Thursday, January 16, 2014

Taking Stock and Counting Crows

In Native American terminology, 'counting coup' referred to the number of battles or skirmishes in which the warrior won - especially winning without shedding blood.  It was also a way of recording the tribal history. 
So I consider it a 'coup' if I manage to finish a quilt project without acquiring any injury.  In looking around to 'count crow' in my sewing room I found several bundles of blocks waiting to be assembled into quilts, a '4 patch posey' quilt top waiting to have the pieced borders applied (and I know those borders are finished and hiding nearby somewhere!) and a small finished top all sandwiched and ready for quilting!  I had the camera and was snapping pics as I went to remind myself about these 'finds' and proceeded to the Grotto level where there are several patient tops waiting in 'Flimsyville' with thread/batting/backs all ready to leap joyously onto the HQ16 frame - which may take a week or so to accomplish as the table is currently suffering the post holiday trauma of last minute gift wrappings.

It is really a challenge this quarter to narrow the list down to what I can realistically expect to finish, but here goes:
1 - Myrtle Beach Houses - the pastel house blocks were won as block of the month drawing while I was a member of the Amador Valley Quilters in Pleasanton CA - I loved being a member of that guild and hated leaving CA back in  '97...  I decided to add tree blocks between the houses, which took several seasons of hand applique, but managed to finish the top at a delightful retreat in Greensburg PA back in ....ummmm.... well, never mind, it's ready for quilting and that's what matters.  I'm hoping to enter this quilt in a show this spring - the deadline is fast approaching!
Here's a little peek:
this is the backing and border fabric - shy little thing, it is!


2 - 2009 Calendar Quilt - a Pat Sloan adventure - that was a tough year - really deep snow, flooded basement, yuk!  I was hoping this quilt would be full of pleasant memories! I spent a few years recuperating but I'm ready to finish this top now:


this is sideways... Blogger won't let me change it... sorry!

3 - Streak of Luck 2012 Sampler - started as a 'Streak of Luck' sampler class when 'Creative Stitches Cafe' opened - I loved teaching this class - and the students teach me so much!

hubby is so helpful - he makes an excellent quilt stand!

There are lots more, of course.  I'll be working on several quilt tops in tandem with these finishes - some have deadlines coming in a few weeks - but progress is not the same as FINISHED - is it?   This has given me an opportunity to photograph the current status of the inventory - a good exercise in restraint for me as so many go back such a long time!

My 'New Year Resolution' is always the same... Finish more than I start!  Starting is my strength, but Finishing is always a challenge.  I'm hoping this FAL will motivate me to have LOTS of finishes this year!

3 comments:

  1. Ah yes, the *other* things that also sidle in, isn't that how we end up with so many WIPs in the first place? lol Good luck!

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  2. Lots of beauties waiting for their turn to be done. :) I am a great starter as well. Not such a great finisher. Good luck getting a handle on those UFOs

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  3. much luck in finishing in 2014. May it be the year we both conquer the Wips....

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