Projects Goals: September

I'm a day late posting this and have an overnight guest coming shortly, so this will be quick and to the point.

To start off, I want to recap how I did with my goals for August. For sure, I am still trying to do to much, but this really doesn't bother me as I just keep creating. That's really what matters.

Goals Met:

1. Alluvia - finished within a week. I will be posting about my Camp Loopy projects this month as a recap.


2. Altocumulus - I did finished the knitting but still have to block it.


3. Dessert of the Month - I easily got through June and am starting on August.


4. Garden Tote - it's actually embarrassing how little time it took to finish the embroidery on this. I was pretty mad at myself the day I finished it because I was letting a little thing stall this project. In addition to finishing the stitching, I also have cut out all the tote bag pieces.


5. East Gable Shawl - finished but not blocked yet.

Goals Not Met:

1. Irene Adler - I didn't start and am probably going to put this one off for awhile. I have another large lace weight shawl on my needles and can't work on two at the same time.

2. Ennoble - I didn't start it.

3. Allis - another I didn't start.

4. Moulin Rouge - ditto.

5. Ranrike - no progress.

6. Driftwood - no progress.

7. Sugar Block Club - no progress.

8. Forest QAL - I didn't make anything for the link up as I couldn't decide on a small project. I really just have my heart set on my original quilt and will be working on that.

9. Road to Round Rock quilt - no progress.

10. Handstitched Mini - no progress.

11. Art quilt - no progress.

12. Dog dish mat - I decided that this project is just not going to happen. It's one of those things that sounds good in theory, but I don't love the idea of it in my reality.

13. Honeycomb mini - no progress.

Now onto my goals for September.

1. Dreambird - get through four of the six skeins of the gradient.

2. Southern Skies - this is a three skein shawl that I want to finish by the end of October. This month, I would like to finish one skein.

3. Camptown Races - I want to start and finish this cowl.

4. Allis - I want to start and finish.

5. Ranrike - finish edging.

6. Driftwood - finish one of two skeins.

7. Ennoble - start and finish.

8. Sugar Block Club - catch up.

9. Road to Round Rock - finish top.

10. Handstitched mini - finish two blocks.

11. Garden Tote - finish.

12. Forest Quilt - finish four blocks.

13. Art Quilt - start.

14. Woodland Sampler - finish frames.

15. Christmas Ornaments - finish one.

16. Dessert of the Month - finish.

What do you have planned for September?

To Do First: August

After taking a couple months off of posting a to-do list, I am back with a more defined version. July was a very introspective month for me, and one of the things I determined was that I needed concrete goals. It's all good that I list projects to focus on, but it can be a bit overwhelming if I go into the month with the mindset to finish all of them. It's obvious by now that I don't make short lists.

I do have a bit to catch up on with posting. Once the routine is gone, it's hard for me to get back. But I have photos that need words and drafts written that need photos. Of course, those items don't align with each other. I also have enough FOs to last me at least a month, if I posted one a day. I haven't decided how to tackle them as far as sharing, but by the end of the year I will be current.

So without further rambling, I present my goals for this month.

1. Alluvia - this is a felted tote that I'm knitting for the last project of Camp Loopy. This is the only must finish this month.


2. Irene Adler - a large lace-weight shawl that I just want to start.

3. Altocumulus - a worsted-weight shawl that I would like to finish. I have a good start already.


4. Ennoble - a beaded scarf that I would like to start and finish.

5. Allis - another shawl that I want to start. It's for a KAL that doesn't start until mid-month.

6. Moulin Rouge - a single skein shawl that I want to start and finish.

7. Ranrike - a shawl I started last year. I want to get about halfway, which would be finishing the border.

8. Driftwood - another shawl that I started last year. I would also like to get halfway with this one, which means finishing up one of two skeins.

9. Sugar Block Club - I have blocks done through March and would like to catch up.

10. Forest QAL - my original plan for the link up will not get finished. I will still be sewing it up, but want to finish a smaller project to submit.

11. Road to Round Rock - I have some of the blocks done on this one. I would like to finish them.

12. Handstitched mini - another project from last year. I have one block done and want to finish two more.

13. Art quilt - I just want to start so I can see my vision come to life.

14. Dog dish mat - a short project that I just keep putting off. I want to start and finish it this month.

15. Honeycomb mini - I would like to finish the top and transfer the embroidery design.

16. Dessert of the Month - this is my new lunchtime project. I finished January over a few days in July and would like to get through June.


17. Garden tote - I want to finally finish the embroidery.

18. East Gable Shawl - I'm about halfway and would like to finish.


What do you have planned for the month of August?

To Do First: June

I'm back! Now that my obsession that is Mad May is over, I want to spend more time in this space. Not only do I have lots of projects to blog about, I have even more planned for the future. To start off, I'm going to share my list for this month. June is going to be mostly about finishing up WIPs and to make this short, I will only list those projects that I'm going to concentrate on the most.

Knitting:

1. Language of Roses - Camp Loopy has started as of today and this going to be my first project. We are to make a single skein (lace or fingering weight) project that has to be at least 375 yards. The only catch is the yarn base has to be one you've never used. I'm knitting this with Madelinetosh Prairie in the Afternoon colorway. I've already completed the first chart and hope to make it through the second over the weekend.


2. Pull Me Over - a sweater I started in May. I didn't make much progress but this one should be a quick finish once I get back to it.

3. Love Letters - this is my first pair of socks. I have one done and have the cuff of the second done. Another one that should fly once I start it again.

4. Temptress - a laceweight shawl with beads that was a mystery KAL from earlier this year.

5. Sourwood Mountain - mitts that I started last year (!) and really want to crank out. This is on my FAL list for this quarter as well.

6. Ranrike - my oldest knit WIP and one that I would love to get off the books.

7. Gemini - another sweater, this one started in April. I'm almost to the sleeve split and I think this should be quick to finish as well.

8. Driftwood - a shawl from last year that is also on my FAL list.

9. Hitchhiker - another WIP from Mad May. This was my project for lunch breaks at work and may continue to be so.

Sewing:

1. Road to Round Rock quilt - my goal is to finish the top this month. It will be wonderful to get back to sewing this month.

2. Art quilt - this one has been in my sketchbook from the beginning of the year. I want to keep it under wraps until I start experimenting but will share my progress as I go along.

3. Handstitched mini - another FAL project.

4. Sugar Block Club - I'm behind on the monthly blocks but should be able to crank these out quickly.

5. Forest QAL - I really want to submit my intended project to the link up. Sewing one or two of these blocks a week should get me there.

6. Notebook cover - this involves turning a piece of embroidery into a sewn item.

Embroidery:

1. Woodland Sampler - I have April to finish as well as May and June to start.

2. Garden Tote - once I finish the embroidery this can move to the sewing list.

3. Nesting Place - an old WIP that deserves to be finished (also a FAL project).

4. Dessert of the Month - last's years monthly cross stitch from The Frosted Pumpkin that I haven't started yet.

I also need to organize my studio space this month and have some other art ideas that are screaming to become reality.

Tomorrow I will share a little bit about the craziness that was Mad May for me. See you then!

To Do First: April

Seriously, how is it April already? On one hand, time is moving way too fast and on the other, I am happy to see March gone. It's my least favorite month and historically a difficult one for me.

Before getting to my lists, I have to admit my goal of fitting sewing in every day wasn't met. I started experiencing severe back pain a little over a week ago and with no cause or solution for it, kneeling on the floor to cut or lay out fabrics isn't in the cards. Hopefully this will pass and I can get back to working on all of my projects.

First, my March recap.

Knitting:

1. Joji Mystery - still haven't started.

2. The Sermon - didn't touch.
3. New Beginnings - didn't touch.
4. Cora - stuck on the damn sleeves.
5. Itasca - didn't touch.
6. Mystery Sock - didn't start.
7. Driftwood - didn't touch.
8. May Day Shawl - finished. Will post more about it in April.
9. Madison - finished. Another one I will post about in April.
10. Boo Knits Mystery - didn't touch.
11. Sourwood Mountain - didn't touch.
12. Olympic National Park - finished. Yet another post to come.
13. Canyonlands - started on Saturday and have the rest of the edging to finish.
14. Cowboy Cowl - didn't start.
15. Abalone - didn't start.
16. Age of Brass and Steam - didn't start.
17. 28's Big Sister 77 - didn't start.
18. Business Casual - didn't start.
19. Tank top test - I have started and have to finish by April 15th. I can't share any photos until after then either.
20. East Gable Shawl - started.


Sewing:

1. Project Quilting - well, I skipped one challenge because I didn't feel it posed a challenge and didn't get back into the rest. The season is over so this will come off my list.
2. Row QAL - didn't start.
3. Handstitched mini - haven't touched.
4. Kaleidoscope back - didn't start.
5. Baste and quilt Drunkard's Path - didn't do. Will explain more in my FAL post.
6. Emerald Challenge - started but didn't finish in time for the challenge deadline. In other words, it still isn't done.
7. Sugar Block Club - caught up.
8. Weekender - didn't start.
9. Low Volume top - didn't start.
10. Dogwood Blossom - didn't start.
11. Honeycomb SAL - I changed my mind on fabrics and haven't started.
12. Road to Round Rock QAL - I've started but my back issues have stalled me.
13. Dog dish mat - didn't start.
14. Curved tree mini - didn't start.
15. Zig Zag top - didn't start.


Embroidery:

1. Nesting Place - didn't touch.
2. Garden Tote - didn't touch.
3. Dessert of the Month - didn't start.
4. Gorey SAL - the SAL for this one is over so I'm taking it off. I do like the idea of stitching one of Gorey's illustrations so it may make its way back here.
5. White on White - didn't start.
6. Woodland Sampler - caught up.
7. Reindeer banner - didn't start.
8. Sampler from school - didn't touch.
9. Cloth from EEC class - didn't touch.


Now for April. I'm not adding too many new things as I'm really trying to finish up WIPs first.

Knitting:

1. Patina socks - the March club package from Tanis Fiber Arts
2. Juego - a MKAL on Ravelry.
3. Love Letters socks - another KAL on Ravelry.
4. Pooling Socks Challenge - hosted by Judy.
5. Second Quarter Challenge - for The Loopy Ewe. It hasn't been announced as of yet so I'm not sure what I will be knitting up.

Sewing:

1. Forest QAL - I posted about this earlier this month.
2. Quilted Block Holder - as seen here. I love the idea of having something pretty to rangle those rouge blocks.

Nothing new in the embroidery category.

What do you have on your to do list for April?

To Do First: March

Well, it's the first of the month and that means it's time to see how I did on my to do list for February and share my plans for March. As you know, I always plan way more than I can do. Because of this, there isn't much new for March. I'm going to be concentrating on finishing the projects I have going, but there are a couple things that I either have to finish or that start this month.

Let's kick it off with February's list.

Knitting:
Must Do:

1. Cora test - I'm still on the sleeves.

2. Joji Mystery Shawl - didn't start.

3. Sermon Mystery - I'm still on the first clue.

4. Itasa Stole - didn't touch.

5. New Beginnings Mystery - didn't touch.

6. Denise shawl - finished. I haven't posted about it yet but should get to that this month.

7. Madison test - finishing sleeves and have to knit the band.

8. Boo Knits Mystery - I started this one but haven't made it past clue 1.

9. Sourwood Mountain - no progress.

10. Olympic National Park shawl - didn't start.
11. Canyonlands shawl - didn't start.

12. Cowboy Cowl - didn't start.


Might Do:

1. Mystery Sock - didn't start.

2. Driftwood - didn't touch.

3. May Day Shawl - still working away on this one, slowly.

4. Abalone - didn't start.

5. Age of Brass and Steam - didn't start.

6. 28's Big Sister 77 - didn't start.

7. Business Casual socks - didn't start.

Sewing:

Must Do:

1. Project Quilting - I completed one of the challenges for this month. The second wasn't enough of a challenge for me to just make something up. There are two left in March for the season.
2. Handstitched mini - didn't touch.

3. Kaleidoscope back - didn't start.

4. Baste and quilt Drunkard's Path - didn't get to this yet.
5. Emerald challenge - I have my design sketched out and know what fabrics I will be using.

6. Sugar Block Club - I picked out my fabrics but didn't sew them up yet.

7. Thread Catcher - finished.

Might Do:

1. Row QAL - didn't start. I still need to buy my background solid before I can even think about it.

2. Weekender - didn't start.

3. Low Volume top - I still have to get some fabrics for this top before I can start.

4. Dogwood Blossom - didn't start.

Embroidery:

Must Do:

1. Nesting Place needlebook - didn't touch.

2. Edward Gorey Stitch-a-long - didn't start.

3. Woodland Sampler - I'm still plugging away at January.

4. Reindeer banner - didn't start.

Might Do:

1. Garden Tote - didn't touch.

2. Dessert of the Month - didn't touch.

3. White on White - didn't start.

4. Sampler from school - didn't touch.

5. Cloth from EEC class - didn't touch.

Not so good, but some progress is better than none. For March, I will be adding the following.

Knitting:

Must Do:

1. Tank top test - another test knit (and the last for awhile). I won't be able to share this until April as the design is being published. Should be a quick one to do up compared to the long sleeved sweaters I have been working on.


Might Do:

1. East Gable Shawl - a beautiful shawl that is paired with a lovely green yarn. Inspired by the Anne of Green Gables books.

Sewing:

Must Do:

1. Honeycomb SAL - hosted by Jenelle. Instructions have started and I am as far as picking out my fabrics.

2. Road to Round Rock QAL - hosted by Judy. Fabrics have been ordered and are on their way. This starts March 16th.

3. A Year of Lovely Finishes - I will post tomorrow about what I pick.

Might Do:

1. Curved tree mini - a project from Curves Class. It's more winter/holiday themed but I would like to get it finished so I'm ready next winter.

2. Zig Zag top - from the QAL two (?) years ago. I have the fabrics and just need to get started on it.

Nothing new for the embroidery category this month. My focus is on the deadline items and also on my FAL list. I will hopefully finish one item and make good progress on the rest.

What are your plans for the month?

To Do First: February

If you have been reading my blog for some time, you probably know I am overly ambitious. I always have a lot going on and plan on doing so much more. The upside is that I am never bored. The downside is that I do take on too much at a time and don't get things done as quickly as if I focused. It's something I'm working on changing a little; don't get me wrong, I like variety but I do need more focus.

That being said, let's see how my to do list for January turned out.

Knitting

Must do:

1. Cora test - I finished the body by the designer's deadline and have to finish the sleeves. I grossly underestimated how long it takes to knit a sweater. I am hooked though and have many more in my future.

2. Joji Mystery Shawl - I didn't start this one but love the final outcome so it will be done in the coming months.

3. Sermon Mystery - I'm still on the first clue but clues are still coming out so the final design is a mystery.

4. Itasa Stole - I cast on New Year's Day and haven't knit on this one since then.

5. New Beginnings Mystery - same as above.


Might do:

1. Mystery Sock - I didn't start but I love the socks and will knit soon.

2. Driftwood - didn't touch. This is on my FAL list so that will change.

3. May Day Shawl - I'm nearly done with this one. A couple more nights on it and it will be finished.

Sewing

Must Do:

1. Proect Quilting - so far, so good. I completed both challenges for January and am still making it my goal to finish the final four.

2. Handstitched mini - didn't touch. This is another FAL item.

3. Kaleidoscope back - didn't start.

4. Baste Drunkard's Path - didn't do and I also haven't shared the finished top with you. It's just been so very cold, too windy, or snowing. Such is winter here in my neck of the woods. As soon as the elements align I will snap some photos.

5. Emerald challenge - didn't start.

Might Do:

1. Row QAL - didn't start.

2. John Deere mini - finished!

Embroidery

Must Do:

1. Nesting Place needlebook - didn't touch.

2. Edward Gorey Stitch-a-long - didn't start.

3. Woodland Sampler - I'm making progress but not finished with January's motif. This is the perfect project for working on during my dinner breaks. I completely forgot to take a picture of this but will share it in my next WIP update.

Might Do:

1. Garden Tote - didn't touch.

2. Dessert of the Month - didn't touch. This is what I will work on at work as I get caught up each month with the Woodland Sampler, so that's ok.

3. White on White - didn't touch.

Ok. To make my list for February even crazier, all the unfinished and not started projects above, are being carried over. I am started a new rule for myself that I can't start a new project until I finish two. This will (hopefully) cut down on how many projects I have in progress. With that being said, on to my list for February.

Knitting:

Must Do:

1. Denise shawl - a test knit I am doing. I have started could possibly finish over the weekend.

2. Madison test - another test knit for the same designer as Cora. I am waiting on my yarn to arrive in the mail before I can cast on.

3. Boo Knits Mystery - yarn is here and I need to order beads. This one starts on Valentine's Day.

4. Sourwood Mountain - a WIP from last fall that is on my FAL list.

5. Olympic National Park shawl - this is my project for The Loopy Ewe's First Quarter Challenge. Due date is the end of March but I want to get this one done asap.

6. Canyonlands shawl - this is another shawl in the National Park series. I want to knit all four by the end of March.

7. Cowboy Cowl - this is knit in a heavier weight yarn so it should be a quick one.


Might Do:

1. Abalone - this was going to be my next sweater before I signed up to test Madison.  Yarn is wound and ready after I finish that one.

2. Age of Brass and Steam - a little knit that I will be adding beads to.

3. 28's Big Sister 77 - I had this on my list to knit last fall but didn't get around to it.

4. Business Casual socks - there is a KAL going on for this pattern this month. I would love to join in but am not sure how I will fit it in.

Sewing:

Must Do:

1. Project Quilting - two more challenges will be posted this month. Next one is Sunday!

2. Sugar Block Club - I joined late in January so it didn't go on my list. I want to sew up both the January and February blocks this month.

3. Drunkard's Path - baste and quilt.

4. Thread Catcher - this is a small item that I keep putting of making.

Might Do:

1. Weekender - I bought this pattern when I first started sewing again a couple years ago. I think I am ready to tackle it and have been inspired by everyone's versions that have been popping up online.

2. Low Volume top - I still have to get some fabrics for this top before I can start.

3. Dogwood Blossom - this is from the Handstitched class. I want to make the Medallion quilt but know it will be a slow project for me.

Embroidery:

Must Do:

1. Woodland Sampler - finish January and February motifs.

2. Reindeer banner - this is Christmas themed but I know it will take me some time to do. I want to work on it slowly over the course of this year.

Might Do:

1. Sampler from school - I don't think I ever shared the start of this. It was going to be for an assignment but I didn't finish in time. I still want to stitch it up for me.

2. Cloth from EEC class - I need to find it so I can work on it.

Wow, sorry this post was so long. Wish me luck finishing a bunch of these so my list in March is shorter. Otherwise, I may just have to spend March only working on WIPs.

To Do First: January

I took a break from this monthly to do list, which is the brain child of Charlotte from Lawson and Lottie. She was hosting a link up for it and I'm hoping that continues this year. My list is also in my planner and since I sort projects by type, I will do the same here.

Knitting

Must do:

1. Cora test - a beautiful cabled sweater that I am test knitting for the designer. So far so good, but ask me as the deadline (January 24th) gets closer. I actually would love to have this finished before my office Christmas party mid-month so I can possibly wear it to the party.

2. Joji Mystery Shawl - I'm a little hooked on mystery knits. All we know so far is that there is fringe and stripes involved.

3. Sermon Mystery - yep, another one. The yarn is still on its way to me. The mystery doesn't start until the 7th.

4. Itasa Stole - I've had this yarn and pattern for almost two years. I was intimidated by the pattern at first and made excuses as to why I shouldn't start. No more.

5. New Beginnings Mystery - yet another one. This one includes beads.

  Might do:

1. Mystery Sock - I don't yet have the needles and haven't ever knit a sock. I'm not sure if I will dive in right away, but I do at least have the yarn picked out.

2. Driftwood - this is a lingering WIP from 2012 that I really want to finish up.

3. May Day Shawl - I love the pattern but the yarn is kind of a PITA as it is mohair, silk, and silver thread.

Sewing

Must Do:

1. Proect Quilting - first challenge is this Sunday! I'm going to treat this like a homework assignment as it is my goal to finish them all this round.

2. Handstitched mini - the QAL is long over and I want to have mine as a finished object.

3. Kaleidoscope back - pieced using scraps from the front. Shouldn't be that much work I hope.

4. Baste Drunkard's Path - in an effort to take baby steps, this is my benchmark for this month.

5. Emerald challenge - much like the Tangerine Tango challenge last year, this one is based off of Pantone's color of the year. I didn't finish last year's (and still haven't... yet) but already have some ideas for this one.

Might Do:

1. Row QAL - this started last fall but I was planning all along to jump in late. This is will be solely made of scraps.

2. John Deere mini - Chad hates the mini that graces the side table in our living room because of the pink. I have enough fabric to make one that both of us will enjoy.

Embroidery

Must Do:

1. Nesting Place needlebook - I never meant to not finish this when the class was running so it tops the list for this month.

2. Edward Gorey Stitch-a-long - this runs until the end of March. My goal to is decide on the illustration to embroider and possibly pick up threads.

3. Woodland Sampler - the mysteries creep into this category too, he he. I have threads and linen for stitching.

Might Do:

1. Garden Tote - I have four motifs to embroider and then this will move into the sewing category.

2. Dessert of the Month - this is last year's mystery from The Frosted Pumpkin. I finally have all the supplies for it so I can dive in.

3. White on White - this is a motif I have been dreaming up. I have a wide assortment of white threads to build this up. More as I work on it.

How about you? Any project plans for the month?

To Do First: July

First, I'm going to recap my list from June. This idea for a monthly to do list was all Charlotte's idea and hopefully she is settled in after her move to have a link up again. If not, check our her blog anyway. She comes up with some beautiful things that will make you wish you thought of the idea first.

Must Do:

1. Camp Loopy Project 1 - done!

2. Hand Quilting Challenge - started but right now it's a failure until I get my hands on the right needle to do it.

3. Handstitched Class - I have finished one project and have materials set aside for the others.

4. Garden Tote - this is in the same status as it was at the start of the month. I have all the thread out on a side table still (collecting dust) and am pretty surprised Chad hasn't said anything about it yet.

5. Embroidery projects for the online classes I am taking - well I started a project for each of the two classes but haven't made much progress. One is done and over and the other is finished but the class materials are available indefinately. I will get to working on these again.

6. Drunkard's Path quilt - ha!

Might Do:

1. Nesting Place needlebook - the embroidery is staring at me every time I sit down to sew but I haven't stitched any more on it.

2. Hand Pieced QAL - I have the second block cut out and ready to be stitched together. Erin is settling in after moving to her dream home in the country (totally jealous!) and hasn't posted the finishing instructions, giving me time to catch up.

3. Dessert of the Month Club - the supplies are in a project bag ready for when I have time.

4. Garter stitch scarf - ha ha ha.

So, now on to July. I mentioned before that I am settling on having Sundays for my sewing days. Today is no exception, except for some cleaning that does have to get done. I also will have Wednesday off for Independence Day, so I'm planning on working projects all day as well. Not gonna lie, but I will probably knit all day and watch Army Wives. I'm completely hooked after resisting all the time. No satellite means more online streaming.

Must Do:

1. Camp Loopy Project 2 - I have no doubt this shawl will be finished in a week. The deadline is July 27th to finish so I do have time, but I just can't put it down once I start working on it.

2. Handstitched Class - I want to catch up with the projects so far, especially the class quilt.

3. Drunkard's Path quilt top - trying this again in baby steps to finish for the Finish-a-long.

4. Hand Quilted mini - since it is in the quilting frame already, I can do this one this month.

5. Garden Tote - honestly, I haven't had time to plant my garden (either I work too late the night before to plant in the cooler mornings or it is raining) but I want to finish this so it doesn't lie around until next year.

6. Modernista Homemade Swap - I need to come up with a design for my partner still and find fabrics in my stash. Mailing is by July 30th.

7. RATZ Swap - I haven't received my partner info yet. Mailing is by the end of the month.

Might Do:

1. Piper's Journey - there is an informal knit-a-long going on Ravelry but I have been only working on this during my dinner breaks at work so I am behind the suggested pace. If I finish CL project 2, I will probably work on whipping this one out before the third project cast on date.

2. Hand Pieced QAL - like stated above, Erin hasn't been able to post finishing so I can catch up on this and finish it when the instructions are posted.

3. Garter stitch scarf - I have it in mind to work on this once my CL project is finished.

This list is completely doable if I stick with it. The trump card is once my position changes at work I will be working more (still not official but the job is mine). It's a salaried position and it is expected that I work 45-50 hours a week. I just have to be productive with my free time and it should all work out.

What do you have planned for July?

To Do First (On the Second)

I meant to do this post yesterday, but the day completely went away on me. Today pretty much has as well, but I have been getting some things done, so all is not lost.

I had one finish off of my list from May. Just my lonely Sparkle mini. The funny thing about this mini is what Chad has now done with it. After I finished it, I put it on our kitchen table to act as a table topper. I went to work and when I came home I found he had flipped it over. He really doesn't like the top at all! And actually asked me why I would put the backing fabric on the back. That's the side he likes so I'm thinking I may have to make another one for the table featuring that fabric.

For June, I'm switching up some of the things on my list. I've been carrying over everything month to month, but have some new projects that I know will take priority. So let's get on with it.

Must Do:

1. Campy Loopy Project 1 - my poor scarf that I decided to frog last night and start over. I didn't like how wide it was and was afraid I would run short of yarn before it got to a length I would be happy with. So 100 knit rows came off and I'm starting anew today. This project must be finished by June 27th.

2. Hand Quilting Challenge - I'm hosting this so I must follow through. :)

3. Handstitched Class - this starts on Monday and I love the three projects that are being presented in the first week.

4. Garden Tote - this should be a quick one once I dive back in.

5. Embroidery projects for the online classes I am taking - I've fallen a bit behind and want to catch up with them.

6. Drunkard's Path quilt - this one just needs to get finished.

Might Do:

1. Nesting Place needlebook - good thing that the instruction for the class is still available since it finished awhile back. Oops.

2. Hand Pieced QAL - I have a number of other handwork projects going on, so this one isn't really at the top of the list right now, unfortunately.

3. Dessert of the Month Club - another quick one to catch up on, but I just need to sit down and do it.

4. Garter stitch scarf - if I happen to finish my Camp Loopy project early, I'm going to tackle this one. I really need the needles free in case I need them for another project.

I think that will do for this month. I have decided to try not to overload myself so much. What are you planning on working on this month?

To Do First

Taking time off was strange to me, but definately needed. I longingly would look at my computer when I was in need of a break and also took to staring at my various sewing projects that had to be put aside. But, I did finish what had to be done for yesterday and today, so it was worth it. I do still have one last studio class to finish projects for, but I have a week to work on them.

Because of this crazy month, I didn't cross anything off my list from April, except for my swap pouch for the Pretty Little Pouch Swap (which I will share this week). I made progress so there is that. Instead of a recap, I'm just going to go forth with my list for May. I am linking this up with Charlotte over at Lawson and Lotti.

Must Do:

1. Finish Sparkle mini - the completed top is hanging out on the back of my chair and will be one of the first things I tackle this month. Pinky swear.

2. Make my sewing machine cover - I haven't even looked at this in weeks and really want to get it done.

3. Finish at least one embroidered towel - another project I want to finish so that I can give it to the recipient.

4. Finish my Drunkard's Path quilt - another languishing project that I want to finish.

5. February pattern for the 1912 Project - I can't get another until I make this one up. I have all of the materials and the pattern printed. I just need to resize it and then get sewing.

6. Cathedral Window apron

7. Nesting Place needlebook

8. Hand Pieced QAL - I do have the pieces cut for the second block.

9. Projects from Curves Class - the class blog is closed, but I did print out instructions for what I want to make up. I am interested in taking Rachel's second class so wrapping this one up would be great.

10. Dive into and keep up with the online classes I have signed up for - I have two embroidery classes starting this month, as well as a few art classes that have already began that I want to work my way through.

Might Do:

1. Finish garter stitch scarf - just because I'm not knitting doesn't mean the yarn isn't piling up! I need to change that balance soon.

2. Typography Challenge - the challenge is long over (and the next one has started) but I still love my idea.

3. Tangerine Tango Challenge - same story: challenge over, but I love my idea, so it will be done.

4. Dessert of the Month Club

5. Embroidery Journal Project

I'm going to take a break from schoolwork for the rest of the day and instead, work on catching up online. With this semester wrapping up I have more time for me. I do have one summer class that starts in a couple weeks and runs every day for four weeks but since it is only in the morning, I should be able to tackle my WIP list.

What do you have planned for May?

Fresh Sewing Day and To Do First

I posted a lot in March but didn't seem to get much done in my sewing room. Schoolwork, yes, and definately thinking of projects. It's time to sum up my month for Fresh Sewing Day at Lily's Quilts and also evaluate my To Do list, as well as create a new one for April, at Lawson and Lottie.

First off, here's my sewing output for March.

Next, here's my To Do list from March.

Must Do:

1. Finish Sparkle mini - I have touched this only to move it. I still am at the place where I need to redo a couple sides on one of the sparkles and then finish sewing together the top. Pretty simple, no?

2. Finish Garter Stitch scarf - some knitting has been done, just not enough to finish it.

3. Make my sewing machine cover - hexies have been attached, but I just haven't had much time to sit and sew them.

4. Finish at least one embroidered towel - ha ha ha.

5. Finish my Drunkard's Path quilt top - another project that has just moved from place to place.

6. February pattern for the 1912 Project - this is sitting on my ironing board. Still.

7. Cathedral Window apron - ditto.

8. Nesting Place needlebook - sigh... I still haven't stitched much on this.

9. For the Love of Solids swap items - Done! Photo of what I sent my partner is in the above mosaic.

10. Mini QT Swap quilt - done but haven't mailed yet. Deadline was the 31st, but I couldn't get to the post office to send it. It will go out Monday and once it is received, I will show you what I made.

11. Typography challenge - I didn't get this one going at all, so I am out of the voting. I will still finish it though as I love my idea.

12. Tangerine Tango challenge - this is still where it was at the beginning of the month. It's on my ironing board too.

Might Do:

1. Dessert of the Month Club - I haven't done anything but buy supplies for this one yet. I'm not in a rush, but I would love to keep up with it each month.

2. Embroidery Journal project - I finally got one of the books I wanted to use for this. The other is on back order, but I should be able to get a start with what I have. I already have on hand the materials for each month through April, possibly May.

3. Hand Pieced QAL - I did sew up the first block for this. I think week 10 was the last one posted, so there is some catch up to do. I did love making this by hand.

4. Something for the Scrap Attack that is going on at Stitched in Color - this event is over and I never got to this. This one will just be dropping off my list. Oh well.

Well, that was kind of depressing. I love making lists but also love crossing things off of them. Here's my list for April. I'm hoping to see more things fall off this month. Most of it will be the same from March.

Must Do:

1. Finish Sparkle mini - seriously need this one done. I want it to be our table topper for spring and until it's done, our kitchen table still thinks it is Christmas.

2. Make my sewing machine cover - slow and steady could make this one happen.

3. Finish at least one embroidered towel - I may as well start calling this one a 1st anniversary gift instead of a late wedding present at this point.

4. Finish my Drunkard's Path quilt top - this is a FAL project that will continue into the 2nd quarter. If I can do the top this month, then I can work up to finishing it by June 30th.

5. February pattern for the 1912 Project - I'm behind the pace, but haven't received my March pattern yet. The project has more participants than expected, so I'm being patient.

6. Cathedral Window apron - not only is this is project for a challenge in Febrary, I would love to have another apron to use. My only apron is Christmas themed.

7. Nesting Place needlebook - I would like to at least finish the embroidery work this month. The finishing would be icing on the cake.

8. Hand Pieced QAL - I loved making the first block and would like to catch up with the rest of the blocks that have been posted.

9. Projects from Curves Class - the class blog closes at the end of the month and I would like to make the projects I want to before that happens.

10. Pretty Little Pouch Swap - the mailing deadline is in April so this one has to get done. I need to do some stalking first.

Might Do:

1. Finish Garter Stitch scarf - this is falling into this category this month. It is going to be on my second quarter list for the FAL, but I have three months for that. Besides, with the warmer weather, I'm not in a rush to knit a winter scarf. But I'm still not letting myself start another knitting project until this one comes off the needles.

2. Typography Challenge - with the deadline gone, there isn't any pressure to get it finished. I would like to still do it this month if I can.

3. Tangerine Tango Challenge - ditto.

4. Dessert of the Month Club - just to prep my linen would be great.

5. Embroidery Journal Project - this has no pressure but I don't want to get too far behind.

Another ambitious list considering schoolwork and my job, but this focus should help me.

What do you have planned for April?

Fresh Sewing Day, To Do First, and TTT

All three of these linky parties are falling on the same day. If you haven't heard of Fresh Sewing Day hosted by Lily's Quilts, To Do First hosted by Lawson and Lotti, or Thursday Think Tank hosted by Making Rebecca Lynne, do check them out.

First up is my mosaic for Fresh Sewing Day. I feel like I haven't made anything in February, but looking at this, I did pretty well considering all I have going on. I don't include any of my projects for school (that is, until they involve sewing) so of course I made many more things.

For the first time, I'm going to give Charlotte's idea of posting a monthly to do list at the first of the month. I already make lists on paper, and while they do work, I'm not accountable to anyone because I'm the only one who sees them. I also like her idea of "must do" and "might do".

Must Do

1. Finish Sparkle mini - I am so close that I would be disappointed in myself if I just sat on this.

2. Finish Garter Stitch scarf - another long term project that I just need to finish. I am not letting myself start any other knit item until I do get it done.

3. Make my sewing machine cover - with the new templates I bought I think this will actually be a pleasure to put together.

4. Finish at least one embroidered towel - I have already accepted that I will not finish all four this month.

5. Finish my Drunkard's Path quilt top - I would love to be able to finish the whole thing, but I haven't even given a thought to how I'm going to quilt it. I did buy a varigated thread when the QAL started, so it will be by machine.

6. February pattern for the 1912 Project - I think this will be a project that will only take a couple hours, depending on fitting. It's a corset cover but I intend to use the garment to sleep in in the summer months.

7. Cathedral Window apron - considering this is a February challenge, I should get this one done. Also, I don't think it will take that long depending on how the sewing of the windows go. There are only 9 of them on the apron after all.

8. Nesting Place needlebook - I want so badly to finish this that I'm going to use it as a handwork project while watching tv.

9. For the Love of Solids swap items - obviously this has a deadline so it will be done this month.

10. Mini QT Swap quilt - the deadline for mailing is at the end of the month so this will be done before then.

11. Typography challenge - the deadline for this is also at the end of the month. Since I have a couple ideas, I really do want to make them come to life.

12. Tangerine Tango challenge - I didn't get as far of a start on this as I would have liked yesterday, so if I don't meet the deadline tomorrow, I will be ok with it. I want to make my mini design anyway.

Might Do

1. Dessert of the Month Club - since this is a year long project, I don't feel the obligation to set a deadline on it. Each month is a tiny dessert though so I can't imagine it will take long to keep up with them as they are sent out.

2. Embroidery Journal project - another project that will last all year and doesn't have any pressure.

3. Hand Pieced QAL - a no pressure QAL and another hand work project. Since I have a few on my "must do" list already, I don't know if I will get to more.

4. Something for the Scrap Attack that is going on at Stitched in Color - I am coming around to liking some scrappy projects (I think I saw too many that were just not me), so if I come up with an idea, I will create something.

Of course, I am allowing myself to work on new projects as they come up. I have sketched out numerous ideas that I want to visit when I have time, but since they are just for me or something to play around with, there is no hurry. I've been working on organizing my sewing space as well and getting materials grouped and labeled with their intended projects. That's a task in itself. I still intend to share with you all those projects that have planned out and have all needed materials.

I'm spending the day remembering Chad's father and putting him to rest, but I do hope that your day is going well. I won't be gone too long though, as I need to get home to my dogs. The funeral service is in a small town about 2 hours from where I live and then the graveside service is about 1 1/2 hours from there, so my drive home will be pretty long. Depending on how I'm feeling when I return home, I may have something to share on Friday.