#1 – Get 6 quilts done in 2016

Quilt #1  – Tell It To The Stars – finished 2/20/2016

Quilt #2 – Scrapitude,2015 – ==> YAY!  THIS WAS FINISHED 4/3/2016!!!

Scrapitude
4/3/2016

Quilt #3 – Moon Glow – everything is ready.  All I need to do is get some fabric and batting onto the frame to test the thread and Bailey.  I haven’t done it yet.  I plan to baste Raining Cats and Dogs first and then I’ll do this.  

==> I pulled some fabric and batting out and was planning on testing everything after I basted Raining Cats and Dogs.  But I was having problems with the machine and the frame and now I’m hesitant to use it.  I’m thinking about going to my local Bernina dealer and renting out their long arm.  My goal for May is to quilt Moon Glow.

Quilt #4 – Hampton Ridge – this is in queue. I still need to get the backing and label ready for this. But I will not get going on this until Moon Glow is being quilted.

Quilt #5 – Raining Cats and Dogs – Get Border #2 on and this top is finished!  ==> done!  I finished this top on 4/9/16

Raining Cats and Dogs
Finished Top
4/10/2016

==> I took this a step further and got this basted.  I started machine quilting it and once I’m done with that, I plan to hand quilt sections.

Quilt #6 – Celtic Solstice – I pulled out Celtic Solstice and was able to get all the Block As done.  Now I need to press them and figure out what the next step is. ==> I think I worked on this earlier in the month and then got bored and last week pulled out Missing Ivy to work on!  

==> I was able to get this organized and once Raining Cats and Dogs is out of the machine, I’ll be piecing Block B in between piecing for Missing Ivy.

Quilt #7  – Missing Ivy – I pulled this out this month and decided that I wanted to start working on this at the time time as Celtic Solstice.  I plan to focus on Missing Ivy and then work on Celtic Solstice in between.

==> I got through step 9 and the remaining steps is for the border.  I’ve had a number of suggestions that I could skip the border and finish it as is (assuming it’s big enough).  I want to do the border.  It wouldn’t look finish to me if I skip it.

#2 – Continue to count my stash, with a true effort to not add fabric on a whim.  

For March, my goal is to continue to not add to my stash.  I’m in the black for once and I’m loving it.  With all the quilts coming up to be quilted, I’m hoping I’ll be able to stay in the black. ==>I bought more fabric this month but I’m still in the black.  The anniversary sale at my LQS last weekend was too tempting to resist.  

==> I’m still in the black for April so everything is all good.

#3 – Create a hobby budget a stick to it!  

Since QuiltCon I’ve been good.  I only spent $62 in the month of March.  Woohoo!  So as of 4/10/16, I’ve spent $2692.43.  My budget for the year is $3,000 so I only have $40 a month to spend the rest of the year.

==> Current crafty spending for 2016 as of 4/30/16 is $2765.52.

#4 – Knit weekly

My goal for April is to work a bit each week on the Rosie Hat.

==> I worked on this once so far.  I’m working on the decreasing so this is almost done. 🙂 

#5 – Cross Stitch weekly

My goal for April is to finish the cross stitch part and to work on the embroidery.

Welcome Project
3/31/2016

Welcome Project
Cross Stitch
4/28/2016

==> The cross stitch part is done and I’m working on the embroidery outlining the project. 

#6 – Scrapbook

I haven’t done anything for this.  It’s at the bottom of my priority list so… I find that everything else is taking up my crafty time.  I hope that as the months continue my work life is less consuming and I can spend a few extra hours on my crafty stuff. And then be able to spend some time on scrapbooking! 🙂

Here’s a link to my original 2016 Goals.

Here’s to a great year!

~Melanie

#1 – Get 6 quilts done in 2016

Quilt #1  – Tell It To The Stars – finished 2/20/2016

Quilt #2 – Scrapitude,2015 – ==> YAY!  THIS WAS FINISHED 4/3/2016!!!

Scrapitude
4/3/2016

Quilt #3 – Moon Glow – everything is ready.  All I need to do is get some fabric and batting onto the frame to test the thread and Bailey.  I haven’t done it yet.  I plan to baste Raining Cats and Dogs first and then I’ll do this.  

Quilt #4 – Hampton Ridge – this is in queue. I still need to get the backing and label ready for this. But I will not get going on this until Moon Glow is being quilted.

Quilt #5 – Raining Cats and Dogs – Get Border #2 on and this top is finished!  ==> done!  I finished this top on 4/9/16

Raining Cats and Dogs
Finished Top
4/10/2016

Quilt #6 – Celtic Solstice – I pulled out Celtic Solstice and was able to get all the Block As done.  Now I need to press them and figure out what the next step is. ==> I think I worked on this earlier in the month and then got bored and last week pulled out Missing Ivy to work on!  

Quilt #7  – Missing Ivy – I pulled this out this month and decided that I wanted to start working on this at the time time as Celtic Solstice.  I plan to focus on Missing Ivy and then work on Celtic Solstice in between.

#2 – Continue to count my stash, with a true effort to not add fabric on a whim.  

For March, my goal is to continue to not add to my stash.  I’m in the black for once and I’m loving it.  With all the quilts coming up to be quilted, I’m hoping I’ll be able to stay in the black. ==>I bought more fabric this month but I’m still in the black.  The anniversary sale at my LQS last weekend was too tempting to resist.  

#3 – Create a hobby budget a stick to it!  

Since QuiltCon I’ve been good.  I only spent $62 in the month of March.  Woohoo!  So as of 4/10/16, I’ve spent $2692.43.  My budget for the year is $3,000 so I only have $40 a month to spend the rest of the year.

#4 – Knit weekly

My goal for April is to work a bit each week on the Rosie Hat.

==> I worked on this once so far.  I’m working on the decreasing so this is almost done. 🙂 

#5 – Cross Stitch weekly

My goal for April is to finish the cross stitch part and to work on the embroidery.

Welcome Project
3/31/2016

Welcome Project
4/14/2016

==> The cross stitch part is done and I’m working on the embroidery outlining the project. 

#6 – Scrapbook

I haven’t done anything for this.  It’s at the bottom of my priority list so… I find that everything else is taking up my crafty time.  I hope that as the months continue my work life is less consuming and I can spend a few extra hours on my crafty stuff. And then be able to spend some time on scrapbooking! 🙂

Here’s a link to my original 2016 Goals.

Here’s to a great year!

~Melanie

I’m not sure I got that much done in March.

#1 – Get 6 quilts done in 2016

Quilt #1  – Tell It To The Stars – finished 2/20/2016

Quilt #2 – Scrapitude,2015 – this is now all quilted and I just need to trim and bind it. ==> Almost done!  I only have about a yard left of binding and I’m hoping to get this done this weekend. 

Quilt #3 – Moon Glow – the backing is done and will be the next thing I put on the frame to quilt.  First I don’t plan to put this on the frame until April.  There’s no rush to get this done and I’ve got other things on my to do list for March.  So with that in mind, there are some things I need to do to prepare getting this on the frame to quilt.  I need to put some test fabric, batting, and backing and test the thread I want to use.  When I first started quilting Scrapitude I had problems with the first set of threads I used.  I bought particular thread for this quilt so I think I’ll need to play with it and adjust settings if I have any problems before I get the quilt on the frame. ==> I haven’t done this yet.  I’ve been concentrating on binding Scrapitude. I’ll work on getting a sample on the frame and testing the thread and such this month (April).  My goal for April will to get ready for quilting Moon Glow and maybe even get it on the frame. 

Quilt #4 – Hampton Ridge – this is in queue. I still need to get the backing and label ready for this. But I will not get going on this until Moon Glow is being quilted.

Quilt #5 – Raining Cats and Dogs – I plan to get the borders on this month.  Then when Hampton Ridge is being quilted, I’ll get the backing together for it. ==> I got border #1 done but still need to do border #2.  This is on my April to do list. 

Quilt #6 – Celtic Solstice – I pulled out Celtic Solstice and was able to get all the Block As done.  Now I need to press them and figure out what the next step is. ==> I was able to press most of the Block A’s but I still have a handful to do.  I did get started on the Block B’s so I’m working on these. 

#2 – Continue to count my stash, with a true effort to not add fabric on a whim.  

For March, my goal is to continue to not add to my stash.  I’m in the black for once and I’m loving it.  With all the quilts coming up to be quilted, I’m hoping I’ll be able to stay in the black. ==>I bought fabric this month and I’m happy I was able to stick to a fabric diet for as long as I did.  I’m still in the black so it was okay. 

#3 – Create a hobby budget a stick to it!  

Since QuiltCon I’ve been good.  I only spent $62 in the month of March.  Woohoo!  So as of 3/31/16, I’ve spent $2627.43.  My budget for the year is $3,000 so I only have $50 a month to spend the rest of the year.

#4 – Knit weekly

My goal for March is to work a bit each week on the Rosie Hat.

==> I only worked on this twice this month.  I’m almost done.  I’m done with the body and I am starting the decreases.  

#5 – Cross Stitch weekly

My goal for March is to get the right border done.

Before

Welcome Project
3/31/2016

==> I didn’t get the right border done but I work on this project regularly each week so I’m happy with my progress.  

#6 – Scrapbook

For March, grab one of the project boxes and start working on it.

==>  I haven’t done anything on this.  It’s time and that everything is stored so nicely right now.  I do not know where to start but when I do, I’ll be taking things out and then I’ll have to put things back again.  It will take so much effort right now.  I know that once I get started it will not take as much effort to keep doing it.  Just like with Cross Stitching and knitting.  It took a lot of time to get my stuff out and organized before I got in the groove.  Now I cross stitch every week, mostly once but if the mood hits I’ll take it out 2-3 times.  Knitting is easy to get to and I don’t take it out to just do as often but I can easily do it.  Scrapbooking right now feels harder and I’m not sure what I need to get back into it. 

Here’s a link to my original 2016 Goals.

Here’s to a great year!

~Melanie

I’m getting a lot done on the quilty side of things.

#1 – Get 6 quilts done in 2016

Quilt #1  – Tell It To The Stars – finished 2/20/2016

Quilt #2 – Scrapitude,2015 – this is now all quilted and I just need to trim and bind it.

Quilt #3 – Moon Glow – the backing is done and will be the next thing I put on the frame to quilt.  First I don’t plan to put this on the frame until April.  There’s no rush to get this done and I’ve got other things on my to do list for March.  So with that in mind, there are some things I need to do to prepare getting this on the frame to quilt.  I need to put some test fabric, batting, and backing and test the thread I want to use.  When I first started quilting Scrapitude I had problems with the first set of threads I used.  I bought particular thread for this quilt so I think I’ll need to play with it and adjust settings if I have any problems before I get the quilt on the frame.

Quilt #4 – Hampton Ridge – this is in queue. I still need to get the backing and label ready for this. But I will not get going on this until Moon Glow is being quilted.

Quilt #5 – Raining Cats and Dogs – I plan to get the borders on this month.  Then when Hampton Ridge is being quilted, I’ll get the backing together for it.

Quilt #6 – Celtic Solstice – I pulled out Celtic Solstice and was able to get all the Block As done.  Now I need to press them and figure out what the next step is.

#2 – Continue to count my stash, with a true effort to not add fabric on a whim.  

For March, my goal is to continue to not add to my stash.  I’m in the black for once and I’m loving it.  With all the quilts coming up to be quilted, I’m hoping I’ll be able to stay in the black.

#3 – Create a hobby budget a stick to it!  

I’m not doing a very good job at sticking to my budget.  But I’m doing a great job tracking what I’m spending and seeing where I’m at with my budget.  I don’t believe I’ll be spending much more the rest of the year since the big shows are done.  I will continue to support my guild and attend the workshops they’ve got planned.  I also plan to support the teachers that come.  So far as of 3/13/16, I’ve spent $2565.43.

#4 – Knit weekly

My goal for March is to work a bit each week on the Rosie Hat.

I’m doing a bit each week but I’m not getting as much done or as quickly as I’ve done in the past.  I think I need to move on to another project but I don’t want a knitting UFO.

#5 – Cross Stitch weekly

My goal for March is to get the right border done.

#6 – Scrapbook

For March, grab one of the project boxes and start working on it.

Here’s a link to my original 2016 Goals.

Here’s to a great year!

~Melanie

Okay, this post is a little early but that’s okay.  I feel like sharing where I’m at and it’s a great reminder for me on what is on my list for February.

#1 – Get 6 quilts done in 2016

Quilt #1  – Tell It To The Stars – finished 2/20/2016

Quilt #2 – Scrapitude,2015 – this is on the quilt frame and my goal is to get this quilted this month.

Quilt #3 – Moon Glow – this is in queue.  I plan to get the backing ready for this this month.  As soon as Scrapitude is done, I want this to be ready for quilting.  If everything comes together right, I may be able to get started on quilting this in April.  Label will come later since I’ll be quilting with a dark blue/black thread.

Quilt #4 – Hampton Ridge – this is in queue. I still need to get the backing and label ready for this. But I will not get going on this until Moon Glow is being quilted.

Quilt #5 – Raining Cats and Dogs – I plan to get the borders on this month.  Then when Hampton Ridge is being quilted, I’ll get the backing together for it.

Quilt #6 – TBD… Possibly Celtic Solstice or Missing Ivy.  I think Missing Ivy is closer to being done than Celtic Solstice so it might move up the chain.

#2 – Continue to count my stash, with a true effort to not add fabric on a whim.  

For March, my goal is to continue to not add to my stash.  I’m in the black for once and I’m loving it.  With all the quilts coming up to be quilted, I’m hoping I’ll be able to stay in the black.

#3 – Create a hobby budget a stick to it!  

I’m not doing a very good job at sticking to my budget.  But I’m doing a great job tracking what I’m spending and seeing where I’m at with my budget.  I don’t believe I’ll be spending much more the rest of the year since the big shows are done.  I will continue to support my guild and attend the workshops they’ve got planned.  I also plan to support the teachers that come.  So far as of 2/29/16, I’ve spent $2565.43.

#4 – Knit weekly

My goal for March is to work a bit each week on the Rosie Hat.

#5 – Cross Stitch weekly

My goal for March is to get the right border done.

#6 – Scrapbook

For March, grab one of the project boxes and start working on it.

Here’s a link to my original 2016 Goals.

Here’s to a great year!

~Melanie

#1 – Get 6 quilts done in 2016

Tell It To The Stars – Finished! yay!

Bailey is at the shop so I plan on cleaning and checking the level of the frame for Scrapitude 2015 which is the next quilt on the quilt queue.

==> Got Bailey back and the frame is ready.  I hope with this TLC everything runs smoothly.

Scrapitude – Get this on the frame and get this quilted. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to get this quilted in February but I’ll be happy to get it on the frame.

==> Scrapitude is on the frame.  I haven’t started quilting it yet though.

#2 – Continue to count my stash, with a true effort to not add fabric on a whim.  

For February, my goal is to continue to not add to my stash and with Tell It To the Stars done, I would like to be in the black for once in my life. 🙂

==> I bought a yard at QuiltCon and I won a bit too.  But with Tell It To The Stars finished, I was able to count that fabric out.  For the first time EVER, I’m in the black.  I’m ecstatic and happy about this.

#3 – Create a hobby budget a stick to it!  

I may have bought something at my guild meeting last Monday.  I’ll report it on Sunday but I’m not fairing too well with this goal.  Oh well, as my first year doing this one, it’s very similar to counting stash where my numbers were way high the first year.  It took 3 years before I got to where I am now with my stash numbers. I’ll just keep tracking it.  I’m embarrassed at how much I spend but it is what it is.  I’m sure as I keep tracking it, I’ll discover things about myself like I did when I started reporting my stash ins and outs.

==> With QuiltCon, I haven’t yet exceeded my annual budget but with it only being February, I don’t have high hopes of staying within the budget for the year.  I’m going to try though.  I love to support my guilds and the teachers they bring out so it will be tough.

#4 – Knit weekly

My goal for February is to get the Rosie Hat done.

==> Things have slowed down on this front.  Ever since my wrist/elbow started hurting again I only work a bit on my knitting from week to week.  I am still hoping to get this done in February.  I just need to remind myself that this is one of the things I want to do this month.

#5 – Cross Stitch weekly

My goal for February was to get the bottom right corner complete and the letter “E” of welcome done. Here’s a pic of the project so you can see what I’m talking about. I need to take a picture but I’ve got that bottom right corner complete so the next thing I will be working on is the “E” of welcome.  I’ve also started outlining some of the details on the bottom border.

==> Last half of February I didn’t do much on this project.  But here’s where I ended the month at and I’m happy with my progress.  I hope I have more time to spend on this on March.

“Welcome”
Cross Stitch Project
2/27/16

#6 – Scrapbook

For February, I want to get those pictures onto pages.  I also want to go into one of my project bags to see where I left off.  Ideally, I’d like to start where I left off so I can empty out the project bags and use them for my 2015/2016 album.

==> I still haven’t done anything on this. /boo  There was just not enough time to do everything I want to do this month.

Here’s a link to my original 2016 Goals.

Here’s to a great year!

~Melanie