I did it Again

Another month slips by and I wonder where did it go, what if anything did I get done. Rest assured I have been busy doing a few things. First up a secret sewing project took up most of my attention and time, more about that in the new year. Wow talking about the new year already. Slow down I need to get through the rest of this year first, and there may be a big holiday in there too.

 No homemade gifts this year my wonderful  NOT machine is again in for repairs. I am ready to give up on it, I haven't trashed the company that makes it but that doesn't mean I don't want too. This is the seventh time in two years that it is in for repairs. I took it on Nov 5. and may get it back by the 15th of Dec. This is the machine I do my fmq on. I do have an older machine I'm using but with a small throat space and no extension table for it makes it hard to do fmq. I am beyond frustrated. It spends more time in for repairs than it is being used by me.

I need it to work properly so I can quilt it is what helps to relieve stress and brings a smile to my face.

 Progress is being made at least on one project. I have been putting my 150 Canadian women quilt blocks together, I only made 80 of the 150. But if I do say so myself it is coming together nicely. I am doing 10 rows of 8 and have 7 rows done.

Canadian women Blocks

A new ironing board cover was also made. I think it was past due! What do you think?

before on right after on left

A little retail therapy doesn't hurt at any time.

Winter Elegance from in The Beginning Fabrics, Collection for a Cause from Moda, and Fant-04 from Kona Bay Fabrics

These are from Stitch-It Central in London, On. Forgive the shadows, it is dull and grey out again, so indoor photos it it. The sun is hard to find lately.

Tonight we are off to see our local Santa parade. 

I hope your quilting is going smoother than mine.

I look forward to Tuesdays and the release of the next three blocks in the 150 Canadian Women that Next Step Quilt Designs puts out. I did have some catching up to do and can now say I am caught up. Is it Tuesday yet?

blocks 22, 23 and 24

I am using a variety of shades of red. I am laying them out and keeping them all together on one of the design walls I bought for a $1 from Connecting Threads during Black Friday sales.

the first 24 blocks complete without sashing

I am trying to decide on whether to use a black or white sashing. Once I make my mind up then I'll have some more catching up to do. But for now I'm liking my blocks.

Sandra of mmm!quilts and Lisa of  sunlight in winter quilts are hosting a 30 days of Quilt Design Challenge. I decided to join in on the fun, whether I'll make 30 blocks or not we'll see. But for now block #1 is drawn up. I am going to try and sew up each block I design using some of my scraps.

playing with a churn dash idea

My first block is playing with a churn dash idea I have had for awhile, maybe this challenge will bring out more churn dash blocks or send me in a totally different direction. 

Are you up for a challenge if so what kind of challenge do you like?