Friday, January 7, 2022

New Year, News and One Monthly Goal

 Hi, and thanks for stopping by to read my blog.

First, I'm delighted and so honored to be accepted as an Island Batik Ambassador for my 9th year.  This amazing program is so much fun, because I get to play with gorgeous batiks, plus batting from Hobb's, and Schmetz needles and Aurifil Thread,  Then there's the Accuquilt GO! die cutting system, Patterns by Annie bag, and even a Funky Friends Factory toy this year.  The challenges make me grow as a quilter and designer, and I work with the best team of ambassadors and awesome people like Natasha, our coordinator.  We've received our boxes, and you'll see the video of me opening it soon.  The fabrics are gorgeous, and I can't wait to share the monthly challenges with you.  

Our January challenge is to use the Gradations bundles in a lap quilt, and mine is well on the way.  I plan to add a little more to my original design, and then borders, and hopefully you'll see it next week, but in the meantime, I'm using this bundle of gorgeous purples.  Check with your favorite shop for yardage, or ask me to make a fat quarter bundle for you.  



Second, if you noticed, I didn't publish anything in December.  Partly because I had another medical issue that resulted in a major surgery.  I had issues after the surgery, too, but I'm finally feeling better.  I'll explain more about that whole thing later, too, but please keep me in your prayers for a healthy 2022.  I do still need to reschedule the cornea graft, but I have to see if I can get the insurance company to agree to a change of venue.  Maybe this time it will restore my sight in my left eye.  

Lining Up with Elm Street Quilts' One Monthly Goal. 

So, although I have tons of projects to work on this month, and more customer quilts to finish, my goal for January is to get the December 2021 Island Batik Ambassador challenge finished.  It was English Paper Piecing, and I've gotten this far.  I plant to finish the handle using EPP, but will applique it on a background, add a border or 2 and quilt it.  It's a wall hanging.  I used the Peacock Plumes collection.

Vanna, my Handi-Quilter Amara long arm has had a Spa day, and that was good timing because just before it was going to be picked up, I got a bad thread jam behind the bobbin race.  I was unable to finish the last 5 inches of a customer quilt, but she's been so sweet about the delays (from my health to Vanna's), and I'm hoping when my son brings it back for me Saturday, I'll be able to finish the customer quilt and do some charity quilts while I finish the January top, and the EPP basket.  
I also decided to join the #FQSSewDown challenge, and started a new cone of Aurifil on January 1, with a new needle and a new project.  

I've collected the empty spools and cones of Aurifil from just 2021, and sewed and quilted over 23,402 YARDS of thread.  Some of these were started before 2021, but I have others that were started last year, and will be finishing soon.  As you can see, I love Aurifil thread and have lots more sewing to do!  
The yellow cones are 40-three, the 3 ply thread in 40 wt made for long arms.  The orange are all 50wt, which I use for piecing and embroidery.  
Thanks so much for stopping by and reading my blog.  Check out the Fat Quarter Shop's post about the sew down for more info.  
Have a wonderful week!

6 comments:

Darlene S said...

Congratulations on another year as an Island Batik Ambassador. I love seeing what you make with their beautiful batiks. Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way for a health 2022.

Maureen Mitchell said...

Whew, that's a lot going on! I know you'll be happy to have Vanna back. I can't wait to see all that you have in the works. Tempting us with fat quarters of the beautiful Island Batiks isn't fair-I can't sew as fast as I shop! But that has never stopped me. 😃 Be well.

Turid said...

Congratulations on another ambassador year. Your EPP basket is so beautiful. And the purples are so nice. Looking forward to your quilt soon.

Anja @ Anja Quilts said...

Congrats. Good luck with your medical issues. Prayers for healing for you.

For the love of geese said...

Cant wait to see your Dec finish.

Kathleen said...

Hope Vanna gets home soon, and your medical issues are able to be resolved soon. All this sheduling and rescheduling is such a nightmare. Looking forward to seeing your new work in 2022!