New

Something new for today... sunshine, warmer temps and little wind. Feels like Spring.

Also, newly finished block for the Block Exchange.

Mine is the lower left block. The exchange was this morning so now I have a new bag to work on.

New fabrics acquired this week when I went on a little road trip with my quilt buddies.

I had purchased the Anything Goes Table Topper pattern the last time we went on a shopping trip. This time I got fabrics to make some with.

I got the pattern at Boline's. I am sure it is available at other quilt shops. Here is an on-line source.

The pattern says to use one fabric for the back and suggests that it be the same as or co-ordinate with the fabric used for the points. I am going to try to make one reversible. The fabrics on the left will be one table topper with the fabrics in the middle are for the reverse side. The fabrics on the right will be another table topper with the turquoise as the points and back.

The batik on top was meant for an  Anything Goes Table Topper, but then I found something I liked better. The bottom piece is a lovely light paisley that will be great for a background.

My Spring Break is almost over. I am hoping for lovely sunny, warmer weather from here on out so the students can enjoy outside recess. They are getting restless this time of year and it really helps for them to be able to play outside. It helps me too!

And, a new bloom on the geranium that I just discovered when I was watering.

I think it is enjoying the sunshine, too!

Finishes and Happy Day with Friends

I got the name patch for my son's dog harness finished.

Then, I finished the baby quilt.

The baby's name is embroidered in the star hanging in the moon. I blocked it out for privacy for the family.

I have finished packing boxes for my son.

I will load the car later today.

I have taken care of some important phone calls and e-mails, done the usual household things like dishes, mopping, laundry (still washing and drying), gotten a haircut.

And, now I am working on the block for the Exchange for this month.

It is always interesting to see the different fabric choices each quilter uses. 

This is my block using my fabrics for my quilt. I am making this block for each person doing this exchange, but using their fabrics. 

I am thinking of redoing mine. I am not sure I like the yellow squares the arrows are pointing to. 

Originally, I thought they looked like 'jewels' in the crown, but I don't like the look. I experimented with some of the other blocks and made those squares with the background fabric. I like that look better.

The blocks look different depending on fabric and placement of fabric.

I forgot to get a picture of my block for two of these but, you can see how the fabrics and placement make the blocks unique.

Thankful

Thankful for another day, but also thankful to be on break this week.

The moon was beautiful early this morning.

It became more beautiful before the sun came up, turning red/orange as it set.

I got the binding attached and began stitching it down yesterday. Today I hope to get some embroidery done.

Some Snow and Some Sun

Yesterday started out like this...

Husband and I headed out for our weekly shopping trip and decided to come back home after driving about 4 miles in heavy snow.

These pictures were taken about an hour later and it was still snowing.

By early afternoon the snow had stopped and was melting.

About an hour after that the sun was shining and most of the snow was gone.

My car had to go to the car fix it guy this past week. We dropped it off on Friday afternoon and were able to pick it up on Saturday afternoon. He was able to fix some things but found something else that he wasn't able to fix so it needs to go to the alignment shop for that. I will be making that call this morning. My car is a 2008 HHR. I love my car. I worry about my car now that it is getting older. But the guy said it is in good shape. Glad to hear that!

My school district is on Spring Break this week so I have lots of plans. I know I won't accomplish all of them, but I will get some things done. And,that will be easier since I am getting my sewing room a little more under control.

Most of my fabrics are now on this shelf and in the cubby unit. The table is mostly cleared off and won't take much to get it usable.

The big ironing board is also mostly cleared off; enough that I can iron a large piece. I will be replacing the fabric on it this week. And I still need to apply batting to foam board and get those up on the wall. I also want to add a shelf above the foam board. I need some type of light that will light up the ironing board from above it. The ceiling light behind me cast shadows when I stand at the ironing board.

I finished the quilting on the baby quilt.












And, finished this sweet fabric book that goes with it. 

Now I need to bind the quilt, embroider a star with baby's name, applique that on and get it washed. I will be making another trip this week to see my son and his GF. I need to get this to her for the baby shower (for her sister's baby) the end of this month. Son has also requested some doggie bandanas 

Not his dog. Tutorial found on Pinterest.

for his dog and a velcro patch with his dog's name and phone number. 

Not his harness. This one can be found at Amazon.

They found a harness similar to this one at the Goodwill store near them, but the patches were missing. But, I can now get to the table my embroidery machine is on in the sewing room! Sew, I need to get busy and get some things done. 

A Little Weekend Sewing

I spent a large part of my weekend resting. I felt a cold coming on Friday late afternoon and by 9:00 I was in bed. I spent the rest of the weekend sleeping or just sitting around. I had no energy. By Sunday evening I was feeling a little better.

I got these bowl buddies made for a gift for someone who has been a tremendous help to my husband as he navigates this adventure of being an estate executor.

Can you tell she and her husband are Cubs fans!?

What I Want...

is just a pair of jeans.

I find it so hard to find just a pair of jeans. There are so many choices.

Low-rise (or butt-crack), mid-rise, natural waist, etc. 

Skinny (see above), straight, wide (with or without cuffs), boot cut, etc.

Fancy pockets, embroidery, plain, or these... 

What?! Why?!
That is a zipper up the back of those jeans. I cannot imagine that they are comfortable. 
These are just some of the choices. I'm sure there are many more.

And, the lycra and spandex. Ugh.
And, the cost! Double ugh.

I just want a pair of natural waist, straight leg cotton jeans that have NO lycra or spandex that don't cost an arm and a leg or a small fortune.

So I got these.

These are men's jeans from the farm store. The women's jeans were 3 to 6 times the cost of these. The legs are a little wider than I want but that it will be an easy fix to take them in. 

They fit, they are comfortable, 
they are just a pair of jeans.
They are just what I wanted.