February UFO

Well I didn’t get my February UFO done. I really didn’t even start it. One of the things  I didn’t realize when I joined the challenge was that I don’t have 10 quilt stores with in a 25 mile radius, and that I can’t really run out for the perfect fabric in just a few hours or be inspired in a direction based on a fabric. I did discover that I didn’t really have a fabric in my stash that fit where I thought I wanted the blocks to go…. The other thing I realized and spent the last 20+ days trying to fix, is the lack of a design wall. I was getting frustrated just trying different fabrics, ideas, and settings only to not be happy with the plan because to make an adjustment was just too many steps. In the first picture I posted on the blog regarding UFO #10 I was using a flannel backed table cloth hung from a cord…. some of the block were to heavily embellished to stick to the flannel on their own and needed a pin to keep them in place. Of course to move anything became a major ordeal… and that is when I decided to make a design wall, and making the design wall was a whole design process of its own and took up most of the available space in my sewing room studio.  The room is so small I really can't have 2 projects going at once...

I like to put it, put a pin in (stick straight in to the wall) to keep in place if needed… and move around as needed with little or no hassle. Which I did today. I did have a fabric I ordered come in and I think I like it… as a sashing, and I am thinking the brown striped as a border will work too. What do you think? Any other ideas????
In the mail, my friend, my artist friend AnneMarie, sent along with the Paisley block a couple of pieces of her ‘painted, melted, fused’ bits. I’m not really sure what I am going to do with them… I will put them in with my collection of favorite things until the right place comes along.
And lastly, my DH was in Zimbabwe. He is such a good quilter’s husband. I have a mandate to please bring me back me back some fabric… if he can find it when he travels. (Can mandate and please be used together; aren’t the mutually cancelling?). Any way, he gets out and about while trying to fulfill my wishes…. and it wasn’t any different in Zimbabwe. He found 2 stunning fabrics in really wonderful designs. He knows enough to ask for 100% cotton, but since, fabric for him is like golf for me…. he did not know when they didn’t have a clue about content either. So the the first one is nearly a 100% poly and the second one does have some cotton in it. He was so funny telling me about trying to get something different. They kept trying to sell him fabrics like I already have. He then pointed to the lady’s skirt and told her like that!!! I am thinking that the second one will make a nice table topper, quilted along the design. I guess my UFO list is growing again. I must say I am very lucky that my DH goes looking for me… and I am grateful to have it. I will find a use for it… or a trade
So, what is next? Judy L drew UFO #1 for March, stay tuned there will be more later.
Beth