16th Annual Final Countdown Wrap-up
Posted on January 7, 2025 by prairiemoonquilts in The Final CountdownWell, that week has flown by! My year usually starts off a little calmer than this one has — I hope this isn’t a bad sign! But once again, we’re in the middle of real winter right now. We had two days of blowing snow, and now the bitter cold has set in. We’re just doing our best to keep our critters comfortable and their bellies full. We knew this was coming, so we stocked up and are settled in. I hope neither one of us has to go anywhere for a while.
As for the Final Countdown tasks . . .
I did get my sewing machine area cleaned up, but only because that was an easy task for me.
The floor is an entirely different matter. I decided that I would tackle one pile a day, but even with that, it hasn’t made a dent. This morning, I looked around and realized that I’m not even ready to tackle some of those piles yet. They’re just gonna have to wait!
I did move one more piece of furniture in — my grandmother’s Singer sewing machine in its cabinet — I didn’t want it sitting over at the old house and freezing. So My Cowboy helped me get it over here and in place and it’s all warmed up. Now I need to figure out (all over again) how to oil it and I want to use it more often just to keep it in shape. I fizzled out on using it much all of last year because everything else just kept me so busy. This year, I want to choose a project specifically to work on with that machine, and then do it.
I also emptied two large tubs and part of another one, but looking around, you simply cannot tell much difference in the room. But it’s a process, and I’ll keep working at it.
Hearing how you all have tackled the tasks is very motivating, so I’m gonna keep trying!
As for the third task, I have seriously resisted starting new projects since I moved. (Moving all your UFOs will give you a wake-up call as to how many there actually ARE, so I think I have plenty to work on without adding to that number!) So for Task Three I chose one of my vintage projects to work on. It’s already on my list, I just need to figure out what to do with it. And here it is:
Ever since I made THIS quilt, I’ve been inspired to tackle another one. But I don’t need to start another new one when I have several in my vintage project bin that just need re-work or finishing. So that’s what I’m doing. I need to look it over carefully and decide just exactly what I need to do to this and how to go about it, so that will be my first order of business. I’ll keep you posted.
Also, while cleaning up the piles, I was putting away some yardage and found this lovely piece:
It’s old, but I still love it, and it’s inspiring lots of ideas in my head, so I might have to go with that and actually start something new in spite of myself! I have lots of ideas percolating.
So that’s the start of my year. I fully intend to do a LOT of longarm quilting. I have plenty of customer quilts lined up, and I’ve already decided that I’m gonna build quite a few of my own quilts into my schedule this year, and stop putting myself last. So hopefully, as the year goes on, I’ll have lots of real finishes to show you!
I have loved reading all the comments about how each of you tackled the tasks and what you got done. It really does inspire me to keep going in my own space, so once again, I’m offering up my thanks to all of you for playing along in the Final Countdown!
Now, for the winners:
The prize for Task One goes to: Amanda
The prize for Task Two goes to: Paula Mu.
The prize for Task Three goes to: Cindy W.
And stay tuned for our regularly scheduled Studio Organizing Challenges every month — keep on stitching!
I thank you for your monthly Studio Organizing Challenges. I know I could use it. LOL
I did some of the tasks, but 2025 has started with me being ill. I’ve taken that as a sign to slow down.
Thank you for all you do to help keep us motivated.
Boy do I understand how moving causes a quilter to stop and think about all they have and do…………I’m moving on Saturday Yikes!) into the house I inherited (1900 sq ft) from the mobile home (900 sq ft) where I’ve been living. I’ve definitely found that I really need to downsize what I’ve got in my stash, projects, etc….along with still working to downsize what my parents left. And eventually I still have the remaining flooring/popcorn ceiling/painting to get taken care of, but that means I need to deal w/the stuff….lol.
Congratulations to all the winners
I have been working around here getting things done I had emptied 9 totes and glad to say that most of it is either going to our local thrift shop some fabric 2 are beginner’s quilting class at the library and a bunch of fabric stuff to the rugmakers in arrow rock
Hasn’t been a lot to do since snowed in besides cook eat sleep clean and quilt
But now it’s time to head back to the studio and work on a couple quilts that I got started last week happy quilting everyone
What model is that Singer that belonged to your grandmother? I love vintage machines.
The floor is done. The sewing machine cabinet flat surface needs a little more work, especially for larger pieces. Trying to finish up UFO’s first. I had to clean out my cutting room and found a couple pieces of fabric for a baby quilt. Just have to figure out what pattern to use. One piece has “Little Boy Blue” on it and the other one is a solid blue that matches perfectly.
I got the sewing machine table cleared and started on the floor…oh woe! My nice sew room has gotten smaller over the years. ( Sorta like my clothes)
The UFOs are just crazy! I’m going to finish finish!!
I refuse to count them. And then there are quilt labels to do…. But sure love fabric and sewing and quilting friends!
I am working on various projects but the ice & snow is good to forcing me to stay in and work. I have 3 quilts to layout & piece, an embroidery piece, and a hand quilting to do. I am surprised to have won. Thank you for keeping us moving forward & sharing.
Congrats to the winners! It was once again, a fun and very beneficial challenge for me to do. So thank you, Shelly for hosting it. And I’m looking forward to seeing more of your lovely new studio and doing the organizing challenges with you this year. Hope we all have a wonderfully productive 2025!
Great that you are accomplishing your goals. Thanks for the fun push. It is always fun to do these things together.
Wow! I am surprised that I won! Thank you for hosting these challenges; even though I don’t always get them done I enjoy them. I’m so glad you got your sewing machine moved!
What kind of vintage Singer do you have? I sew all of my quilts on a vintage Singer. It is electric. I have vowed to some day sew an entire quilt on a treadle that I have. Not sure if that will be this year or not.
Well I didn’t get to start my new project, I’m still working on making a pieced backing for a queen quilt I’m making for our church’s new refugee family. It needs to get done before I leave for Arizona for some sunshine. I have bad SAD at this time of year but I have been trying some new techniques this year, getting out of the house and going to the pool to exercise and using my sun lamp each morning. It helps but by the time I’ve taken all the stuff of life it’s dark again and my energy has left me. I’ll be looking forward to those studio tasks later in the year, I need a big reassessment of the space and projects.
HRH had to pull out my sewing table to get to a cupboard (trying to cut off the water to an outside tap that had burst) – my table is now in disarray! He also pulled out a tub of UFOs – the tub is not going back until it is empty! Things happen for a reason. The floor is clear though!
Thank you once again for the encouragement and challenge. Still working on the floor- went through & organized 1 bag of scraps. Also not looking to start anything new but finish up some UFO’s !
Thank you so much for hosting these challenges. I look forward to them. I try to complete all of them. The floor was quite a challenge for me. A friend and I attended an estate sale and I came home with 19 bolts of fabric. They are on the floor under my longarm. Most will be used for backings.