Friday, May 31, 2013

May progress report and June goal setting

Have you ever noticed that sometimes when you are SUPER busy, you are also more productive in general?  I feel like I have had a lot fewer sewing days this month, yet I am very satisfied with what I've accomplished.

And the best part is that I'm not just talking about my sewing list.  I've also made a few dinners and even exercised a couple of times!  GASP!  Yep it is true.  Esther at Threads on the Floor, who I find inspiring in so many ways, once mentioned that she had started a Couch to 5K program on her new phone.  I have had the app for a while and even made it through the program about a year ago before I promptly stopped exercising completely.  Well, I started it up again and it feels good.  But, this is a quilting blog so let's get back to that sewing list....

May  UFO's

I was determined to do something with my fusible rose project - a project that started back in, oh the beginning of 2011.  Now that I have the blue and white OBW done, this was probably the oldest UFO I had.  I am happy to report that it just needs the binding sewn on!  I would love to show it to you, but I have to save it as a surprise for my day on the "Say it with Flowers" blog hop  - June 4th will be here soon!

May New FO's
H2H 2013 logo

I wanted to start and finish my quilt for the Hands2Help Charity Quilt Drive and hooray!  It is done!

Hands2Help 2013 - blue and white Jacob's Ladder

It just needs a label and it is off to Happy Chemo.


Now for June.....I'm declaring June for Jen!  I've made a few charity quilts and quilts for others the last few months, and as good as that feels, I plan on being a bit selfish in June.  Since I haven't actually started any projects for myself in a while, June is going to be heavily weighted on the NewFO side.

June UFO's

I will continue to work on piecing the backing for my Beginner QAL quilt.  I am using this is a leader/ender type project so a little gets done every week, but I fully admit that this one isn't really striking my fancy these days.

I have also decided to go back and machine SID some of my Handstitched Medallion Quilt.  After reading some blog posts about hand quilting not keeping the quilt layers together forever under some circumstances, I felt I needed a little reassurance.  I don't know yet what I am going to use the quilt for, but just in case it gets more wear and tear than is meant, I would at least like the layers to stay together, especially since my quilting is not 10 stitches per inch quality.

Medallion Quilt top

June New FO's

I was glancing around my sewing space (AKA the dungeon) the other day and I noticed a few areas of need.  For example, I have completely worn holes into my ironing pad cover and what isn't holey is somewhat scorched.  I desperately need a new one.   I could buy one, true, but I want to make myself one.  I've got tons of fabric, even some home dec weight stuff.  Surely, I can figure it out, right?

I also need a sewing machine mat with pockets and it would be really nice if it had a thread catcher component.  I keep shoving all kinds of stuff underneath my machine's quilting table, but it looks terrible and sometimes it isn't even convenient to go digging under there.  I should also make myself a machine cover while I am at it.  My machine came with one, but it is pretty plain.

I am also going to get started on some of those bucket list quilts that I've been putting off way too long.  The Swoon craze is nearly over and I haven't even started mine.  I'm going to get started this month if it kills me.

I've also shown interest in the Impromptu QAL at I'm a Ginger Monkey.  My interest generally comes from having at least 2 layer cakes languishing around with absolutely no plans for them.  The Impromptu pattern is cute, looks easy, uses a layer cake, and would be perfect for the big girl bed I ordered for Olivia's room!

So here's a quick summary of New FO's I hope to tackle in June:

  • new ironing board cover
  • sewing machine mat and cover
  • Swoon
  • Impromptu

A quick look ahead to July.....we are going on vacation!  I hope to have made enough bee blocks, etc. to pre-schedule posts for Building Blocks Tuesdays, but other than that posts are going to be rather sparse.  I want to take a hand sewing project with me, but I doubt I will post any progress until we return at the end of the month.  


Thanks for reading today,

Jen

Linking up with:
My Button


2013NewFO


13 comments:

  1. I am making a list too. I just moved across country and have a sewing room now. And tons of projects I want to do, I just need to prioritize them. Like you, I need a sewing machine cover (only an old plastic one) and I do need a basket or something for clipped threads and fabric. I am doing the Tula Pink QAL and a block of the month from the quilting store. And a camera strap and...yep, need a list and prioritize!

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  2. I love your list, and it always helps me start mine, or stick to one I have. I am so happy that maybe I influenced you to start running or whatever again. You have now re-motivated me. Thank you. I am also glad you are sewing for you. You deserve it. I will join you in a sewing machine cover, and maybe the mat too. Have fun with Swoon, just go slow and read and re-read the instructions before cutting.

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  3. Those blues are beautiful. Lots of cute projects going on in your sewing room. Thanks for linking up today.

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  4. Well done you! Enjoy sewing for yourself x

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  5. Your medallion quilt is amazing! I think a little machine stitching is a good idea to be on the safe side. I also love the blue quilt :)

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  6. Love the blues. The medallion is wonderful!

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  7. Love your charity quilt, very pretty! Good luck with all your plans for June.

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  8. Love the charity quilt, the blues are beautiful! Can't wait to see the medallion quilt finished! Good luck with your goals :)

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  9. I love your blue quilt... can't wait to see it finished!

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  10. I'm note a big blues person, but your little Hands2Help Charity Quilt really appealed to me. That is so cute! Great job on all your projects this month!

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  11. I love your blue checkerboard quilt - so soothing. Great job, and you know, a new ironing board cover in a nice print will lift your spirit too!

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  12. What a cute idea for a two color quilt. Love it!

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  13. Good luck on everything you want to accomplish!

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