Why I Hoard My UFO's

Times are really scary here in Michigan. Unemployment is up, housing is unstable, businesses are closing or moving out. It breaks my heart that my lovely state is in such despair. It's really hitting home as hours are being cut and positions are be re-evaluated. I take comfort in the closeness of my family, the support of my friends, and my endless pile of UFO's. No matter how tough times are and spending is cut, there's always something to work on!

Take care!
Elisa

A Moment Now Will Save Many Later!

Ok, so you're in the shop, and they're about to cut a nice yard or so off the bolt for you.  As you look down, you see a spot (a hole, a misprint, a mark, a stain, a blemish) on the fabric.  Buy it at a discount?  SURE!  I'm a scrap quilter.  But this is only a deal if you're smart about it later!


This is not sale fabric!

When I get home, before I forget, I always mark the defect on the fabric.  Whether it's a piece of masking tape or a garage-sale dot, I cover the blemish.  That way, when I go to cut it that night, next week, next year, I don't forget about it. 

Hard lesson learned?  You betcha!  Once upon a time, in my early quilting days, I cut up an entire cut of fabric only to find I was one block short because... I had forgotten about that hole.  Fabric is too expensive to take chances.

Happy Saturday!
Elisa

Uh... 48 yards?!?

You are now reading the post of the proud owner of 48 yards of interfacing!  (Do I sound convincingly proud or just feeling a little stupid?)

Over the next few months I'm participating in two wonderful embroidery BOM groups - Stitch-Along and Birdie Stitches. SOOO.... I decided today to trek out into the two (not five-to-seven inches) of snow that appeared overnight and go shopping. 

If you've read my earlier posts (and if you did you deserve a trophy or an award or pity or something...) you may remember that I don't like using hoops when I embroider (they leave marks, they stretch out the fabric, it gets dirty where you hold it, etc).  So I decided to replenish my interfacing.  Off to JoAnn's I went.  They were out. Onto the next JoAnn's.  They were out, too.  Ok, try another.  Still Out. (Don't these people appreciate the price of gas?!?!)

Landed at the junkiest one (right near home).  They had it, of course.  WELL!  I have a coupon! So, deciding that I don't want to repeat this search again I declare to the poor cutting counter girl, "Wrap it up!  I'll take the whole thing!"  I was a little shocked to realize at the register that it's 48 yards to a bolt!

Ok, 48 yards @ 99cents/yard minus 40% off coupon minus $5 merch credit plus tax = 3 lunches at Chipotle!  Suh-weet!

Have I mentioned that one of my favorite aspects of quilting is the math?  Yes, I'm sick that way.

So, 48 yards minus .5 yard for the Stitch-along minus 1.5 yards for Birdie Stitches = 46 yards leftover this year.  Average 2 yards a year means I'll use it up in 23 years which brings me to 64 years old (my birthday is next week).  Hmmm... hope I can still see to embroider!

Oh well!  Gotta prep my fabric!

Happy Friday everyone!

Elisa

5 Days to Stitch-Along!

I feel like I've been waiting forever for the Stitch-Along to start. Just 5 more days - it's an early birthday present to myself!

I've been reading the instructions - the pattern calls for backstitching. Realizing now that I stink at the backstitch! All my embroideries have been "stem-stitched", but the details of this pattern are too small. Tried my hand for the first time at a backstitch on my Birdie Stitches block -hmmm... needs work.

I've been drooling over all the fabric selections of my counterparts - check them out on the SAL blog. I'm now reconsidering my sashing fabrics and my floss! Sounds like it is time to go shopping!

Hope I can get out in tomorrow's snow! 5-7 inches expected.

Waiting for the snow and the stitching ahead,
Elisa

Birdie Stitches BOM - January

Ok, I know.  I'm a little behind.  Tonight I finished my Birdie Stitches January Block-of-the Month.  Isn't it adorable?

I'm planning on framing it with Moda's new Dilly Dally fabric line!

Monthly patterns are free on Little Miss Shabby's blog!  You can see other completed blocks on Flickr. 

Take care and stay warm!
    Elisa

Gadget Time - Tip Top!

It seems like "quilt tools" are everywhere!  Here is another of my favorites:

I bought these "scissor tip protectors" at a local quilt show from a dealer for WAY too much money apiece!

Had to laugh at myself when I found them later (and many dollars cheaper) on the JoAnn's knitting notions wall as knitting needle protectors!

They're great because:

• They're a soft, flexible rubber (very tantalizing to any cat in the vicinity).
• They come in various sizes (each a different color).
• They fit any size scissors.
• They not only protect your valuable scissors but also the project you're working on as well as the storage bag while at rest.

Pick up a set for yourself!  Buy extras because the cats love them!

Holiday Redwork - Santa

As promised, here is block 12 of 37 in my Holiday Redwork.  This one took me months to complete because I only worked on it in between other holiday projects.  Those solid areas are teeny, tiny French knots!

Can't wait to see the finished quilt!