January 2024 Quilt Update

Our theme this year, JOY!!!  I believe we all need a bit of a help in adding this to our lives.  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 fair shot.  Sometimes stepping out of comfort zones is challenging, but it almost always allows for growth.  Here we go:  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: 

I am so excited for 2024 and all that it will bring to us all.  Grab ahold, we're gonna laugh together all the way through it.

Now, if you are new to this 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.  There are NO ADS.  Never have had them, don't intend to start unless my whole world gets turned upside down.

 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 the past couple of years, but I'm gonna keep on trying), 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 -  Happy New Year!  I am stoked for this year and super excited for all that it will bring.  We have trips, retreats, and projects planned in addition to my own stuff.  Lots coming ahead.

A new month and year means we are moving on with the Dear Jane sew-along. This is the Dear Jane LINK if you wish to join in and the January blocks are:  

APQ is not having their challenge this year, BUT, that isn't going to stop me.  I have printed out new forms for the year and filled them in.  I'm using my own random number generator, running a UFO Challenge in the Facebook group, and awarding prizes.  This month it is:  

and that is Long May She Wave  on my list.  How helpful is THAT?  It's one I may even be able to finish before we leave on the 6th for Montana.  Maybe that's a sign that January will be better for us than December was.  Fingers crossed.  Speaking of lists:  here ya go --- I am sharing them here so that I am accountable.  (However, after I took this picture, I worked in the studio and found more to add to blue UFO list.  Figures.)

Some quiet time later, I have finished my book and spent the day with my sweetie. 

The felt birds are prepped  and ready for Montana.

2nd - A cutting I went and all of my Montana projects are ready to go.   I also managed to sew two barn star blocks, but don't have them pressed or trimmed yet.

3rd -  Each day I'm trying to check off the never-ending list of preparation.  First, I trimmed up the barn star blocks.

That was followed up with the sewing of three HP blocks.  I had hoped it would go quicker, but learning to miter corners was a bit of a learning curve.  Toss in trying to line up pages in a book and - well, time flew by.

Went to bed and just couldn't sleep so I got back up and laid out OHD.  I have hopes to get it set this week before we leave.

One last item before falling back into bed --- Merrie Halloween block 3 is ironed on and ready for applique.

4th -  Today is un-decorating day.  It takes me most of the day, but I manage to get it all down and put away.  It always has to get worse before  . . . like the storm before the calm.  Here is the LINK to the finished rooms.

Amazingly enough, I even found time to sew another HP block.

Then it was off to the laundromat - ugh, I'll be glad when this episode in my life is over and, finally, back home to relax for a bit before an early bed at 9:30.

5th - It's a finish up day!  Time on the computer doing bookwork, printing book titles, editing pictures, etc.  I followed that up by attaching the titles to my HP pages and selecting threads for them.  If I get to them in Montana, I'll share the progress; otherwise, some of it will happen on the cruise.  These are November, December, and January blocks.  Someday . . . 

I added a project to my stack for Montana and in the process, I put together this bin for next November.  Seriously.  I can't get the current stuff done, but, hey, November is under control.

Off to the machine and my Oh Happy Day is SET!  Woot, woot.

Binding is finished as well.  I still need to do the back and label, but that will happen after Montana.  I can do it.

6th - We are off to Montana for a couple of weeks and our flight is in the wee hours.  Here is the Montana Week 1 LINK so that you can follow along with our adventures. Sunrise is just starting as we land for a brief stay in Salt Lake City.

Onto Montana and what appears to be a frozen tundra.  Bring it on!

7th - We made it into Bigfork for breakfast today and I spotted this very strange snow on the car.  It looks like little bits of Styrofoam amongst the flakes.  

While visiting with Mom, work has begun on my red/white birds from the Advent box.  This reminds me of quiet book days.

8th - Waking to snow, Mister shovels it off so I can drive into Kalispell and get my tooth repaired.  A few hours later, I am back and have a happy mouth.  

Bird progress.

9th - Scrolling Facebook, I came across this sewing room and snapped a screenshot because I love the wall treatment.

This sweet lady is getting a spa day from Mister today.  She's so happy now.  Machine work will commence tomorrow.

Bird forward movement AND hexies are ready for the pillow project from the Advent Box.  I also managed to get one Dear Jane blocks done since it was all applique.

10th - My machine is up and running.  I've worked on the pillow AND the bag from the box and made progress on both.  

BUT, I did get two more Dear Jane blocks finished.

11th - The snow has arrived in inches - seven and a half of them.  It appears we have a Marshmallow Garden happening.

I have a TA-DONE today.  The hexie pillow is marked off the project list.

More work on the bag, however, I need some purple thread and there isn't any in Mom's stuff.  Bag is on hold for quilting.

12th - Cold and snow, cold and snow - the topic of the day.

Spotted some cool birds today - Pine Grosbeak.

One of the Advent Box projects was a Snugly quilt and I've opted for a gift card with the template instead.  We're going to make them at the November retreat, so today, my sample TA-DONE.

More on the birds and the trees have begun as well.

13th - A trip into town gave me this view of the lake.

Family time closed out the day -- so nice.

14th - The trees from the Advent Box are TA-DONE and I love them so much.   

One more Dear Jane block as well.  Eating this elephant one bite at a time.

15th - My sewing groove is back in place.  Today's TA-DONE is the Advent Box bag.  It'll be either a door prize or something for Red Hats.  I also have the Week 2 LINK for all the other fun parts of being in Montana if you wish to check it out.

Even an added phone pocket inside.

Keeping with the plan, one more DJ block is in the books.

Some family time and my heart is always happy when I see these types of moments.

16th - I sewed on the January project all day and then went to my great-nieces basketball game.  While there, I spotted this quilt hanging in the gym.

She's the one shooting.

Two more DJ blocks.  One took forever, the second pretty quick.  I'm thankful for the second one.

Another TA-DONE tonight.  Hung the birds outside for a picture.  I cannot believe how many hours went into this.  They're not perfect, by a long shot, but they are done.

17th - YAY!!!  I spent all day working on the Advent Box table runner and it is TA-DONE!  I LOVE the red/white and simple quilting.

Also, quilted the January project and got it bound.  It is TA-DONE as well.  One little spot in the center is off and that sucks, but overall I'm pretty happy with it.

18th - We are seriously being dumped on with snow.  It finally stopped last night and we are able to start digging out today.  In the afternoon, the bluest sky I've ever seen happened.  How pretty is this?  Finding joy wherever I can right now.

AND --- my DJ blocks for February are finished.  That's one happy checkmark today.  I started packing things back up and tomorrow is laundry and family tomorrow evening.

19th - I really should be working on Loyal Union, but I know I can get this Row by Row ready for applique with just a little work and I do.  Unfortunately, I pack it up for travel without a picture.  It'll show up again this month or next, I promise.

Prepping for the cruise today --- a little toe pampering.

And the I did sit down and work on Loyal Union.  It is totally webbed now.  Hopefully the rest of setting will happen after the cruise as I don't think I have time before that.  We shall see.

Some fun with greats.

Sis, Mom, and I - and Bailey, too, I see.

Saying good-bye as we have an early morning departure.  Love ya Momma.

20th - It's a travel day for us.  Stopping in Salt Lake left me with some beautiful picture of clouds and a sunrise.  

A bit of trouble when arriving home, but Mister managed to get it kinda fixed for the night.

I gave Max his birthday quilt.  He seemed happy with it and was surprised at the size.  I thought it was a smaller one, but he didn't.  Score one for me.

Dinner with family and then we crashed for about 13 hours.  Yep, tired folks.

21st - My tasks for today included unpacking, start repacking for cruise, my Sweetie kept working on closing the back house repair site - it's cold out and I feel bad for him, but rain is coming.  I busied myself with some pictures and putting things away while making a new chicken dinner with carrots and turnips -- surprisingly good.  All of the projects I worked on in Montana (plus Loyal Union):

22nd - RAIN, lots and lots of rain.  Cold --- thought I was in Texas.  Drat it anyway.  Having problems getting motivated so I'm reading.  Came across this page and decided to share.  How real is this?

Look closely at the gutter and tire of the car parked out front.  So much water.

Yes, and frozen plants.  We lost them all while in Montana.

My big shore for the day is to get wet.  Well, not really, but that seems to be the challenge.  I need to go and pick up the mail and get groceries.  Dashing to the car, I make my way to the post office only to find out that the carrier will deliver today (they were instructed not to - oh well) and then to the store.  Once my chores were complete (a bank deposit happened as well, might as well get it all done) I get to open the goodies that were in the mail.  Sew Sampler for January.  I only have two more of these before I cancel as I said I would only do it for one year.

My DM block is here AND so are the pants and tee's I ordered when I got home.  Not showing it all, but this tee is for May retreats.

I had found a set of coasters that match the dishes from the advent box - they arrived today too and I'm soooo pleased.

And, finally for today, I finished up the clocks.  They turned out so cute.  Love, love, love them.

23rd - Well ---- I REALLY need to get out to the studio and quilt.  It is STILL pouring rain, but I can run.  I get the heater going and add a small space heater and get to work.  Long May She Wave is loaded and I'm ready to play.  This is my UFO for the month and I don't want to be the one who doesn't meet the goal.  However, some play is happening.  I want stars on this and want to do it all free-hand so here goes.  I have it off the frame by 2 and in the house to trim.  

It's not perfect, but it was fun.

I did take a break halfway through quilting and started a New England boiled dinner for our main meal.  The whole house smells amazing and it's time to add the cabbage.

Fifteen minutes later, YUM.  I do love me some winter vegies.  Cabbage, potatoes, carrots, turnips, onion, and corned beef.  All in all - a success.

Then back to the studio for a couple more hours and I have all the FMV blocks finished with applique and buried threads while watching television this evening.  A couple of checkmarks for me today and I'm happy.

24th - The calendar is winding down rather quickly, it seems.  I feel as though there is still so much to do.  Out to the studio and I get started on the applique for MH and a RxR.  All black and whites are done!  Now to bury threads and tie them off.  

The two BOM's that arrived are cut and ready to sew.

Backing and label for Oh Happy Day are done.  This one is now ready to go to MSQC in July.  It's on hold until then.

Pressed Flowers block for January is DONE.  Yay Me!!!!  I also managed to get half of the binding on Long May She Wave done.  Hopefully, tomorrow.  It was a very busy day, but I feel as though several things went into the finish column.

25th - Today is pretty much my last day of this month to see much progress.  I can do handwork while on the cruise, but this is last of my "machine" time.  Out to the studio and ALL of the remaining applique on 3 MH blocks is done by 11.

I only have until noon to work, so off to get the DM block sewn.  I am soooo thankful that it was an easy block this month.  By noon, I'm ready to leave the machines behind.

I need to pack and haven't made much progress yet.

AND, Kelly is coming to spend the night.  This is my guest room.  Time to find it.  It still has Christmas quilts on as I've not seen this bed since the cookie party -- goodness.

BUT = one hour later, it's ready for company.  I didn't cheat either.  All items were put away properly.

Now to pack --- new shirt ready to go.

Hemming my palazzo pants.  They had a raw edge and still do -- just 6 inches shorter.  Done.

By 3, I'm packed.  It's sooo heavy, but I'm ready for anything, I think.

I finished up the house cleaning, made dinner, showered (because I had to do the unthinkable for winter - shave) and sat down to relax, do some binding and wait for Kelly.  My UFO number 5 is TA-DONE!!

Then, more thread burying and knot tying.  Two blocks are finished and not three because I missed the eyes on the pumpkins for the L block.  Will do early tomorrow morning before we leave town.  Honest.

These just need the embroidery now --- making progress.

26th - Good Morning!  It is head to Frieda's Day and I have hit the floor running.  Went out to the studio and appliqued the small areas I missed yesterday, came in, buried and tied knots and my third block is ready for embroidery.  Yes!

Mister went outside with me to take a picture of Long May She Wave - such a nice man.

Coffee is made, bed is made, I'm dressed - let's get this party started.  Oh wait, Kelly is still sleeping.  Guess I'll catch up the blog.  Speaking of, here is the LINK to the post for the rest of today - in detail.

We manage to get away around 10 a.m.  Off we go to see the world ----

A stop in Brenham for ice cream.  So fun.

We arrived at Frieda's house and I was able to finish up the hand embroidery on two blocks while driving.  

We all went to dinner and I got word that my grandson, Ryan, had been in an awful ski accident.  Decisions are being made and by tomorrow, I should know more.

27th - We're on our way with love and laughter.  Here is the LINK  to the full day's events.  Take a peek and enjoy the beauty of the Jubilee.

By the end of the day, it was determined that Ryan would not need surgery, but 6-8 weeks down for his spleen and kidney to heal.  He was basically gored by his ski pole and tore severely tore both organs.  I'm so glad he is going to mend.  Such a scary time.

28th - Sea Day today and here is the LINK to all the fun of the day including our Sushi making class and the recipe and instructions.  Start out the day with the girls.

Win a little $$.

Take a sushi class.

Have a beautiful sunset.  What a perfectly perfect day.

29th - Sea Day 2 and a  LINK  to all the antics and an at sea rescue.  Yep, we even made the national news as Mister sent me a link to it.  

Time with friends --- perfect.

Top it all off with a magnificent sunset.

30th - Still cruising around, but today is a port day.  We are visiting Isla Roatan in Honduras.  First time in this country for me.  Here is the LINK to all the stories and fun.

BEST part of my day.

Followed by - 

Fun with friends cannot be topped.  Memories that will last a lifetime.

31st - Well, we are ending the month in Mexico.  Fun, right?  Here is a LINK to the AMAZING fun we had.  So, so beautiful and worth a click.

Hello Costa Maya

Off we go on an adventure.

I even did an unexpected photo shoot --- was fun.

Well, that brings this month to an end and it's been a definite whirlwind for me.  I've loved it all and can't believe I'm starting February in another country.  So, so fun and so much joy involved.  Did I get as much done as I wanted to?  No, but I gave it a valiant effort.

That brings us to this:

I know you are probably thinking that with February being all about love, that I would focus on that type of Joy.  Well, in a way I am.  How about loving ourselves and being Joyful Women?  It's very hard to project joy when we are so very unhappy with our own worlds.  This month, let's focus on being a Joyful Woman and trying not to let the issues overwhelm.  They won't go away, but they don't have to dictate how we interact with others and our own selves.  Yep, be good to yourself.  Love yourself.  We can do it! 

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've made quite a few category changes this year - anything to help stay on top of things.

Projects ready to quilt by me:   

*Long May She Wave - DONE

Sunny Patches - quilt and bind

UFO's to finish:  *means on UFO Monthly Challenge sheet

Alphabet project from MSQC 2022 - 

Second Half Moon Rising project from MSQC 2022 - 

*Snail Trail Quilt from MSQC 2022 - set, backing, label, binding, quilt and bind
BAD blocks as leader/enders - 

*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 - One is stitched, parts ironed on, and applique started

*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 - Porch Swing

Designer Mystery 2022 - 

Current Projects:

Designer Mystery - current

Pressed Flowers BOM - didn't receive by the 26th when I left town

Loyal Union Sampler -  webbed

Dear Jane - Current

Country Christmas BOM  - 

Harry Potter BOM - blocks made, need embroidery

Barn Star BOM - December blocks made, 

Forever My Valentine BOM - all blocks done

Merrie Halloween BOM - 2 blocks finished, 3rd very close

One Block Wonder - 

Looking Through the Lattice - 

Periwinkle Star - 

Paper-Piece Project for the month - DONE

Clocks - DONE

Advent Box Projects - All projects DONE!

New for this year: 

Turtle Items

Gnomeo and Juliet

Pillow Exchange

Penguin Mug Rugs

Composition Books for kids

Items being held for MSQC in July

*Anna's Baskets - ready to quilt

Barbara Brachman Civil War Sampler - ready to quilt

Oh Happy Day - Moved here as it is ready to quilt

UFO Handwork Items:

Hand Quilting -- 

Stocking - in Montana, will work on there

Wool Wall Hanging - 

Links to Previous 2024 Monthly Posts - none yet as this is the beginning of the new year