A Review of January's Quilting To-Do's

Monday, February 3, 2014



I'm really loving the idea of making a quilting to-do list at the beginning of each month.  It's helped to keep me focused and motivated.  January went pretty well, I'd say.  It wasn't perfect.  I didn't get everything crossed of my list but I still feel like I accomplished a lot.  Here's where I'm at...


#1 - My Sea Glass quilt is half way bound 
so I half-way crossed it off my list :)  I'll show pictures soon.

#2 - My sewing room was needing a little bit of TLC so second on my list was to hang frame, spools quilt and fix chair (and CLEAN UP!)

 
So I finally framed the Sew on and sew on and sew on picture that I had for about a year.  I displayed it on this little shelf and then decided the area also needed a little something on the wall so I used a single Dresden Plate block that I had lying around.  I also added the white iron (which was a gift from my sister) and the small red iron (which was a gift from my mom).  The spools were found in a box my husbands uncle gave to me that was my husbands grandmothers.  And it's hard to see, but the green container that is holding the spools has a #2 printed on the burlap.  I had to buy it to remind me of the two little cuties that call me mommy.
 

I quilted the Dresden Plate wall hanging myself, which was a lot of fun.  That was a bonus project but at least I was putting a loner block to good use.  Should I get a bonus point for that?


It was bothering me a little bit that I didn't have any quilts hung in my sewing room since I got my new Ikea storage cabinets about a year ago.  So I made room for this Spools quilt (pattern by Camille Roskelley) and finally found the perfect spot for the giant safety pin that was a Christmas gift from my sister-in-law!


And just days before the months end, I recovered my sewing chair with this cute little fat quarter I had on hand.  The fabric is from Lecien's Flower Sugar line.  (I love that fabric line so much that I featured it in two coordinating quilts in my upcoming book!) I liked having my "to-do" list to keep me on track and motivated because this was one of those projects that probably wouldn't have gotten done for a long, long time.

#3 Bind Honey Sweet Runner - Check!
(you can see my blog post about it HERE).

#4 Finish Farmer's Wife borders

   
My inner border is on and my outer border is pieced and ready to be sewn on as well.  I'm hoping to do that today so I'll post pictures soon.

#5 Make design wall quilt 
(that's going to be on hold for a little while...)

#6 Get heart quilt to the quilter


I did and it's back.  The binding is sewn on.  I just gotta hand stitch it on the back side.  Pictures coming soon :)

Lastly, I made two projects for a secret friend swap (that you can read about HERE) and started two new projects.  I'll post about the smaller one soon but here's what I spent the majority of my time working on at Quilt Bliss:


They're paper pieced Pineapple Blocks and I'm so obsessed with them right now!  I figured each one took me about an hour and a half.  It will definitely be a long term project but I'm really hoping I can find some more time this week to work on them!

So that's it.  I think it was a pretty good month and now I've got lots to blog about in the next few weeks.  I've also got to make my February list so stay tuned...

~ Amber 

19 comments:

  1. Ok, I love everything about this post! The pictures make me want to come live in your sewing room. I LOVE, do you hear me, LOVE those pineapple blocks! Wow!

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    1. Thanks Lisa! I never thought I would do pineapple blocks but I'm loving the bright colors and big block style!

      Thanks for stopping by!
      Amber

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  2. You have achieved much more than I did in January and your achievements are beautiful!

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  3. Very good job on the list. I say if it helps keep you moving forward, go for it. I have been wanting to make pineapple blocks forever. Maybe I should just do it!

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  4. Charlotte, you should try them! They're fun but definitely a long term project :)

    Happy Quilting!
    Amber

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  5. Oh my, those pineapple blocks are beautiful!! And I love to paper piece . . . is this pattern available online?

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  6. Great post!!! I may just have to make a monthly to do list. Your projects are absolutely beautiful... very inspiring. Thank you!!

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  7. i can't wait to see your farmer's wife finished. I love the two color quilt choice. So refreshing!
    ~karen

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  8. Laugh Yourself into Stitches,

    Thanks. I think I'll be posting about it tomorrow (hopefully!)

    Thanks for stopping by!
    Amber

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  9. So much pretty in one post. Inspiring!

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  10. Gorgeousness all around! :) I especially luv the pineapple blocks. Great color!

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  11. Thanks Honeyguide!

    And Dawn,

    Thank you. I've got more pineapple blocks on my February to-do list. Can't wait to find some time for them!

    Thanks for stopping by!
    Amber

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  12. Kathy,

    I know there are Pineapple Block patterns out there but I'm not sure about this exact one in this size. I have some quilting software that I got mine from and then tweaked it to get the number of rows I wanted. I have some sets of 25 paper patterns that I've been selling. They measure 13 3/8" finished so they print on larger paper than what my local copy center can print on. They're exactly like the ones I'm using. I'm selling them for 23.50 which includes shipping. If you're interested, I can send you a Paypal invoice. Just let me know.

    Thanks for stopping by!
    Amber Johnson
    Gigi's Thimble

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  13. I love all of your projects. I also have an aqua sewing room--but I think I like your shade better!!

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  14. Valentinegirl:

    Oh thanks! I've been happy with the color. But I don't think you can really go wrong with any hue of aqua :)

    Thanks for stopping by!
    Amber Johnson
    Gigi's Thimble

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  15. I know this is an old post, but I just found your blog! This is the prettiest pineapple quilt I've ever seen and I design my own quilts - thank you for sharing, I love it!
    Blessings, Bev

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    1. Bev, thank you! I'm just working on the borders now. I've really loved making this quilt! It's been such a fun journey!

      Take care!
      Amber

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I ♥ to hear from you so please feel free to leave a comment. I read each one and try to respond as often as I can. Thanks so much for stopping by! ~Amber