Knitting Record Joirnal

I do NOT keep an inventory or record of my yarn

However much of it is visible and what isn't is organized.

What I do is keep a record of what I have knit by knitting up the tail ends left when I weave in the ends of a project or other very short leftovers.

It's a fun way to look back and remember the projects I've finished.

If there are no short ends there is no record here.

Of course there are many different weights/Thicknesses of yarn and they all are joined with an overhand knot. 

What do I intend to do with this sampler?

I could crochet around the edge and make a scarf.

I could also hang it on a wall. I like that idea best. In fact I could hang it on a wall with the needles still a part of it and when I have more to add I could just go to the wall and knit them in!

Basket? Or Hat?

You may or may not know I knit without patterns. 

This started out to be a square basket but when I realized I was running short of yarn I did some creative finishing and it turned into a round basket....at least until....

It looks so cute on Kim as a hat and is warm too so from now on, it is Kim's hat to wear to keep warm!

2016 Is Off To A Great Start

Although my return to Florida has been delayed I have used this time to shred papers and do some other purging.

I have 3 bags full of shredded paper and stuff waiting for this weeks trash pick up. I expect to fill one or two more tomorrow.

It's always a good feeling to lighten the load.

I hope to get a few of these ice dyes completed before I head out. Having them where I can see them makes it a lot easier to decide to work on them.

The second sock is half done and should be finished soon.

Yes, I am anxious to return to Seldom Inn and the warmer temperatures, but I'm trying to make lemonade out of lemons....and with our temperatures in the teens and twenties I'd better make that hot lemonade!

My Organizational System

There is a new book available to keep Quilters organized. Leslie Jenison asked how others keep their quilting life organized.

I know my system won't work for a lot of people but it currently works exceptionally well for me.

I can break it down into several parts.

1. Excel Spread sheet

2. Priorities

3. Visibility

4. Mood

5. Deadlines

On this table I have completed work that I will be showing in the future.

My Excel spread sheet lists all my completed work and all my works in progress prioritized by what I need to focus on first.

I have pinned other finished pieces in layers on the design wall to keep them flat and fold and wrinkle free to show in the future.

This pile of tops are some of those that have the highest priority for my current schedule.

These are also high priority choices.

I find having the pieces visible that are going to be worked on invites me to work on them.

If there is a challenge on how I am going to finish a piece seeing them focuses my mind on finding the best solution.

The last part of the puzzle is mood. Having  so many choices allows me to choose something that I am in the proper mood to work on.

Yes, I work toward deadlines best. I know how much I have to do for the next big deadline and I can complete work in the time available.

I realize if one is entering their work in juried shows, etc this system will not work for them. However the first steps in my system are universal to accomplish most anything.

I no longer do that and it is rare that I exhibit in any other than solo shows today.

Favorite Quilts For My Family

This is the second year I have given a quilt to each of my children and grandchildren. Couples chose one quilt for the two of them.

Since the quilt were larger this year I wasn't able to hang them on the wall. My assistants, Nicholas and Blake took turns showing each quilt and they all had a number.  I suggested each person either use their smart phone or pencil and paper to keep track of the quilts they liked until their birth year was drawn. Heidi and Nate are studying the pictures Nate took to choose their quilt.

This is the quilt they chose.

Blake and Stephanie are checking her phone to chose their quilt

This was their choice.

Cooper's job was to draw the slips of paper with the birth years on them. Imagine his surprise when he drew his year first. He knows exactly what he likes and chooses right away.

Dana missed our get together last year and picked this quilt for last year.

This was her choice for this year.

This was Nicholas' choice.

Jeffrey is another one who knows what he likes and makes a quick pick.

Kierstin chose this award winning quilt made with hand dyed fabrics.

Jared  chose this off-center log cabin quilt.

Jeff and Heather chose this one- one of my favorites.

Greg and Julie chose this signature quilt that our family had made for my Dad's 75th birthday. The family members signed the centers and I did all the construction. I consider this a real family heirloom.

I am happy to pass these quilts to my family. I am so glad I let them each choose their own quilt as I am always surprised which one they pick.

This concludes our family Christmas celebration at my house.

Family Christmas - How It Begins

This year Julie made lasagna for our dinner. It was fantastic and delicious.

Next came the gift bags I fill for each member of the family. 

We used to try and take a picture of each person with each gift they took out of the bag.

The family has grown too big to do that so I'll just be sharing some random photos.

Santa distributed the bags to everyone. Family members were no longer referred to by name but by the year they were born as the years on these Jinny Beyer Seminar bags show. I received the bags from Jen Greasby after her lovely mother Pam Gray passed away earlier this year. That helped set my plan in motion

Everyone or every couple recieved a copy of Jinny Beyer's book Color Confidence. 7 of my quilts are featured in the book. None of the pictures show the book.

Heidi has just taken a quilt out of her bag. She made it when she was 4. You are just seeing the back of it.

Some of the cousins anticipating seeing what is in their bags.

Everyone received an ornament I had made years ago. Blake and Stephanie recieved these ornaments made with tiny Yo Yos! Blake continues the family tradition of being confused and thinking they might be earrings????

I think Oliver was interested in this ornament some one recieved

Nate and Heidi with their bags.

Another cousin picture.

Julie not only cooked dinner but she is responsible for taking all these pictures. Mine were not good this year!

There were 3 more rounds of gifts after the bags, 

Unfortunately no pictures of them. 

I made coin bags from Grandpa Jerry's ties and each one contained 5 coins from him.

These are the ones they got to pick from.

Everyone also got one of my Radko ornaments but this year they got to choose their own from a big basket off them.

Their is still one more round of gift givings to go so stay tuned.

Farewell 2015-You Have Been A Great Year

I guess I'll begin at the beginning sharing a great year.

The end of January marked a very special occasion, the 57/57 Racine, Wisconsin Washington Park High Schhol Reunion in Florida. A few class mates had to leave before this picture was taken. Everyone had such a great time and we were so thankful to Lee and Terry for facilitating the organization of it.  

February kept me busy knitting various projects, finishing quilts and enjoying various activities with friends.

March was a happy busy month with company.

My son Greg and his family visited and got to spend time with my Florida family as well as enjoy the warmth and activities in Florida.

It was so much fun to have my friend Debbie from New Mexico as a house guest for a few days.

March also was a time I did a lot of fabric dyeing.

Lisa and Jim from Sarasota came up to visit.

Geri and Bob from Wisconsin visited.

A lot of dyeing and quilting was done in April and it took over the great room.

Ice dyeing was a major focus in May.

The highlight of June for our whole family was Heidi and Nate's wedding!

July 4th is celebrated at my brother and sister in law's home on the lake. It is the one time of the year that the entire extended family tries to get together.

August is a time to enjoy the outdoors, finish more quilts, and do some more organizing. It's always all about color.

September featured a lot of knitting.

It was also a busy time finishing quilts and tapestries.

October meant more fabric dyeing, and finishing quilts and tapestries.

It was also a time for reminiscing with long time friends.

Getting ready to head south also took some time.

I got,to,present my BFF Sally with this afghan I knit for her when I arrived in Florida.

I decided to do the 12 days of Thanksgiving on my blog, rather than just the one day we usually celebrate. It was really an eye opener as to what a wonder life, family and friends I have.

December was full of ice dyeing with perfect weather for it.

I was able to visit my friends Sharon and Fred in Ft Myers.

I enjoyed time with friends and my Florida family before heading north for the holidays.

The best thing about heading north is getting to spend time with family. 

I hope you and yours have had a great year and are looking forward to an even better one in 2016!