6 Days: Quilting Goals on Track

I am happy to say that I have met my quilting goals for the first 6 days of the new year. 

I completed another pincushion today for the swap. I can't show that until my swap partner gets it. I will be sending it tomorrow.

I am now a member of the Mid-Century Modern Bee. I am excited to be a part of this talented group of quilters. I worked on my blocks for this month's Queen Bee today, finished them and sent them off to her in the mail. Yea! 

I can't show a photo of the completed blocks, because it's in pattern development.  BUT, I will share with you how the seams of some very longs strips that I pressed turned out very STRAIGHT. (Oh, I do so like the blue I used in the blocks.)

I bought the Strip Stick a few years ago based on my friend's recommendation.

The introduction on the website HERE says, "The Strip Stick, so-named for pressing seams when strip quilting, makes ironing seams a snap without distorting previously pressed seams.  Other uses include the ability to press intricate piecing, such as one-block wonders and other blocks with intersecting seams. Quilters are excited to have a tool that not only keeps the seams very straight, but also cuts pressing time to a minimum!"

I have been happy with the results I get when pressing strips. Below, I pressed the seams toward the blue fabric. The previously pressed seams were not distorted by the iron. The Strip Stick is curved with minimal padding and a muslin sleeve on it. The curve is what allows me to press just one seam at a time. I have used it to press seams on blocks and have had excellent results. 

There is a video on the Strip Stick website showing how to use this product. If you have an inkling to know more about it, watch the video. (I do not have any affiliation with the company, I just want to share with you something I use with great results.

I am off to join A New Year A New Creative You at Embroider It for the last day of focusing on creativity. If you missed any of the 6 days, click the link and check it out. 

What goal have you accomplished this week?

New Year for Quilting Goals

Welcome to the new year. I wish each of you quilt-filled progress as you make your way through each week of 2016. 

Goals. Setting goals for the start of a new year is something I have done (and many of you as well) for many years. Sometimes I succeed in accomplishing one or two; but I am human, and thus there is always room to improve each year. 

So, as I ushered in the new year quietly at home with my hubby, I set my quilting goals. 

First, I will try to keep my design area more organized and put things where they belong when finished using them. I want to progress in creating and not have to spend time searching for a tool or such.

Secondly, I bought a planner and will use it to stay on top of schedules and deadlines. Those birthday and holiday gifts, guild challenges, blog posts and pattern designs will get done in time!

And lastly (I don't want to have too many goals to keep in my mind), I am going to finish projects I begin.  

On January 1, I participated in the Merry Mayhem Mystery Quilt. One of 7 clues was given each hour. I worked diligently on each step of the process and after breaking for dinner, I was determined to meet my goal of finishing projects. Below is the top I completed in one day! 

I am following the EmbroiderIt blog in a series of 6 exercises (one per day) about enjoying the moment and enjoying the process of being creative. It is simple but has given me perspective on how to work better and more efficiently. Check it out.

I finished the January pincushion for the swap in which I am participating and sent it out today. That is a good feeling. I can't show it until my swap partner gets it. HERE is the link. 

Happy quilting.