Wednesday, August 03, 2011

I'm Stargazing!

While I was at the beach I got an e-mail from the lady that is in charge of auction items for the big Hospice fundraiser in October. I had done a quilt for them 2 years ago for the fundraiser and they made a good bit of money from it. So she said it would be so wonderful if I could do another quilt for this year's event. Well, I couldn't say No...Hospice is very near and dear to us. They took such wonderful care of both of Andy's parents in their last weeks. So I decided on a pattern when I got home...Stargazer by Kelly Guy and Cotton Charm Quilts...I loved this pattern the very first time I saw it so it was easy to choose.  Well, then I decided that I was going to use a bundle of fabric that I've had for over four years...Shangri La by 3 Sisters for MODA...this was the last bundle I had in the shop before I closed.  I knew the fabric would be perfect for this quilt, but I had a little problem...I didn't have enough background.  What were my chances of finding any fabric from this old group?  I did a search on Quiltshops.com and one shop popped up...Quilt Patch Lane...I jumped up and down for 10 minutes...she had the exact background that I wanted, she had a perfect piece for the sashing, and she had enough fabric for the back.  She actually had more than I needed, but she was selling the whole pieces of what was left on the bolt...the price was great...I was in heaven.  When the box arrived there was no sashing fabric...she apologized.  Off I went and did a Google search, after searching for a while I found a piece on Quilter's Warehouse that would work just as well as my original piece...I quickly ordered it.  Problem solved...the next day I got shipping notification from Quilt Patch Lane...she had gone to her other shop and there was the sashing piece...so she sent it to me, no shipping.  So now I had a choice for the sashing.  Then I had to just sit down and laugh...my original plan was to use up this bundle that I'd had for years...make some space on the shelf...now with my second piece of sashing, more background and backing than I really need, I'll end up with more fabric when I'm done than I did when I started.  I tried...LOL!

So here's what I did today...lots of chain piecing... ...turned into 16 stars... ...this is half the stars that I need...my plan is to finish the stars tomorrow.  Then I'll be on to the flying geese and getting this one together.  I'm really enjoying it...Thank you Kelly!

When I get all done with this I'll pack all my leftovers in a box and send them to someone who really wants them...so if you want them...leave me a comment and I'll draw a name on Saturday morning to see who they'll go live with...then I will have space on my shelf!

50 comments:

sunny said...

I love other people's leftovers. And now that you mention it, I think I'll make a quilt for our Hospice. THanks!

Anonymous said...

I would love to put my name in your drawing. I have a few fabrics from that collection that I haven't done anything with yet either.... I love to work on charity quilts along with quilts for grandchildren!

Jocelyn said...

You know Carol, that is the best math I have ever seen!! I LOVE anything 3 Sisters designs. I used to have their fabric line Roman Holiday as my blog header for 2 years! Thanks for offering to share Shangri La. I think I have a little in bit in my stash ;-)

Gypsy Quilter said...

Fabric?? Did someone say fabric? You know, there's a chance I may be running low on those colors. Just a chance mind you. LOL Ask the boys, I'm sure they'll agree with me. (But you should have called me first. I'm sure I'd have the perfect piece of fabric for that sashing!)

Janet O. said...

I am just commenting to say how much I love the quilt and what you are doing with it. It is also very generous of you to give away your leftovers, but please don't include me in the giveaway (not that I'd win--I just won a giveaway and that should fill my quota for the next decade). I am also trying to reduce my stash, and though the temptation is strong--I will be stronger (I think). : )

Darlene said...

Hey we had the same math teacher. LOL

Don't toss my name in the hat for the leftovers - just wanted to tell you how much I love the stars. :-)

Winona said...

Oh my goodness, I love getting leftovers. It is always great to get scraps from fabrics you didn't buy yourself. (grin) Very nice of your to make this quilt for such a great organization.

Stitched With Prayer said...

Carol, I would love to have my name added to the list of those who would love to have your leftovers. I have so much empty space on my shelf I'm trying to build up my stash a bit and I love to mix things up, LOL. Your stars are wonderful, they are one of my favorite blocks and Churn Dash is another. They make such wonderful scrappy quilts. Hugs...

Are you still getting pillow cases? When are they going to their new homes or have they already? More Hugs... :o)

Cathy said...

I've had similar experiences. Try as I might to use my stash, it just keeps multiplying!

Kathy ... aka Nana said...

I love star quilts ... and yours is gorgeous!

And since I have a very limited stash, I would LOVE to have your excess. ;-)

JudyCinNC said...

Are you serious - there are a lot of people who will want the left overs - can we have a to go carton please !!! I love the idea of a quilt for hospice - what a wonderful organization. I make quilts for the Peers group in Jacksonville, NC - they teach young mothers how to be parents. Count me in for the possibilities. Judy C in NC

Libby said...

Situations like this are just why we buy fabric and leave it on the shelf - you just have to wait for the right quilt to come along.

p.s. don't put me in the drawing - I just wanted to *blab*

pcflamingo said...

Thank you so much for your generous offer and the chance to win. I could use some new variety in my fabric stash. 99% of the quilts I make are for charity, and go to familly support type groups such as those supporting the troops' families at Joint Base Lewis McChord near Tacoma, WA.

carol fun said...

Oh that is going to be a beautiful quilt! But let's face it fabric and quilts are like peanut butter and bread - things never come out even and somehow using it up ends up being getting more - oh well at least fabric doesn't spoil - take care!

Michelle said...

I LOVE LEFTOVERS TOO! LOL! Thank you for the chance!

suemac said...

I hope someone great wins the fabric. There are so many of you that quilt for charity. I am still working on quilts for my family, four kids, dad, sister, husband, four grandkids, and two uncles. Whew. I have only finished two of them so I have a lot of quilting ahead of me.

Nancy said...

My fabric stash and scrap stash are both small, so I would well some "planned overs."

Perry said...

You sound like me now. I always end up with more fabric than I started with when I start hunting fabric to go with some I have, lol. Going to be a lovely quilt!

Penny said...

The quilt is going to look beautiful! Looking forward to seeing it finished.

Michele said...

What a fun story :-) We try to use up fabric and it still doesn't work! Once I tried to make a scrap quilt and I added some fabric to make it "look better" and I think I added more fabric than I used. I guess it's the thought that counts? Your quilt is going to a wonderful cause....how kind of you :-)

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

Cute stars! I would love the leftovers too. That was one of my favorite lines! Have a happy day!

Melanie said...

Flying geese--- my favorite....When it's right it's right... When things are done for the right reasons-- things always come together....isn't the internet a wonderful thing..... Great blocks...

Quilter Kathy said...

That was sooo funny! That happens to me ALL the time...I start trying to use up scraps and somehow end up with more scraps!
I would love to add some "fresh" scraps to my projects...thanks for the chance to win them!

Nancy said...

I love your star blocks and would love to have my name put in your drawing for leftovers. I make quilts for the NICU at a NJ hospital and can always use leftovers. Thanks for the chance.

karen said...

I love leftovers....Please put my name in your drawing.

Megan said...

Shangri-La is one of my All-Time Favorites!! I'd love to have some leftovers - any size, any color, any shape. I'm so excited to see how all your stars come out!

Peggy said...

That new math will get you all the time!! I can't think of a better organization to donate a quilt to than Hospice. They are wonderful and so helpful when you need them. I would love a chance to win your left overs.

Cheryl said...

Love your stars....so pretty. I swear my quilt closet has elves that make fabric in the evening. No matter how much I dig it the pile just gets bigger!!!

Kim said...

I'm not in the market for more fabric - not even these pretty leaveovers. I just want to tell you how nice it is that you are making this quilt for the hospice fundraiser. You are a treasure - well, we knew that before, just thought you could hear it again. :-D

Allie said...

Oh girl you are too funny - trying to use up stash and ending up with more! Such is the life of a quilter, lol! I love this pattern and what a wonderful thing to do for such a fine organization. I know it will bring in a good bit of money for them!

Anita said...

Love your stars! It seems to be going really quickly, should've given a sneak peek at your sashing options...or did I miss it? Thanks for a chance to win your leftovers...Shangri La is one of my alltime favorite 3 Sisters lines. Can't wait to see your finished quilt!

Katie said...

I've been wanting to make that star quilt and I just happen to have a Moda scrap bag of that fabric! Of course, one can always use more scraps!

jirons42 said...

I would love your "leftovers". I make quilts for several different charities but should definitely put Hospice on my list. Our family has had such wonderful experiences with that organization

Sandy said...

Any quilt you make will be beautiful when sewing with the love in your heart you have as you support the Hospice in memory of your loved ones.

Barb said...

Love your stars!!

Anonymous said...

It is wonderful that you are helping Hospice. They were absolutely angels when our family needed them a few years ago before dad's passing.
I'd love to be included in the draw.

Colleen G said...

Your generosity knows no bounds; first you are making a quilt with love for fund raising and then you share your remainders. One of my favourite lines and I still have bits here at home so could make good use of a little more.

Angie said...

Wow, Carol, what a generous offer! I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to receive your leftovers...I adore scraps and pieces! :D I was just reading over of Michele's (With Heart and Hands) blog about little, tiny quilted wraps for 'fetal death' babies. What a lovely thing to do -- both for Hospice AND tiny stillborns. You are both angels here on earth. Hugs.

Thimbleanna said...

Isn't that the way it always happens? I think you've hit on the problem with my stash -- it keeps growing LOL! (Which is exactly why you shouldn't put my name in the drawing.) I LOVE those stars. I think that block is one of my very favorites!

Josie McRazie said...

I would love to give them a great home and pass along the love!!

Bonnie said...

I would love to win your leftovers. My stash is not very large and I am trying to build it. These would be a welcome addition. Thanks for the chance to win.

Lynn said...

oooh, they can come live here with me I promise to love them like my own.

Anonymous said...

I would love as I have a small stash of Shangri-la that is not enough to make a quilt, but I bet it could be with your added goodies!

Sharon said...

Those leftovers would be a wonderful addition to any quilters stash.

It is like someone is saying - come and eat and I don't have to cook...
Love those leftovers.

dortha said...

I would love to make something out of your leftovers. I think that is such a pretty collection.

Mary said...

Leftovers! I'm in. I'm making "Project Linus" quilts and these will come in very handy. Thanks for the chance.
Mary

Jonathan said...

So pretty Carol! I ♥ anything 3 sisters. This will be a beautiful quilt for sure☺

Linda said...

Love the fabric. Would be thrilled to have it

Teresa mk said...

Your leftovers would pair nicely with the Shangri-La precuts I have on hand...maybe I'll have to order some extra yardage too!! ahhh...the circle of life.
Thanks for the nice giveaway.
Piecefully yours,
Teresa mk

MARCIE said...

So fun to see the variety of quilts from the same pattern! Darling pattern too! Nice job everyone!