Sunday Stash Report

The busting didn't go so well this week (it actually brings my YTD to a gain). All the purchases were for a project I am working on, so they will go away by the end of the month. I actually have the top pieced, but I haven't added the yardage yet. I find it interesting how quickly those little bits that are brought home one at a time add up. I would not have guessed that my small purchased made at 4 stops added up to 8 yards.

• Outgoing Yardage : 0
• Incoming Yardage: 8.19
• YTD Stash Busting: -.792

Who would have thought...

I would have never thought to turn the quilt 90 degrees. Today I learned that a King size bed is wider than it is long. I am still feeling the amazement of this. I have decided to put another border on this quilt to make it go to the bottom of my pillowtop mattress. The plan (not that this quilt has ever had a good plan) is to repeat the white/color/white border and then add some more 4 patches. I only need 6 more inches on each side to reach the bottom of the mattress. I don't want the white on the edge because it will show the dirt in no time flat. I'm sorry the sun was shining in the window and I didn't get a great picture.

Borders are finally On!!

This quilt has been about 8 years in the making. The borders have a story all of their own. I like the way it turned out, but I wish I would have made the center a bit larger. It fits a queen bed (which I don't have). My DH thinks I should add one more border. I personally think it has enough borders. I didn't ruin my reputation of being the border queen on this quilt. I put it back away at this stage to decide if I want another border. What do you think?

Sunday Stash Report

I didn't get much sewing done this week. It was another busy week working on the science fair.

• Outgoing Yardage : 5.67
• Incoming Yardage: 0
• YTD Stash Busting: 7.40 Yards

Coolest Trick

Sorry about the crazy layout of the pictures, but I can't seem to get them to go how I want them. I will have to read more on this subject. This is the coolest trick that I learned from watching a free video at Sharon Schamber's website. You needle will never come off the thread again!

1. Make a loop with the short tail of the thread. She recommends never to use more than 12" (maybe that's my problem)


2. Take your needle and pull it thru this loop (take notice of which thread is on top)


3. Pull gently on the long tail of thread creating a slip knot


4. Snug up the slip knot

This was an amazing thing for me. I can't tell you how many times I have to re-thread my needle when doing applique, or when my girls are doing yo-yo's. I tried this and you can't even feel it when you sew. I probably would have kissed Sharon if she had been standing next to me when I saw this.

The reasoning with the 12" - when the thread goes through the fabric multiple times, it wears the thread compromising the quality. This may be a contributing factor to my bindings breaking. I have a habit of making my thread an arms length.

Just Can't say NO!

I offered to help my SIL clean out craft/fabrics for her 91 year old neighbor. I hope to be that active when I am 91! The van was full when I left. It took me most of today to sort things and get them in order. My goal is to find a good home for her treasures. I would also like to make a twin quilt for her bed with some of the fabric. There were 6 tatting shuttles, a dress nearly finished (just needed the zipper), DMC floss, and lots of crochet cotton, and multiple other items. The girls were excited to find 2 vintage aprons to put in with their dress-up clothes.

I am making some progress on my basket BOM. I have the snowman and the leaves to attach still. I am enjoying the hand stitching so far. I think I will at least make it to block 2.

Sunday Stash Report

As posted earlier, I made a small purchase this week. I didn't do much sewing this week to offset the damages. The kids had a busy homework schedule. I did manage to knit a scarf during basketball on Saturday.



Sunday Stash Report:

• Outgoing Yardage 0


• Incoming Yardage 2.239


• Total Stash Busted (YTD) 1.731

I stumbled across a free applique (yes, the "A" word) via Randi's blog at (http://allenquilts.wordpress.com). I really enjoy small project that I can pick up and go with while I am waiting for my children. I cut the pieces for the first block last night. It is one block a month. I may not make it past the first month, but it is a darn cute block.

I am doing the starch and press method of applique on the first block. Those darn small leaves are giving me a few problems. I may use wool for those.

Here is the link if you are interested in joining:

http://bunnyhilldesigns.com/dynamic/?page=Free%20Patterns