Motivation

I wish it was sold in a bottle. For whatever reason, I am experiencing a motivational deficiency. Its been going on for months and I have no clue why or how to kick myself back into gear.

I am trying all sorts of things. I joined a Fabric Swap group, and was successful in switching out some of my stash for some newer ideas. I have a few projects this 'new-to-me' fabric offers. I am mailing out the last of the packages for it on Saturday and then will leave the group. It served its purpose to refresh my stash.

I joined a group for a Mini quilt swap. I sent mine and have not received one in return. She's probably good for it.

I joined a block swap with an Orange theme. Sent mine and have not received one in return. This person is most likely good for hers too.  We got the May block instructions and I made mine. They go out after May 15.

Then, on the home front:

• Stalled on machine quilting a twin size log cabin
• Plan to add borders to my Daughter-out-law's birthday quilt, then baste
• Need to baste purple and green lap top quilt
• Almost finished binding a quilt, yet want to add some machine quilting
• Need to catch up on one more BOM (am at least 4 steps behind)

My sidebar list is what I use to mark my progress, so the above list is just repetition. 

My windows are wide open and its very nice outside. I see lots to do. I'll go out a little each day but will never catch up to the entire garden, so focus on one part, the stepping stones. For now.

And that is how it must be with my quilting. I do what I can do while I can do it.

It’s the Little Things

This is a block swap. Yes, after all these years. I joined it because the group was small. They voted on the color for the year, and a generator made it orange.

This block is called Golden Gate. I pulled all my Orange and bought a few pieces to work on the blocks. Of course, it’s a swap, so you never know what will come.

I think the blocks will make a nice quilt and may go to Grace.

I plan to join a wonky star block swap in patriotic colors that will go to her sister Sophia. It’s one way to make quilts again.

Wonky Block test

This one took me days even though the pattern said 10 minutes.

Maybe if a person was used to them 10 minutes. It is done.

Got outside for a bit. It’s lovely outside. It seems hard to be indoors, so my windows are up. I pulled some plant matter.

Quilting is slow-going right now.

Shifting Groups

I want to keep learning, keep stretching, keep using the scraps in my closet. 
So to those ends, I joined a few new groups on Facebook.
The first one was a simple fabric swap. Those sub-groups included a swap for Charms...the theme was 'Whiskers & Tails' and we got 10 partners. 
I had enough to swap and received enough to start another "Oh My Stars" quilt. 
The second swap was for 'mini charms' or 2.5" squares. 
That refreshed the shoebox I have them and will brighten up some borders 
I plan to use them in. I joined the 2nd Quarter Birthday group as well as 
one called "E-I-E-I-O" and received FQ (Fat Quarters) that I plan to make
 into a house block quilt.  At that point I decided to leave the group. 
My stash was revived and the administrator started some unseemly behavior. 
It was time to go. I have a few more things to send in this group and then 
should be able to leave by the end of this month.

I joined a block swap between a relatively small group of quilters. 
They selected Orange for the primary color in the blocks for this year. 
(I posted the pic of the block earlier). Orange is the color for Leukemia Awareness. 
This community-made quilt can go to one of the Great-Nieces
 (My Niece passed from Leukemia a few years ago.

After a delightful swap for mini-quilts, I joined a group that swaps them
 exclusively. It is my intention to make minis and include them in the
 treasure boxes for my Grandchildren. It is a way for me to do projects 
that I put off.

I remain in other groups operated by Australian admins. 
Those BOM include the Solids, Something Squared, the Tester quilt 
project (needs a border).

Another Aussie designer offered the "This Little Piggie", which I have 
yet to start but have gathered fabrics for. She designs whimsical 
patterns that can be made from scraps. Just love her work.
 She has one with sheep that is super cute and a cowboy boot quilt 
that I would love to make.

Something Squared BOM

Turning my attention to other projects, I caught up on one of them. This is evidently January to April.

The last block is reconstructed. The original block is patterned after a signal used by Nazi Germany. While I understand it’s origin, I also know that current political climate make some people uncomfortable.

The blocks need pressing and trimming to size.  Later.

I am as far behind on other projects, so will do my best to catch up. I need more rest these days and am behind on most everything.

I pulled out another small BOM bin, and did more of a check list for where I am, arranging printed patterns. My list needs 2 more patterns, and 4 are printed. I’m not sure if I started work on these so will check that part next. One step at a time, right?

Moving Along

Finally figured out the picture thing. I took the grad quilt in to be long armed. This morning, I prepared some envies for a swap and then organized bins.  AGAIN.

I pulled fabrics out for the block swap. It’s a small group and they decided to vote for the main color of the block for a year.  While colors are not true in the photo they have orange in them. Orange is the color. Others can be used, yet it should look orange.

I was not sure about an orange quilt and remember that it is the color for Luekemia research. And as I will donate it at the end of the year, it will be perfect.

This block look similar to the pic from yesterday, but it is far from it. This one is patterned after a Log Cabin pattern. Done.

Many BOM blocks wait for my attention so I will get on with it.