12:12:1: January, Day 1

Well, I decided to start the challenge today. I had the opportunity and took it. It was easy. I sewed for an hour and I enjoyed it. Today, I decided to work on a quilt I started in 2005 (yes, 2005). It is a large log cabin quilt. Today, I sewed a few strips on 24 blocks. Below is a before picture. Now, I just need to iron and square them. You will probably see this one project a lot. It is going to take a LONG time to finish. To finish it, I need 144 blocks. So far, I have 24 finished and 24 in progress. :(

Like Me....I'm There!

I finally did it. I'm now on Facebook. It's a work in progress, but like me and you can watch the changes to come. 

Sew 12:12:1 in 2012

For 12 months, 12 days a month, I will sew for at least 1 hour. That is my #1 Resolution for the new year. I am going to take the time to do what I love to do. Sewing always ends up on the back burner, and I don't seem to get to do it as much as I want. I'm too tired, too busy, too lazy, etc. You know how it is; life gets in the way.

As I was straightening my craft room for company during the holidays, I realized just how my many unfinished projects I have. It was scary. I also never realized how much fabric I have or how many notions I have...that brings me to my #2 resolution. I will spend at least 6 of my scheduled 12 hours per month working on UFOs. Hopefully, this will reduce my pile mountain of UFOs. 

My #3 resolution definitely goes along with the first two. I will use my stash first before I buy anything to start a project. This may sound simple, but in reality, it is hard for me. I think of something I want to do, and I will buy everything I need to do it, even though I already have everything at home. This is how I have ended up with so much crap many duplicate notions and excess fabric. I plan on tracking exactly what I buy from this point forward, hopefully, spending as little as possible while churning out fabulous finished projects. 

I wish I could take credit for the wonderful idea of 12:12:1, but I actually ready about it here. I am, however, going to take this wonderful concept and make it my own personal challenge for this year. How about you? Are you up to my challenge? Are you ready to promise yourself to sew at least one hour a day, 12 days a month for the next 12 months? 

Guess What I Got For Christmas....

Just in Case You Wondered...

One (1) yard of fabric makes about 20 yards of 1/2" double fold bias. 

Slave Labor

Wouldn't you know it.....our dishwasher broke on Thanksgiving, and of course, no one was working on black Friday or Saturday. So, I had to resort to one of the chores I hate the most...washing dishes. 

In the midst of drudgery, my midget asks if she can help. I am tempted to say no, but then I think, why not? As long as she isn't handling knives, anything extremely fragile, or otherwise dangerous what would be the harm? 

As it turned out, she enjoyed herself so much she has been asking if we can wash dishes every ten minutes since we finished. She is excited every time a dish goes into the sink. I can honestly say I have never enjoyed washing dishes so much. 

My Sous Chef

Among other new things, Maggie has shown an interest in helping us cook. As we were baking one day, she informed me that I needed to make her a hat and apron to wear while cooking. How could I resist? I think this is the first time she has actually ever asked me to make her something. 

I went to my standby, www.youcanmakthis.com, and found a free chef hat pattern and an apron with no ties. I picked this apron because Miss Independent would be able to put it on herself. I pulled out several fabrics and let her choose which she liked. I was quite surprised at her selection, but I think she made a good choice. 

I made both one night after she went to bed. She was so excited the next morning. She put it on and wore it all day. Now, before we can cook, she has to put them on. Seeing her so excited about wearing something I made makes sewing all night so worth it.