Sunday, December 29, 2013

Traveling Stash Box - Last Stash Report for 2013 - 2014 Goals

Deb from http://simplystitchingalong.blogspot.com/ is the new owner of the traveling stash box!

First:

I won the "Traveling Stash Box" from Kris at http://farmgirltransplant.blogspot.com/

Here is what I kept -
And here is what I added to the box -
1 pad of graph paper - a book on quilting filler designs - a bobbin keeper - 4 patterns - 9  neutral fat quarters - 5 sherbet pips mini charm packs - and a Christmas wallhanging kit from Keepsake Quilting.

Leave a comment if you would like to have a chance on having this box of goodies arrive on your doorstep. Please be sure I will be able to contact you for your mailing address. Must have an active blog....

I will be picking a name from the comments on Monday, December 30th sometime in the afternoon and will be mailing the box on January 2nd, 2014

Since trading the fabrics was a even trade I will not be counting in or out the fabrics from this box.

The rules can be found here but, basically, you must be an active blogger in the U.S., replace chosen items with like items in quantity and quality, and be willing to move the box quickly along to the next recipient, although, allowances for the holidays will probably be tolerated at this time of year.  

Second:

I thought I would actually go through withdrawals with my goal of not buying any fabric in 2013. I didn't. Once the decision was made it was really easy for me. I deleted all online quilt shop ads without opening them. Tossed any catalogs after I looked through them. I was never tempted when I went to the bank, to drive around the corner to the quilt shop. I think I went to Joanns 3 times this year, once for supplies for a grandgirl's report, once to help a grandgirl pick out fabric for a quilt, once to buy a piece of foam. I went to the Paducah show and didn't buy any fabric. Think of all the $ I saved and was still able to make some really fun quilts.

I have already noticed that since I decided to keep some quilts on hand for gifting that I find I want to keep all the quilts I make, hard to put them in the HUG pile.

I decided to get started on finishing my UFOs. The first box I pulled out had a bunch of 9 patches. I decided to make another one of these quilts with them. This one is 98 inches square.
I am saving it to give to my friend for her birthday in April. I very seldom use the same fabric for binding as I do for the border, almost looks like the binding isn't on.

This quilt is for a friend's granddaughter and I want it to be a surprise so here is a picture of the back...



Bought YTD - 47 yards (paid for 41 yards in 2012 - it arrived in 2013 so I counted it for this year) actually only added 6 yards this year)
Used - 365.91 yards
Total YTD - 318.91


Third:

2014 Goals.....

1 - finish one UFO each month - includes quilting and binding - these seem to be never ending....
2 - not to buy too much fabric, I am running low on blenders
3 - donate two HUG quilts each month 
4 - finish each new quilt that gets started, no more UFOs
5 - make 5-6 quilts to have on hand for gifting - baby to large lap sizes 
6 - clean up after each quilt - cut scraps into usable sizes and put them away, clear off cutting table, vacuum, sew extra batting together - this one is going to be tough one for me

I have Tula Pink's City Blocks book  and plan to make ten blocks a month - I will be ordering some of Tula Pink's fabric for this quilt. This will be a very modern quilt for me, totally out of my comfort zone.
I want to participate with both of these challenges and combining them seems the perfect plan. I will be using the color that Angela picks to make a quilt using the block Judy designs.

Not sure how many of these goals I will be able to meet. Some might get dropped along the way as we are building a house about 2.5 hours from here and will be moving about April or May. The more fabric I can use, the less we will have to move. Fabric sure is heavy!

I know it is totally nuts to think I will be able to accomplish all of this. I will have to mindful of how I spend my time. Having goals really help me to be more productive. Of course everything is subject to change at any time.



Hope the New Year brings much happiness your way.











11 comments:

Julie in GA said...

I had the same idea to combine the Rainbow Scrap Challenge with Judy's Scrappy Block Challenge. That way I don't have to choose what to make, I am just following their directions!

Val's Quilting Studio said...

First, congrats on the stash box win! Second, I don't think I could have ever made that quilt from one inch squares...it's beautiful!! Thanks for linking up your 2014 goals! I too plan to quilt one top a month for Project Linus. (Forgot to add that to the list) I added ya to my blogroll so I can follow your progress in 2014. Happy New Year Dee Dee.

Teresa in Music City said...

You're my hero Dee Dee! I have been avoiding buying fabric too, although I did just buy a lot for backings. I don't mind buying if it has a specific purpose and is needed in order to finish a quilt. But I have stopped buying just for the stash - I have enough!!!

Denise :) said...

Yes, congrats on the stash box win!! How fun! And *congratulations* on accomplishing your goal!! That's got to feel really good!!! And you're right -- you still had some lovely, lovely finishes! Way to go!!! :)

Donna said...

That is great box! Now I have to go and check out the scrappy links and the FQS link. Thanks for sharing and good luck with your goals.

kwiltnkats said...

Wow Dee Dee you have set your goals high for 2014, but sounds like you accomplished those set in 2013... You have it going gal! I like the stash box idea, going to pass on it though. It is always fun to win! I suspect you will have a winning year in 2014 too. Sandi

Deb said...

You will be my inspiration for 2014.....so keep leading, I'm following! Would love the Stash box....already know what I would take and replace it with!
Good Luck with the new house, hoping you will post updates!

Dar said...

Congrats on winning the Stash box. Kris is a friend of mine from guild and I was tempted, but passed on it. I'm in awe at all you accomplished this year. Your used numbers are great!! I too think combining Judy's Scrap blocks with RSC is a good idea, but I already have a plan to use my strings for the RSC. I'll be watching your progress on all your goals though. You are inspiring me to do more too. Hope I can keep up with you.

Terri in BC said...

Congratulations on winning the Stash box - I wish I was eligible just for those Sherbet Pips (although I don't need them!). I'm thinking about my goals for 2014 and like your Number 6 - might have to lift that one!

Lori said...

I love to read everyone's goals!

Kate said...

Wow you did an awesome job of stash busting this year. You have a great list of goals for next year. Good luck.