Traveling Stash is heading to......

It's fun to include my family in my blog giveaways. I asked DS to give me a number from 1 to 22 (there were 22 comments).  He choose number 21. On the 21st of the month , he will be 21. The winner of the traveling stash is Karen M. of Karen's Sewing Room. Karen please send me your mailing address. I'll get DS to take me to the post office early next week (Pain meds.from surgery and driving don't mix:)  Thanks for all the wonderful comments about your goals for 2012. Check Karen's blog in a week or so to enter her giveaway for the Traveling Stash!

Opinions, please!

One of the things I love about quilters is that we have lots of opinions! :)  I received some $$$ as part of a Christmas gift. The newest fabric line by Blackbird Designs, Blueberry Crumb Cake is so me - love the blues , browns and creams. I checked with my local quilt shops, but they were sold out of the pre-cuts or didn't carry the line. Burgundy Buttons, an online shop, had an after Christmas sale. I snatched this jelly roll and fat eight bundle. I'd love suggestions on the pattern or design to use these lovelies. I'd like to make a "big quilt" for our bedroom - queen or king size. I can order yardage online, but want to use as much of my pre-cuts as possible. The design that is appealing to me most at this time is a log cabin quilt. Any other ideas? Thanks for your input and ideas!!!!


It's been three weeks since my surgery. I'm doing quite well in my progress. I'm able to do most things for myself except for hauling things up and down the stairs. I've graduated to a cane from my walker.I'm still on pain meds. but am taking them less frequently. I was able to attend some holiday events (very low key ones). This week I am scheduling more naps and trying not to over do:)

Reflections and Goals for 2012

One of my favorite activities as a new year begins is to reflect on and review  the previous year. In the past, this was the time that I took my old planner and transferred important dates into my new planner. With the use of electronic calendars (Google calendar and Iphone calendar), this activity is quicker than in the past. I've looked at digital photos from last year on my laptop, reviewed lists, looked at completed quilts (joy!) and reviewed my UFO lists. What a blessing to have all these tools and ways to review, reflect and set goals for a new year.


In 2011, I signed up for several UFO Challenges. This did help to motivate me to complete projects and have deadlines. I plan to work on UFO's again in 2012. This is my list of projects to focus on in 2012.

1. Red and White AP&Q calendar quilt - 
2. Eventide in French General Fabrics from Quilt-along
3. Patches & Pinwheels (Bonnie Hunter pattern; swap project)
4. Machine applique Pumpkin Blocks
5. Flannel quilt in Buggy Barn fabrics; on Design Wall
6. Chelsea Lane BOM from SNQ
7.Retirement Quilt with signatures and book titles
8. Blue and white BOM from QE (one of my oldest UFO's)
9. Star Gazy in black and tan
10. Christmas Pineapple blocks
11. Green, black n white BOM from PC
12. several Schnibbles in progress

At the same time, I don't want to restrict myself to just "old" projects. I do want to embrace  new projects. I've already made a commitment to several new "creative" endeavors and know that I will begin others as the year progresses.  A blog that I discovered in the past couple of weeks is Cat Patches. Barbara is motivating her followers to begin a new project each month. Well, that appeals to me, too. Read more about this NewFO Challenge here.

I've started a list of projects that I would like to begin in 2012.
1. Our guild is doinig a 12 Days of Christmas BOM. I've already paid my $$$ to join this fun.
2. Twister batik quilt for my cousin. Fabric is purchased for this one. It's a technique I'd like to learn.
3. Blueberry Crumb Cake. Love the fabric, but need inspiration on the pattern
4. Blue & tan swap
5. E-reader cases
6. Swap projects with Thimblettes
7. Year of Schnibbles

Sinta and Sherri are hosting their 3rd year of small quilt projects. I already have the pattern for January's project, Full House.

Choosing a word of the year has been helpful, too. Last year my word was Savor - enjoy. The word that seems appropriate for this year is STRETCH. Reach out or stretch in relationships, reading choices, sewing techniques and projects, spiritual time, movement and communication. 


2011 was a year of many blessings! Welcome to 2012 and all its blessings and challenges!