Why Oh Why

Why oh why have I left things so late?  What was I thinking?  It is November and my son in law is asking me what holiday items I am going to sell in his shop during November and December.  Can I bring a few things in for next weekend?

Good question.  Oh dear oh dear oh dear.  Why didn't I get on board with Carol of Carol's Crafty Creations this summer and crank out clever Christmasy things well in advance of when they would be needed?

Ok, so now I have to scramble.  I need to make at least six to eight sets of mug rugs, six to eight zippy bags, and at least six table runners.  Like by next week.

You may remember awhile back (2008!) I was experimenting with shabby chic blended quilt fabrics.  I ended up making twice the number of blocks I needed because I decided to go with only the neutral blocks for my quilt.  Love that quilt.

So, anyway, since I only used the neutral blocks,  I had all the colorful blocks left over and decided to use them to make elegant holiday table runners to sell in the shop.  You see one I finished at the top of this post.  I think it works because I have a ton of the black floral fabric to use as a border and backing for the runners.  Things all tie in well I hope.

I need to piece the blocks together (three per runner), add the borders and backings and quilt them.  Six of them.  By next weekend.

You saw my progress with the red and white mug rugs.  Those are still in the works.  Five sets of four to make, and he says that isn't enough. 

Oh, and what about the zippy bags, you ask? 

I found this great assortment of Rhubarb and Ginger fabrics in my stash.  I think they will make pretty, and seasonally appropriate zippy bags.  With any luck, people will find them pretty enough to want to give them as gifts this holiday season.  I have the zippers on order, but as you can plainly see, I have yet to do one single thing other than select fabrics.

This week I will be burning the midnight oil for certain.  Do check in with me and see what I have been able to accomplish.  Ready, start, GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Comments

[Barbara Anne]

Okay, my friend, this is where your speed piecing wizard skills will stand you in good stead! I have great faith you'll accomplish all of these projects with time to spare ... and time to breathe! Put dinner in the Crock Pot, of course.

Methinks some more Christmas themed prints would be good for a few of your creations, and perhaps some bags in pinks, purples. turquoise, and lime green just 'cuz some folks like those for Christmas gifts.

Have fun!

Hugs!

[Thelma]

LOL, guess that's a big "NO" to finishing Hallowe'en 1904 anytime soon. I'll be watching your progress!

[CarlaHR]

Good luck Nicole, I know you can do it - nothing like a bit a pressure to make one productive.

[Jan]

Sounds like you have a plan...YOU can do it!!

[Diane]

One step (or stitch) at a time and all will be well. You can do it!

[Debbie R.]

Nothing like a deadline to get you going -- at least that's how I work. You've already identified the deadline and the fabrics, so, onwards. And now I should take your example and get going, too. I have a pile of scarves to complete for gifts. Like you, I have the deadline and the fabrics. All I need is to make the time to sew. Good luck! Look forward to seeing all the beauties you make!

[Heartsdesire]

Oh, I hate that kind of pressure. I've done Christmas crafts fairs and had the same problem, not getting started sooner. I always said, I'll start in January and continue through the year. Yeah, right. Never happened. Waited until the last minute. Hope you get a lot accomplished this week without very many interruptions and the stress doesn't give you a headache.

[Candace]

I'm beginning to think I need to start my Christmas sewing in January, Nicole! As it is, I started this year at the end of Sept. and am still sewing, although a tad closer to being done. Good luck - with your diligence, I'm sure you'll get it all done with time left over!
Cheers!

[Sharon]

Clear the decks and get busy! Nothing like a deadline to get a quilter in high gear, just be careful with your rotary cutter later in the evening.

[LauraTawney]

Good luck Nicole! I'll be interested to see you progress:) Always good to have a deadline to work towards.
LauraT

[Sinta]

Yes, the crunch is on! But I have complete faith that you can do it Nicole! Break it down into daily goals. You can do it!!!

[ina]

I feel your pain! I start early(January) but still find myself rushing around in the end. ;p

I LOVE that shabby chic quilt! That is gorgeous!

May the quilting force be with you!

[Kathy]

Necessities for marathon sewing... coffee, chocolate, fast paced music, running shoes, pre-round bobbins, cellphone on vibrate, and door bell disconnected. Sometimes helps to wear your jammies all day, too! Good luck!

[Nancy Watkins]

Your table runner is gorgeous...love that blended look! Wish I was there to help!

[Anita]

Wow, good thing you found those blocks...what a great idea to use them up! Hopefully baby will cooperate and you'll have plenty of time to get it done. You can do it...who needs sleep :)

[Linda Bishop]

Hi, like you I always have good intentions. I always say I will get all my Christmas baking done in Septmber before it gets too hot. I did do it one year but this is not one of those years! I have made one Christmas cake so that's a start.

Just a thought - have you ever made Rug mugs my sneaky way with our binding? Could speed that job up a bit. You may like to check it out on my blog. Cheers
Linda

[Bari Jo]

YOU CAN DO IT!

[Edith]

You can do it! Maybe you are just a deadline worker like me? (Well, not exactly like me, because I get terribly lazy without a deadline. And I don't think you have had one lazy day this year...) You have selected great fabrics!