January 2022 Monthly Quilt Update

 

Our new theme begins this month.  If you didn't get a chance to check out that post --- here is the LINK to the initial post and another January LINK (this holds the pattern for this month's table runner) as well.  I'm super excited about where this will take me.  I know we all have colors that may not bring on the warm fuzzies, but this will be a chance to really challenge ourselves and we may find that our tastes can change.  

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.  UFO mode will continue around here with minimal purchases (hopefully), but also a few fun and new items will make an appearance now and then.  The "hopeful attempts" will change each month 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.

Bring on January ---- maybe you'll find your diamond in the rough.

A Day of Sisterhood

 Today is one of those difficult days when we come together as Sisters in Friendship to honor and celebrate the life of one we've lost.  It says so much for sweet Paula - as sooo many came to pay their respects.  I am going to choose to keep with the word "celebrate" as we have had several weeks of sadness and this would not make our friend happy.

Leaving the house fairly early and making a stop in Hurst to pick up Debi, we meet up with about half of the quilt gals for lunch in Gatesville.   Y'all need to understand something here -- check a map --- we have hit a LOT of the state.  Port Arthur, Spring, San Antonio, Lorena, Colorado Springs, Abilene, Dallas, Cleburne, Hurst, and Irving in this group alone.  Lunch is nice and it's good to have each other to draw strength upon.  

Athens and Winnsboro Event w/Stitchin' Heaven Spotlight

 A few months ago I spotted an event on Facebook and put out feelers to see who would all like to go.  Several jumped on board and Sherri was one of them.  Her plans were to drive in from San Antonio a day early and invited the rest of us to a slumber party at Lake Athens.  Of course.  So - instead of a day trip over to Winnsboro, it turned into an overnighter.  I have Stephannie, Lydia, and Lori in my car as we set out for our new adventure.  We neglected a picture at the house before leaving, but first stop is at the Needle Niche in Athens, where I found a few fat quarters to take home.

Rhododendron Trail - Clue 7 - Bonnie Hunter - Mystery Quilt

7th - Part 7 is out and we are going back to playing in the neutrals.  This quilt is going to be so light and airy which makes me excited.  with another block being put together, I cannot express how much happiness has been created in me.  Woohoo.  Bring it on.  I have some other projects needing cutting today, so it's a busy day at the table, but all is ready to go.

Rhododendron Trail - Clue 6 - Bonnie Hunter - Mystery Quilt

OH Em Geeee ---- I can't believe it but Clue 6 is here and Bonnie is letting us make blocks ahead of time.  I cannot tell you how happy this makes me.  So many of you have heard me comment on how overwhelmed I sometimes feel on reveal day.  THIS will help with that so very much.  Yay, yay, yay!!!

Now, if only I had my act together enough to start today.  However, I do get to think about it.

1/2 -  And away we go.  I have been on a hunt for so  many different yellows.  I've pulled from squares, strips, fat quarters, and yardage, but have achieved the desired number of prints.  What do you think?