FAL Q4 "the list"

It is always the big question which of the projects do you take to the next quarter and which would be better left out?!? Making a list is always a good way to look around in the sewing room and think of what has to be done ... let me say it ... until Christmas! ... or before 2015 hits you!


So time to write the list:

1. Hexagon-Quilt

I got the background and am ready to start

2. Flying Geese Block

I used most of these fabrics to make a trial block which needs to be turned into something useful

3. Embroidery

This is my work when my little ones does her homework. Stitch Along at http://www.lilipopo.co.uk/ 

4. Gloves

I want to give this pattern an other try. Hopefully I will not have freezing fingers in winter

5.  PJs for my little one

The bottom one is done and now getting ready for the trial run for the top. These are the fabrics for the finished PJs

7. Modern Stitching Bee Quilt

I am waiting for two more blocks and need to make lots of HSTs for the border

This list is long enough to keep me working and short enough to have success (I might be dreaming but sometimes you need to get out of your comfy box). So fingers crossed it will all work out fine and I will have two cosy quilts either to give away or to snuggle in at Christmas!

Mum, you promised ...

Children are really good in remembering what you might promised in a weak moment and remind you ever and ever again until .. yes, until you keep your promise. So on our vacation we went to one of those fabric shops where you might have trouble finding the exit and believe me you find lots of fabric you need to have there too. The girls were in heaven when we went in the jersey section. My little one has already seen a beanie in an other shop she would like to have so why not add some more fabric to make PJs. This week I was without a cutter and this was the best time to get moving and use the scissors. I found a pattern which looked nice and as my girl easily fits in adult size I gave it a go. I used a fabric I do not even know why I bought it and made a trial pant.

When she came home from school I only had to finish the length and the waistband. This was done in 5 minutes and it was hard to get the pants back to wash them. She absolutely loves them and did not even bother about the fabric. Of course I did I also make the "real" pants for her and as it is really easy I also tried the pants for the little one using an other pattern. I did not know how long it takes to overlock three seams so lunch had to wait a little longer this day.

The pants for my older girl fits her perfectly and she can not wait to use them (when the other one is in the washing) but the ones for mini were not as successful. Much to long and wide even if I skipped the seam allowance again and used the pattern in her measure range. The "real" ones have to be  less wide and without the adding in the length. She still is happy with her new pj's but I am sure the real ones will be much better. Hopefully the pattern for the shirt will fit them much better as the fabric is slowly running out.

It is nice to make something different and have some happy faces in the house. Even my son asked to get one as well. Anyway I am already drawing a new block for a bee just made out of friends and totally different rules. Actually there is only one rule: the block has to have flying geese in it. I can not wait to make a trial block!

Finish-A-Long Q3

Is it already time? Oh no, it is!


I knew there will not be a lot of time for sewing as in summer we head back home and the sewing machine gets a good rest. So the list was not really long but it looks like it was still to long. You might see some of them again on the next list.

1.) Challenge on the Lazy Bums - Not touched

my girl took it out the last time and was asking why it is not finished

2.) Nordica - Not touched

think I will change the idea and looking forward to finish it

3.) Hexagonquilt - moved but not finished

ready to cut the background as soon as the cutter is back from his vacation

4.) Big Stitching Swap - DONE and blogged

it was a challenge finish something only hand sewing but I did it

5.) Triangle Wall hanging - Trashed

I put three rows together and hated it so I just trashed it

One finished project is better than nothing and getting rid of an other was a good decision! Sometimes ideas do not work out and it is ok to use the bin.

I have plans for the next list and as the items have a purpose I am sure there will be some finishes. So looking forward to a successful last quarter in 2014.

Block after block after block ...

.. this is what I am doing. I could have blogged about it, but it is kind of boring, isn't it? But I will tell you anyway about the blockmania going on here. So the summer was a huge break for me I had to catch up in all those commitments. I have no clue in what order I made them so I just show them as they should have been made in my two bees.
July was the month of Sarah and Fiona. Sarah asked for a special spiderweb block and I have to say that was the best one I ever made.

It was so easy going and with all the fabrics precuts so the finger press was the solution. I rarely had to get over to iron the stripes back. It was a pleasure to make them.

The other block long over due was for Fiona and she asked for selvageblocks. I am sure this quilt will be amazing when all the blocks are together. 

the bee blocks are hiding under the wrist bands 

As I had a good week (or two) I also managed to get the August blocks done. Unfortunately this was the last block for the Modern Stitching Bee. I am really sad it is over as those ladies are really amazing! It was challenging but great fun. Thank you Rhonda and Leanne for a great bee year. So Rhonda asked us to make a "union jack" block (which I learned is actually not a Union Jack and better should be called Union Flag). This one was very tricky and you really have to read the instructions carefully not to lose track.

For the Irish Bee it was Fionas turn and she asked for Churn Dash blocks. They are really fun! The only rule we had to follow was to use our favorite fabric in the middle. Not sure if this was a good idea as in my house it is all about pirates and sculls at the moment. So this is my first block:

I showed this block on Instagram and guess what happened; she liked this block! I made this block just for fun and of course this was not the one I had in mind for her. I just loved the combination of pink/purple with the scull and my sewing motivation up high it was made in no time! But of  course I made two blocks in a much "softer" version for her

Hope all those blocks arrive soon safe in the new houses. I can not wait to see those quilts finished. They will all be very colorful and fun! So I am back on track and have already made my September blocks for the Irish Bee. Looks like it is time to look out for a new bee as this one is also fast coming to an end. Any suggestions? I love to be in bees!

I do not promise to write soon again as my laptop broke down and is only working if I am really nice to him. Think asking him for editing pictures might not be a good for now. But the new one is ordered and I am patiently waiting for it to arrive. 

Back to routine

My last blog post is quite a long time ago and in the meantime we already came back to Ireland. It is lovely when the neighbors greet you with a "welcome back". The last time I told you we were going back up on the mountain at midnight the next day and we did. We had a great time up on the mountain having a bonfire ...

The Guinness was brought by a friend of mine ;)

.. making bread on sticks, sausages and before the children (we had three with us) had a little nap they made some marshmallows as well. It was a great experience to see the sun rise in 2404 m and even if they were freezing and did not have enough sleep we hope to do it again.

Sunrise at the Nockspitz

The rest of the holidays we visited museums, castles, the silver mine and lots more. We were lucky this year and had lovely weather: not to hot and not to cold. We had an amazing view down on Innsbruck on a sunny day.

View over Innsbruck from the Hafelekarspitz in 2400 m

After we went to Croatia for some days and visiting friends in Graz before we went to Vienna for the flight back. I always wanted to go to the Prater with the children and after a lovely walk at Schönbrunn we went there for the evening. The children enjoyed having a ride on the Big Ferries Wheel ("The third man") and a more scary ride on one of the attractions on the fun fair.

Big Ferries Wheel in Vienna

There was not really much sewing going on in the summer and even the crochet beanie I started was not really touched. I only made the Big Stitching Swap item and sent it off almost in time to my partner. Unfortunately I did not make a picture but my partner was so kind and made one for me. Thank you so much Yeechi!

Using the hexagons I got in London 

Thank you Cindy and Sarah for organizing the swap and make me do at least one item over the summer :) Finally I am back and ready to make all the bee blocks I missed in the summer but more about this the next days.

Austria

We arrived safely in Austria but the weather did not like us at the beginning.  Yesterday we finally had a nice and warm day to climb high on the mountains.  One of my favourite tours is the "3 Seen.

Wanderung" (3 lake tour). There is so much  to see for the children that they do not get bored. Today ee made it up to 2400 m and i am really proud.  They ran up and i had to try my best not to lose them...

... and we do it again tomorrow without the help of the cable car! Berg heil!

Finish A Long Q3 List

Actually I should be packing the suitcase and getting ready for take of but I do not want to miss the fun of Finish A Long Q3 so I have to write my list. It is going to be short as I am at home for a long time and do not take the sewing machine with me.

1.) Challenge on the Lazy Bums

it moved to the sewing alias kitchen table and is patiently waiting to be finished

2.) Nordica 

waiting to be appliqued but think I need to iron again first

3.) Hexagonquilt

decided on the pattern and ready to go but ran out of background fabric

4.) Big Stitching Swap

packed my swap bags for the secret swap ready for stitching on the way

5.) Triangle Wall hanging

already started sewing but .... don't know! just not finished

That's it! The time slot to finish the projects is quite small and who knows how the weather will be in Austria. How many things are on your list? Or are you going on a summer break and just do nothing?

Now I have to run and get the bags ready. I am sure the plain is not waiting for us but hopefully a good friend at the other airport. Have a great summer (or winter)!