#83 Getting into the Wild...... Zebraz

What a fun week of cute sewing....Lorna at Sew Fresh Quilts has done it again....another wildly cute animal themed quilt!!! Here's to adorable Zebraz!!!!

I used the some of the same fabrics from my Elephant Parade to tie this cute wall hanging into the same theme. Will use another fabric from it for the binding and if I have enough a fabric from the Zebraz to bind the Elephant Parade.

I also found some cute patterns over at   Funky Friends Factory  for some Stuffies! So I will be making these to tie in too, would make the cutest baby room ever. (Pauline didn't sell a zebra pattern, but I figured in a stripe fabric, the horse will make a perfect zebra!!) I'll let you know how the patterns goes once I attempt them!! (oh and I saved on my order, because Sew Mama Sew is showcasing, Love for Softies, Toy Designers right now, so its a good time to shop.)

I also made a mini from JayBirds Quilts, using her mini Hex N More ruler. That was a challenge, with all those small pieces and matching angled seams, but I love how it turned out!!

Then my fabric addiction got an ugly reality check when I found sun damage on a piece of fabric I was going to use.......too much fabric? not using it fast enough? Storing on the wrong wall in my hobby room? I chose the last answer, though the first two are all too correct, eeeek.......
Thus the great room switch and clean....boy did I make a mess.....and turning a 12' long arm in a 9' room, not easy, especially with all the piles of stuff everywhere that I had to unload from the cubicles and long arm frame shelf. Thank goodness for double doors, a good sized landing/hallway, and a screwdriver.....and a lot of patience....got it done!!!
So now the fabric is on the wall that doesn't get direct sun and  further into the room, the long arm is on the sunny side, the fabric has been reorganized as well my cutting area and computer area, and everything has been cleaned and put away.

Before

During

After

On a fun note.....my youngest son took over my phone, to take a bunch of selfies......and posted one to instagram.....lol. He was testing his costume for the games night they were having at Junior High, last Tuesday night, at our church (he was going for, his words, a smart guy that would be on Jeopardy). He build a spinning game wheel (welded it out of metal pipes for the kids and to donate to the church....he did a great job of it) He didn't take a picture unfortunately. (may post a picture tomorrow, if he remembers to take one when he goes back to Junior High)

 He makes Me Laugh....what a great heart this guy has....

#76

I have been slacking off on posting to my blog again....

Sew Kitchy BOM 2014 at Quiet Play. Kristy is doing another Paper Pieced BOM this year with a Zoo Animal theme....so cute

I have found it hard to get back into the swing of things since Christmas and the New Year happened. As some of you know, I have learned in the last year, after being sick for years, I have a lot of food intolerances. As much as I try to avoid eating the food that ultimately hurts me, it isn't always easy. Sometimes the ingredients are hidden and sometimes I'm just too tired, and all of this is just too new and still seems to  require so much energy, eek. So needless to say, if you understand allergies, I haven't been at full energy or wellness this month. 

It's really hard when gluten, wheat, eggs, all dairy ( the protein) and a few other foods are the things that are hurting you. So much of our diets revolve around these staples. So, I have pledged to make learning and educating myself on my food issues a priority this year, especially the finding of recipes... like bread and pizza dough (I can handle the no cheese  but the gluten free crust at the pizza shop...not great).  It's been really hard adjusting and still is some days, but I do feel so much better when I behave, and silver lining, I have dropped 2-3 sizes (not sure how much weight, I don't weigh myself) :) 

I would love your help too... If any of you have or know someone who has some of the same dietary restrictions and have a great recipe... I would love for you to share it with me!!  I am also thinking of starting a new blog just to keep track of websites and information, I'm horrible at remembering all this new information. So if you share a recipe, add if I can post it or not (if the blog happens, thanks). You can email me at upstairshobbyroom at gmail dot com. 

Hope you don't mind the sharing, for now back to Quilting!!

What I've Been Up To:

I have 21 bibs made to send to Noah's Ark in the Philippines...I just need to bind them:
Girls version: (Velcro will be added when they arrive so they can get the right placement)

 Boys Version:

Finished all the BOM for 2014 (blocks only, still need to assemble tops):

 Classic Meets Modern:

Update, I'll be posting more pictures in another post next week!!

 Sugar Block 2014 at Stitchery Dickory Dock

Aurifil Designer of the Month 2014

Assembled the Globe Trotting BOM top:

Got the bindings on 2 of the 3 quilts I had finished:

Made the 4 mini Sew Together Bags from OPQuilt.com worksheet in her Tutorials tab (you need the Sew Together Pattern from Sew Demented) and used only my stash #sewmystash2015. I have joined in on the challenge, widget link on right side of blog page.

Had a great Sew Along Day on January 10th, with Jacquelynne Steves for the Sew Sweet Simplicity BOM:
#sewmystash2015 (used my stash for this beauty too)

 I upsized the pattern to a 32" block for my coffee table...

And started on the Companion Carpet Bag by Samantha of At Home With Mrs. H , January bag from the Bag of the Month Club from Sew Sweetness: (used my stash other than the exterior...don't collect heavier fabrics, #sewmystash2015)

This is my first real structured bag pattern...I joined the club last year but only manage to sew the Poolside Tote by Noodlehead (awesome pattern) So I am over the moon with how well it has turned out so far. Waiting on the handles and frame to finish. My goal is to make the remaining 5 patterns from last year and the 6 new ones from this year....insert, hopeful smiley face, lol.

 my handy new sewing awl, for when my handles arrive

And my list that will follow me this year to keep me on track, hopefully....

To Complete List

Blocks to Piece (blocks not finished)

• (3)Triple Star Blocks
• Playing Cards (Bee Blocks)
• (?) Scrappy Trip Around the World Blocks 
• Fusion Quilt
• Flower Patch Quilt
• Lattice Bones Quilt
• Colouring Box Quilt
• Sew Kitchy Paper Pieced BOM (one more block, Miss Betty)
• Craftsy BOM 2013

Quilt Tops to Sew Together (blocks are complete)

• Sugar Block Club 2013
• Sugar Block Club 2014
• Block Rock'n
• Classic Meets Modern
• Aurifil Designer of the Month 2014
• Globe Trotting BOM
• Layer Cake Challenge
• Come Together (Bee Blocks)
• Playing Cards (Bee Blocks)

Quilt Tops: to Quilt

• City Sampler
• Churn Dash QAL
• Nested Churn Dash
• Parade (tester pattern)
• Square Deal
• Trifle Dish Moda QAL
• Modern Blocks QAL
• Virtual Quilting Bee
• Triangle QAL
• *Globe Trotting BOM
• *Classic Meets Modern
• *Sugar Block Club 2013

Quilts to Bind (that's all I have to do, you would think I would just get it done)

• Bloom Bloom Pow
• Craftsy BOM 2012
• Mystery Quilt

New Projects to Do this Year:

1. 15-30 adult size bibs for special needs children at an orphanage in the Philippines (church missions trip in April) (the number turned out to be 21-just need to bind them!!)
2. Design 2 original projects and write up the patterns ( I am excited about this challenge) more info on this in the future
3. 2 quilts (one niece/one nephew )
4. Set of Placemats (12)
5. 4 mini Sew Together Bags
6. 4 Regular Sew Together Bags
7. 6 Duffle Bags
8. 6-11 purses, yup not kidding, I join the Bag of the Month again this year over at Sew Sweetness and last year of the six I only made one of the bags. This year I am determined to complete them all.
9. New Christmas Stockings (8)
10. Christmas Tree Skirt
11. Misc sewing of pouches, because there is always a need for a simple pouch or 10, lol.
12. *Elephant Parade, because it was so cute I couldn't resist!! Which makes an even dozen new projects. One per month....that's doable.......

*updates

#56 Finally Summer has Arrived!!

I am so glad that the good weather has finally arrived!! This week, along with sewing, I hope to get out in my flower bed. They are looking sad and neglected. We have had so much rain and cold damp weather, it is nice to see the sun!!

Had a blast today, enjoying that sun. Went for a walk and then had an adventure driving the new side by side. If you listen closely you can hear me scream, lol, before my daughter screams for me!! 

And then are son-in-law and daughter followed on the 4 Wheeler!!

What I've Been up to:

Finished a few more pouches

Finished all the Tiny Mini Pouches!Original pattern can be found here, at So Sew Easy. There were 3 sizes, 3 about the size of an eraser,  working zipper and all! And another group about 2"x 2" and the ones pictured below.

Completed one of 25 Diamond EPP Hexi:

 Started on the June blocks for Modern InstaBee: Different layout options for the Triple Star

 and have finally started piecing my Churn Dash Sew Along together!! Greens and Whites!! Excited about this one!!

HERE'S MY "To Do" LIST FOR THE WEEK:

(Hopefully will be starting a new list soon, and this one will be history!!)

1.. Scrappy Trip Around the R4 (still waiting for 3 1 blocks from this round!)i've heard it is on the way!!

2. Modern Insta Bee (Feb, Mar, Apr, May, June, July, Aug, Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan)

3. Diamond Tread Quilt (sew sides to tread pattern to complete the top)

4. Part 2 of Mini Medallion

5. Cut the Churn Dash Sew Along pieces, (starting to piece blocks)(4/48)

6. Quilt the Michael Miller fabric challenge wall hanging

7. 4-6 Scrappy Trip Around the World Blocks (2 for a friend)

#53 I Went a Little Mini Crazy

Link to Store

To start off last week I ran a contest to celebrate reaching 500 Instagram followers, so lets announce the winners!!

#712 Kathie S and 

#540 Bethany M

The winners have been notified by email! Thanks to everyone who joined in and helped me celebrate!!

 

Mini Crazy

My mini craze actually started last week when I joined the Mini Medallion Sew Along over at Sew Mama Sew. Not sure if I am crazy or just a sewing adventurerer, lol!! Anyone who knows me knows I'm not much of a risk taker, but I do enjoy stretching my sewing abilities... and it is so cute. !'m glad I didn't read how many little squares I would be cutting and sewing before I said I was in!! ( I try always to stick with a commitment, even if it is just to myself).
((p.s)My husband just came in asking about this post, too funny, I don't know how I missed adding this in....my Mini obsession started with the Mini Cooper, I have wanted to own one for years!!)


Part One is finished



Working on Part 2 this week!!


 I then found a tutorial online for a Teeny Tiny Mini Zipper Pouch 

over at So Sew Easy, and went a little mini crazy!! I loved how the little pouch turned out and thought.... I could make that smaller!! Why? I have no idea, other than it was sooooo cute!!! So I squared the cuteness and then went even smaller!! Just because I could......You should check out the post, with a video and pdf of the instructions. 

Before boxing the corners.

The original pattern isn't pieced, but I amp it up, just a bit!! You have to watch not to get too many bulky seams in the wrong place if you are boxing the corners of your pouch!

 I promised an Instagram follower

And a stack of non pieced ones waiting for me to sew them together!! Need to run to the sewing store to pick up more hooks!!

I love the Churn Dash Block, so I am joining Amy Smart of Diary of A Quilter for her QAL over at We All Sew. I'm going with greens and white!!

and I finished the last 2 blocks in the Layer Cake Sampler Quilt

And that's What I've Been Up to!!!

My check list!! 

1. Sugar Block Club 2014

2. Sew Kitschy BOM

3. Classic Meets Modern BOM

4. Modern Blocks BOM Top Complete!!

5. Globe Trotting BOM

6. Layer Cake Sampler QAL (Only 2 more blocks to go) (all blocks completed)

7. Triangle QAL Top Complete!!

8. Scrappy Trip Around the World Bee (still waiting for 3 blocks from this round!)

9. Modern Insta Bee (Feb, Mar, Apr, May, June, July, Aug, Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan)

10. Diamond Tread (quilt )

11. Batik Quilt (just moved from UFO to WIP!!) Top Complete!!

12. Part 2 of Mini Medallion

13. Cut the Churn Dash Sew Along pieces

14. Finish all my mini pouches (buy clips)

15. Catch up on all Modern InstaBee blocks (priority)