Sunday, September 22, 2013

A Lazy Sewing Sunday . . .

What a spectacular day in the northeast today.
I couldn't decide what to do first.
So I went for a nice long walk by the water to collect my thoughts.

When I returned I was ready for a bit of sewing.
I am working on a donation quilt right now.
A medallion of sorts.
It is inspired by one of Kathy's quilts at Material Obsession.
I can't find the picture right now, but I promise to show it in the next post.



While we were at Quilting by the Lake,
Kathy spoke about contrast and helping your piece pop.
I realized that while I use a ton of rich color,
sometimes there is not enough contrast.
So I am working on that.

This little project was started a month ago,
and has been hanging around ever since.
It is going to be a wreath.
It is taking FOREVER to tie all those scraps.
But I will keep at it, because I think it will be really fun.


Like my sewing corner?
It has reached the tipping point again.
A total chaotic mess.
I can barely cut anything.


This week I am going to visit my niece, nephew and family.
I wanted to find a cute little doll for my niece, one, who I haven't met yet.

Have you been to Toys U Us lately?
OMG, I know I am old because I was wandering around like
a shock victim.  I was asked if I needed help three times.
I was just trying to find a sweet baby doll for a little girl.
They all looked like they were on crack.

So I settled for this sweet little Peebles.
Soft, sweet and a red head.  Perfect!


On another note . . . 
I spent yesterday afternoon in the city.
In Bryant Park.
With some hilarious, very fun peeps.
You know who  you are!


Hope you had as much fun this weekend as I did!

Sunday, September 15, 2013

A Finish and A Start . . .

I have gotten back to sewing on the weekend . . 
The weather is crisp and for some reason I love to sew 
when the temperatures get cooler.

I finished my DWR Challenge!
Have you started yours yet?
The deadline is December 1st, 
so you have loads of time.


I also finished my Fractured top that I started at
Quilting by The Lake this summer.
It's so big, I couldn't get it laid out flat in my tiny living room.
Hehe.  There is one mistake, and I left it, 
although it is hard to find.
It was a mind bender for sure!


And I have started a new quilt that is a donation quilt.
More on this quilt as it develops.
I think it will be a medallion quilt, 
but let's see what happens.


The kid and I went to a flea market today.
Such a beautiful day to be outside.
We saw a nice pile of antique quilts. 
Along with many other fun things 
that I was too lazy to photograph. 
Sorry.  But I spared you too!


And my friend sent me this mermaid.
I know she is always thinking of me because once a week
she sends my a mermaid picture.
Very sweet.


Mermaid Love.
Hope you all had a great weekend.

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Summer's End . . .

I love this time of year.  The weather is crisp in the mornings,
and warm in the afternoons.
It's such a reflective time for me.  Kids go back to school.
Schedules get busy, days are getting shorter.
But there is something about this new beginning that always makes me smile.
I want to buy office supplies and new shoes.
Haha.  

I have been working on my Scrappy Trip Around the World Quilt.
It is about to find a new home.

I layer my big quilts after work in the conference room.
It's always fun to see who is walking down the hall after hours,
and they are always amazed at what I am doing in there.
This one is BIG!  So I was very happy for that conference table.


And as sometimes happens, I found an oopps after I had quilted the whole thing.
I often use fabric for my backings that have been given to me or found
at a thrift shop.  This piece came from my sister and I didn't check it!
My bad!
She must have used it stapled up some where because the holes are evenly placed.


 So when life gives you lemons,
make lemonade.
I appliqued six little squares (not that easy I might add) on the back like tumbling blocks.
And Voila!  It's all good.


Now just a label and it is ready for it's new home.
Don't you just love finishing and sending off?
Time for another new beginning . . . .



On another note . . . 
I spent a week in August with my family in Wisconsin.
It is one of my favorite places on earth. With some of my favorite peeps.


We had so much fun.  Laughter.  Food.  Drink.


Relaxing days 


The Littles were with us too, only they aren't so little anymore.
How does that happen?  
They brought a quilt I had made for their Mum, my sister.
They always travel with it.  I love that.  Quilts are to be used I say!


This picture that my cousin took pretty much sums it up.


Great end to a wonderful trip and summer.
Bring on Fall!
Hope you had a great summer too.