WIP: Enjoying the Process

I am amazed how by just focusing a tiny bit of time on me since I was feeling lost and in Need of Me.  Despite having a million and one things I want to do and have to do, when I did Lower My Expectations?  I really started enjoying myself.  No one is harder on me, than myself!

And the amazing thing is?  I have been dusting off some WIPs, have a few finishes, and finally had an epiphany for some other projects!!

Finishes:

Cathedral Window Pincushion 

A treat for my swap partner. 

 This is my very first swap, but I noticed in other posts that participants don't just send a quilt.  I didn't have any goodies to send, so I made another cathedral window pincushion.  The bandanna fabric with the red,white, and blue fabric are a nod to the origin that the package is coming from...

good Ole Texas!

Artist's Palette Mini Quilt

My Name Game Swap quilt is finished! 

 I mailed it off yesterday and can't wait to see what she thinks.  I can't reveal anything other than this Sneak Peak.

But I promise a full reveal later!!!  I sure hope she likes it!

 Refurbishing Project

I have had this bag that I have always loved.  Except for the scratchy handles...and the awful staining from some sort of trip to the pool with goodies!

A little ripping of seams, using the old fabric for a pattern, new handles and interior ala Amy Butler Midwest Modern II Fresh Poppies Ivory, and a cute pink zipper?

And I am in love with it again!!!!

In Progress:

Merry, Merry Snowman Quilt

I actually opened the package of BOM #1 and accomplished the first task!

10 square in a square blocks!

I also pieced the background, but still need to do the applique's and embroidery...so no exciting pictures of that part.

No Progress:

Retro Flower QAL

Button's Nursery Quilt for twin bed

Christmas Quilt

Baby Girl Quilt Kit

Thank You Quilt

New Projects:

The Teenager's Bedroom

I finally took the kid with me and forced him to wander the fabric store so I could finally get some window treatments up and throw pillows on the bed that has this bedding from Pottery Barn on it.

photo via Pottery Barn

 It was only a tiny bit painful for him, however, Mr. Boss is questioning the seriously abundant amount of stripes. 

 But I must carry on...can't return the cut fabric!

Another Halloween Quilt.

Yup.  I needed this like a need a hole in my head, but when I made the Spiders and Webs quilt last year, I loved it...but it really didn't coordinate with the rest of the black and white theme I had in the rest of the room.  I have a jelly roll that is all black and white, but unfortunately it is only 20 strips instead of the normal 40, so I picked up a few more fabrics to add!  

So, I might have derailed all of my efforts to de-stress, but I feel like my sew-jo is back!  When it is back you can't look back!

Now to catch up with all the rest of the WIPers and link up at

Go check it out!  It is worth it!!!!!

Another Sneak Peak

via Flickr @ Buttons and Butterflies

Quilted!!!

And I truly owe all to the Craftsy Class I am taking!

Click on Image for more info!

I am working on the binding, hanging sleeve, and quilt label today.  

I need to mail it ASAP!!!

WIP: Lowering My Expectations

July has disappeared in a blink of an eye and my boys go to back to school in less than two weeks.

Where has the summer gone!??!? 

Finishes:

No finishes to report.  But I am okay with that.  Since my I Need Me post, I am feeling a bit more settled and balanced.  I am telling myself it is okay not to have everything done.  But check back in a week when I am in the midst of back to school frenzy!

In Progress:

Name Game Swap

I have to admit.  I am pretty stoked about this project.  My partner didn't have many photos in her Flickr and does not have a blog, therefore, making it rather difficult to find her style.  She didn't have any special requests...so I am having a little fun.

I am on the brink of finishing up...and I have to send it out soon...but I am not pressuring myself.  Just enjoying the process!

No Progress:

Retro Flower QAL

Button's Nursery Quilt for twin bed

Christmas Quilt

Baby Girl Quilt Kit

Thank You Quilt

Merry, Merry Snowman BOM

New Project:

Machine Quilting Negative Space 

by Angela Walters

A class, not a project.  But in the end, I know that a project will result from it!  As part of finding me, I have decided to take a big leap and take some classes on Craftsy.   I accidentally fell into Angela Walter's "Machine Quilting Negative Space" through a newsletter.  After I followed it and decided to enroll right there and then, I keep seeing ads for it all over the place.  I knew it was fate. 

Why am I taking a class?  I think that even the most veteran quilters would say that there is always something new to learn, some technique to master, and hey, online interaction....uummm...yes, please!!!  My favorite part?  There is no pressure to finish the class in a allotted time.  I can do it whenever I can!!!

I have watched four classes and I am in the doodling....er *cough* um...excuse me...SKETCHING stage .  Angela is easy to listen and seems to answer questions pretty promptly.  I really love her peronality and am EXTREMELY excited to start moving beyond loops and meandering on Ole Betsy.  With the amount of investment we have made in her, I really want to use as best as I should and can! And if you can tell from above...I cannot stop doodling.  How convenient that I can use my new skill for my latest project?

Oh....and I am not only linking up with

I am also linking with Tracey's

Following her rules:

Last month's Goals? I threw them out the window.  I am starting fresh.

 This month's goals:

1. Finish my Name Game Swap by the required delivery date (Aug 15th)

2.  Sew some gifts for a friend that I promised to make her months ago.

3. Work on my Christmas quilts.  Whether it is my almost finished quilt top or at least one of my Merry, Merry Snowman blocks...I WILL get one done.

Good luck to everyone!!!!!!!