Tuesday 18 October 2011

Winter Stitching




I've done it again, signed up for Sarah - FairyFace Designs - seasonal list making. I found her summer sewing list making quite difficult at times. I am not a write down a list sort of person. If it is all in my head I can jumble it up, rearrange it, scratch things out and add new things without anyone ever being the wiser. But putting pen to paper I feel I have committed some act that means I really and truly have to do what I said I would do now.
So why am I putting myself through it again? Because at the end of the summer, when I listed everything that I had accomplished, rather than everything I needed to do, I felt really good about it. Sometimes you need to reflect on your finishes not your WIP and the wish list of things you want to start. Grouping all my makes together showed me that I really am getting things done. It was a good feeling.

Which brings us to the Winter Stitching. What do I hope to see completed by March? Some are a given and if I don't complete them I will have failed. Others were on the summer sewing list and continue to occupy lists headed into 2012.

1. First up is my Modern Christmas Tablerunner Swap. I want to see this through to a successful conclusion it being my first time setting up a swap and being mama. Thankfully I have had the most wonderful group of talented quilters from around the world put their name down for this swap so I am aided by their enthusiasm and active participation. (yippee!) I am well on the way to finishing my runner and will be working on it more in the immediate future. This must be done on time so therefore will be one of my definite successes on this list!



2. I intend to finally get Helen's quilt done. (Stop laughing!) I will hereby pledge that she will have this 'Hugs & Kisses' quilt finished and on her bed by her 11th birthday at the end of January. There, I've said it and now the pressure is on. Linked to this promise is that if I finish Helen's quilt then starting Emily's quilt will have to go on this list too!



3. Make about 3,000,000 Christmas ornaments for the Christmas Fair I have my name down for in mid-November. Two made, 2,999,998 to go. Not all the ornaments will be snowflakes. I hope to be making some felt ones and some quilted ones as well.


4. Make my Bee Quilt. I have all 24 blocks in my possession now all I have to do is think of how I want to lay them out, any more sashing and if so what colour, piece them, baste and quilt, then bind. How long could that take, after all?


5. I want to eventually find the time to master the pesky little zippered pouch. I fully intend to spend time on Kat's tutorials and get my head around this. Everyone else manages, so why can't I?

Photo taken from Kat - Diary of a FlutterKat

6. Start another swap in the new year. I'm liking this tablerunner swap and think I would like to be involved in starting another swap. With a bloggy friend or two (you know who you are!). Watch this space after I have recovered from the Christmas holidays.

7. Try paper piecing. (Oh, did I really say that!?) Not sure why about this one but think it is something I should give a go and know I can do. Just think it is a skill that I want to have up my sleeve in case a need of it is ever called upon.

8. Crochet another throw - but actually buy enough yarn for a change that I can make one big enough for snuggling under on the sofa rather than suitable for a new born baby.


I'm going to stop the list now because we all know that life changes, new things come up, too many swaps get signed up for, etc. This list will change numerous times I am sure. But right now, at ten in the morning on October 18th, the above is what I hope to accomplish in the next few months. Wish me luck!

Susan

I'm linking this to Sarah's Winter Stitching post at FairyFace Designs (button in my right hand column) and to Fabric Tuesday's at Quiltstory (button for this also on the right hand side of my blog).

31 comments:

  1. I like your list, its seems, dare I say it, manageable....

    Although a crochet throw will zap the time up. What pattern are you thinking? I've always wanted to do the ripple/zigzag pattern. Might add that to my list for new year :-)

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  2. Your modern Christmas table runner swap looks wonderful so far!! And that is quite a wonderful list!! Although the thought of 2,000 ornaments is intimidating!! I'm glad your first swap as Mama is going well! You have a very good point about looking at your finishes, and not the WIP/To Do list!! Good luck with all of it-- I look forward to seeing your progress :0)

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  3. I think I'd rather do your list than mine.... lol And well done for putting Helens quilt on it!!

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  4. good idea - make a list - i'm suffering a little from creative inertia because i have all these things in my head and no clue as to how about going ahead with them, and when - so a list is obviously no.1....

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  5. That's a fairly manageable list. But somehow I think you'll achieve waaaay more than this.
    I love the snowflakes, and the red border - must've missed it on flickr

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  6. wooo hooo love your new header ;)
    And nice to-do list. Especially like that pouch. Who made that again :P LOL....

    xx

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  7. I'm sorry but how many ornaments was that again? Are you setting up a factory in China?

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  8. Great new header Susan! Wow! You have a lot to do - but it looks good so far. I also have a daughter waiting for the quilting on her quilt!

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  9. Loving the new header, but I want to see your beautiful face too! Wishing you luck for what looks like a totally achievable list! Looking forward to another swap that you host, hopefully I'll be able to join that one! Jxo

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  10. Call that a list!! Pah!
    I do believe there is one we share though xxx

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  11. Oooh good list. I want to do some paper piecing too. But the kind with freezer paper so I need to go and buy some. I can't get my head round the other sort that needs to be sewn back to front and upside down while standing on your head.

    I may never make a zippered pouch again after my last attempt.

    and love the new header btw!

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  12. Wow what a list!
    1. Way to go heading up a swap!
    2. Those stitches are perfect!
    3. Did you starch those snowflakes?
    4. Maybe more sashing and the pink you have used is really pretty for it.
    5. Sometimes working with flat surfaces, quilts, makes it a bit difficult to make anything 3D. It's happened to me.
    6. I'd be interested in the table runner swap.

    You are definitely a master of many talents!

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  13. I love the stitching in the tablerunner! I think all your pieces are very pretty. Thanks for sharing them! Have a good week. Love

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  14. I think if i were to make a list i would go in to melt down!!

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  15. Great post : ) I am trying to learn to crochet...it isn't easy for me. You have some wonderful projects going!

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  16. Excellent list! Your table runner is looking great so far and you can count me in if/when you set up another swap. I wish I had joined in this one but wasn't sure I had the time. I have no doubt you can conquer the zip pouch and I can't wait to see what you come up with!

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  17. Susan , I felt like throwing up when I saw everything on your list ...

    You and I could be zipper pouch duds together. I'd like some company.

    Im up for a swap. Count me in (unless it involves zips - dont let Kat talk you into it- she's evil!)

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  18. Good luck! I need to write my list tonight. I'm afraid, I'm very afraid lol

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  19. Great list - love the snowflakes. Oh, do stick in at foundation piecing, it opens up so many possibilities.

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  20. Loving the new look blog and your list is looking great. I`m sure you`ll do it and more. I`ll be doing this too and must make my list tomorrow.

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  21. This list seems doable. Let me know if you need help on that swap...I would love to help. OK...gotta go make my list. Can't put it off any longer.

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  22. your tablerunner embroidery is quite lovely. good luck with your winter sewing list

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  23. Your table runner is so pretty.

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  24. I agree with Lynn, your table runner is beautiful. Good luck in finishing all your projects!

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  25. How did you do those snowflakes? I have been in christmas decoration mode this wee, but I am definitely short of some snowy goodness!

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  26. Oooh love your list, some great great projects on there. If you go ahead with that swap then that's another one on my list automatically! Love the snowflakes :-) But I agree with Kat - are you setting up a factory? Thanks for linking up hon x

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  27. Nice list--love the quilts I've wanted to be able to crochet those snowflake ornaments pretty much my whole life. (learning to crochet goes on my next list) They are so pretty! The zipper pouch: I haven't tried these yet because zippers aren't always my forte but I'd really like to eventually. Anxious to hear how yours turns out! Good luck to you on all of your projects! Love your motivation!

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  28. I think I might follow you in making a list - it seems like it get me organized and make me more productive! Actually I think it would help a lot if I stick to smaller projects for a while and didn't always embark on huge ones!

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  29. Great list! Love you xmas tablerunner!
    And that is a lot of snowflakes!
    Good Luck with it all! :)

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  30. Great list! You'll soon learn to love foundation piecing - all those pointy points you get a line to stitch on! Oh and tearing off the paper is really quite addictive but best done before you hoover not after or, even better, outside ;o) Good luck with your winter stitching!

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  31. Great list! Good luck with all your projects.

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