Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Busy Time of Year



Fall is usually a busy time of year at our household, but man, I don't quite remember it being this busy and out of control.  Productivity levels feel like they are plummeting and I'm having a hard time remembering what I need to do.  So I started a list.  It actually only had like five items on it, but as the day went on I just kept adding to it as things came to me.  Slowly, I'm crossing things off.


The one thing crossed off the list may seem silly, it's small.  I usually do not use the no waste flying geese method.  I like the accuracy I get with the good ol' rectangle, square, square one at a time method.  However, I'm currently writing a pattern, that I believe will turn into a QAL here on the blog next year and thought I might like to include this method.  After figuring out the math behind the method, I wanted to test it before I just wrote it up.  I got it figured out, but I think I will include instructions for both methods in the pattern.

 
Monday night was our monthly guild meeting.  In the pictures above, I'm talking about David's recent log cabin finish and my Scrambled Plus finish.  I also learned that the guild's block exchange is at our next meeting in November, not December.  Oops, time to bump that up on the list a bit.


I have everything neatly bagged up, they just need to be sewed.  I have two sets of five blocks completed.  Only five more sets of five to go...or 25 blocks.  Five sets of five sounds easier doesn't it?

The next "get on it item," is a teaching class sample of the Star Blossom Quilt Block.  I don't think I've mentioned it before on here, but on October 21st, David and I are traveling to Bolts and Quarters Quilt Shop in Parkersburg, WV to teach a class on constructing our super sized block.  Public speaking terrifies me, though I'm getting better.  I've never taught a quilting class before, so this should be a learning experienced for everyone involved.  I'm glad David wanted to help teach the class, he's a much better speaker than I. 


I have started cutting fabric and sewing some of the bits and pieces up.  I am hoping to have this finished before the end of the week...fingers crossed.

And the YOU MUST FINISH THIS NOW...LIKE REALLY TWO WEEKS AGO project is the Butterfly Meadow Mystery Quilt.  I'm so close!

 
This was a sketch I did to get myself back on track.  I drew out several different options in some of the blocks to figure out what I liked best.  I am loving how it is turning out.




I am praying the customer will forgive me for taking so long to finish this quilt.  It is quite possible I have gotten carried away.  Blame the quilt, this is what it wanted.

So why is all of this taking so long??  Well, we've had work, birthday festivities, football games, band spectaculars, and guild meetings.

 
Plus all the little things that slow you down, like cats that refuse to move.
 
 
 
So, I will keep plugging along.  It will all get done, or most of it.  The important stuff at least.  Hope your list is shorter than mine and feel free to jump in and help...joking. 
 
 
 
Today I'm linking up with Let's Bee Social and Mid Week Makers.


17 comments:

Jayne said...

There are productive weeks and weeks where it seems like there is no time for anything! I am getting so excited to see the Mystery quilt finished, probably not as excited as you are! So far it is looking...amazing! You are so good at planning and designing your quilting!

SarahZ said...

Nothing quite like a good list to get one on track again!!! It is fun to see your progress on that Mystery Quilt...and motivating, as I have that same one to finish up, too!!

Home Sewn By Us said...

Aww Tish,
That kitty is giving you the eye - stop working on this and play with me. Too darn cute! I love lists - they help to keep me on task . . . most of the time. I guess I just love crossing things off a list. {{hugs}} You will get it all done. ~smile~ Roseanne

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl said...

I'm glad you found out that the block exchange is in November with time to be able to correct for that. I think that you will find public speaking and talking about quilts / teaching to be a bit different feeling and I hope you will enjoy it and the time you have in Parkersburg!

Susan said...

My, you are super busy! Good that you made a list so that you can prioritize. Good luck speaking - I'm sure you'll do fine! If you're like me, once I get started talking about quilts, there's no stopping!

Lisa J. said...

I'd love to jump in and help but I've got too much of my own stuff going on. I'm glad that David is going along to help you out and help keep you calm. I hate public speaking also and usually forget half of what I want to say. I read an article recently that suggested instead of keeping a list to write down three goals you would like to accomplish each day....it's easier on your stress level and you feel accomplished when you get those three things done. I guess you could keep the big list but just focus on three achievable things each day. Good luck with it all Tish.

Cheryl said...

All of your projects look great, I especially love the mystery quilt quilting!

helenjean@midgetgemquilts said...

That is some list ! I would go through it again and score out all the things you can put on the long finger . They will keep until the new year . Then just concentrate on the things you have to concentrate on . You can do it ! But go easy on yourself x

Stitchin At Home said...

That is one long list! One thing at a time and don't feel pressured or you may burn yourself out.

KaHolly said...

Tish, honey, you are always so busy, I can't imagine you fitting anything more in! Tell me more about how you worked up that sketch for your quilting. EQ? B/w photo?

Vicki in MN said...

And you know I 'get it' with fall being so stinking busy, although I like it, LOL Guess I work pretty good under pressure(but only for crafting). Once you get talking about quilting at your class you will be fine, so engrossed in what you love you forget to be nervous.

Kerry said...

Terrific. And I think that puddytat photo is purrfect! LOL!

Jenny said...

One thing I've discovered, is don't make your list too long. Even though I have lots of things I want to finish, or start, I just list 6 at a time. Then it doesn't get too overwhelming. I KNOW that there are lots more UFOs and projects I want to start out there in the background, but I can't think about them all at the same time!

Sandra Walker said...

That Meadow Mystery quilt is to DIE for, DROOL over...just love it Tish. I like Jenny's advice...might do that, wait I did for Q4FAL. And you and I know how easily we are sidetracked... I, too, have a cat to contend with (not 3!) when it comes to all parts of the quilt process, even blogging!

Sue said...

Whew! I feel your pain! Just remember to breathe! Good luck with the public speaking!

Preeti said...

With a list so long, you must be Santa Claus or his helper :-) Take your time, breathe and rest a bit. There is always next year. You do beautiful work and that takes time. I hope you allow yourself that.
Love David's log cabin and your scrambled plus too.

Emily said...

Oooh, I absolutely want to join your QAL! Good luck with your list!

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