Something to remind me spring will come

I took out the batiks and started doing some fusing to make four flower blocks from patterns I've had around a while and always meant to do. I'll add the designer when I get a chance. I liked the results so they are going into a spring wallhanging for my office. This is what I have so far.

I'll add that light fabric for a 3" final border, and add applique flowers and leaves on that border. First I think I'll layer and quilt what I have so far. The fusible tends to loosen up as I work with the blocks. I suspect this is because I prewash all my incoming new fabric with the household clothing, so it gets fabric softener too. So I think I'll cut the backing and batting to the final size of the quilt, layer, and quilt the center. This will secure the applique, as I'll edge stitch as I go along. Then I can do the last border quilt-as-you-go style, adding the border applique as I go.

I'm also reinstituting the monthly self-challenge. It's been a while since I did this, but I want to knock off more UFOs from my list. So each month I'm allowed to work on three projects: one almost done, one at least started, and one just an inspiration of pattern or fabric. I have 30 days to work on these, and then they must be packed away for 30 days. This worked about 3 years back for me and I way my UFOs dwindle.

So I know I'm already half way through January, but my three projects to work on include:
This flower wall hanging (the started)-layer, quilt, and see how far the last border gets. I can focus on this at the sewing time I have with friends and guild on a Sunday afternoon and Saturday this month.
Project Linus blocks and a mug insert (the not started) -I know cheating already with two here, but they should be simple and quick work
Rosemary's t-shirt quilt (the almost done)-I still need to add framed t-shirts to the backing fabric, then baste layers. I want to quilt this on the March guild retreat

I'll post how far I get at month's end.

Rosemary's t-shirt top is done

You'd think that with almost two weeks off from work over the holidays, I would have a lot more done than just getting this top finished. I didn't really even do that. I had to wait until the weekend of Jan. 7 to see this done. Where does the time go. I have about 6 more t-shirt pieces that just did not make the front. I'll put them on the back though because I just can't bear to not include them.

So the next steps are to piece the back, layer, and quilt. I think my target is to have it ready to machine quilt for my March 17 retreat. So I really want it ready be March 1, somewhere between two trips I'll make for work that will take me away and preoccupy me.