Cant believe i have finished my SKOW quilt

Finally got my SKOW quilt finished with a little bit of prodding from chooky,lol. This quilt was supposed to be for my Grand-daughter 2 birthdays ago and it is now finished in time for her birthday on the 10th of Jan, i stitched it in the ditch and found it heavy going with the rainbow chenille Madie had picked for the back of it and cotton batting in between.
Thankyou chooky if it wasnt for you giving me a push here and there it would still be in the cupboard.
cheers shez xx

hello

hello,

I'm evelyne and I'm living in Belgium. I'm 43 , have 3 children and a wonderful husband and I go to school to become a nurse ......... so there's little "me-time" but I want to make time to make this quilt

evelyne

So exciting...

So looking forward to joining the fun of the Stitch-a -long once again. Must try and get a few UFO's finished in the next few weeks. Thanks Chooky and Susan for organising everything!

Chooky's Christmas Wishes done.................

OMG so excited..............

I am done.............it's a great little stitchery.............

used some of Anni's Christmas fabric to finish it off.............

The pressure of keeping up this pace of finishing........it's only the 4th......OMG

Happy Stitching

Chookyblue

An early almost finish....

Hi my name is Deb,  I own frog cottage designs and used to be an avid blogger until I broke my leg badly in late 2013. I didn't just break my leg I broke my sewing mojo too, so I am excited to be a part of this years stitchalong. Thank you to Chooky and Susan for your hard work in organising and for any future whip cracking lol.... can't wait for next month to get started on Annis new quilt. I live 50kms North of Bathurst so The Home Patch is my local quilt store!!!!!!

I've never completed anything this early before lol but ta dar.....

I really enjoyed stitching this one, love the CGT Running Postman, tis a new favourite now. Just need to find some fabric and make it into a wall hanging....

Happy Stitching

Deb

My January Project....

Hi! My name is Emily, I'm 16 and from Canada, so I'm probably one of the youngest in this stitch-a-long. I am also Lori of Lolastitchida's daughter if you know my mum. I'm really excited about it, and here is what I have done so far! I have done my stitchery in a slightly variegated blue. I can't wait to hear from everyone else!

Fixing my blog settings.

Hi Trying to sort out some of my blog issues so am posting to see if changing my settings has worked. Lol!  I'm not totally technologically challenged - maybe technologically limited is more accurate. 

Stitch A Long 2015

I am so excited to start this new Stitch-A-Long.  I completed the ones for A Gardner's Journal, Tis the Season and SKoW.  They are so much fun and stitching has helped me through a lot of hard times.  So excited to begin this new stitching journey!

I have started the stitchery in variegated red.  Will post when I have a bit stitched. My Mom, Joan is stitching in variegated red also and my daughter, Emily, in variegated blue!

We are all from Canada.

Greetings from Norway!

Wow, I'm so happy there's a SAL now in 2015. I remember stumbling upon this blog/SAL back in 2013, wishing so badly that I'd known about it and had been able to join (I ended up making the quilt Tis the Season the year after - unfortunately, I'm feeling very unhappy about the finished quilt, so I might actually make another one). I added the blog to my feed-list, and you can just imagine my surprise and happiness when Chooky made the announcement a few weeks ago.

I should probably tell you a little about my self. My name is Tonje (but I use my blogging name/nickname - Nemo - on many occasions) and I live in Norway with my boyfriend (also known as Hubby) and our almost five year old son. I've been following Chooky's blog since 2007, when she first started to run the Secret Santa Christmas Swap, and have been a participant of that swap ever since. This will be my first SAL - and I'm really excited! (At the same time I'm not sure if I'll be able to keep up with you guys, seeing as our family will be extended to four members some time in late February/early March, but I will do my best - and I do hope she'll be a better sleeper than her brother was..) Also joining the SAL is my mother Laila, but I'm sure she'll write her own introduction a little later.

I've made a few (made? more like started..) projects designed by Anni Downs, I attended a class she taught here in Oslo last May (still haven't completed that table runner, though..) and I've been working on a couple of her stitcheries/smaller projects these past few weeks. I actually started the Christmas stitchery (the project for January) two days before the announcement came, and have a pretty good idea where I want to go with that. I'm very curious to see what you guys will be making using the same stitchery - and I'm also excited to see the colours and variations that will appear when we all start the big project.

This is going to be so much fun!

Marlene in Brazil????

I cannot contact you as your name link goes to google + and won't sign up for that.
We need an email address and a blog address to be able to contact you.

Also we have not had a previous comment from you.
I do hope you see this post.
Chookyblue

It's good to be back

Hi everyone. I started blogging just in time to join in and complete Tis the Season Quilt. Loved doing that. Enjoyed the deadlines and seeing what everyone else was creating. Enjoyed completing a beautiful quilt that still gets hung every Christmas. I then made the SKOW quilt top - that was a little more challenging for me personally but I loved doing all the appliqué. Getting it together was a challenge as I procrastinated quite a bit. There is the wonderful thing about the SAL - you've made the commitment, so it doesn't go away in the cupboard!  And yes, I got over the procrastination and I have a quilt top. Not quilted yet. I've investigated a number of ways. My dream would be to hand quilt it, but the reality is that is not going to work. So one of my goals for this year is to quilt this - having received a quilting frame for Christmas there can be no further excuses. Not that this will be my first project!  Too beautiful a quilt to risk practicing on.

The projects for 2013 were so lovely and I did complete quite a few, but life's events overtook most things for me and I still have a few to go. 2014 seems to have been a challenging year for many people. And I was no exception. I have 8 children (6 through foster care) and 4 of them have special needs. And those needs seemed to all come to fore this last year. On top of that, both my parents have had significant health issues.

So 1 January this year, I welcomed 2015 and look forward to the opportunity to participate in this beautiful quilt through the SAL. I see a number of old friends from earlier SALs and lots of new ones.

Three of my children now swim competitively so this is going to be my project to take along to all those swim meets. Just need to be organised and get each block prepped and they will be very transportable. Aren't zip lock bags the most wonderful invention?

Thanks Chookie and Susan. I know with my life there will be times when things won't go as planned and I will struggle with some deadlines - but knowing I've made this commitment and that I will,have a beautiful quilt by the end of the year will enable me to regain my focus. My other resolution is to get back into my blog. Something else I've missed throughout 2014. Sharing my sewing accomplishments. And seeing what others are doing. Welcome 2015 and Natures Journey!

Fiona's SKofW quilt top.............

Well it didn't happen overnight but it finally happened. I've finished my Some Kind of Wonderful Quilt.

I started it December 2011 and finished the top December 2014.

Not sure when I'll get it quilted, we can't rush these things :)

So Exciting…..

Here it is the second day of a new year….and we have this great new adventure…

Massive big thank you to our amazing organisers Chooky and Susan.

So much fun ahead, how lucky are we…!!

Woo Hoo …!!

I am excited….

Peg xx

SKOW...Believe It Or Not - Progress!

I have been quietly working away on Some Kind of Wonderful over the last few months finalising the applique/stitchery blocks in small increments as time permitted without bothering to blog as I went...I had even put one strip together - but it was a whoops so let's not go there - anyway, yesterday afternoon, to celebrate the 1st day of the New Year, I wrapped my head around two little inescapable facts - 1. I had to wield the rotary cutter and cut 2 1/2" squares I had somehow missed preparing at the outset, and 2. I had to employ the quick unpick *sigh*...

By the end of the day...

2 full and 9/10ths of the 3rd, strips pieced...it would have been three if I wasn't one 2 1/2" square short and it was too late to be wielding sharp objects of the rotary cutter variety and I did have to get up for work this morning, so I went to bed.

Still a bit to go, including finishing off the applique on one block, but you never know, it could happen...

Happy Stitching...
Annette - Jindi's Cottage

Yes......

Hi Girls,

I was 2 hours in the new year when I signed up!!!
I can't wait to begin this new SAL!!!
Are you all as impatient as me???

Have a nice day,
Martine

2015 SAL..............

Who knew we would be back here for 2015 when all this started with a couple of friends in 2010............but wow we sure do have lots more friends now all around the world..........

its friends that keep us going........

Many quilts and small projects have been made just because friends got together online and supported each other..........I am so pleased we are able to sew together once again in 2015...........

I did have a plan for 2014 but it was just not possible for me to run a SAL in 2014.

For those of you wanting numerous small projects you may not be happy............for those of you wanting one project right now you will be cheering and very happy as we are going for one big project..............

Any ideas yet????

It will run from Feb to Sept

What I have chosen is yet to be released but I know it will be released VERY VERY soon...........

It involves appliqué (machine, hand, needle turn,  or blanket stitch), English paper piecing, machine piecing, stitchery

Any ideas yet????

The monthly plan will go upon the side bar...........

also there will be a logo as soon as I get a photo........

I had a photo but I want something better to use for the logo.............

I will email it out to everyone once I make it.............

Any ideas yet?????

So I know you are all dying to know what we are doing.............

Really wanting to see the project.........

What have I chosen.............

Will I ever announce this new project.............

Have I enjoyed teasing all of you..........

Yes of course..............

Lol..............

Any ideas yet?????

Ok wait a minute as you need time to fill in January as I know you will be “chomping at the bit” (over seas girls translation =  very excited)  to get started on something I need to tell you what we will do in January first.............Anni Downs Hatched and Patched released a free Christmas Stitchery on her blog/newsletter http://hatchedandpatched.typepad.com/hatchedandpatched/2014/12/a-free-pattern-for-christmas.html

.........it’s optional but if you would like to get started on a great little project go ahead.....

Ok

The

Project

For

2015

Woops some more info for you............

You will need to get a new pattern.............the cost is approx $40 AUD............this is not available yet as you have to wait until it is released which will be very soon as I have been speaking with the designer and she is very happy for us to use this for the 2015 SAL...............
I will do another post here once it is released............

Any ideas yet????

If people want to they can sign up for a BOM but I will be using my stash and I encourage all of you to use your stash......pretty sure no one could tell me they don’t have enough fabric in their stash..........I will only need a bit more in the background fabrics............

Any ideas yet????

Basically to start with you will need to do about 1 block a week............gosh I hope I can manage that.............

Everyone is welcome to join us..........but you do need to be a blogger ( NOT fb or ig)............there is a limited number able to join the SAL blog.........as I commit to run the blog and Susan has committed to help me you need to commit to posting your progress each month and participating in the blog by posting at least once a month and commenting to encourage everyone else who joins in......you don’t need to comment on every post bit it would be supportive if you commented on some.............otherwise we are just wasting each others time.............

I will have a list of participants on the sidebar and will update progress as we go along.............

I picked this SAL as soon as I got a sneak peek at it about 6 weeks ago..............

Any ideas yet????

Ok

So

the

Stitch-a-long

For

2015

Is

Designed

By

Anni

Downs

Hatched

And

Patched

And

It

Is

"Natures  Journey"

You can get a much better sneak peek here and leave a comment for Anni......... http://hatchedandpatched.typepad.com/hatchedandpatched/2014/12/my-new-quilt-winner-happenings.html#comments

And a bit more here............... http://hatchedandpatched.typepad.com/hatchedandpatched/2014/11/quilt-top-complete.html

2643 posts sharing

Gardeners Journals 35 quilts and 11 tops

Tis the Season 77 quilts, 3 tops, 11 projects

Some Kind of Wonderful 30 quilts, 9 tops

Mixed SAL 41 participants with approx 341 projects completed

Natures Journey how many can we complete..........

OK so who’s joining me and Susan my trusty assistant whip cracker (think she is worse then me...lol)...........

Signs up on this post...............

You don’t have to have participated in a previous SAL.............but you do need to blog.........

Leave a comment........

For the benefit of others reading the comments tell us what other SAL’s you joined in here and why you like joining the SAL.......

if a newby why you want to join in.........

Have fun

Chookyblue and Susan

STOP

*****ADDED PLEASE READ******
if you are no reply blogger we cannot contact you. 
This post may help you change it.
Also if your profile is in google + we cannot contact you or go to your blog link.
If you are new to the SAL please add your blog address to the comment and your email too. 
If you don't want to show your email in the comment there is a link on the top left of the blog to contact me Chookyblue. 
But you still need to also leave a comment on this post.
If we cannot contact you we can't add you to the SAL.
If you had not heard from us within 24-48 hours contact us again...........

new look.........

new year, new sal, new look.............like it?

under 4 hours......

1 sleep..........

One more sleep..............

until

so lets have some fun.............

anyone want to guess what the new SAL is.............

I won't reply to comments as I am flat out sorting a few other things online here and on my own blog but lets see what you think...............

some of you are thinking a one project SAL others numerous projects SAL.........

&&&&

Happy New Year..........

I won't be heading out............

i'll enjoy the fireworks on TV..........

The teasing is almost over.......hehehe......

Chookyblue...

help needed and 2 sleeps............

Hey girls.......need your help.........

one of our SAL buddies needs some support...........

just wondering if you can head over to Khrissy @ BaiSiNoLil blog and give her some serious whip cracking gentle encouragement...........her little fingers will be working overtime to get the last blocks of the Gardeners Journal done before the end of the year............

She wants to have the top together and she has about 48 hours to go..........

head over and see what she has left to do.............

Khrissy did start the GJ SAL with us but never got it finished..............

she also did the Tis the Season SAL...........

Come on team - help Khrissy get over the line...........

 

Also Miss Shez has finished her SKoW.............must be killing her though as she doesn't have very good internet where she is at the moment........but as soon as she can she is going to share a post here with us.......I can't wait.....

&&&&

Anyone else got something finished from any of the SAL's...........

not long now...........

Chookyblue...........

PS don't freak either if the SAL blog disappears just before I tell you all about the new SAL...............it will be back very soon..............

not long now...........

woops my little counter was out of whack and so am I..............

all my days are mixed together and today I realised what the date/day it was and my counter was wrong so I just fixed it................so you all have to wait another day.............well not really another day it was just 14hrs out but that clicked over to another day............

But maybe it is a chance to get some sewing supplies together...

needles, thread, fabric, sewing machine, sewing mojo.............

have you got your sewing mojo ready...........

and just as I am sitting here I have worked out a project for January while your getting your supplies together for the SAL.............

for the January project you will need your embroidery threads, cream background fabric, 

So what do you think............would you like it to be a numerous projects SAL like 2013 or a one project SAL.............tell me what you think.......don't suggest a particular project/s as I have already decided on that...............
and my criteria is the pattern/s must not cost a fortune like in a lot of BOMS, numerous individual patterns, AND it can be made from your stash

numerous projects 

or 

one project

And yes I am having fun teasing you girls..............

cheeky and wicked but not evil............hehehe......

Chookyblue

3 sleeps..................

Chookyblue...............

SKofW needlebook..................

the final album from 2013..............the Some Kind of Wonderful needlebook by Anni Downs..........

Enjoy..........

Chookyblue..............

sewing case album..........

here are 33 gorgeous sewing cases from Anni Downs Some Kind of Wonderful book................

look down the left sidebar and you will find the album.............

Enjoy 

Chookyblue..........

Hexie album.......

Here's the next album.............in July we did hexie bags...........

"Chilly Penguin Hexagon Bag" from Tis the Season by Natalie Bird....

once again look down on the left sidebar..........

Enjoy.........

Chookyblue..........

albums...........

wow............losing the plot in the second half of 2013 I just realised fiddling on the blog that I have not added the albums for the 2013 SAL June-Sept...............and going back saving the photos to the albums I realised just how good you girls are.....................

Wow you made some great projects there.............so i'll share a new album for the next few days..............

Today check out the new album - June Red Home Pincushions 

It's on the left sidebar down a bit.........scroll down and check it out.........

Enjoy

Chookyblue

SAL planning..............

hello stitchers..........

I am planning for the SAL to start in February and finish about September..............

that gives you January to get yourself organised.........

sound ok?

is the teasing working well????

sorry I  just can't help myself............lol...........and no use trying to get info out of Susan who helps me on the blog as I am it is a surprise for her too........

Chookyblue

Binding time....

Today I need to finish a long overdue job...the binding on my angel story quilt!!! The lovely quilting was done by the gorgeous Fiona !!!!

Finished the pin cushion for June

Just having a look at the list for 2013 and I've realised that I've completed the June pin cushion without having posted a pic. Silly me. I will have to rectify that. And now that we are finally on holidays and dance concert is finished for another year, I can have a look at where I'm at for the other projects. 

A long break for me, too

I finished the top of the Anni Downes Quilt just in the nick of time. And that's where that has stayed. I have completed lots of sewing since, but it's involved costumes, costumes and more costumes.

I've pondered several times how best to get my quilt quilted and, therefore, used. I'd love to hand quilt but know that this is just realistic.

Finally an answer - for Christmas I have acquired a quilting frame that I can attach my machine to. Can't wait to try it out. The SAL quilt won't be my first but it will be done. Hoping for early in 2015 when my son's 21st is over.

Very exciting. And looking forward to hearing Chooky's news of the new SAL for 2015. 

cleaning up..............

Hi Girls

thanks for such positive feedback about running a 2015 SAL.......it's nice to know I will have some buddies.........no secrets revealed yet.......

will it be one project????? will it be many projects???????

If anyone would like to share projects they have finished but not posted here yet please do so ASAP.......or maybe pull an unfinished one out now that Christmas sewing is just about done and get it finished..............

In preparation for 2015 I will clear the slate and start with a new members list for 2015.........

probably wipe it clean about the 20th Dec.............

I do hope my partner in crime will support me again in 2015........so we can create mischief and merryment in blogland.......

Chookyblue..........

SAL 2015........

After a long break on here from any posts and a break in projects for 2014 if it rains here and things become sane I have a plan for 2015. I will make an announcement on the 1st January..............
Just thought I would give you a heads up if your starting to think abut 2015
Chookyblue..............