Quilting and Stuff by Knitnoid

Category Archives: Goals

The First Few Days of 2026

January 5, 2026 12:27 am ⋅ Leave a Comment ⋅

I’ve spent the first few days of 2026 in the Quilt Studio.  Just poking about and making forward progress.  The sewing table is cleared off (well was until I pulled Twirling Leaves out), half the pressing station is cleared, the long arm is cleared (or was until I got back from the laundry mat), and the piles on the other two tables are lower. I’ve also identified 12 projects I want to complete in 2026.  A description of the projects and their current state can be seen HERE.

I pulled Twirling Leaves out and assembled the first two sections.  I still need to do the turn back on the last section before assembling and attaching it, then adding the borders.  This is my # 1 project as I’m sending it out to be custom quilted and I have a slot on the longarmers calendar in early March.

I mentioned going to the laundry mat.  My two oversize king quilts needed washing. They just don’t fit in my washing machine and dryer.  One hour and $18.50 later, the 2 quilts, as well as 2 table runners and a knitted afghan are clean. While I sat there I ripped apart the green and orange Chain of Blossoms so I can put in sashing and cornerstones.

When I got home, I dug through my backing box and found a piece of fabric big enough to make a backing for the red, white & blue Chain of Blossoms.

Brandon Quilters meets tonight, so I’ll probably only get the long arm cleared off again.

Posted in: Chain of Blossoms, goals, Twirling Leaves

Mid-Month Goal Progress

October 14, 2025 8:05 am ⋅ Leave a Comment ⋅

October 2025 Goals

  • Finish Mystery Quilt 1 Top – DONE
  • Finish Mystery Quilt 2 Top
  • Write Mystery Quilt Finishing Instructions – DONE
  • Bind Sheryl – DONE
  • Bind Cascades – DONE
  • Bind Monterrey Medallion – DONE
  • Kit Clara
  • Finish Kandy Korn Kitty
  • Prep fabric for Twirling Leaves Class – DONE
  • Finish Windmill Weave Top
  • Start Assembling Riviana

It looks like I’m halfway though this month’s goals. It’s a good thing I read through them this morning because I so want to start at least one of the quilts I bought fabric for this weekend. Pictured above is my kitted up Tumbling Leaves. That class is in 2 weeks.

I only bought 3 of the 5 fabrics shown above -1, 3, & 4.  2 and 5 came from my stash. I have these fabrics stacked, along with the pattern. But I have more pressing things to do first.

Yesterday I also looked in my Christmas box of fabrics.  I can’t wait to start pulling it out and cutting 5″ squares to go with these 3 pieces.  These are also stacked together. They don’t fit in my Christmas box.  I’ll have to see if I have an empty project box, or maybe just bag them together and put in my box of kits.

I consolidated a box of kits and put all of the wide back into the newly empty box.  That just leaves the pink fabric. I need to get it put on a board to go into the yardage cabinet.  Although I had no idea what I was going to do with it, I think it pairs nicely with the blue floral I bought this summer. Now to find a few more fabrics and a pattern. But no rush.

the rest of the purchases have been put away– except for the batting -it’s still by the design wall. I’ve got to work on the corner where it’s normally stored.

Of course it wouldn’t be a goal setting review if I didn’t add a few items to the list.

  • Bind the Stack-n-Whack – I need it by Thanksgiving
  • Quilt & Bind my niece’s T-shirt quilt  – I’d like to get it done this month so it can be shipped.
  • Finish the heart ornaments for the QBHD Swap in mid-November
  • Quilt & Bind Mystery Quilt #1 – first of December
  • Finish Quilt & Bind Mystery Quilt # 2 – first of December
  • Start to finish Clara – end of the year.

There are other things on my list that I wrote down at the beginning of the year, but I seriously doubt I’ll get them done, and that’s OK. Priorities change as life happens.

Posted in: goals

Goal Recap

October 2, 2025 8:26 am ⋅ Leave a Comment ⋅

 

Last month I set my goals about 10 days into the month. As usual there was more on the list than I could accomplish

 

  • Finish customer quilt which is on the frame – DONE
  • Borders and quilt Cascade – DONE
  • Finish and quilt Monterrey Medallions – DONE
  • Quilt Ruby’s Vintage Christmas Sampler – DONE
  • Bind Vintage Christmas Sampler – DONE
  • Mini Bow Tucks – DONE (but no picture)
  • Finishing instructions for the guild Mystery Quilt
  • Kit Clara
  • 20 Zipper Bags (take to retreat) – didn’t take
  • Rip out quilting from Auction Quilt
  • Kandy Korn Kitty Top  (take to retreat) – didn’t take
  • Assemble Riviana (take to retreat) – didn’t get to
  • Bind Sheryl

Apparently I don’t have a picture of Cascades quilted, other than it folded up waiting for binding. And the minute I finished the Mini Bow Tucks bag, I grabbed my keys to deliver it and forgot to take a picture.

My October goal list is just as ambitious and I’m unlikely to get it all done, but it will be OK.

October 2025 Goals

  • Finish Mystery Quilt 1 Top
  • Finish Mystery Quilt 2 Top
  • Write Mystery Quilt Finishing Instructions
  • Bind Sheryl
  • Bind Cascades
  • Bind Monterrey Medallion
  • Kit Clara
  • Finish Kandy Korn Kitty
  • Prep fabric for Twirling Leaves Class
  • Finish Windmill Weave Top
  • Start Assembling Riviana

Yeah, some of this isn’t going to get done.  But it will be OK.

Posted in: goals

Catching Up

September 9, 2025 8:51 am ⋅

The time simply has gotten away from me.  Between work, quilting and filling in at my friend’s shop, blogging has fallen to the bottom of the list of things to do.  First up, the August Stash Report.

The Stash Report

Fabric Added Since Last Report: 13.759 yards
Fabric Added to Date:  194.442 yards

Fabric Used Since Last Report: 32.67 yards
Fabric Used to Date: 147.139 yards

Net Fabric Stash: 47.303 yards

So did I meet the the August Goals? Some of them.

    • Finish Cascades. It just needs the borders before it can be quilted. – It still needs borders.
    • Keep up with the KTQ A Vintage Sampler Quilt Quilt along.  I’m currently 2 blocks behind. Looking at the schedule we should finish the top by the end of the month. – Quilted!
    • Monterrey Medallions.  I’d like to get the blocks made for this quilt. – In progress.
    • Sheryl. I just need to sew the binding strips together and get this one bound. – Still waiting
    • Auction Quilt Top. It’s a bad picture, but I need to rip out what little quilting I’ve done. – Still needs ripping
    • Shop Samples.  Yes there are two quilts in the picture and I want them done by Monday! Guess what I’m doing first? – Accomplished!
    • There is a customer quilt on the frame. I should get it done tonight – I don’t think there are any thunderstorms expected. – Accomplished!
    • Decoupage fabric to glass for a friend. – Accomplished! 
    • Prepare the mystery quilt clues (the next one is due Monday!) – Accomplished!

This is my Vintage Christmas Sampler by Kansas Troubles Quilters.  I caught up, got the borders on and even got it quilted over the long weekend.  It was promptly put in the stack to be bound and I started Monterrey Medallions. There are 4 different blocks in this quilt – the center star, Woodpile, Floating Stars and Jacob’s Ladder blocks. The floating stars are up next.

So what’s on the agenda for September?

  • Finishing instructions for the guild Mystery Quilt
  • Finish customer quilt which is on the frame
  • Borders and quilt Cascade
  • Finish and quilt Monterrey Medallions
  • Quilt Ruby’s Vintage Christmas Sampler
  • Mini Bow Tucks
  • Kit Clara
  • 20 Zipper Bags (take to retreat)
  • Rip out quilting from Auction Quilt
  • Kandy Korn Kitty Top  (take to retreat)
  • Assemble Riviana (take to retreat)
  • Bind Vintage Christmas Sampler
  • Bind Sheryl

I’m thinking some of this is not going to get done this month.

 

Posted in: A Vintage Christmas Sampler, Auction Quilt Top, Bags, Clara, goals, Kandy Korn Kitty, Machine Quilting, Mini Bow Tucks, Monterry Medallion, monthly goals, mystery quilts, Rivanna, Sheryl, Stash Busting Report

August Goals

August 1, 2025 4:14 pm ⋅

It’s a good thing I don’t freakout about missing quilting “deadlines”.  I have a list this month which should prove challenging to meet given I’m going to a regional quilt guild event one weekend and have a work trip 2 weekends later.  But hey – Labor Day weekend is coming up at the end of the month and I have a 4 day weekend then.

Here’s the list (LtoR, TtoB):

  • Finish Cascades. It just needs the borders before it can be quilted.
  • Keep up with the KTQ A Vintage Sampler Quilt Quilt along.  I’m currently 2 blocks behind. Looking at the schedule we should finish the top by the end of the month.
  • Monterrey Medallions.  I’d like to get the blocks made for this quilt.
  • Sheryl. I just need to sew the binding strips together and get this one bound.
  • Auction Quilt Top. It’s a bad picture, but I need to rip out what little quilting I’ve done.
  • Shop Samples.  Yes there are two quilts in the picture and I want them done by Monday! Guess what I’m doing first?

Not pictured:

  • There is a customer quilt on the frame. I should get it done tonight – I don’t think there are any thunderstorms expected.
  • Decoupage fabric to glass for a friend.
  • Prepare the mystery quilt clues (the next one is due Monday!)

It’s a lot and I just need to stay focused!

Posted in: goals

July Recap

August 1, 2025 3:37 pm ⋅

I started off July with a long list of goals. The question is did I meet them?

  • Keep up with A Vintage Christmas Sampler Quilt A Long.   –  I am officially 2 blocks behind.  I did not get the Stockings made and yesterday the Candy Twists were shown. I hope to get caught up before then next blocks are shown.
  • Bind Wonky Trees  
  • Decide where I’m going to hang the framed backing. – It’s is hanging over my kitchen buffet.
  • Quilt the American quilt on the front of the frame. completed
  • Complete the Cascades quilt top.  – still needs borders 
  • Make Hummingbird Napkins – Done
  • Cut RWB Napkins – Done
  • Cut Strips for RWB Jelly Roll Rug – Done
  • Complete the Sheryl top
  • Add top coat to barn quilt. – did not do. I’ll bump this it next month.
  • Finish the prep work for the Wonky Tree class. Class cancelled, so no need to complete
  • quilt & bind the Auction Quilt Top I bought last year – pulled off the frame due to machine issues.
  • finish the mystery quilt clues (the next one is due Monday!) – I got this done, but now another one is due!
  • help Ruby put up her design wall (I’ve got to find my other flannel sheet) – postponed due to water

Overall I’m happy with what I accomplished in July. Now for the Stash Report.

The Stash Report

Fabric Added Since Last Report: 21.75 yards
Fabric Added to Date:  180.683 yards

Fabric Used Since Last Report: 11.833 yards
Fabric Used to Date: 114.469 yards

Net Fabric Stash: 66.214 yards

 

Posted in: goals, Stash Busting Report

Update on July’s Goals

July 14, 2025 7:18 am ⋅

  • Keep up with A Vintage Christmas Sampler Quilt A Long.  – I’m happy to report I have all of the blocks done that have been presented thus far. — and a few bonus HST.

  • Make Hummingbird Napkins – Done

  • Cut RWB Napkins – 12 napkins cut at 14″ and 4 at 13 1/2″.  Since I don’t need them immediately, I’ll put them in my retreat bag.

  • Cut Strips for RWB Jelly Roll Rug – The strips were cut last week, but I cut the 45-degree angle to sew them together. This will go in the retreat bag as well.
  • Decide where I’m going to hang the framed backing.  – Decision made. I’m putting it in the kitchen over the buffet where the lights can shine on it.  Now to get it put up.
  • Finish the prep work for the Wonky Tree class. – No longer needed – the class was cancelled.

This still leaves the following:

  • Add top coat to barn quilt.
  • quilt & bind the Auction Quilt Top I bought last year – Its on the frame – we’ve had thunderstorms in the evening so I can’t turn on my longarm.
  • finish the mystery quilt clues (the next one is due Monday!) – Monday’s clue is posted (and corrected) Still need to do 2 more clues and the finishing instructions.
  • help Ruby put up her design wall – Can’t find the sheet so she’s ordered flannel
  • Complete the Cascades quilt top.  Bonus if I get it quilted and bound
  • Complete the Sheryl top

Previously completed

  • Bind Wonky Trees  – I want this done so I can take it to the guild meeting on Monday. – BOUND and LABELED
  • Quilt the American quilt on the front of the frame. I’ll do that tonight, as my customer wants to bind it this weekend. – DONE
  • Bind Wonky Trees  – I want this done so I can take it to the guild meeting on Monday. – BOUND and LABELED
  • Quilt the American quilt on the front of the frame. I’ll do that tonight, as my customer wants to bind it this weekend. – DONE
Posted in: A Vintage Christmas Sampler, Cascade, goals, Longarm, Napkins, Sheryl

What I’m Working On this Week

July 11, 2025 8:41 am ⋅

I did not do my What I’m Working on Wednesday post as I had nothing new to show and Wednesday evening was spent installing spice racks.  I bought the Vertical Spice racks I’ve seen on my Facebook feed — but not before actually going to the home office while I was in Minnesota. I probably would have bought them on the spot had I not decided the week before I left for the trip that I wanted to lower the shelf so my original measurements were all wrong.

When I got home, I pulled all the spices out of the cabinet, as well as bringing in the last box from the sunroom.  Turns out I have duplicates of some of the spices. I combined bottles where I could and pulled the duplicates out. They now live in the bottom of the utensil pull out.  The plan was to get what I needed for the bottom shelf first.  I ended up putting the larger slide on the 2nd shelf. I failed to consider the angle of the door in my calculations, so the wide slide out didn’t fit. I haven’t decided if I’m going to get more slides or not.

For my segue to quilting, I offer these napkins.  The plan was to have 6.  However, it’s been a couple of years since I made any and I simply couldn’t remember how they were done, as a result the first one ended up smaller.  After I took this picture and had them put away, I found the 5th large napkins.  For future reference, I washed the fabric first, then cut the back/binding square at 13 1/2″ square — essentially 1/3 the width of the fabric. The contrast was cut at 9 1/2″ square.  Cutting the inside 4″ smaller allows for a 1-inch border.

Last night I finished block 1 of the 2025 Brandon Quilters Mystery Quilt.  I have 2 weeks to get the next set of instructions written.

Finally, I’m still working on A Vintage Christmas Sampler.  I started working on the Tall Trees last night.  I have 2 or 3 small trees to do, then it will be on to the Candy Canes.

Posted in: A Vintage Christmas Sampler, Chain of Blossoms, designwall, goals, House, mystery quilts, Napkins

July Goals Update

July 7, 2025 12:35 pm ⋅

It’s only been a week, but I have a few updates on this month’s goals

  • Bind Wonky Trees  – I want this done so I can take it to the guild meeting on Monday. – BOUND and LABELED
  • Quilt the American quilt on the front of the frame. I’ll do that tonight, as my customer wants to bind it this weekend. – DONE
  • quilt & bind the Auction Quilt Top I bought last year – Its on the frame
  • finish the mystery quilt clues (the next one is due Monday!) – Monday’s clue is posted (and corrected)
  • help Ruby put up her design wall (I’ve got to find my other flannel sheet) – Can’t find the sheet so she’s ordered flannel
  • Keep up with A Vintage Christmas Sampler Quilt A Long.
  • Decide where I’m going to hang the framed backing.
  • Finish the prep work for the Wonky Tree class.
  • Complete the Cascades quilt top.  Bonus if I get it quilted and bound

Additional goals

  • Complete the Sheryl top
  • Make Hummingbird Napkins
  • Cut RWB Napkins
  • Cut Strips for RWB Jelly Roll Rug -DONE I cut 21 half yard cuts..  The large rolls have 2 of each fabric and small roll just has one.
Posted in: Auction Quilt Top, goals, Machine Quilting, Napkins, Wonky Christmas Trees

July 2025 Goals

July 1, 2025 10:17 am ⋅

Here we are 1/2 way through the year and I have crossed off 1/2 of my quilting goals for the year.  Normally I’d list out what I want to get done for the week, but given the nature of my quilting goals, I’m going to list it for the month.

  • Keep up with A Vintage Christmas Sampler Quilt A Long.  Those are the blocks at the top right of the design wall. Although I have the pattern and fabric for the center of the quilt, I’m not quilting ahead.
  • Bind Wonky Trees  – I want this done so I can take it to the guild meeting on Monday.
  • Decide where I’m going to hang the framed backing. I know it goes in my den, but I don’t know if it’s portrait or landscape. Once that’s decided I can add the wire.
  • Add top coat to barn quilt.
  • Quilt the American quilt on the front of the frame. I’ll do that tonight, as my customer wants to bind it this weekend.

  • Finish the prep work for the Wonky Tree class.
  • Complete the Cascades quilt top.  Bonus if I get it quilted and bound

Not pictured

  • quilt & bind the Auction Quilt Top I bought last year
  • finish the mystery quilt clues (the next one is due Monday!)
  • help Ruby put up her design wall (I’ve got to find my other flannel sheet)

In other news, a couple of shop sampled came home.  They are laying on the take-up rail of the longarm.  Double 4-Patch Table Runner & the Dragon quilt Emerald Reigns.  I need to get a label on the dragon quilt and get it shipped off to the recipient.

July is looking to be busy from a quilting perspective.

 

Posted in: A Vintage Christmas Sampler, Cascade, Double 4-Patch Table Runner, Emerald Reigns, goals, Wonky Christmas Trees