Buried Under a Pile of WIP's

Do you ever feel like you can't finish anything? That's how I've been feeling lately. My WIP pile is so large it's threatening to bury me alive. When I get stuck in one of these ruts I like to make (and finish) a really small project. Mug rug to the rescue!

I'm dying to finish up the Four's a Charm series, but I'm still getting to know my new sewing machine. Here she is. Isn't she a beauty?

It's been an adventure getting used to the thread cutter on the foot control, but I think I've got the hang of it now. I miss my 1/4" piecing foot on my Janome, but I'm sure the seam guide will start to feel second nature soon. So far I've pieced a placemat and a mug rug with the Juki. Then I did a straight line whole cloth quilt with one of my favorite fabric prints of all times. It's called "Around the World" by Alexander Henry. I found this piece in the remnants bin at Bolt in Portland, Oregon. I knew right away that I couldn't go home without it.

Last night I stayed up late meandering on this placemat -

This machine quilts so beautifully. The stitches are just so dang perfect!

This afternoon I practiced more complicated free motion stuff while my daughter napped. I clearly need some practice.

Please don't judge. I'm no expert.

I definitely see a few more mug rugs and placemats in my future before I hit the giant WIP pile.

If you need me, I'm buried under a pile of fabric.

Happy crafting,
-Annik

Counting Down

Today's the last day of the Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day (week?). This my first time participating and the experience has been absolutely amazing.

In just a few hours I'll announce the winner of the Robert Kaufman Kona solids charm pack. Thanks to all of you who took the time to leave a comment (and become followers). I have so enjoyed reading your comments. FYI, color wheel, rainbow, and bowtie quilts are hot!

Wow, so many of you are quilters! Are you all new to quilting like I am or have you been doing this for eons?

Speaking of something new, I finished my very first mug rug yesterday for the Minneapolis Modern Quilt Guild holiday social/swap last night. What fun! I can see why everybody is making them. It's addictive, and talk about instant gratification. Here's my teeny tiny quilt:

front

back

I flipped through my mom's MacKenzie-Childs catalog during our Thanksgiving visit. Those checkerboards must have seeped into my subconscious :)


Now that my mug rug is done, it's time to concentrate on holiday preparations. I only started Christmas shopping yesterday (don't laugh). Today I'm tackling the physical clutter in my sewing room so I can clear out the mental clutter and get down to business. Wish me luck.


See you again at tonight. There's still time to leave a comment to win the charm pack, just head to this post. Good luck!


-Annik