FNSI Results

See that blank space up there?  Yeah.  That's what I got done during the Friday Night Sew In.  AND I'm 2 days late reporting on it.  I had GOOD intentions of sewing.  Really I did.  Punk was at her first non-family sleep-over for the night and husband was working.  I went out to run some errands after dropping Amelia off at her friend's house.  Once I got home, I was just tired.  It was after 8pm and I didn't even feel like eating anything for dinner.  So I got my pjs on, grabbed the iPad, snuggled up in bed with the TV remote and 2 cats and that is how I spent my Friday night.

True be told, I'm just not feeling it in the sewing room.  I have so much that I want to work on that I don't know what to work on first.  If all goes well, I'm planning on taking Good Friday off in a couple of weeks and just sew most of the day.

Hope all is well where you are!
Jen  :)

FNSI - What I worked on

I was pretty productive yesterday during the FNSI.  I started in the afternoon before Amelia got home and finished up after I got her to bed.  She had a fabulous time on vacation with her grandparents, by the way but gave me the biggest hug when she walked in the door.  :)

I finally finished the 6 pillowcases that have been staring at me for weeks.  I think it was some time late last year, Jenn was admiring some pillowcases I made and had asked if I ever made any "Happy Birthday" ones for Amelia.  I hadn't and she shared a yard of fabric with me to make Amelia a pillowcase.  I found more yardage of the same and made her two for her bed.  The other two are just CUTE and I had to have the fabric.  The yardage is Now We're Goin Places by Monica Lee.  The VW fabric is my favorite.  I would love to have more yardage from this line and fussy cut the fabric into blocks.  Maybe... Ruby comes first!  It was high time I got the HB pillowcases done since Punkie's birthday is on Thursday!  I'm going to put them on her bed tomorrow.

Next I worked on my September gift for Melissa in our Santa Sack swap.  I can't show you the whole thing since it's a SECRET and Melissa will be opening the gift at Christmas time but I'll show a sneak peek.

Oooo.  I wonder what is it?!

Then Amelia walked in the door and I had to focus on her.  While we were catching up and just relaxing together, I worked on finishing my May Birdie block.  SO CLOSE!  I don't have much left to do on it.  I'll show you that soon.  Only done as far as May and September is right around the corner.  Such a slacker!

Once Amelia was in bed, I was going to forget about the rest of the night and just veg out.  But I got restless and ventured back into the sewing room.  I have 10 more blocks to work on in my latest quilt top but I wasn't feeling it.  Sooooo, I pulled a new project out of my hat.  I picked out my strips and got them cut to length for a new.... TOTE!  I need a new one like I need a hole in my head!  I purchased the Fresh Treat Fabrics book a while back and this tote really caught my eye so I got started on it.

I may have a little problem finding yardage for it in Bliss.  Well, yardage on SALE.  I'm not spending over $8.00 a yard when I know this is an older line.  I've seen it online for almost $11.00 a yard.  No thanks!  I may just do red and aqua dots or something. 

So there is it.  My FNSI results.  Now I can get outta here and finish grocery shopping for Amelia's party tomorrow!

Enjoy your day!
Jen

Friday Night Sew In Results

One more row needed to be finished but I pooped out.  At least I got this far.  One more row and 2 borders and I can call this a completed top.  Very happy.

Pattern is Sweet Pea by Heather Mulder Peterson.  Fabric is Sanibel

I hope to get the last row done today.  We'll see how it goes.  We're getting ready to hit the road on Monday.  We're headed up to Lake George, NY for a few days.  Our "big" vacation for the year.  It's been a while since I've been there so I'm looking forward to the trip.  Amelia doesn't know.  She's clueless.  We're staying at a big hotel with an indoor waterpark.  I don't know how much of Lake George I'm actually going to see!  I think we'll be spending all our time at the water park.  So I'm busy picking up the house and getting laundry done, finishing packing... that sort of thing.  I may be a nut but I like to come home to a clean house.  So I need to bust out the vacuum and such.  Amelia will probably go run and hide before I give her any chores.

Have a great weekend!
Jen

Friday Night Sew In...

is happening this Friday, June 17th.  Head over to Crafty Vegas Mom to sign up if you're interested.

Enjoy what is left of Sunday!
Jen

Friday Night Sew In Results... A few days late

Hello there!  Well, I DID participate in the FNSI but just took the time now to snap a couple of pictures.  The weather here has just been gray and cold, wet and dreary.  And my motivation went with it.  Truly has been lazy weather.  Today, the sun is trying to peek out and it has warmed up.  My heart goes out to those in the Midwest with the weather they are having.  I hope that sometime soon, they will catch a break.

A few years ago and a visit to TX, I purchased a table runner pattern, charm packs and yardage to go with it.  I started making the blocks when I got home from that trip and never thought of it again.  It's been my mission since I've been home to work through at least some of my WIPs and get them done.  I finished piecing the table runner a few weeks ago and I quilted it during this last FNSI.  Nothing fancy.  Just some straight line quilting.

I used Cotton Blossom charm packs.  It will be for my buffet or table this Fall.

Today I pulled out another WIP and I'm getting blocks pieced.  Maybe by the end of the week, I'll have a top to show you.

Enjoy your day!
Jen

Friday Night Sew In - TONIGHT

I signed up.  Have you?  I don't know what I'm going to work on.  I have a tablerunner that has been in my WIP stash for about 2 years now.  I finally got the top pieced a couple of weeks ago and then I walked away from it.  Maybe I'll prep it and get it quilted.  It's dark in color so it will be for either my dining table or buffet for the Fall.

But more exciting news... we have a new mattress being delivered this afternoon!  HOORAY!!!  Maybe I'll get a decent night's sleep tonight for the first time in months.  We got the Tempur-Cloud Supreme.  Oh what a COMFY mattress.  I can't wait to get to sleep tonight!  I REALLY wanted the ergo adjustable foundation where I can raise my head and feet too but my husband wasn't buying it.  Shucks!  Maybe we can upgrade in the future.

Enjoy your day!
Jen

Friday Night Sew In Results

I got some sewing done yesterday.  I also got side-tracked by another 'need to make' project.  I focused my time pretty much on getting that one done.  But I'm not finished with it yet.

I've ignored my Bliss Disappearing 9 patch blocks for some time now.  I finally pulled those back out and got 4 more done.  They haven't "disappeared" yet.  If my math is correct (and it hardly ever is), I think I need 36 blocks plus sashing and borders for the top to fit my bed just the way I would want it to.  I need my husband to do the calculation for me to double check.

Postage Stamp top - 6 more blocks done.  Rachel is way ahead of me!  I have lots of sewing to do to catch up.  My plan is to sew some more this afternoon.  At least for an hour.

And the 'need to make' project.  If you are familiar with the site youcanmakethis.com and are a "fan" of them on Facebook, they are giving a free download until the end of the month for a super cute Summer wallhanging.  Mine isn't completely finished yet but I'm super close.  It will be done next week.  At least that is my plan (minus quilting and binding of course).  I'll show it again when I have the white blocks completed.

There you have it.  My FNSI results.  I have something else I've been working on.  I'll show that soon.  I know I've been complaining about my non-working status but I've been getting tons done in the sewing department.  I just feel guilty sewing the day away so I've made a schedule for myself.  House chores in the morning (or errands or whatever) and sewing after lunch.  It has worked out for me.  Someone suggested that to me in a comment in one of my blog posts.  I can't remember who but it has worked.

OH!  One more thing... today is my husband's birthday!  We did our little family celebration last night with a delicious ham dinner, a sinful chocolate truffle "bomb" dessert and presents.  This morning, Punk and I treated him to breakfast out and this afternoon, we're going to his parents for steak dinner and cake.  Weekend full of celebrating.  Happy Birthday Honey!  We love you!

Enjoy your day!
Jen

Friday Night Sew-In Results

I got about 30 minutes of sewing in last night for the Friday Night Sew-in while Amelia was taking her bath.  I started sewing in the afternoon because I had a feeling I wasn't going to get much done when she got home.  I'm glad I did that.

Here's what I got done.  I started this tablerunner on Thursday evening.  It was featured on Sherri's blog during the Be Mine blog tour.  I added a few more borders to mine to make it wider.  It's a tad too big for my table but that's fine.  It's a bit of fun for Spring.  I used Dilly Dally by Me and My Sister Designs.  I love their fabric.  It's very bright, young and girly and it just appeals to me.  Plus I'm digging the orange and pink together!

Next up, I finally FINALLY started blocks for a quilt for MY bed.  WOOHOO!  I'm doing a Bliss disappearing 9 patch.  Quick and easy.  I got 4 blocks done yesterday.  I'm thinking if I make 4 blocks a week, I'm in good shape to get it done by Spring/Summer.  I'm going to use a 3" sashing in between each block and I think a double border.

Lastly, I made 3 Make Life pinwheels.  These will be made into throw pillows for my couch.  I wanted to get the whole throw pillow block done last night but Amelia wanted to do a movie night so I stopped sewing, popped some popcorn and settled down with her for the rest of the evening.

It is really cold here.  I'm hoping this afternoon Amelia will let me sew some more.  Well, my chores are calling me.  Better get back to work!

Enjoy your day!
Jen

Friday Night Sew In

It's BACK!  Are you in?  I think I'm going to try really hard to sew tomorrow night.  Even if it's just for an hour or so.

Click HERE and sign up too!


Enjoy your day!
Jen

Friday Night Sew In Results

This Friday's sew-in was a bit of a bust for me.  I took the day off from work to get some things finished and started around the house for the upcoming holidays and sewing just didn't fit into my schedule the way I would have liked.

Only thing that I sat down to finish was finishing the hand sewing the binding on my 12 Days of Christmas table runner.  It's on my table now.  One more Christmas decoration on display.  LOL.

I found the backing at one of the LQS here and I really like it.  Red snowflakes.  Coordinates will with 12 Days of Christmas.  They also had it in blue but the blue was too royal blue for the top.  I have plans to get more of both for my stash.  Would make a cute stocking cuff, wouldn't it?

Other than that, I got some cleaning done.  Our tree is up and lit but not decorated.  That is on the agenda today.  I got some dark chocolate almond cranberry bark made and some dark chocolate cookies baked.  Oh. And some gifts wrapped.  Today's plan is to make the dough for oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, continue wrapping, decorate the tree and have Amelia finish her last beaded snowflakes for her gifts.  Busy busy day!

Have a good one!
Jen

Friday Night Sew In Results

The title to this post should really be "Friday DAY Sew In Results".  I had Friday off and I got lots done. 

I got her stocking done!!  WOOHOO!!  And I LOVE IT!!  LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!  I did a simple stocking but it is adorable.  I modified the pattern a bit.  The way it is written will give exposed raw edges on the inside and I think I've collected enough knowledge in my bag and tote making that I could handle changing things up.  So instead of quilting the lining pieces with the top and batting, I made two separate parts and attached them as I would a bag lining.  And I embroidered Amelia's name.  Did I tell you that I love it??

fabric - Be Merry by Riley Blake

I really wanted the red snowman fabric from this line but I couldn't find it.  I searched and searched.  So I settled on the green.

I made some Dr. Seuss pillowcases that will go under the tree for her to open.

And some Christmas candy/winter ones for her bed for now.

Lastly, I made a treat bag using the tutorial that Kim kindly shared with us back in October.  I plan on making a second one and using them for Amelia's teacher's Christmas gifts.

That is what I got done during my Friday DAY sew in.  And I'm really happy!  Looking forward to next week's sew-in.  I have plans to work on my BOM blocks.

Enjoy your day!
Jen

Friday Night Sew In Results

Hooray!  I got some sewing in AND I did a Christmas craft with Amelia.

First - I got the letters started for another personalized pillow.  This one is for my BFF's youngest daughter.  She is turning 1 at the beginning of December.  I can't be there for her big birthday bash (they live in Texas) but I will send a gift.  I need to work on the border and get the pillow all together.  I will show you again once I'm done with it.

Next up, Amelia and I beaded some snowflake ornaments for the grandparents for Christmas gifts.

Pretty!

 Here is a close up of Amelia's.  This one is for my mom.

And this one is mine.  Well, it's going to go to my Secret Santa swap recipient.  I should take a picture of my table topper.  I'm all done with it.  I just need to make a label for it.  I'll show you soon.

  
I also got some prep done for a quilting class that I'm taking tomorrow.  My husband was feeling a bit better so he kept Amelia entertained so that I can do some sewing and then I entertained her with some beading so that he could rest.  It worked out and I'm happy about that.

Now I can shift focus (again) and finish my Bliss tote.  It's really coming along!

Enjoy your day!
Jen

Friday Night Sew In Results

I did get a little bit done yesterday.  I would have liked to get one more thing done but it didn't work out.  I was tired.

I finished the pinwheel table runner top that I started.  It needs to be quilted but I want to see if my LQS has the Blush fabric.  They did carry some of it once upon a time.  I'll just need to hunt for it.  If not, I'll find a soft brown to use.  This is for my cousin in celebration of her 40th birthday.

Next is part one of my embroidery project for myself.  I like it.  Hopefully my vision comes through when it's all done.

I did wash some Halloween fabric to make pillowcases for Punkie but I was too lazy to walk down into the basement to get it out of the dryer.  Which reminds me... I think it's still down there. LOL!

That's it.  Feels good to get something done.  Now I'm going to concentrate on getting Punkie's Halloween costume done and the table runner quilted.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Jen

Friday Night Sew In

I haven't been able to join the last few months.  I think the last one I participated in was in June.  September's FNSI is on the 17th.  Are you going to join us??  Go here to sign up!

Enjoy your day!
Jen

Friday Night Sew In - Results

I didn't get as much done as I would have liked.  I had a little person very curious as to what I was doing... no matter how much Daddy was supposed to keep an eye on her for me.

So.  This is what I got done.  Block eight for the Jelly Roll Sampler.  I really like how this one came out.  I really do.  I changed the center 9 patch a bit.  I think Kim did the same which is probably where I got my inspiration from.  I really didn't like the look of this block to begin with.  I thought it was very busy looking.  I changed 4 of the strip pieced blocks to 4 solid and I really like it.

The other thing I got done were a couple of pillowcases for Amelia.  Cute.  I love the yellow Birdie fabric.  I got my inspiration from Twiddletails.  She made the same pillowcases and I knew Amelia would love them.  I tried a new pillowcase tutorial which I really, really like!  No raw edges anywhere and EASY to do!  None of this "burrito" folding or what-have-you.

I really wanted to get the borders on Amelia's quilt but it was so hot in the house.  The AC was slow to get going and I just didn't feel like messing anything up so I stopped after getting the pillowcases done and jumped into the shower to cool off.

Okay, Amelia really wants to go outside and splash in her pool so I must be going.  Have a great day!
Jen :)

Friday Night Sew In - Are you ready?

Today is the monthly Friday Night Sew In.  What are you going to be working on?  I had all kinds of plans to make it a Friday Afternoon and Night Sew In but plans have changed.  Amelia was supposed to be in New Hampshire with my in-laws this weekend but now she's home so I know I won't get any sewing done in the afternoon.  I MAY get a little in during the evening hours.

So with that said, I have long list but we'll see what will get done.  My list goes like this...

• put the final borders on Amelia's quilt and get it ready for quilting
• get the 8th block together for the JRS.  I have everything cut.  Just need to piece it
• make a few pillowcases for Amelia.  I have the fabric all washed and a few are cut and ready.  I have fabric for 3 sets for her
• start my pin cushion for my swap.  Ugh.  That one is giving me a headache.  The requirement was for a "fancy" pin cushion but I'm not really fancy.  I have a few ideas to make a few FUN pin cushions.  I hope that will pass with my partner. 
• start a Schnibbles.  I haven't made one yet but I have my pattern picked out and my charm squares
• finish cutting fabric for a quilt that I started back in January

If I can get the first two done off my list, I will be happy.  :)

Have fun sewing!
Jen :)

Friday Night Sew-In

June 18th is the date this month.  I missed the last two but I'm going to join this one.  I'm sure I'll have plenty to work on by then.

C'mon and join us!  It will be fun!

Jen  :)

Friday Night Sew In Results

This is going to be a short post.  I'm totally under the weather and I think I have either a really good cold or the start of the flu.  Not good.

So this is what I got finished during my Friday Sew All Day marathon.  Please excuse the poor picture set up.  I have no energy to walk outside and take nicer pictures.  It's gorgeous here today and I had all kinds of ideas to clean out my gardens.  Ain't gonna happen.

Charm Pinwheel tote for my hairdresser made out of Verna charms.

My potholders for the 2nd swap.

And my pillowcase donation for Jackie.

I'm off to go pass out now.

Jen

Friday Night Sew In

Are you going to join in?  I am and I'm totally looking forward to it.  I have plans to make it an ALL DAY Friday sew-in.  Work is just getting on my nerves and my brain (and attitude!) needs a break.  And I think sewing all day and watching/listening to movies is just the break I need.

I have lots of stuff planned out that I want to work on.  First off, I need to get my potholders done for the 2nd swap I joined.  I only have one partially pieced together.  But I'm hoping to have those both pieced together before Friday so all I have to do is quilt them. 

Next on my list is a pinwheel charm bag for my hairdresser.  She really liked the one I made for myself and Punkie to share so I'm making one for her.  My next hair appointment is on the 27th so I would REALLY like to get it done and give it to her then.  But if I don't, it WILL be done for my April "beautification" appointment.

Another project I want off my To Do list... pillowcase donation.  Jackie had posted that her guild is going to donate pillowcases to a local charity and I told her that I would make one or two.  And I totally forgot.  And I think the deadline is in April.  GAAAH!  So Jackie, if you are reading this... I'm still committed!  Just forgot!  I'll at least get ONE to you!

And if I still have time, energy and my sanity, I would like to continue with my 4 patch blocks for Punkie's quilt.  And I think I have something else I wanted to get done but I can't remember what so it must not be that important right now.

If you have time and want to join the fun, click on the Friday Night Sew In button on my sidebar and sign up!

Enjoy your day!
Jen  :)

My Friday Night Sew In Results

I got quite a bit done and I'm happy.  I started early (4 p.m.) because I knew once Punkie got home, I wouldn't get much more sewing done.  She horned in on my sewing time anyway and wanted to work on her sewing project.  I'll share that with you another time.

Okay, what I accomplished...

First, I can only show you this because I'm working some something special for Easter and I have lurkers/peekers and I don't want to spoil the surprise!

Second, I put a binding on some paper piecing blocks (my first) that I did last year.  I'm going to hang it up somehow in my new sewing room.

Lastly, a Spring table runner made from Fresh (Deb Strain).  I really like it!  I hustled today to get it quilted and the binding on so that it is done, done, done!  One table runner OFF my To Do list!  WooHOO!!  Inspiration came from Kris and her Valentine's Day runner.  I just loved it and so easy to put together.  I will say that I ripped out rows about 4 times because I stitched them on upside down.  So much for the husband keeping the child occupied!

 

 

But it's done and I love it.  I machine-sewed the binding on.  And my quilting... well, I need practice.  I wanted to do swirls and loops on it but I totally chickened out and I just followed the blocks.  One of these days I will practice my free-motion quilting.  Someday.

Thank you Heidi and Bobbi for organizing.  Looking forward to the next one!

Enjoy your day!
Jen :)