Gearing Up for the Big Finish

 

In preparation for the new year, I decided to drag all my UFOs, PIGS, HFIs and PNYSs* out of their hiding places, i.e., drawers, cupboards, bins and boxes, and lay them all out to see exactly what was there.....46 Items so far.  (I say "so far" because I KNOW there is a table topper started in a class at PieceMakers when I lived in California...but I can't find it...how many years ago was that????  Maybe I accidentally finished it?  Nah, scratch that.)

This is what it looks like with projects all laid out on the floor, on the cutting table, in bins and in boxes.

 

Notice the big stack of plastic project boxes on the left.  And, a few items are not even pictured!
Four WWITs* projects are already in the "Pass 'em On" pile.** 
And a few other items have been re-homed to a quilting buddy.

 

 

All-in-all I believe there are about ten items in this pile.  That's a good start.

 

Next step, list each item on a 3 X 5 card and put the cards in a cute box I uncovered during this process.  Repurpose and reuse, eh?  That would be a good slogan for 2024 "Repurpose and Reuse."

Next, assign a "Difficulty to Finish" number.

1 =  Difficult, will take some time.
2 =  Moderate, Pretty easy to finish up if  I would just stop Talking about it  and  Just Do It!
3 = Easy, finish more than one-at-a-time and knock them out.

Finally, plan for the coming year.

 

 

Purchased these from FB Marketplace:  Twelve cubbies....
one for each month....how handy is that!  ***

These will be for the American Patchwork and
Quilting UFO Challenge for 2024.

BTW:  The Challenge is different this year HERE.  In a nut shell, APWQ is no longer drawing the number and posting it on FB each month.  Each person assigns their own number.

 

 

 

 

 

The bins were not  as big as they appeared in the Marketplace listing, but I think they will work very well.

I've already assigned the Month to a Number for the entire year for the UFO Challenge using a random number picker via the internet.

I'll admin, I did cheat on January's number..I wanted to get off to a quick start so I picked easy projects to finish up for January. 

 

 

 

 

 

As a finishing touch, I used double-stick tape to tape these foam panels to the closet doors.  Instant bulletin boards.  Again, Repurpose and Reuse. (I don't remember where these came from, they were in the garage.)

Perfect for pinning instructions, pictures,  etc. to keep me motivated because "out of sight is out of mind."

Now to tidy up. 
Ready to rock-and-roll.

 

My goal for 2024 is to see how may FFOs* I can rack up.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words!

 

*PHD = Projects Half Done
UFO = Unfinished Object
PIGS= Projects in Grocery Sacks
HFI = Half Finished Items
PNYS = Projects Not Yet Started (but fabric and/or patterns already purchased.)
WWIT = What Was I Thinking
FFO = Finally Finished Object

**There is a store in Nashville that will take crafting items.  SMART Arts & Crafts.  HERE

*** I bought these from Facebook Market Place, but I think they are shoe boxes.  Amazon has something very similar.  HERE

The Best December Birthday of All

 Without the birth of Jesus, there would be no Christmas story.

Without the Cross there would be no salvation story.

 

 

 

 

Can You Stand ANOTHER Birthday?

December is a busy month for birthdays in this family.

Miss Catalina is 4, Already!!

A smile that will break a thousand young-men's hearts one day....a long time from now....after Medical School...

From that first day to this....

I love You to the Moon and Back...!!!

Just Like That He's 12 !!!

When I was told this little guy was "on the way." I did not think I could love him as much as my first G-son. 
After all, the first one came first, gobbling up all the love.

But then I met him...He captured my heart from the first moment I saw him. 

He has grown into such a sweet young man.  And, he's always sooo full of FUN!  Sometimes he just makes me laugh.
He is always a Party just looking for a place to happen! I mean, look at that smile...you can visualize him conjuring up mischief.

 

There are not enough words to express how much I love him.

 Happy Birthday, West!

Taking Stock

2024 will be THE YEAR to tidy up my life.  I feel like I have clutter in my brain and everywhere I look:

 

 

Pictures saved on my laptop with no organization
Quilt Patterns saved on my laptop with no organization

Paper stacks all around my desk

Certainly Sewing and Quilting UFOs
Face Book Saves (mostly quilt patterns and ideas and recipes)

YouTube Saves (mostly ukulele music and tutorials)

I don't even want to THINK about Pinterest.
I might just let that one fade away, I have not even looked at it in a long time.

 

I could just "close the door" to the "messy room"...the messiness in my head...and just move ahead,
but that option makes me feel out of sorts, unfinished. Like an unmade bed.

 

Now here it is mid-December, about to wrap up 2023....And, isn't this the time of year we tend to take stock and decide to make changes?
It even has a name: New Year's Resolutions.

I always say I'm not going to make resolutions...

I think I have only one Resolution for 2024: 
Keep It Simple! 

I mean, REALLY, how many recipes do you actually need? 
How many quilt patterns do you actually need? 

It's time to purge the messiness from my world.*

*I feel better already!

The Countdown Has Begun

 

 

My list of things to complete before Christmas is ALWAYS too ambitious! 

Rather than FRET about it, I'm just going to enjoy the time in the studio and do what-ever I want to do.

This is the time of year to relax and enjoy the process.

The American Patchwork and Quilting UFO number for December is TWO.  (They didn't even have to tell me the number this month....I'm quick that way.)

So far I don't have ANY of the items for #2 even on my radar.  But I WILL finish Ana's new Curtains and Cata's baby doll quilts before the end of the year....not for Christmas.

That's not to say I haven't done anything...I have.  I made a bunch of these cute Quilter's Ornaments.

And, as you can see, I'm putting my Christmas Tree together.

I put a few packages together and will take to the P.O. today.

 

Of Course the Miss Molly Wall Hanging is finished and ready for gifting. HERE

I am working on one more item that I had hoped would be finished by Christmas.  Alas, it will not. 
However, it will make a nice New Year's gift.  

A long-time friend of mine, Miss Martha, asked me to finish this pillow top for her. I do not know the history, where it came from, etc. I'm working on it now.  It requires hand quilting...which I have never done before and am not doing a particularly nice job now.  But, done is better than perfect, right?

I'm adding red borders.

    

 

 

 

It IS beginning to look (and feel) a lot like Christmas.

The Last Lap

 December is upon us.  It's time to wrap up 2023 and prepare for 2024.

I am amazed it is nearly 2024!  And, a lot has happened in the world in the last 24 years!  HERE 
Y'all remember Y2K?  Remember it was supposed to be the end of the world as we knew it!?
Not only did we survive Y2K but here we are 24 years later, thriving!  

One example of thriving, the world of computers and electronics in a BIG way.  

There've been many changes in my own life, as well....becoming a grandmother, two major moves across states, losing both my parents. Being introduced to Quilting by my Quilting Auntie Nyla and then losing her. And don't forget learning to play the Ukulele!  Yes, life is always changing.

But the converse is also true "the more things change, the more they stay the same."
Especially with Quilting.  There is always another beautiful quilt to create...and ALWAYS, always UFOs to finish up! 
I swear they multiply in the night when no one is looking.

As I RACE toward retirement*...yep, I said the "R" word...more than ever I want to finish up UFOs! 
It is TIME!! 

Finish 'em up or pass 'em on!

That is my new motto for 2024!

*Retirement is still a couple years off.  But, I'm making my plan.

Give Thanks

We have our Thanksgiving Traditions....every year we say "I am Thankful for...." 
But how thankful are you, REALLY? 
Or how much do you take for granted?

The day after Thanksgiving, seven years ago all was well.  I spoke with my mom on the phone. (She and my dad lived in Kentucky near my sister and her family; I was in California.)  She talked on and on about my sister's family who were all in town and the food and her pies.  And like most daughters who hear the same every year, I only half listened....taking it all for granted that I would be hearing it again for many Thanksgivings to come.  

The VERY NEXT DAY, my mom passed into glory.  One minute she was fine, then next minute I was getting a call from my sister..."You better come right away...."

 

None of us is guaranteed tomorrow. We do not know the moment of our passing....but God Does.  Job 14:5   

Every person is a sinner....every person, there are no exceptions (Not even Billy Graham.) Romans 3:23

When we pass from this world, each person will stand before God and give an account for their life. 2 Corinthians 5:10.

A sinner cannot stand justified before a Holy God!  Romans 3:23 tells us this.   Because we are ALL sinners and we cannot save ourselves, what can we do?  Who can stand for us?  How can we be right before a Holy God?
Are we doomed to spend eternity in Hell?  

In God's mercy, He provided a way for sinful persons to stand justified before a Holy God.  John 3:16-18; John 14:6

Here is a podcast by Ray Comfort that is worth the listen.  Hell's Best Kept Secret.  

Don't take for granted that you have "lots of time" to make these decisions.  My mom did not know that that very night she would pass into glory.  Thankfully she was a Believer in Jesus Christ and when she left this imperfect world, she passed into heaven to stand justified before her Lord and worship at His feet.   Where she is to this day and for all eternity.

If you pass today, where will you be?  Worshiping at the feet of Jesus or in agony in Hell?  

It will be one or the other. 
There is a Hell:  Matthew 10:28; Matthew 13:42; Matthew 25:46; 2 Thessalonians 1:9
There is a Heaven:  Matthew 25:46; Philippians 1:21–24; Romans 1:16-17

Miss Molly

The Pattern

Water Color Quilt Kit by Whims
Labrador Retriever

 

The Picture

Miss Molly - Faithful Companion - 2007 - 2023

The Finished Product

 

 

I used thread painting to give Molly definition.   A new experience for me.    I watched several YouTube videos (of course) but I found this one the most helpful because she got right to work and just showed the technique.  HERE    I'm not 100% happy with my effort...but happy enough.  Now that I've done Thread Paint once....I'll do it again.  I'm not afraid of it any more.  It's a lot easier than you might think.

 

 

 

American Patchwork & Quilting UFO Challenge number for November is NINE.

This was my number Nine! 

Time Waits for No One

 HERE

November is nearly half over!  Nearly.....Today is Saturday and I have a list of things to accomplish around the house  ...  Finishing the Miss Molly wall hanging is on that list!

But before I sign off and get dressed and start my Stay-At-Home Saturday I do want to show you something fun.  

Missouri Star Quilt Company's Flat Chuck*.  MSQC's marketing person is a genius.  Sometime back this cute little paper duck started popping up on the MSQC Facebook site.  People were randomly receiving these as part of their order.

Originally I didn't pay too much attention.  I try not to collect.  If I start, I have to have them ALL!  So, it's best not to start.

In the mean time Chuck has become SOMETHING.  People were posting pictures of Chuck in the sewing studio, watching TV, sitting front-and-center on the family RV dash taking a road trip.  He was becoming the Quilter's version of Flat Stanley.
And, while I found it amusing I still was not tempted to own one of my very own.

And then IT HAPPENED!  I had ordered a pattern** from MSQC and a few days later I ordered some batting as part of the
Daily Deal (50% off). That I might receive a Flat Chuck had not even occurred to me.

And What To My Wondering Eyes Did Appear?  Flat Chuck!  Not one, but TWO!

It was so exciting!  Remember, these are randomly added to your order, so you never know if you'll get one.  

The bug has bitten me and now I check the MSQC's Daily Deal every day to see if I absolutely NEED that deal
(secretly hoping for an added surprise in the box should I decide to order.)  

I told you...MSQC's marketing person is a GENIUS! She/he deserves a raise!

You'll be happy to know I am keeping my wits about me and not ordering anything I don't truly need (wink, wink.)

*Flat Chuck is not a special Ukulele strum. HERE

 

 

 

**This is the pattern I ordered.  Brightly by Cluck Cluck Sew.  It says it is Fat Quarter Friendly and I have two FQ bundles that need a pattern:  Barbie and Spooky and Witchy.

Comfort Food and Spooky Nights

The time of year when all you want to do is stay indoors where it is warm and cozy...and eat comforting food...and maybe drink some yummy wine....or hot coco....or something like that.

Today From the kitchen of " My 'Ol Kentucky Duplex":  Introducing my new best friend, Will Yeung of  Yeung Man Cooking on YouTube.com  HERE

 Today's Show is brought to you by Hamburger Helper, Cantonese Style (fresh - not from a box.) HERE

 

I took dinner to my Baby Sister and B-I-L on Halloween night.  

It was pretty fast and delicious, and not too spicy! It was comforting. I used ground turkey instead of tofu.  Next time I'll also add mushrooms and Greek yogurt and it will be more like a strognoff.  It was a big hit, though.  I did not bring home any left-overs.

Helping sister pass out candy ... It was CANDY for dessert.  (And, I gave out all my Milkweed seeds.)

Even though I'm not a Halloween person, I will admit, it was fun seeing all the kids in their costumes and feeling their excitement.

Going, Going, Gone...

 

How I hate to see October Go -- Barry Manlow
It's actually a very pretty song:  HERE

Progress has been made on Miss Molly.  

What else did I accomplish in October?  Thank you for asking.

I LOVE daffodils.  Early bloomers.  One of the first signs of Spring.They are the flower for March, my birthday month.

 

 

 

 

All-in-all I'm happy with the month, I feel like I'm ready for November.  Especially because the weather has turned and now it is TRULY stay-in-the-house-and-sew weather. 
It's the perfect weather for a pot of soup!

From the kitchen of " My 'Ol Kentucky Duplex":  Butternut Squash Soup...it was sooooo good!!! 
(Be careful with the amount of ginger you add, though.)  HERE

It's A Thing

 

 ...or, at least it's getting to be A THING....running downtown on Saturday afternoon to pick up a few things from Muppin's. **

This week I went down to buy applique scissors.  Working on the Miss Molly wall hanging and
I need to trim around some pretty tight corners.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Muppin's has these by Karen Buckley: 
(I have the larger pair that I really like. They're nice and sharp.)

 

 

Of course while I was there, I could not resist some other treasures!

 

Tweezers:  I have two sizes, already.....really, really big--for pulling thread, etc. from deep within the bowels of my sewing machine, AND really, really small -- for plucking eyebrows.  I think these will come in handy.

Beeswax thread conditioner:  Did you know?  I thought you used thread conditioner to keep your hand sewing thread from tangling...turns out that is secondary.  The main purpose is to keep your thread strong as it passes
in-and-out of the layers of fabric over-and-over as you sew.  Keeps the fraying to a minimum.  

I've been using one that is synthetic.  Miss Muppin explained it all to me.   (And, because it is pure beeswax, it can double as lip balm!  Win, Win!)

Halloween Fabric Plus Fat Quarters....who can resist? 

I am not a Halloween fan....I prefer to think if that day as Reformation Day. 
(If you don't know about Reformation Day click HERE.)

While I'm not a Halloween fan, I do like Halloween fabrics. 
I think it must be the combination of colors????  So, who could resist this FQ Pack?....Not I...

This is Spooky & Witchy by AFG Studio.

 

 

 

And, still, even though I'm not a fan of Halloween, I will be at my sister's house handing out candy to her little neighborhood trick-or-treaters. 
I try not to be a wet blanket ALL the time.

I am handing out packets of Milkweed seeds from the Save Our Monarchs Foundation along with Joy's candy....to help save the butterflies and feed the everyone's sweet tooth.

You can be a part of saving the Monarch Butterflies....one milkweed at a time....too.  Click HERE

And there you have it...another very pleasant Saturday afternoon. On my way home I stopped for my favorite Saturday-afternoon treat, a small bag of fries from
Just Hamburgers....They have the BEST....yum....

** All these items (not the Milkweed seeds) are available by mail from Muppin's Sewing Emporium.
Tell Miss Muppin "Charlotte sent me."  You  won't get a discount or anything, but you will make a new, Creative Friend.