Organizing to start the New Year

Wow did this year go by fast!

I can not believe that 2011 is coming to an end and tomorrow is 2012!!

My new years "Quilty" resolution is to FINISH things!

SO to get a better work space flow

I took some time to rearraign my sewing room (again!)

I think I like it now here are a few pictures of my new work space.

This is what my sewing room looks like when you walk in.

I have my cutting area separated from my sewing / computer area.

I had them together creating a big island in the middle of the room -

but it took up the entire room so I've split them up ...

I think it makes the room (11 x 13) look a bit bigger.

This is what I see when sitting at my sewing machine - the doorway and my TV!!

When I stand in front of my cutting table I now get a clear view of

the doorway, my fabric closet, the TV and my library

(I have way too many books!)

My Fabric Closet

This is just my Batiks, Kaffe, Amy Butler, Japanese and funky fabrics!!

I have more fabric in the basement stored in plastic bins!

My friends call it Janet's Quilt Shop!

They can find almost anything there!!

I created an "L" shape for my sewing/computer/printer area

so far it is working out well

This is my "Inspiration Quilt" !!

I WON this quilt in a 2010 raffle for the

Friends4Kenya / Urembo Basket Program.

I bought one ticket!

I LOVE the way the ladies are dancing - it gives off such great energy!

The quilt was made by Sharon Monahan and quilted by Celine Spada.

Now that I'm organized for 2012....

 I can work on finishing all the projects I started in 2011!!!

Happy New Quilty Year

Birdie Stitch Blocks....

I have just finished my 12 Birdie Stitch blocks!

Since I LOVE blue birds....

I stitched my Birdies in blue and a red/pink color!

Here they are....

For the pattern check here

I just loved these way too cute little birdies!

Now onto deciding what to sash and boarder them with???

Hmmm... time to go Stash Shopping!

I just love swimming in fabric!

If  I'm not back soon - I've drowned in my fabric...

please send a quilty life raft!!

Another new project....

Yes I know ... I need another new (long term project)
like I need a hole in my head!!
But I just could not resist!! I'm a sucker for hand stitching.
I found this pattern from Crab-apple Hill

last year at A Quilter's Gathering and was just taken by the beauty of it.
This year I saw it again and made up my mind to jump in and get it started!

The pattern uses Seasons (#8049)Cosmo

embroidery floss by Lecien ... made in Japan.

I love this floss it is a variegated from a

light taupe/green to olive green to a darker silver muted evergreen color.

Absolutely beautiful!

Here is block #1

If you notice on the edges the pattern stops ....

Once it is sewn in next to a pieced block

 the embroidery will continue onto that pieced block!

I used two different stitches
the back stitch was used on the
 evergreen trees to give a fluffier look,
like they were covered with snow.
For everything else I used a running outline type stitch,
to give a thinner crisper look.

Fabric selection for the pieced blocks....
well it just had to be from my Japanese Taupe collection!!
 

I searched my stash of Japanese taupe's

and selected these for the project. 

I just love it all stacked up!

All though I hate to cut into these fabrics

I think this is the perfect project for them.

I want this quilt to hang in my dining room

during the winter months.

New England winters are full of cool crispy snowy air and

I think this quilt with these colors will be perfect!

I hope to have it done for next Christmas!