January Sewing

I have not had a lot of sewing time this month, and it seems the time I have had has not been very focused.  I find I do better if I have a goal, or challenge to complete, otherwise I tend to be a bit scattered.  I spent some time organizing my sewing room, contemplating some new projects, going through some old unfinished projects and helped Jeff installed some new lighting and shelves.

I sent out two quilts - (Easy Street and Brown Bricks) to my longarm quilter this month.  Getting a quilt ready for the quilter takes a bit of time.  Getting the top prepped - Ironing, serging the edges, cutting the batting, piecing a backing, making the binding, shipping off the package.  Always happy when I am able to get things bundled and out the door.  Hopefully I will get these back in February so I can finish them.

Also small group retreat is coming up in early February.  I like to have projects to a certain stage, so I can maximize my productivity, and reduce my mistakes.  I like mindless sewing and not fussy cutting or complex piecing projects, because I am usually distracted by conversation, but I also like to take advantage of dedicated sewing time so I can get a lot done!

I got all 200+ courthouse steps blocks done.  This was my main focus this month,  I was glad to get all of these done! I will be able to get this top together at retreat. 

I am also working on a kit I picked up at the quilt show last fall:  Grant's March
I have the cutting done for the pieced border and about 30 of the mini blocks done.

Dear Jane - I cracked this UFO open, and will work on it a little each month.  This month I completed 5 little blocks.  These are still oversized, I will trim them up when I start adding sashing and sewing rows.

I spent some time experimenting with some applique techniques.  I think I am going to work on this block of the month - Jingle.  I ordered some clearance batik fabric for background and it just came in the mail.  Here is the start of this project:

Leaders and Enders:  Not many of these little ones finished this month, but a few more added to the pile.

Goals for February:
Finish binding on Easy Street and Bricks Quilt
Courthouse steps blocks to a quilt top
Grants March to a quilt top
Cut out a whirligig baby quilt