one more row

my january scrap project is the mod orange, but before that gets tackled and finished into a flimsy (she writes determinedly), wanted to add a few more trees to the design wall.

still oodles of christmas scraps left for lots more, not sure how many right now.  but i am going to make the supreme effort to get this done and quilted in time for next christmas.  think i'll keep them on the design wall for now, since will be taking down my cutie little decorated tree today...i'll miss its cheery lights and familiar, homey ornaments.  i love to sit in the dark apartment late at night and enjoy the glow of the pretty multicolored lights.  one last look.....

almost didn't put it up but so very glad i did....with all that's transpired this fall/winter, it was like having an old and familiar friend around.

last finish, first finish

that would be the last 2017 finish, this tablerunner....actually, finished the binding yesterday but i'm calling it a 2017 finish....quilter's prerogative.  it got quilted in the ditch because of  a gazillion little seams...don't normally make things that don't lend themselves to hand quilting, but loved the pattern and had the perfect fabric....

good enough if you view from the back of a galloping horse as there are a few points that are missing...but given the number of pieces, it's the best i could do...as i've said many times, i piece mainly to quilt.   *** as for the first finish, got 2 blocks made to send off to California for fire relief quilts....

they make up in no time at all, especially if you have a stack of nickels on hand.  i hope you'll take a few moments for this worthy cause.  ***  little by little tackling household tasks that have been ignored far too long.  this weekend will put away my cute little tree and begin serious cleaning.  ideal plan due to deep freeze here, like most everywhere else.  even tho this complex is not my dream home, so very thankful to have my own apartment that is warm, cozy and comfortable.

new year, new month, new day, new projects!

the new year is hardly here and already planning a couple more new projects...is that revolting or what????  it's the malady called quilting i'm afraid.  starting january 31st, last wednesday of the month, barbara brackman (she of time warp stars fame) is beginning a new BOM.   i've got the fabric, i can make the time so i'm in.  is my "stars" quilt done?  of course not!   do i NEED another project??  no way!  regardless, i'm still in.  ***  and then there's barb, barb vedder of "fun with barb," who is starting a churn dash with sign-ups next week.  had already planned a kaffe project when i saw this, had the background fabric as well and had a pattern in mind but found this, so i'm giving it a go. 

the background is a bit lighter than i had chosen on the internet, but decided to use it anyway, one of the pitfalls of ordering online.  it'll work just fine.  two very different fabric styles so it should be fun and interesting.  i've got a few days to tidy up, fine-tune betty, get some much-needed housework done and get a bit more organized.  now that some energy has returned, gotta start the new year right!

tally up!

reckoning day has arrived....the numbers have been duly crunched....and the result is.....40 yards USED and 21 yards ADDED for 2017!   even with my fuzzy math, that is a net used of 19 yards!  those yards are gone and outta here....some went for lap robes, some went for finished UFOs....these figures do not calculate the UFOs still waiting for a finish or the 3 projects started this year...only 3?  remarkable restraint, considering how easy it is to get sidetracked with tantalizing internet photos.  not included in this tally was fabric used for doll clothes and some minimal fabric used to finish up cross-stitch projects, probably the most satisfying finishes as they had been tucked away in a tote for so long, too long.  time is fleeting, bodies age, faculties diminish, so it's imperative to use time wisely, live each day to the fullest, spend those minutes and hours and not let them just slip thru our fingers.  a happy quilting/sewing/stitching new year to you all!