Going for My PhD

Ms. P Designs USA has an annual challenge to get some projects across the finish line.  The challenge is to 1) finish twelve UFOs and 2) finish all new starts (unless they are mysteries/BOMs that run into 2026).  Check it out over at PHD in 2025 Project List.

It sounds doable and maybe instead of hemming and hawing about what to work on, I will be more motivated to finish something.

Here's my list:

#1 This was an idea that had been percolating for years to use a bunch of triangles that I had been gifted.  Good size throw.  Top is complete unless I decide to add a border.

#2 Baby Quilt.  There is enough of the focus fabric for at least part of a backing.

#3 Panel Baby Quilt.  I'm having a hard time finding coordinating fabric in my stash for backing.  I added the cream and black outer borders but had to stop there.

#4 Another panel baby quilt.  Not my best effort now that I see the photo.  Backing looks to be picked out already.

#5 Toddler/Baby Quilt from Ruby (Sapphire) Jubilee blocks.

#6 Twin size from Ruby (Sapphire) Jubilee blocks.  Already came back from being quilted.  Just needs binding.

#7 Hexagon baby quilt.  Got it this far years ago.  It is time to get it finished.

#8 Gifted 6" squares got turned into this ho hum quilt.  I thought I had backing for it, but they were not together.  Not my usual work in any sense, so not sure what I'll end up doing with this.

#8  Bonnie Hunter 2024 Leader Ender Challenge.  I have decided that this is a big as I am going to make it, so surely I can get it finished this year.

#10  Dear Jane is ready to get sent out for quilting.  I will not attempt to do this on my own.  I have a backing nearly ready.

#11 I have been eyeing Lori Holt's Scrappy Spools for so long.  I think this year I will finally buy the book and go for it.  

#12 I have also been looking at quilt patterns that use random fabrics.  I have been holding on to some for a while and it is time to use them up.  Not sure yet what I will make, but I will make something.

#13 My 4th grade students gifted me a Wobbles turtle kit.  Our school mascot is a sea turtle and they know I like to sew/craft.  This is outside of my comfort zone, but I'll never finish if I don't try.  

I know I finished some quilts last year, but I also started some that didn't get finished.  This challenge will help me stay on track and keep track.  PHD here I come!! 

Join in the fun at PHD in 2025 Project List.

Off to a Good Start

2025 is off to a good start.  I had quite a bit of sewing time since I only had to work Friday and my family commitments were easy to work around.    

Ready to sew.

I mostly worked on the aprons for Teacher E's kindergartners.  I had done the body of the aprons leading up to New Years Eve.  They were made from real chef aprons that I cut up.  I got 2 kids aprons from each chef apron and just had to hem up the raw side and across the top.  The fabric was a lot heavier to work with than I realized.   

The ties came from my stash - fabric I didn't think I would use for quilting, but was kid friendly.  I did remember that one of the keys to sewing everyday even when I am tired is having projects prepped and ready to go.  So after finishing a bunch, I prepped the ties for the last 7 aprons, but didn't sew them. Instead I made myself do a computer task I had been putting off.  The ties will make a good project when I come home from school and need something mindless.  I also need to remember to pace myself and get things done that I don't want to do and then reward myself with sewing.

Clips were perfect for this project.

Kate's 15 Minutes to Stitch Challenge at Life in Pieces has us tracking how many days each week we get in at least 15 minutes of stitching/sewing/quilting time.

15 Minute Report

15 minute days/week = 4/4

15 minute days/Jan = 4/4
15 minute days/2025 = 4/4
Success Rate = 100%

My numbers will never look this good again, but it is a nice start.  Realistically I think that I can aim for 50-60% over the course of the year.  I teach 4th grade and this year's class is tough.  Some days I just come home and go to bed.  But I also think that if I try harder to work in some stitching time it might get me through the ugghh times.

The clips match the fabric!

2025 Stash Totals

Used last week:  0 yards

Used year to date: 0 yards

Acquired last Week: 0 yards

Acquired year to date: 0 yards

Net used in 2025: 0 more yards used

Since we moved at the end of 2023, I have been much more aware of all the "stuff" and the "stash."  I am really trying to use it up, give it away, or move it out.  I used a lot in 2024, but have to find all my notes to math it out.  That's a project for when Little S is back at college.

Linking up to Kates Life in Pieces to show progress.