My first finish of 2014

 

Joining the FAL is obviously working as I've made my first finish, though probably the easiest one on my list. I managed to get my VW cushion done.

 

 

It isn't really as wonky as it looks, just that I didn't have the correct size for the cushion pad. The one I've used is 2 inches too small ( 18 inch squared as opposed to the necessary 20 inch squared).

 

After wrestling with the piping, I couldn't face putting in a zip, concealed or otherwise, so I just made a simple envelope for the back.

 

 

 

 

The backing is a Michael Miller fabric called 'We come in Peace' and conveniently featuring VW vans and some non-scary aliens. So this is going to a colleague called Gaynor who is going to auction it  at a VW fan club to raise money for charity.

 

Cushion Stats:18 inches square

 

Front made using Tula Pink VW pattern heavily modified to be the same as a photo Gaynor sent me. Base fabric Kona cotton in Teal and Aqua. VW made from scraps. Front quilted in straight lines 1/2 inch apart using a grey Aurifil 50w

 

Back in Michael Miller's 'We come in Peace'.

Piping in Robert Kaufmans Spot On in orange 

 

 





 

2014 FAL list of shame

 

I've decided it's about time to try and finish all my projects and so what better than a finish along with Katy. As I was compiling my list (which I'm ashamed to say is not totally comprehensive!) I realised that this is going to be very long, so please bear with me. There is no way I can finish all of these in one quarter but I'm hoping that just compiling the list will spur me on. Sooo:

1)Sparkle Punch Quilt

I can't even remember when I made this. The back is done, just needs quilting and binding

2)Quilt for Helena

Top is done, the back is half finished, then needs quilting and binding.

3)Lois's Quilt

 

These were my Bee block choice from FQR Kinky Bee 2012. All the blocks are done but need to be sewn together. I have bought the back ( extra wide botanics-lush!) , then will need quilting and binding.

 

4)Grace's Quilt

 



I made this quilt top for Harri's then girlfriend Grace, 4 years ago. She chose the colours. It's been languishing ever since. I decided to make it double sided and use mod mosaic blocks on the back. These are done, just needs the back finishing, then quilting and binding.

5) Star Bee Blocks

 

This Bee was a disaster. Four of the participants kept my fabric and didn't return it and a fifth participant sent the fabric back ( my month was March 2013!)  So I have 14 blocks and need to make at least another 6 minimum before I can continue. I have bought the backing fabric, so just need to do it!

6)Disappearing Nine Patch Blocks

 

 

I have all the blocks for this one, but I'm not loving it, so going to the bottom of the pile and maybe destined eventually as a charity quilt. This is a shame as the colours are fab.

 

7)Random Stars Blocks

 

 

 

 

I started this eons ago and even joined the Lucky stars BOM 2013 and now 2014. I haven't made one of the BOM's . So I need to do a few more blocks and then we'll see.

 

8)Red and White Sampler Quilt

 





I'm not loving this one much either. It needs more blocks and then I'll see.

9)Madlen's Scrappy Trip Around the World

 

 

Blocks are all made for this one. I just need to sew them together. I've got the back , so just needs quilting and binding.

 

10)Siblings Together Quilt

 

 



 Just need to quilt and bind this one before July

11) It's a Wonderful World.

 

 

The fabulous Bumbling Honey's made me some wonderful blocks for this quilt. I'm really loving this one, so working away at making a few more blocks before assembling it.

 

12) Kaffe Fassett Quilt

 

 

 

I foolishly decided to hand quilt this one. Once I've finished my hexagon stars ( see below) then I might get back to it.

 

13)EPP Hexagon Stars Quilt

 

 

This was started in March/April last year and is my retirement quilt. I have five full stars and two half stars to make, then sew them all together, quilt and bind. I already have the backing. I'm wanting to finish this by the end of March, but I have a lot of annual leave left ( and some skiing to do) so I'll see.

14)Economy Block Top

 

 

I have the backing for this one too, so just need to quilt and bind it.

 

15)Scrap Vomit for Lydia

 

 

 

Blocks all done, need sewing together, quilting and binding. I've got the back for this as well.

 

16) Oakshott Bolster

 

 

 

I started this last winter and had underestimated how much smaller it becomes when you use the lil' twister blocks. So it ended up too small. It needs quite a bit more adding before it will be big enough as a draught excluder for our French doors.

 

17) VW Cushion

 

 

 

A work colleague asked me to make this for charity. I've just got to make it into a cushion ( with binding).

 

18)Super Tote Bag

 

 

I 'made ' this QAYG fabric ages ago, just never got round to making the bag. Pattern is bought, just have to do it.

 

19)Lucien's Quilt

 



 

I have all the fabric bought for this quilt, including the back but have only made one block. Quite a lot to do then!

 

20) Oakshott Quilt

 

 

Again, I have all the fabric for this quilt top ( but not the back) but have only made one block. Not really any realistic prospect of getting any further in the immediate future.

 

 

I think that's the lot for now. I've realised that I need to do another post like this for knitting projects!!! Realistically, I'm hoping that I get numbers 13,14,16,17 and 18 done this quarter.

 

 

 



 



 

 



 

 



 

 



 

 



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2014 : A new beginning.

2014 is certainly going to be a momentous year for me. Firstly, I turn 60 in just over 5 weeks. I have also made the decision to retire from work and become a lady of leisure. After 35 years as a doctor,  25 of these as a consultant, I've just had enough. The NHS is creaking at the knees and moral is very low. I really miss the excitement of Intensive Care but the long hours over many years have  worn me out. Mr Hare is not impressed!  He's going to carry on working for a while, perhaps another year and then have a rethink. So, from 1st April I'll be footloose and fancy free. I can't wait!
We still have a lot of work to do on the house  which will be easier to organise if I'm not working. And think of all those quilt tops that I will now be able to finish.  Like this:

 

 

And this:

 

 

 



So, I'm going to join Katy's FAL and try to reduce the number of WIP's. I'm also going to attempt a fabric diet as I have enough fabric to start a shop and have forgotten what some of it looks like.