Original Mini: A Finish

I started this mini on a visit to AZ way back in 2010 (I think... I had to call my friend bc I honestly couldn't remember). She was taking a sewing class and was going thru her fabric stash. I helped and got to pick put what I liked (which worked out to be things she didn't like, mostly) as a reward. I started hand sewing this mini then and there on her guest bed. 

Here we are 6 years later and I've finished it! This mini was a big inspiration to start quilting again. And it holds a spacial place in my heart

The quilt top is made up a various vintage, reclaimed and found fabrics. The backing is mostly a piece of lizard skin-ish green batik. Both were pieced in Chandler, AZ, at the house of my BFF, where she lived with her parents at the time. I had to add a bit of new black fabric to the backing to make the rolled binding.  

Original mini was basted with a few scraps of vintage poly batting, and quilted with light grey cotton thread in a stripy pattern. I added some black thread as well. The binding is rolled from the back. This mini finishes approximately 27" x 27 1/2" with a very wonky edge. 

I added a new little tag, with the name of the quilt, dates, and my name. This little mini is on my Q1 list for the 2016 Finish Along. I made it just under the wire (last day for links ups!). But I'm feeling good about it!! It was also my OMG finish for April, so that deadline is ahead of schedule!

Original Mini has been hanging around so long, I'm sure all my helpers had a hand in it. So here is Tom on the day I finished. 

Orange Cat/Grey Cat - A Finished Quilt

When one of my best friends let me know she was pregnant, she also let me know that I would be making her a baby quilt. Luckily, I already knew just what to make her!
Orange Cat/Grey Cat is an ode to two wonderful cats that the family have had. Grey Cat sadly passed away, but Orange Cat is the resident babywatcher and watchercat. 

The top for OC/GC was made using mostly new but some vintage fabrics. Most of the cats are black or white, but please note the orange and grey cat hiding there. I know my friend likes bright colors, but couldn't resist the making the top stark black and white with hints of pattern and color. 

From the very start of this quilt I knew I wanted the back to be as bright a rainbow fabric as I could find. I really liked this wavy new fabric. Bc it was soo busy, I decided that it was enough on it's own and didn't need to be a pieced backing like many of my quilts.

I used a new cotton batting for this quilt. I had a really hard time deciding how to quilt OC/GC. I didn't want the quilting to stand out too much or take away from either side of the quilt. So I tried something new and used a clear poly thread. It was certainly a challenge to work with, but I love the results! I quilted it in a straight line grid pattern avoiding the cat faces when I could. 

I folded over the backing to make the binding (as is my usual style). I really like the way it added to the colors of the front of the quilt and focused the black and white. This quilt finished at approximately 46" x 39 1/2". 

I made a simple label with no stamp, just stating the name of the quilt, my name, and added "For Calvin". I took this quilt out for a walk around my new neighborhood to get some good shots. 

All my cat helpers worked on this quilt. But Pit was the most helpful as I basted and bound Orange Cat/Grey Cat. This quilt is on my Q1 list for the 2016 Finish Along and I'm linking up with Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching.

OMG April Goal

My OMG (one monthy goal) for April is another finish for my 2016 Finish Along. This month I want to finish a very old WIP. I call it the Original Mini. 

Here's hoping I can finish this one soon, and also add it to my Q1 completed list! I will be linking up with Red Letter Quilts for OMG April!

Baby, Birds & Stars: A Finished Quilt

Last year I was commissioned to make two baby quilts for coworkers. Baby Blue was the first that I designed and completed at the end of 2016. I was inspired by it's simple, modern design and some of it's fabrics to make Baby, Birds & Stars. 

I used some scraps from Baby Blue plus more new fabric to make a simple but bright, large squared quilt top. These two tops are the first ever quilts I've made using no reclaimed or vintage fabric. I really like how both of them came out, but I will also be glad to get back to using vintage, thrifted, or reclaimed matierials as that makes me feel more at home. 

For the back, I had found a really inspiring yard and wanted to make that the focus. I also wanted mitered edges, and stripes. I incorporated light grey striped cotton as well as a strip of baby blue striped flannel. 

For Baby, Birds & Stars, I used a new cotton batting to make it really soft and snuggly. 

Although, the quilt top and back were of a very simple geometric design, I wanted this quilt to be whimsical and fun! I quilted the center squares with free hand stars, boxes in boxes, and stars in boxes. Then I made a star boarder on the outer boxes, and a few straight lines around the parimeter of the quilt. I used vintage yellow pearl cotton, bright blue cotton thread and grey cotton thread for the quilting. The quilting is a bit spread out making this quilt puffy, fluffy and soft. 

I used my fold over method to bind this quilt, so that the grey stripes bordered the front. I used a light grey thread to bind the edges. This quilt measure approximately 46" x 39 1/2". 

I have been making very simple labels for this quilts this year so far. I like to put the name of the quilt, my name (Mad Cat Quilts), and the year it was completed. This label also has a message from our workplace to make it extra special for baby and family. With some labels I also include the month it was completed or add a special Mad Cat stamp.

Almost all my helpers worked on this quilt, but Tom was especially helpful when basting and quilting Baby, Birds & Stars.    

This quilt was my March goal for OMG (One Monthly Goal), so I'm linking up with Red letter Quilts. And It's also on my Q1 list for the 2016 Finish Along. 

I'm also linking up with Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching, as this quilt was completely hand sewn. 

The Magic Art of Tidying Up

One of my goals in 2016 is to read more. See other books I've read here. 

I've been hearing about Marie Kondo's The Life-changing Magic Of Tidying Up for a while now. I finally picked up a copy and read it over two days. 

Have you ever wished your house was neater, and you life was more organized? Marie Kondo's Konmari method will give you the secrets to put your house in order once and for all. By using her methods, she swears your life will improve. 

After much trial and error, and devoting almost her entire life to tidying up, Kondo claims her method will help you organize your house and life. Part self help book, part instruction manual, part semi mystic guru advice, I found this book quite strange. But inspiring!

I don't want to give away the processes in the book, as it's far more interesting to read them from Kondo than from me, but one of her principals is to touch every single thing in your home. This helps you decide if you need to keep it, or it can be let go. There are many ideas in the book that I took away, but what I found most inspiring was the idea of treating every item in your home with love and reverence. If there is an item for which you cannot do this, it's time to let it go and thank it for the use and joy you did once get from it. I love the idea of every little thing in your house being special and cared for and important, even if it's just to you. Marie Kondo is much more practical in what she loves in her house than I am, but that's ok! 

Since reading about the Konmari method last month, I haven't done too much tidying, I must admit. I certainly haven't followed the method in any real way. But I have been thinking more about what I own, what I use, and what brings me joy. It certainly has made me think of many items in a different light. 

I really enjoyed this book, and can see myself going back and rereading it at a time I might be ready to actually put this method into practice. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for more tidy in their lives, people who like instructional books, and people who love inanimate objects. 

The Life-changing Magic Of Tidying Up caused quite a stir when it first hit the blogverse, have any of my readers read it? Care to share your opinions? 

2016 Blog Goals

Since we are well into March, it seems like a good time to check in on how my some of goals for 2016 are shaping up. Specifically my goals concerning this blog. 

My workspace in all it's messy glory. Please note TMNT, Destro, tauntaun, sand, thread, coffee, tattoo ink, scissors, scissors, scissors, British comedy, Library Card boxes, curio cabinet, Bossk, Captain Picard, sea glass, and more.... 

Post Regularly
I want to be sure to post pretty regularly. Not every day, but 3-4 times a week at least. For the first few months, I think I've done pretty well on this front with only a few major gaps. But I can always be better about consistency. In the beginning of the year, I've been a bit loose about which days I post, going forward I'd like top achieve set days.  

Continue regular series, create more
I feel like I've touched on most of my favorite regular series (Something New, New Block, Art and Nature, Zoo at Home..., On My Mind..., Book Review). I haven't come up with too many new series... Yet. 

Tag and categorize
At the beginning of the year, I tried to go thruogh and add tags & categories to all my posts. For some reason I have a hard time doing this at the time of writing the posts. I'd like to get better at this. 

Giveaways/Trades
I had my first giveaway last year, and my second in February. I enjoy these, but I need practice. The turnout was not as big as I would like.... One thing I haven't done are any trades. I'd really like to pursue this. 

August off
Although I really want to get better at posting consistently, I also know I'll need a break. Traditionally July and August have been the months when my posting falls off. I think this year will be a good time to experiment with a controlled break. I plan on taking August off of blogging. 

Reader's input
What would you like to see? What aspects of this blog do you enjoy? 

A close up of this section. These tiny TMNT figures are fun and distracting!

WIP 3/20/16

Happy first day of Spring, everyone! I'm glad it's not snowing where I am. Let's hope that's all over with!

I'm putting the last Slow Sunday Stitches in to this quilt before it heads out. Linking up with Kathy's Quilts. 

Out Stealing Horses

One of my goals in 2016 is to read more. See other books I've read here. 

Out Stealing Horses is the second book I've read from Per Petterson. I found this copy quite luckily in a little used book shop in Brooklyn. 

When I read Ashes in My Mouth, Sand in My Shoes last year, I really enjoyed the pacing and textured nature of Petterson's writing. It's hard to tell if that's all his style, or aided by the translation to English. 

Trond is an old man. Three years after his wife's death, he's moved out to a remote island to live out the rest of his days in a purposeful, slow and quiet way.  But living on the river reminds him of his childhood, his father's abandonment, and events of a certain Summer that changed his life forever. When storms strike, family visits, and the past resurfaces, Trond starts to realize he might need to rethink the quiet life. 

I loved the atmosphere and emotional tone that Petterson sets with Out Stealing Horses. It's a little bit lonely, a little bit bleak, but reminiscent, nostalgic  and calm. The flashbacks to a Summer when the old man was a boy, in addition to the trials of his current cold winter, add a sort of double coming of age tale. I recommend this book to anyone one who likes coming of age stories, Scadinavian lifestyles, or tales of man and man's best friend. 

Something New: Juicing at Home

As a house warming gift, my friend gave me a juicer. It took about seven months, but I finally started using it in February! And I love it! 

Here are some things I've learned:

1. It's not fun to clean.
My friend actually gave it to me bc he had bought it for himself, but hated the cleanup. It is a pain, that's true. But I find the benefits outweigh the annoyance. My technique is to clean it immediately after I drink my juice. 

2. Mostly clean is clean enough. 
I make sure to clean the screen and blade well after every use. I dump the fruit and veggie pulp into the compost. I clean the rest of the pieces and the base of the machine. But I don't worry too hard about getting every scrap off the outer parts. Since I use the juicer every day, I feel it's ok to have a tiny bit of pulp hanging around as long as it's not in the screen. For times when I know I won't be using it for a few days, I make sure to do a deep clean so the machine won't to start to smell. 

3. A little goes a long way.
Be it sweet, green, citrus, or ginger (or any other flavor you can think of), remember to balance it out. The first juice I made had a ton of citrus with the rinds included. It made my mouth numb, and killed my taste buds for about 8 hours. It was totally worth it, but I learned my lesson. I suggest tempering your favorite flavors with their balance. 

4. Use your scraps. 
I've found that the kale stalks are better than the leaves for juicing; they produce more juice! I love to use all my green bottoms or tops, fruit on the turn, wrinkly peppers, dry carrots, etc... they work great and don't get wasted! And don't forget to mix it up! The different fruit juices have different weights and will not mix on their own.

5. Limit your intake. 
I know there are many people who drink almost nothing but juice (this controversial article was recently the topic of a lot conversation and ridicule). I recently started this juice quest, and I'm still eating my same intake of whole fruits and veggies. I've found one to two juices a day is plenty. Any more and I get a tummy ache. 

So far, I've tried juicing just about every fruit or veggie in my kitchen. (Well, I have half a watermelon radish that I keep pulling out, but not being brave enough to throw in the mix). My favorite things to use are kale stalks, apples, ginger, whole lemons, whole tangerines/setsumas/clementines with their peels, oranges/grapefruit without the peels. I juiced an aging head of romaine that I did NOT enjoy. I tried to juice a banana. Turns out, you can't juice bananas. 

I hope anyone who juices, or is thinking of juicing shares their experiences, recipes, and advice here!

Ready Player One

One of my goals in 2016 is to read more. This kinda counts. See other books I've read here.   

I technically didn't read Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, I listened to Wil Wheaton read it. My dad read this book a few years ago and really liked it, so he got me the book-on-tape.

I have a complex relationship with Wil Wheaton. I hated the actor back when he played Wesley Crusher on Star Trek: The Next Generation but since have pretty much fallen in love with his later work. His you tube show, Table Top, and his guest appearances on The Guild, are recent favorites. Now Wheaton has a specific way of talking and reading so one really has to want to hear him if they listen to this book. a few years ago, I listened to every podcasts he did from 2005 to 2013 over a couple of months, and even I had trouble listening to this book for super long periods of time. But that reminds me, I need to catch up on Radio Free Burrito.   

Wade Watts lives in a dystopian future in a trailer park, so cramped that the vehicles are stacked on top of each other and under the thumb of his abusive aunt. His life sucks and his only respite is the MMO "game", The OASIS, that the world relies on for escape. In The OASIS, Wade can have a virtual life where he learns, makes friends, goes to school, and avoids the harsh reality of an impoverished, oil barren, dangerous "real world".  When the creator of The OASIS dies, he tells the world that he has hidden history's greatest easter egg in the game, and whoever finds it first will not only inherit his staggering wealth, but control of The OASIS, as well. From that moment on, Wade dedicates his life to finding The Egg. His search sends him in new, sometimes terrifying directions... And he isn't the only person looking for The Egg. 

In Ready Player One, the creator of The OASIS grew up in the 1980s, so just about every clue to find The Egg has to do with that time period. Everything 80s pop culture is the constant theme of the book. And everything geeky: video games, tv, movies, etc...

I had some troubles with this book. The writing style is stilted. Every action is painfully over described, making the book drag on and feel endless. I also felt that the constant over-detailed nostalgia bogged down the story in many areas, acted as needless filler, and/or talked down to anyone who had lived thru that era or knew well the source materials. The constant injection of 80s trivia seemed strangely calculated, as if it was included only for the film adaptation. And the movie has already been green-lighted. My last gripe was that the story was immensely straight forward with no unforeseen twists. Although the universe constructed is an interesting one, the tale proceeds exactly as one imagines. 

All that being said, I enjoyed this book OK. There's a sequel but I don't think I'd bother reading it. I will see the movie, which will be directed by Steven Spielberg. (My choice would have been McG or Edger Wright). Even though I didn't love this book, I would recommend this book to nerds and geeks, young adults and people who like video games. 

Right after I was given the audio tape of Ready Player One, I was lucky enough to find a paperback copy on a stoop (my favorite way to acquire books). I kept it bc I wasn't sure if I'd rather listen to the book, or read it. Now that I have listened to the book, I don't think I need the paper copy. So, I've decided to give it away on my instagram! Head there for all the details!

New Block: Snowball

I feel I'm doing well enough with my goal of a block a month in 2016 to call it a BOM. How exciting! I know I'm only 2 months in but I feel confident! I used this tutorial to make my first Snowball Blocks.  

Actually, I made four of them! Since I don't measure, they all came out slightly different. I like the effect for this larger block, but I think I have the hang of making them a bit more uniform in the future.  These are made with fabric from my stash, so I'm counting this post as part of my Year Of The Stash. My fabric count hasn't changed much since my last post on it. 

Fabric Added in February So Far: 0
Fabric Added Year to Date: 5 1/2 yards
Fabric Used this Month So Far: approximately 1/4 yard
Fabric Used year to Date: Approx. 3 1/4 yards

I've been tempted a few times to look and possibly buy on line, but I'm fighting those urges! Since I'm working hard to finish some well started quilts, I haven't had the chance to use too much stash up, but I hope this will change soon. 

Here are the two blocks from my personal BOM side by side. I'm trying to use a bit of a theme in the fabrics. We'll see how that works as the blocks add up. 

I'm also linking up with Kathy for some Slow Sunday Stitching. 

New Block: Candy, a Shoofly Variation

I might have made a shoofly block before, I cant recall. But when I saw Luna Lovequilts version of this Candy shoofly variation I decided I needed to try it.  

I checked out Blossom Heart Quilts for the Modern HST QAL that this block came from and it looks interesting. I don't think I'm going to join, but I will definitely keep my eye on the QAL for block inspiration!
I used all fabric from my stash for this block. This was all new geometric patterned fabric that I got for xmas. I'm counting this as a post for Year of the Stash.
Here's some stats for my buying and usage so far:
Fabric Added in January So Far: 5 1/2 yards (I bought 4 yards for a backing and borders of a quilt I'm working on, and then some bits and bobs I thought were nice!)
Fabric Added Year to Date: 5 1/2 yards
Fabric Used this Month So Far: approximately 3 yards
Fabric Used year to Date: Approx. 3 yards

I'm also linking this hand sewn block up with Kathy's Quilts and Slow Sunday Stitching. 

Deeply Nourished

One of my goals for 2016 is to read more. It was a goal in 2015, as well. 

The last book I read in 2015 was a little different than the others I've recorded. It's a cookbook! I came across it an event at The New School of Monmouth County. Deeply Nourished is by Rebeckah Allocco and Judith Alfano. 

Deeply Nourished is a cookbook with 21 simple and healthy recipes many of which are vegetarian or vegan. It also contains short essays from each author on how food and health relate to their religious and spiritual beliefs. The subtitle of this cookbook is "Stories of Food, Faith, and Life at the Table". These essays discuss subjects ranging from the connection between food and faith, sustainability and localness, seasonal eating and beliefs, favorite meals or techniques, and more. Each essay somehow relates to the authors spiritual journey and connection to cooking and food. Each essay has a quote at the beginning from the bible, the Buddha, religions, cooks, or philosophers. The recipes that follow are either directly connected to the writings, or are connected more loosely though season, memory, or emotion.  

Now, I'm not religious at all and although I am interested in all religion, I wouldn't necessarily pick up a non-reference book that had religious overtones. I do hold a belief system rooted in community, family, sustainability, simplicity, nourishment, pleasure and kindness. Since the profits went to The New School of Monmouth County and the recipes and essays looks interesting, I was intrigued to read this book even though it was not in my usual wheelhouse.
I thoroughly enjoyed Deeply Nourished! 
The essays were not overwhelmingly religious, but more spiritual in nature. The themes discussed could fall under many religions or belief systems including my own, having to do with family, community, nourishment of the body and soul, as well as Faith. What I enjoyed most were the glimpses of the daily life that the authors provided. It was interesting to read the connections to food these women have and how they felt that connection to be deeply spiritual.  
I really liked that authors chose recipes that are dear to their hearts, simple to execute, and largely vegetarian. Having a mostly land-meat-free diet (I eat fish and so would not call myself a vegetarian), I have found it surprisingly difficult to find recipes that I am inspired by. There are many recipes in this book that I'm eager to try! The one recipe that I have tried, Oven Roasted Salmon with Tomatoes and Capers, I've already made multiple times. Since these meals are seasonal some will have to wait until the ingredients are available. While others, like a kale and Brussels sprouts salad, I can't wait to test out. 

I would recommend this book to people looking for some new meals to try, especially if they eat vegetarian, or for those who enjoy reading about the spiritual journey. Anyone who regularly reads cook books will enjoy this one, i'm sure!     

The New School of Monmouth County is an alternative-education school that I attended for about 5 years growing up. It's also where one of the authors, Rebeckah Allocco went to school and now teaches. Judith Alfano is a writer and food educator. Visit their website, nourishingpaths.com and buy the book on Amazon or itunes. 

What's in a Name? - Pantone Colors of the Year 2016

I never knew there was a Pantone Color of the Year until I started quilting again. And I never paid much attention to it until last years furor over Marsala (see here, here, and here). 
This year seems as it will be just as controversial because Pantone picked Rose Quartz and Serenity for 2016. The first time that they have pick two colors, Pantone has this to say about them: 
"As consumers seek mindfulness and well-being as an antidote to modern day stresses, welcoming colors that psychologically fulfill our yearning for reassurance and security are becoming more prominent. Joined together, Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace.
               The prevalent combination of Rose Quartz and Serenity also challenges traditional perceptions of color association.In many parts of the world we are experiencing a gender blur as it relates to fashion, which has in turn impacted color trends throughout all other areas of design. This more unilateral approach to color is coinciding with societal movements toward gender equality and fluidity, the consumer's increased comfort with using color as a form of expression, a generation that has less concern about being typecast or judged and an open exchange of digital information that has opened our eyes to different approaches to color usage."

Already, some people hate it and some people love it (or at least tolerate it). 

I totally disagree on the message that Pantone says that the colors carry. I get that this is a cheerful, optimistic view for how they hope these colors might make the world feel, perhaps heal, and that's what they think consumers will be wanting. My thought is that's a bunch of BS, personally. A nice thought, certainly, but all wrong for 2016. If we are basing the color of the year on the political/social feelings and environment for the year ahead I would have gone with Mean Red (a color I would describe as blacker than blood, the color behind your eyes when you brace yourself after hitting your thumb with a hammer, or the color thumping through you head when you have a case of the "mean reds" [Maybe I should be more hopeful and this year's color should have been Tiffany's Blue]). Consumers are scared, sad and angry. I would have liked to see the Color of the Year reflect that.
Then you have all that stuff about gender exploration, expression and diversity. Pantone is saying that the blurring of gender in fashion and society, and the acceptance of that blur, should be represented by the outdated, singleminded, restrictive, old fashioned, specifically gender binary, "baby" blue and pink? Huh?
This is a tougher issue for me to pick a color to represent. Purple doesn't work, bc that's still buying into the gender binary, which hopefully we have all realized doesn't apply. Rainbow is more traditional but not right for the year ahead (re my thoughts above). I think I might pick Everything Brown, the color you get when you mix all the paint on the palate, the color of earth, where everything and everyone sprouts from. For me, this year, Everything Brown would represent a joining, coming together of all genders, no matter what they are, all peoples, no matter who they are, unity.       

Anyway, enough politics.

As for the colors, I'm right in the middle. I really enjoy Rose Quartz, but I'm not sold on Serenity. To further investigate, I did a little fabric pull. 

I find that for me, it comes down to what they named the colors. I quite like the blue but I bristle at the name "Serenity" for this shade. It is not serene for me. It's too design-y, too paint chip, and not enough ethereal, peaceful, sky and sea, to be Serenity. Something about calling it that makes me not want to see or use it, makes me what to shy away. 
Rose Quartz on the other hand sheds a whole new light on Pink. Being a gem enthusiast, this makes me think of magical beauty, nature, peacefulness, vibrancy and light. This name makes me want to use this color in everything, and find all the other gem named fabrics, too.

Ultimately, I don't see myself using these colors any more or less in the coming year. They will certainly make their way into something, but only bc they are pretty common colors. Anyone out there planning to use these colors (or not use them) now that they have been announced?

WIP 1/10/16

I'm trying to get this WIP from top to finish by the end of January.
All my quilts are completely hand pieced, quilted and bound. I never show my piecing stitches, but I'm working hard on improving so here's a peek behind the scenes (seams?).  

I'm working towards my stitches being more like the diagonal line as opposed to the horizontal one. 

One of my quilty goals this year is to get at least one finish done each month. I have specific deadlines for some quilts, and I want to get my production up. Heidi at Red Letter Quilts is hosting a great link up: OMG (One Monthly Goal). 

One thing I really like about OMG is that you can set any quilting goal, not just a finish, to link up with. This link up is all about encouragement to achieve your goal!! This brings me up to 4 link ups for the month, which serves another goal of community involvement!
I'm linking up with OMG today and with Kathy at Kathy Quilts for Slow Sunday Stitching. 

The Year Of the Stash

Over at A Quarter Inch from the Edge, The Year of the Stash is happening and I'm joining up!

This is a great link up, as there are really no rules, but it's a neat way to be mindful of what you're quilting with, as well as a way to use more and buy less. 
I decided to participate because "shopping" my extensive stash makes me feel good about what I'm quilting, helps fulfill two goals of my 2016 goals (quilt more, use up/don't buy), means the chances of using reclaimed or recycled fabrics is increased, and helps me declutter so I can actually see what fabrics I have. 
Usually, I can always find something in my stash the fits any bill I might be looking for in any project. So why buy? I guess the answer to that is bc it's fun! And there are so many gorgeous fabrics! I have to admit I went on a bit of a buying frenzy at the end of last year. Ostensibly, I had to buy some things for projects I'm working on, but really, I had enough in my current stash and didn't need to by anything. I'm happy to have all the fabrics I bought, but ultimately I feel worse for buying them, disappointed in myself for collecting more things that I don't need, and a little sad that my current collection of beautiful fabric went unused.

To help me be mindful in The Year of the Stash here is my manifesto:

1) Buy as little new fabric as possible. I won't say buy none. I want to be free to get a great new piece here or there, patron indy quilt shops, or buy backing when needed. I'll buy used, reclaimed, and/or vintage fabric when possible. I pride myself on using these fabrics in my quilts, and need to scoop them up when they preset themselves. But I want to be mindful not to add too much to my stash!
2) Use some used, vintage and/or reclaimed fabrics in all quilts. Last year was the first time I used all new fabric for some quilts and it just didn't feel right. As I said above, I pride myself to use these vintage items, and I need to get back to that. I have such a wonderful collection in my stash, it needs to get out into the world!  
3) Organize as I go. When we moved, I started folding and color coordinating my stash and discovered that I have far too much fabric!! I barely made a dent before I filled up the entire space I'd set aside. I'd like to utilize this space better this year. I want to use up, organize, and consolidate during The Year of the Stash!
4) Sew, sew, sew! One of my goals is to have at least one finish per month, I'd also like to make one new block per month. Sourcing from my stash will help me as I have so many wonderful fabrics at my fingertips! 

And that's it! Simple, right? I'll be posting blogs about my Year of the Stash and linking up regularly at Quarter Inch from the Edge. I hope some of my readers will join in as well! And be sure to check out other quilter's manifestos here. 

2015 Finish Along Q4 Recap + 2016 Finish Along Q1 List

I really enjoyed participating in my first Finish Along in 2015 (Check out all the details for last year here). I didn't get a as much done as I would have liked last year, but it was a nice way to track my progress. I'll be happy to look back at my blog posts in years future. I can't wait to start 2016!

Although technically I missed the cut off to link up my 2015Q4 List, I still made one and completed a finish on my list! I haven't been able to post the quilt I finished bc it's still hasn't been gifted. Since I wasn't able to add to the link up, it didn't really matter. But keep your eye out for that post: coming soon!

Here's the 2015Q4 list:
1) Finish quilting, bind, and label Quilt for Grandma Doris.
I thought about this project a lot, but I suppose that doesn't really count. 
2) Finish quilting and making, stuff and use, Pillow #1 for a New Secret Project.
Moving put a hold on this one....
3) Start, piece, baste, quilt, bind and label OC/GC Baby Quilt.
Some work got done on this and it'll make the new list. 
4) Piece back, baste, quilt, bind, label Baby Quilt Commission #1.
Finished!
5) Finish piecing front and back, baste, quilt, bind, label, Baby Quilt Commission #2.
Work got done on this and it'll be in the new list, too!
6) Finish piecing front, piece back, baste, quilt, bind Xmas Medallion Quilt. 
I'm not even sure where this quilt is...

On to 2016Q1!

In my goals for this year, I want to get a quilting finish done each month. This won't stop me from making my 2016Q1 list longer than 3 items!

1) Finish piecing, baste, quilt, bind and label OC/GC Baby Quilt. 

I'm gonna try and list these in order in which they need to get done, and this is the first.  

2) Finish piecing the back, baste, quilt, bind, label, Baby Quilt Commission #2

I have some ideas about how I want to quilt this one, so I can't wait to get started. 

3) Finish quilting, bind, and label Quilt for Grandma Doris.

This quilt was on all 4 of my 2015 Finish Along lists. It's time it was really put to bed.  I'd love to have this finished in time for Mother's Day, but I've said that before...

4) Quilt, bind, and label Geometric Gift Quilt. 

This might be my biggest quilt to date and I'm eager to finish it. 

5) Finish quilting, bind, and label Original Mini. 

This one goes way back!

Setting deadlines is another one of my goals this year, so I feel that this is a great list to help me achieve that.
I'm so pleased to be linking up with Debbie at A Quilter's Table this year for the 2016 Finish Along.  This year's FAL is spread over several blogs, but here's where you can find all the details to join. I hope some of my readers will join up and share their progress with Mad Cat Quilts!

PS Here are some stats and links to my 2015 Finish Along:
Out of 15 unique quilts that made it to my 2015 lists I finished 5. One third of my year's goal is a pretty good start, I think!! 
2015 Finish Along
Stormy Friendship
Label Maker
AGAT
Q2
Scrappy Hearts
Q3
Q4
Commissioned Baby Quilt #1 - Post to follow. 

2016 Goals

 I'm so excited for the year ahead and the possibilities it offers! My list of goals for 2016 keeps growing. I don't like to make New Years Resolutions. I don't want to resolve to doing things, I want to aspire to doing them! 

Work on Creative Endeavors as Much as Work 
For 2015, I wrote "I have to make my art and sewing a priority in my life and not let working at my job be the only or most urgent thing that drives me". And this past year has taught me that this is a very difficult task. Nearly Impossible. I am excited to carry this goal over and continue to work towards it.  

Quilting
As a way to work towards goal number 1, I need to work more on my craft. Some things I want to work on in this area are to improve my skills, be involved in at least one market, and one show, have a finish every month, and generally make more! 

Blog/Shop/Sales
In 2015, I made great strives in my blogging. I want to keep that up with regular blog posts. Like, really regular! I learned last year that I need take 1 month off from blogging. My slowest time for posts is over the summer. I failed to update shop regularly in 2015. This is something I hope to do. Hopefully that will result in more sales, as I would like to gain practice at selling, packaging, and gathering customers and followers to widen my community. 

Draw More (some).  
To inspire this goal, I've started a secret project. Something that might help this would be to do a drawing a day for a year. 365 drawings might be a weighty goal, but I'm going to try!

Deadlines
I want to learn to set and complete more deadlines for myself.  

House and Home
I want to continue to get better at taking care of my family and our home.  

Exercise/Diet/Cooking
I want to get better at taking care of myself and my health. I'd like to exercise at least 4 times a week. I want to stretch every day. I want to continue to make and eat wonderful and healthy foods. 

Wardrobe/Use Up, Don't Buy
I plan to continue my wardrobe project which I worked on last year. And I want to strive to reduce, reuse, and recycle more in my everyday life. I'd love to be able to not buy anything (besides food, necessities, etc...) for at least 6 months out of the year 2016.  

Community
Now that I've moved, I need to get involved! Step one - get a job I love! I also want to make sure that I stay in touch with my old community, so friends will be a priority this year. 

Read More 
Nuff said. 

I'd love to hear some readers goals for the coming year. Leave them in the comments or show us a link!