Just a Quick Update

I got the first two borders ready for Easy Street today.  I think I had just enough green left if I calculated right!  

Here are my red strips and my 4-patch strips ready to go:

I decided to wait until my Hubby got home to help me wrangle the quilt through the machine.  We went up after dinner and I sewed the first two red strips on.  Then I almost cut my finger off with a pair of scissors, so I decided it was time to call it a night.  I failed to get another picture this evening, but hopefully tomorrow night we'll have time to get the other two red borders on and then I'll take a picture.  Baby steps!!  And it really helps having a second pair of hands to maneuver that quilt with so I need to try to get the borders on this week.  I want to be able to take it with me to the Open House at Quilts by Phyllis on Saturday to pick out that final border!!

Who's ready for Bonnie's next mystery in Quiltmaker Magazine??  It's called Lazy Sunday and I'm anxiously waiting to get started!!

Busy Weekend So Far

Friday I managed to finish Susan & Greg's Memory quilt and my Therapy in Session wall hanging. I took both to Quilts by Phyllis on Saturday to be quilted.  While I was there I picked up a dark purplish red to put on my Easy Street for a first border.  Hopefully I can get it sewn on tomorrow.  My second border I believe is going to be green and teal 4-patches.  My third border I'd like to be a purple with maybe a bit of teal in it.  I'll have to see what I can find.

Here's the Therapy in Session Wall Hanging all sewn together:

I think it's really cute and can't wait to get it up on the wall in my sewing room!

 I'm not going to post any more pictures of Susan & Greg's Memory Quilt until I give it to them.  I think it turned out really nice though and can't wait to share it and lessons learned making it.

Today I cut more 2" strips of green and teal in order to get ready to make those 4-patches for my Easy Street border.  I'm not sure I'm going to have enough green actually.  It will be close!

I also whipped up two more blocks for the Modern Half Square Triangle Quilt-a-Long:

Block 11

Block 12

I've got one more day of sewing tomorrow before I go back to work again.  These long weekends are spoiling me!!  We'll see what I can get in to tomorrow in the sewing room!

Easy Street Progress Part III

Those two middle seams on Easy Street were something else.  I had to wrangle with the fabric a lot.  It was definitely a challenge!

It's a TON of fabric!!! But I finally prevailed and I'm proud to report my middle for Easy Street is done!  YAY!!  Now just to pick out border fabric this weekend.  I won't be able to lay it out on my floor after the borders!!

Easy Street Before Borders

This was so much fun!  I can't wait for Bonnie's next Mystery.

After this I decided I'd work on a little something for the walls of my therapy .... er .... sewing room:

I've just got to sew it all together and it will be done, but I think it's really cute and can't wait to get hung up!!

I also got the setting blocks cut for Susan & Greg's Memory Quilt.  I'd say I made the most of my unexpected day off!!

Almost There

I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel for Easy Street!!  All of my blocks are assembled, the two ends are complete, and I've just got to sew the final row together and assemble the two halves!!  Here's my final row ready to go first thing in the morning since I've got an unexpected day off:

Last Row

Before I pinned them together though to get them ready for sewing, I laid them all out in the floor for a little sneak preview:

Sneaky Peak of Easy Street

I'm so excited to finish this.  Now I just need to decide how I want to border it.  I've seen a lot of great ideas out there in Blogland.  Decisions, decisions ....

I also completed two more blocks for the Modern Half Square Triangle Quilt-a-Long:

Block 09

Block 10

I think I'm really going to like this quilt as well.  I need to decide how I want to set it now that I've got a decent enough number of blocks to play with.  On point?  Framed?  I'm just not sure yet ... anyone got any suggestions??

Easy Street Progress

Easy Street is turning in to Frustrating Street for me.  LOL The pile of blocks just doesn't seem to be getting smaller.  I swear they are reproducing while I'm asleep!

Un-Sewing

My day started off ripping.  I hate ripping.  I laid out the blocks to sew the next row and noticed that I had flipped some geese the wrong direction on one of the blocks.  I was going to just leave it, but I couldn't stand it and decided to make it right.  Anyway, I finally got the next row sewed together:

Row 3

I was feeling a little frustrated because I kept making mistakes. So I thought maybe a little break was in order.  I decided to put together the blocks for January for the Country Threads Sampler Quilt-a-Long:

January Country Threads Quilt-a-Long

The directions had us using rectangles and squares to make the geese, but I pulled out my handy Easy Angle Ruler and went to town.  Bonnie's influence is showing through!!

Then I put together two more blocks for the Modern Half Square Triangle Quilt-a-Long:

Block 7

 

Block 8

Then I went back to Easy Street.  I assembled the other corner then called it quits for the day:

Today's Progress

Baby steps .... I'll add the link to Bonnie's Link up HERE tomorrow.

And I can't resist posting a couple pictures my Hubby snapped of our Feline Children checking out my Easy Street progress:

Keira, Nala, & Khaleesi

Neela

That's it for this week probably.  I'm back to working 10-hour days tomorrow.

Easy Street Progress

I got one more diagonal row put on Easy Street this evening plus a couple of blocks for the next row made.  It's getting big and getting difficult to iron on my little pressing mat.  I  may have to drag out the actual ironing board for the the next row!! It's getting difficult to photograph too.  I need my design wall finished.  I need to ask the Hubby nicely to work on that maybe some this weekend.

Here's my progress:

2 Complete Rows

And here's Kitty Keira modeling Easy Street:

Keira

She seems to like it so far!

Mid Week Sewing & Goals

It was back to work for me today.  Because of the holidays this week though, I have to work 8-hours days instead of 10s so I got home early enough to get a couple hours in at the machine.  I worked on Easy Street - of course!  I got one more block sewn together and the next row partially sewn together.  I failed to take any pictures but if I get the row finished tomorrow I will be sure to post one of the progress.

I also made blocks 5 & 6 for the Modern Half Square Triangle Quilt-a-Long. 

Block 05

Block 06

I've still got a little ways to go to get caught up, but I'm steadily making progress.

I don't do New Year's Resolutions, but I was thinking that having a set goal during Easy Street sure did make it easier to keep up with that quilt.  So, I thought I'd pick 12 UFOs from my pile and work towards finishing them in the year 2013.  As soon as I figure out how to add them to the side bar I will put them there and then mark them off as I finish them (hopefully).  I've debated with myself over whether to include Easy Street in that list and I've finally decided that I will not since I'm well on my way with that one.  So without further ado, here is my UFO Goals for 2013 in no particular order:

1. Susan & Greg's Memory Quilt
2. Smith Mountain Morning
3. Vintage Rouge
4. Amish with a Twist
5. Delectable Mountains
6. Hopin' Hares Table Runner
7. Mountain Quilt Quest 2011 Quilt
8. Patchwork Party 2012 Quilt
9. Cottage Sampler
10. All Paths Lead Home
11. Vintage Kansas City Star BOM
12. 45 & Life to Go

Wow ... it seems a little ambitious seeing it in writing like that, but I'll do my best.  If I get them done, I do, if not, hey, there's always next year, right?  Right.

Easy Street Part 8

Today was the big reveal and I have to say I LOVED IT!!!  I can't wait to get this finished! First, I finished up my large triangles from yesterday. My plan was to make at least one Block A and one Block B today.  After I got my Block A done, I couldn't resist ... I had to go ahead and sew the setting triangles on and complete the quilt corner:

Block A Sewn in Place

Then, I did a little blog surfing and saw that a few people were kitting up their blocks.  That seemed like a good idea, so I set out to lay out each block and baggie them up.  I came up about 24 green 3.5" blocks short by the way.  I'm not sure if I made a cutting/counting error or if the pattern was off.  But now the blocks are all kitted up and ready to go.

Kitted Blocks and Setting Triangles

Next, I put together a Block B:

Block B

Here Block B is laying up against the corner I assembled:

Block B laying in Place

I'm really excited about finishing this quilt.  I hope I can keep up the momentum.  Sadly, I have to return to work tomorrow.  I guess I've got to pay for all this fabric some how!

Easy Street Part 7

Happy New Year Y'all!!

When I woke up this morning I quickly grabbed my phone to read what Bonnie had posted for us.  And mistakenly I thought that it was going to be another quick one so I procrastinated long enough that I didn't get quite done before I left for New Year's dinner with my Hubby.

First I sewed the geese to the background blocks:

Step One: Geese & Backgrounds

That wasn't so bad.  Then I did the 4 triangle sections that will possibly be the quilt corners .... I guess we'll find out for sure tomorrow!

Step Two: Smaller Triangles

Next I started on the second set of triangles we were to assemble.  For some reason I had a horrible time getting started on these.  I laid the pieces out and then rearranged them again, again.  I'm not really sure what my problem was, but once I got over it, it actually went pretty smooth and quick. My husband came upstairs to check on the progress and actually set up a second table for me.  With all the pieces it actually helped.  That may have been what got me over my issue laying out pieces.

Step Three: Larger Triangles

I got six done before we left for dinner.  So six more tomorrow.  When I originally read the directions this morning, I didn't realize we were making12 of these.  I guess that's why I waited so long to get with it today.  You can see all the remaining pieces up in the corner.  We barely made a dent in them!!

I'm anxious to see what tomorrow holds and sad at the same time that this Mystery Quilt is coming to an end.  It's been a lot of fun and I will be counting the days until next year's!!

On a side note, today is my Toby's Birthday.  Toby Touch-Me-Not is his registered name .... and it is SO fitting!  He's my boy, but very intolerant of everybody else.  I love him and his bad attitude though!!

Here he is posing for the camera.  He's the handsome gray boy on the left.  He wants you to ignore the spotlight hogs on the right.  Those would be Lexie and Harley.  Happy Birthday, Toby!! 

Easy Street Part 6

I finished up Part 6 of Easy Street today finally.  It's been a busy weekend so far.  I made it to the quilt shop on Friday to get the finishing fabric for Susan & Greg's memory quilt and then delivered a baby blanket to my husband's second cousin.  Today I had some house chores to do before sewing.  If only I could afford a maid so I could sit and sew while they cleaned!

Here are my 128 blocks:

128 Background Blocks

I really hope we are about done with the backgrounds because this is all I have left:

Leftover Backgrounds

I had miss cut some pieces and even sewed those back together and re-cut the pieces to the correct sizes.  Hey it's a scrappy quilt, I figured it would be fine.  But even with doing that, this is all that is left.  It's a good thing I didn't just re-cut new pieces!!

I also did the "bonus" assignment:

Step 6 Bonus Triangles

I sat everything out together and we really have been busy!  Look at all of this:

Easy Street Progress through Part 6

I'm excited that we are going to get another clue on New Year's Day!  I hope we start assembling blocks soon!

Before I shut up shop for the day, I did one more block for the Modern Half Square Triangle Quilt-a-long. This is Block 4:

Block 4 Modern HST Quilt-a-long

Then after dinner I sat down to finish the binding on a quilt that I am giving as a gift tomorrow.  I know ... last minute.  I seem to work best under pressure!  And of course I had help!  I'm proud to say that this blanket has passed inspection and has been designated kitty approved!!

The Khaleesi & Nala Stamp of Approval

And now of course the quilt is going through the dryer real quick to get the hair off.  I know not everyone appreciates my babies' hair like I do!  I hope to get some hand sewing in tomorrow and maybe a little cutting.  We'll see what I can get in to.  My Holiday Break is quickly coming to an end and that makes me sad. 

Easy Street Part 5

I finished Easy Street Part 5 today.  I'm anxious for the next part!!!  You can check out every body's progress HERE.

Easy Street Part 5

And I've been looking at this and resisting, but I finally broke!  I'm going to make this quilt:

Modern Half Square Triangle Quilt-a-Long

The picture is a screen capture from my phone so I apologize for it not looking so great.  It's over on Knit 'n Lit's Blog.  She posts one block per week and it goes for 72 weeks.  I think they are on week 16, so I've got a bit to do to get caught up.  I decided to make it scrappy teal and white.  I blame Bonnie Hunter for this.  LOL  I've never really used a lot of teal fabric until her Mystery Quilt and I'm kind of hooked on it right now. I've also never really done scrappy, but I'm kind of hooked on that as well.

Since it's all half square triangles, I was about to order Star Singles or Thangles.  I never have the size I need it seems.  So after doing a little research, I decided to buy the Triangulations program.  Now I will have just the size I need.  All I will have to do is print them!  I went and bought some really cheap paper at the dollar store to use to print them on so it would rip easier and it works great!  Here are some of the HSTs I made today:

Modern Half Square Triangle Quilt-a-Long

 As soon as I get enough variety I'll start making blocks.

And now Nala and I wish you a very Merry Christmas.  She's watching for Santa while I mess on this computer!  Good Night, Folks!

Nala Keeps an Eye Out for Santas Bearing Gifts of Tuna

No More Scorched Mats

My Nellie's Nine Patch from the Simply Charming book finally got quilted and bound.  And now it's happily hanging in my cubicle at work.  It makes me happy.  

Nellie's Nine Patch

Nellie's Nine Patch

 I need to bring some more in .... maybe they'll make me forget I'm at work all together.  LOL

Remember all the dreadful pictures of my ironing pad?  It got like that from taking classes.  The shop where I take most of my quilting classes has Oliso irons.  So after sewing there all day, I would come home and leave my Rowenta laying down like the Oliso.  It didn't work so well.  I actually ended up scorching a block for my Vintage Rouge quilt because I left it down thinking it would pop up and then got distracted.  Anyway, I found the perfect solution earlier this week ....  Ironing pad covers from the Quilt in a Day store!  They were on sale with free shipping so I ordered a couple (for when I scorch it again).  They fit like a glove!  I really like them and much cheaper than buying a new pad and a tighter fit than just wrapping some fresh muslin around it.

Quilt in a Day Ironing Mat Cover

 I started Easy Street Part 5.  I cut everything Friday morning before I did my usual errands.

 And then when I got back I started sewing on them.  

I haven't quite finished them yet.  I didn't get to sew today.  There were too many other things that needed to be done.  Hopefully I will have time tomorrow.  I can barely wait for next week's clue!

Easy Street Part 4

Another busy weekend .... and I'm still not ready for Christmas.  I guess I've got one more weekend.  I'm looking forward to having some time off ... to sew of course!

I had to run a few errands on Friday, but once I got home I immediately got started on Part 4.  

Purple and Teal Geese

There's nothing that makes me happier than throwing my slivers on the floor.  I'm not sure why that makes me so happy, but it does!!  I guess I think I'm Eleanor Burns or something!

Scraps on the Floor

It didn't take long to get all those geese pieced together and then joined with the other geese:

Combined Geese Units

It was exciting to start putting some of the pieces together.   This is the first time I've ever done a Mystery Quilt and it's a lot of fun!! And of course I went ahead and did the "bonus" cutting assignment!  I've been dying to get in there and cut up those greens!

Green Squares

You can check out everybodys progress through the links on Bonnie's website HERE.

I worked some on Susan & Greg's quilt too.  I started sewing strips to make 9-patches and then cut them back into smaller units to make 3-patch strips to sew together.

3-Patch Strips

I made 36 9-patches, but I realized as I was picking up that I needed four more for the corners.  I guess I'll do those next weekend.

9-Patches

I went ahead and started sewing the signature blocks together.  If I ever do this quilt again I think I will paper piece the signature blocks so they are exact.  I'm not a perfect sewer by any means. 

Signature Blocks

I think it will turn out pretty good.