OPAM Finished Projects in 2018

In 2018 I didn't finish as many projects as in previous years. That's not to say I sewed less. As it happened, several projects were much more involved and took a lot more hours to complete.

My BFF, Lynn and I took a 3 day quilt class in January, to learn the "How to's" for Judy Niemeyer's method of Foundation Paper Piecing. Usually I can pick up a new technique fairly quickly. However, when I first looked at one of her patterns, it looked so complicated that I knew I would need a class or my friend to show me every step of the process!

After taking this quilt class, I learned many tips and tricks for sewing Judy's FPP patterns. The best tip is "take each step separately," not worrying about the next step until you have finished the first step. Another tip is: "Follow the directions of each step carefully." 

And do not worry about how long each step may take.

I love paper piecing because it is such a precise method of quilting and all points are truly perfect! 

 Here is my first Judy Niemeyer finish: The Glacier Star Quilt. 

It measures 60" X 60".

Now that I have learned Judy Niemeyer's Foundation Paper Piecing method I am hooked!

Here are some of my other Judy Niemeyer finishes:

 Winter Wonderland Snowflake Pillow, 16" X 16"

Winter Wonderland Snowflakes Table Runner, 17" X 49"

Feathered Star Quilt, 60" X 60"

Scandinavian Snowflake 20" Table Topper

This last one is Sunflower Illusions. I made this quilt into a cover for our pool table.

FINISHED PROJECTS OF 2017

Some of My Quilty Finishes for 2017

I finished a total of 47 Projects in 2017

The many parts that make up the Bonnie Hunter, Quiltville's, Mystery Quilt for 2016: 

"En Provence," ready to sew together!

Sewing the many parts together, before sewing them into blocks.

 Once the blocks were completed I decided not to make one large quilt. 

Instead, I made one large "En Provence" Table Topper 

and two small "En Provence" Table Toppers, one for my BFF Quilting buddy, Lynn!

My own designs for a couple of baby quilts, made with love for special friends' grandchildren!

And another for a friend's first grandson due to arrive soon!

(A Quilt in a Day Pattern: "How Charming!")

An apron for my granddaughter, Hallee, who loves to help cook and bake.

I finished this John Flynn's "Wheel of Mystery" Quilt early in 2017. 

I started this quilt at a class held at the 

Pacific International Quilt Show in Santa Clara, CA, in Mid-October of 2016.

Hallee and I with her pink Hawaiian quilt I made for her bunkbed! 

It's super cozy with Minky on the back!

 Snuggling with Papa is the best, under Hallee's new Hawaiian Quilt.

A set of 5 placemats for my daughter's new farm table made in her favorite colors!

In 2017, I got into Hexies!! 

These are hand sewn together and I can take them with me, wherever I go. 

They are easy to work on especially when traveling.

I made two Hexie Placemats (for my nightstands in my bedroom to match my Batik quilt),

 and a Hexie Pillow for my motorhome, pictured above.

Two more Hexie Pillows for my daughter's couch!

"In Full Bloom" Quilt by Mckenna Ryan (8 block quilt, 49" X 52").

I love Mckenna Ryans designs! I love all the colors in her patterns. I have made several of her patterns over the years. This one was a true machine appliqued "Labor of Love."

I started this quilt in 2014, when we went on our first USA RV Trip, 

and finally completed it in 2017.

Another Mckenna Ryan, from her series: "Beach Walk, To The Point."

I made this one at a quilt retreat in Orcutt, CA.

When I realized I didn't have any fall quilts, I decided to make more Hexies 

and sew them together for a Fall Hexie Table Runner.

Then I made a "Crazy Nines" Fall Colors Large Table Topper, 

and a smaller Table Topper from the scraps.

"Christmas Pinwheels" Table Topper made with the Lil Twister ruler.

"Christmas Blessings" Wall Hanging made with a cute panel!

2016 OPAM (One Project A Month) PROJECT FINISHES

During 2016 I finished 40 ProjectS

Among my finishes I made 9 quilts of various sizes, 4 quilted table toppers, clothes for my grandkiddos, 12 hand knit projects, and more. While I finished fewer projects than last year, I did complete 3 big projects that I have been working on for several years, including this beauty, 

"Journey of a Quilter," which is hanging in my sewing room.

• DECEMBER
• (1) Knit V-Neck Vest for my grandson
• (4) Knit Dish Cloths
• (1) Flannel PJ bottoms for me
• (5) Flannel PJ Bottoms for my grandkids
• NOVEMBER
• (1) McKenna Ryan Art Quilt Wall Hanging
• (3) Knit Dish Cloths
• OCTOBER
• (1) "Thyme to Water" Applique Quilt (69" x69")
• SEPTEMBER
• (1) Plastic bag fabric holder
• (1) Handknit Lacy Sweater Vest for a special lady
• AUGUST
• (1) Handknit Lacy Sweater Vest for my granddaughter, Gigi
• (3) Half-Sq Triangle Lap Quilts for Charity
• (1) Mystery Over-sized Queen Quilt in Batiks
• (2) Northwest Trip Memories Table Toppers 24" sq
• JULY
• (1) Baby Quilt
• JUNE
• (1) Flannel Baby Burp Cloth
• (1) Fleece Blanket with Satin Binding
• (1) Sampler Lap Quilt made with Quilt Blocks Swapped
• (1) "Taylored Stars Queen Quilt
• (1) Red White and Blue Round Robin Tablecloth/Quilt
• MAY
• (1) Flannel Comfy Shorts for my grandson Seth
• (1) 84" Tablecloth
• (1) Hand Knit Long Lacy Sweater Vest for my daughter
• APRIL
• (1) PJ bottoms for my granddaughter-Hallee
• (2) Flannel Baby Girl Burp Cloths
• MARCH
• (1) Hand Knit Scarf
• FEBRUARY
• (1) "Journey of a Quilter" (started July/2014)
• (1) "Beachy Stars" Lap Quilt

2015 OPAM (One Project A Month) PROJECT FINISHES

• In 2015 I completed 63 Projects, including 21 placemats, clothes for my grandkids, quilted table runners, quilted table toppers, knit projects and 4 original designed quilts.
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• DECEMBER
• (5) Hand knit Scarves for the grandkiddos
• (5) Hand knit wash cloths
• (14) Special Placemats
• NOVEMBER
• (3) Personalized Placemats for Grandkiddos
• OCTOBER
• (7) Personalized Placemats for Grandkiddos
• (2) Christmas Log Cabin Table Runners
• (2) Black Batik Log Cabin Table Runners
• (1) Cathedral Windows Table Topper
• (2) Summer Twister Star Table Runners
• (1) PJ flannel shorts for Seth
• SEPTEMBER
• (1) "Summer Sunset" Wallhanging, my original design
• (2) Placemats for grandkids
• (1) Blanket sleeper for great niece
• (2) PJ flannel shorts for Brody and Micah
• AUGUST
• (1) Sundress for my granddaughter, GIgi
• (1) Small quilt for a cute boy
• (1) Button down shirt for my grandson, Brody (his request!)
• (1) Sun Dress for my granddaughter, Hallee
• (2) Summer jammies for my granddaughters
• (2) Sun Dresses for my granddaughters
• Finished embroidery on "Journey of a Quilter" quilt project! (YEA!)
• JULY
• Worked on embroidery blocks for "Journey of a Quilter" quilt project
• JUNE
• (1) "Summer Radiance" for AnnaMariaHorner Mini Quilt Swap, my original design.
• (1) Padded cover for RV Magellan GPS
• MAY
• (1) "Wonky Blocks" Original Wallhanging for AlisonGlass Mini Swap on Instagram, my original design.
• APRIL
• Worked on embroidery blocks for "Journey of a Quilter" quilt project
• MARCH
• No finishes; worked on embroidery blocks
• FEBRUARY
• (1) Happy Birthday Wallhanging, my original design
• (2) Sundresses for granddaughters made with fabric from Tahiti
• JANUARY
• (1) A "Wendy" nightgown for Gigi's Play, Peter Pan

2014 OPAM (One Project A Month) PROJECT FINISHES

During 2014 I completed 34 projects, listed by months!

NOVEMBER

• (1) Christmas Crazy Eights Table Runner
• (3) Embroidered and quilted patchwork pillows
• (1) Black and White Queen Quick Trip Quilt
• OCTOBER
• (2) "Twisting Pinwheels" Table Runners for friends
• (1) "Happy Stars" Table Runner for a dear friend
• SEPTEMBER
• No finishes! Worked on applique blocks  for "Journey of a Quilter" Quilt while traveling!
• On the road exploring northern USA in our RV
• AUGUST
• No finishes! Worked on applique blocks while traveling!
• On the road exploring northern USA in our RV
• JULY
• (1) Firefighter Lap Quilt for my hubby
• (2) Matching Batik Dresses for my grgirls!
• (1) "Remembering Heroes" Charity Lap Quilt
• (4) Pillowcases for granbabies
• JUNE
• (1) Whirlwind Baby Quilt for a friend's grandson
• (1) Baby Flannel Burp Cloth
• MAY
• (2) Patriotic Lil Twister Table Runners
• (2) "Ocean Waves: A Star for All Seasons" Table Runners
• (1) "A Sunset Over the Ocean" Minkie Lap Quilt for a friend
• APRIL
• (2) Easter Dresses for my granddaughters
• (1) "Hugs for Anna" Baby Quilt
• (1) Baby Girl Blanket Sleeper
• (1) Baby Flannel Burp Cloth
• (1) "Loving Hugs" Baby Quilt
• (1) "Horses" Lap Quilt for my grandson, Brody
• (1) Messenger Bag for Coloring for my grandson, Brody
• MARCH
• RVing in AZ for Spring Training
• FEBRUARY
• (1) "Night Watch" Bear Applique Wallhanging for RV
• (1) "Lucky Penny" Tossed 9 Patch Oversized Queen Quilt for my daughter- I long arm quilted this quilt-my first long-arm quilting project!
• (1) Friendship Prayer Lap Quilt for a friend

New Year's Resolutions: to make them or not?

I started the new year out thinking about New Year's Resolutions for 2016.  

Every year I seem to always think about them, but I can't remember if I have ever actually written them down. 
That's not to say that I don't make "to-buy" or "to-do lists," 

because I make those. But actual New Year's Resolutions, nope! 

Holley Gerth describes it so well: "The new year unfolds like pages in a book yet to be written, bringing hope and endless possibilities." 

The beginning of a new year is exciting and fresh. 

It's a time to reflect and look forward to new things. 

Instead of New Year's Resolutions, I'm starting the year out with 

some great ideas and plans: finding "my one word" for the year; for trips; for writing more blog posts; for quilting projects I want to finish (that's a really long list!); and sewing projects I want to make.
I've decided my word for the year is going to be "JOY-JOYFUL!" I'm going to look for the JOY in each day and each situation.

One thing I have always wanted to do, and never have, is read
the Bible in a Year. So, along with my "to-do lists," and finding JOY is each day, 

I've committed to doing just that; I'm joining many who attend
The Fields (my daughter and SIL's church), and reading the entire Bible in 2016!

Here's to a productive and enlightened 2016!

OPAM 2013 - 19 Finished Projects

• We did a lot of traveling in 2013.  
• Consequently,  I didn't finish as many projects as I did in 2011 and 2012. 
• I did, however, work on several of my UFO's so they are closer to finishing and completed a couple! 
• Yea me, for progress!!
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• JANUARY
• No projects finished in January, but I worked on several.
• 
  
• FEBRUARY
• I completed this "Cape Cod" Large Lap Quilt for my daughter, Nicole, in bright and sunny yellows and teals. I love the movement in this quilt, and backing it with minkie makes it so soft and cozy!

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•  Another completed project was a "Night and Day" Lap Quilt for Lisa, a long-time friend (pattern is an Eleanor Burns' pattern) made of two pretty batiks.

• MARCH
• We spent the month in Arizona for Spring Training in our RV. 
• I was able to sew on 2 family quilts, when we weren't attending baseball games or golfing, but No Finishes.
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• APRIL
• I made this diamond baby quilt called "Big Top" for our youngest grandson, Seth. Angelina (DIL) picked the pattern and the fabrics, which are similar to his big brother Micah's quilt.

• I also finished a Hand Knit Scarf for my daughter that matches her fingerless hand warmers, modeled by Nicole!  

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• MAY
• I made a Set of 4 Napkins,
• a Minkie Ni-Nite with Satin trim, for my grandson, Brody; and
• a Minkie Ninny (sm blankie) with Satin trim, for my grandson, Seth!
• I also made another Hand Knit Scarf for my friend Donna!
• 
  
• JUNE
• I made myself a "Strings" Lap Quilt last year, and Angelina (DIL) loved it. So I made her one, her first quilt, and backed it with soft and cuddly brown minkie.

JULY

• I made this "Friendship Hugs" Lap Quilt for my friend Sue, for her birthday. This pattern has quickly become one of my favorites to make. It's a simple pattern made mostly of 2.5" squares but looks great.  Sue's quilt is made of batiks!

AUGUST

• No Finishes this month. We were on vacation in Northern California, Oregon and Washington. I did work on a couple of UFO'S in our RV.
• 
  
• SEPTEMBER
• I made a Blanket Sleeper, a gift for a friend's Baby Girl, 
• a Set of Napkins for our RV, and
• two Summer dresses for Me!
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• OCTOBER
• I finished a Hand Knit Shawl for Me (that matches a long dress) for our Australian/New Zealand cruise.
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• NOVEMBER
• We were Cruising Australia and New Zealand for three weeks!!
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• DECEMBER
• I made another Baby Blanket Sleeper gift for a friend's new baby,
• a Set of 8 Placements for Nicole and family, (as seen with two of the cutest grankiddos!!)
•  
  
• and two Christmas Stockings for baby Seth (one for mommy and daddy's house and one for Yaya and Papa's house).

• I feel such a sense of accomplishment when I complete a creative project, especially one that has been patiently waiting for me to finish it!  Best of all, I feel such gratitude that I am able to share my creativity with others.

"OPAM 2012" (One Project A Month) - 42 FINISHED PROJECTS

• I had even intention of being more timely with my blog posts. But in years past, time has flown by more quickly than I anticipate. Here we are at the end of March and it's been 3 months since I posted anything. Time to catch-up, with some recaps of projects I have made!
• I hand-crafted many projects in 2012. Not only did I sew 13 quilts, I also made a few table toppers, clothes, costumes, fabric-books for the grankiddos, a variety of baby items for gifts, and several knit items. 2012 was a productive year! Here's a look of my projects and a few pictures!
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• JANUARY (1)
• (1) Flannel Nightgown for Gigi (ankle length)
• FEBRUARY (6)
• (1) "Moose Junction"  Lap Quilt by McKenna Ryan
• (1) Moose "No Trespassing" Table Runner by McKenna Ryan (all machine applique!). This one is ised in our RV and fits nicely on our credenza.

• (2) Toddler Bibs for my two grandsons
• (2) Toddler Knit Beanies for my grandsons
• MARCH (1)
• (1) "Strings for Spring" Lap Quilt (my original design)
• APRIL
• No Project Finishes-Made lots of Blocks for QuiltingBoard.com's Boomerang Swaps!
• MAY (1)
• (1) Pajama Shorts for Micah's Birthday!
• JUNE (4)
• (1) Hawaiian Firecracker Mystery Table Topper
• (1) "Northern Stars" Table Runner, Paper Pieced Stars

• (1) Princess Pillowcase for Gigi
• (1) Fleece Blanket Sleeper (gift for new Baby)
• JULY (1)
• (1) "Summer in California" Lap Quilt (my original design)

• AUGUST (3)
• (1) Baby Swaddle Blanket
• (1) "Beach Cottage Stars" Lap Quilt for a great friend

• SEPTEMBER (3)
• (1) "Dreaming of the Beach" Lap Quilt for Gigi
• (1) "Twice As Nice" Baby Quilt, for my Great Niece, Eva, born in Sept 2012
• (1) Baby Swaddle Blanket
• OCTOBER (6)
• (1) Cowboy Vest for my grandson Brody
• (1) Camo Bib for my furture Great Niece
• (1) Camo Burp Cloth for my future Great Niece
• (1) "Twice As Nice Baby Quilt for my Great Niece, Olivia (born Dec 2012)

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• (1) "Play Ball" Lap Quilt for Dan

• (1) Fleece Blanket Sleeper (gift for new Baby)
• NOVEMBER (3)
• (1) Pair Knit Fingerless Hand Warmers for my daughter, Nicole
• (1) Maxi Tiered Skirt for Gigi
• (1) Bright n' Cheery Memory Lap Quilt, for my cousin, in memory of her mom
• DECEMBER (13)
• (1) Doll Dress to match the Tiered Maxi Skirt for Gigi's baby doll
• (1) Christmas Apron
• (1) Quick Trip Christmas Lap Quilt (an UFO quilt top from 2008!)
• (1) "Friendship Hugs" Tossed 9 Patch Lap Quilt (an UFO quilt top from Nov 2007!), a Christmas/Birthday gift for my dear friend, Susie

• (1) Sampler Lap Quilt for my aunt
• (1) King Size QuiltStory.blogspot's BOM Sampler Coverlet for my mom
• (2) "Count by Numbers" Soft/Fabric Books
• (2) Capes for Role Play for my 2 grandsons!
• (3) PJ Bottoms for my grandkiddos.
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Onto the projects of 2013!