2015 Finish Along, Quarter 2 Goals

It’s the second quarter of the year already, and time for me to set out my Quarter 2 Goals  for the 2015 Finish Along.  Hosted by Adrienne of On the Windy Side, this year-long Finish Along is divided into quarters, with prizes by lots of lovely sponsors and supporters. For every finish, the participant gets an entry into the final prize drawings.

Last quarter I had four goals and finished two.  Those were the quilt for my son Shane, and the Birch Trees quilt for my grandson Easton.  I almost finished my Crazy Floral Needlepoint Quilt, but not quite.  So it heads my Quarter Two list.

1.  Crazy Floral Needlepoint Quilt

The stitching is all done except for the second-to-right block on the bottom.  That will take maybe an hour. Then another hour or two to tack on and embellish a few florals and beads, so maybe one morning to finish. I have actually begun sewing the blocks together, and once the rows and columns are complete, they will be attached to the stabilized needlepoint. I have a sturdy backing and will assemble this with a rod pocket and no interior batting. I will likely tie it, with the ties showing on the back and a mere bead or button showing on the front.  I have decided to sell this when it is complete as I do not have any wall space on which to hang it.

2.  Banjo Pow-Wow

This is a quilt promised to my dear husband, Bruce.  It is all cut out - and believe me, there was a LOT of cutting.  No wonder I like using pre-cuts when I can, LOL.   As you read this, I will already have begun the piecing process.  A little bit of music on (America`s Greatest Hits; must hear my favorite, Ventura Highway, a few times....), a Diet Dr. Pepper nearby (but not too close), and I`m good for a couple hours....

3.  What Cancer Cannot Do

This quilt is being made for a friend of ours who is battling cancer.  Cal has fought hard and was in remission for 5 years. Then last fall, it began growing again. He has had a couple operations, radioactive pellets inserted and begun a new regimen of drugs. And the results are very encouraging at this time!  We are hopeful that he will be with us for many more years. And this quilt, with its inspiring messages and soothing colors will hopefully provide hugs to him whenever his spirits are low.

4. Mini Marmalade

The pattern is Pretty in Pink by Heather Mulder Peterson of Anka’s Treasures and the fabric is a charm pack of Bonnie & Camille`s Marmalade that I had laying around.  I am following the pattern, by cutting each charm into four pieces and inserting the white mini-strips.  It is taking me forever, because I struggle matching things precisely. Looking back, I wish I would have made a vertical slash and inserted the strip, and then made a horizontal slash and inserted that strip. The pattern calls for us to insert the little strips between each pair of pieces top and bottom, and then add the long vertical strip.  Too late to switch that now because everything is already cut out.

And I am definitely feeling the need for one of Lori Holt’s mini design boards (check them out here) and some Alpha-bitties.


5.  Ruffles Skirt for London

And just for good measure, I am adding a number five; a skirt for my granddaughter London. I intended to make it last summer, but definitely will this summer.  And probably some other things that aren’t on any list.....

I have another quilt planned that will be a queen-sized bed quilt for our bed.  I eventually want to have at least one quilt for each season. Our bedroom is painted and carpeted in neutral shades, so changing out the decor with bedspreads, pillows and a quilty wall hanging every quarter is in my long-terms plans.

Now, back to stitching.  I hope your spring is sunny and warm!!

Hugs,