Tag Archives: quilting

New Year and 2026 UFO Challenge

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Hello everyone and welcome to 2026!

This year is going to be a bit different here at FF HQ as there’s been a lot going on behind the scenes. Just a little longer and then I can work out what this is going to look like. Thanks for your patience.

However, 2026 is bringing the second year of the FF UFO Challenge. We are running things the same way as last year – no pressure, no competition – just working steadily on UFOs so that we can achieve progress.

We are starting on February 1st and as we did last year each month on the 1st I will randomly draw a number for you to work on. All you need to do is create a list with 10 UFOs and then match the numbered project to the number I draw and work on it that month. You can swap things out if you need to (for example you need to buy backing fabric and the shipping time is 4 weeks) so you can adjust for any issues. There’s no hard and fast you “must work on this number”. It’s more a suggestion, a bit of mystery, leaving it up to fate kind of thing.

I also have a Facebook group where I post the numbers (also posted on FB main page and IG) so you can join there if you want but it’s not necessary. We used the group last year to post photos of progress and ask questions etc.

This is self-paced, with a smidge of accountability because I know that’s what I need to get things done.

So if you’re ready to follow along here are the links:

FB: https://www.facebook.com/frankiesfabrics
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1401125050180861
IG: https://www.instagram.com/frankiesfabrics/

First number will be posted 9am on Sunday 1/2/26.

For me this year I’m keeping to my online, blog lists.

NumberQuilt NameMonthDONE
1Tarot Quilter
2Vladimir's Memorial
3Halloween QAL
4Pinwheel JellyrollFebruary
5Halloween Wedding Ring
6Gemstone Layer Cake
7Gemcut
8Cherrylicious
9Tapestry 1 - Snake
10Tapestry 2 - Triqueta
BONUS

 

UFO Challenge 2026 - Assorted Projects

NUMBERQUILT NAMEMONTHDONE
1Witchy Cross-stitch
2Chair - mach emb
3Snake quilt FP
4Witches Hat - hand sewingFebruary
5WS Cross-stitch
6Journal
7Spider resins
8Halloween Scrap Quilt
9Paint bookshelf
10Asstd Cross-stitches

Any questions about the challenge please let me know – just message via whichever way you are following along.

Happy sewing!

M x

MAM – Community Quilt Project Update 8

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Hello all!

This is just a quick update.

We now have a cut off date for blocks to be returned to me – 15th March 2025 30th March 2025. I will allow some grace for slow post but after that if your block isn’t here it may not make it into the quilt.

Blocks that have come in recently:

If you have any concerns regarding your block please email me: marnif@migraine.org.au and let me know what’s happening.

Frankenstein’s Fabrics 2025 UFO Challenge

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This year is all about my two words for 2025 – “new” and “use”.

New is all about experiences and trying new things like cheeses, coffees, restaurants and having adventures, visiting new places.

Use is about using the items I already own before I consider buying anything. Using things up, using the good teacups and the nice perfume, using things until they fall apart, using in an effort to declutter.

So to that end I am setting myself the 2025 UFO Challenge. First I will go through my craft room and collect all my UFOs – UnFinished Objects and write them up on a list and number them 1-10 (I will have more than one list for sure). Each month from February to November on the 1st of the month I will draw a random number from 1-10 and work on that project each month. I will post that number to my socials in an effort to hold myself accountable and to try and make inroads into my craft space and declutter things.

I am not doing January or December because those months are already filled with too much going on that I don’t want to add another thing to that pile.

If you would like to join in please click this link and join the FB group or follow my socials.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frankiesfabrics
Instagram: https://instagram.com/frankiesfabrics/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@frankiesfabrics

 

MAM – Community Quilt Update 7

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Hello all!

Happy New Year and welcome to 2025!

Just a small update for the moment.

These are the blocks that have arrived since the last update.

 

Thank you to everyone who has sent blocks back, or reached out to let me know where they are at.

We now have blocks equalling a little over 3 full rows of the quilt back now. Before  head back to classes in February I will be starting to assemble the blocks I do have with their sashings.

Everyone who has yet to return blocks can you please make sure you do so as soon as possible. Anyone who needs help or advice please email me on marnif@migraine.org.au

MAM – Community Quilt Project Update 6

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Hello!

I have an update for the MAM CQP.

Over the last few weeks we’ve had an influx of blocks being returned plus I’m working on the digital submissions so I can print them on fabric.

Here’s what’s arrived:

As you can see we are starting to see the variety of experiences as well as the common feelings and symptoms that overlap between people.

I am wrapping up semester 2 at Tafe and once that’s over and all my customer quilts have been returned for Christmas I’ll be working on this quilt. I’ll be setting up the layout once more blocks arrive as I want the balance of colours to work well and not have clusters of colour or concentrations in any one place.

I’m excited to see what blocks arrive over the next little while.

Please make sure you get them back to me as soon as you can – and if you have any issues please reach out marnif@migraine.org.au

Those who requested Zoom sessions – please keep an eye on your emails for new times available.

Happy crafting,

Marni x

MAM – Community Quilt Project Update 5

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Hello!

Just an update to say that we are fast approaching the cutoff for signups so if you would like to make a block for this quilt you need to get in ASAP. Sign up here: https://form.jotform.com/241343616133852

Blocks are steadily returning and the current batch are below.

If you have any questions before you sign up please reach out with any questions via email here: marnif@migraine.org.au

Those who’ve signed up for Zoom sessions will be notified in the coming week about available times now that the post has had time to get the blocks to everyone from the last postal run.

This quilt is really starting to come together and soon I’ll be able to share some of the assembly process.

Stay tuned!

Marni x

 

MAM – Community Quilt Project Update 4

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Hello everyone!

I’m here with another update on the CQP since it’s been awhile since the last update.

We’ve reached a really good point of blocks having been sent out and the blocks are trickling back in as people finish them off, speak to me over Zoom and the snail mail catches up to things.

Below are the photos of the blocks that have come in so far – no names or information on them for privacy.

I would like to reassure you that these blocks are important for our message to Government – to really push the visual impact on how sick we are and what we go through. Many people have voiced a hesitancy in making a block because of their lack of creativity or sewing/art/craft skills. Please don’t be – everyone involved is representing the full range of skill levels – from never having done any craft to experts. Your contribution is very much welcomed, not judged and vitally important to the whole message we are working towards sending. It’s all about the stories we have to share and whatever you feel comfortable putting on the block is part of your story.

I am aware that we are asking people to be vulnerable here. Please be kind to yourselves and don’t overextend yourselves. Only do what you are comfortable and capable of.

If you are feeling nervous about making a block please reach out with any questions please email me here: marnif@migraine.org.au

If you don’t want to participate but would like to help in some way there are other ways you can help.

1. Donate to the quilt specifically https://www.migraine.org.au/community_quilt

2. Donate in general to Migraine Australia https://www.migraine.org.au/donate

3. Share the sign up for quilt blocks with others you know have migraine: https://www.migraine.org.au/community_quilt

I hope everyone is as well as they can be.

Happy sewing!

M x

MAM CQP – update

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Hello all!

Just a quick update for those following along with the Community Quilt Project.

More blocks have come back to me – so far we’ve had some come via post and I’ve had a couple of images for fabric printing come through as well. I’ll start sharing quilt blocks a little later, once a few more have arrived. I won’t be sharing all details of who did what as we have asked for social media consent in the forms and not everyone wants to be acknowledged in this way.

A few more blank blocks have been posted off.


There’s lots of chatter behind the scenes about people’s plans for their blocks, a lot of decision making and sketches happening.

Signs ups are still open and will remain open until block numbers hit what we need. https://www.migraine.org.au/community_quilt

If you are interested but have any questions before signing up please send me an email. marnif@migraine.org.au

Happy sewing!

Marni x

 

MAM – Community Quilt Project Update 2

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Good morning!

We’ve had some wet weather around the coast these last few days – it’s my favourite type of weather, perfect to stay inside, warm and cosy and get some sewing done. Unfortunately it is the same kind of weather that does trigger my migraine so sometimes it’s rest time too.

I’m here this morning to update you all on what’s happening with the CQP – blocks have started to return to me and the best way I can describe what is represented is that it gives me goosebumps how powerful these blocks are. The whole quilt is going to be so emotive and visually  impactful. I can’t wait to see it finished.

Signs ups are still open and will remain open until block numbers hit what we need. https://www.migraine.org.au/community_quilt

If you are interested but have any questions before signing up please send me an email. marnif@migraine.org.au

Happy sewing!

Marni x

 

 

MAM2024 – Community Quilt Project

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Hello!

Today I have the first update for the MAM2024 CQP.

Last weekend I went and collected the donations from Officeworks at West Gosford. The team there generously donated envelopes and stamps to get us started on shipping out the fabric squares along with a donation for printing for the instructions that are in the packs.

I bundled up the first batch of signups and they all went into the post on Wednesday. Mixed locations so envelopes should arrive within 5-10days.

This weekend was the first Zoom session. This session was to work out where people were at with their ideas, what methods they could use and what skill levels everyone is at. Future Zooms will be helping people step-by-step with different techniques and general help sessions.

We had a really good discussion about images we can use and talked about products that were suitable for those ideas. The key was visual impact – we need to explain our lived experience of migraine in relatable ways to those who don’t know what it’s like. Universal experience is the phrase I like to use – something that we all know what it feels like – like an exposed nerve in a tooth for example – to relate to a symptom or pain sensation of migraine.

Unfortunately, many of the images we discussed are violent in nature – things erupting, burning, and hitting us like icepicks. It’s not pleasant but it is what it is.

We also discussed copyrighted images, signing our work and the do’s and don’t for the blocks.

I’ve done a test block of my migraine pain. I’m going to tweak it a bit because I want to move the machine embroidery a bit higher but overall I am happy with how it turned out. I’m keeping my test block for myself – I want to have it on hand when I next see my neurologist and my GP. Like I said visual impact.

I hope you’re having a pain free day out there and can get some sewing done.

Stay tuned for more updates on this quilt process.

Marni x