More Ornament Auditions

I believe this is the end of my audition process for 2013. I will be making these.

I used this tutorial as my inspiration. The one on the left is the first one I made. I used a yo-yo for the center, as called for in the tutorial. The crochet hook I used for it was too large, but was the smallest one I owned. I made the one on the right second. The center is two pieces of wool with an awesome button attached. I purchased a smaller crochet hook and am much happier with the end result. It's a keeper!

I think my style is better represented by the one on the right, with the button and the wool center. So, I will continue to use wool rather than making yo-yos, which I don't really enjoy anyway. I plan to use some of my fun buttons and I may even do a little embroidery too. The center circles are only 1.75" so there isn't room for much on them.

I do still really like the first ornament I auditioned, but due to time constraints this year I will be making these. However, I don't have to do any auditioning for 2014 because I will be making the embroidered wreaths. I'm just going to start on them sooner so time won't be an issue and I can enjoy the process.

Passing On an Addiction

I have a very talented friend/student, Mary Ann. Check out what she made for me!

Thank you so much Mary Ann! I love it!

A few weeks ago I told you that I signed up to do Sue Spargo's BOM for 2014. Mary Ann saw the post and asked if I could order Sue's book, Creative Stitching, for her through the store. The book came in about 2 weeks ago and she has been cranking out some stitched awesomeness. Above is just one example. The flower in the center didn't photograph well, but it is made from bullion stitches. The outside edge is completely beaded.

I've seen a couple of other things she has made too. All are gorgeous! She told me that she was "mad" at me for introducing her to Sue Spargo's work. You are so welcome, Mary Ann!

Annual Ornament Auditions

This one is a keeper!

Although I don't know if I will have enough time to make two dozen of these before Thanksgiving. I have another idea that I haven't had a chance to test yet. I think it will be faster to make. If so, I will make it for this year and these wreaths for next year.

Half Square Triangles

I haven't posted anything in a few days because all I have been doing is making half square triangles.

I need 440 for the project I am working on! At this point they are all sewn, cut apart and pressed. I have about half of them trimmed. The quilt top will go together pretty fast once I get all the half square triangles ready, but ... I still have a lot of squaring up to do before I can get back to the sewing part.

Retreat Report

A good time was had by all!

I got my camera out but promptly lost it in my mess so I didn't take a single photo at the retreat! The pictures probably wouldn't have been that good anyway because there are too many windows for good pictures during the day and not enough overhead light for good pictures at night.

Here is what I accomplished:

I made the four blocks for my Flying South class sample.

These blocks should look familiar since this is the same pattern I used for my last scrap group project. For this one I am using charm packs instead of scraps.

I made the first of twelve blocks for my next scrap group project.

The pattern is called Star Value. This one will have multiple colors for the stars and on-point squares. I was given some red and blue squares at retreat that I plan to use to make a Quilt of Valor. For that one I plan to make the stars alternate between red and blue and use gold for the on-point squares.

I made four Runaround Bags.

The one on the far right is MINE, made out of this adorable fabric. The other three will be gifts and a store sample.

I did a little shopping too.

I didn't get as much accomplished as I would have liked, but I never do. It is a lot of work to pack up my sewing room, drive for a little over an hour and then unpack everything only to have to do it again two days later, but worth the effort. We sewed and laughed and sewed and ate and sewed. Our next retreat will be the last weekend in February. I'll sign up and pay next month at guild.

A Finished Gift

All that remains is for me to wash it, box it and mail it. That won't happen until next week though.

Here is front:

And the back:

The quilt is about 64" by 78".

Retreat Prepping

Most of my sewing time this week is being spent getting ready for my guild retreat this weekend.

I have a tub of strings that I will use for an upcoming class sample.

I have a tub of 4" squares that will turn into my scrap group project for next month.

At the moment I have four projects in tubs ready to go to retreat, the two above plus two more.

In addition to these four projects, I have two charity quilts sent to me by my mom. I plan to complete at least one of these. I also have some smaller, quick and easy projects on my list - some Little Wallets and some Runaround Bags. Click here to see photos of a Little Wallet and Runaround Bag I made previously.

The last couple of evenings have been spent sewing binding on this quilt.

I'm on the last side!