In an effort to not wait until the last possible minute to blog about my finishes, I thought it would be nice to actually do it ahead of time, especially since this one has been done for at least a month.  So without further ado here is my finished Once Upon A Time cross stitch that has been a work in progress for roughly four years.

This cross stitch pattern is by The Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery and I purchased it with the intention of keeping up with the year long stitch-along, which of course didn't happen.  I couldn't even figure out how in the heck people could stitch one of these scenes in a month!  Apparently I stitch SLOWLY.  Originally I was stitching pretty often, then I lost interest, put it away for a good 1.5 years and then picked it back up as my car rider line project when getting my kids from school.  Slowly but surely I added a few little bits every day and now I'm done!

Instead of having the months of the year in each block I decided to make this a birth announcement for my little girl.  I blurred out her name on here but you can see how I added all the details like birth weight, time and day.  It took a little work to figure out how to fit everything in, but I couldn't be more pleased.

Once the stitching was finished I had to figure out how I was going to mat and frame this.  originally I was just going to purchase a mat (custom cut) and then find a frame.  I kept putting it off and then it occurred to me, what if I made the mat out of fabric, then I could really customize it.  I ended up using a Carolyn Friedlander crosshatch in this great shade of purple that matched one of the purples in the stitching.  I then decided to have the arched top to customize it even more.  I used a 1/4" seam and sewed it directly to the Aida cloth, I mitered the bottom corners.and then did the arch as the last step.  After it was all sewn on, I pressed it one good time and then stitched all around the outside edge as close as I could catching the Aida cloth underneath.  It took some planning but in the end I think the outcome was totally worth it.

I found the frame on a clearance rack and carefully stapled the fabric to the Masonite board that was the back of the frame.  All done!

It was beyond difficult to get pictures of this once it was framed, the glass reflected everything.  So sadly every picture is at a weird angle and in a weird place. Haha, I just had to get it to work so I could officially call this project done. It's finished measurements are 17" x 21".

Now I just need to gather courage to get it hung on the wall...

This project was number three on my Q2 Finish-A-Long list that can be viewed HERE.  Yay I have one finished.  Speaking of the Finish-A-Long, the quarter two finishes link up will open on July 1, 2018 so you still have some time to finish up a few of those WIPs.

Yikes!  I've waited until the last minute to make my list, what was I waiting for?  Just busy that's all. Anyways, here we go, once again I've decided to only list 7 projects, though my list is really probably 30, but honestly I'm not even going to touch most of them, so lucky 7 it is.

1.  Bonnie & Camille Log Cabin - Something about this quilt just has me wanting to work on it, so it will remain on my Q2 list.  I have ALL of the supplies needed for it.

2.  Bee Sewcial Flower Quilt - I'm planning on starting this one soon, even if it just starts with adding more hand stitching in car rider line.  Can't wait.

3.  Once Upon A Time Cross Stitch - You can't tell from this photo but all my stitching is actually finished.  I just need to frame it and get it up on the wall, because it isn't finished until I do so.  This should be done real soon.

4.  Bee Sewcial Triangle Quilt - Yep dragging over from Q1, I just need to do it.  The top is done, need to work on the backing.

5.  Waterfall Raglan Woman's Shirt - I totally lied in my last blog post and said I wasn't carrying this one over, but then I got on Instagram and saw lots of gals wearing this totally cute style, so I'm totally doing it!  I also really checked out this photo and discovered the pattern here is the child's size, so maybe I never printed the adult version.  Well problem solved, I sent it to the printer this morning!

6.  Mother/Daughter Espadrilles - I have all the supplies finally and I need to make these pronto before my daughter's foot grows AGAIN.  I'm hoping this will be a fun quick project.

7.  Boys Pajamas - My oldest is in desperate need of more pajamas (growth spurt) and he still loves all his handmade ones, so I'm riding that train as long as it lasts.  Here are the fabrics, the black is cut out and I'm using my favorite PJ pattern the Sweetheart Pajamas from the book Sewing for Boys.

I thought I would share a scene from my sewing room, I bought one of these letter boards on clearance from Target and thought it would be perfect to keep in eye sight as a daily reminder to get to work!

You still have today to link up, so get cracking!  You can link up via a blog, Instagram, Flickr, no excuses people, link up those WIPs!  The Q2 link up can be found HERE.  For all of you who have already linked up, thanks for playing along.

You know how you have the best intentions for a week and then things go awry, well that is my last week and why I'm posting my list for the first quarter on the last day to link up!  And yes, still time to link up and you can find that post HERE.  Worked out great for me that this year the Finish-A-Long has longer link-up dates, giving us all more time to participate.

Since the first of the year I've been thinking about my list and debating on what to include this first quarter, it's hard sometimes.  I know a lot of you include your entire list, but my list is crazy person (which I am) long (think 35-40 ongoing projects) and I like to narrow it down to a small list each quarter that I think I can actually finish or at least work on.  Sometimes I struggle to make the list because I'm not sure what I want to work on or how much time I really will have to sew.  This quarter hopefully will be the end to our year long house addition (FINGERS CROSSED!) Once the addition is done, I'll have a small sewing space which will involve a lot of moving and organizing to make the space work the best and most efficiently for me. I'm wanting to take my time and do this right so the rest of the year can just be spent sewing and enjoying this new addition.  So you can see my dilemma this quarter as I'm not sure I'll even have a chance to really sew.  I'll make a list anyway with high hopes of finishing at least  a few things, so here we go.

1.  Bee Sewcial Flowers Quilt - I'm not sure if this one will turn into a finished quilt but I would love to at least get started and do some embroidery on the blocks and at least start hatching out a good solid plan for these wonderful blocks.

2.  Ladies Waterfall Raglan - Carried over from last year, I want to make at least one top for myself in this pattern.  Now to find what I did with the printed out pattern...

3.  City Sampler Quilt - Carried over from EVERY SINGLE QUARTER last year I will finish this quilt this year!  Now that our addition is almost done our bed will need a nice finished quilt on it and since this one was made with that intention, then it's time to get it done and put it to use.  I just have to quilt the background as each of the "blocks" are already quilted.

4.  Bee Sewcial Triangle Quilt - The top is together and I'm just working on the back, would love to get quilting on this one.

5.  Bonnie & Camille Scrappy Log Cabin Quilt - This one is another for our bed, so it will be queen sized.  Right now it is just blocks, but I know how I want to lay them out and I have all the supplies.

6.  Once Upon A Time Cross Stitch - Not sure this one has ever been on my list, it's been a WIP for about 4 years now, I've been stitching on and off, but this last year I really committed and worked on it a little almost every single day.  My goal was to be finished by the time our addition was done and I'm really close to meeting that goal.  So I'll be plugging away on this one to be able to hang it on my daughter's wall when her room is done.

There it is, my list of 6 projects.  I'll be thrilled to finish 2-3 of them, so wish me luck.  I wanted to say a quick Thank-you to all of you playing along this year, it really means a lot to me have you join us for the first quarter of the year and hope that you will join us for the entire year once you see how great it is to finish up those WIPs!

Popping in to share one of my most recent finishes, these adorable baby girl rattles.  The pattern for these precious little gifts are from the book, "Sweetly Stitched Handmades" by Amy Sinibaldi otherwise known as Nana Company.  I just love the book, filled with the sweetest projects.  These go together really quickly especially once you pull together all the supplies and pick out the fabrics.  I originally planned to make this for my little girl, but she is a bit too old now, so I whipped up two of them to put up for baby gifts in the future.  Does anyone else do that?  Make several at once because it is just as quick to make several than to make just one.  Or is it just me?

These are rattles, so they need to rattle, right?  Well I don't want to go buy that, so I make my own.  Any time I need a rattle I use a plastic Easter egg, either the small ones or normal sized.  These use the small ones and I fill them with dry rice and dry beans.  A little of each, just until you get the right sound, then I tape those eggs shut so they don't bust open.  They are then placed in the heads and then I stuff the rattles and sew them shut.  It works really well and makes a nice rattle sound, never too loud which is important for babies and their mothers.

I embroidered the little details like the eyes and nose and did a simple little running stitch around the nose and the ears, so cute, right?  I seriously love these little guys.

These rattles are made entirely out of my scrap bins and the best part is that they use small scraps, really small scraps.  The largest piece you need is around 4" x 4" and everything else is really small.  Small bits of lace and trim are used too, so that is really nice.  This being said, I'm linking up with Scraptastic Tuesday hosted by She Can Quilt and Mrs. Sew and Sow.  There is still time to link up your own project or just hop on over and check out the other link ups, lots of pretty projects.

My first finish of the third quarter.  Good grief, it took me three months to get this thing finished and framed, but just in time, because Autumn has arrived!  It is now proudly hung and displayed on my living room wall, I just love it!

This cross stitch pattern is by The Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery, and is the Autumn Sampler.  Twenty-five little boxes of Kawaii autumn goodness. I started this cross stitch about a year ago, and worked on and off for the better part of the year.  Apparently I am a really slow stitcher, extremely slow.  I loved every bit of it though, and can't wait to get really working on my next cross stitch project.  I find they are perfect for car rider line in the afternoons.

My first official finish of the 2014 Finish Along hosted by Katy of The Littlest Thistle.  You can see my third quarter finish along list HERE.  I'm currently working on finishing up 2 more things from my list, so wish me luck, I really want to knock some quilts off my list.

Hard to believe that the year is already half way over and we are starting the Third Quarter of the Finish Along hosted by Katy over at The Littlest Thistle.  This is the week that we blog about and make our goals, so here is my list!

1.  The Autumn Sampler - I (think) I have all the stitching done, I need to double check and make sure.  Then I have to figure out how I am framing this one.  I want to get it done soon because I will be able to hang it on the wall before we know it.  Yikes!

2.  The City Sampler Quilt - This one is still sitting basted and ready to quilt.  I was so stuck on how to quilt it, but recently I think I figured it out.  I have the thread, I just have to do it, I guess I am hesitant because this one is a monster (108" x 108".)

3.  Radiant Orchid Quilt - The top and back are finished.  I have the thread and batting.  I know how this one will be quilted.  I will be quilting this on my (new to me) Grace Gracie Quilting Frame.  I am excited to finish this one!

4.  Bloom Bloom Pow Quilt - I have the top and back done, I have the thread and batting.  Once again I will be quilting this one on the Grace Gracie frame.  I (think) this will be the next one I tackle, I have a loose idea of how to quilt it, maybe?

5.  Kaleidoscope Quilt - I have the top and back finished, I have the thread and batting.  Once again I will be quilting this one on my Grace Gracie frame.  I don't have a quilting plan...yet.

6.  Postage Stamp Quilt - I don't have an updated photo, but if you check my Instagram feed, there are some there.  This top has been put together and it has been quilted.  I finished burying the threads last night.  All I have left is to trim it up and bind it.  Almost done, but not quite.

7.  Northern Lights Quilt - I have the top and backing done, I have the thread and batting.  I know how this one will be quilted, I just need to do it!

8.  One Block Wonder Quilt - I plan to add two borders to this quilt, I have the fabric.  I also have the backing fabric thread and batting.  I have no idea how to quilt this one, I'm tempted to keep it simple and something flowing, like a basic stipple.  I guess you guys will have to wait and see.

Well there it is, eight large projects.  Almost all quilts that just need to be quilted.  I know it is a large undertaking, but I really want to finish these up, as some are intended as gifts.  I also want to get some good practice with my new frame, and I think all of these quilts will allow for a lot of learning opportunities.

Thanks Katy for hosting this Finish Along and keeping me motivated to finish my long list of WIP's!

I am really trying to keep up with my Finish Along progress this year and wanted to do a second quarter wrap up to finish up this quarter and get motivated about the third, because my third quarter list is SUPER long, I'm going to be overly ambitious!  Anyways, here are the six projects that I had on my second quarter list, and exactly what I got done.

The four projects above are the projects that I did not finish, The Autumn Sampler, The City Sampler Quilt, Radiant Orchid Quilt and Bloom Bloom Pow Quilt.  All four of these projects will be carried over to my Third Quarter list.  I'm not going to talk about them here, as I hope to blog my Third Quarter list tomorrow.  Once I do, I'll share the progress that has taken place with these four and you will be able to see what I am adding as well.

Though this quarter wasn't as successful for me, I always had in the back of my head and really did work towards meeting these goals, but as usual I started new projects and endeavors and this stuff kinda fell on the back burner.  I really hope to change that with the third quarter of this year!

Excited about my first quarter finishes, I am eager to make my second quarter list and start crossing them off!  I thought I was going to have a longer list, but honestly I have six projects this time, just like last quarter, the main difference is less small projects and more quilts.  I think I can do it!  So here we go!

1.  Small Project - Autumn Sampler, pattern by the Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery.  I only have black and white floss left to add in and then I will be done.  Well of course I want to mat and frame it as well.  I am so close to done I can taste it!

2.  Small Project - Two large handbags for a friend that I promised like 2.5 years ago.  Yep they have just been sitting there, cut out and waiting for me to stitch them up.  This is the quarter that I will finish this project!

1.  Quilt (Large Project) -  Triangle Quilt Along, the rows are sewn, just need to finish the top, trim it, baste and quilt.  It is small, so it should go rather quickly.

2.  Quilt (Large Project) - City Sampler, it is basted and just awaiting quilting.  I have already wound 10 bobbins, so I just have to sit down and start!  I know how I will quilt the blocks, but NO idea of how to quilt the stripes....

3.  Quilt (Large Project) - Radiant Orchid, I ordered the backing yesterday.  So I need to construct the back, baste and quilt.  I'm not sure how this one will be quilted, any suggestions?

4.  Quilt (Large Project) - Bloom Bloom Pow, I have the backing done and the white batting.  Just need to baste and quilt it.  Also not sure how to quilt this one, seriously leave me some suggestions!

A total of six project, two small and four large.  I can do it!  Interested in joining along?  You still have time, click on the 2014 Finish Along picture below for all the details and more information!

I don't think I've done a Finish Along wrap up post, and be it that this is the first year that I really feel like I am truly trying to cross things off my list, I feel a wrap up is a good thing to keep me motivated and excited to move on to the second quarter! I finished 4 of my 6 goals and am really excited about that.

The four projects above are my finished projects from my First Quarter list.  Click on the names below to take you to the finished reveal blog post on each.  The projects above are:  Open Wide Pouches, Rebecca Bag, Riley Blake Challenge and lastly my Latticework Quilt.  Three small and one large.  Below are the two projects that I didn't finish and their current status.

My king sized City Sampler Quilt.  At the beginning of the quarter, I had the 100 blocks sewn.  Since then I have put the quilt top together and basted the quilt.  It sits now awaiting quilting, I just didn't get a chance to tackle this one, but it will be on my next quarter list as it is a May birthday present for someone special and I want to have it done.

Last but not least is my Autumn Sampler cross stitch.  I am so close to finishing this one, SO CLOSE!  I literally only have the black and white floss left to add in.  I am estimating about 2 more hours and I will be done.  About mid month I was ready to pack it away until Fall, but I kept working on it and when I took this photo Friday evening I realized how close to finished I really am.  So I am going to stick with it, finish it, frame it, and get it ready to hang on the wall once Autumn comes around this year.  So yes, this one will continue over to the Second Quarter as well.

I am really pleased with my progress and my list next time will be a tad bit longer, because I really want to work on getting some WIP's finished!  So how was your First Quarter?

Linking up to Sewjo Saturday hosted by My Go-Go Life.  The Autumn Sampler above is pretty much the only thing I really worked on this week.  Mostly in the car rider line and a little bit at night.  I sure hope my next week is more productive!

Happy Monday!  I thought I would pop in quickly to share a few things going on in my world.

My husband took the kids to my Sister-in-law's house this weekend, thus freeing me up for a few hours.  My mom was also visiting and helped me to tackle basting my KING SIZED City Sampler quilt.  Yeah, I was majorly dreading this project, as it measures a whopping 104" x 104" but with the help of my mom, it really wasn't so bad.  Actually it went really smoothly and her help was very much appreciated!  I am estimating that over 500 safety pins went into this one, roughly every 6" or so.  Whew, so glad to have that task over with and very excited to start quilting this one!

I received some super exciting news on Saturday, that I was chosen as the Second Place winner in the Mosaic Tiles Quilt Along hosted by Craft Buds!  I couldn't be more thrilled and excited, I'm still so pumped up!  I wanted to thank Craft Buds, all of the awesome judges and lastly all of the amazing sponsors of the quilt along.  Hop over to Craft Buds and show all of the other participants some love, because there was some amazing entries in this contest, they all deserve praise.

Lastly, after doing some figuring and traveling confusion from my husband (don't ask.)  Austin, Texas is only a 6 hour drive from my house, making QuiltCon totally doable!  I actually plan to travel via Amtrak (kinda excited about that alone!)  So yes, I'll be there, QuiltCon 2015!  Hope to meet you there!