Organize & Sew Stitch & Stash 11-25-18

Happy Thanksgiving and crazy shopping week. As a former retail manager, you would have to beat me with a 2x4 and drag me kicking and screaming into a mall, strip mall, even a grocery store this week. Not going to happen! I did not go "shopping" this week. I have made a few purchases on the web in the past few weeks. Mostly I have been sewing and organizing my sewing room.

I dedicated yesterday to sewing room clean up and pattern cutting. I cleaned up tubs that I had used to set aside sewing that I didn't have time to finish. There were a lot of..."so that's where I put that" moments! I found things I started in June before I left for Seattle, crumb blocks, piece tops for art quilts, regular and serger thread I purchased but couldn't find, purchased patterns, old patterns from charity sewing, left over binding, several hand drafted patterns for clothing and blocks. Six hours later about 90% of the sewing was organized, fabric put away in the stash, in scrap binds, and in the to do tub on the sewing machine counter. Now I will be able to sew more productively.

This week will be pouches and handbags. The hangbag prep takes forever!    So today will be dedicated to fusing interfacing to fabric for these bags.

I did finish the charity quilt that had been sitting on a tub for 3 weeks. It was one of the quilt tops that someone else did. We had bundled up kits so all you had to do is sandwich them and get cracking. We found that some like to do the piecing, other prefer the quilting, and yet others prefer to bind and hand stitch the binding down. The kits were set up so that longarmers could take the big ones and domestic sewing machine sewers could take the smaller quilts to finish. We had a November 15 deadline to complete and turn them in. The Charity Sew Group had a 350 quilt goal. Last count we were at 325. I will get the total in a couple days when the labels are attached to the quilts. It ain't done till the labels on!

I am on the fence about starting Bonnie Hunters Mystery "Good Fortune". I may do it as leaders and enders. In my quest to clean my sewing room, I found a tub of fabric I had set aside to do Grand Illusion. I never did this one. I was glad that I didn't because it was not my taste. However I think I may use those colors to do this mystery. I will take a look at what is in the tub and see if I need to change any of  the color choices.

Stash Report   Week 47 2018

Fabric used this week: 0 yard   

Fabric Added this week: 0 yards   

Fabric Added Year to Date: 97 yards 

Net used for 2018: 75 yards
      GOAL for Year - 62 yards !!  

15 Minute Challenge:  

Week 47        7 of 7 days

2018 Total         254 of 328 days

Percentage of days sewn 77%  

Link to Stash Report Quilt paint create November 25, 2018

Link to Stitching report Life in Pieces November 25, 2018

Happy Sewing! 

Aileen in FL

Just passing through Stitch & Stash 11-18-18

Well I did manage to finish my SIL's quilt. I forgot to take a picture of it finished. It was weighing me down. I wanted it out of my house so I could work on Christmas gifts. Robin came on Friday to take me to lunch and pick up the quilt. We had a fun time and she loved the quilt. 

Only thing missing is the label. I am working on that. Trying to find out what is the best jet ink fabric product that I can use to make that label. Anyone of you that has a favorite, please let me know.

Raina slept over. We watch a little TV and read 4 books. She fell asleep during the last book. In the middle of the night I just happen to look at her just as she was rolling off the bed. Thunk! OMG I couldn't catch her! She was alright. In the morning she did not remember falling out of bed. The funny thing was, the rest of the night she kept an arm on me. I woke up with a bruise on my arm...old people and blood thinner...what can I say.

She is a very bouncy girl. Singing all the time. We sewed a little bit but she got bored. Instead she took my smallest sharpest thread scissors and cut out faces from novelty fabric. She was in heaven!

This week I will be working on bags and zipper pouches!
Fun stuff at last!!! Maybe a couple of Christmas stockings!

Stash Report   Week 46 2018

Fabric used this week: 1 yard   

Fabric Added this week: 0 yards   

Fabric Added Year to Date: 97 yards 

Net used for 2018: 75 yards
      GOAL for Year - 62 yards !!  

15 Minute Challenge:  

Week 46        7 of 7 days

2018 Total         247 of 321 days

Percentage of days sewn 77%  

Link to Stash Report Quilt paint create November 18, 2018

Link to Stitching report Life in Pieces November 18, 2018

Happy Sewing! 

Aileen in FL

Holy Moly Stash and Stitch 11-11-18

I have been quilting and quilting my sister in laws quilt. So far I have quilted for 12+ hours on it. The fabrics that were used in this quilt are from the 1980's. More then half of them are poly blend and the rest calico, shirting, and unknown. There is 35 years of dust in this quilt. I have a sore throat, my glands are swollen and have a headache since I started quilting it 5 days ago. Even my nose runs when I work on it. May be coincidence but I doubt it. This quilt was in a house fire. It was not touched by the fire but I am thinking maybe some of the chemicals firemen use to put out fires may be present. It was stored in a office supply box for years. Though I don't see anything on the box or on the quilt, I feel worse when I work on it.

It was necessary to do some repairs to a few spots in the sashing where the fabric was shredding away from the seam. The border had to be cut down 1 1/2 inches because in several places the batting was missing or backing fabric was torn. Also the poly batting looked grey, dirty, and dingy.  I am up to the binding. I am going to finish it today. I made 480 inches of binding. More than enough to go around the quilt.


Other than the quilt, I worked on a zip pouch with clear plastic front. It is not finished. I ran out of time. I didn't want to re-thread my machine to do the last 4 seams. I will save that as a reward for finishing SIL's quilt.

Stash Report   Week 45 2018

Fabric used this week: 1 yard   

Fabric Added this week: 0 yards   

Fabric Added Year to Date: 97 yards 

Net used for 2018: 74 yards
      GOAL for Year - 62 yards !!  

15 Minute Challenge:  

Week 45        7 of 7 days

2018 Total         240 of 314 days

Percentage of days sewn 77%  

Link to Stash Report Quilt paint create November 11, 2018

Link to Stitching report Life in Pieces November 11, 2018

Happy Sewing! 

Aileen in FL

Overwhelmed Stash and stitch 11-4-18

This week is a blur! Ha Ha.
First 2 days was dedicated to our guild newsletter. Some ladies sent their articles very late. Not amused! LOL!

I went to the gym 5 times this week, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Total was little over 7 hours. In between Monday and Saturday I sewed, attended Halloween parade at elementary school, took the boys to Tiny Tots at the recreation center for an hour, to wear them out. I also babysat so my daughter could go to the gym twice in the afternoon instead of at night. Also spend one day with AAA having a car towed to be fixed. Then towed back because the dealer could not fix it. UGH! Wasted of several hours and much stress.

Friday was my big sew day. I started working on my sister in laws quilt that was started 35 years ago with her mom. Her mother passed away 25 years ago. She just couldn't finish it and asked if I would. I told her yes but with the stipulation that I do not hand quilt, only by machine. She accepted. I stalled as long as I dared. She wants to give it to her daughter for Christmas.  I just felt so badly that I was going to machine quilt it. After consulting with several of you, I feel okay to proceed. Done is better than not done and in a box for another 35 years. This quilt is 120" x 120" with 35 year old poly batting. It survived a house fire. Didn't even smell like smoke when they found it on the basements steps, right where it had sat, untouched for over a decade.

I have been working on the borders. SIL started sewing them in an angle. So I continued it. I have to break thread on every row. After 4 hours, I only have two sides done. I hope the middle goes faster. Everything is stitched in triangles and squares, so more thread breaks. I am hoping if I sew on it 1-2 hours a day it will get done soon. I still have all my Christmas gifts to make. Sigh...

Stash Report   Week 44 2018

Fabric used this week: 2 yard   

Fabric Added this week: 0 yards   

Fabric Added Year to Date: 97 yards 

Net used for 2018: 73 yards
      GOAL for Year - 62 yards !!  

15 Minute Challenge:  

Week 44        7 of 7 days

2018 Total         233 of 307 days

Percentage of days sewn 76%  

Link to Stash Report November 4, 2018

Link to Stitching report November 4, 2018

Happy Sewing! 

Aileen in FL

Catching up. Sitcth and Stash 10-28-18

It is the last Sunday in October. How did that happen?

I had a very busy week. Many doctor appointments, gym class and taking the kids to the park. I did manage to sew. Most of my sewing was today. I finished everything that has been laying around on my work space. Elastic in 6 pairs of pajama shorts, red shorts for Raina, 8 fabric napkins that I sewed 2 months ago. Today I turned them right side out and finished the stitching. They are the shape of a half moon. You have to fold it in 4ths. You can then set the table with the flatware sticking out of the top or turn them point side up and they resemble trees.

8 Fabric Napkins. Just have to iron them!

The tan one is for the Guild Boutique (set of 6) 

6 Pajama Shorts!

Raina's shorts made from a $2.00 T-shirt from Michael's!

I put my label on the outside so it doesn't bother her and also so she knows which side it the back. Her mother says she is acting like the Princess and the Pea with all her clothing. So far what I have made her has passed inspection! LOL!!! 

Stash Report   Week 43 2018

Fabric used this week: 0 yard   

Fabric Added this week: 0 yards   

Fabric Added Year to Date: 97 yards 

Net used for 2018: 71 yards
      GOAL for Year - 60 yards !!  Reached Goal!!!!!  

New Goal for 2018 - 85 yard!

15 Minute Challenge:  

Week 43        7 of 7 days

2018 Total         226 of 300 days

Percentage of days sewn 75%  

Link to Stash Report October 28, 2018

Link to Stitching report October 28, 2018

Happy Sewing! 

Aileen in FL

Still plugging away. Stash & Stitch 10-21-18

This past week has been hell. Every other daya doctor appointment. Gym classes, errands, sharing my car.

I did sew everyday. My sewing was for my granddaughter who is outgrowing her clothes. I have been making alterations, shorts from T-shirts, lengthening  tops. She always wears knits and now she says they bother her. Her mother states that mornings are a nightmare. Since my budget is very tight this year, I purchased XL T-shirts from Michaels' for $2 to make her shorts. I use the left over 3-4 inches at the bottom to make a ruffle to add to other t-shirt dresses she has.
This has really put me behind in Christmas sewing but I guess the smiles I get are worth it. She is my biggest fan!!! "Grandmas Super Power is Sewing!!!". LOL!

Stash Report   Week 42 2018

Fabric used this week: 1 yard   

Fabric Added this week: 0 yards   

Fabric Added Year to Date: 97 yards 

Net used for 2018: 71 yards
      GOAL for Year - 60 yards !!  Reached Goal!!!!!  

New Goal for 2018 - 85 yard!

15 Minute Challenge:  

Week 42        7 of 7 days

2018 Total         219 of 293 days

Percentage of days sewn 75%  

Link to Stash Report October 21, 2018

Link to Stitching report October 21, 2018

Happy Sewing! 

Aileen in FL

New Focus, Stash & Stitching report 10-14-18

This week flew by. I have been trying to keep busy everyday. Several of the PJ shorts are done except for the elastic waist. Hoping to get those out of the way tonight.

This past week I decided to join a gym. I have been dieting successfully for 3 months. Down 30 lbs. Billzion to go. The last two weeks I plateaued. Have not budged an ounce. With all the trouble I have walking, it was time to go to the next step. Exercise!

I live in Florida where often you can fry an egg on the sidewalk, so walking outside is out of the question for a lot of the year. If it isn't the heat, it's the mosquitoes from the rainy season, or the Love bugs that smack you in the face as you run to try and get into your car.

I joined using Silver Sneakers program. Many Fitness groups allow the seniors to exercise for free with this program. It is part of Medicare Advantage program. What a workout! I did all the exercises the instructor showed us. Not well but I didn't give up. I am the biggest person in the room, but not the oldest. LOL!  Hoping to lose 20 more pounds by January. So to this end I have been going 1 to 2 times a day. I can already tell my walking is getting better. It would be nice to not have to use my walker next year in Seattle. That is part of my second goal. To walk without the walker and lose another 20 lbs by July 2019.

Stash Report   Week 41 2018

Fabric used this week: 2 yard   

Fabric Added this week: 0 yards   

Fabric Added Year to Date: 96 yards 

Net used for 2018: 70 yards
      GOAL for Year - 60 yards !!  Reached Goal!!!!!  

New Goal for 2018 - 85 yard!

15 Minute Challenge:  

Week 41        7 of 7 days

2018 Total         212 of 286 days

Percentage of days sewn 74%  

Link to Stash Report October 14, 2018

Link to Stitching report October 14, 2018

Happy Sewing! 

Aileen in FL

Sunday Stash and Stitch 10-7-18

September went by very fast, too fast! Did a lot of things but not to many finishes.
I am elbow deep into Christmas sewing. PJ sweatshop sewing. ha ha! I also asked my 5 year old grand daughter if she wanted to make presents for a few people she loves for Christmas. The voice message I received shattered my eardrums. LOL. This past Saturday she slept over. I had her pick out fabrics to make pouches. She completed one. Just needs the string. Do you think she enjoyed sewing?? Ha Ha! My fashionista wants to continue to make more skirts. Next sleep over!

Stash Report   Week 40 2018

Fabric used this week: 1 yard   

Fabric Added this week: 0 yards   

Fabric Added Year to Date: 94 yards 

Net used for 2018: 70 yards
      GOAL for Year - 60 yards !!  Reached Goal!!!!!  

New Goal for 2018 - 85 yard!

15 Minute Challenge:  

Week 40        7 of 7 days

2018 Total         205 of 279 days

Percentage of days sewn 73%  

Link to Stash Report October 7, 2018

Link to Stitching report October 7, 2018

Happy Sewing! 

Aileen in FL

Sunday Stitch and Stash 9-30-18

This week went by very quickly. So many appointments.
I did sew everyday.

I joined a crochet group on Mondays.It is 2 hours a week at the library.  I needed to talk to people taller than 3 feet with a more extended vocabulary than my grandchildren. It was fun and relaxing. I needed something to do with my hands. I am not a hand piecer so crocheting is the next best thing. Unfortunately I had to go buy some yarn. Its been 18 years since I crocheted and couldn't find my yarn. I am sure yarn has changed in 18 years. I did find my hooks. Crocheting came right back to me. My stitches were even. I went again this morning. I had made a hat for the children's charity they sponsor every year. Now I need to make a scarf.

In the meantime I started an Afghan for my 91 year old mother in law.
I did rip it out 10 times but its coming along nicely. It is called Corner to Corner. The yard is Caron Blue Moon.

This week I also cut out 12 pairs of PJ's. Started sewing the patch pockets. All the boys want patch pockets on them to stow their phones, etc. Now I have all the little boy PJs to cut out. They will sew up quickly once they are cut.

Stash Report   Week 39 2018

Fabric used this week: 22 yard   

Fabric Added this week: 0 yards   

Fabric Added Year to Date: 94 yards 

Net used for 2018: 69 yards 
      GOAL for Year - 60 yards !!  Reached Goal!!!!!  

New Goal for 2018 - 85 yard!

15 Minute Challenge:  

Week 39        7 of 7 days

2018 Total         198 of 272 days

Percentage of days sewn 73%  

Link to Stash Report September 23, 2018

Link to Stitching report September 23, 2018

Happy Sewing! 

Aileen in FL