A Year in Review {2015 Goals}

This is always a fun post - a review of all my monthly goals for last year!

January Goal

Baby Bags for Lincoln and Chase

Goal Post

Finish Post

February Goal

Two Dresses for E

Goal Post

Finish Post

March Goal

Finish Binding on 4 Baby Quilts

Goal Post

 Finish Post

April Goal

Make a Scrappy Pillow for E

Goal Post

Finish Post

May Goal

Finish the Air Force Pillow

Goal Post

Finish Post

June Goal

Make a Dress for E

Goal Post

Finish Post

August Goal

Finish Leah's Bag

Goal Post 

Finish Post

September Goal

Make Matching Cousin PJs

Goal Post

Finish Post

October Goal

Make Zander a Bag

Goal Post

Finish Post

November Goal

Finish JT's Stocking

Goal Post

Finish Post

December Goal

Finish the Christmas Quilt

Goal Post

Finish Post

Christmas Quilt {December Goal Complete}

I finished binding this Christmas quilt in time to use it for Christmas! 

(Which also means I was able to finish it before the craziness of family gatherings started!)

Fabric: Cosmo Cricket's Dear Mr. Claus for Moda

Pattern: Adapted from "Parlor" in the book A Quilting Life by Sherri McConnell

I won the book in a giveaway last year, while I bought the fabric from the Fat Quarter Shop when it first came out; I think it was at the beginning of Summer 2012. 

I used low volume Christmas stash fabrics, some of which originally came from my mom and mother-in-law's stashes. The binding was just leftovers from the original fat quarter bundle.

The kiddos are always happy to jump into my photo shoots :)

December Goal Post Here

#27 in the Goal Linky Party

Binding, Binding, Binding {December Goal}

December Goal: Finish attaching the binding on my Christmas lap quilt.

I'm pretty nervous about finishing this one... I really want to get it done before Christmas, but there is a lot of other things on my to-do list during this season! Hoping for a lot of quiet car trips (so I don't have to hold a pacifier in my son's mouth) that I am able to bind while the husband drives!

JT's Stocking {ALYOF November Goal Complete}

Shortly after our wedding, I started working on crocheting our Christmas stockings. Then, when I was pregnant with E, I made one for her. Now, it was time to make JT's stocking. 

I've used the same pattern for all of them (link) that I found through Pinterest and I bought enough yarn from JoAnns at the beginning to make all of them.

I look forward to having all four stockings hanging together this Christmas season! I only have a few more days to wait until I can decorate :)

Goal Post here...

Number 33 in the goal linky...

-------------------------------

WIP (works in progress) List

• Christmas lap quilt (finish binding)
• Several dresses/tops/etc for E and me (patterns and fabric chosen... need to cut and sew)

UFO (unfinished objects) List

• Twin size quilt top needing a border then quilting and binding
• A quilt top from my grandma needing quilting and binding
• 6 baby quilt tops needing quilting and binding - will need 2 done by February
• A pile of Christmas half-square triangles that need to be trimmed and then organized into a table runner/table topper/pillow/etc

One More Christmas Stocking {ALYOF - November Goal}

Over a year ago, I posted this picture as an announcement of my pregnancy. I had started James' stocking to match the rest of the ours, but I had barely gotten past the centers of the 12 granny squares needed to create one stocking. I finally started working on it again last month and have finished the 12 granny squares, but now I need to put them together! 

November Goal: Finish James' Christmas stocking!

------------------------------------------

WIP (works in progress) List

• Christmas lap quilt (finish binding)
• Several dresses/tops/etc for E and me (patterns and fabric chosen... need to cut and sew)
• SDSU hats for Christmas gifts (6 cut out, a few started, still need to cut a few more)
• Finish crocheting James' Christmas Stocking

UFO (unfinished objects) List

• Twin size quilt top needing a border then quilting and binding
• A quilt top from my grandma needing quilting and binding
• 6 baby quilt tops needing quilting and binding - will need 2 done by February
• A pile of Christmas half-square triangles that need to be trimmed and then organized into a table runner/table topper/pillow/etc

October Goal Complete {ALYOF ~ Zander Bag}

The no-longer-New-Zealanders are back on USA soil, all safe and sound. 

We look forward to having them nearby again! 

Zander's bag is finished! 

The fabric came from a giveaway from a New Zealand blogger. I had no idea a the time how well the three fat quarters would come in handy! Who knows if Zander will ever return the land he was born in, but I'm sure he will have a lot of souvenirs to remind if of where he lived for the first three months of his life :)

*ALYOF Note: Number 29 on the Goal Linky Party

*Link to my goal post

-------------------------------------

WIP (works in progress) List

• Christmas lap quilt (finish binding)
• Several dresses/tops/etc for E and me (patterns and fabric chosen... need to cut and sew)
• SDSU hats for Christmas gifts (6 cut out, a few started... need to buy more fleece!)

UFO (unfinished objects) List

• Twin size quilt top needing a border then quilting and binding
• A quilt top from my grandma needing quilting and binding
• 6 baby quilt tops needing quilting and binding - will need 2 done by February
• A pile of Christmas half-square triangles that need to be trimmed and then organized into a table runner/table topper/pillow/etc

A New Zealand Bag {October ALYOF Goal}

October Goal: Finish the bag for Baby Z

After being in New Zealand for 2 years, my sister-in-law and her husband (and almost 4 month old cutie) are on their way back! Knowing that they'd be coming home 4 months after Little Z was born, we haven't given them their baby gifts yet... their Monikered Baby Bag needs to be finished this coming weekend, so it is ready by the time they fly in on the airplane! 

We are so excited to welcome them home!

WIP (works in progress) List

• 1 Monikered Baby Bag (fabric chosen, cut and interfaced... waiting on Mom for the name appliqué... then need to sew it)
• Christmas lap quilt (finish binding)
• E's Halloween Costume (dress/bloomers finished... just need to finish two bows/ears)
• Several dresses/tops/etc for E and me (patterns and fabric chosen... need to cut and sew)
• SDSU hats for Christmas gifts (6 cut out, a few started... need to buy more fleece!)

UFO (unfinished objects) List...

• Twin size quilt top needing a border then quilting and binding
• A quilt top from my grandma needing quilting and binding
• 6 baby quilt tops needing quilting and binding - will need 2 done by February
• A pile of Christmas half-square triangles that need to be trimmed and then organized into a table runner/table topper/pillow/etc

WIP and ALYOF {September Goal}

I had a couple of yards of this yellow knit that I purchased at Hancock Fabric in Rapid City when I was in the Hills for a wedding last summer. I bought more than I had planned because it was nearing the end of the bolt so I just bought the remnant as well. I always figured I'd make a top or a dress for E, and maybe even for her cousins. Instead, I've decided on making E and her two cousins matching pajamas. It will be perfect for when they're all at Grandpa/Grandma's farm this fall and winter.

Pattern: EYMM Riley Nightgown
Fabric: Yellow Jersey knit from Hancock. Pink and purple accents from my stash - no idea when/where I purchased :)

Official Goal: Finish sewing three nightgowns!

----------------------------------------

Finally, an updated WIP and UFO list :)

WIP (works in progress) List

• 1 Monikered Baby Bag (fabric chosen, cut and interfaced... waiting on Mom for the name appliqué... then need to sew it)
• 3 nightgowns (fabric cut - just need to sew it)
• Christmas lap quilt (quilting done... need to attach and finish binding)
• E's Halloween Costume (fabric and pattern chosen... need to cut and sew)
• Several dresses/tops/etc for E (patterns and fabric chosen... need to cut and sew)

UFO (unfinished objects) List...

• Twin size quilt top needing a border then quilting and binding
• A quilt top from my grandma needing quilting and binding
• 6 baby quilt tops needing quilting and binding - will need 2 done by February
• A pile of Christmas half-square triangles that need to be trimmed and then organized into a table runner/table topper/pillow/etc

The Bags Keep Coming! {ALYOF}

This bag needed to get done before the first Thursday of the month... and I did it! The sweet little recipient and her mother traveled up for lunch. Two other friends joined us as well... just a little college teammate get-together :) Friends forever!!

Except for the side fabric, the rest of the cottons were all giveaways. Such a great way to use up those fat quarters when I don't have time (or the need) for any more quilts.

I had some trouble with my machine not liking the thickness of the straps, but we powered through. The Brother machine has served my mom and I well since I was in high school (my ten year reunion is next summer!), but it may be time to upgrade. Mom recently purchased a new Viking machine, which I am currently testing to see if I like... she is starting school soon, so she won't be needing it for a few weeks. I have plans of making another baby bag, quilting a lap quilt and working on a knit outfit on the Viking to make sure the machine works well for all of my sewing interests. Oh, and I also need to test the buttonholes! Good thing we are done with most of our summer traveling and that James is past his colic-y stage ;)

 Just a few shots of the back, straps and inside. Only one more of these bags to go (for my newest nephew)! Well, until this winter when another teammate is due with her second :) Babies, Babies, Babies!

ALYOF Info...
Goal Post Here
#29 in the Goal Linky Party

August Goal {ALYOF}

Another new-mommy friend is coming to visit... another Monikered Baby Bag needs to be finished!

August Goal: To finish the bag for Leah :)

Easy Sundress Complete {June Goal Done!}

Finished! 

A quick and simple project, but every finish is a happy accomplishment for me right now :)

My goal was to make a sundress for my 2 year old daughter, who we hope to potty train soon - the sundress could be a helpful tool once I feel ready to let her go diaper-free to start the process!

E has one Little Mermaid pajama top that she has grown fond of, and she has a small mermaid figurine somewhere in this house that she always wants to play with when she wears the pajama pant. So far, she hasn't asked to wear this, but whenever I point out that the dress has Ariel on it, she smiles and runs to find her mermaid toy :)

I think I made the straps just a little long, but otherwise, I'm quite happy with this. 

Goal Post Here

Number 32 in the linky party.

-------------------------------

WIP (works in progress) List

• 1 easy sundress for E (current post - finished!)
• 1 tiered skirt for E ... preparing for family pictures this fall (fabric chosen and ready to be cut)
• 1 Manhattan tops for E (I cut out the pieces before JT arrived)
• 4 Monikered Baby Bags (fabric chosen and all but one of the names embroidered... need to cut and sew the actual bags now) - this used to be 5 bags, but I finished one recently because they were coming to visit! I'll post about the bag soon.
• A tote bag needing straps

UFO (unfinished objects) List...

• Twin size quilt top needing a border then quilting and binding
• A quilt top from my grandma needing quilting and binding
• 1 lap quilt needing quilting then binding 
• 6 baby quilt tops needing quilting and binding
• A pile of Christmas half-square triangles that need to be trimmed and then organized into a table runner/table topper/pillow/etc
  
  

June Goal {ALYOF}

Let's keep this simple, shall we?

My goal for June is to make a sundress for E with this fabric and bias tape...

It should only need one seam plus attaching the straps, and yet such a simple dress will be a welcome addition to her closet. We'll be potty training soon, so she'll be wearing sundresses and skirts quite a bit outside without a diaper. Should be fun ;)

-------------------------------

WIP (works in progress) List

• 1 easy sundress for E (current post)
• 1 Manhattan top for E (I cut out the pieces before JT arrived)
• 4 Monikered Baby Bags (fabric chosen and names embroidered... need to cut and sew the actual bags now)
• A tote bag needing straps

UFO (unfinished objects) List...

• Twin size quilt top needing a border then quilting and binding
• A quilt top from my grandma needing quilting and binding
• 1 lap quilt needing quilting then binding 
• 6 baby quilt tops needing quilting and binding
• A pile of Christmas half-square triangles that need to be trimmed and then organized into a table runner/table topper/pillow/etc 

Air Force Pillow {May ALYOF Goal Complete}

It's rather simple, but I love how this turned out. I hope my friends enjoy it (once I finally get around to mailing it to them! Their two year anniversary is coming up, so I hope to send it before then!)

I quilted the top to a piece of muslin... black thread and just traced around two of the circles and once around the outer square. I had the backing fabric on hand. For future projects I need to remember to err on the side of too much overlap for this type of enclosure... I barely had enough overlap for this pillow! 

Goal Post: Here

Number 72 in the Linky Party

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WIP (works in progress) List

• 1 pillow cover using the Air Force Panel (current post - finished!)
• 1 Manhattan top for E (I cut out the pieces before JT arrived)

UFO (unfinished objects) List...

• Twin size quilt top needing a border then quilting and binding
• A quilt top from my grandma needing quilting and binding
• 1 lap quilt needing quilting then binding 
• 6 baby quilt tops needing quilting and binding
• A pile of Christmas half-square triangles that need to be trimmed and then organized into a table runner/table topper/pillow/etc 

WIP: An Air Force Pillow {May ALYOF Goal}

I know, I know... I just had a baby a few weeks ago... why in the world am I making a sewing goal for this month??? 

Well, this one shouldn't take me too long, and it will be good to have a goal to try to get me to do something just for me this month!

I received this panel from a good blogger friend's giveaway last year sometime. It's time to finally make it into the pillow that I always planned on... it's for another good friend whose husband is in the Air Force. I don't plan on doing anything too fancy. There are actually two panels, but I'll just use one and then send the other along so she can make something with that one :)

Wish me luck!


----------------------------

WIP (works in progress) List

• 1 pillow cover using the Air Force Panel (current post)
• 1 Manhattan top for E (I cut out the pieces before JT arrived)

UFO (unfinished objects) List...

• Twin size quilt top needing a border then quilting and binding
• A quilt top from my grandma needing quilting and binding
• 1 lap quilt needing quilting then binding 
• 6 baby quilt tops needing quilting and binding
• A pile of Christmas half-square triangles that need to be trimmed and then organized into a table runner/table topper/pillow/etc 

A Pillow for E {April ALYOF Finish}

Thank goodness I worked on this pillow during the first week of April! With the addition of our newest little one, the rest of the month definitely wasn't conducive to sewing :)

E always likes new additions to her bed, and this one didn't disappoint. I quilted it with some swirls and added an easy backing. 

Done and done!

Goal Post 
Number 11 in the Linky Party

WIP: A Pillow for E {April ALYOF Goal}

Sorry for the poor lighting! I put together this block from scraps from the birthday dress that I made for E (her birthday is this month!) The colors match her bedroom really well, so I just had to use the scraps to make a scrappy pillow! 

My goal is to add an outer border, do a little quilting and then sew an envelope backing before throwing it on E's already full bed. Should be fun!

------------------------------------------------------------

Current WIP List...

• 1 pillow top needing a border then quilting and then needing a back (current post)

Current UFO List...

• Twin size quilt top needing a border then quilting and binding
• A quilt top from my grandma needing quilting and binding
• 1 lap quilt needing quilting then binding 
• 6 baby quilt tops needing quilting and binding 

Four Bindings Complete {March ALYOF Finish}

I wasn't sure if I'd make it this month, but here they are... four baby quilts have finished bindings!

Goal Post Here

Number 84 in Linky Party 

Sure, the binding was already attached to the fronts of the quilt. All I had to do was put my feet up and finish hand-sewing the binding to the backs of the quilts. Sounds simple right? It should have been done in the first week of March! Yet, I fought a sinus infection for the entire first week. Looking back, I'm so thankful that I did get down to work during the 2nd and 3rd weeks. I even found out that I can finish the hand-sewing in one day (but don't expect any thing else to get done during my "free times" on those days!!). I'm thankful I finished them when I did, though, because I ended up fighting a stomach virus during the fourth week of March. Ugh. Let's just say I'm looking forward to saying good-bye to March!!! 

I'll show you more pictures of the individual quilts as I send them out to their recipients :)

WIP Wednesday {ALYOF: March Goal}

March ALYOF Goal: Finish hand-sewing the binding to the back of these four baby quilts. 

Two of these baby quilts are reserved for March due-dates, while another is reserved for an April baby. The last one will just hang out in my "gift box" until just the right little lady arrives! I better get started though... it's a binding party type of month!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Current WIP List...

• 4 baby quilts needing binding (current goal)
• 1 lap quilt needing quilting then binding (on the back burner)
• 6 baby quilt tops needing quilting and binding (on the back burner)
• 1 pillow top needing a border then quilting and then needing a back (on the back burner)

Goodness, I don't remember the last time that WIP list was so short! 

Sure, my to-sew list is still quite long, but at least most of the items on that list haven't been started, so they don't belong on the WIP list... yet ;)

Two Dresses are DONE! {ALYOF}

My February ALYOF Goal has been reached!

My goal was to finish two dresses that I had started for my daughter.

The goal post is here and I was number 83 in the goal linky party.

Here is the dress I created for E's upcoming birthday. 

The bodice, sash and skirt lining fabrics are all from my stash, as were the buttons and the ribbon. The skirt patchwork came from a fat quarter bundle I recently won (from The Intrepid Thread through Freshly Pieced's WIP Wednesday... post here). It was one of those prizes that I just had to cut into right away :) 

The pattern is the free Party Dress from The Cottage Mama. (I made two of these last year - link!).

The second dress I made is being reserved for Easter (most likely she'll be wearing a long sleeve shirt and tights under it!). Both fabrics and the ric-rac are from my stash. The pattern is another free pattern from The Cottage Mama - this one is called the Summer Picnic Dress. 

I started the photo shoot by using an old school desk to hang the dress on. Well, this desk is usually E's snack desk... She jumped right into the middle of my shoot and gave me this look when she realized that she wasn't going to get any snacks right that second. She makes us smile :)

WIP Wednesday and February Goal {ALYOF}

ALYOF February Goal: Finish two Easter/Spring dresses for E! I have a little bit of a start on them, but I still have quite a bit to do on them. The scraps from sewing the patchwork skirt are to be made into a pillow cover and a purse. That fabric was recently won in a giveaway, and I found matching fabrics for the bodice, sash and skirt band. The other dress is from stash fabrics. Both patterns are free from The Cottage Mama. 

Then, there are these... 9 baby quilt tops that I finished last month. Four are spoken for as I have several friends who are expecting. The others will be kept on hand for future friends' babies. With our #2 on his way, I know I won't have as much (if any) sewing time and I want to be somewhat prepared!

Do I even dare mention these? Two baby quilts ready to be quilted. One for our Gus-Gus and one to keep on hand! These need to be quilted before I can baste the four quilts needing to be done, as I don't have enough safety pins for all these quilts I need to work on!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

So, I've updated the WIP list that I started last December... lots of fun still to be had :)

(a list that does not include projects that have fabric pulled but haven't been cut into yet!)

1 baby quilt needing binding

2 baby quilts needing quilting then binding

1 lap quilt needing quilting then binding

9 baby quilt tops needing backs (then quilting and binding)

2 cotton Easter/Spring for E that are part-way done (and one matching "purse")

2 knit dresses for E that have been cut but need some sewing done(!)

1 pillow top ready for quilting and then needing a back