Q4 Begins - Link your list for the last quarter of the 2013 FAL

I have been reading all of your Q3 Finish-A-Long finishes posts - and will continue to read till I have read every one. I recommend perusing these links  for all the inspiring finishes and lovely stories about the projects. And, thank you to all of you, for all the compliments and nice things you have said about my cheerleading, encouraging and cajoling in the FAL. It truly is fun to be your "fearless leader".

This fall I have been tidying and cleaning, sorting and rearranging - the whole house it seems. This organizing fever has spilled over into my quilting plans. My Q4 list is crazy - I know several of you will just laugh and laugh, but I am optimistic. And I remind you, there are no penalties for not finishing your list, so go large. Here is mine:



1. Pickle Dish - I think this has been on all my 2013 lists. I have only about 24 dish units to make of the 200 required, I have 7 of the 25 blocks of 8 dish units sewn, then there is quilting and such but I really, really want this done as it would be nice to gift it at Christmas.



2. Asterix and other symbols quilt - I have all the blocks back from the talented quilters in Always Bee Learning, and worse, it is my month again in November. It is time to make these blocks into a quilt, I mean, look at how cool they are.



3. While we are on bee blocks, look at those beautiful improv sampler blocks from my friends in the Free Bee. I know how I want to piece these and quilt them, this is quick project and will be such an excellent quilt.



4. This block is called Stonehenge from the 99 Modern Blocks book and was made for me in the now finished Modern Blocks Bee. I might add some warmer coloured blocks too, I have more fabrics. But they are quick and easy, so surely I can finish this one too.



5. Cycles 2 - This feels like cheating. All it needs is the binding, but I don't want it to get set aside, so it is on the list.



6. The No quilt is a project near to my heart, and has sat mostly stalled. I have some lovely embroidered contributions and I need to get more blocks done. This quilt is for my office, to remind me to say No more often - just because I can do something does not mean I have time or should do it.



7. Emerald Irish Chain - Truly should be done already. Enough said.



8. Placemats - The awful brown table cloth is making me crazy, I need to get these done.



9. Giant Nordika Plus and pattern - I love the giant pluses, it will be easy to finish this one.



10. Mystery quilt - This is the most beautiful quilt top I have made - Sheila's pattern and teaching have a lot to do with that. I have been too scared to quilt it, but I think I will be ready this quarter.



11. Loads of flying geese - I love making these now that I have ruler assistance to keep them nice. I see these as a fill in piecing project, when I just want to sew something fast. And I love all the flying geese quilts I keep seeing, so maybe I can have one this quarter.



12. Cria, a sweater for me - I am excited to be knitting a sweater again, and this yarn is soft and lovely. This project should fit nicely around all the rest, and I keep it in my bag for all the lines, time spent waiting for kids and such.

You know there are more bee blocks in my drawer, and some other quilt tops too. But I am stopping at 12, after only finishing 2 things this quarter, my chances are slim. But I am hopeful none the less.

Now the news. The FAL will continue for all of us in 2014. As you will recall, Rhonda from Quilter in the Gap is the mastermind of the FAL, having started it in 2012 She decreed that it would move each year to another blog. So the FAL moved from Tennessee, U.S.A to Alberta, Canada and next year I am ever so pleased to announce that the FAL is off to Scotland!

Yes, my real life and internet friend, Katy from The Littlest Thistle is going to be our host for 2014. That's her in the middle, at Sewing Summit the year before this most recent one. I love this photo and stole it from her blog (hopefully she will be ok with that).

If you don't know Katy well yet, check out her blog - she is talented, funny and smart (she just explained a lot of math to all of us in a way anyone can understand in her tutorial this week). I know that we will all have the best time finishing along next year under her leadership.

Enough, get your Q4 lists done and link them here. If you need to check the FAL rules they are here. If you have questions, let me know in the comments or by email to shecanquilt [at] gmail [dot] com.

I will let you know our fantastic Q4 sponsors in a few days, I can assure you that you will want plenty of entries in the Q4 draws, so do go large with those lists - lets make Q4 the quarter with the largest number of finishes in FAL history.

Best,

Leanne

An InLinkz Link-up

Katy Explains The Maths Behind The Perfect Zippy Pouch - a 2013 FAL Tutorial

Today, Katy from The Littlest Thistle is going to show us how to make perfect zippered pouches. I have been lucky enough to meet Katy in real life, and she is fun, interesting and generous. Don't be put off when her tutorial starts talking about math - and seemingly complicated math at that - you have all the calculating power you need on your cell phone or computer to lick this bit of math in an instant. And with Katy's help, you will be sewing prettier and technically complicated zippy pouches too. Read on.

Hi I'm Katy from The Littlest Thistle, and I'm here today with a FAL tutorial to help with an oft puzzled over conundrum - how to create a zippy pouch with a flat bottom and vertical sides.

So lets take a look at the 'traditional' zippy pouch, where you squish the sides down to meet the base, sew along a line and chop the extra off:

You can see the sides slope down to meet the base, which is not necessarily a bad thing, it's just that with patterned fabric with any kind of horizontal or vertical pattern you'll lose the effect with things wrapping oddly round the side.  The angle of the sides depends on how far up the seam you go before stitching the line across, and it's not easy to see what the effect will be until the pouch is turned through.

The next option is to cut a square out of the bottom corners of the rectangles you're using to make the sides.  You sew the sides and base together, leaving the square openings free, then you squish the sides down to meet the base again, but this time you have a cut edge to sew along the seam allowance for:

You can see the sides are at less of an angle, but they're still not vertical.

Now I do have to break the news to you that there's maths involved in the ultimate solution, good old Pythagoras and his theorem in fact, sorry!  The good news is, it's easy, and you can do it on the calculator on your computer :oD

Taking the 2nd example from above as a starting point, we're going to use the cut out corners method, but instead of vertical sides on the fabric we start with, we're going to angle it up to the top.  By doing this, when the right angled triangle at the side is folded round and the base is folded up, they will meet to push the front out, leaving the sides vertical.

A right angled triangle is one where the side and the base are at a 90 degree angle to each other, or thinking about a clock face, the big hand (side) is at 12 and the small hand (base) is at 3.  We need a right angle between the side and the base to keep the base flat otherwise you would end up with a rocking pouch!

Because we're using a right angled triangle, to work out how to get the height and the depth we want we need to use Pythagoras:

In the diagram above:

a = the height we want the pouch to be + seam allowance top and bottom
b = half the depth we want the pouch to be (as there is a front and back) + 1/2 seam allowance
c = ?

Pythagoras says:

a² + b² = c²

So since I've decided that I want a height of 7 1/2", a depth of 4 1/2" and a seam allowance of 1/2" I get:

a = 7 1/2 + 1/2 + 1/2 = 8 1/2
b = 2 1/4 + 1/4 = 2 1/2

c² = (8 1/2)² + (2 1/2)² = 78 1/2  (that is, c² = 72.25 + 6.25 = 78.5)

c = √(78 1/2) = 8.86 which we round to the nearest 1/8 inch, making 8 7/8  (8.875)

(** For those who have forgotten a few math things: c² means c multiplied by c. When you know the value for c²  you then have to take the square root of that value to get c and you can do that by putting the value of c² into your calculator and hitting the square root button that looks like this:  √. The calculator will tell you the square root and you can check by multiplying that number times itself to see if you get the c² number you started with.)

Are you still with me?  I hope so...

In the diagram above, there are some unlabelled measurements, so for the depth to work correctly the bit below c must be the same length as b, ie 2 1/2".  The width of the pouch is entirely up to you, but I went for 10".

If you are going to create your pattern using paper and pencil, I suggest you draw the triangle sides on a separate piece of paper with side a vertical and side b horizontal to ensure you have your right angle, then you can connect the 2 and double check that c is correct by measuring it.  Once you're happy that you have all the right measurements, cut them out, and tape them to the main body.  Gridded paper, like graph paper, can be really useful for this kind of thing.

If you want to use a program like Illustrator to create your pattern, as I did, I suggest you also draw your triangle with a vertical and b horizontal, joined by c, then group the lines together and rotate the shape until c is vertical.  Using the grid functions available on most drawing programs should help ensure that your measurements are correct, and that you have managed to get c vertical

Here are a few step by step shots to show you how the construction works:

Front of pouch piece cut out

Having added the zips, I'm now constructing the pouch.  Note that the cut out bits are unstitched

Stitching the corners closed

Finished front on (that left side is vertical, honest!)

Side on shot

This actually allowed me to tick off one of my Q3 finishes, so thanks for helping me out with that Leanne!

And thank you Katy! 

Don't forget to link up your Q3 finishes - the Q3 post-quarter link is open here and it will close at midnight MST, October 7, 2013. And if you still have some UFOs I hope you will join us for Q4 of the FAL, Q4 FAL lists can be posted starting on October 8.

Anna's Quick and Easy Sewing Machine Cover - a 2013 FAL Tutorial

Today, Anna from Hoot'n'Haller, is sharing her tutorial about how to make a quick and easy sewing machine cover. My sewing machine really needs a cover, I wonder if your's does too. It seems that I am constantly putting off making things for my own sewing room - I might have to fix that this weekend. Anna shows us how simple it is to make this sewing machine cover, read on.

Hi everyone! This is Anna from HootnHaller. I am so excited to share a tutorial today for a quick and easy sewing machine cover. I have been meaning to make a cover for my machine for over a year, but something else always takes precedent. Recently, I have been learning a lot about the maintenance of sewing equipment and now I completely understand the importance of keeping my machine away from added harmful dust! This sewing machine cover is meant to be a super fast project so that you can squeeze it in between your many other sewing projects.

Supplies
Fabric
Flexible ruler
Ribbon (at least 4 feet)
Basic sewing supplies

Instructions
Before you begin your cover you will need to take three measurements of your machine. First, determine the width of your machine.

Second measure from the bottom of the front to the bottom of the back, going over the machine. See the photo below for more clarity.

Third, determine the height for the side ties that will hold the cover onto the machine. I chose to place my ties 7" from the table.

The measurements for my machine were 18.5" x 30". The next step is to make a "quilt top" that meets the measurements you took for your machine. You can make your sewing machine cover with elaborate patchwork or even choose to use the whole cloth method. Since my sewing machine is set up in my bedroom, I chose to create a simple patchwork top that would fit in well.

Next, cut a piece of fabric to the same dimensions as your top. This side will most likely face the inside of your machine - though you could definitely make your machine cover reversible! Layer the top and backing right sides together.

Cut your ribbon into four sections, each at least 12" long. Go back and double check the measurement you took earlier for the placement of the ties. Use a ruler to measure your determined distance from the end of the cover. Place the ribbon in between the two layers and pin in place. You will do this four times - twice on each of the long sides of your machine cover.

Place pins around the perimeter of your machine cover. Mark a 3-4" section at one of the ends where you will not sew. This gap will be used to turn your cover right sides out. Sew a quarter inch seam around the perimeter.

Clip the corners to eliminate bulk from the seam allowance. Now, turn your project right sides out! Use a blunt object object, such as a pen, to push the corners out. Give your project a good press, make sure that the seams are pushed out and even.

Topstitch around the edges of your cover using a one-eighth inseam allowance. You will probably want to pin the turning hole shut to ensure that you stitch through both layers. Once you have finished the top stitching you have a completed sewing machine cover. Tie it onto your machine and enjoy!

I hope that you liked this tutorial and that you will cover up your machine to keep it safe from dust!

And thank you Anna! 

Don't forget to link up your Q3 finishes - the Q3 post-quarter link is open here and it will close at midnight MST, October 7, 2013. And if you still have some UFOs I hope you will join us for Q4 of the FAL, Q4 FAL lists can be posted starting on October 8.

His & Hers Reversible DSLR Camera Strap Cover - a 2013 FAL Tutorial

Today we have a lovely tutorial from my friend Jennie, who blogs at Clover & Violet. I have to tell you I feel like I picked tutorials for this round of the FAL of things that I really need to make just for me. I am already trying to decide which fabrics I will use when I make one of these camera straps for my own camera. I hope you enjoy it too.

Hi, I'm Jennie and I blog with my mom over at Clover & Violet.  I want to thank Leanne for letting me share this simple camera strap cover tutorial with you!

I am often inspired to make things by things I like that don't quite fit my purpose.  When I first bought my DSLR camera a couple of years ago, I splurged and purchased a handmade camera strap cover with a pretty blue ruffle on it.  While it served its purpose, my husband felt awkward carrying it around while we were on vacation, taking photos at the beach, and especially if he went somewhere without me!  However, the cover slipped onto the strap, so it was a pain to remove too.

Hopefully this will greatly improve our photo taking experience...a reversible, easily removable, His & Hers Camera Strap Cover:

Supplies:

• 12 - 2 1/2" x 5" rectangles for patchwork - I used Coquette by Chez Moi for Moda
• or other patchwork of your choice measuring 5" x 25"
• 2 - 3 1/2" squares printed fabric
• 5 1/2" x 25" strip Moda Cross Weave in gray
• 2 - 3 1/2" squares Cross Weave
• 1- 5" x 25" strip Pellon Fusible Thermolam
• if Thermolam isn't available, Fusible Fleece or a thinner batting will work just fine {you can even use a double sided fusible web to stick your batting in place}.
• 30" package of 5/8" Sew-on Velcro

Note:  Read all directions before beginning.  All seam allowances 1/4", unless otherwise stated.

 1.  Sew the 2 1/2" x 5" rectangles together to form one 5" x 25" strip of fabric.  Following the manufacturer's directions, fuse the Fusible Thermolam to the wrong side of the patchwork piece.  Quilt as desired - I used the scallop stitch on my sewing machine to create some fun texture.

2. Optional: Memory card pocket with Velcro {my pretty camera strap cover came with a memory card pocket...that a brand new memory card fell out of, as a result, I've added a closure to this one so that won't happen again!}

Cut a 2" strip of  in half lengthwise.  Sew one half of the Velcro to the right side of one patchwork square and one Cross Weave square.  Sew the squares right sides together, leaving an opening opposite the Velcro.  Turn right sides out.  Sew the remaining Velcro 4" from one edge of each side of the cover.  Place the pocket on top of the strap and sew in place, 1/8" from the pocket edges, sewing the opening closed at the same time.

3.  Place the strap pieces right sides together and sew along the long edges, back stitching at the beginning and end of the seams.  The Cross Weave should seem a little bunchy because it is 1/2" wider than the patchwork.  This is so the patchwork portion will not show at all on the "His" side of the strap.

4.  Turn the strap right sides out and carefully fold under 1/4" on each end.

5.  Sew 1/8" around the entire camera strap edge.

6.  Sew one 24 1/2" piece of Velcro to the patchwork side of the strap.

7.  Sew the other 24 1/2' piece of Velcro to the Cross Weave side of the strap.

Then Velcro your cover around your camera strap and you're all set!  Thanks again to Leanne for having me!


Thank you Jennie!

Don't forget to link up your Q1 finishes - the Q1 post-quarter link is open and it will close at midnight MST, April 7, 2013. And if you still have some UFOs I hope you will join us for Q2 of the FAL, Q2 FAL lists can be posted starting on April 8.

It's time to link your Q1 FAL finishes!

So as your hostess for the Finish-A-Long, I have the privilege of sharing my finishes from my Q1 FAL List - which is here - first.

I am very proud to show you my king size Mod Pop. She still does not have an official name, although I am leaning toward Molten or Lava Lamp. This quilt is big - king size - and I have been sleeping under her every night. You can read the Ta Da post about her here.

I finished this quilt as part of the Mod Pop QAL and you can see other finishes Mod Pops linked here or in the flickr group here. Julie's wonderful pattern is here.



My second and only other finish for Q1 is my lovely Scrappy Tripalong quilt - Trippy #1. This quilt often cuddles with me when I am reading the internet. Her Ta Da post is here and the link to the pattern is in that post too.



That it for me this quarter, 2 finishes out of 6 excellent projects. I did make some bee blocks, and a couple of mini quilts and went to QuiltCon and stuff, and that old statitis has been acting up this quarter too. But no more finishes from my FAL list. I am going to have a long list for next quarter, it is a good thing the sun stays up longer in the spring.

Now it is your turn, link up your finishes. Remember this question from last post:

How do I link up my finishes? Do I need one link for each finish?

• Please link one blog post or flickr picture for each finished item.
• If you like, you can link up older blog posts where you first showed off your finished item, you do not have to write a new post for each finish. 
• It is nice to see one end of quarter post letting us all know how you did overall, so feel free to use this post to link one item and then link older posts for the rest of the finishes.
• Please ensure that at least one your end of quarter linked posts contains a link to your original Q1 FAL list so that I can check to make sure your finishes are of things on your Q1 list. It is even easier for me if all of the linked posts link to that original Q1 list. If you are linking flickr photos, add a link to the originally linked flickr photo in the photo description. And yes, I do check, Rhonda can be a bit of a taskmaster you know.

The link is open until midnight MST April 7 - don't be late. You must link your finishes by then for them to count in the draw for the wonderful prizes from our generous and wonderful sponsors. If you are trying to squeeze one last finish in you can link the rest now and that last one at the 11th hour - just saying.

I can't wait to see how many beautiful projects you have finished and gotten out of your sewing rooms this quarter. Oh, and you can start getting together your Q2 lists, the link for posting that list will open on April 8. Don't forget, we have all those great tutorials coming daily this week, in between the link ups - it is going to be a fun week.

I wish you all a lovely Easter,

Best,

Leanne

Q1 FAL Tutorials and some answers to FAL questions

I am so pleased to share with the line up of wonderful bloggers who have volunteered to share tutorials on this blog for Q1 of the FAL:

• Monday, April 1 - Block Holder - by Jennie, from Jennie's Threads
• Tuesday, April 2 - Oven Mit - by Adrianne, from On the Windy Side
• Wednesday, April 3 - Reversible His/Hers Camera Strap - by Jennie from Clover and Violet
• Thursday, April 4 - Photography Tips - by Anne from Play Crafts
• Friday, April 5 - Hand Quilting - by Jo from Bearpaw
• Saturday April 6 - Working with a Long Arm Quilter - by Thearica from Pigtales and Quilts

While you are waiting for the tutorials to start here, feel free to visit these wonderful bloggers and get to know them a bit better.

And to answer some questions that many of you have (the rules are also here):

How do I link up my finishes? Do I need one link for each finish?

• Please link one blog post or flickr picture for each finished item.
• If you like, you can link up older blog posts where you first showed off your finished item, you do not have to write a new post for each finish. 
• It is nice to see one end of quarter post letting us all know how you did overall, so feel free to use this post to link one item and then link older posts for the rest of the finishes.
• Please ensure that at least one your end of quarter linked posts contains a link to your original Q1 FAL list so that I can check to make sure your finishes are of things on your Q1 list. It is even easier for me if all of the linked posts link to that original Q1 list. If you are linking flickr photos, add a link to the originally linked flickr photo in the photo description. And yes, I do check, Rhonda can be a bit of a taskmaster you know.

Is there a penalty for not finishing something on my list?

• No, but I hope that if you still have any UFOs around you will join us for Q2.

Do things I finish in the first week of April count?

• As long as you link up your finishes before the post-quarter link closes on April 7, I will count the finishes. Consider those extra days as bonus days or a little buffer just because.

Can I do a tutorial in a coming quarter?

• Please email me (shecanquilt [at] gmail [dot] com) or leave a comment on this post if you would like to propose a tutorial. I have lots of open slots and need your help.

How else can I support the FAL?

• Take some time to visit some or all of the Q1 finish links and leave comments. Also continue your wonderful support of everyone on the FAL flickr group.
• Join us for Q2 with more UFOs. Remember that they need to be started projects to qualify, not just plans and ideas.
• Support our lovely sponsors and consider dropping them a line or leaving a comment with your next order thanking them for their FAL prizes and support.
• If you would like to become a sponsor for the upcoming quarter, please email me (shecanquilt [at] gmail [dot] com)

When are the next link-ups?

• Sunday March 31 - the Q1 post quarter link up opens - you can start linking up your finishes
• Sunday April 7 - the Q1 post quarter link up closes at midnight, mountain standard time.
• Monday April 8 - The Q2 pre-quarter link up opens - you can start posting your Q2 list of projects to finish in the quarter.
• Monday, April 15 - The Q2 pre-quarter link closes at midnight mountain standard time. 
• Sunday June 20 - the Q2 post-quarter link will open. And I will post the other dates later on.

Since there are no pictures, here is a photo from instagram of my pickle dish progress last night - I have made 37 of 200 pickle dish units (one "half" circle is a unit to me) and have 163 to go. This quilt is going to be so good I think.

I hope you are having a lovely Easter weekend.

Best, 

Leanne

Q1 2013 FAL - Thank you to our Sponsors!

Today I am going to tell you about the wonderful sponsors who have volunteered to supply prizes for the first quarter of the 2013 Finish-A-Long. As this is an international group, I set out to find sponsors from around the globe, and I hope to continue that for the other quarters. 

I have shopped at almost all of these stores myself and will be placing orders at the ones that are new to me. These shops  are excellent in every way and are run by the nicest people. I hope you will support them while you participate in the FAL or even just send them a quick email to thank them for sponsoring Q1 of the FAL.

I personally thank each and every one of our sponsors for their generous support. Let me tell you a bit about each of them.

$75 Gift Certificate from the Fat Quarter Shop

I am guessing you all know about the Fat Quarter Shop, but if you don't you need to. The selection is huge - they sell pretty much everything you can imagine needing for quilting, including patterns, threads, rulers, notions and the like. This American shop is quick to stock a large range of the newest fabrics and their service is impecable. It is always a pleasure to shop at the Fat Quarter Shop.

$50 Gift Certificate from Green Fairy Quilts

Green Fairy Quilts is a wonderful little treasure. It stocks a carefully chosen selection of pre-cuts, and also provides the opportunity to pre-order the upcoming fabric lines, all at excellent prices with frequent sales. This American family business is friendly, helpful and quick to get your order into your hands.

£20 Gift Certificate from Avery Homestore

The Avery Homestore is both an online and a bricks and mortar store in Edinburgh, Scotland, and I so wish I could visit it in person. There is a beautiful selection of fabric, yarn, craft supplies of all kinds, homewares, prints, and other beautiful things. You can purchase many of those online too, where you will receive lovely service, even if you live far away. Jo also runs a nice selection of classes at the store too. 

£20 Gift Certificate from Simply Solids

Simply Solids is an excellent UK source for solids in cotton, linen, cross weaves, etc. Justine has been thoughtfully adding to the collection lately too. I met Justine in London and she is so nice, has the cutest baby and my sources tell me she provides excellent service. I am going to sign up for the Sew Solids Crew Stash Club, which is a lovely way to expand your solids collection, one colour a month.

Fat Quarter Bundle of The Birds and The Bees by Tula Pink in 

colourway of your choice (forest, sunset or mist) from Fabric Spot

Fabric Spot is a wonderful Canadian online store with excellent service. Karen has set out to make  organic fabrics widely available at reasonable prices. She also has a huge range of popular quilting solids, including almost all of the Kona colours. Fabric Spot has an expanding selection of designer quilting fabrics, patterns and books.

Full kit to make Tea Time Clutch (TM) bag and bonus Reversible Patchwork Bag pattern from While Baby Naps 

While Baby Naps is an Etsy store that is new to me. They sell really lovely classic frames, chains and glue to make frame purses and clutches, as well as complete kits, including tutorials and patterns, to make a clutch. There is even a kit packaged for international shipping leaving out the glue that is difficult to sell over the borders. Rhonda orders her purse frames from While Baby Naps and speaks highly of the service and the products, so I am going to be placing my own order this week. 

€20 Gift Certificate from Fluffy Sheep Quilting

I met Cindy in London at the Fat Quarterly Retreat. She is fun, interesting, generous and smart and I consider her a friend. Her Irish online shop focuses on providing a well curated selection of modern quilting fabrics and threads. Her newsletter includes guest tutorials - she even included one of mine last fall. Cindy's personalized service makes shopping with her a dream.

$25 Gift Certificate from Knotted Threads

Jennifer has a lovely shop and blog but recently she is probably better known for her call to the internet quilters for help making blocks to make a couple of quilts for family who had been hit hard by Hurricane Sandy. Jennifer was going to be seeing them at Christmas and wanted to bring the quilts. The response to Jennifer's request was overwhelming. The quilts, and several more, were made - people across the globe sent blocks, Jennifer and other people quilted, and Jennifer took those quilts and delivered them as promised, and she told us all about it on her blog. She is a gem and her little shop is excellent too.

Surprise Package from Rhonda at Quilter in the Gap

I am not sure what to tell you about Rhonda. She is funny, friendly, kind and helpful. Rhonda often digresses onto some other thing, but she usually has a good reason to do so. The Finish-A-Long is her brianchild and it worked brilliantly for all of us last year. I am just hoping I can live up to her legacy in hosting this year and thank you to  Rhonda for all the help she continues to give me this year. She is just the best. Oh, and she has a great podcast, feel free to remind her that we want more episodes.

The prizes from each of these sponsors will be awarded at the end of Q1 of the 2013 FAL. Each qualifying finish will qualify as one entry in the random draws.

There is still plenty of time to sign up for Q1 of the FAL. Go to this post and enter your link before midnight, MST, Sunday January 13, 2013, if you have not yet done so. You can also join the FAL flickr group which is here. I hope you will join us and get some of those UFOs out of the sewing room and into use.

p.s. I will be making it to each and every linked post, but give me a few more days to catch up. First week back to school and to work, broken internet requiring several hours on the phone, one repair guy and another coming, and the usual hustle and bustle of life have been taking more than their fair share of my time. I am hoping some semblance of routine will resume shortly. I am excited to see all the projects that have been linked up.

Best,
Leanne