2009 Resolutions Quarterly Report

Wow, April 1st. The year is 1/4 over already! Who'd of thought it, although it did seem like a long, long winter. I thought this would be a good time to review my 2009 goals, and my progress against them. The original is in plain type, and the progress in italicized. No photos in this one - sorry!

+ No new fabric purchases!!!!!!

[3/31/09 - Well I haven't done so well as I'd hoped, but I have cut down considerably. AND instead of purchasing and stashing, for the most part, I've been sewing what I've bought. Except for the quilt fabric. I did go a bit nuts at a clearance sale at Homestead Hearth, but I have recovered. Lets see if I can do better next quarter! No total of the amount purchased - more than 10 yards, less than 50!!! 8-)) specific enough for you?]

+ Learn to Quilt on my New Used Quilt Designer Machine!!!!!

[3/31/09 - Making progress on this goal. In the past few weeks I replaced the stitch cards with the machine - both the quilting and utility card - and am feeling excited about the possibilities. I am getting good at using it - it makes a lovely 1/4" seam - but haven't tackeled actually quilting. With spring break coming up next week, maybe I can try then.]

+ Make One Item from Each Burda Plus and/or Burda World of Fashion Magazine Acquired!!!!

[3/31/09 - Some progress here, although not to the actual making stage as yet. I traced out four patterns from different magazines, but have not cut them out as yet. So . . . Step one done, several more to go.]

+ Make at least one item for myself from the vintage patterns I've collected!!!!

[3/31/09 - I have not done this a yet. I have several ideas, but no action. Maybe a summer dress?]

+ Finish the Unfinished 2008 Projects!!!!

[3/31/09 - Doing well here. I actually trimmed up the 8 pointed star blocks and made a first pass at sewing two together. I started trimming the Paris Flea Market hourglass squares. I am making progress on the geisha round robin that is actually from - ummmm, 2007? (See post below about the little kimonos blocks.)
As for unfinished clothing, I have two pieces cut and ready to go, but never made them. The first is a dress out of the Kaufmann mermaid fabric from last summer - I didn't have enough for the sleeves, and by the time I found it, it was fall, so packaged that up and hung it in the sewing closet. The second is a stretch twill skirt in pale lime that I cut out, but I fear I may have made a mistake with. So these are in the wind, but will be finished.]

Working with My NEW Used Machine

A few weeks ago I mentioned having purchased a used Husquvarna Designer. I finally got it set up and used it yesterday and today.

First of all, I love the quarter inch stitch - it is exact and makes it much easier to make an accurate 1/4 inch seam. And the auto lift is difficult to get used to, but after several hours of sewing, I think I am ok with it - I didn't reach back to lift the foot the last hour or so I was sewing this evening.

I knew a few of the stitches don't work, and I was disappointed that the stipple stitch does not work. However, with the free motion, I should be able to stipple without a preset pattern. I haven't tried free motion as yet, but I did buy the Harriet Hargrave book on machine quilting today to get some ideas about the best process for achieving a good look. So, right now, I say my purchase was a good choice.

I am now thinking about selling my Viking 500 that I bought in 1997 or 1998. It is in great shape and has been a wonderful machine. A used one on Ebay sold today for $615, so that is a good indicator.

New Sewing Machine

HEY! I have a new toy! It is a Viking Quilt Designer. My new pal, Ann, found it for me on Craig's List. I picked it up yesterday, but haven't had a chance to get it out as yet - and it will probably be tomorrow before that happens!
Things have been very very busy here at the ranch. After a few months of not much in my consulting business, I suddenly am awash in work. And given the nature of grants, everything is deadline driven. And often, the deadlines are only a week or so away. I've been on the computer, writing and researching, so much that the palm of my right hand that rests on the edge of the lap top is actually sore!
I have a dramatic deadline for the upcoming week, so that I means I won't have much time for posting. But I am reserving Sunday as much as possible to play with my new toy.
I am still sewing - working on cutting up and reassembling my green and pink strata mentioned a few posts ago. Slow going, as I run into the sewing room for a spare 15 minutes or half hour.
I'll talk with you later!!