New Years Resolutions.

Normally, I am not one to make Resolutions.  But I look at my PIGS and WIPs and know that I have to get them cleared out.  Just a few of them...

I know this doesn't look like a lot, there are 7 there, and many more in bins and in the closet.
So, I resolve to finish what is shown on this photo. 

In 2014, I resolve to finish more projects than I start!  (we'll see how that one goes!)

Additionally, I am still picking out the Celtic True Love Knot that I'm making for the oldest Daughter, and creating a backing for the little Sailboat for Grandson.

I hate picking out more than anything sewing related.  But I was SO dissatisfied with my work AND the design, that I just have to do it!  I'm also going to change the border fabrics.  Just not happy with the way it looks.  Plenty of work still left here.

I also resolve to learn (I mean REALLY learn) a new Free Motion design every month.

Have you made your Resolutions for 2014?  Do you make any at all?  Do you accomplish your goals?

I hope I do.

Happy New Year to you all.

MrsMelanieVarela


Linking up with Leah Day at the http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/

Washed Clean and Blown Out!

Last night, the severe storms marched across the southern states and hammered us with rain and high winds.  Local towns had weather sirens blaring out the warnings.  This Sunday morning, we have been washed clean and blown out.  Although still a tad damp, leafless, and stark, there is a freshness about it that I like.  The temp is still warm.  Go figure...please...do...I've lived in Middle Tennessee for 20 years and have never been more confused about the weather, (we had snow last week).  Where else can you wake  up, put on your parka, shorts and flip-flops, then sit by the fire with the windows open, to have your morning coffee. 

It's time to go out and have a walk around.  Pick up the tree branches that Mother Nature trimmed off for me.

Later today I hope to block a quilt and prepare it for binding this week.  So sorry ZORRO, I'll be taking over the living room with my big tables once again.  There are also the  little boy's caps to finish up.

Happy Sunday to everyone and Merry Christmas.

mrsmelanievarela

A Week of Gifts.

This past week as been a busy time.  Both in our computer shop and in my sewing room.  More often than not, when I make something, it's for someone else.  So I've been making little gifts for my Grandchildren.  They vary in age from 6 months to 13 years.  So it's actually easy to make something each one of them will use and enjoy.  I'm blessed with Grandchildren that appreciate items that Gramma  made.

For Calysta, who is learning Guitar, there is a cute little tote for transporting her music books and lessons.

Little Dania, who loves to twirl and dance, a couple tutu's in her favorite colors.  (That Gold really glittered up my room.  I even had it on my face.  My Dear Husband pointed this out and I winked and told him it was from  my night job!  HAHAHA!)

Here was my helper...

Louie took a break from sewing to go out and play with Squeeky Chickie Baby...and apparently dig into some mole trails.  Silly Boy!


Young Sarah will receiving this cute little hobo bag in her favorite colors.

This fabric is SO cute!

Left on the table...and waiting for me in the morning are hats for the boys.

I'll get these finished up and then get back to quilting.  Those PIG's and WIP's are still waiting for me.  I also had a visit from my neighbor Mrs. Kravits (bearing the annual Christmas Pumpkin Loaf...(I thinks it's a bribe yet again, as I use our lawn vac to clear the sycamore leaves from their culverts every Fall)), telling me her daughter had brought a quilt to her for repair.  Yes, she wants my help.  I was secretly thinking it's gonna require more than one Christmas Pumpkin Loaf to get me into that.  But I know I'll cave in and help her...she's a nice neighbor even if she and Abner know more of what goes on at my house than I do.

I hope you are all prepared for the upcoming Holiday and that you have opportunities to be with Family and Friends.

Merry Christmas,
MrsMelanieVarela

Linking up with Leah Day at http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/

Quilts In Que: FMQ Friday...

Tomorrow is Friday.  It will be my first  time sharing a blog post on other blogs.  There are a couple I will be sharing with.  Please keep in mind when viewing my work, I know about piecing a quilt (I have shelves full of books to help me with that!), but I've always been a quilt tie-er or a stitch in the ditch quilter.  Always leery of trying to get too fancy or stepping into the unknown.  When I came across Leah Day on Youtube, I found a new desire.  FMQ.  Yep, she inspired me to try it out.  I'm very much in the beginning stages.

Here is the quilt that inspired me to visit Youtube to learn.

This is a crib quilt for my Grandson Myles.  I found these lovely fat quarters and thought I could "make" my own panel.  I satin stitched them up, used a French Curve to make my waves, and a little poorly appliqued sail boat tucked in the waves.  I really wanted the boat to POP...and I think it does.  Maybe a bit too much.  I really wanted to get those swirls in the waves and some ripples in the water.  The areas of dotted fabrics will have pebble FMQ, and the areas with rectangular print will (I hope) look like cliffs.  I'll FMQ some clouds in the lighter sky area.   There are still touch ups to the satin stitching to come, and some  stabilizer to pick out.  Next time I'll use water soluble.

I'm also working on a True Lover Knot for our Oldest daughter and her husband.  I echo quilted all around the knot, then realized what a bad job I was making of it.  So it's all got to come out.

There's so much to pick out, but I know I'll be happier for it.  I'll give you a front photo after I clear out the mess I made!

Linking up with http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com

Hi new friends!  I've wanted to start a blog for some time to share my sewing projects and whatnot.  After reading http://pinprickedfingers.com/2013/12/06/fmq-pillows/  and seeing her refer to her stack of in-want-of-quilting-tops as Quilts in Que, I decided to name my Blog that.  I currently have about 18 tops in want of quilting.  Some more urgent than others.  So, my intention is to link up with some of my favorite blogs, share what is going on here in my sewing space and chat about my thoughts and life in general.  I currently own just 5 sewing machines  (I gave away 4 in the past couple years), but have my eye on a long arm that would just make my life complete!  Of course ZORRO, (my dear husband and the swash-buckling hero who is the love of my life) (uh...no...his name isn't really ZORRO, but he's my ZORRO (yes, all caps all the time)), cringes at the thought of giving up one of his precious computer repair rooms to house the beast!  So, here we go.  I do hope to keep up with the goings on of all my favorite blogs, and attend to this one along the way.  Welcome and please feel free to provide honest (my FMQ is horrible and I know it...don't be afraid to say it!) evaluations and comments.  Also, please share what you are working on.  I am so interested in quilting and becoming a better quilter!  Thanks for reading!  You are all so welcome here.

MrsMelanieVarela