2021 UFO Challenge

 January 1, 2021 

My Quilt Guild - Brandywine Valley Quilters Guild has issued a challenge to its members. 

• Create a list of 11 unfinished projects to be completed during 2021.
  
• Record the list on a Google Docs and submit to the Guild for accountability.
  
• At the monthly meeting on Zoom, a number will be drawn and that is the quilt you work on that month. 
• Prizes will be given monthly.

My UFO List:

1. Temperature Quilt - Visual representation of the year I was born. 3 months are done, 9 more to go. Then sandwiching, quilting and binding. 
2. 2020 Monthly Color Challenge - blocks are completed, top needs to be sewn togther, sandwiched, quilted and bound.
3. Interleave - the center Interleaved block is made. I envisioned a medallion style quilt. Long way to go.
4. Lucy's Love Notes - The Project Linus 2020 Mystery Quilt. Ready for sandwiching and quilting.
5. Gypsy Wife - I love this quilt and have spent way too much time on this quilt without finishing it.
6. Gnome for Christmas - Applique pieces are ironed and need to be sewn. Sew top together and quilt.
7. Hen Party - same as #6.
8. Snow Sew Along - Only 4 out of 12 blocks completed. 
9. 100 Modern Quilt Blocks - 48 blocks completed. Considering  a shadow box setting.
10. 2019 Monthly Color Challenge. Blocks completed, top needs to be sewn together.
11.  Harmony - Needs borders, quilting and binding
    

 

 I'm ready! All of the patterns, fabric, etc. are in numbered plastic boxes. 

This UFO activity will be a challenge because I have already committed to making "Wanda" starting in January. Wanda is a Gudrun Sew Along, info at GE Quilt Designs. 

I am also a blogger for the 2021 Monthly Color Challenge, this is my 4th year doing this Challenge. Patterns by Jen designs and hosts the challenge each year. Her instructions are well-written, clear and the monthly project is a lot of fun! Join us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/259684534541789. Patterns will be posted at https://patternsbyjen.blogspot.com/2020/12/announcing-2021-monthly-color-challenge.html.

 I will be blogging and posting throughout the year on my progress.

#9 was chosen for the month of January! It is the 100 Modern Quilt Blocks and I finished the top and have sent it to the Long Arm quilter. For more information - https://pennyformythoughts-nona.blogspot.com/2021/01/2021-ufo-challenge-january.html

 

#BVQ2021UFOchallenge #2021monthlycolorchallenge #Wanda #brandywinevalleyquilters

2021 Monthly Color Challenge - Introduction

 December 2020

Patterns by Jen hosts and designs the Yearly Color Challenge - this is my fourth year participating. The theme for this year is fruits and vegetables and all of the information and monthly patterns (the first of the month) will be found on her blog. There are two choices for block size - 6 and 12 inches finished.

The themes for the previous years:

2020 - Birds

2019 Flowers

2018 Colors  

Some of the tools that are helpful during the challenge.

1. 12" x 12" Clear Scrapbook Case by Simply Tidy™- I love these cases for keeping all of the material and blocks together each month. I buy them at Michael's on sale - paid 2.99 recently.

2. Various size square rulers. Especially the 6.5 and the 12.5 size.

3. Pins - I am a pinner to keep all seams aligned

 

I had this crazy idea of using fruit and vegetable fabrics.You may use any fabric that you want - solids, prints, etc. Jen has a list of the months and their colors on her blog - https://patternsbyjen.blogspot.com/2020/12/announcing-2021-monthly-color-challenge.html

Guest Bloggers for the Challenge:

The sponsors for the 2021 Monthly Color Challenge.

 

Join and share your blocks in the Facebook Group - Quilt and Learn With Patterns by Jen

Follow me on IG - kathy.nester 

#2021monthlycolorchallenge

Ladder of Years

 

 

Ladder of Years by Anne Tyler. New York, Vinatge Books, 1995. 325p. ****

"Baltimore woman disappears during family vacation." Delia F. Grinstead, 40 years old, wife of a physician, mother to three and with her two sisters goes on a vacation with her family and doesn't return. There isn't one incident that is a tipping point, she walks away from the beach blanket in Bethany Beach and just keeps walking. Will anyone miss her, will they come looking for her, does anyone care? 

I enjoyed Delia's story and could identify with some of her feelings. What mother doesn't feel unappreciated at some point in time and could just keep walking out the door and down the steps? With $500 of vacation money in her pocket and wearing her husband's beach robe, Delia didn't plan in advance and has no idea where she is going, however, she feels free and at peace. I read this book in a day and a half even though it has been hard to focus and enjoy reading. It's the week before Christmas in the middle of a pandemic, so anxiety is high. Some of the Amazon reviews of this book are not kind and suggest that Delia has nothing to complain about---her husband doesn't beat her, she's financially secure and has three healthy children. All true, but a chance encounter in the supermarket and her family's reaction to accusation against her, cause Delia to feel unimportant and taken for granted. Anne Tyler has captured those feelings and given a voice to many voices unheard. I enjoyed this book and grateful that it is a Book Club choice for the The Bee Keepers - The Book Hive Book Club. I once read a story about a woman who left her life behind by signing up to work on a cruise ship. That story like this one fascinated me. 

No spoilers here, however, I would often wonder, what happens next? Is this what happens to missing people and do they ever just go home again?  

ANNE TYLER was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1941 and grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina. She is the author of more than twenty novels. Her twentieth novel, A Spool of Blue Thread, was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2015. Her eleventh novel, Breathing Lessons, was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1989. She is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. She lives in Baltimore, Maryland. For more information: https://annetyler.com

 Follow me on IG - kathy.nester or flamazing_books

 

#annetyler #ladderofyears 

Take It Back

 Blog Tour - December 14, 2020

Take it Back by Kia Abdullah. St. Martin's Press, 2020. 296 pages. ***

From the publisher:

"One victim.

Four accused.

Who is telling the truth?

Zara Kaleel, one of London's brightest legal minds, shattered the expectations 

placed on her by her family and forged a brilliant legal career. But her decisions 

came at a high cost, and now, battling her own demons, she has exchanged 

her high profile career for a job at a sexual assault center, helping victims who 

need her the most. Victims like Jodie Wolfe.

When Jodie, a sixteen-year-old girl with facial deformities, accuses four boys in 

her class of an unthinkable crime, the community is torn apart. After all, these four 

teenage defendants are from hard-working immigrant families and they all have

 proven alibis. Even Jodie's best friend doesn't believe her.

But Zara does—and she is determined to fight for Jodie—to find the truth in the 

face of public outcry. And as issues of sex, race and social justice collide, the most

 explosive criminal trial of the year builds to a shocking conclusion."

This story started strong - Zara has re-evaluated her life as a high-end lawyer to make a difference and here is her chance; Jodie needs someone on her side and to believe her. The problem is that Jodie keeps changing details of her assault  and the events leading up to it, is Jodie embarrassed or lying about what happened the night of the party? About mid-way through the book, the story seemed to falter, Zara's problematic relationship with her family overshadows Jodie's issues. Jodie's disfigurement is cause for her to be victimized by bullies at school and Zara is shamed by the men in her family for not following cultural norms  and for her independent ways. The author's voice was not as strong as Jodie as it was as Zara. The character development of the boys and their families versus the accusations of the horrific assault will resonate with crime  victims as readers. It is difficult for me to identify or to understand the main characters, no one seems likable and all have self - destructive behaviors. No spoiler, however, I wish the ending was the beginning of the book and the starting point rather than the end.

 I received a copy to review.

KIA ABDULLAH is an author and travel writer. She has contributed to  

The Guardian, BBC, Channel 4 News, and The New York Times. Kia currently

 travels the world as one half of the travel blog Atlas & Boots, which receives

 over 200,000 views per month.

 

Follow me on Instagram: flamazing_books 

#sexualabuse #disfigurement #bookstagram

The 2020 31 Day Writing Challenge

 Day 4 - Favorite Tools

I took an Interleave Class with Nancy Arico of Junto Space last Thursday and having flat seams is important in this project.  I keep the Clapper by my iron and use it often.

What is a Clapper and How is it Used?  

It really is a game changer when there are many seams or intersection in one top/block. My strips may not be the straightest or even, however, they do lay flat!

Into The Light

This phone, glasses holder, fabric weight pincushion combo was my gift from a Guild Quilt Retreat. Tutorial available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQhkxXrUo4g. One of the Guild members made it and I love it! No more searching under fabric, etc. trying to find my phone. (and glasses)

The Pentel Gel Roller fabric pens are perfect for writing on fabric. They don't bleed or fade and they can be purchased from Amazon or Walmart.

#202031daywritingchallenge #day4favoritetools

The 2020 31 Day Writing Challenge

 Day 3 - My Machines

I use these two machines to do all of my piecing. I purchased the serger to make pillowcases for Case for Smiles and the serger makes the sewing so much easier. I have been a Bernina machine user for the last 20 years. I am familiar with them so this one is my go to machine. 

When my Granddaughter expressed an interest in her own machine, we bought her a Bernina 215 Little Red. Adding a skin to it really surprised her!

 

I love Bernina sewing machines because they are so easy to use and maintain. Getting them serviced yearly is important along with a thorough cleaning and oiling often. Changing the needle after @8 hours of sewing will keep your stitches beautiful. 

I remember now why I didn't stay with this project last year, it takes time and persistence. I am already days behind, I will catch up!

#202031daywritingchallenge  #day3mymachine

The 2020 31 Day Writing Challenge

 December 2, 2020 - Day 2 - Sewing Space

Usually I sew in my room downstairs, however, two friends and I are taking a ZOOM class tomorrow and we are socially distancing sewing together. I have set up my space in the living room.  It seems that since the isolation during COVID, I prefer to be upstairs and in the midst of everything. My husband is an easy going guy who doesn't seem to mind the mess and I am not a neat sewing room kind of person. Many of my Quilt Guild friends Zoom from their neat and orderly sewing studios -- complete with a long arm, cutting and sewing stations, perfectly lined up fabric on the shelves--totally amazing to me. I spend some of the meeting time looking behind them at their rooms. You have to be a special, non-judging friend to even enter my sewing space downstairs. I always thought if I had more time I would clean it up---during the pandemic, I have plenty of time, but no motivation to clean. I'd rather sew! 

Last night I looked back to see how far I had made it into this challenge last year. Not very far and my post for day 1 was almost the same pictures and information. And yet, if you had asked me I would have said life has drastically changed in the last year. In some respects it has, perhaps sewing is one area that is consistent and controllable. I have participated in three Sew-Alongs during COVID,  The Project Linus Mystery Quilt and  Elvira and Harmony organized by Gudrun of GE Designs .

Zoom classes have taken the place of in person classes and have increased the opportunities to learn from a wider pool of teachers in all areas of the world. My sewing tools are close at hand, no need to cart a heavy sewing machine and awkward cutting mat and rulers. I can change my fabric selection on a whim and look for a replacement in my stash. Purchasing fabric has become challenging, I prefer to see, feel and compare it rather than order online. Fortunately, there are many fabric/quilt shops within driving distance of where I live. Unfortunately, not all of them are following mask  wearing and social distancing guidelines or are in a state which requires me to quarantine when I return home. I can't even keep the rules straight on a daily basis and I am a rule follower. A vaccine and 2021 is coming soon!

#31dayblogchallenge2020 #day2sewingspace

The 2020 31 Day Blog Writing Challenge

 December 1, 2020

Cheryl Sleboda (muppin.com) is once again hosting the 31 day writing challenge. I always have the best intentions and then lose interest. I hope to stick with it this year. If you want to join in...http://muppin.com/wordpress/index.php/the-2020-31-day-blog-writing-challenge/.

 Here are the prompts for this year. Looking them over, I can see why I don't follow through. When others share their workspace, it always looks charming and neat; mine looks like someone let a 2 year old loose to play.

 Day 1  - Introduction

Who am I? I am a Wife, Mother, Nona, retired librarian, quilter, and a book reviewer. I am 65+ years old and by society's standards "old." Other than a few creaky joints and occasional eye issues, I don't feel old. 

My favorite people...

I am active in two Quilt Guilds - Brandywine Valley Quilters and Calico Cutters Quilt Guild. Neither Guild is meeting in person, so we are Zooming each month. I really miss in person meetings and have grown weary of Zoom. Both Guilds have charity projects going, so I have managed to stay busy during Covid restrictions. I use a HandiQuilter Sweet Sixteen to machine quilt and admin a machine quilting Facebook Group. (https://www.facebook.com/groups/HQSweetSixteen)

As a librarian, I reviewed books and have continued to do so while retired. I worked as a high school librarian and reviewed YA books, I now read mystery, historical fiction, realistic fiction, and suspense.  There has been a shift in the last 5 years from physical to eBooks. I will read any book, anywhere. I knew in 3rd grade that I wanted to be a librarian and I never veered from my goal. I am a Leo and can be single-minded/determined/stubborn/bossy. There's a Little Free Library in front of my house...old habits die hard. My husband made it for me and it has been a popular source of books for my neighbors during the pandemic.

3 D and optical illusion quilts are my favorite! The one at the top of the page is the Labyrinth Walk pattern by Christopher Florence that I made my husband for our 40th Wedding Anniversary. I am fascinated with their design and construction, my mind doesn't quite work that way. I am so fortunate that I have a friend, Cheryl Holman, who designs them and sometimes needs a pattern tester. In a future post, I will share her latest pattern and my table runner. 

My all time favorite activity is to sew with children in the Philadelphia Children's Hospital.  Ryan's Case for Smiles helps the children to sew a pillowcase to take home with them. I cannot wait to get past Covid and return. In the meantime, both Quilt Guilds continue to make pillowcases to send to area hospitals. 

 One day down, 30 more to go...stay tuned!

 Follow me on Instagram kathy.nester

 #31dayblogchallenge2020 #day1introduction

2020 Monthly Color Challenge - December

 December - Cardinal Red

Male Cardinal

The Cardinal is one of my favorite birds and I am visited daily by several during the summer months. 

For some fun facts about cardinals https://www.worldbirds.org/cardinal-bird-facts/

 To find this month's block instructions and video,  visit Patterns by Jen   https://patternsbyjen.blogspot.com/2020/12/december-2020-monthly-color-challenge.html

Jen's process is so clear, these units always make me laugh!

Frixion pens are great for this block because the lines disappear when you iron them.

 

Set your seams by ironing them, then press to the dark side

 

This is one of those blocks that requires concentration to make sure that each unit is in the correct position.

Bloggers for this month:

Pretty Piney Quilts 

Kathleen McMusing  

Create With Claudia

Quilty Creations by Fawn 

Kathy's Kwilts and More 

Everyone Deserves a Quilt 

Woohoo! Look what I won! Thank you @WarmCompany

 Here  are the sponsors for this month, make sure you post a picture of your block at the end of the month! 

Join the Facebook Group - Quilt and Learn with Patterns by Jen

Follow me on IG - kathy.nester 

Start watching for information on the 2021 Monthly Color Challenge, 2020 is my third year and I look forward to 2021!

#2020monthlycolorchallenge #decemberblock

Queenie Malone's Paradise Hotel

 

Queenie Malone's Paradise Hotel by Ruth Hogan. New York: William Morrow, 2019. 322 pages, Meet the Author, About the Book, Read On. ****

Told in the alternating voices of child Tilly and adult Tilda, Hogan presents the complexities of a mother - daughter relationship. Seeing her childhood through the eyes of Tilly and her interpretation of the situations and events created by her mother and then to read her mother's journals forces Tilda to re-evaluate her memories and feelings. Tilda's boyfriend Daniel sums it up, "I think it's all about love." The outspoken, confident Tilly is hidden inside the quiet, awkward, insecure Tilda and the two become one when her mother's secrets are brought to light in her journals. Faced with uncomfortable facts, Tilda is determined to seek answers and to visit those who provided a safe environment for a troubled child.

I received a copy of this book as my November read for The Bee Keepers- The Book Hive Book Club Facebook Group.  When the book arrives each month chosen by someone else, I sometimes dread reading it because it is accompanied by a journal. I confess I rarely read what other's have written about it and may occasionally read what the owner has to say. I read for enjoyment and am not comfortable dissecting and answering questions. I have read many books and genres that I would not have chosen and have been pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed the way in which the story unfolds and the interconnectedness of the characters. The Paradise Hotel provides a safe haven and the perfect backdrop for a larger than life Queenie, Tilda and her mother.

Ruth Hogan's debut novel, The Keeper of Lost Things, was a Sunday Times #1 bestseller and translated into more than a dozen languages. She lives in Bedford, England, with her husband and a pack of much-loved rescue dogs.  

#queeniemalonesparadisehotel #thebeekeepers #thebookhivebookclub #bookstagram

Follow me on IG @flamazing_books

Coronavirus Quilt Finishes and life during a pandemic.

April 2020


Just like everyone else, I am having a hard time getting motivated to quilt and sew. I made masks for a local hospital, family, friends, and neighbors. I used Leah day's youtube tutorial for a pattern, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNX0cRrYj6U

Elastic is hard to come by and I have read that it is irritating to the ears, so I started making masks with ties. More labor intensive, but they seem to fit better, if worn properly.

A local hospital gave my Quilt Guild members fabric and a pattern to make their masks. It is a woven material that is used to sterilize medical instruments.

I have added a Free Mask every day to the Little Free Library in front of my house. Someone left a roll of Toilet Paper in return two days in a row. 

I have decided that I really need to get some of my UFOs finished during this stay at home time. Motivating myself is another story!

I completed this quilt top at my Quilt Guild's Retreat in March. It is a free pattern by Sew Can She at https://www.sewcanshe.com/blog/2018/6/19/baby-heart-log-cabin-quilt-free-quilt-pattern This sweet baby quilt is for a friend's Grandbaby. #Coronavirusquilt1

I participated in Gudrun's Elvira Quarantine Quilt Along, http://pennyformythoughts-nona.blogspot.com/2020/04/quarantine-quilt-along-elvira.html

I have ordered red matching fabric for the binding and waiting for it to arrive to finish this quilt. #Coronavirusquilt2 #qqal1

I have a friend whose daughter is having a baby girl in the fall and wanted a girlie, pink quilt. Hope from GEDesigns is a fast, fun, easy quilt to make and to use up scraps of fabric. I also made a lap size Hope quilt. 

#hopequilt #coronavirusquilt3 #coronavirusquilt4 #qqal2

$35,000 was raised for charity through the sale of the Hope pattern by GEDesigns. For more information and yummy recipes, https://gequiltdesigns.com/blogs/ge-happenings/hope-quarantine-quilt-along-2-event

During this pandemic, I am starting the Tula Pink's City Sampler 100 Modern Quilt Blocks as part of a Sew Modern Bee. 

I am trying to make the "Stay at home" time count in my life and not get discouraged by world events. It has been a trying two weeks with the Pandemic and justifiable protests. On June 5th, my county in Pennsylvania moved from red to yellow in the transitional phase. Hopefully, green is right around the corner.  Green began on June 26th,  however, most people are still being cautious. Masks and social distancing are a must when going outside of the house. 

I have continued to work on the 100 Modern Quilt Blocks and have found these blocks to be addictive! Updates available at https://pennyformythoughts-nona.blogspot.com/2020/07/tula-pinks-city-sampler-100-modern.html.

November 20, 2920

Covid numbers are rising again in Pennsylvania, there are 3, 294 hospitalizations. All are requested not to travel for the Thanksgiving holidays. Dinner is to be eaten with members of our own household, so sad not to see extended family.

Sewing is my saving grace! Two friends and I made this charity quilt in sections. We each completed a section, then sewed it together.   

Fun to make and I’m sure a child will be happy to receive it.