I've had a wonderful week of stitching. I am amazed about how much I've gotten done.
Let's start with goals from last week. OOOHHH look at all the green check marks!
1/5/2026
✅Finish Dec. clue from Magnificent Mystery — finally done!
✅Work on Snowman block — Made some progress on stitching and prepping next pieces to stitch.
✅Make plan for spool blocks from 2017 (UFO Challenge) — Figured out a plan and began on it.
✅ Quilt more on at home round robin — quilting complete!
✅Knit on hat — good progress made.
✅Work on cross stitch zippered bag — the end is in sight. But probably another week or two.
It took forever to make 120 half square triangles and then 60 of the flower blocks that made up the clue for Magnificent Mystery. This is the December clue finally done! I'm ready to do the January block now.
I've got a very doable plan for the Spools blocks. Here's a "mock" up using one of the 12" blocks I made recently. I need to make 2 more spool blocks. I found a great sewing machine block to put in the middle. I'll decide about the filler I'll need around the 12" block once it is made.
No pictures of the other goals but I'll be sharing some of them soon. (Ie, when I finish them!)
Now on to this week's goals.
1/12/26
Make sewing machine block and 2 spool blocks
Work on snowman block
Bind at home round robin
Work on cross stitch zippered bag
Make some miscellaneous blocks
Quilt one of my quilts
I didn't post my 15 minutes of stitching last week. So, here's my stitching report since the beginning of the month.
Week ending 1/11/26 11 days of 2026
11 of 11 days 100%
And, it is time to share my fabric usage for 2025. I was worried I'd acquired more fabric than I'd used. Needless to say, I was pleased with these numbers. And, I haven't bought any fabric this year!
Year | Fabric In Year | Fabric Out Year | Total Out Year |
2025 | 111.75 | 130.225 | 18.475 |
I've kept track of the spools (or cones) of threads I use each year since 2012. My lowest number was 7 and the highest was 30. This year I used 12, split evenly between cones and spools.
Other events this past week ... Sunny was groomed. To see her "hairy" look, check here. You couldn't even see her eyes by the time she was groomed.
I like her look with the cute bandana. She doesn't mind it except when her leash is on. So, she goes without it. I recently was given a bunch free fabric. I was surprised there were quite a few dog bandanas in the collection. I'll be cutting them up too. Luckily some of them were for much bigger dogs than Sunny so I'll get a few more cuts out of them. But I may have to keep this red one for her to wear on dress up days!
Now, about that puzzle. (you can see what I'm talking about by reviewing it in last week's post.) I have to admit I tried to make progress on it. I got the bottom edge totally put together with at least one additional row. The side edges were about 3/4s up. But I couldn't get anything on the top together. I finally decided today that I really wasn't enjoying the puzzle. So I took it apart, boxed it up, and tomorrow I'll take it to the clubhouse so someone else can do it! I don't want to see it again!
In its place is a 1,000 piece puzzle that I've made a lot of progress on. And the pieces definitely snap together well. I admit I spent a couple of hours on it today. Amazing how motivating it is to work on it and see progress!
And here's the pic of the puzzle I'm working on. I've never made a puzzle that had a separate picture rather than just the box cover. Have you? I know those lovely sun flowers are going to be a mess to figure out. And, all those dogs all the same color? Probably difficult too. We'll see how much I can do this week and still reach my sewing goals.
I'm linking up with the following parties:
Design Wall Monday
Monday Musings
Happy Quilting All! Bonnie
It's so satisfying to see those green checkmarks! Spools around the star is a great way to set them. Abandoning the frustrating puzzle is akin to letting go of an annoying UFO! Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on a completely checked off list. You are farther along on the Magnificent Mystery than I am. I'm hoping to finish the November clue this week. I like your spools quilt, that's going to be a fun finish. Congrats on ending the year in the black with more stash out then in last year. You had a stellar year with your stitching metrics.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to seeing your sewing machine block--don't we all love a good sewing machine block?!!! Sunny is looking adobes. Sounds like your puzzle moves were a good decision--you're much more motivated now.
ReplyDeletePat yourself on the back for all those green checks-YAY! Great idea to use a sewing machine block for the center of the spools quilt. Hope you have another great week!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter does puzzles as therapy for her anxiety after a car accident. She pops in audiobooks and gets busy on 2000 and 3000 peices. Derives me crazy to help because my hands don't like it. My fabric in was 1 1/2 yds of a soccer fabric we found on our cruise in Norway.
ReplyDeleteThose spools blocks are so fun! A sewing machine in the center is a great idea. And Sunny looks adorable - it's amazing how their looks change when the groomer works their magic!
ReplyDeleteNice progress on the projects! Your dog is so cute with his bandana!
ReplyDeleteYeah for the green check marks! Well done with your goals. Your spool blocks are adorable, just like Sunny ☺️. I love puzzles, have fun with this one! Thank you for sharing and linking up.
ReplyDeleteYou had a great week of progress on your projects, Bonnie! I love your plan with the spool blocks. Sunny is adorable in her bandana. Thanks for sharing with us at Monday Musings. Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteSunny is a beautiful dog. Lovely work on your projects. Warm greetings from a retired lady living in Montreal, Canada ❤️ 😊 🇨🇦
ReplyDeleteHi Linda -- you are a no reply blogger so I couldn't send you a note of thanks and such. I, too, am retired and quilting is my every day activity along with a bit of knitting and cross stitching.
Delete