A walk down memory lane: part 2

Ah days off! Where do you go? I think the hours on days off are shorter, I really do! Although I didn't get everything done on my day off yesterday that I wanted to, I did get back into my massive UFO collection to work on inventorying my projects for my Finish it Up list. It's amazing (and a little embarrassing) to really see all the projects that I started and never finished. Oh well, not going to fret over it. That's going to change. So, what did I stumble upon yesterday as I was taking inventory? Take a look!

First up is a sweet 30s sampler. I still want to add one more border and it's ready for basting.

This quilt was a birthday swap. You asked for specific colors and other group members made you a block with those colors for you for your birthday. Again, one more border is needed before it's ready.

Red and white is one of my favorites!

This scrappy beauty is one of the first ones I made after my divorce was final and I was in my new place. It has sentimental value and is staying with me.

This is the last one I have a picture of (I have many more tops but didn't want this post to end up a mile long,lol) this was a swap with an on-line group and everyone did exceptional work. This is one I really want to get done before Valentine's Day so I can display it for the holiday.

Now that you've seen a fraction of my UFO collection you can understand why I've decided to challenge myself to...

If any of you would like to join me, please let me know! The more the merrier! Let's get some quilts finished up in the coming year ;) I know it's an early start (it's only mid-November) but if I can shorten that list a little bit, that's perfectly ok with me. 

Finally, some happy news to share. Out of curiosity I looked up on-line quilt groups in a search engine, and one of the groups I was involved with is STILL ACTIVE!!!! I can't tell you how excited I was to find them and rejoin. I am so looking forward to being part of the group again. It made me realize that things really are starting to come full circle for me. I am so thankful for the blessings I have. 

Well, I've got a busy day ahead, hope you all have a wonderful Friday!!

Much love,

The Tiny Tigress

P.S. Tomorrow is the first day of the 16 week challenge! I'm ready, how about you? Let's do this!!

I know I said I wouldn't, but......

I started another project. Well, sort of. I got done with my Halloween costume and had left over muslin and just couldn't waste it. I like to get as much out of my fabric as I can. So I've taken that leftover muslin and cut it into base squares for the string quilt and as many 2 1/2 inch squares as I could for my new project. I'm using them as leaders and enders...at least I do believe that's what they're called over at Quiltville.

I'll be honest, I'm not quite sure what I'll do with these sets. I'm thinking I may just sew them all up like a bigger squared version on a postage stamp quilt. All I know for sure is I'm really happy to be using up fabric and saving thread.

     Speaking of postage stamp quilts, ages ago I saw a postage stamp quilt-along and started one for my son. As life sometimes does, it got in the way and that quilt was put aside and has waited patiently for it's time to come out and play again. Well, sewing my costume gave my sewing mojo a jump start and that quilt is being worked on again. Right now I have 9 out of 20 blocks. 

I know that looks pretty daunting, but when you realize that the blocks are strip pieced, it's not quite as scary.

I have my work cut out for me, but I can't wait to see this one done. Which leads me to my next thought....my personal craft challenge for 2015. Yes, I know that's a ways off, but I'm trying to get myself prepared already ;) Over the next couple days I will be taking inventory of all my unfinished crafting projects (quilts, crochet and knit). Then making a list on the side of my blog that hopefully will be finished by the end of 2015. Another reason I'm starting early? Because I figure if I can start a little earlier than January 1st it certainly wouldn't hurt!! So keep your eyes open for a post with lots of UFO pics coming your way really soon.

On the fitness front...

I've woken up pain free 2 days in a row now. To an injured runner that's incredibly exciting!! Right now I'm walking 30-40 minutes a day, doing weights or Pilates 20 minutes a day and getting in at least 10 minutes of stretching after each workout. I know my lack of flexibility has been a factor any time I've been injured. I need to make it a focus in my routine because being injured stinks and I want to prevent it from happening as much as I can!

Well, it's a beautiful (but cold) day here in Ohio, and a great day to get my walk in. So I'm heading out to take in the scenery, the fresh air, and start mentally preparing myself to dig through boxes and drawers of crafty goodness to get that list going. Hope you all have a wonderful Monday!!

Much love, 

The Tiny Tigress <3

Happy Saturday everyone! Hope everyone is doing well. Me? Well this was my view for the last couple days...

Yup, I just spent the last couple days in bed with some kind of bug. I hate being sick, but I can't help but think it's God's way of saying, "If you're not going to give yourself a break, I'm going to make sure you take one!" It also gave me time to think, which in this case is a good thing. The biggest thing I've been thinking about is my blog, and I've decided I'm going to put more energy into it. I had a blog ages ago before a big life upheaval and really enjoyed being part of that community. THIS community. The inspiration, the encouragement, the friendships. I missed that more than I realized!! So I'm back and am looking to get more involved...and I'm incredibly excited by that thought ;)

     Right now I'm searching through blogs finding interesting ones to follow and coming up with ideas to keep my own creative juices flowing so I'll have lots to share as well. I'm also working on getting some more projects done. Right now my focus is on these 3....

1. The string quilts. 

 They are being made with 6 1/2 and 5 1/2 inch foundation squares. I would love to have them done before the snow flies, but, well, we'll just see how that goes ;)

2. This scarf. 

It was started over a year ago and should really be done by now, but my procrastination and my crafting ADHD (you know the "I've got to get this *insert project here* finished OOH!! I need to make that *insert new project here* right now!!" syndrome?) have kept in to UFO status for a while.

3. This doll. 

I made a couple toys for a co-workers kids and he had only asked for something for his youngest two children. As soon as he gave them their new toys his 12 year old wanted one too! So this little guy is going to be detailed up with skateboarding stuff. I really like the size of this doll. He's about 9 inches tall and so stinkin' cute I want to make one for myself!

     Well, here in my neck of the woods it's Sweetest's Day. So that means a busy day at work. So with that I'm off to take on the rest of my day. Hope you all have a wonderful one!!

Much love,

The Tiny Tigress