12 Happy Finishes in 2017!

For my records, I put together what I stitched/finished in 2017.  Some of these projects were begun in 2016 and finished in the new year.  Lots of happy stitching memories here.

Christmas fabrics bright against the white.

Trying to be cool-and modern looking with left over Christmas fabrics.

Shiny and Brite pattern by Crabapple Hill Studios. Loved the dancing pinwheels.

Crocheted Hexagon Throw Inspired by Jane Brocket. I spent a fortune on that Australian wool but it is superior.

My Quilty 365...a circle a day project. I loved doing this and remember Hubby saying those birds would be the size of  helicopters according to my scale.

"Strawberry Fields Forever"...my homage to the Beatles; I was 12 when they appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show.

Using up scraps from the green bag and learning how to Matchstick quilt.

Knitted scarves blanket which is on my bed these days.

Cheri Payne's cute Sew Spooky pattern for Halloween.

Anyone remember the Tuesday's Flowers applique project? I joined the 20 blocks and they are waiting patiently in a tote to be quilted; I need a huge piece of batting as it became quite large with the sashings.

Loved embroidering Nicola Jarvis' kooky kind of bird.

Me going rogue with my own version of wonky Christmas trees.

My version of  Allie Oops pretty Tulips pattern. I got to finish those leaves with the help of an internet friend, Patricia.

I feel like I'm missing something.

 I am thankful my fingers can still work; however a little ironic as today my trigger finger on my left hand woke me up with its tiny but persistent ache.  Sort of a little reminder- exercise all you want, you're not getting away that easily.

Meanwhile my OMG for January was to get the Scandinavian Christmas project all hand quilted.  Valiant though my efforts were, I did not make it.  Close- have just the right outer row of hearts and snowflakes to do.

Hard to get a good photo...this is large and a bit heavy now.

The good news is that my interest has not lagged; I still enjoy the stitching on it and I can see it will at least get to the sashing stage soon.  So this OMG is carried over to February.  And I'm adding finishing two more of my A Patchwork Year blocks.
So happy stitching all!

Happily linking this post with Sew Can She,  Elm Street Quilts, Free Motion By the River, and  The Needle and Thread Network.

A Tulip Finish, Tuesdays Flowers Blocks and Two Straw Things

Up at my usual time...early, but not quite up to par.  Had a horrid night with very little sleep.  First it was too hot.  Our little bit of heat has caught me off guard and I still had the winter duvet on the bed.  That will get remedied today.

As well, younger daughter was away on a business trip to California and was arriving home at 2 am due to flight delays.  That meant she was doing the Park and Ride in the wee hours which had me worried. Son in law texted at 3 am that she was using the airport valet service so that was a little better but I was so happy when I got the text an hour later that she was home.  I may as well have gone to the airport myself to collect her.

 Even though she is a grown woman, I still worry and I guess that just doesn't stop.

The Finish

It is a real pleasure to have my Tulips project completed and hanging on the wall. I didn't do as much hand quilting as I thought I would-just in each pink part, surprise, surprise but my time babysitting and away kind of took precedence. I wound up doing some echo quilting by machine around each leaf which worked out well.  No hitches with this little project so how good is that.

Thought I'd try one of those artsy type photos of it out on the lawn but the too bright sunshine and the poor quality of our grass at this stage kinda didn't really work.  (Hubby won't like that I'm showcasing this grass...what is it about men and grass!)

The WIP

I have my Tuesday's Flowers blocks on the wall together and have started cutting the strips and corner stones.  So far, so good. I was a bit nervous when I began this stage.

 About that, I followed the advice that so many of you give...put a new blade in my rotary cutter and measured twice or three times.  This fabric is expensive; I really don't want to mess up.

  I am liking the French General Pondcherry fabric and the grey of it is not overwhelming the flowers.  Seeing these blocks altogether does give me a bit of a surprise.  I didn't realize I had used so much red in them but I like it.  I'm using the order the original Tuesday's Flowers used to line up the rows.

I think this tells something about my nature.  I don't seem to be as cognizant of the ending of things as I should be and get lost in the process.  It even happens in baking with me.  Once I put something in the oven, I can feel finished and only setting a timer will remind me that it's not over yet.  The making of things seems to be where I find the most pleasure.   Does that even make sense?

Two Straw Things

At the second hand store that used to be a church, we found a number of items that suited this house. When I saw this chair, I knew I wanted it for the front veranda.  Finally got it outside and I do like it.

I love bags. I think that is a trait I share with many of you!  It is just about the only accessory that I have to reign myself in when it comes to purchases.  I didn't need another bag, but I liked this one.  Summery and colourful with lots of pinks, blues and greens as well that this overbright photo isn't showing.

Hope there is something colourful to brighten your day!

Linking this post to the amazing stitchers at
Crazy Mom Quilts
Freemotion By the River
Thread and Needle Network
Sugarlane Designs

Itching to Stitch Quilty 365, Tulip Basket Wallhanging

The 'itch to stitch' is back and I am so glad it is.
I have been working on my cross stitch project and wanted to continue the appliqued hangings started ages ago before the move.

 I thought I would start off with a little slow stitching to get myself back into my routine.  I still haven't taken my sewing machine out of its box. But soon.

I worked a few embroidered stitches on more of the Quilty 365 blocks.  At my rate, this will not be a 365 block project for me; more like a 100 block project.

So much fun to pick and choose even small bits of fabric to work into these blocks.

And made some decisions about the Tulip appliqued hanging.  So long since I showed you...

I decided to hand stitch around the flowers and stems.  Time consuming but enjoyable.

And quickly realized that with the fusible applique there is fraying of the fabric edges that occurs.  To that end I bought an item called Fray Check to hopefully control the tiny little threads peeking out here and there.  Still learning, as I've stated about myself time and time again.

I also worked out what I'd like to do for the next part, the first border pieces.  A wave of ivy with a few flowers and leaves is what I settled on.  I chose the background fabric, drew out the designs on freezer paper and began the process of EPP them.  No fusing for these.

This has been a nice quiet activity for me.  Just right to get me settled down, relaxed and enjoying the contentment stitching can bring me.

Hope there is something bringing you contentment this weekend.