December 2023 Quilt Update

 

Our theme this year, Binding Us Together, is just so needed.  If you didn't get a chance to check out the post explaining it all --- here is the LINK to the initial post.  I'm looking forward to the direction this can take us all, but especially myself, if I give it a whirl.  Sometimes stepping out of comfort zones is challenging, but it almost always allows for growth.  Here we go:  We've reached December and the end of a wonderful year.  Yes, it had some challenges, as all do, but overall, so many wonderful memories were made.  Hold those close to you and draw on the strength of them as needed in the coming year.  My memories are so very treasured and they truly to bind me to the ones they involve.  Expand your circle and make memories as often as you can.  Spend some additional time doing some actual quilt binding so that you can focus on those memories while you work.  Hugs to all. 

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 each 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.  There will be links throughout this update that go to related posts of MINE.  They will open in a new window so that you can keep your place here.  Just click on the hyper-links if you wish.

 In years past, I have set goals for each month that I NEVER was able to reach.  However, I NEED that guideline to follow, so I will continue to do that simply to keep myself on track.  UFO mode will continue around here with minimal purchases (those who know me know that this has been a miserable failure so far this year), 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.

1st -  A new month means we are moving on with the Civil War sew-alongs.  Here are the December assignments and links to join the groups if you wish.  Barbara Brachman Sampler

 The Loyal Union Sampler is being set too, I just haven't gotten that far yet.  

Dear Jane for December is sashing cutting.  Easy month.

The APQ Challenge for this month is: Number 2 - My Quarantine Quilt - It is quilted and binding attached.  I just need to hand stitch it down.

December also means that we get to start opening the Jenny Box and our Countdown to Christmas begins.  Today is a charm pack full of fun Christmas prints.  Beyond that, we don't know, but it's likely that tomorrow will answer all our questions.  That is the end of today's opening fun and I need to move onto preparing for tomorrow's party.  Next up is my pavlova and while I'm in the kitchen, might as well get the peanut brittle made too.

The dining room is ready for tomorrow as are many other rooms.  Here is the LINK to peek in at my home and see all the wonderful red and white.  Psst - the dining room will not stay this way.  We can't hardly move in here.

The rack for my ornament has arrived.  Doesn't it look pretty this way?  The rest of my day is spent preparing and cleaning and preparing and cleaning - with the last of the decorating thrown in.  Whew, all totes are back upstairs and we are ready, I hope.

2nd - Time to open Day 2 gift.

Oooooh, I LOVE this little template and already have ideas for something in our November retreat next year.  Remember, I'm getting on top of things and this is one more step that direction.

It's PARTY time and here is the LINK to all of our fun.  Take a peek and try not to be too jealous.

After the party, Mister and I went to Garland for evening - stopping for a burger first.  Here is the LINK to the rest of the day.  A burger, then to Garland Town Square and a quick stop at Intrinsic before sheer exhaustion sets in and we are ready to crash.

Today's mail call --- I did a "Chuck" trade for this one.

AND my Shabby package arrived.  Fabric for composition books for Cassie's family and a couple BOM's.

 Plus - my Christmas present arrived.  Mister bought me a new food processor.  All in all - a great day.

3rd - Let's get the day started with a present.  Day 3 of the Jenny Box.

One can always use more pins.

For our evening entertainment -- we are making marshmallows.  They are soooo good and if you would like to see how and get the recipe, here is the LINK to my post.

Also, during the party yesterday, the Accuquilt Go Big was delivered to me.  Both tubs hold dies and the machine and mats are in the tote.  Crazy, right?

4th - Hello Day Four - what do you have for us?

Oooooh, these are so cute.  Now, I wouldn't likely use them often but I did see a great idea today online.  I've already ordered the parts and I'm going to turn at least one into a clock.  Hopefully before the year is out.  We shall see.

Check it out --- December and beautiful roses blooming.

Coffee at White Rock - it's been a minute since we could do this, but Mister is trying to burn vacation days and has today to play.

We also did some shopping and a stop at the Dollar Tree has me moving into 2024 retreat mode.  SOOOOO many ideas for themes and gifts.  Stay tuned.

Ahhhhh, this time of year just makes my heart happy.  I get it that we are late in Texas, but it doesn't change the beauty.

Once back home, Mister and I settled in and put the back studio into shape.  We found homes for all the retreat items that came home with me and tidied everything up.  It's ready for me to get to work again.

AND we finished up the marshmallows before calling it a day.  Fun times.

5th - On the 5th day of Christmas, Missouri Star sent to me - 

Well, not five gold rings, but a fun project.  This will happen in January - seems like a good plane time killer.

A great deal of time today working on information for retreats and upcoming trips for 2024.  So much to set up and do, but it's coming together.  Another trade arrived in the mail.  Now Jen has one too.

6th -  What a cute box.  I wonder what today's gift will be.

Oh, this is dang cute.  I can't wait to give them a try.  Shortbread is one of Mister's favorite cookies.

More beauty from the yard.

My bundle from Missouri Star arrived today.  I know, I know.  BUT - I didn't buy any new fabric except for a wide back that will go with two Civil War Quilts.  It was a dang good deal and something I needed.  Other than that, thread, clips, a small ruler, and a new ironing board cover.  Necessary items.  However, I hit the Chuck jackpot.  Goodness.

Also, charms for 2024 have arrived.  Well, some of them anyway.

7th - We are one week into December and I'm not getting much sewing done, but am enjoying the month so far.  What does Jenny have for me today?

Hmmm - I guess I'll have to wait another day to see how to use this.

Ironing board change out.  Before - so badly needed.

And after.  Ahhhhh.

So, I did a thing today.  I have a TA-DONE!  This is the Quarantine Challenge that was run as a mystery in the Texas Quilter's Group.  I started 4/15/2020 and finished the last stitch today.

8th - I wonder what could be in today's package.

Parts for a table runner.  Fun times and another project for January, I'm thinking.

Mister has today off and we are running errands.  Remember the saga of the license plates?  Well, we stopped at Kroger again today and they said we needed a new inspection.  I'm so frustrated.  

Next stop - the closest DMV that is listed and the lady there says, "I know it says we do license plates, but we don't."  She gave us another address and we're off again.  Upon arrival they are on number 3693.  It'll be awhile.  Almost two hours later, we get to the counter for the lady to tell us we have to get a new inspection and we just can't understand why.  FINALLY, someone tells us that we had our inspection done ONE DAY too early. WTW???  I call Sewell and they fall over themselves apologizing and tell me they will make it right.  I guess I'll see them on Monday for a new inspection that I don't have to pay for.  OMG.  Off to OHB to try and get some enjoyment out of today.

9th - Nine days in.  It's another box.  All the wrappings are so pretty.  I'm going to save the box and the wrappings and next year I'm making one for Mister to open along with me.  It'll be so fun.

Today's gift --- so awesome.

Mister and I are out of the house and try out a new coffee shop.  It is called Arwa - Yemen Coffee.  Pretty good and worth a return trip.

Then to Costxo for gift cards --- I would love to have the shopping behind me.  I saw several books there that I want to read next year.  I think I'd like to make reading more of a priority next year - perhaps a monthly goal type thing.  On the way home, I started craving fish and chips so we stopped at Lochlands for just that and I fell in love with these decorations.  A few questions later and I have the link to buy some.  YES!

Home to get some things done and I'm outside chatting with Cassie and trying to tell her that we are the messiest house on the block.  Picture prove it.  Nothing to the left.

Nothing across the street.

Nothing to the right.  One would think we had the only trees on the block.  Somehow all leaves land here.

Mail call today.   I did a couple more trades to try and get a full set of Chucks for Jen AND the fabric I'm using for sashing on Loyal Union came in.  I was short some and hoping for a match.  Perfect.

Meanwhile Mister has been tackling the leaves in JUST the backyard.  If my sciatica wasn't bothering me so much, I would be helping.

WOAH - 

Instead, I'm binding on Pfeffernusse.

And pulling fabrics for HP blocks.

10th - We are one third of the way through the month.  How did that happen?

Well, I would have never guessed these.  They're super cute, but I may re-gift them.  We just don't play a lot of cards.

I DO have a TA-DONE though.  Pfeffernusse started 4/23/19 at a class in Mineola, TX.  Last stitch just taken.  Another UFO off my list.  Woohoo.  

Next in line - Straits of Mackinac is getting the binding stitches started.

11th - Another day of mystery ahead.

OH - I do love these so much.  This matches my red/white Christmas and will look lovely on next years trees.  Awesome.

I spotted this online and am coveting.

Also, I'm back at the car dealership this morning for the repeat inspection.  While waiting, I notice all their trees are red/white as well.  How fun.

Well, in theory, I have the paper that will get me a license plate renewal, an apology, and some chocolate.  Fingers crossed, but they told me to wait 48 hours to make sure it is in the system.

Now --- I'm starting the process of rounding up boxes and gifts, taking stock and determining just where I'm at and what is left to do.  I can destroy a room better than anyone.

Also, I found a recipe for chocolate covered coconut/macademia nut balls that I want to try.  I get to this point and they have to set for a few hours or overnight.  It'll be overnight.

More charms in the mail for 2024.  Love the feeling of being on top of things.

AND - my ring is back on my hand.  Mister got all of the super glue off and it looks great.  So happy.

To top off the day - a TA-DONE!  Straits of Mackinac is finished.  It was started March 1, 2019 at a class in Denton.  Last stitch today.

12th - It's the twelfth day --- almost halfway through the box.  This one feels strange.  I wonder what it could be?  NIICE!!!  I LOVE THIS.  I'm seriously starting to want to redo my whole sewing area in aqua.  Why not?

Mister is out tackling leaves once again -- It's a challenging time of year for him.

While he works outside, I'm wrapping gits, making chocolate coconut balls, white chocolate bark, and filling tins with cookies - getting ready to ship around here.

 

13th - Day thirteen and a helpful notion for sewing.  This day means we are more than halfway through the box.  Sigh.

All packages are loaded into boxes, taped closed and hauled off to the post office.  They are on their way and I'm breathing a sigh of relief.  The mail also brought me a Chuck for Jen and after the post office, we stopped at Lowes and I found these cute hats for next November's retreat.  Now to find more of them.

I put together a tray of goodies and we are off to Garland and Intrinsic.  A stop in town square after is so pretty.

14th - Day 14 is squishy - must be fabric.  Yep, wonder what is in store for this.

Sooooo, the washer is done.  It started ruining clothes again and after all the work Mister put in last August, I feel so bad for him.  Time to start shopping.  Back to Lowe's we go.  We don't buy anything, but have ideas now.

15th - The fifteenth day has arrived.

Oooooh, a fun bag to use some of those charm squares.  Nice.

I'm setting up the living room for some binding.  It'll be a fun fest as I have eleven quilts to attach binding onto.

Movie in - and away we go.

There are quilts everywhere!!  

The laundry piles have been picked up, though, and we will be heading to the laundromat this week.

\

Making turkey noodle soup.  Using up that frozen turkey carcass from the freezer.  It's getting a little steamy in here.

I made a dent in the pile - these are the finished ones.  All ready for hand stitching.

16th - Sweet Sixteen Day.

Swedish dish cloths.  Well this is a new one for me.  Happy to give them a try though.

Two more quilts have binding attached and my VERY full tote of bindings/labels is down to just four and they are not quilted yet.

Now - off to the laundry.  So, so much fun. (Yes, that was heavy sarcasm)

Back home and I cut the fabric for the backings for BB Sampler and Loyal Union.  Another item off my list.

Binding has commenced.

More trays being made.  We have another delivery tonight and two tomorrow.

17th -  Day seventeen has me thinking for sure that another project is on the way.  I can't wait.

I finished this book today - trying to do some reading again.  What a fun, light read.

The cactus is telling us that Christmas is getting close.

Today's mail had the last of the 2024 charms and two other items.  

Beer and Carols at OHB tonight.  Treats are given and a fun night is had.  Lots of singing and laughing.  The place is packed and EVERYONE is participating.  LOVED it so much.

18th - Oooooh, will we find a use for the glue stick?  Yep.  English Paper Piecing -- one more item I've not done before.  I guess it's time.

FMV and MH blocks ironed on and ready for applique to begin.  Out in the studio are two more Valentine blocks and one more Halloween one.  I guess it's time to get back out there.

This month's DM arrived and is cut.  Month six is still in my room, so I guess it's time to get them done too.  Goodness, the list is growing.

Binding done and I have a TA-DONE.  This is Thistleberry and I bought it in 2014, sewed it in 2016 and finally got it finished.

BOTH DM blocks are done.  Yay!!!

Number two binding has begun.  It's been a good day.

19th - What is today's treasure?

How fun - a little something for relaxation time.

My current nest.  Yep, this is how I roll.  Each day I've worked on a few cards to mail, a little reading, some binding, and whatever else comes my way.  My hips have been giving me grief, so Mister bought me a heating pad and it's helping.  Yay for that one.

Applique has started - it'll be a daily project.

AND the rest of the parts to these two blocks are now ironed on.

All the cards are done and mailed.  Today was the last bunch and another thing off the task list.  Whew.

TA-DONE number two for this month.  This also was bought in 2014, sewn in 2016 and finally finished.  It is called Indigo Square.

So, I have to get back to Dear Jane this month and my fabrics are such a mess after a year of working on three quilts at once.  Today, I am getting them back in order.  Just the neutrals alone take up the table and ironing board.  Guess I'll be doing one color at a time.

It takes me three hours, but it's all organized again AND I've pulled blocks for January and February.

Number three binding started.

20th - We've hit the 20's.  Not too many days left now.  This is such a fun one.  It's a salt cellar to make into a cute pin cushion.  I'm game.

Laying in bed this morning, I'm watching Carnival's Jubilee come into Galveston.  It's pretty exciting as that is the ship we will be on at the end of January.

Check out the blooms - 

Applique this morning.  I've also decided that while I am out in the studio, I will clean an area.  Today, I started on the cabinet to my right as I sew.  It's small but FILLED.

TA-DONE number 3.  This is the last of the 2014 purchases sewn in 2016 and leisurely waiting for today.  Called French Cottage.

Dear Jane is getting started for January.  I have a long way to go, but 2 is better than zero.  I did work on another one as well, but it needs applique before finishing.  More binding follows -- onto Witch's Night Out.

21st - It's Winter Solstice!  I remember when I used to host a Winter Solstice luncheon.  I should start that back up again - maybe in addition to the cookie exchange.  It might help keep the house looking lovely right up until Christmas.  Hmmmm.  At any rate, onto today's advent gift.  It's a heavy one.  Ooooh - post-its and a case.  For a list maker like me --- these are heaven in a tin.

Doing a little prep work on another Dear Jane block - oh my.  She has me doing English Paper Piecing and now that's twice this month I have been presented with it.  Goodness.

One more block done though.  Not perfect, but for curves - I'm happy.

Out to the studio for applique work and I've completed the cleaning out of one cabinet and drawer and top of cabinet.  Some went to garbage, some went into the house, but the stack on the longarm will go to giveaway.

These went in the house.  Bobbin cases will get put with machines.  The larger one can replace the one I broke with my retreat machine.  The smaller one can go with the machine I keep in the living room - the one currently set up for binding.  The scissors case received their scissors back inside and was put away and --- glory be - the cardstock is needed for an upcoming project and I had it in my Amazon cart.  Press delete.  Woohoo.

Cut all the finishing pieces for Forever My Valentine.

Ta-DONE #4 for this month.  Witch's Night Out.  This was done as a sew-a-long in Our Quilt World in 2020.  I LOVE how the quilting shows up in the cauldron.  It's perfect.  I put a hanging sleeve on this one and it'll be up next October.

The back - equally fun although the hanging sleeve makes it look like the panels are chopped off.  Oh well, it's the back.  Shows how fun the quilting is.

I finished Witch's Night Out early in the day so was able to settle in with another smaller quilt.  This is Winter Wonderland which I started in February of 2018 and finished in March of 2020.  I couldn't bring myself to quilt it, fearing ruin.  It went to Missouri Star and I'm thrilled with the finish.

This is the one that netted me such a sweet note (shared in November) - plain white backing with just a label in the corner.  It's hard to see the quilting, but snowflakes are EVERYWHERE.

22nd - It's a fun number day today.  12-22-23.  Yep, I'm easily amused.  What do we have in our box of goodies?

OH HOW FUN!  This is the best travel sewing kit I've ever seen.  It's magnetic in the lid to hold needles in place and guess what that one gadget is?  A teeny-tiny rotary cutter.  Yep - pure genius.

Went out to the back studio - hmmmn.  Went to show Mister.  I guess I'll wait to applique today.

Our cactus is showing her love for the season and I LOVE that we have white blooms, too.

My mystery layer cakes/jelly rolls came from Missouri Star today.  Next years prizes for retreat.  They are ALL wonderful.

A little sewing happened for me and I finished a few Dear Jane blocks.  I'm getting closer as I mostly have hand work left on the remaining blocks.

Mister took the afternoon off and we are heading downtown for some holiday magic.  Here is a  LINK to our holiday fun so you can share with us.  Our first stop is the Dallas Museum of Art and in one of the installations, I spot this quilt.  Entitled "Who's Afraid of Aunt Jemima?", it was done by Faith Ringgold, a Harlem-born artist and author known for merging the African American tradition of quilting with the language of contemporary art.  In this work, she pieced together fabric painted with human figures and handwritten texts to create a new history of Aunt Jemima, an enduring parody of Black womanhood from the 19th century.  Jemima is depicted as a successful businesswoman with wealth, a family, and a personality of her own.  If it was cut apart, it could be re-assembled as a book -- watch for page numbers, etc.

I've tried to show a close up of each area, in the order of the quilt.  Not necessarily in reading order.

After the museum, we strolled around downtown for awhile, had some dinner and watched the fountains put on their Christmas show.  A really nice night out together.  All the pretty part of the show are in the above link.

Box opening for Sew Sampler AND I finished another book.

For the evening, I got started on Farm Girl binding.  She's a big one.

23rd - The twenty-third is here (getting close now) and we have another box -- it reminds me of one last year, fingers are crossed.

Woohoo!!  I was right.  A second mug and they match our plates.  I'm super excited.

Also, early this morning, I saw an ad for the Jenny Christmas Box for 2024 and purchased it.  How exciting is this?

Now, time to get dressed and spend the day with my sweetheart.  We are off to a Festivus for the Rest of Us celebration.  All of the fun is shared in the link above on the 22nd.

We were only out for a bit and then home.  I settled in for some binding and finished Farm Girl and Hallo-Ween.  Two TA-DONES!  

Farm Girl - First started sewing December 17, 2020 in preparation for a group sew-a-long in 2021. It is almost all Lori Holt fabric, with a few specials thrown in - for example, my grandmothers old apron has bits in here.  Again, I wanted something fun for quilting and let it intimidate regarding custom work, so I took it with me to MSQC this past year and finished making the backing.  Then I left it there for quilting.  I love the tractors.  Psst - this is a beast.

FQS Haunted Halloween Mystery  - This was a short little mystery that FQS held and I did it all (a bit behind) at retreat in July.  Then it went along with the pile of quilts to MSQC for quilting.   Oh, it's pretty small, just a wall hanging - about 32" square. The pattern is free on their website.

24th - Happy Christmas Eve to all.  Today's gift is a book and it's the one gift I knew.  I know, I know - not supposed to cheat BUT on the authors website, it said she was including this book in the Jenny box.  I was on her site. I then promptly went and bought the other two books and have finished them - now for some new reading.

It's pretty dark and dreary out there today.  And wet.

Since APQ is not running a UFO Challenge this year, I've opted to put one up in Our Quilt World.  There will be prizes at the end of the year - yep, yep, yep.  I'll be ineligible, but that's okay - my list will go down as I'm still accountable.  I had everyone POST their list - yes, they need to be accountable too.  Here's mine.  I have more but will share them on the first.

Barn Star fabrics arrived - I don't care for the combination they sent (3 golds in one block) and so I switched a few out with leftovers from previous blocks.

So ---- Mister went out to the studio to drill holes in my advent box plates and discovered that a whole second set of 12 tiles had come down.  WHAT A MESS!  Great way to spend Christmas Eve - cleaning that up.  Then he did my plates and went to Lowes to check on ceiling tiles.  Ugh.

I quietly sat and bound and have another TA-DONE.  Bountiful - this was the Fat Quarter Shop Charity Sew-a-long that began in February of this year using Corey Yoder's Sunwashed line.  Finished setting it at July's retreat so it went into the "to be take" pile for MSQC.

AND - I've started on another binding.  These fingers never stop right now, but I will admit my hands are getting a bit sore.

 

25th - Merry Christmas!  The day has finally arrived.  For me - that's a good thing.  This is a rough time of year being so far from family and a VERY quiet time when you were used to big gatherings your whole life.  I do struggle, but keeping busy helps. I wonder what this last BIG package is.

WOW - it's a really nice project/supply tote.  I LOVE it and will put it to use right away on the Montana trip.

This inside and ALL gifts together - well, the book got left out so  . . . the picture is one short.

A delayed broadcast of the Dallas parade is one and I'm binding away.

Yesterday, a tooth came lose so today is temporary fix day.  I swear I'm going to have to get a lawyer involved in this denture mess.  So, so sick of it all.

Christmas packages with my love --- for the first year - we have no idea who each gift is for so are opening jointly and laughing as we pass to each other.

All of our bundle from family - thank you to one and all.

We started to work on the clocks and discovered that we need smaller numbers.  Now it's on hold until we get to shop.

Another TA-DONE today.  Dawn's Early Light - This was started at a class in Mineola, April of 2019.  It was on my frame to be quilted at least three times and then removed because I wanted stars and didn't think I could do good ones.  It went to MSQC and is now covered in beautiful stars.

Mister is making dinner.  He has a rib roast, baked potatoes, roasted vegies, and Yorkshire pudding.  The whole house smells diving.

My job is to set the table and decant the wine.  I can do that.  Simply lovely dinner and time with him.

And - back to binding for the evening.  The pile IS getting smaller.

26th - I don't have an advent gift to share today.  That seems sad. Mister is back at work today and I'm trying to get my schedule back under control as well.  Early morning binding nets me another TA-DONE.  Block Star - This was one of our projects at the Doan Girl's retreat in July.  I spent a few very late nights working on Farm Girl and this in order to have it done before I left.  It also just went straight to the quilt shop for quilting.  This was a Jenny Doan class and uses Lori Holt fabrics from her Calico line.

A few more Dear Jane blocks are finished.  All of these have been sitting and waiting patiently for their applique to be finished.  Yep, I have hand work all around me.

Spooky Season - Jen and I bought this kit together in August of 2022 when we went to our first Doan Girl's Retreat.  We decided to work on it starting in January this year and do it on a monthly basis.  She got excited and zoomed ahead, but I plodded along each month.  I finished setting it at the July retreat and it joined the others to be dropped off at MSQC for quilting.  

AND - Dear Jane is finished and ready to go.  Hallelujah!  The post is written and we are off on another year of crazy, small blocks.

27th - The computer called this morning for some required work and I got a late start on sewing.  Pressed Flowers for November and December are finished.  Yay, I get another checkmark.

Mister and I went off to run errands in the evening.  Rooster for some animal repellant and Costco for a new camera/motion detector for the yard. Yep, we think an animal is causing the situation over the studio.  Fun times.  A stop at Michaels and I have number decals for the clocks as well.

Evening hand work?  Cut out the petals for Forever My Valentine.  Fun, fun.

28th -  I've been thinking and thinking about the sheer amount of quilts in the house.  I'm going to clean out one closet and bought these hangers (which arrived today) to hang the quilts until they are sold.  Yep, in 2024, I'm going to sell of quite a few of them.  I'm hoping for around 30 of them - we shall see.  If you are interested in one, please let me know.  Some will not go - but I may surprise myself if the offer is right.

October Barn Star blocks that I had cut sooooo wrong are finally finished.  I had to do a LOT of extra sewing.

AND - I got a start on November's blocks, but they are a LOT.  I put about 3 hours in and have this mess to show for it.

Evening time with Mister - tonight's handwork - make the pin cushion that came on Day 20 of the advent box.

29th - I have a busy day ahead so am up early and working on this dang blocks.  Three more hours and I still don't have them finished.  UGH.

Off to meet Lori for brunch and visiting.  We have a nice time together and I am thankful for these moments with friends.

She also brought me another sweater template for next November's retreat AND a Chuck that I didn't have yet.  Woot woot.

I went straight home, changed my shirt and headed off with Mister to meet a co-worker of his for lunch.  Yummy Thai, where my tooth once again jumped ship and I called the dentist.  Going back in on Tuesday.  SO. Much. Fun.

Home and managed to finish up the two blocks while Mister went on animal deterrent activities.  I don't have it pressed or the bonus blocks trimmed yet, so picture tomorrow.  We think it's a raccoon.  Relaxed for the evening and I don't even have anything to show for it.  Naughty me, with only a few days left.

Oh -- however, I did get a package in the mail.  Sherri sent me another set of plates, so she gets a clock - and I get plates to go with the cups that I didn't realize would be a set.  Now, its under control.

30th - Some early morning computer time while Mister sleeps and I'm getting close to being ready for the new year.  I just need to write the new theme post and I'll be pretty caught up.  When he wakes, we spend the morning communing with nature a bit.  Here is the LINK to some pelican and nutria watching.  Yep, wrapped in a quilt.

Ironing and trimming bonus units is all that I had left on these two blocks - so, I got right to it and they are done.  November Barn Star.

Mister and I are still playing with the plates.  It may or may not be working out.  One never knows.

Mail drop - January's paper-piece project and some fabric for the May project.  I will be starting the paper-piece projects this next month.  I don't have February or March yet, but I'll get them as they become available and then I'm good to go since I started buying these last April.

Spotted this --- YES Please!  I wonder if I can work this into the new plans?  Hmmmm.  Back to the graph paper.

I've gone as far as I'm going to on these lists this year.  It wasn't a total blackout, but I made a significant dent in items that were listed.  All in all --- a worthy thing to do and I'm already working on next year's lists.  (The second one is the backside of the first and the APQ challenge final --- I had lots of goals)  Back to the computer to get the theme post up.

31st - It is New Year's Eve!  I'm up early making sure all the posts are ready to go for tomorrow and I'm close.  Here are the links for the annual posts --  Non-Quilt/Miscellaneous Finishes and  Quilt Finishes.  It turned out to be an okay year - not my most productive, but I still made progress.

I got started on the December Barn Star block, but who am I kidding?  It won't be done today.

Mister and I both went out back to finish cleaning up the mess from the ceiling and start the whole "paring down" adventure that is our project for 2024.  There will be a definite difference by year end.  Right now - there is just waaaaay too much to move.

I did clear away the entire shelf behind my machine, the table behind and right beside the machine.  I reduced by one whole set of rolling drawers and things look much cleaner.  I then took stock of "ufo projects" that were not in the house and added at least four to my chart.  Oh sure, AFTER I took the pictures.  Oh well, I know they were changed.  Now,  I can get back to the last of the applique on Forever My Valentine and have these blocks ready to set.  Fingers are crossed to get to it and start Merrie Halloween as well.

These tubs were overflowing.  It's a bit easier to handle now.  Still more to go through, but I made a dent.

Found UFO's

Today's purge.  Ready for the swap table.

Using the rest of the day to make sure all posts are up, relax a bit, and spend time with my sweetie.  I hope you all have a very Happy New Year!  Cheers!  (You're almost there -- just a bit more.)

Take a peek at this LINK to the post for next year's theme. 

January's arrival means we are onto a new track and adventures together.  This month let's focus on Creating Joy in our lives.  This can be through the actual act of creating something or just making sure we are searching out the things that make us a bit more joyful each day.  Sometimes it truly is as simple as this: 

Thank you for reading this far.  If you made it here, kudos to you.  Hope you have a great month and find a way to bring joy into your life.  Stay creative Y'all.

I've tried to make a COMPLETE list here so that I have only one place to look it all up.  I apologize in advance for the boring nature of this to y'all, but it helps me.  I think I did pretty good overall.  One category almost cleaned out (with others to go here) and pretty much stayed current on new projects.  Lots of changes coming in January - woohoo.

UFO's to quilt:  these are staying on this list and I am so hoping to actually make progress this year with the quilting aspect. 

BOM #1 - quilt and bind - DONE
BOM #2 - quilt and bind - DONE
BOM #3 - quilt and bind - DONE
Winter Wonderland - quilt and bind - DONE

Witch's Night Out - quilt and bind - DONE

Quarantine Challenge - quilt and bind - DONE

Dawn's Early Light - quilt and bind - DONE

Straits of Mackinac - quilt and bind - DONE

Pfeffernusse - quilt and bind - DONE

Farm Girl - DONE

Long May She Wave - quilt and bind

Current Projects:

Sunny Patches BOM Mystery - Ready to quilt

Designer Mystery - current

Pressed Flowers BOM - current

Spooky Season BOM - DONE

BB Civil War Sampler - Ready to quilt

Loyal Union Sampler -  

Dear Jane - current

Country Christmas BOM (2 per month) - blocks are current, ready to set

Harry Potter BOM - Nov blocks need embroidery,  December/January blocks and fabric pulled

Bountiful BOM - DONE

Barn Star BOM - October and November DONE, December cut out and started

Forever My Valentine BOM - Applique on October, November, and December almost finished

FQS - Hallo-Ween Mystery QAL - DONE

MSQC Project #1 - Block Star - DONE

MSQC Project #3 - Periwinkle - 

Items being held for MSQC in July

Anna's Baskets - ready to quilt

UFO Items to work on:
 
Neutral strings - 

Alphabet project from MSQC last summer - 

Second Half Moon Rising project from MSQC last summer - 

Snail Trail Quilt from MSQC last summer - set, backing, label, binding, quilt and bind
BAD blocks as leader/enders - 

Whims 2nd quilt - quilt, assemble, bind

Summer Moon - set, quilt and bind 

Rhododendron Trail - 

Sandcastles - set, backing, label, binding, quilt and bind

Midnight Flight - 

Daybreak -

Round Robin (mine) - backing, label, binding, quilt and bind

Row by Rows - 

Oh Happy Day - set, backing, label, binding, quilt and bind

Skillbuilder - set, backing, label, binding, quilt and bind 

Joy-Filled - set, backing, label, binding, quilt and bind

Rachel's Sewing Room - quilt borders and attach all parts

Desert Sky - 

Ruby Jubilee - 

Feathered Star BOW - 

Pat Sloan quilt - 

UFO Handwork Items:

Hand Quilting -- 

Stocking - in Montana, will work on there

Wool Wall Hanging - 

Links to Previous 2023 Monthly Posts - 

January 2023 Update

February 2023 Update

March 2023 Update\

April 2023 Update

May 2023 Update

June 2023 Update

July 2023 Update

August 2023 Update

September 2023 Update

October 2023 Update

November 2023 Update