When life gives you scraps - USE them!

It was a bit of a train wreck day, but I still managed to get three things done! Remember, I mentioned I had the shingles shot the previous day? Well, about dinner time yesterday, it hit me, although my arm had been sore for most of the day. It didn't help that I had done a lot of upper arm work with Brooke, and I could feel that in my arms as well. 

I had a slight fever, accompanied by a chill, and I was exhausted. I went to bed with a hot Magic Bag and fell into a deep sleep. I woke up a couple of hours later feeling much better, and today? I'm back to my old self! 

Good thing I didn't get the flu shot as well! I know those symptoms are an indication that the vaccine is working, but I hate that part!

The first thing I did was to grab all the batting bits from the lower section of the closet and sort them by size. Anything in the 60" range went in one pile, 70" in another, and so on. The sizes range from 40" to over 100". This way, it's a lot easier to find like sizes and group them to make a backing. 

Half of the batting bits

I still have the top section of the closet, which is a different batting type, and I guess I should have grabbed that one first, but it all has to be used up, so it doesn't really matter. There are still four more dog quilts, eight of my community project quilts, and approximately ten that I offered to do as a favor for someone. I doubt there will be any batting bits left by the time I'm finished. Wouldn't it be nice to get all this done before the end of the year? 

My November is a bit of a mess, so we'll see what happens. I'll do what I can! It's not that bad - not as bad as September, but there are a few trips, some work events, and some writing thrown in as well. 

So I joined the batting bits for the quilt I was quilting yesterday. And all was good. 

Joining the batting bits

I joined three pieces together, and that middle piece was JUST the right length. I think I've mentioned this before, but I've had offers from two people to help quilt the pile of community project quilts. There is so much work involved in preparing these quilts, especially in preparing the backing and batting, that it isn't worth it. I'd have to spend days prepping and then see it all go out. Nope - I'd prefer to work on one at a time, slow and steady, and that works for me. I'm usually doing creative things with the batting and the backing, and to do that for days to give it all away? Nope -- I get that done, while one quilt is on the machine. 

I thank those two people for the offer, but I'm happy to work alone. Then I don't have to be overgenerous with the backings or the batting. 

The middle section of batting was JUST the right length

And there is the quilt of the day. - DONE! The backing for this one was sewn at the retreat, so once the batting was made, it was easy to complete. 

Dog quilt - Number Three

While that one was being quilted, I got the batting made for the next one. Then I worked on the backing. Remember, those strips that I might have used for the binding? Well, they got cut and pieced together to help make the backing for the next one. Let's say there are a "few" seams in that long piece, but it's now wide enough for the backing. What is nice is that when I'm done, there will be very little of this fabric left. I had a roll of it and well, three quilt backings and poof - it's gone! You can't take it with you, so use it NOW. 

Working on the next quilt backing

However, that section is not long enough, but I have enough of the darker dog fabric to make it longer. 

Fabric to make the backing section longer

I have a knack for assembling this type of backing. I don't plan - I just measure and wing it. Thankfully, I have good spatial aptitudes, so it all works just fine. Once this quilt gets quilted, I'll see if I have enough of any combination of those fabrics for a binding, but I don't think so. No worries --- there's always Plan B because making the binding of this fabric was never my plan. It was just a thought. 

I thought of making the backing for the next one, but I didn't get there yesterday. I need to finish the one I'm working on.

However, everything is now ready to assemble, so I'm going to proceed with quilting the five remaining quilts this week. Hopefully, I can also start working on the binding, but I need to start writing and preparing for several upcoming events, so "free" time will be harder to come by.

I managed to sew a few half-square triangles, but I was unable to press and trim them last night, nor did I trim the quilt. My body just gave in, and I needed some sleep. 

Half-square triangles sewn

Here's the one thing that our non-quilting friends don't get. Quilting is a physical hobby. For me, I had to make several trips upstairs to Studio U to get all the batting bits. They will not go back upstairs since I now have plans to use these bits in the immediate future—at least for those four remaining quilts. 

The remaining batting bits

There are all the steps back and forth to the long arm from the sewing machine, the cutting table, and the ironing board. Loading and unloading a quilt. It's really quite a lot of physical movement, and I swear I want to be like my quilting aunt, who just turned 86; she is still teaching for her guild and remains pretty active and mobile.

I do NOT put my ironing board or cutting board close to my sewing machine. I need to move. Yes - my knees hurt like mad these days and my legs feel like they are made of rubber. Why? I've no idea, but it's not pretty. That doesn't stop me from doing things. I suspect it's the change in the weather? Even pills aren't helping these days. But if I sit in one spot, I'll seize up like a rusty engine, and I won't be able to walk. I can't let that happen. 

While I was standing at the long arm, I glanced at the photos on the wall. Oh my -- it seems that all four of them are askew. How did that happen? They are right beside the thread cabinet for the long arm, but there's no reason for me to touch them! It's like my life - topsy turvy! I'm not even straightening them -- this has happened before, so this is how they stay! Life is way too short to worry about things like this. 

The pictures are askew

Amazing what one day can do. The leaves came down in torrents, and I had to laugh because the city had gone by three days ago and blown all the leaves off the path. It's as if they never did it! Miss Murphy just blends right in. 

MOM - I'm hiding - can you see me? 

Look at this poor leaf! They are sticking to everything! 

Help - let me in - it's cold out here!

And that Murphy - I love when she sits or lies outside the window to Studio B. She needs to be out, but wants to keep an eye on me! Notice the bare shelves on both sides of that window? Oh, yes — when I did my tidy-up a while back, I removed some items that were up there. I am making progress in getting rid of things. While there are still things outside the picture that are up there, it's all coming together. 

Miss Murphy is standing on guard for me!

But look at her paws when she did come in. What a mess! The muddier she is, the happier she is. I have tried on numerous occasions to schedule an appointment with the groomer, but I've received no answer. I must try again. It's annoying, and she looks like a very shaggy dog. 

MOM - I LOVE mud!

While my sweet Miss Lexi is happy to snuggle on the deck. Her nose must be cold as it's tucked under her tail. But she loves the cool weather! 

MOM - I'm busy sleeping

I had to walk to the grocery store yesterday, and all the pumpkins were free! They still had quite a few, but some of them were quite interesting! Those are not your typical orange pumpkins!

Free pumpkins!

And someone in our house had a birthday yesterday. It was casually mentioned at the restaurant, and this is what arrived once the meal was over! I love going to the same restaurant every week. They get to know us - we get to know them. It's good. It's like Cheers! There was no fanfare, no singing! 

Happy Birthday!!!

I have such good groups - I have two sessions tomorrow, and today is a bit of a wash, and not because I don't feel well. You'll see the adventure tomorrow. But I wasn't going to have a lot of time to get their pictures into the presentations. So, I sent a note, and almost everyone has already sent their photos, which are now in the respective presentations. There will be a few stragglers, but that's okay -- I can handle a few. I wasn't going to have time for many! 

Thanks to everyone who sent in their pictures early. 

And on that note, I'm out of here! 

Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!!!

From the chaos comes the calm

Even though I have a hectic week ahead of me, with many day-job presentations, some of which require considerable sample-making and five Zoom meetings on the weekend, I am calm. I am in control!

What happened? After yesterday's three Zoom calls, I looked at the chaos and said, "ENOUGH!" There were samples all over the floor, which Murphy thought was great to trod upon as she attempted to get some petting. Scissors, needles, thread, and hoops were strewn everywhere, and the situation was not working. The visual clutter alone made me—I don't know what's a good word—feel unsettled. 

So, I took matters into my own hands, jumped in the car, and headed to Rona to buy five storage bins. I can always use them afterward for my samples, which will be more handy than they currently are. You can never have too many storage bins. 

What did I do with them? 

Organized at last! 

Three went under the table on one side of my filming area. Each tub has a category of items stored in it. I may not need all the items and will further cul over this week. I do not like storing tubs under tables, but this setup works for this scenario. Once the Zoom classes are over, the bins will be used elsewhere. 

On the other side of that area, it looks like this. 

The other side of the filming area

As I was madly walking around, I spotted this little cabinet of Diane's that had been claimed by someone but was still at my house. I commandeered it to store my scissors (by brand) and needles (by brand). Brilliant—I may not give it away!

A four-drawer cabinet to store supplies

It is now sitting on the corner out of camera view on the table where I've positioned the embroidery machine. 

The other side of the film area

I can now quickly access the most likely asked-about tools, supplies, and samples. There is more to put there, and since some of these categories will have fewer samples, I've got some large zippered bags that I'll put them in. but they will be handy if I need them, rather than saying - Oh - I have a sample, but it's at the other end of the room. This is my command station in Studio B. Why didn't I think of this before? Now, when I have a particular topic, I can put the tub and dump it on the empty table (which needs to remain empty), where I show things under the camera. I can sort it into order to show it, and voila - life is simple! 

Then, I ran around and did some more sorting and tidying. I just couldn't take it any longer. It still looks messy, but WOW --- it's amazing what you can do in less than one hour. I am determined to get this in order. There is a virtual retreat this weekend, and I will continue to tidy!

Studio B is looking a bit more like itself

I have an intense day today, but tomorrow will be much calmer with only one presentation, and it's already prepped, so I aim to finish tidying up that mess to focus and get some work done. I'm doing the happy dance for sure! There wasn't time last week, but now I'm organized, and I say - bring on the chaos - I can deal with anything! 

I must be mindful of the clock to avoid a time crunch the day before a class. So, I'll start working on the weekend presentations when I have time. They have to be done—do not leave them until the last minute. 

I left my serger in its new spot. I found a smaller basket to store the extra bits, and it's ready to go when I need to serge. 

The serger is ready to go

That cover goes over it when it's not used to protect it from all the dust and lint. I do NOT have carpet in the house, or the situation would be worse. I cannot understand how people can have carpets in their sewing spaces - or even their homes. It's so easy to use the Swifter to clean. OK - I confess, I'm a lazy housekeeper. And yes - I had my Swifter out, and it was doing double work as it cleaned debris from nooks and crannies. Then I got the cordless vac out to get the gritty bits! Oh yes -- I'm on a roll, and it feels good! 

Some of Diane's fabrics had been set out and needed to be dealt with. I measured them. Anything greater than 2 yards was labeled and went into the storage room to become backings for the quilts she made.

Fabric for quilt backings

Anything less went into the giveaway pile. I have several people to whom it will go. I will try going through the bags in the garage one at a time because I need to deal with it rather than let it sit there for months.

I got a chuckle when I went to Rona. Why are all the gazebos out? It is almost spring? Did they ever get put away from last year? 

Spring is close - the gazebos are for sale!

The upstairs hall looks like a cyclone went through. I now have smaller boxes, so it will be easy to sort the books to get the fashion-related books out of the house. Then, I can deal with the remainder of the stuff. Well, I'll sort each box as I go - but you know what I mean. Can I get it all done before DH comes home? 

The mess in the upstairs hallway

I'll share more about the boxes tomorrow. I'm off to spin class this morning and have reserved my bike. We can't be having bike wars first thing on Monday morning. 

I did not get out for a walk yesterday, which makes it three days in a row, which is NOT good. However, on Friday, I did over 15,000 steps; Saturday was almost 14,000, and yesterday was over 21,000 steps. I don't think I need to go for a walk. I can put on a lot of steps when I'm in a whirlwind cleaning mode. And it's all about moving - so if I don't get outside, I can survive for a day or two. I still get the morning walks with the girls. 

And if all that wasn't enough, I made soup for the week! I had to cook bacon for the potato soup, and it's ready for lunch today. 

Making soup for the week

Much more happened, but I've run out of time. I cannot express how amazing and in control I feel because of the hour I spent tidying up yesterday. I needed to get some order from the chaos, and those five tubs ($60) made a huge difference. Since these presentations continue until the end of March, I needed to get things under control or I was going to go mad! 

I have some urgent computer work (emails, of course!), but it won't be complete until tomorrow. I have high hopes for what I can achieve tomorrow, so I must manage my time wisely. 

On that happy note - I'm off to spin class. I had my energy bar laced with protein and caffeine. I feel a good workout coming on! Oh my gosh -- I'm so fired up; I could run a marathon right now! It's only 5 AM! 

Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!

Walking challenges update

It's a great day today! It's my birthday, and while we don't want to be reminded of how old we are getting, it's a huge reason to celebrate because we're here to talk about the birthday and look forward to many more! I am one of the lucky ones!!

I have a quiet day planned by myself, and I can't wait! DH is sick in bed, so I told him to stay away from me -- I don't have time for that! Since my previous list of things to do was almost complete, I set up another one this morning to help me keep on track. If I do the same thing day in and day out, I don't need a list. But now that the ten quilts are done, I have time to focus on other stuff that NEEDS to be done. So, the list has been created, and I'm not sure how much I'll get done today, but if anything gets done, that's a bonus. The serious work starts tomorrow. 

So, the applique quota was completed yesterday. I will say that having committed to finish it has been a godsend. It might take me all day, but I manage to complete my goal. Am I done? No! Am I nearly done? No! But I'm making progress, and all I can say is thank goodness I didn't leave this until later because I'd be scrambling and not feeling good about the entire process. So yes --- breaking that up into small segments and sticking with my commitment has been great. I will NOT miss that daily commitment when it's done! But I'll have other UFOs that will also require breaking it down into doable segments. We were off for three months, so the commitment was extra big! 

For those in the UFO club or any part of your life, if there's something that you are procrastinating about - get to it! The darn thing will not get done on its own, and think how great you'll feel when you reach the end. I think it's the end game that is motivating me these days. I want the projects done to clear space, use more batting bits and fabric for the backing, or cross it off a list. The finished object has no meaning to me! That just blows my mind, but it's true. 

We had a great time sewing on Monday, and I always learned something from the group. Together, we are a formidable source of information. 

I put this picture here for Cathy, who is working on a fabric clock. This picture is from the QUILT magazine, Winter 1998. It's a kit to make a fabric clock. The clock is paper pieced or fused and fits into a quilting hoop. How cool is that! I should ask Cathy if I can share her fabric clock when it's done. 

Fabric clock kit from 1998

This kit cost $24.99 in 1998!!! Plus, $3.49 shipping from Seremar Fabrics in Yonkers, NY!!!

I decided it was time to make some quilt backs. The first one I focused on was for the next community project quilt, which will be quilted this weekend, as I have three customer quilts to work on this week. The backing is serged together, and the batting bits are fused. It's ready to go!!!

The top, backing, and batting for a quilt

The binding is not made for this series of flannel quilts, as I have this great fabric that I wanted to use. It's flannel with a diagonal strip—yep—the strip is printed diagonally, so it'll look like bias binding when it's attached. I'm unsure how many quilts I can bind with my yardage, but I'll go as far as the fabric allows. I cut enough strips to bind this quilt. 

My binding fabric for the community project quilts

One other quilt backing was assembled as well. I had to hunt through the backings and the bolts to find something that was at least in the same color range. It's not a perfect match, but it's close enough!!! 

A second quilt backing is done!

Seeing the end of this bolt may not tell you anything, but I know from the packaging that this fabric is OLD. I checked on Northcott's website and it was current in 2012!!!! So, it's time to get it used up! Yes, it's all about using up and clearing out!!! I refuse to waste my time amassing more things like I did in the past. Remember how we all say that we bought all this fabric to use in our retirement? I'm not retired, but it's time to get it used up! NOTHING is sacred! 

Empty bolt of fabric

Here's a little update on my walking challenges. I have three of them currently on the go, and before you say, "Isn't that double dipping?" It is NOT. This first one is a three-year challenge that I did just for fun. I do not get a medal for it; there is no reward except for seeing myself progress on the map. I started in Cairo at the beginning of 2022 and am now in South Africa. The squiggly blue line is where I've "walked." I mapped this out myself. It was easy to do. 

Map of my walking challenge through Africa

As you can imagine, much of Africa is NOT mapped like we see on most Google maps. I've seen the landscape in the northern part of Africa, and I see that all of South Africa has pictures, which makes the finish line much more interesting. I just have to remember to check back daily now that it's back to visuals. 

This is what the terrain looks like north of Johannesburg. I still have a few days before I reach that city, but the terrain is pretty wide open. 

Terrain north of Johannesburg

Here are the stats for this "mission," as they are called within The Conqueror community. Look at that obscene total number of km. My annual goal for walking is about 4,500 km, and if you do the math, it doesn't work out. So, in year one, I supplemented by adding some of my indoor cycle rides. In year Two, I didn't add any cycling. In Year 3, I was behind a bit, but I caught up with the extra km on the Camino. I have to supplement with some cycling to reach my goal by the end of the year. I couldn't extend it for another year as I had reached the maximum number of days allowed for this online adventure. 

My stats for my 3-year challenge

I will receive a medal for the other two challenges, but they are not double-dipping. One of the measures is my total km for the year, and that goal is 4,500 km. I'm slightly ahead of schedule and will stay on track if I walk my daily goal of 11.5 km. I only need to walk 10.5 km daily, but why not keep that goal of 11.5 km? 

The last of the three challenges is specific—I'm currently walking the Great Wall of China. These are the company-created walks, with postcards and a preplanned map. 

My three challenges

Technically, they all use the same steps but do not measure the same thing. I don't care about the medals—another "collection," and what will I do with them all? But it's fun to see the goal on the map and keep track of the number of steps walked daily. I need that—it's how my brain works. 

I have some computer work that needs to be done this morning, and then the day is free for me to do as I wish!! I LOVE not having any commitments. Hmmm—retirement is looking better and better all the time! But I would miss the classes and other fun things, so I'm not ready to retire yet. 

Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!

Working smarter, not harder!

I am not alone in the decision to keep that "wet" bag of scraps! And I've found a fun way to tackle what's left in it. 

I have a subscription to The Quilt Show, but I'm so far behind in watching the episodes. I'm way back in the 700 series. We were chatting about this at Monday Sewing, and it's hard for me to "watch" TV when I'm in Studio B. I'm back and forth between the long arm, the stash room, the cutting table, or whatever, and I can't follow along. 

Then it hit me; I could move the laptop beside the ironing board and press scraps while I watched. 

Watching The Quilt Show while pressing scraps

The way the tables are positioned makes it easy to move the laptop. Since it's on its own table, I just rotated the laptop and pulled the table close to the ironing board. I must look at that rolling cart so I'm not dragging the legs on the floor. 

I filled the shoebox with scraps and got out the last empty box. 

One shoebox filled with green scraps

Does it look like I made a dent?

The status of the scraps last night

Well, if you look at the photo from the day before, it doesn't, but I know I did. And I'm also finding lots of pieces large enough to throw in the 365 Challenge quilt basket. So when I cut blocks, the fabric will be WAY more accessible and hopefully more inviting to tackle. 

The status of the scraps from the previous day

And guess what? The quilt backing is DONE! 

The quilt backing for the community projects quilt

I managed to use all of the same-colored material for the backing except one large piece. I still have lots of fabric left over, but no large pieces, so that got put away in the storage room along with the rest of my flannel scraps. 

The leftovers

I just need to join some batting bits for this quilt, and it can go on the long arm. Yeah -- that would NEVER have happened without my "new" system. One thing at a time comes off Mount Projects, and I focus on it. 

I have the next project on the cutting table, which I want to work on today. Then, I'm going to have to take a break and work on my blog posts for QUILTsocial, which are also on the cutting table. 

The status of the cutting table

So, YES—my "new" system seems to be working, but it requires much discipline on my part not to drop everything and move to something else. I get enough variety in my day that I don't feel like I'm working on the same project for eons. I don't even feel tempted to break out something new. Some projects on Mount Projects take up room but won't take long to complete. Those will be welcoming tasks!

I found this pillowcase when I went through the blue bag last week. It's a cool pattern, and I ripped it apart yesterday. It's one long piece of fabric that was folded and sewn with two seams to make an envelope-style cushion cover. I'm not sure what I'll do with it yet, but I put it in the bin with words because it reminds me of writing.  

"Found" fabric from the scrap bags

I also managed to quilt a customer quilt. I will show you the back first because if ever there was a backing perfect for the front, it's this one. 

The back of the quilt

And now let's look at the front. 

Customer quilt - DONE

It was a great match! I need to get this trimmed today so it can be picked up. The next quilt is HUGE, so it will take most of the day to finish. 

My days are so full that I'm exhausted at the end of them. I walked a ridiculous amount of kilometers—over 16 km. Yes, that involved two main walks and a shorter walk, but also walking around my Studio, which is why I'm not a good candidate to "watch" a show on the computer because I'm never in one place long enough! 

I stopped at Indigo on my way to the dollar store—you'll see why tomorrow (hopefully)—and I looked at the craft book section. OH MY!! There might be one or two books on quilting, but quilt books in a bookstore are a thing of the past. It's all about knitting and crochet, and tons of books on making amigurumi exist. 

The meagre craft book section

There wasn't much on mixed media either, which was the rage for a while as well. It's knitting and crocheting! 

Before I go, have you figured out a system where you are making a dent in your old projects? Or figuring out a better way to work? It's all about making changes and working smarter, not harder or longer. But it takes a LONG time to realize that. It took me a long time to figure that out and I see the odd thing or two sitting on the cutting table that shouldn't be there. I'm evaluating how I work to see how I can improve and become more efficient with my time. 

Putting things on Mount Projects, into a big tub, or whatever has really been an eye-opener and has given me the space that I want to work in—a space where nothing is sitting around to distract me or to inhibit my work. I don't think it matters how big or how small your space is; you need to try that to see how it is. But it requires a lot of discipline. 

And for all the organizing I've done in the office, I did a bad thing. I had a library book that I've now lost. I had it just a few days ago, and where did I put it? My account is now so overdue that I'm blocked, and I can't renew or take out new materials. So I must find that book. But where did I place it? 

More happened at the house, but I don't have time as I'm on my way to spin class. 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!!

A well organized quilt studio!

 No quilts got bound yesterday! I swear - I had everything ready to go, and other things got in the way! How does that happen? At least I got lots done, so I was happy at the end of the day, and the number of quilts to quilt before Christmas is getting smaller every day. I hope to be done by the weekend!

I want to ensure that if there is stuff on the cutting table, I focus on that! That is how my system is supposed to work. So two quilts were sitting there that needed me to find border fabric. 

These are quilts for Diane to finish up, and I had ZERO qualms about going into my stash to find something. Nothing -- not even a twinge, and you know what? That felt amazing! I am FREE of this huge stash of mine! Technically, it's still there, but I'm free to use it all instead of keeping it for a special quilt! That is huge. 

I pulled out a basket of bright fabrics, rifled through it, and found several candidates. 

A basket of bright fabrics

I settled on the one I liked best. 

The border fabric

While going through the basket, I found six fabrics that were at least three meters each. They got pulled for backing. Oh yes -- I'm dead serious about using this stuff up! They all got measured and labeled. Notice how uniform they are? That's just eyeballing it! There's no need to put a ruler or anything else in there (unless you want it to stand up). By this time, I just eyeball many things, and everything works fine. 

Six more backings folded and labeled

Of course, there was no room on the shelf, so I piled them up where the excess backings go. 

Excess backings 

Then I looked at the backing shelf and found a few holes for the smaller pieces. It feels good to have a few spots here and there. 

A smaller pile of excess backing fabric

And now the backing shelf is full! Once I make a few more holes, and those loose pieces have found a way there, I'll go through another basket. I'll keep doing that until I have gotten all the large pieces out of those baskets! 

The backing fabric shelf

I found the border for the other quilt in my other storage area, so that was a task done. And it cleared two things off the cutting table. I walked both quilts over to Diane so she could put the border on and make the binding! Job well done!

At one point during the day, the cutting table looked like this. But that is OK -- this is what this surface is for. It's my cutting table and my work table. So now I have a clear space to sort things. It looks pretty clean this morning. Not completely clear, but close. Oh, so close! 

The cutting table as a workspace

Here are a couple more things from the shopping bag. I know -- you're just dying to jump in and empty those bags - I know you are! I'm almost done! This is a large piece of swimsuit mesh. I've got an idea of what to do with that! It's now in the appropriate spot for this kind of fabric. 

Swimsuit mesh

Two spools of metallic thread are now in the box with all the other metallic threads. 

More metallic thread

Speaking of thread, as I was sorting through a box of stack and whack (one block wonder) stuff, I came across a spool of the Bottom Line Thread. Oh yes -- I bet that is one I thought I was missing. 

A spool of thread

And so I bought a new one when I had the chance. Sigh.............. The problem with keeping threads in the project box. I have no idea how much more thread I'll find, but this won't be the last spool I find. I need to finish the stitching and put the thread back in the thread box. That quilt isn't even on my UFO radar at the moment. 

A brand new spool of the same thread

Speaking of UFOs, I'm also working on this project that is not on my deadline list of UFOs. I still had three more hoopings to embroider, and there's no time like now to make that happen. Each one takes over two hours to stitch, and that's at the fastest speed. 

One more embroidery stitch-out

And as the day ended, I was tearing the stabilizer out of the other piece I had done. What a job! But I watched the baking show while the other one was stitched, and I was happy. I need something to do while I watch those shows. 

Ripping and stitching

Since I have quite a bit of stabilizer to remove, I have lots to do for a while. You can tell where I've removed the stabilizer from the top left, as it no longer has this white shadow behind. 

The front of the huge label!

And it's evident on the back, as you can see in the top right. 

The back of the huge label

Then I need to embroider the project's title, and I've got a spot for it. And I wanted to use the SAME font that Kat did in her book. This is going to be easy. I have 245 fonts in mySewnet Embroidery Software, and drat -- that particular font is not there. 

The title of the quilt

WAIT --  I went into QuickFont and created my own! That took all of about 10 seconds to do that. The font is called Algerian. And now I have to design that title in the software (easy peasy), figure out the sizing, and then get it and finish off the last two hoopings! Can I finish that this week? I hope so!! 

The font was recreated in mySewnet embroidery software.

And this is one more hooping done - only two more hoops of names and then the title. The last thing is to assemble the quilt. 

The embroidery is complete

All the names were supposed to be on ONE piece of fabric, but I miscalculated, so there will be a join. No one will know that! 

I should mention that I picked up three more quilt tops from Diane. I'm so happy to see this flannel used up! She said she got 17 tops from it or something like that! Now when would I have had time to make seventeen tops? 

Three flannel quilt tops

But that's not all. One more customer quilt is done! And the next quilt is loaded on the long arm, ready for later today. 

Customer quilt - DONE

Yep -- as I mentioned, while no bindings got put on, I accomplished a lot, and let's hope that one or two bindings can be put on today. I swear that managing this stash is almost a full-time job! Well, I only found and folded six backings! But I am so happy with the way things are organized! 

Oh yes -- we had a software class in the morning for the mySewnet Embroidery Software. Oh -- I just love teaching the software. It's capable of doing so much!!! And I'm learning so much every time I touch it! If only the students would touch it more! 

On that note, I'm off to spin class this morning! Yeah!

Have a great day!!!

Ciao!!!