Feline Friday

The batting has been found!  I decided not to piece the backing, because I don't really have enough left overs.  I used all of the layer cake and only had border yardage.  I should have enough left to use for binding.  I went through some backing choices.

I love this pretty purple and pink yardage with butterflies.  I'll never cut it up--it's definitely a backing in my book.

 This is a lovely little light green with pinky purple sprigs.  It could be used for a quilt.  There are almost 7 yards of it.  I finished a bolt somewhere long ago.

I decided on the small print.  Gypsy Girl is so bright and pretty.  I think the small print backing will suit better. There will be plenty left to include in a quilt.   The flowered print is too much of the wrong color to be the backing for this quilt.  Easy decision, yes?  Oh, but I had to think about it and while I was procrastinating  thinking I made the cutest little pin cushion.

I saw Terry's cute hexie pincushion yesterday and it gave me the "itch" to make a little flower pincushion too. I decided to go with a round one.  I wish I had made my circle larger and had more of the turquoise border showing, but it is a lovely hefty pin holder.  It makes me smile.

I didn't put up our big tree this year.  I was in pain and didn't want to dig it out of the closet.  I bought this cute little 3 ft pre-lit tree and decorated it with the smallest ornaments.  Peanut never even noticed it, until it was time to take it down.  I think she was smelling for that lovely pine scent.
You can check out some more cats at Sarah's.

The backing is seamed.  The batting is unwrapped and relaxing.  The top is pressed.  My goal is to have Gypsy Girl sandwiched and quilted by the end of January.  I think that is a very reasonable goal for me.  IF I don't spend too much time "thinking" about how I'm going to quilt it.  lol

Missing In Action

I was missing in action last week..............  We had the stomach flu from Hell last week.  I won't go into details, but it took all week for DH and I to take our turns and get back to normal eating.  Thank goodness for three bathrooms in the house.  Fever, chills and body aches were part of the mix too.  I'm not sure where we picked up the lovely bug, but we stayed home and didn't share with anyone else.  You would have thought I would have lost 10 pounds, but there is something about not eating that seems to make me maintain my weight--go figure.

It's taken me most of the week to catch up and get motivated to start sewing again.  Gypsy Girl is a flimsy. I did decide to use the borders I planned.  I think I'm liking them.  I used a layer cake and the pattern Double Slice Layer Cake  from Missouri Star Quilt Company.  

Now I need to decide about backing.  I can't believe I don't have a batting on hand.  Where did they all go? I certainly haven't used them up.  I probably have them tucked away somewhere.  I did go online yesterday and order some batting from Connecting Threads--30% off right now.  I'll do some more looking today--I know there must be batting some where!!

I watched the on line class Creative Quilt Backs by Elizabeth Hartman on Craftsy yesterday.  I wanted to take time to think about my backing for Gypsy.  I didn't really pickup any new knowledge from the class, but enjoyed it anyway.  Sometimes I wonder if I'm thinking or procrastinating!  Making backing and the sandwich aren't my favorite parts of the quilting process--I might have mentioned that before.  I long for a long arm and quilt frame.  I really don't have the space for one, so I better just get busy and "just do it".

Have you ever been to Dearie Dolls website?  I love the images on there.  I'm thinking there could be some cute embroidery done with some of these designs.  The snowmen and Christmas designs are so dear.

I better go look for batting!  Wish me luck..............

Stitchin and Rippin

I love getting tips from bloggers.  I had to put my Gypsy Girl quilt away before Christmas.  I didn't want to mix up my rows, so I wrote numbers on the butterflies on the end of my pins with a permanent marker.  I stuck one pin in the first block of each row.   I had each row done.  It's time to sew my rows together.

I did some ironing and pinning and then started to sew row 1 and row 2 together.   It seemed to be a "little thick" at first, but I proceeded on.  The Bernie sewed on through.  Oops--sorry little butterfly!

I've been working on "The Gypsy Girl" the last two days.  Yesterday there was some ripping going on.  Today was a better day.  I now have it all sewn together and have the 2 inch border on.   I'm trying to decide if I like what I picked for the outside border and how wide I want to make it.  I need to it "stew" over night. IF I could show you a picture, I might ask your opinion.  lol

Today is Feline Friday. I'm comforted to see Sarah couldn't download her pictures either. (I didn't want to be the only one blogger was mad at.)   I had a picture of Peanut to share.   Peanut has been much happier this week.  The days have been sunny and in the 20's.  She has spent enough time outside to burn off some energy, so she satisfied to curl up inside the rest of the time.

Have a good week-end!



Post 250

 I didn't post much last year, but I've manage to reach the 250 mark today.  I'm proud that I've stuck with it at least.  The main reason I have is YOU!!  I have so enjoyed the friendships I've made and things I have learned from other quilters and bloggers.

I think this year that by having posted my goals and having you there to be accountable to (and celebrate with me) that I will work harder at them.  

I have spent much less time on the internet today.  : )   I did a little organizing in the sewing room.  I decided I wanted to make something small and fun today.  I love Nancy Halverson's books and patterns.  I've had her book Count on It for quite sometime.  I made the January block.  I'm very happy with it other than the letter  "a"  should have been a different color, so it would show up more.  I had fun experimenting with different stitching options and used Steam a Seam 2.  I also just glued the little buttons on for now.

Have you been reading the posts for the Quilting Secrets Blog Hop?  I've really enjoyed the tips that the quilter's have shared.  You might too.
 

Happy New Year!

 

 

How quickly a year goes by!  It's hard to say 2013 and fathom how quickly 13 years have passed by.  I'm looking forward to a new year.  It always feels like a "clean" start.  Time to take stock of what's been going on in my life and what changes I'd like to make.  Change is so hard--I have such good intentions. 

 

 

My goals are simple:  1.  Lose weight by eating healthy.

                                    2. Sew more.

                                     3. Spend less time online.