January UFO is finished

UFO's - Unfinished Objects
They are a common topic of discussion in the quilting world.  Too many of us start a project, hit a snag or face a deadline for something else, and stuff the project deep into a closet to finish later.  I've heard a few quilters admit to a startling number of UFO's.  Most of us do not count them.

I joined a UFO challenge online to encourage each of us to finish 6 projects in the first 6 months of 2014.  We each numbered our six projects.  Then the hostess of this challenge randomly selected a number.  That became this month's project.

Mine was this trio of baby quilts.  They were all made from a fat quarter collection of flannels.  I'd made the tops, but didn't have border fabrics, so they sat.  And waited.  Until their number was drawn.

Now they are all finished and ready to snuggle.  It's a good time to finish them with the frigid temperatures we are facing.  And I'm thrilled to have this project accomplished.

Here's the before photo :

The two green ones on the right were made using Missouri Star Quilting Company's tutorial called Serendipity.  The 2nd quilt is made from the remnants of the first.  It is a neat pattern and I had fun working with flannel fabrics.

Simple cursive e's and l's for the quilting

I have very little left over and will donate those pieces to Project Linus.  Then, I'll be back to regular quilting fabrics and batiks.

Enjoy your day!
- SeeingStars

Rearranging the Studio

 ... Again!  Some changes are small and some are more dramatic, but this room gets used a lot and I keep critiquing what's working here and what isn't.

I've wanted a comfy chair in this space for a long time.  It couldn't be really large or it would feel like there's too much furniture in the studio (which is true).  So I've looked here and there until this one popped up on Craigs List.  I'm pleased with it so far.

My teens have enjoyed it, but they want to use a rolling chair for an ottoman and slouch down nearly horizontal.  Hmmmm.   Not what I imagined, but I do enjoy their company.

The poinsettias are just visiting.   I don't know if they crave light, but most of my plants seem to do better indoors if they get a chance to soak up some sunshine every few days.  There are lots of plants gathered in darkness on the hearth.  So I rotate them when I remember to water them.  Poor plants!

The Necchi sewing machine, which was occupying this space, is now tucked at one end of the long arm frame.  It's not a perfect spot for it, but I can try it for a while.  It's an occasional use machine, at least for now.

Enjoy your day!  I'm off to serve breakfast to some friends.
- SeeingStars

Another One For Mrs. Claus

This doll quilt was made using leftovers from a trio of flannel baby quilts.  I'll send it to Debbie at StitchinTherapy

It's self bound with Minkee backing.  The quilting was accomplished on my home sewing machine, rather than stretching it on a frame.

These scraps are finally available because I've added borders to the flannel baby quilts.  All 3 are quilted too.  I think I'll have the hand-stitching done soon so I can share photos of the finishes.

Enjoy your day!
- SeeingStars

Journal Quilt #1 : Plaid Transparency

I'm hoping to make some journal quilts in my spare time this year.  Since they are so small, it's easier to try a new technique and get 'er done. 

This one is playing with the illusion of transparency.  Where the bands of orange and blue/green intersect, there are both color groups present.

It's interesting, but not as successful as I'd hoped.   I don't regret the time invested in it as I meditate on other things while I sew.  Maybe later, I'll revisit the transparency idea with another attempt.

For my southwestern quilt top, I've attempted to shop locally for the backing fabric.  Since none of those choices worked, I'm found some online and am waiting on a delivery.  It's a good time to finish up UFO's and make another journal quilt.

Enjoy your day!  It's really cold here, but the sun is shining and thus, it's a cheerful cold.
- SeeingStars