December 2021 Monthly Quilt Update

 

As we come to December and the last month of another year, our theme is reaching it's end as well.  In that regard, I am attempting to pull together all of the last 11 months and just recognize that I AM many things -- not all are angelic, but not all are devilish either.  I AM who I AM.  It's okay.  I work to improve and that's is all part of who I AM as well.  Enjoy the you!

If you are new to the blog, you may be asking, "just what is a monthly update?"  I decided long ago that I just can't keep up with blogging daily.  I just can't.  Sooooo, what happens is I document a day in my life within one post and if something special happens, a separate post takes place.  See, you can stay caught up with a once a month check and then, if you're interested, see the other posts too.  It's a great system for me.

In years past, I have set goals for each month and I will continue to do that simply to keep myself on track.  I AM still in an ongoing UFO mode around here and trying oh so hard to use or clean out the stash.  It will be an continuing project this year.  If I want something to come in -- something has to go out.  That is one goal.  The balances change each month (hopefully) and will always show up at the bottom of the update if you read that far - and they are joined by links to the previous monthly updates for the year.

Now, grab a cuppa and sit back for a fun read and perhaps a new idea or two.   (P.S. I format on a computer, so if you are reading on a phone, well sometimes the pictures will be before or after the story.  It is what it is.)

January Color Your World - White

 

Welcome to January AND 2022 AND Color Your World!!  I am so excited about this new theme and cannot wait to share all the fun ideas I have for it.  I've made a few changes with the monthly theme posts and this is the first of the new format.  I want to really delve into our colors and a little blurb in the Facebook group page isn't going to be enough.  I want you to be able to apply it in your quilting projects and designs and stash.  Let's embrace it all and see where it takes us.  Our monthly project will be featured here along with a BINGO card for those who wish to play.  So, here ya go and enjoy --- oh yeah, grab that cuppa.

2021 Finished Quilts

 Another year is in the books and as I look back, I really didn't make very may large quilts this year.  Oh, I made a ton of tops, but the quilting just didn't happen.  Part of that was my machine in the shop and the other part ---- either lazy or intimidated.  It's gotta be one or the other.  Hopefully, in 2022, I can knock down that stack of tops that are ready.  Here's a look back at the many mini-quilts and a few others that DID happen.

January - This little Row by Row became a wall hanging for my sister's camper.  How fun.

2021 Finished Non-Quilt Items

 For some reason, this is just not my most productive year.  I think I was busy all the time, but there just aren't a lot of items to prove it.  For what it's worth -- I had fun.  Here's to the extra projects in 2021.

March -  At our March retreat, we did barn quilts.  Part of my reasoning behind these is that I want to make a large one as a gift and needed to practice.  Why not let everyone play along.  We did and they were grand.

Rhododendron Trail - Clue 5 - Bonnie Hunter - Mystery Quilt

 It's week 5 and I am ready!  Well, at least I'm caught up and ready to stay that way.  There are no promises here, but ---- I can see my way out of the fog.

Cutting is first up and fortunately, all we have is some pink triangles today.  That's not bad at all and it doesn't take too long with the help of my Easy Angle Ruler.  Zip, Boom, Bang.  Done and matched up with the sets they will be sewn to.  Clue 1 and 3 are back to play.  That is as far as I get today, but it's progress and I'm happy with that.

Rhododendron Trail - Clue 4 - Bonnie Hunter - Mystery Quilt

 Week 4 - Oh my.  At what point do I get to be caught up.  This week releases to find me cutting parts 2, 3, and 4 all at once.  What a crazy time.  I am,  once again, however, so very glad to have the scrap users system in place.  I am able to pull quite a few strips to give some variety and speed up the cutting a wee bit.  When there is this many pieces to cut --- any shortcut helps.

Rhododendron Trail - Clue 3 - Bonnie Hunter - Mystery Trail

 Clue 3?  What in the world is up with me?  It's the 10th of December and I haven't really even worked this mystery at all.  Wow.  Talk about life taking a detour now and then.  At any rate,  I am truly practicing the "little engine that could" mantra. " I think I can, I think I can . . . " Or is it Dory?  "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming . . "  Whichever is the winner, I'm on that track.

12/16 - Yes, it's almost a week after release, but I'm making progress.  Today is cutting day.  For EVERYTHING on my list.  It seems crazy and perhaps it is, but that's the way I roll right now.  (The reason for the pic is that I'm cutting clues 2 and 3 at the same time - need pink for 2)

Rhododendron Trail - Clue 2 - Bonnie Hunter - Mystery Quilt

 Week 2 has arrived and Flying Geese are on the docket.  I do love making these units and remember when they were such a challenge.  Oh what a difference a specialty ruler can make.  However, I'm still behind on my life and won't get to cut on release day.  I'll get there and perhaps at some point will even be caught up.  

12/16 - It's happening.  I am cutting for this clue.  I've decided to get all the cutting done that I need for the rest of the month in order to enjoy the holidays without a mess everywhere.  Hey, it's a lofty goal, but a girl has to try now and then.  Fabrics are on the table and ready to be cut into small pieces that then need to be sewn back together.  Kinda crazy, right?

Rhododendron Trail - Clue 1 - Bonnie Hunter - Mystery Quilt

It's here!!  It's here!!   Black Friday as arrived and the first clue is release.  I am finally feeling better, BUT --- due to losing so many days sick, I am crazy behind on an upcoming party and company arriving the first along with everything those entail.  

11/29 - yep it takes three days but I can finally look at this a bit.  I REALLY need to work on cleaning up the dining room to decorate so take a few minutes to cut so that one visit with the vacuum is all that is required.  I am so thankful for strip bins because they give more variety as I go and I'm able to use quite a few in this step.  Out comes the Easy Angle Ruler and with in one hour ---- I'm cut and ready to sew.

November 2021 Monthly Quilt Update

The I AM's for this year have really helped me to look inside.  We are constantly facing situations that we are unprepared for and have to find the strength to move forward.  Somedays, it is simply putting one foot in front of the other and another time it can be monumental or feel that way at least.  Bravery is something we all have inside us - tapping it is the ability that lags behind on occasion.  I'm attempting to meet everything bravely and cope the best I can.  This month when we are centered on family and being thankful, let's add this to the list.  I AM Brave! 

If you are new to the blog, you may be asking, "just what is a monthly update?"  I decided long ago that I just can't keep up with blogging daily.  I just can't.  Sooooo, what happens is I document a day in my life within one post and if something special happens, a separate post takes place.  See, you can stay caught up with a once a month check and then, if you're interested, see the other posts too.  It's a great system for me.

In years past, I have set goals for each month and I will continue to do that simply to keep myself on track.  I AM still in an ongoing UFO mode around here and trying oh so hard to use or clean out the stash.  It will be an continuing project this year.  If I want something to come in -- something has to go out.  That is one goal.  The balances change each month (hopefully) and will always show up at the bottom of the update if you read that far - and they are joined by links to the previous monthly updates for the year.

Now, grab a cuppa and sit back for a fun read and perhaps a new idea or two.   (P.S. I format on a computer, so if you are reading on a phone, well sometimes the pictures will be before or after the story.  It is what it is.)

Rhododendron Trail - Introduction Post - Mystery Quilt - Bonnie Hunter

 Woohoo!  It's that time of year again and I'm super excited.  I was pretty close in my guess on this year's colors but the burgundy instead of purple threw me a bit.  However, onward we go and I'm always game for a new adventure.  I'm in Montana as the colors and yardage release so will have to be patient for pulling fabrics, but it will happen.  Right now -- family time.

If yo wish to follow along with this adventure, here is the Bonnie LINK to the mystery.  Please join in with us for the fun.  I'll post my own progress with each clue to share as well.

11/5 It's taken a few days, but we are in a town with the required store to pick up my paint samples.  It makes me feel as though I'm part of the excitement.

Building Friendships - Brazos House Retreat

 It's the retreat I look the most forward to all year.  Our anniversary - and this year we are celebrating our 8th November together.  Crazy right?  The theme is Building Friendships and what could be better than that?  I've taken a construction approach, but we'll see what others come up with.  For now -- the committee came in last night to prepare the place for today.  Take a peek at our decor.

Stephannie has been a huge help to me and created door signs for all the rooms as well as many of the decorations around the house.  I tackled the outside a wee bit.

All In Stitches Spotlight - Polson, MT

 We are out and about today, giving me the chance to stop at a new-to-me quilt shop.  All in Stitches located in Polson, Montana is the lucky recipient of our attention.

Theme for 2022 --- Color Your World

 COLOR YOUR WORLD

We all spend a large part of our day with color.  We are either using color in a project or happily enjoying it with our eyes.  It can determine our mood.  Did you know that?  Do you understand colors?  In preparing for this theme, my eyes have been opened wider.  I LOVE color and the ways to implement it in my life will even have me out of bed before light just to enjoy the sky's magnificent display.  That's devotion.

With that in mind, for 2022, I think Our Quilt World Facebook group will focus on color and I will most certainly do all I can to bring it into my own life as well.

We'll take a good look at how nature provides both beauty and inspiration for us along with how colors work with our emotions and why we respond to certain ones the way we do.  

I'm also going to do a table runner each month that will allow me to work with the color of the month and also try out new techniques and have a finished project each month.  Some will be free patterns on the internet, others I've come up with on my own and will be happy to share if you wish to sew along with me.  We'll tackle traditional piecing, foundation piecing, paper piecing, modern, low volume, QAYG, and applique.  There will even be BINGO cards occasionally - focusing on the color of the month.  Please play along --- and let's brighten our world together.

October 2021 Monthly Quilt Update

 

Another month has come to an end.  Do you know what that means?  It means October begins tomorrow and October is the bestest month of the year.  The world is changing around us -- yes, I mean nature and not the craziness of people -- and we need to stop and embrace it.  It's a wonderful time to be part of this beautiful world ---- I AM going to enjoy each and every moment outside and bring the joy into my heart.  Coming along?

If you are new to the blog, you may be asking, "just what is a monthly update?"  I decided long ago that I just can't keep up with blogging daily.  I just can't.  Sooooo, what happens is I document a day in my life within one post and if something special happens, a separate post takes place.  See, you can stay caught up with a once a month check and then, if you're interested, see the other posts too.  It's a great system for me.

In years past, I have set goals for each month and I will continue to do that simply to keep myself on track.  I AM still in an ongoing UFO mode around here and trying oh so hard to use or clean out the stash.  It will be an continuing project this year.  If I want something to come in -- something has to go out.  That is one goal.  The balances change each month (hopefully) and will always show up at the bottom of the update if you read that far - and they are joined by links to the previous monthly updates for the year.

Now, grab a cuppa and sit back for a fun read and perhaps a new idea or two.   (P.S. I format on a computer, so if you are reading on a phone, well sometimes the pictures will be before or after the story.  It is what it is.)

Not Your Mama's Quilt Shop Spotlight - Plano, TX

 An opportunity to meet up with a treasured friend put me at Not Your Mama's Quilt Store and since I haven't been to the new store before, I thought I'd bring all y'all along with me.

We are greeted instantly upon our entry (which I LOVE) and after asking about taking pictures, Christina gives the go ahead and I'm soon clicking away.  There are the greatest displays all over the shop and my eyes are darting instantly.

Lone Star Quiltworks Spotlight - Bryan, TX

 I honestly think I saved the BEST for last on this trip.  I won't make it to the other ones further north before 5 so this is it.  And THIS is so it!!!  Lone Star Quiltworks in College Station has got it going on.  It is pure heaven in this shop and my eyes are on sugar overload with all the wonderful candy available.  Looking left as I enter is the least filled area of the store.  Seriously, just hold on for a minute while I share.  Next, I looked right ---- do you see that display of neutrals.  They are divine and so many that I haven't seen before.  If I hadn't just filled up my neutrals again, well . . .  I did get information on their online store so I'm sure some will still find their way to me.

Creative Threads Spotlight - Sealy, TX

 We are in Sealy, TX and just finished lunch so I decide to walk around the downtown area and see if I can find Creative Threads Quilt Shop.  I'm successful and the shop has just opened.

Teo's Treasures Spotlight - Dickinson, TX

 It's an adventure day and that means if a quilt shop comes across on the GPS, we'll stop if possible.  Our destination is Dickinson, TX, and there just happens to be store ready to be explored.  Teo's Treasures is in a strip mall and the outside gives absolutely no inkling of the sheer delight inside.  WOW!  Come along and enjoy with me.  This shop is owned by Sheryl Hayslip-Bahena and she has done wonders with it.  Not only is it bustling with customers, but they are also having a fantastic sale.  I wish I wasn't traveling or I'd load up for sure.

The burst of color that greats you as you walk in is amazing all by itself.  I even spot some Bonnie Hunter Coupon Books on a shelf near the check-out booth.  I'm just going to go through the shop and let you see how crazy beautiful it is in here and the amount you can choose from.

Quilter's Quarters Spotlight - Conroe, TX

Stop number 2 for today is at Quilter's Quarters in Conroe, TX.  It's my first time in Conroe and, therefore, a quilt shop is a must visit.  As I walk into the shop, I love it instantly.  There is so much going on here and so many new ideas for me.  I have left Mister in the car searching for a nearby spot on his list so I am all alone and have a chance to visit.

Fabric Carousel Spotlight - Huntsville, TX

 The last time I visited Huntsville was for a shop hop hosted by this quilt shop and it was closed for the occasion so I've never actually explored their home.  Welcome to Fabric Carousel and if you're interested in the previous trip (with side trips and all) here is the LINK from 2019.  Now, onto to today's adventure.  From the moment I walk in the door, it's bustling activity with shoppers in all aisles and me trying to take photos as an area empties.  As I pass the cutting table, THIS beautiful fat quarter display grabs me.  I need a few fat quarters for next month's retreat and this will give me a chance to get started.

Plano Quilt Show 2021

 As luck would have it, I was out running a long list of errands when I realized that a quilt show was less than 10 minutes away.  Putting the last 3 errands on hold for an hour, off I went.  The Plano Quilt Show is the first one I've been to since Festival in 2019.  Wow!  I am all on my own and without being tempted by vendors, I have a whole hour to wander the show and drool.  Come along and see the things that interested me AND also those who were submitted by friends whose names I spotted.

Upon entering, there was an exhibition that contained three items from Janet Plotkin.  I always love her take on things.  It is ALWAYS worth it to enlarge these photos and get the full effect.  For this last one, each quilter was given an abstract outline of a face and asked to make the project in the style of Pablo Picasso.  Phenomenal job, Janet.

Turning Over a New Leaf Brazos Retreat

 Our October retreat is always the first weekend and I look forward to it each time.  Fall is in the air, things have cooled down a bit and even though we have rain expected this weekend, it's okay.  Bring on the fun.  I am up and moving bright and early today with an arrival at the center by 7 and hit the ground running to get everything set up and ready by 10.  It all goes amazingly and with so much help from Frieda, I even have the nametags finished and ready on time.  Whew.  This is setting me up for a successful weekend -- I hope.  The list is long and time is short these next months.

As everyone starts to arrive, our first item of business is to feed the savage beasts.  Everyone (except one) who has arrived before lunch sets out to Babe's for a yummy lunch.  Since I am on the crew for dinner and I know we are having chicken, for the first time ever a chicken fried steak is ordered and it hits the spot and then some.  Goodness but they are large.  Naturally, some traditions are upheld and a pic with the chicken is one.

September 2021 Monthly Quilt Update

 

Taking stock of one's own self requires patience, love for self, objectivity, discipline, and incredible forgiveness.  That pit that calls us all now and then is strong and doing the analysis required to step back from it can be challenging.  This month, as we go into my all-time favorite season of the year, let's find joy in the simplicity of things.  Let's let THIS be enough - find your I AM and let the joy shine through.

If you are new to the blog, you may be asking, "just what is a monthly update?"  I decided long ago that I just can't keep up with blogging daily.  I just can't.  Sooooo, what happens is I document a day in my life within one post and if something special happens, a separate post takes place.  See, you can stay caught up with a once a month check and then, if you're interested, see the other posts too.  It's a great system for me.

In years past, I have set goals for each month and I will continue to do that simply to keep myself on track.  I AM still in an ongoing UFO mode around here and trying oh so hard to use or clean out the stash.  It will be an continuing project this year.  If I want something to come in -- something has to go out.  That is one goal.  The balances change each month (hopefully) and will always show up at the bottom of the update if you read that far - and they are joined by links to the previous monthly updates for the year.

Now, grab a cuppa and sit back for a fun read and perhaps a new idea or two.   (P.S. I format on a computer, so if you are reading on a phone, well sometimes the pictures will be before or after the story.  It is what it is.)

Grassy Creek - Clue 7 (Part 2) - Bonnie Hunter - Mystery Quilt Reveal

 

I ended Part 1 of this with, "I'll see ya next month Grassy Creek."  That was in the middle of January.  I think I was a bit off in my analysis even if I give myself a mile and say that's when I would get back to it.  It takes me until March and retreat to make progress once again.  

3/21  Webbing away in my little corner of the world, I do manage to get the center completely put together.  Yay!!!  

3/24 Home again from retreat and wanting to make some more progress on this.  Laying it out on the floor --- I'm moving onto borders.