Lots of sewing, little progress

Does it ever feel like life is just a series of "when this, then that" statements?

I keep thinking, "I'll have more time to finish this sewing project when the quilt show is over" or "after I'm done block testing for Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks issue, I can get back to work on this quilt for me."

It's one-day-at-a-time progress, isn't it?  I keep "to do" boards going so I don't forget projects which have just been put away for a while, but I always have a short list in my head of what I want most to get back to work on.

I revamped my "Charmed!" demonstration and added five MORE ways to work with five-inch charm squares to present at the Ladybug Quilt Guild's show in a few weeks.  (For more information about the show, please visit our website - my demo is on Saturday afternoon.)  I've been busy sewing up samples for the show-and-tell part of the demo, not only for the new bits, but also because I keep giving away the quilts I've made previously!  So once that's through on August 11, those quilts can go away for a while and other projects can come back out.  Maybe even get some finishes for the Third Quarter Finish-A-Long!

I've also been (happily) sidetracked by Jessica's #bluerkblocks project going on at Instagram.  Jessica, a busy police officer and quilter, began this project to make quilts for fallen police officers' families and the response has been wonderful.  She's just hit 1,000 blocks and is going stronger than ever!  Although her @craftycop account is private she adds upon request, and instructions for making the 12.5" (unfinished) blocks are at http://heritage-threads.com/2016/09/09/12-raspberry-kiss-block/ - center X in blue, outer fabrics in low to medium volume neutrals so that the blue pops.  I've sent her a batch already but try to cut and set aside fabrics here and there so that I can whip up some more in between demo samples.  Since I live right down the road from the Wawa convenience store where a Delaware State Trooper was shot and killed the day I interviewed for my new job, this project has hit home for me.

My Honey has a business trip in the near future, though, so that means lots of nights sewing without distraction.  I should be able to get my "must dos" out of the way and get back to work on my "want to dos"!  That means posts with pictures!

I'm a FAiLure, but trying again for 3Q

I had such high hopes for the Finish-A-Long for second quarter.  As it turns out, I didn't finish a darn thing on my list.

On the bright side, I did finally land a full-time benefitted job at my employer of choice, after five years of underemployment and three years of applying there!  So yay!  As excuses go, that might be a pretty good one.  I also became a published quilt block designer during 2Q, so there's that too.

But as for quilting, I got some things basted and ready for quilting, but nothing, not even the mini that only needed binding, finished.  (Although I *DID* buy the fabric to bind it!)

So the first part of my 3QFAL is the first part of 2Q:

#1 - Candy Bar table topper
#2 & #3 - small quilts from 100 Blocks Volume 15 test blocks
#4 - Slide Show quilt (batiks)
#5 - Modern Vortex
#6 - silk Curvalicious runner
#7 - Windows Into My World

Now to add a few new things.  Our quilt show is in August and I'm teaching a demo on Saturday.  I did not have it all together in time to submit any of my quilts for showing - I've learned the hard way that if it isn't finished by the time the form is due, don't try to enter it! - but I do want to finish at least a TOP of charm techniques that I don't have done yet.  I keep gifting all my quilts I make for this demo, and then I'm asked to teach the demo again and don't have any quilts for the show & tell!
So to continue ... #8 - charm square top
#9 - my Moda Layer Cake Mix recipe

 and #10 - my One Block Wonder from the class I took in April.

Will I finish them all?  HECK no!  Will I finish at least one of them?  Gosh, I hope so. Fingers crossed!