NewFo for January

Well, I sure don't have the posting consistency thing down yet, do I? I knew it had been a while since I had posted anything on the blog, but didn't realize how long until I came here today to post. I will try to do better.
I was able to find that belt for my machine at the local fabric store and get back to sewing quickly. I guess there are some advantages to an older mechanical machine.

Now, on to my New FO for January. Remember this lovely pile of purples from my original post about the the New FO Challenge that Barb over at Catpatches has going on?
Well, they are now looking like this:
I realize that right now they are several different sizes, but it is a work in progress. Also, as I was uploading the picture I noticed that one block was missing. I did find that other darker purple block in my sewing room. Maybe if I wouldn't work on 10 things at once I wouldn't spend so much time searching for missing pieces, but where would the fun be in that?

I know that finishing these was not the point of the challenge, but I do intend to get this finished for my friend's birthday at the end of February. I should make some significant progress tomorrow. I hear there is a ball game or something going on and I'm sure my sewing machine will be calling my name rather loudly although I might check in from time to time since one of the rookie players for the Giants lived in our small town in AL and graduated high school the year ahead of our son and we actually know him and some of his family a little. It's always fun to cheer for the home town kid on the big stage so to speak. I hope you enjoy the game if that's your thing or get lots of sewing done if it's not.

I am linking up to the January Linky at CatPatches. Check out what other people started in January. If you are like me you will add a few things to your "want to do list".

2012 NewFO Challenge

If you've read my previous blog entries (both of them) you know I don't really need any motivation to start new projects. I start more things than I finish. I do have a list of things I'd like to do some day though, and I get excited about new things I see and don't ever get around to those things I'd really like to do.
That's why I love the challenge that Barbara at Cat Patches has come up with for 2012. She is encouraging us to make a list and start something new each month. There is no pressure to finish it, just start it. By making the list now it will be those things I have been planning to start some day, not the newest thing to hit the blogs and get me excited. I don't actually have 12 specific patterns on my list yet, but I have ideas for most months.

Here's my list: Click on the button to the left in order to see the other lists of NewFO projects and find out about the prizes Barbara is offering.

1. Log Cabin/Friendship star for my friend. Her birthday is in February and I plan for this to be my January start. I've been collecting purple fabric (her favorite color) for several months. I do plan on finishing this one. Here's a picture of some of my lovely purple fabrics.

2. BOM kit that I bought at a yard sell. It is from JoAnn's and all the months and finishing kit are there and only one had even been opened. Perhaps I should tell that lady about this challenge. I think I'll start this in February then try to do one block a month after that. Here's a picture of the package.

3. Sudoku kit throw for my living room - bought the kit in fabrics to match my new LR furniture. If I don't get it done soon it won't be new furniture - LOL

4. Something applique - I want to improve my applique skills and the only way to do this is to do some applique. I have several things on my Pinterest boards and will have to decide and just do it. It will probably be a pillow or wall hanging.

5. Christmas Tree Skirt - I bought the kit last year, but never started it. If I haven't started this by July I will start it then to give me plenty of time to finish.
6. Cathedral window pillow - I remember watching my grandmother make a CW quilt when I was a girl. I want to learn the technique and make something that I will finish that will remind me of her.

7. Black or dark background quilt - no pattern yet, but I have seen several that I like.

8. Christmas stockings for Hubby and me

That's all I have for now. I know there will be other things I will start this year - mystery quilts or fun challenges, but I think this challenge will help me start some of these on my wish list.