Quilting goal 2023: decrease the fat quarter stash!

 When I first started quilting, I would often go shopping at local quilt shops with Mom. There were always too many beautiful fabrics to choose from. When I told her I couldn’t decided what to buy, she said,  “Just buy a fat quarter bundle. You can always use fat quarters!” 

Well, now that I have followed her advice for over 10 years; AND, I have added her fat quarter stash to mine… I have been drowning in FAT QUARTERS, 

My quilting goal this year is to use up as much of the fat quarter stash as I can. Here is what I have accomplished so far.

A couple of these were baby quilts made with fabric specifically purchased for the project. And, 2 of them were made with orphan blocks and fat quarters. Some are beautiful… some are just plain ugly. But, I have emptied 3 boxes of fat quarters! And, I still have 6 months left in the year!

This one was made using a J. Michell Watts bundle that I won on my Alaskan quilt cruise.

This is a baby quilt I made for my nephew Christopher’s first baby. 

I used the pattern, Yellow Brick Road for this one. Not a pattern I expect to use again.

I made several color variations of Debbie Maddy’s Carpenter Star. I love this pattern.

This quilt was one Mom had made when she first started quilting. It wasn’t sewn together correctly and I ended up picking apart the blocks and sewing it back together. I am not sure it is what it was supposed to look like because I couldn’t find the pattern in Mom’s books. But, it looks better than it did! 

One of two that I used orphan blocks and fat quarters in.

This one is made of a fabric line called Civil War prints. The blocks are from a book that was published simultaneously.  They are a little dark for my taste.

A second baby quilt made from flannel, specifically purchased for this quilt.

A quick and easy free patten I found on a blog called, “ Just Another Hang Up.” My daughter-in-law, Jamie, bought the fat quarters for me after finding them on clearance at Wal-Mart. 

It could be my color choice; but, it might just be a horrible pattern. It is called “Turning Twenty” but I couldn’t stand working with it so only used 10 fat quarters.

Another color variation using Carpenter’s Star.

I really like this one! I used a free pattern I found on Pinterest. Sadly, I forgot to “ pin” the pattern and can’t find it now! 

Another orphan block quilt.

Here is a sneak peak at the next quilt. It is called Nickel Quilt because each square is 5 inches. I have the center sewn together. I am just working out the placement of the piano key border and then 

I will get it sewn together. The hubby, Ron, is not a fan of this one. I have to say… it is growing on me. 

What!?!? It can’t be June!

 Okay, I am terrible about keeping the blog updated. This will probably be one crazy, confusing post; but, I  will attempt to give a quick recap of family happenings so far this year. Disclaimer: I cannot verify the accuracy of the chronological order for the following information.

Ron and I have settled into our new home, community, and church family and love living here. Our new neighbors are wonderful and the community feels like home. We have made great friends through church and find joy serving there. We have explored the local parks and found several great options for our daily walks. Thankfully, Weatherford has several and they are all beautifully maintained and close to home.

And, these guys are our favorite neighbors!

The twins have had a busy first year of middle school. They have made friends with a great bunch of kids that share the same interests and have lovely parents. The girls are actively involved in band, choir, and dance.

A massive hail storm moved through central Texas, causing extensive damage to Scott and Molly’s house, the Class C RV, our 5th wheel, and my truck. Both RVs were totaled, it took months to get the damaged truck repaired, and Scott will be replacing siding, windows, and the roof throughout the summer.

We are getting to know the daughters of Rebecca’s boyfriend, John. His oldest, Ashton, graduated from Mart High School in May. Jaden is a junior at the same school. They are beautiful, delightful girls. Country girls through and through, having raised show pigs and cows for years.

The family doesn’t get together as often as we used to. As the grands get older, they get busier. We still try to support their school activities as often as possible. We even make an occasional day trip to celebrate birthdays. Whether we drive south; or, they drive north, It’s always wonderful when the many Texas branches of the family get together for a visit.

Maggie and Sophie were able to spend their spring break on a mock Pioneer Trek at the LBJ Grasslands just north of here. I donated some of Mom’s fabric for skirts and aprons.

The Gutierrez girls and I spent one of their no-school days exploring Waco museums and The Silo Market.

We have been to numerous musical and dance performances by Maggie.

We have taken advantage of their performances to embarrass them with tack yard signs and posters.

Sophie has discovered yet another athletic talent in the track and field events at school.

We continue to marvel at the graceful and beautiful dancer Maggie has become. I think she inspired the twins to join their own middle school dance team.

We take advantage  of family time to eat yummy food

We’ve been to several Rangers games, with family and on our own. They are having a fantastic year! 

I continue to us my sewing hobby to support the local animal shelter.

We are still trying to get used to the massive smile on Scott’s face because of sweet Molly being his wife.

The unbelievable talent of the band our twins play with makes the long ride to Leander well worth it. It is truly the most impressive beginner band we have ever listened to.

Ron continues to be an arm chair quarterback for the Buckeyes. He has also become a fan and loyal supporter of the Weatherford College Coyotes baseball and softball teams. He even scored season passes for himself and a few of his community buddies.

He has also embraced online shopping for really ugly shoes!

All in all, the first half of 2023 has been busy and happy.