Monday Meanderings 7 - 10 -2023

Another week has zoomed by. Did it go by fast for you too?  I spent most of it trying to get everything ready to go on retreat Wednesday.  I completed several things on my goals list but not everything.  But I'm ok with that.  And there is always another week to finish the items I didn't this week. Here's how I did on last week's goals.

7/3/23

Finish cutting out ✅Two by Two blocks & ✅String Bean Blocks. 

Make more blocks for FCQ Equilter — Nope - didn’t do anything on this.

✅Cut out more background fabric for 30 something.

✅Quilt something on Ruthie — the Moose in Winter is quilted. 

Figure out fabric in and out since I last reported it for 2022 — Nope nothing done.

Two by Two ready to be sewn.

And on to this weeks goals:  

7/10/23

Finish stitching on needlepoint 

Go to retreat and enjoy sewing with friends

Finish all Flower Song blocks, put the center together

Make progress on Two by Two, String Bean, and 30 Something blocks

One thing that wasn't on my to do list was buying a ridiculous amount of fabric at the JoAnn's sale last week.  Honestly, almost everything I bought I had a very specific purpose for. Kind of. I overbought a little bit because I liked the fabric. But I scored some Fabric Traditions fabric for $3.00 a yard.  Yes it's a bit old but it is new to me and I have plans for both color ways I bought. The blue geometric is a backing and the green speckle is part of a 3 yard style quilt. I'm not sure what I had planned for the blue speckle. I've been going through white on whites like crazy so I added some new ones. The top two solids I'm going to use to make some lotto blocks for the October retreat. 

When all was done I saved over $75. For some unknown to me reason I paid only $1 for the light blue solid - 1 yard of it. Weird. It's all washed and waiting for me to use it. 

Do you overpack when you go on quilting retreats?  I always have at least one or two more projects than what I need.  I use a list to make sure I bring everything I need.  I should use it to pack up too although I don't really pay attention to it after I get there.  And I must make a mental note that I make sure all tools are marked with my name. 

On to more pictures and information about Kiel, Germany.  We were in port for two days so we had more time to see the city. What was cool about our berth this time is the city center was within walking distance of the ship. Many times the excursions we take are bus tours. In Kiel we had a bus tour and a walking tour. First some information about the first tour on the bus. 

We visited the Laboe Marine Memorial. Originally it was built to memorialize those seamen who died during World War I. In 1945 it added those who died in WW II. In 1954 it was rededicated as a memorial for the sailors of all nationalities who were lost at sea and at the same time a memorial for peaceful sailing in open seas. 

236' tall Marine Memorial. There is a viewing area at the top. I am claustrophobic so I did not go up to see the view.  

We walked underground to the other side to view another part of the memorial. This was a solemn place with flags from around the world and little displays of artifacts. Very moving. 

Walking back to where the bus was parked I snapped this photo at what looks like a pine tree. 

This is a Monkey Puzzle tree also known as a Chilean pine. According to The Spruce website it has been on earth since the dinosaurs. It can live up to 1,000 years. One fact I found interesting is the leaves are not needle-shaped. "Instead, they are leathery, broad, and dagger-like and can remain on the tree for 10 to 15 years." I wish I had seen the leaves up close. 

Laboe is situated on coast of the Baltic Sea. It has some lovely beaches that were in full use when we were there.  The weather for most of our trip was mid 70s to low 80s. One weird thing we found in Laboe was that most small food stands didn't take credit cards.  We didn't travel with Euros so no ice cream for us that day! 

Kiel was hosting Kiel Week, or Kiel Regatta, is the largest sailing event in Europe.  There were quite a lot of boats out and about on the waters that we past.   "While Kiel Week started out as a ship racing championship, it has long since become a large festival with many popular bands playing on public stages." (You can read more about Kiel Week on Wikipedia where this quote came from.)  Evidently across from our berth was one (or maybe two) of the public stage as we could hear the music from our balcony. 

Pat said these were full size hot air balloons but they sure didn't look it from the balcony.  

Next Monday I'll tell about our second day in Kiel when we took a walking city tour, went to a beer tasting and did a little shopping. I was surprised how little free time we had so not much shopping was done. 

Now, I'll be linking up with my favorite Monday Linky parties. 

Oh Scrap! 

Design Wall Monday

Monday Musings

To Do Tuesday 

Happy Quilting All! Bonnie 

Fabric Acquisition Results!

I won a gift card during the October retreat.  It's been sitting just waiting for me to go spend it, or maybe burning a hole in my pocket.  I hadn't made much of an effort before because the store is an hour away from me.  Since we had another errand to do in the vicinity I decided it was time to splurge.  Being careful about buying fabric "because I like it," I decided to only buy fabric needed so I could use some piece of fabric I already owned.  I came prepared with 4 or so 1 yard hunks of fabric and one top that needed some borders.  

Here's the final results of my shopping. I don't go to quilt stores too often so I was surprised that much of the fabric was $13.99 a yard. Yikes! 

Being a rather squirrelly person regarding buying fabrics I looked for older fabric that would work with my older fabric. None of the fabric I bought was of the $13.99 variety and at least one was less $10.  I ended up paying about $17. more than my gift certificate but I'm really pleased with my results. Here's the fabric groupings that will be turned into a quilt soon. 

In real life the top fabric is much darker.  But I'm tickled with my go withs. For the most part I bought 1 yard pieces. ⬆️

The floral fabric and the yellow fabric I already had.  I also have a solid pink that is wonderful with this fabric.  I was lucky to find this green that leans more to the blue than the yellow side. ⬆️ 

I've had this grape fabric for quite a while and have no clue where I got it from. The bottom purple lines fabric is leftover from a backing from some quilt, who knows which one at this point. Unfortunately, I don't have very much of it.  I'm pretty sure I can get more of it but I won't worry about that for until I decide to do something with this grouping. ⬆️

The two purple fabrics above will be used as a small inner border and the outer border of the Merry Mayhem January 1, 1923 all day mystery quilt. You can see a picture of it here. I wasn't feeling very adventurous so when I saw the same color of Dimples fabric I used in the quilt I just went for that.  

Yes, I certainly have a lot of projects I can work on.  Truth be told, I've been gathering fabrics from my stash into groups I can use to make a quilt. Somehow, I think, I've got about 10 groupings hanging around the studio and getting in my way.  

My plan for these three bundles is to make some 3 yard quilts from patterns from Fabric Cafe.  Unfortunately I loaned my book(s) and didn't get them back. Sigh.  I have ordered 2 books that will be coming in today and then it's on to making some tops.  Most of these quilts will be given to charity and move fabric out of the stash! I think I'm starting with the sea life fabrics shown at the top. 

I'm off to get other items checked off my to do list.  I'm linking up with 

Can I Get a Whoop Whoop?

Finished or Not Friday 

Beauties Pageant

I don't get many Friday posts up but I'm always happy to surf the web especially these three Linky party hostesses.  Hope you can kick back and do a little web surfing too. 

Happy Quilting All! Bonnie 

To Do Tuesday

Did you notice I skipped Monday this week?  I had some plans to do a short Happy 4th blog, even picked out the artwork.  But, nope, didn't happen.  So it's To Do Tuesday instead.  

So let's start with last week's goals list.  It was a great week actually. 

6/27/2022

✅Make backing for Cheese and Crackers quilt -- Check below to see the yellow backing at the top of the photo. 

✅Quilt and bind Cheese and Crackers -- Here's a peek at the quilting.

✅Finish making the dog toys -- Something like 28 toys are done.

✅Make 3 more blocks for Irma -- Ready to put in the mail.

✅Sew cupcakes block together -- Done, and it doesn't look much differently from last week's picture. 

Here's what I'm working on this week.

7/4/22

Work on July’s UFO challenge Migrating Geese

Start on Picnic Time small wall hanging 

Make blocks for FCQ Officers, more red Spider Webs 

Quilt something… decision to be made during the week

Here's the new challenge piece.  Several years ago I purchased a Technique Sheet (TS) from Studio 180. The sheets are printed in color and then laminated. The TS  shows how to make the geese and gives sizes for various widths of the strips. I made 5 long strips 9.5" wide. All the geese strips are completed.  I bought a wide back from Connecting Threads to use as the sashing, borders and backing.  After hours of making sure I would have enough fabric for the backing if I cut a hunk off for the sashing and borders, I started cutting.  

As you can tell I used some of my homespuns.  All the plaids I used made a dent but unfortunately I still have some left. Sigh.  I might need another project of homespuns one of these days. (Cheese and Crackers made a dent in my 30's and fabrics but another project or two also will be needed to use them up.) 

I admit there was shopping going on the last week of June.  I was hoping both packages would come in after July so I wouldn't have to count them in during June.  One is being counted on my June stash busting numbers and one will be in the July numbers.  But here's what I got.  First the June add ins.  

I've been getting emails from Craft Town fabrics for years.  In fact I've bought from them before but not for several years.  When they offered a great price on a rainbow box of Mettler Silk Finish threads I was totally hooked.  See the box below.  Don't they make you want to sew something in a beautiful bright color?  

I figured I could add some fabric for the same shipping charge, so I did. Plus they often have All or Nothing fabric or fabric at lower costs starting at $3.99.  These are older fabrics but definitely quilt store quality.  I decided to check the All or Nothing selection. Hum, there were several that appealed to me.  I ended up with 2 prints and 3 neutrals. Here's my haul. 

I hadn't bought novelty fabric for a while so I decided to get the popsicles and sheep just for something new.  Actually the popsicles is a full yard and will be used for the basis of a new quilt -- possibly a 3 yard quilt.  The sheep will probably be the centers a child quilt but not sure what as it is only 3/8th of a yard.  The other 3 neutrals will work well as background fabrics when I use a variety of backgrounds. (note -- Craft Town has $5.00 shipping up to $49.99 in July. And, no I don't get compensated for sharing this, just call me The Enabler!) So I thought I was set for awhile. 

Except, Connecting Threads was having a 20% off sale and I fell for a fat quarter bundle of red fabrics.  So, again, I checked shipping and decided to add a one yard piece of wide backing.  I have had great luck using wide backing for piecing.  I was "planning" on getting some white I had purchased before.  It was a little surprise when I got the package. That lovely grey fabric was what was suppose to be white. Note to self: double check your order before submitting it! Sigh. I haven't decided how I plan on using it.  I will check my tops and see if there is any that would fit on it. Or it might become a background fabric for some project.  Lots of possibilities. 

The reds are going to be used on more spider web blocks.  The reds in my stash don't seem right to me so this influx of reds will be put to work soon. 

It seems like I had a whole lot to let everyone know about today.  But, I'm done now.  Well, except the plug for the Linky parties.  Here are links to the parties I'm participating in today. Please use these as launching pads to visit quilters on the Internet. 

Monday Making

Design Wall Monday 

To Do Tuesday

Midweek Makers 

Happy Quilting All! Bonnie 

Monday Meanderings 3 - 7 - 202

What a busy week this has been for me.  I shouldn't have been surprised since I gave myself 7 items on my to do list which is way more than the 4 or 5 I usually give myself.  The best news from my point of view is I actually made some progress on all of the goals.  Shocking, but I was highly motivated this week.  

2/28/2022

✅Make more red Spider blocks, Ombre blocks  

✅Bind Grape quilt -- you can go here to see the finished quilt

✅Cut pieces for “cupcake” blocks — Some are done more to do

✅Finish sewing Looking Glass quilt together - done, make backing fabric — in process 

✅Work on SAHRR - a little done but this is going to the back burner for now

✅Start on March’s UFO Challenge Quilt - Easy Breezy blocks to top 

✅Making backing for the little dog quilt, load and quilt 

I pulled out the Easy Breezy blocks. I had 35 done and want to lay them out in a 6 x 7 grid.  So first up is make 7 more blocks. 

I decided to see how a churn dash block will look with my SAHRR feathered star.  I like my sample block so eventually I'll get enough made to make another full border. But I have too many things to do that have deadlines to finish it now. Hopefully I won't bury it again. 

The little dog quilt has been quilted.  Eventually I'll trim and bind it but not this week. 

Here's what's up this coming week

3/7/2022

Quilt customer quilt

Quilt and bind Marine Looking Glass 

Make labels & sleeves for 3 quilts going to the Faithful Circle Quilters show

Make 7 more Easy Breezy blocks; make blocks for FCQ Equilter this month

Make March block from Sherri McConnell’s BOM

I finally took a picture of the two wide back fabrics I bought at the Mid-Atlantic Quilt show.  The white will be used to piece with. (I never put white on the back of a quilt.  Do you?) The fun rainbow circles is going to be used on 2 rainbow scrap challenge tops and one top I made in rainbow colors.  I don't know when I'll get to them but hopefully at least one this month. 

When I was watering my plants this month I noticed one lone flower on my Christmas Cactus.  What a surprise.  It bloomed profusely between Thanksgiving and Christmas.  I figured it was done for awhile. When I took this picture I notice one other very early bud and 3 even earlier buds. I may have a beautiful display in a few weeks.  Maybe I should have taken this photo from a different angle so you can see how big this bloom is. 

I'll try to remember to take more pictures if it decides to give me more blooms. As much as I like to keep up my indoors plant I don't do much outdoors. I'd like to but the heat of our summers just takes too much out of me. (Or at least that's my excuse!) 

I'm ready to call it a night.  So, please remember to go to one of these Linky parties to access a lot of wonderful quilt blogs.  It so fun to surf the web to see what people are up to. 

Oh Scrap

Monday Making

Design Wall Monday

To Do Tuesday 

One last bit of info. I finally used up my first spool of thread this year.  Since I switched to using a cone of thread for most of my piecing I haven't been using as many spools.  Thanks to needing navy blue thread for the Marine Looking Glass border I was able to use a large spool up. Whoop! 

Have quilting all!  Bonnie (ready to go read a book and get some sleep.) 

EYE CANDY

 We had a visit from Jenny this week.  She was picking up The Kittens quilt I quilted for her.  And she brought some of her quilts in progress to show off.  Enjoy! 

From the pattern Lloyd and Lana by Elizabeth Hartman.

Sleepy Sloth by Elizabeth Hartman 

AND she brought me some fabric she got from someone who was downsizing her fabrics. Bonus.  Most of them are fairly small but very fun. These are just a small selection of them.  I will definitely be making some blocks with these beauties in them! 

Sharon and I are having a great time "retreating" together.  So this is short.  There are quilts to quilt and quilts to bind and tops to make.  Maybe I'll have a top to show on Monday. 

Here's my weekend linky party list: Can I Get a Whoop Whoop?, Finished or Not Friday, and Beauties Pageant.  The weather is fine!  Join me in a little surfing. 

Happy Quilting All! Bonnie 

Fabric Goodies and CIJ Quicky

New fabric arrived yesterday! 

I did a little shopping on Craftsy when I got an ad about some kits on sale.  

When I realized the fabric was under $4.00 a yard I succumbed. I mostly make boy quilts for the NICU as Janet (a nurse in the unit) says there are more boys than girls in the unit usually. This Space Camp fabric by Lily and Loom fits my needs exactly. 

Complete Kit + backing fabric

I added 2 yards of this for the backing.

Pattern. Way too big at 69 x 69" for my use.  I'll make 2 smaller quilts. 

Sunday, July 22nd

Anja @ Anja Quilts

Moira @ Quilted Snail

Monday, July 23rd

Brenda @ Songbird Designs

Amy @ Sea of Estrogen

Bonnie @ In Stitches With Bonnie

Tuesday, July 24th

Kathy @ Kathy's Kwilts and More

Summer @ Summer Lee Quilts

Wednesday, July 25th

Susan @ Quilt Fabrication
Brandy @ Pampered Pettit
Jean @ All Points of the Compass

Saturday, July 14th

Joy @ Days Filled With Joy

Selina @ Selina Quilts

Sunday, July 15th

Joanne @ Everyone Deserves a Quilt

Jan @ The Color

ful Fabriholic

Monday, July 16th

Carole @ From My Carolina Home

Jamie @ L'Fair Quilts

Karen @ Tu-Na Quilts, Travels & Eats

Tuesday, July 17th

Sharon @ Vrooman's Quilts

Mary @ Made by Marney

Wednesday, July 18th

Cindy @ Stitchin' At Home

Karrin @ Karrin's Crazy World

Thursday, July 19th

Christina @ Christina's Handicrafts

Sherry @ Books, Hooks, Sticks, etc.

Danice @ Homespun Hannah

Friday, July 20th

Kristi @ Confessions of A Fabric Addict

Wendy @ Pieceful Thoughts

Saturday, July 21st

Marian @ Seams To Be Sew

Meloney @ Mel's Quilting Blog

Here's a quick pic of my giveaway items for my Christmas In July post tomorrow, Monday July 23. I use my fold up box as a thread catcher and the zippered pouch is my go to to corral supplies like my rotary cutter and little scissors when I travel. 

I'm linking up with Oh Scrap! As if I haven't given you a lot of sites to be looking at -- try to take a few minutes to check out the links on Oh Scrap today. 

Happy Quilting All! Bonnie 

Monday Meandering AND OMG March

It's time to set the March One Monthly Goal.
I've spent a bit of time trying to figure out what would be a good goal this month.  After thinking and looking at several projects I decided I would finish the second top from the Rainbow Scrap Challenge 2017.  You can see the first one in this post.  I never posted that quilt finish! Hum, I guess I'll take pictures soon so I can share it with you. 

I used a cool braid block from the pattern Braid Shuffle by Karie Patch Designs. Here's where I am with the second quilt. I didn't use any pink blocks in the first quilt because my nurse friend who distributes them says dads don't want any pink in their boy's quilts.  These will be donated to a NICU in Richmond though Country Piecemakers.  My thought is they could be saved for twins.  I have quite a few blocks that need to be finished and a few more that I'll need to start from scratch.  The suggested border is a very dark purple.  I'm guessing it might be too dark so I'll wait til the center is done before I commit on the border.  

Which leads me to my next topic.  Over the weekend I was asked if I might be interested in some fabric from a friend's daughter's friend's mother's estate. Ok, forget the relationship.  Let's just say the daughter was thrilled someone was interested in the fabric and took it off her hands.  Three of us went over to see what was available.  The other two took some fabric and craft things for themselves or for other friends.  I took the majority of the fabric because no one really wanted it.  I know I have a lot of contacts with people who make charity quilts so what I don't want will be moved on to others. 

This is a 25 gallon tote.  I've been going through and getting rid of odd ball pieces, patterns and separating the rest.  A lot has been washed, dried and folded. Some I've added tags telling how much there is. There was another box almost as big as the tote.  Can you tell where I was sitting as I was going through the bin?  Folding. Separating.  You get the idea. I've still got quite a bit of fabric that needs to be washed.  For the most part this stuff is in good shape. So far no bugs and not much of a stale smell either. And, surprise, surprise there were several 1 yard and bigger pieces of purple.  Maybe there will be a different border on the above quilt. 

This last picture is my fabric purchases at the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Show held a little over a week ago.  The bright fabric is wool pieces.  The two bottom light pieces will be added to my Jamestown Landing whites.  I like that there is a little color but the backgrounds are basically white.  I also found some usable white on whites in the fabric I picked up this weekend. Yippee!  A little more variety. 

As I mentioned last week I won't be sharing goals on Mondays any more.  It just took me too long to do that when I have so much I try to squeeze in on Monday mornings. (And, nope, I'm no good at getting my blogs written in advance.  Sometimes I get the pics taken a day or two before which does help.) 

So that is it for this post.  I'm linking with all my favorite parties: Oh Scrap, Monday Making, Moving It Forward, and Main Crush Monday.  It's a lot of fun scooting around the internet seeing what folks are working on.  Unfortunately it gives me way too many ideas and not enough time to do it all! 

Happy Quilting All!  Bonnie