Tuesday, December 31, 2013

My get it done list for 2013


It's not the full list, knew the past few months there was no way I was going to keep up with things so worked as I could without a list! Some of the list was from my UFO list, others new projects.  I'm happy with the results and hey, there is always next year!!!!!



and while my Progressive BOM is just a top I feel really good about that.

4 top of the months totally completed

2 Donation quilts-8-2013

Waste Not Want Not Quilt-8-2013

Samuri quilt-5-2013

Kids bright swap block quilt-5-2013

Batik Brick Quilt 1/2013

Fire Escape Quilt 3/2013

County line Quilt 3/2013

Cake Stand Quilt 3/2013

Wm's Baby Quilt 3/2013

Hayes Corner Quilt 3/2013


Back to see how others made out this past year.

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Stash Report-week 52, 2013

It is hard to believe that this is the final report for 2013.  This is the first year I kept track and reported; that really helped me to somewhat think before buying!!!! Definitely need to continue this in 2014 as there is still a lot here to be used. 

I didn't get any real sewing in the past 2 weeks, instead have been getting things organized and ready for the big remodel that starts a week from tomorrow!  Too late to back out now and we need to get it started as Galen keeps thinking of things.  We've changed the cabinet lay out several times now! He does visualize the plans much better than I do. And I think every time we have moved, he has seen things in the kitchen layouts that I never picked up. The layout has become his "baby!"

I did add some fabric the past 2 weeks-3.5 for the Top of the Month.  I also bought one of Vicky's kits for Tell it to the Stars that she and Judy are doing.  Her fabric is so nice to use, it was a treat to me! That was 14.5 yds.  

Used this week:     0
Used to date:      189.45
Added this week:  18
Added to date:       84.6
Net used to date:    104.85

I am happy with that; more went out than came in!

Back to Patchworktimes to see how others are ending the year!

Monday, December 16, 2013

Design Wall-December 16, 2013


Nothing is on my wall, have been working on Celtic Solstice Mystery by Bonnie Hunter. Just about finished with step 1. I do have pictures however of my completed top of the month flimsy-Kayla and also my completed Progressive BOM flimsy. When these were taken this past week it wasn't sunny and no one was around to be a holder. It's nice to have these completed and ready for the quilter!
KAYLA-TOP OF THE MONTH FOR NOVEMBER 2013

PROGRESSIVE BLOCK OF THE MONTH
BITS AND PIECES #2 BY KREATIVE THREADS
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Sunday, December 15, 2013

Stash Report-Week 50,2013

It ended up as a productive week after all!  I was able to finish my Progressive Block of the Month.  I think I am also finished with in the time limit to get a $50.00 gift certificate from Cotton Cupboard. We had 60 days to complete the top once all the blocks were completed.  I think I just made it!  Either way it is finished and ready to be quilted. Used this week was 15 yards. That includes the backing and the binding!
I did buy 2 yards of fabric for fabric boxes. I wanted to use the cotton laminate fabrics. Didn't have any of that in my stash!

Fabric used this past week-15 yards
Used to date-                   189.45 yards
Added to date-                   66.6
Net                                   122.85

Back to Judy at Patchworktimes

Monday, December 9, 2013

Design Wall-December 9, 2013

I am no further along on Bonnie's latest mystery so the picture remains the same!  I had quite a few of step 1 sewn but did not like the way they were turning out, so I spent a lot of time frogging! That was Wednesday and Thursday.  Friday was taken up with Dad things, Saturday I did sew the latest Top of the Month but did not take a picture yet. Will have to show that later. Yesterday house things, a little decorating for Christmas.We bought a small artificial Christmas tree and put on our special Texas  and National Parks ornaments.  I always try and buy those if available on our travels.A few wreathes on the door and that is about it for this year. Not as much to take down right after Christmas! My Christmas Cacti are are really blooming so they are adding color to the inside!  Today is another day that will be a lost cause.  Dad and errands this morning, late lunch with Galen and then take him to the airport.Tomorrow is looking good!

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Stash Report-week 49

Finally got to sew a little yesterday and finished the top of the month that is due in a couple of weeks.

Used this week: 7.25
Used to date: 174.45
Added this week 0
Added to date 64.6
Net used: 109.85

I am happy with those numbers!

Have a lot going on this coming week- getting ready for the holidays, continue getting ready for the remodel. Galen will be out of town until the 16th, so I won't have to worry much about meals, but will need to do a little baking.  There should be some time for more quality time with my sewing machine! Still need to finish the Progressive BOM and the time is getting short if I want to get the gift certificate. 

Back to see how others did at Patchworktimes

Monday, December 2, 2013

Celtic Solstice Mystery-step 1

I am getting a slow start to step one.  Have my oranges and my neutrals cut for step 1 and about half of the blues.  Too much going on to work on it to much over the weekend.  I do hope to start sewing this evening.  I am pretty much pulling from stash as I go along so only the neutrals, oranges and blues are in this picture.

December Get it Done list

Actually I did better than I thought I would! Did get those 3 pesky quilts bound and did manage to get the October Top of the Month completed in time!

November list: Get those 3 quilts bound!!!!!-DONE
Finish putting together the Progressive BOM top

Make Oct. Top of the month.- DONE


My December Goals-would love to get the Progressive BOM finished.
Need to keep up and get the next top of the month done.
Hope to keep up with Judy's Fit for a Hero and of course there is Quiltville's new mystery! Oh yes, did I mention packing up the rest of the kitchen etc before Jan. 6, 2014-the start date for the remodel! I think December will be busy!!!!!





Sunday, December 1, 2013

Stash Report-week 48, 2013

Nothing to really report this week. Yes, I did buy some fabric but it was for some one else who could bot get what she wanted.  So that was in and out the next day!!!!! the only sewing I accomplished was sewing on the binding to 2 quilts.  And did manage to get them totally finished but that had been previously counted. Had a great Thanksgiving with friends of 25 years!  It's great that we both ended up in the Austin area.

Used this week:         11.4
Used to date:           167.2
Added this week         3
Added to date           64.6
Net used:                 102.6

Hoping I have different numbers for next week, but it will also be a week of more packing so Galen can move the boxes.  He is out of town the following week and it is so much nicer having him do the heavy lifting!

Back to Judy at Patchworktimes

Monday, November 25, 2013

Design Wall-Monday November 25, 2013

I managed to get a little sewing in this past week.  Finished the Dublin top of the month for Cotton Cupboard.  I wasn't sure I was going to get it done by last Thursday but the push to keep going so I would get the free one in a few months spurred me on! I made 2 smaller ones instead of one big one. One is set 6 x 8 and the other 7 x 8, that used all the blocks.

 





Tilly wanted to get in the act!





Here is the fabric for the next one-not as many pieces this time so hopefully I'll get it finished earlier than so close to the deadline! It is KAYLA.  It uses a theme fabric and 6 fat quarters. It was getting grey and cold and windy on Thursday-poppies looked good!




Then there is Judy's quilt Along-Fit for a Hero.  Have no business doing it, but that has never stopped me before.  Will get it worked on somehow! This will take you to the link FIT FOR A HERO


 There is more contrast than is showing between the 2 blues.  Too cold and rainy to take pictures outside.  Besides there wasn't any sun! these are all Stonehenge Fabrics that I have collected.
It is going to be a very busy day-the guys are coming to look over the remodel project-electrician, plumber, cabinet maker, everyone will be here this morning.  I am having a hard time visualizing how they are planning on doing some of the things they say they can do, so it will be interesting.  Then this afternoon we should finally be getting U-Verse installed.  Don't really care that much about the TV part but would love the faster internet.  We were first scheduled to have it installed Oct. 15th, but they found problems with the lines, the distance from the main terminals etc.  So after weeks of  them out here working at various locations they say we are good. So here's hoping. The girls and I will take off this afternoon and run errands while that is being installed.

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Stash Report-week 47, 2013

My numbers did change this week!  I finished Dublin on time to get my next Top of the Month pattern and fabric.  A friend also reminded me that I sent her about 2.5 yds. from my stash for a quilt she was making for her grand daughters school raffle.

Used this week:         11.4
Used to date:           167.2
Added this week         3
Added to date           64.6
Net used:                 102.6

I am happy to be back in the triple digits for net used!

I will be using fabric from my stash for the quilt along-Fit for a Hero.  I need to get the progressive block of the month top completed. I am running out of time to get it done to get the shop gift certificate!

Have been packing up things from the kitchen that I won't need over the next 3-4 months.  Extra dishes, glass ware and such.  Took down all the decorative "stuff" from the top of the cabinets today.  Some of getting packed for future use, some will be given away to family and friends and there are some things just going! But it is a start. Will start on the Butlers pantry next, but probably not until next weekend.

Back to Patchworktimes!

Monday, November 18, 2013

Design Wall November 18, 2013

I wasn't sure I was going to have anything on the wall for today. It has been one of those weeks! I did get a chance to sew however this afternoon and evening.  30 of the 99 blocks are on the wall just to give an idea. Most of them are finished. I think I have about 25 more to sew on the solid strip, but I was getting tired of sewing and pressing! I may or may not have it finished by Thursday. I also have the option of doing 2 smaller quilts and that may be what happens.
The pattern uses a jelly roll and about 1.5 yds for the solid.
My hubby leaves in the morning for a few days of hunting and helping our friend at his place in Brady and Dad has decided to skip the Y as well, so I will have a chance to maybe get it put together. It was a late night for him on Saturday plus an emotional one, so he was pretty well played out today.
Cake cutting ceremony for the Marine Corps birthday. the oldest and youngest in attendance participate. At 96 Dad was the oldest.

At the dinner. Me, Dad, friends and Galen is at the other end.
I have also started packing up kitchen items that I  will not need for 3 or 4 months-extra dishes and such. Decided I had better start now instead of rushing at the last minute.  Work on the kitchen is scheduled to start Jan. 6, 2014!  That will be here before we know!

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Stash Report-week 46, 2013

Nothing in or out this week, so that was good.  Had hoped to have some used numbers to report but the week wasn't long enough.  Am starting to sound a little like a broken record, maybe next week! I did manage a little sewing but have also been spending time packing up things we won't be needing for the next few months. We had a chance to donate some things for a silent auction in January being held at the Texas ornithology meeting here in Round Rock.  Perfect opportunity to decide what bird things (carvings etc.) we wanted to keep or donate  to them.  Meant going through some boxes from storage not to mention "stuff" sitting around the house.  Good timing.

Anyway, I really hope to have some different numbers to post next week

Used this week:        0
Used to date:       155.8
Added this week      0
Added to date        61.7
Net used:               94.1

We also had a first frost warning of the year this past week. We spent some time getting the temp. green house and plants in side or covered as best we could. Would love a big greenhouse, but this one will have to do.
 I cut back 2 of the bougainvillea as they weren't blooming but decided to just move this on to the more protected porch. It was so pretty!
It wasn't much of a frost for us so even the other bed still looks good.  Just a little frost damage on the fire bushes.
But at least now everything is ready for the next frost/freeze warning!

Monday, November 11, 2013

Design Wall Monday-November 11,2013

I am getting tired of showing the same thing on the wall.  Yes, my progressive block of the month is in limbo. Lots going on which means have not been sewing much.  I did finish binding a quilt last week while at the ranch.  So that is what I
am going to show today!

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Sunday, November 10, 2013

Stash Report-week 45

I am going backwards!  No sewing, but when I stopped at  my LQS on Tuesday to get a few things they had some pieces by the register that were good blenders.  Yes, I was naughty and picked up a few of them. It's like having the candy at the check out line at the grocery store!

Used this week:        0
Used to date:       155.8
Added this week      2.5
Added to date        61.7
Net used:               94.1

Must get back to sewing!

We did sign the contract and put down the deposit on the kitchen remodel (should say gutting the kitchen! and starting from scratch). So we are committed now. Now we are looking at lighting, will look at appliances this coming week.  My net usage should start going up if and when I get the chance to sew-will really need to use what is in my fabric collection!!!!!


In honor of my Father and all Marines-Happy Birthday to the Corps and Semper Fi
1942

Back to Judy at Patchworktimes!

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Design Wall-November 4th, 2013

No sewing this week, same picture as last week.  It was a strange week. There never seemed to be any block of time where I could get back to working on this. The weather was pretty nice, time to get outside things done.  Did get our temporary green house back up in case we get some cold nights and need to protect some plants.  Got some better pictures of the granite we are going to be using in the kitchen. Started to look at light fixtures for the kitchen and powder room. Lots of improvements and changes.  No decisions yet, have a few places to look.  But it is fun, I will say that.  Don't think I would ever want to build a house, gutting the kitchen will be enough, but it is exciting.  Ask me that in January after everything is torn up!
Maybe there will be some progress to show next Monday!

I did sew a little on Saturday at the ranch.  I thought I took the picture with the quilt at the machine, but guess not.Took one along to get the binding finished! And the binding is finished. Got the hand sewing done before leaving on Monday
Back to Judy at Patchworktimes

Sunday, November 3, 2013

20th Anniversary

As some of you know we lived in Taiwan for 10 years.  It was a great place,a lot of wonderful friends and some interesting events. Galen traveled to China fairly often and at that time you could not fly direct from Taiwan to China.  We would fly to Hong Kong then on to China. On this occasion he had been in China for several weeks and had to stay in Hong Kong over the weekend as he had meetings on Monday. Then he would fly back to Taiwan.  Our ladies group was going to be going to Hong Kong for their annual Christmas shopping trip that Monday.  Great, I'll fly over early, spend the weekend with my husband then stay and shop with the "girls"!

Great plan.  My plane left Taiwan as scheduled (minor typhoon). If you have seen movies where they show flying into Hong Kong-going between the apartment buildings and the one and only runway goes out into the harbor-then you know what I am talking about.  We got to Kai-Tak Airport, made our approach in between  the apartment buildings(looking in the windows!)  and went to land in the wind and rain.  We touched down about half way down the runway, hydro planed a little, made the first turn of the U to  head back to the terminal.  We could not make the second leg of the U and slid into the harbor!



Got to go down the slide into the life raft. Unfortunately we were starting to drift out into the harbor. A tug pushed us back in closer to the rocks. Another problem, since we were over the wing, they couldn't then get the boat in then to get us. It is possible to get back up the slide, walk across the plane and down the other slide then into the rescue boat. I had many flight attendants tell me that is impossible.  It isn't but then I had bruises on my arms from the guys helping me back up!  
 A very wet me on the boat!
 Since the plane was hindering other plane traffic they blew off the tail.  This is a picture of the plane early December back on land and being gutted.  It was an expensive accident-6 month old 747-400 wasted!


The following January friends of ours were flying off island for their Chinese new Year Trip on the same airline. The daughter was going through a pack of post cards they were given when they boarded the plane. She realized this card had s picture of me and three friends (one her mother) that had been taken in the old section of Taipei.  It was the area that had all the New Year decorations, herbal shops etc. Great place and we would spend many hours there browsing-oh yes, the fabric market was there as well!

Oh yes, I did not stay and shop with the gals.  Had to do some shopping to get some clothes to wear that weekend and flew back to Taiwan on Monday with Galen! Had lost my interest in Christmas shopping that weekend! Instead when we took my parents over early December-I shopped then!!!!

Post script-Galen gets to the hotel that evening. Says, I didn't know if you would be here, for some reason the airport is closed! About that time the news came on with a picture of my plane in the harbor. He then understood why I was sitting there in a bath robe and my pant suit was hanging from the shower rod!

Stash Report-week 44, 2013

Nothing in and nothing out-numbers still the same from last week!


But we did get to meet Judy and Vince for lunch.  They stopped at Tractor Supply, we had to stop at Walmart.  Will tell on myself-had everything I needed to hand sew the binding on a quilt while we were here but the needle! Too bad or maybe a good thing I didn't know where the quilt shop was until this morning!
I think I said this last week-next week there will be different numbers!
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Thursday, October 31, 2013

November Get it Done List

Not much happened with my October list.  I did finish the blocks for the Progressive Block of the Month and I am putting the top together.  And I did get the Top of the Month put together.  I have my quilts back from the quilter still waiting for binding.  I have an excuse for those not being completed-need hand work when I go to Brady with Galen for deer season opener this weekend! Works for me!!!

November list: Get those 3 quilts bound!!!!!
Finish putting together the Progressive BOM top
Make Oct. Top of the month.

That is all that is going on the list for November. We are going through with the kitchen/laundry room/powder bath and butler's pantry remodel.  that starts in Jan. Since we are basically gutting the kitchen and laundry room there is a lot of "stuff" to be gone through, packed away, given away or tossed. Need to start that now so I don't kill myself at the last minute and just throw things into boxes!!!! Need a plan since I will still be cooking somewhere in the house. Can't eat out all the time!

And we did get rain-October the wettest month in Austin history!  We got 9" at the house last night. Problem very little got to the two big lakes! But the rest of us are very soggy today!
I don't think they will be playing golf this weekend. This is the entrance to the golf course very close to us!

what's on everyone else's list?

Monday, October 28, 2013

Design Wall October 28, 2013

I can't believe this is the last Monday in October, only 2 more months left in 2013!  What happened to the first 10?

I did get to work on my Progressive Block of the Month.  It needs the last 2 corners sewn on, trimmed and then the narrow black border and the wider border -the red print that I used for the focus fabric.
Also cut out the top of the month fabrics.  I may take that with me this coming weekend to work on it, or I'll be sewing on bindings on the 3 smaller quilts waiting to be finished.  11/2 is the start of TX deer season so we will be at our friends place in Brady for a few days.  If nothing else I hope to get to McDonalds, not to eat, but to use their WiFi to follow along and also post.

Back to Patchworktimes


Sunday, October 27, 2013

Stash Report-week 43, 2013

It was a quiet week in the sewing area.  Was able to work a little on my Progressive quilt but that was all.  Some of the sashing in place but nothing finished.  So my numbers are the same.

Used:                  0
Used to date:  155.8
Added:               0
Added to date:  59.2
Net used:          96.7

If I can get to a WiFi spot next week hopefully I will have some different numbers.  We will be in Brady, not to far from Judy-first weekend of Texas deer season.

Back to Judy to see how others did this week


Monday, October 21, 2013

Design Wall-October 21, 2013

Not much progress to show this week. Came up with the final layout for for my Progressive BOM. Started sashing the blocks but as you see I didn't get very far!
                                                                  Final layout
                You can get a little idea. Should get the sashing finished early this week, then on to the setting                            triangles and last borders! Can you tell I was tired when I ws putting them on the wall?

My other project hopefully-I like to get them done ahead of time-is the top of the month for the LQS.  We are using Dublin by Villa Rosa.  You could either pick out 13 FQS or a jelly roll. I saw a jelly roll that I liked-fruits and vegetables by Moda. The solid is then 1.5 yds of fabric.  Looks like a fun one to make!


Not a great picture it's night and artificial lighting, but the fabrics do play well together! 


Sunday, October 20, 2013

Stash Report Week 42, 2013

Did not get much sewing accomplished last week and since it was the third Thursday of the month I did add fabric.  Managed to get to the LQS bright and early on Thursday morning before going home and cooking for Dad's dinner! The pattern this time is Dublin by Villa Rosa Designs.  Could use a jelly roll and a background or 13 FQS and a background.  I picked a jelly roll. So now I am back under 100 net used, but that should change by next week!

Used this week:       0
Used to date:      155.8
Added this week:    4.4
Added to date:      59.2
Net:                      96.7


Here's a family picture from my Dad's 96th Birthday dinner.
Now to get that brisket in the smoker!  Good thing we don't plan on having it for dinner, but tomorrow is not a good day to smoke it-will be away from home for a while. And I don't like leaving the house for too long when the smoker is doing it's job!

Back to Patchworktimes!

Monday, October 14, 2013

Design Wall Monday-October 14, 2013

I put my progressive blocks on the wall to play with the lay out. Not sure yet, if this is how I will keep them.  They will have a narrow black border.



The sashing is a green print, black corner stones. Setting triangles will be the black and gold fabric used in the blacks and the last border is the focus print. To give you an idea here is a picture.  The solid black around the blocks and the separating border between the black/gold and the focus fabric is a very narrow strip. Not the greatest of picture-it's night time!
I did also pull out a kit from a few years back-a Christmas Card Holder using a panel.  This picture is before it was quilted.
I also found 2 Christmas Table Runner kits.  May get to work on them this week in between working on the progressive top. It is going to be a busy week with lots going on, so I am not sure what will get done. Will be having some people over for a dinner on Thursday (17th). That is my Dad's 96th birthday.  I am hoping to keep it a simple dinner-it will probably end up being a cross between Texas and PA. Dutch!  Smoking a brisket, but am thinking of making hot German Potato salad, one of his favorites! Time will tell.  I did take the easy way on the cake-ordered one.  My cake decorating skills - lets just say, I won't be working in a bakery anytime soon!

Back to Judy at Patchworktimes

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Stash Report Week 41, 2013

I am actually pretty proud of myself for this past week and the numbers! Got more accomplished than I thought I would. I finished the Top of the Month (Saratoga), the back is cut, binding is cut. I will be making a trip to my quilter on Tuesday with 3 tops.  I also managed to make a Christmas Card Holder from a kit I had purchased a few years ago.  On the down side I did get the fabrics so I can finish the Progressive Block of the Month I have been working on.  Maybe I will get to work on that this week.

Used this week:     14
Used to date:       155.8
Added this week:    5.3
Added to date:      54.8
Net:                     101

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Monday, October 7, 2013

Design Wall- October 7, 2013

I finished the Top of the Month-Saratoga
 

And I made the last of the blocks for the Progressive BOM.  Once I got going on it, I had to keep after it!

Needless to say I have not squared it up to 10 1/2 yet. All the blocks are now made. This week I will get the fabrics for the sashing and borders.

We spent some of the week checking out how low our lakes were and to see if there were any migrating water fowl finding their way back to our part of Texas.  While Galen was checking out the birds, the girls and I found a shady spot to sit.

All that shoreline you see is from the drought.  When full the the lake should be at 682 ft above sea level and right now it is 620 ft above sea level and dropping. It is really sad to see how low our lakes are right now.  While we have been fortunate in getting rain it hasn't been enough to help the lakes.  This started in 2011 when we had a very hot dry year, so it has been ongoing.

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Stash Report-week 40, 2013

I did get some time to sew this past week, but nothing is finished so that I can report.  My Top of the Month will be finished to day and once I get the backing cut I will be able to report those numbers. However will also be picking out my sashing fabrics for the Progressive BOM-so there will be some added too! If I am lucky the numbers will cancel each other out!

Used this week:    0
Used to date:      141.75
Added this week:  0
Added to date:   49.50
Net:                   92.50

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Monday, September 30, 2013

My October Get it Done list

My October list is going to be pretty much like my September list!

My September list: Get out another UFO; No
work on another long overdue and well aged strip club project; I did work on one, but am going to do something different with it!
at least a few more blocks for the Progressive BOM-made the most progress with this one. 2 more blocks to go then get the fabrics for the setting.
 as well as the ones for the BOM for Honey Bee. No 
If I get my 3 smaller quilts back from the quilter maybe I can get those bound! Quilts are still at the quilters-they are ready for me, but I couldn't get out to get them.


My list for October:
Work on the strip club top from September
Finish the last 2 blocks for the Progressive BOM and start on putting the top together.
the Top of the Month due the 3rd. Thursday
Bind the 3 quilts.

Do have a few distractions again this month-Dad's 96th Birthday is coming up on the 17th. Will have a small dinner party for him. It's that time of the year where we need to clean out the flower beds a little, plant my lettuce and a few herbs in pots. Judy has grasshoppers, we have squirrels that are making a mess of things. And I am starting to think they like the smell of moth balls. Moth balls haven't done their usual job of keeping away the squirrels. It's also the time of the year when the birds are coming back to winter here.  And DH has taken up photographing birds, so I'll head out with him on occasion.

What is on your list?

Design Wall-September 30, 2013

I did get to work more on the Progressive Block of the Month this past week- 3 more blocks!  2 more to go, then it's setting time!
Here are pictures of #9 and #10. Each block adds another fabric. Nothing is squared up as of yet, that comes when all the blocks are finished.
Number 9
                                                                        Number 10
I also managed to cut out the fabric for the Top of the Month, so I am hoping to get the top made this week!
As with the other Top of the Month patterns, simple but fun!  With this one we could follow the pattern and use 6 FQs (lights) for the center or yardage.  I went with yardage this time. Love the butterfly print! And it will cute for a child somewhere.

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