"Do You Realize What You've Done?"

During a conversation I had recently with a good friend, she asked me "Do you realize what you have done in the last 6 months?" Not thinking I said "No, what" she started to remind me of all the things I have accomplished in the last 6 months. Wow, I have been productive! 

1) I started this Blog. 

2) I became Moderator for the Groups IO for Our Time To Quilt site as well as on the Live Streams on Sundays.

3) I helped Co-Create our Jitsi Sit N Stitch on the 3rd Saturday. That was such a hit with the ladies we are now have it on the 2nd & 3rd Saturday's of each month.

4) I began to Cross Stitch.

5) I began to work on applique with the button hole stitch.

6) I started Journaling in a Big Happy Planner.

7) I created a Project Happy Planner to keep track of my current  projects.

8) I became a Tester for The Quilt Pattern Magazine. Who would of guessed I would enjoy testing quilt patterns. Not Me!

9) I organized my sewing room, then decided it needed to be re-arranged to be more functional. 

10) Another good friend let me know that she started listening to Brené Brown. I let her know I remember hearing the name before but never listened to her. She told me to look up her podcast or on You Tube. I am glad I did. I realized I am my own worse enemy, in turn I found my Self-Worth again. Have I told you how lucky I am to have such great friends! 

Well I am going to sign off for now. I hope you are surrounded by people you love and who love you. 

Enjoy The Walk

Susan

Ok So I Totally Missed Posting In April

 I thought I would catch up with everyone seeing how I totally missed posting in April. I can tell Summer is around the corner life is getting to be busy again. We recently purchased 8 acres, what a ride that has been.

I just finished Rows 5 & 6 of the 9 Patch Row quilt, you guessed it Row 7 is already out. Row 8 is just around the corner. With all that is going on I am doing alright with keeping up with it. 

I also started working on Ladies Aid New York Sampler. These blocks are fun to stitch. I have block 1 done and will get block 2 started this week. So this block will be cut down to 15 1/2" an finish at 15". I haven't trimmed it yet. Row 2 has a Cow I can't wait to choose the fabric for it!

In between working on these lovely projects I am also working on a few 12 Days of Christmas gifts. I am not able to share those with you though as the person receiving them reads my blog. 

Well I know the post was a short one but I have a million things going right now and have to run. 

Enjoy The Walk

Susan

Where Did February Go?

I swear I don't know what happened. I was working on a Test quilt pattern from The Quilt Pattern Magazine, I looked up and it was March already. Where did February go? Did something like this happen to you as well?

I must admit the Test pattern did have my full attention it is so cute! I can't wait to be able to share it with you. I have the top completed. Do you call it a quilt top or a flimsy? I never did understand when or why calling them flimsy's started. 

I find myself sitting in my sewing room looking at it wondering "How should I quilt you?" Sometimes I can have tops for years and they don't speak to me on how they want to be quilted. However, that is not an option with a Test quilt, now is it? LOL It will come to me. 

I remember working on "Owl You Need Is Love" an Accu Quilt pattern in February. I have it fused together but I have not began the button hole stitching around the applique pieces yet. My dear friend Bonni came to my rescue once again. She seen that I was struggling to find just the right DMC floss for one of the main colors so of course she had just the perfect color and sent it out in the mail. Believe it or not snail mail took it's sweet time to make sure it arrived. OMG I swear it was over 3 weeks for it to arrive. Thank goodness it wasn't a Test quilt. This is what it looks like so far:

I am also working on a few BOM's (Block Of The Month) for those who are wondering what a BOM is. One is Civil War Quilts:2021 Hands All Around: Alcotts At War by Barbara Brackman. You can check it out by going to the following link. I know it seems quite long but it will take you right there.

https://civilwarquilts.blogspot.com/2020/12/2021-pieced-bom-hands-all-around.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+CivilWarQuilts+%28Civil+War+Quilts

After speaking with Bonni it was decided that EQ8 and Block Base would be of great use to be able to make these blocks. I decided the recent bonuses from work would come in handy at this point. So I ordered the both as well as the EQ8 Instruction book for beginners. I see a lot of fun ahead. 

2nd BOM is "The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt" Letter from 1920s Farm Wives and the 111 blocks they inspired by Laurie Aaron Hird. Our Time To Quilt Members are doing this together on Jitsi the 3rd Saturday's of the month. Here are some of those yummy blocks:

 

3rd BOM is on Facebook from World Wide BOM these are the ones I have completed so far: 

I am still working on Simple Yet Elegant, there is a lot of button hole stitching to do with those blocks. I think this will take me all year. 

There are other projects I will be working on with Pattern Pastiche, once I have them started I will share those photos as well. I hope you are all doing well and that your stitching either by hand or machine brings you as much peace and enjoyment as mine does. Until next time. 

Enjoy The Walk

Susan

STITCHING OVER THE HOLIDAYS

I am happy to say that I was able to do one of the things I love. I was able to immerse myself in stitching over the holidays. Are you one who tends to take on more than you should for the holidays? Do you have big ideas and great plans? Well, that is exactly what I did this year.

This is my story. Our granddaughters quilt needed to be quilted and bound, our grandsons need to have the dinosaur appliques button hole stitched, quilted and bound. Our daughters needed to be quilted and bound. Let us not forget the two test quilts I signed up to test. Yes, you read correctly, two test quilts. If case you were not aware, with test quilts there are deadlines. Holidays or not those must be met. I have this, or so I thought. The first test quilt was due December 28th, the second test quilt was due January 11th. I should be able to do this without a problem.

I will work on the grandchildren's, then our daughters and still have time to complete the test quilts in time. I set out with great intentions, I reviewed what I needed to accomplish. The first item was a baby quilt for our granddaughter. It warmed my heart to be able to finish it. I even included my first label. Hmmm, I never thought I would include a label on one of my quilts. I guess they are right when they say “Never Say Never” whoever they are.

Then I began to work on those lovely dinosaurs, each stitch making me smile brighter and brighter. I think I even giggled a time or two. While working on the dinosaurs we came to the conclusion that we wouldn't be able to see them until after New Years. That stung a little but was the right thing to do so okay I decided to move on to the next one and I would come back to his to finish it so I could meet the deadlines without a problem.

All I had to do was quilt our daughters as the top had already been completed. Which is probably the one I should have began with. Then I could devote the rest of the time to the test quilts. Okay, enough negativity get moving. I had a plan of action.

I think someone thought it was time I learned a lesson, that was way over due. The lesson of planning ahead. Have you ever heard the saying "Don't put all of your eggs in one basket?" Well that is exactly what I did. Boy did I pay for it. They say Stress is a killer, man I thought for sure I was heading that way.

This is how the lesson was taught. After working all the way up to Christmas Eve on our daughters to make sure it would be under the tree before Christmas morning. I looked over the test quilts knowing the first one was due in 3 days I began putting it together. Okay that went well. Then I began the second quilt. I thought okay this is going to work out well. Famous last words.

When I began the piecing process I had an unexpected visitor. Have you ever had a visitor who over stayed their welcome? Unfortunately I did. I bet you can guess his name, if you think about it. My visitor was none other than Jack. Needless to say during this extended stay, Jack and I got to know each other real well. How long was his visit you ask? The entire time it took for me to finish the second test quilt.

Jack kept me company with each and every block. We spent more time together with this quilt than any I have ever placed under my needle. Why some blocks we even visited 2-3 times. I was frustrated as well as embarrassed. Why was this happening? I love to piece quilt blocks together. This is how I learned to quilt. Watching them come to life just makes me smile, it sparks something in me that keeps me wanting to create even more. Jacks visit took it's toll on me. This is when the doubt set in.

I will admit while working on these two test quilts I began to wonder if I had lost my touch when it came to piecing. I began to question if I was up to putting together this last test quilt. I was actually looking forward to hand stitching or my applique blocks. Did I say that out loud? Man, don't let Bonni know I said that. I'll never live that one down. Guess I shouldn't have teased her so much about her hand stitching and love of applique. Maybe she learned the lesson sooner than I did.

Why was Jack able to over extended his stay so long? Let’s take a deeper look into the reason behind Jack's visit:

• One quilt for our daughter by Christmas, completed on Christmas Eve no less. 
• One test quilt due right after Christmas and one two weeks later. So that means the fabric for both quilt’s had to be cut and ready to sew right after the holidays.
• Having said daughter begin not to feel so well during this time. Talk about stressful. 
• Additional stress from the holidays, not being able to visit family and friends. 
• Missing family members who are no longer with us. 
• Discovering I did not allow enough time for all of the above. 

Well I had deadlines to meet. Like they say "Suck it up, Buttercup". Again, who are they? So I pulled up my big girl britches. I was not going to back down. Yes, I was up for the challenge. Yes, there were elements of the blocks I had not attempted before; and yes, there were more points than a compass has that needed to match up. I was determined to make those deadlines. It was down to the wire but I did it.

From this lesson I have learned:

I will continue to miss our family members we lost this past year no matter how much time has gone by. Was everything accomplished? It was. Was it how I wanted it to be accomplished? No. I must be accountable for what I accept to take on. Stress is not one of them.

The end of the year may have taken me through more that I thought but it taught me more than I would have ever guessed. Did I love how everything turned out? Most of it yes. Am I done? No, I still have to quilt my grandson's quilt that will be delivered by Monday. Will we be able to visit with the grandchildren I do not believe so, sigh😞. Will they be covered in love, you betcha!

Moral of this holiday adventure:

Either don’t take on so much or allow for more time to do everything you want to get done. Hmmm, which one do you think will happen next year? I think I need to start in July for the next holiday season. What do you think? 😊

P.S.
Did I forget to mention that I told myself over and over that I needed to update my blog? You bet I did. It has been brought to my attention quite plainly that I need to use the planner I printed out for 2021. This way I can make sure I am on track for all that I want to get in the coming year. I have January already filled in with my plans for the month. I will let you know how it works out for me.

Enjoy The Walk

Susan

Good Bye to 2020 Hello 2021

Well my hubby made sure I stayed awake on New Year's Eve, he knows I am usually asleep by midnight but he knew how important it was to say Good-bye to 2020 and Hello to 2021. If you are anything like me you were happy to see it go. Shortly after as expected, I was asleep. I was dreaming of all the projects and plans I have for 2021. 

New Year's Day began by starting a Jitsi session for my favorite group of ladies. They are the members of Our Time To Quilt. I was happy to start the session so they could spend time together while working on Mary Mayhem's Mystery Quilt. Of course there was some Hand Quilting going on, oh and I mustn't forget the fabulous Double Wedding Ring. There is so much talent in this group.  I, however, only stayed for a few minutes as my journey was heading in a different direction. 

I did check back with them to see how their projects were coming along. Wow, is all I can say.  If you are a quilter and would like to hang out with other quilters you should join us on Sunday afternoons at 3:00pm Eastern Time (NY Time) on You Tube. Just look for Our Time To Quilt, we'd love to have you join us.

Back to my journey , it began buy collecting the fabrics for my 4th test pattern I am testing for The Quilt Pattern Magazine. Once my fabric was selected I sat down to read the directions. The cutting instructions are where I begin. Where do you start? Are you one who reads the directions? Or are you one who just jumps right in, because you just can't wait to play with all that gorgeous fabric? 

I can tell you I was glad I read the instructions. Little did I know the fabric I had picked for the borders was shy by 3 inches. I would have only had my self to blame if I began cutting my fabric only to end up short. You could just imagine how surprised I was. I could have sworn there was more there than actually was. Phew thank goodness for those cutting instructions.  Next step to decide on another border fabric. I was off and running, no not with scissors I have too many projects I want to get done in 2021. 

Here's a little Tid-Bit for you. Surprisingly, I have a friend who tells me to get a grip on my O.C.D. and to move on when working on projects. She tells me I over think things too much. I still don't know what she is talking about. Me O.C.D. she must have me confused with one of her other friends. LOL Hmmm, I wonder if this what they call denial? I'll have to get back with you, the voices in my head haven't made a decision yet. It's best to move on when they are in this kind of debate. Better not to disturb them. 😉

Okay it is confession time. I may be just a little O.C.D. I admit I am one who cuts the fabric, all at once. I label them as I place them in zip lock bags. Each part has their own little home until needed. This may seem strange to some but it is how I have always tackled quilting. One cut at a time, one label at a time. 

I call tell you though, the way I tackle a quilt makes my friend just shake her head and sigh sometimes. I think the way I walk through the process drives her nuts. It is the only way I know how to keep on track so I know where everything is. She is more the "Fly by the seat of your pants" type, she still pulls off some amazing work let me tell you. They say opposites attract. I think we keep each accountable. We learn a lot from each other. I tell you what I would be lost without her this past year. She is always there for me, even when I'm walking through the process. LOL 

Did you set any goals or resolutions for 2021. I have learned to set goals. I tried to set resolutions once it didn't work out so well. Needless to say, they just aren't my cup of tea. Well, one of my goals for 2021 is organization. To begin I decided to straighten up my sewing room. Changes were needed so more creativity could flow without disruption. I am now able to get to my WIPs (works in progress) I have so sadly neglected. To do this, I created a staging station for them so I know which project is next on my list to do. It also let's them know I have not forgotten them. You know what they say "Out of sight, out of mind" well there's no chance of that anymore. 

Getting back on track, I am not quite finished with my inner sanctum I call my sewing room. There will be many stages of organization to have it running like a well oiled machine. So once I enter I am easily able to access my current obsession, I mean project. I am organizing my work stations to be more productive. I have my projects within my reach so there will be more finished projects in the near future.  

I have found a little snafu so to speak. Since I rearranged, I am now able to get to all of those quilt magazines and pattern books I have been hoarding over the years. I mean collecting for research purposes. At least that is what I tell my husband. Shhh it is our little secret. I am not sure if that is a good thing or not? I may find myself squirreling more than usual with all of those delicious patterns and appliques all within reach. I guess only time will tell. 

Stay tuned for other goals that include: beginning quilts I have wanted to do for many, many years, finishing quilts I have left alone for longer than I should have, then there is the counted cross stitch I was introduced to last year. You really don't want me to get started on the Heave and Earth Designs I have found myself drawn to like a moth to a flame. That will have to be another blog. 

Well, I have to run for now I need to bind a quilt for my granddaughter, quilt my grandsons and pick out the binding for his. No one ever told me having grand children would be this much fun. I will also be putting together the test quilt top that is due by January 11th. I must make some time for my Simple Yet Elegant applique blocks, there are also my Christmas In Jacksonville embroidery blocks that will require attention as well. Oh least I forget, Corona Ville House blocks from all the ladies who participated in the block exchange from Our Time To Quilt must come together just like we did during the pandemic. Well I'm off, in more ways than one. LOL

Here is to a New Year full of peace, love, and joy. Blessings.

Enjoy The Walk

Susan

A Question On Everyone's Mind "Where Does The Time Go?"

During the Holiday Season I always seem to find myself asking "Where Does The Time Go?" I have so many ideas on what I want to do for the holidays; but never seem to have enough time to complete them. 

I was able to get more done than I thought I would this year thanks to someone near and dear to me Ms. Bonni who is otherwise known as "Elfkins" to those she holds close to her heart. I was amazed at how she kept me on track through our Jitsi stitching sessions. 

I am flabbergasted at everything she walked me through to make sure I would come out of my comfort zone in one piece. We began with the stem stitch with "Christmas In Jacksonville". Of course I was a little intimidated by this technique so I only chose to use two colors of DMA thread: 498 Dark Red or Christmas Red as we call it Turkey Red; the second choice was 3818 Ultra Very Dark Emerald instead of the 6-8 they wanted us to use. 

These are the completed blocks, of course there are more that have been traced onto the fabric and are ready for stitching. I am already ahead of the game for next year! Yay! When you embroider the stem stitch, do you use a hoop or stitch in hand? Inquiring minds would like to know. 

Shenanigans' were underfoot with my next adventure. Where do you think we will go to next? That would be the fascinating world of Applique. Having only limited exposure to this beautiful area of quilting I was intrigued. Once again I was introduce to another avenue to explore. Follow me as I am introduced to "Simple Yet Elegant". So many thoughts danced around in my head. The most important question of all: "Would I be able to demonstrate the skills it took to create such enchanting blocks"? Only time would tell.

In no more than a blink of any eye I was inquiring how the patterns came to life. Bonni came to the rescue once again. Bet you can guess what came next? Our nightly Jitsi sessions where she taught me the steps it took to learn Applique: 

• Cut the foundation pieces of fabric to apply your Appliques to.
• Trace the pattern pieces to the fusible. 
• Iron the fusible to the fabric. 
• Cut the pattern pieces out of the fabric with said fusible attached. 
• Ironing the fused fabric pieces to the foundation block with your master pattern. For this step it is best if you have a light box so you are not guessing if your pieces are going where they are intended to be. 
• Last but not least came the Button Hole Stitching of fused Applique pieces. 

This Jitsi session was very painful for Bonni as I could not wrap my head around what she was showing me. Enter You Tube once again. Needless to say I am able to Button Hole Stitch now but I of course do it backwards. Don't ask me it is how I processed what I was shown on the videos. LOL

I had the unfortunate lesson to learn: Ironing fusible was not for sissy's. How did I learn this lesson you ask? By ironing the fusible to the right side of the fabric instead of the back side where it belonged of course. I almost cried when I had to throw away the ruined fabric. Lesson learned. So without further todo I proudly submit the Simple Yet Elegant blocks I have Appliqued. No not all of them are stitched but they are fused:

These are the blocks that have been stitched. They still require trimming to the size the pattern calls for:

Okay so now I have the stem stitch down and can fuse applique to the correct side of the fabric, discovered my own unique way to do the button hole stitch. Where will my adventures lead me  to next you ask? The Land Of Dinosaurs! Yes, I said Dinosaurs. I have a grandson who loves Dinosaurs so of course he will need to have a quilt from his Grandma Susan with Dinosaurs on it. Red ones, Blue ones, Orange ones, Purple ones, even Green ones. A little elf guided me through this process as well. Can you guess who she is by now? Yep, you got it Bonni to the rescue once more:

Dino Are Among Us

This lovely quilt is ready to be backed, then quilted. Now how to quilt these rambunctious creatures. That has yet to come to me. 

Now I don't just have a grandson I have a new grand daughter as well. She is just a wee one, only 2 months old. Now I don't think she will appreciate the Applique technique just yet, so a 9 patch will wrap her in love and warmth. Just the right size for a crib. 

Okay so the photo isn't the done with the best of lighting but it was made with tender loving care 💗

Well I must get ready for the live "Our Time To Quilt" on You Tube that is on every Sunday @ 3:05pm Eastern Standard Time (NY Time), time to chat with the ladies and enjoy each others company. 

Be sure to take care of yourselves and each other. Remember a little grace and empathy will go a long way in these times. 

Enjoy The Walk

Susan

The Beginning Of My Journey

Disclaimer: A Professor of English I am not, nor am I a professional stitcher. I will make mistakes. I will not have all the answers to your questions. I choose to be present, not perfect. Well I might be a little O.C.D. maybe just a little. In time you will learn that what I share comes from my heart and my love of creating. If you have questions that I do not know the answer to, I will tell you I don't. If your question is something that intrigues me, I will see if I can find the answer. Maybe someone else on the site may have your answer so we can learn together. I do not believe in bullying, bad behavior, or harassment. These actions will not be tolerated. This is a judgement free area. 

Where to begin? From the beginning is what I have always been told. This journey is not unique in any way, however, it is one that I am drawn to share. If only to touch another soul who has lost their "Mojo" to express to them that they are not alone in this quest we call life. Pull up a chair make sure to have your favorite cup of tea, coffee, soda, or water. It is up to you. Fair warning, I tend to be long winded, it is one of my many weaknesses. I already know this about myself, you do not need to tell me. You may choose to stay or leave, that is also up to you.

This journey begins for a quilter who had suffered many of life's speed bumps in a short period of time; tragically somewhere along the road she lost her creativity. One day while exploring Pinterest she casually clicked on a Cross-Stitch pattern whose colors seemed to have been kissed by rays of sunshine. Oh how they shimmered and shined, how had this happened? Further investigation was a must. Cautiously she clicked one pin then another not wanting to get her hopes up, would she find her lost "Mojo" only time would tell. That first click was just over a year ago, how do I know you ask, that woman was me. Hi, my name is Susan, this is my story. During our time together I will share my adventures into the world of Applique, Cross-Stitching, and crochet one stitch at a time. 

In order to go any further I must give a heartfelt shout out as well as thank you to Bonni. Without her I honestly believe this journey would not have come as far as it has nor been as interesting.  

 

Enjoy The Walk

Susan