked on that a bit, pieced most of a back for it.  I have to cut more pieces (and that requires a template), so I'm not doing it right now.  Also, I had to move my machine back to the dining room (which is cold) because the hubs is telecommuting and answering calls.  I'm not good at being quiet.  We've already discussed that him planning on working at home when I'm at home is probably NOT a good plan.  (I will go nuts with having to be silent that long.)

So, right now I'm enjoying the computer (and that I have power still) and snuggling with quilts and pets.  Maybe I'll have more of a finish to share tomorrow....pray I keep the power!

Monday, February 10, 2014

Quilt Delivered!

Got it done and delivered today, just in time for my friend to come back from the hospital.
Feb. ALYOF achieved!

He's doing really well.  He got let out early even.

I actually got a few pics before it was handed off.


David's quilt


closer

The back:



David's back, whole shot

close up

I hand quilted on it using perle.  Used pretty much all but bits of my comma stash.  I love how happy it is, and how it's more masculine in tone.
The pattern is a variation on the Mosaic Tiles pattern from Modern Bee.  The original plan was to make the blocks monochromatic, but I liked the mixed colors better.  It reminded me a bit of Tetris, and he's a gamer, so it was a better fit.

There's nothing better than a crinkly quilt to recuperate under.  mmmmm...fabric hugs.

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

ALYOF Feb Goal

So, I need to finish this quilt.
By Sunday.

It's for a lovely friend who is getting some major surgery on Thursday.  (Sending healthy vibes his way; he's one of my favorite peeps.)
My husband and I are feeding his cats.

I want this be on his bed when he comes home to recuperate.

quilt for a friend


hand quilting

....And I decided to hand quilt. What the hell was I thinking?

I've used up most of my comma stash, but for a few bits.  So worth it for this gentle man.

Oh, and I have to sew three powerpuff costume mods tomorrow.  (didn't have a ball needle for knits)

Tired.  But I got the lighting board programmed today.  And I don't have strep.

so...wooo?

Also, a peep of the Economy Block completed. Better pics of all the quilts coming post class play.

Economy Block finished

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