2016 UFO Challenge - January update, February start

Since it's the beginning of February, I thought I'd start with January status update and jump into February projects. When last I posted, I had completed the top to my Ombre Dutchman and was using all of the leftovers for the backing. I don't have a picture of the backing, but it is complete. AND I did have the entire project sandwiched together and had two lines of stitching into it...and then pulled it apart and made a hole in the back... Yesterday I ripped part of the back apart and fixed the hole (the good thing is it happened in a small block so I just replaced the block). I have the 3 pieces waiting for me to rebaste. I didn't baste close enough so I'm going to start all over...


The good news is - I found my little red and white top, got a backing made, quilted it and bound it... (not crazy about how I finished the binding, so I may redo that). I have it draped over my Grandma B's treadle sewing machine. Here's what it looks like when you walk in my front door...

... and here's the entire quilt - top:

and back:

I love both! I tried something new with the binding...in that I used a decorative stitch as the last stitching on the top. I don't hate it, but I don't love it either. I'll probably pull it out and resew.


Onto February. Per All People Quilt's 2016 UFO Challenge, February's number is 5:

Burgoyne Surround and Placemats!


As I was piecing the back of my Ombre Dutchman, I decided to do Leaders & Enders per Bonnie Hunter (Quiltville). I don't have an exact link, but search her site and you'll know what I'm talking about. Anyway...I started piecing together red and white squares to make strips. Last spring, I pieced 8 stars to make placemats that are like American Flags. I'm starting with those 8 placemats... I had to buy more red fabric last night as it's taking more than I had cutup..and the reds I had on hand were not right...I also found some great white on white fabric. During the Superbowl game today, I intend to sew! So, without knowing they'd be next, I'm working on placemats!


As far as Burgoyne Surround, I have a couple of patterns, including the one used in a previous American Patchwork & Quilting Magazine (All People Quilt) challenge (I think 2014?) I just have to figure out what color palette I want to use and how big I want to make it. I'm thinking of making just a small table topper to see how I like making it...


Great projects for February! I'm feeling good about my January progress - and think I can do well on February!