Sunday, December 30, 2012

Shredding, filing, hunting and gathering!

I spent the whole morning purging the 2012 files in my desk filing drawer.  I try to do it every year, but last year I must have been a little crazy, because I still had 2011 in there, too!  Sheesh!  So plenty of sorting, shredding, and deep-storage filing for 7 years was done today.  Whew!  I love a file drawer with nothing but empty folders in it!  Makes me really happy!

Then about 1:30......hubby came in and said, "The pump is leaking in the basement, so don't do any more laundry today.  I'll fix it when I get home."  Then he left for work.

Gee......"Don't do any more laundry today."   That's about the nicest thing he could have said to me!  Ha!

So, I played a little on-line poker (fake money only!), and then started checking on the blogs.  So many fun ones today!  Lots of Happy New Year wishes, and resolutions, and yearly 'theme' words, and after reading Scraps and Threadtales, I decided it's about dang time that I got my ufo's under control!

But that meant finding them all!  And I think I've found most of them!  Yay!  There are a few I can recall, but they are nowhere in site......probably in a tub somewhere, and I'll find them one day!  I hope!  (In a civil war era, 14-room farmhouse, there are a LOT of places to stash stuff, and not find them again for a very long time!  lol)

So, I pulled out all the ufo's......and amazingly...... I still want to finish them!  That's a very good sign!  Most of these are not that old......actually made in the last couple of years.  But a few are over 10 years in the making......and it's really time to get crackin on them!

BUT.......before I show you the ufo's........here's a strippy quilt top that I just finished last night!  I've been working on it for a month or so, had the flying geese strips done, then changed my mind about the color scheme of the strips.  Back and forth I went, with cheddar, then red, then brown, then cheddar again.  Then I completely changed the focus strip fabric, and that clinched it......had to be red!


I haven't decided yet if I'm going to put a strip of the focus fabric for a top and bottom border, or not.  Still deciding!  I kindof love it as it is!  What do you think?


 This is the focus fabric......I just love it!  In fact, I used it for choosing my colors in Bonnie Hunter's Easy Street Mystery quilt.  I didn't really have much of the colors she was using (lime green, turqouise, black/white background prints, etc.), and I did NOT want to purchase any more fabric (I've totally blown THAT budget a few times in the last couple of months!).......so I pulled fabrics of reds, browns, beige/tan backgrounds, and a smidge of pinks and blue/greens.  I love it!


I'm all caught up, and ready for the next clue tomorrow!  Woohoo!

And in case you are thinking all of these quilts are too small for the bed.......we have a footboard on our bed, and I don't tuck!  So my quilts are usually about 72"-75" in height, and 80"-90" in width.  It just depends on the pattern, and what I do for borders.  If I make them a 'real' queen size....then they are for this bed in the guestroom.


So......here are my ufo's......


My version of Roll Roll Cotton Bowl, another Bonnie Hunter Mystery.  (I didn't do the string blocks, because I knew it was going to be way too big!)




I just finished this vintage 40's fabric top a little while ago.......I would love to have it done for the spring!  Hmmmm!




Florabunda (another of Bonnie's patterns).  I LOVE this quilt!




Cripes!  This was the cruise quilt from the Bonnie Hunter cruise back in August of 2011!  Sheesh!  I really need to get this one done soon!  It has a date on it, for crying out loud!  LOL  (The words around the border say, "Cruising the Caribbean, 2011!  It's paradise, baby!")





This was pieced about 8 years ago!  When I first started collecting 1800's prints.  I thought I would give it to my father, but then I made a different one for him.




 I even pieced a matching-fabric back so it would be reversible!   But then, I couldn't decide if I would make two separate quilts from them!  Dang!  I'm so fickle sometimes!





 This is one of my all-time favorites.....inspired by an antique quilt seen on ebay.......I loved every minute of making this top!




 A bit blurry....sorry!  This was inspired by the background wallpaper on the page of Bonnie Hunter's spiderweb instructions.  I saw the little webs among the big ones, and just knew I needed to make it!  And it's entirely out of nothing but the cuffs, collars, and pockets of thrift store shirts.......well, and the cheddar!  lol


And it even has a back made already!  Sheesh!  What was I waiting for!?!




 Blurry!  Oy!  More thrift store shirts......love it!  And the back is ready for this one, too!






 This is made with about a quarter of the gazillion 2" squares of thrift store shirts I have been using as leader/enders!  I FINALLY put them into something........and it didn't make a dent in the draw full of them!







 Of course, then there's the Jubilee Quilt, that has a deadline of mid-February to get it done!  Oy!  The top is complete, and has been for months!, but the back is kicking my butt!  I'm dragging on it, and I don't know why.  I got really inspired by an idea on another blog and thought it was the kick in the butt I needed a few weeks back, but that didn't pan out.  So I'm still stuck.  It just needs more.....but I don't know what!  I just need to keep staring at it a few more weeks, and maybe the deadline will drag it out of me!


The back......yep......it's kicking my butt!






 Blurry again!  Sorry!  This one was intended for my oldest son and his Pennsylvania-born wife, but I'm dragging my feet on it.....but for good reason!  They allow their dogs on the beds, and I've seen what they do to the bedding, so the thought of giving this to them just to have it all in shreds, well.......I just can't do it!  So it sits.  I still haven't even started the quilts for the other two boys yet, so I guess until they are ready, I don't need this one done early.  Good.





This top was finish over 15 years ago.....and I started to hand quilt it, but took out those stitches because I knew I'd never finish it!  I'm hoping some fmq will get it done!






This was started about 16 years ago, before we ever moved to Maine!  It's all hand pieced, and is nearly together.  I just need to take it to my Wednesday group meeting a few times, and the top will be finished!





This is an older pic, as I just have a few rows of the big hexie flowers to put together, and then the top is done!  Again, just needs to be taken to my meeting, for some hand-work time!





 But these are what have been at the Wednesday group meeting for the last couple of months!  I can't leave them alone!  They're just too darned cute!


 I need 363 of them for this quilt......and as of today, I just need to make 76 more!  Holy cow!  The box is nearly full, and then I'll start putting the cream background pieces on the stars.  This quilt will be entirely hand pieced, and hand quilted.





And this is my current leader/ender project.  A red and white tumbler quilt......and it's really coming along!  I have most of the onesies together into twosies, and have started the foursies!  lol


So......for ufo's:

1.  Strippy quilt......needs a back
2.  Easy Street.....finish top
3.  Roll Roll Cotton Bowl.....needs a back
4.  Vintage 40's top......have back fabric, needs quilting
5.  Florabunda......needs a back
6.  Cruise quilt......needs a back
7.  Repro diamonds......needs a back
8.  Repro 4-patch......needs a back
9.  Triangles quilt......have back fabric, needs quilting
10.  Spiderweb.....has back, needs quilting
11.  Shirt strings......has back, needs quilting
12.  Leader/ender 9-patch......needs a back
13.  Jubilee.....finish piecing back
14.  Broken star.....finish piecing
15.  30's drunkard's path.....needs quilting
16.  Amish Wedding Ring.....finish piecing
17.  Grandmas scrappy flower garden......finish piecing
18.  8 pointed stars quilt......finish piecing
19.  Red and White tumbler.....finish piecing


Cripes!  Is 19 bad?  LOL

Here's hoping 2013 will find some of these finished and on beds!  And if not, I'm hoping that it's because I was on a lot of vacations, and cruises, and driving trips.....and was just too busy having fun!  We'll see what happens!  :o)

And, like so many others, if I was to pick a word for 2013 to be my theme.....it would be....better!  And I know that sounds very simplistic, but in so many areas of my life, I just simply want to do better.  I don't need to be perfect (I used to think I did!).....but I want to do better.....in my food choices, and my exercise, and spending ( mostly on fabric!), and making more time for friendships..  I want to do better in giving my time and efforts to my community.  Using my free time better.  And especially try to be a better wife and mother.  I forget sometimes that there is effort in keeping those relationships going......and I want to do better!

Here's wishing you all have a very healthy and happy 2013!

regan

31 comments:

  1. Hi Regan,

    Great quilts! Some I've seen and some are new to me. I love the new red strippy. I don't remember seeing the feature fabric. I'm thinking the two roles of batting will not be enough. lol

    Pat

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  2. You're right, Pat! I think I'll be blasting through both of those batts pretty fast! Well....that's the goal, anyway! :o)

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  3. Oh, I need to do that file drawer thing, too, Regan.
    What a fun journey through your UFOs! You've got so many beauties--I tried to choose a favorite, but couldn't do it. And I swear I have some of those very same plaid shirts! I wanted to add that from the looks of the handwork projects you have, you need to go to your Wednesday meetings more than once a week! *LOL*

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  4. Nope I can tell you for a fact that 19 isn't bad. LOL Your quilts are great, and I couldn't pick a favorite if I had to because I like them all. I agree that the strippy quilt is great without the focus fabric on the bottom/top. Love it. I need to do what you are doing and sort through my things. I even have UFOs sandwiched. You are off to a good start. Happy New Year!

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  5. Oh I don't feel half as bad now Regan.Lol . I'm not counting mine but it's singles figures. Hope you do manage to do better this year . Maybe we should check back next year to see what's off the UFO list.
    You do have some great quilts there and love the backs.
    Happy New Year to you and yours.

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  6. ok so there are so many I LOVE get going and finish one a month maybe that could be a goal....19 is not bad! I really love the flying gesse quilt I think I would lay out the fabric on the bottom and look at if for a few days and see if you like it.
    either way its a great quilt and OH MY I Love that fabric, sooo pretty with that hint of blue...
    love the 4 patch with the cheddar and red sashing, if you don't mind I would love to use that idea in one of my next scrap quilts!
    thanks.
    Kathie

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  7. What an incredibly talented lady you are Regan !!
    Wow, Florabunda was my favorite.
    I LOVE the idea of using Thrift Store ANYTHING...
    Thrift Store Shirts used in a quilt top is so beautiful!
    Here's an idea...maybe you could donate one of your quilt tops to an organization that does yearly sales or auctions to raise money for their cause. Usually they will "finish" the quilt and raffle it or auction it off to raise money. The private schools in our area do this every year !
    Your work is lovely. Thanks for all of the pictures.
    What a great way to start off the New Year !
    Rose

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  8. I loved seeing all your UFOs! Now I don't feel so bad...I am not alone. I really don't want to count them though!
    Better...what a perfect goal for 2013! Wishing you a healthy, happy, better New Year!

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  9. Happy New Year.

    Your quilts look great. I really love the 2 with the flannel fabrics.

    Congratuations

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  10. Wonderful post!!! Love all those quilts - you didn't help my list any - want to add a couple like yours to mine!!!! LOL!!! Not sure what my word is - have to think about it a bit!!

    Blessings!!

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  11. Great post! I like the better theme for 2013...

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  12. Regan,

    With each quilt I kept thinking I liked the next one better. You are so talented and have such creativity.

    19 UFOs is not bad....makes me feel better!

    And as for wanting to do "better" in the next year...I think that is clearly a noble goal for all of us. "Do your best, leave the rest, angels do no more."

    Judy

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  13. You have an artistic eye for putting colors and fabrics together! (The focus fabric on the flying geese is fabulous, by the way.)

    Most of your UFOs are almost finished, so I know they will be quilts before the end of 2013.

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  14. you have more unfinished works that I have even done of anything all year.
    And if someone wants to tell me to stop doing laundry today I will love them and cherish them forever!!!

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  15. Great post! I like Kathie's idea of auditioning the border for a few days. I think I would like it either way, but that might help you decide.
    I really enjoyed seeing all your ufo's. I'm sure I have just as many though not as many completed tops. Good luck with the quilting, girl! There was no way for me to pick a favorite. So many beauties!
    Wishing you many completions in the new year! Cheers!

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  16. Wow, I'm in awe! Such great projects, and really inspiring.

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  17. I am so glad I checked on your blog today. What a wonderful show. You make such beautiful quilts, Regan. Treasures, every one!

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  18. I wish my UFO's looked this great! Now I want to add some of these to my to-do list. They are so fantastic.

    You might feel better about the number if you do what I do: Don't count tops waiting to be quilted as UFO's. I reserve that label for the things that are truly unfinished. A top is a kind of finish, and I find the piles in the quilt room are more manageable when you divide them into categories -- needs piecing, needs quilting, needs binding -- instead of making one giant, daunting list.

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  19. I'm with Ann Marie; don't count the tops waiting to be quilted as UFOs. Those are nearly finished! And when I see your photos, I see lots of already-completed work. You should be proud of yourself!

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  20. I love all your quilts and really enjoyed seeing them! I think the Florabunda is one of my favorites! It just reminds me of laying on my back and looking at the sunshine through the trees! LOL...I have tops to finish too. Still honing my FMQ skills on smaller projects, but think I'm ready to tackle a big quilt now!

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  21. Regan what a fantastic assortment of quilts... they are all just lovely and I hope you get them finished so they can be out on display....
    Happy New Year...
    Hugz

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  22. Happy New Year Regan, Girl I can't believe how prolific you are-wow is all I can say! Your quilts are beautiful, just like you. Wishing you loads of fun quilting this new year. Stay warm!
    Hugs, Noreen

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  23. Regan, Seeing your UFO's is even better than your quilt show posts. Oh My Golly, I love the quilts you make!!! Good luck with getting some finished this year, but no pressure. Happy New Year!!!

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  24. Oh my goodness, 19 is barely a scratch!
    You have a fantastic body of work - WOW! Thanks so much for sharing all the pictures.
    Top and bottom border - not sure it needs one - but Grand Tient fabric is a fave.

    Best wishes to you and yours for a fabulous 2013!!

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  25. Wow! what a great quilt show! your red strippy is great. You have so many good good tops. All are worthy of finishing and enjoying. Love the cheddar spider web and RRCB.
    thanks for such a fun post.
    Happy 2013

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  26. Your quilt tops are loverly and inspiring!! I guess a New Year makes us want to get things finished, closets cleaned (no purging yet!), books organized, List of To Do's, fabric folded neatly again. I am resolved to finish my "Hope" strip quilt of 8-pt stars....hand-piecing the stars but sewing the rest together by machine....9 stars to go...and at the same time finishing "Heritage" pinwheels....both copies of c.1830 quilts.......resisting the urge to start another new quilt.....well, except for the darling little Jo Morton club quilt that didn't take long!!!

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  27. S-T-O-P !!!!......Oh please, you're hurting me with all those FABULOUS UFO's!!
    Girl, you have some of THE BEST UFO's I've seen!!

    My favs....light vintage 40's.....Ebay quilt and your orange Jubilee quilt!

    You better get the lead out and get busy!! HA!

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  28. Jeez, Regan... I take them All! - finished or not, I wouldn´t mind. One more wonderful than the other.

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  29. You're in good company...I have about 19 UFO's too! Yours are gorgeous UFO's though! (I wish my UFO's were as nice!!) There is a lot of work in each of them and they will all be fantastic when they are finished :o)

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  30. You are amazing Regan...19 quilts!! I enjoyed seeing them all. Even though you are still working on them, it just boggles my mind of all the work you have into them. (You probably can tell I'm not a quilter.) Here's to a great 2013!!

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  31. Finished or not, I loved your quilt show! It was great inspiration for me to get a move on! I love those little stars you're stitching and also the flying geese strippy. Gosh, they're all great!

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