Such a great sewing day!

Remember when you were a kid, and excited about Christmas?  You'd be awake in the middle of the night, wishing and wishing morning would come?

That was me this morning.  Laying in bed, thinking about starting to sew.

I had a blast yesterday.  

I made a fabric box for my knee highs - - a little disappointed, because I didn't use heavy enough interfacing.  Oh well, it will still work.

I also figured out how I'm going to finish off Virginia Bound.

I'll take the light border off and string piece blocks - - triangles a la Dear Jane!  I measured, and sketched, and prepared paper backings.  Looking forward to some more mindless string piecing.

I also cut hexie papers for Grandmother's Flower Garden while watching "Bates Motel" last night.  

But the project that had me awake before the birds this morning was a cushion that I'm anxious to start.  I dug through my bucket of crumbs and box of strings to pull out "low volume" prints.  Now I have to figure out how to piece "a slab".  I'm anxious to get started!

April Goals - - waffling

I don't know what to choose for my April UFO goals.  I'll keep up with Dear Jane blocks and Grandmother's Choice blocks, but...

I'm on holidays this week!  This was a last minute decision - I have four weeks to use up before mid-August, and this week didn't look too messy, so I just booked it off.  Hubby is home today for Easter Monday, but I have the next four days to myself!  So here's what I'm thinking:

While I've got the extra time, I want to get over 'the hump' on a couple of bigger projects.  You know what I mean...the next step that seems too difficult or too fussy to take on - but once done, would open the door to a finish.  

• Heart of the Home - it's been on my Goals List for Feb & March, but incomplete.  It's the basting that I'm not into. 
• I have thought of an idea for the borders on Virginia Bound - but there is math involved.  If I can get past the measuring and calculating, it should take too long at all.
•  I need to cut some more hexies papers to do some more flowers for GFG, but that means changing the ink cartridge in the printer, trimming freezer paper to the correct size.

I'd also like to finish a couple of projects.  There's a couple of pillows that I'm anxious to make using these sampler pieces.

I also want to make a fabric basket to store my knee high nylons in.  The need for knee-highs is nearly over as the warmer season finally comes upon us, but I'd like to tidy up my drawers, and this would help. I have saved a couple of ideas for this on Pinterest, and I've got some girly fabric set aside in my stash that will work well for dainty storage.

Slow Sunday Stitching

I've been working away at stitching together these GFGs for the last little while. First pairs, then sets of four, now groups of eight.  I have no idea how it will turn out, and I'm not paying any attention to colour or value placement, just relaxing, mindless hand stitches. 

Snow Day

I had scheduled today off, using up some "in lieu time" I had accumulated at work.  I was looking forward to a day at home on my own, tucked under the sewing table.  But Mother Nature had other ideas - and Hubby is home on a Snow Day!

Oh well, I have managed to do some sewing anyway - - I've assembled some borders for Black & White.  (The strips on the wall belong to Aunt Lizzie's Scrap Basket)  I hope to have the top totally assembled before the end of the weekend.

I've been working away on my hexie flowers together this week too.

I'm getting used to it

It's been a long time, but I have had a yen to do some handwork.  It's not on my February goals list, but I got out my hexie flowers anyway, and have started to stitch them together.  I have never been able to tolerate a thimble for stitching - - just awkward!  As an alternative, I would put a couple of layers of electrical tape on my middle finger, and that worked pretty well.  But I'm giving a 'new' thimble another try - - I found an old thimble when I was sorting out my sewing notions last month.  It's a good fit - not too tight, not wobbling around or falling off.  I think I'm getting used to it!  My poor finger thanks me.

I've been using little binder clips to help me hold the flowers together as I stitch - - it's flat, holds firmly, and doesn't get in the way.  Of course the cat likes to bat them off my table and chase them around, but that's my cross to bear.

I don't have a design wall anymore (sigh)

I guess I'll have to make do with a "design couch". What do other quilters in rental accomodations do for their design walls? I was thinking that a temporary idea would be to double-sided tape an old flannelette sheet up on on of the closet doors. I know there are colapsible design walls that you can purchase, but....uh...I don't know if you know this about me? I'm cheap!


I guess I'll have to make do with a "design couch". What do other quilters in rental accomodations do for their design walls? I was thinking that a temporary idea would be to double-sided tape an old flannelette sheet up on on of the closet doors. I know there are colapsible design walls that you can purchase, but....uh...I don't know if you know this about me? I'm cheap!




While I was surfing around some of my old online haunts, I came upon Judy Laquidara's blog post: Design Wall Monday. And I wanted to get in on it, but alas...no design wall.  However, Design Couch is Gibby certified as an acceptible short-term solution.  Thank you Gibby.

I have no idea how I'm going to put these babies together, now that I'm up to 78!  I'll have to look around the 'net and see if I can find some inspiration.

Thankful

It's been a beautiful weekend.  Itty Bitty decided university residence long weekends were pretty lonely, so he came and spent the night in Guelph with us last night, and then we headed "home" today to have breakfast with my family, and turkey dinner with Hubby's this afternoon.

It was nice to see everyone, and of course the drive was lovely -- all the autumn colours are blazing!  This is my favourite season.

I had a chance to talk quilts with my S-I-L this afternoon, and that really got me itching to do some sewing.  So when I got back home I started pulling out some old projects.  I spent a bit of time working on a new block for Baltimore Folk Fusion.  Cut some pieces out, and pressed the background fabric.  Starting to lose the light, I switched to Grandmother's Flower Garden. I've run out of ugly vintage fabrics, so I'm having to mix two prints in each blossom.  I'm up to 76 now!

Must Be Wednesday...More Flowers!

Eight more hexagon flowers, which brings my count up to 64 - wow!  I expect I won't have as many as this to report on next Wednesday.  See...I like to work on my hand stitching in the evening in bed.  Last night, and the next few nights, I'll be sewing down the binding on my Lucky Stars quilt!

In case you've been wondering how my Simple Abundance Project is coming along - - I'm noticing some very pleasant changes.  As STUFF is moving out, my capacity for joy and serenity is increasing.  A bold statement, indeed, but how else can I explain the breathless giddiness I am feeling? I'm conscious that the content of my thoughts is so much more positive and generous.

Did I mention I'm going to give yoga a try?  I am very concerned about the lack of flexibility I have - - my knees are pretty crunchy, and I have an old nurse's spine - - but I had a long phone conversation with the instructor about my worries, and now I'm excited about experiencing something new. 

Can it be the last day of June?

I can't believe half the year is over already! WOW!

Well...I got six more hexi flowers done.  The centres are slightly different, a shade darker, but close enough. Another difference?  I've used a bit of all of the vintage fabrics I have, and these all came from my stash of reproduction fabrics. These six bring the count up to a total of 56.

The rest of the day?  Well, I've procrastinated as long as I can, and I simply MUST catch up on course work for the two classes I'm taking online this summer.  UGH!  Online course are not for me; there are too many distractions. Laundry, dishes, errands...the list is endless!

What's Inspiring Me - on Wednesday!

I only got two GFG flowers done this week.  The truth is....(dum! dum! dum! dum!) I'm out of the plain green centre fabric.  I think this brings me up to 49 flowers in total.  I have some more hexi's prepped to be stitched into blossoms, but nooooo centres.  I stopped into Lens Mills on Monday, but they had NOTHING similar.  Met quilty friend Jacqui there, and she suggested Fabricland, but I have a sneaking suspicion I'm going to have to go up to The Marsh Store.

But this means I've been able to make quite a bit of headway on my Log Cabin blocks.  Three more logs on each block, and they are done!  Boy, did I ever use up a lot of scrap material!

The Simple Abundance Project continues.  I dropped off another bag of stuff from my kitchen at the thrift store this morning.  Also, I threw out all of the jams and pickles that I put up ...was it three years ago?...yesterday, which was garbage day. That opened up a shelf in the basement.  Hubby and Itty Bitty are getting in on the project too.  They contributed a bag of stuff from the man cave/music studio this morning, and last night, we dropped off an extra electronic Keyboard at a friend's house.  Feels good!

Bathroom Demo/Reno Hell 2010 continues.  Good thing I didn't hold my breath about Monday being completion day.  The only things left to do: install cove molding, install a light fixture, install mirror/medicine cabinet, some caulking, a little touch-up painting here and there.  It's all but done!  If I thought I could do the trim myself, I'd do it.  Maybe Itty Bitty and I are up to the challenge.  Feel like playing with some electricity today baby??? 

Incidently, the wall colour in the advertisement above --it's called "Rain Washed" is the colour of my bathroom paint.

The next thing I want to locate is one of these chrome rack sort of things that are shown in the two pictures below.  I don't know what to call them.  But at least I have photos, so I can walk into a place and say, "Hey, have you got anything like this?"

Next on my mind is painting our bedroom.  I've hated the wall colour since we moved in, in 2004.  It's a dull dark'ish' grey-blue.  Think storm clouds, cramps, and broken dreams.  It's THAT depressing.

It is a HUGE room - it was once 2 small bedrooms, but prior to our arrival, it was converted into one big bedroom with an enormous walk-in closet.  Our furniture is very dark wood. So I've been flipping through decorating magazines, trying to decide on some colours that are a little more uplifting, while still restful.  Here's a couple of ads - -

What colour is your bedroom?  What is your best advice on bedroom wall colour?

It's Wednesday!

As you can see, Gibby is being his ever helpful self.  Truth is, I've nearly got everything back in order!  The table Itty Bitty set up for me to work on thinning out my stash is now clear.  I have a box of fabric to go to a church group.  I'm presently cutting my third quilt kit.  It's looking good!

I've gotten 13 more GFG blocks done this week.

That brings me up to a total of 47 I believe!

I also picked up a quilt from the Quilter Man last night.  I can't sew the binding on until "Lucy" gets back from the shop - - she's in for a needle-ectomy, and a tune-up, and should be home next Tuesday or Wednesday.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010 -- howzat fir a title?

I picked up this cabinet at a thrift store a couple of weeks ago, with a mind to repurpose it for fabric storage.  Since yesterday was bright and not too hot, I thought it was an ideal day to begin.

First, a tip.  I picked up this baking rack at a church rummage sale for a dime, and it's perfect for spray painting little parts.  I used black enamel paint to refinish the door hardware.

Okay, it's all stripped down, sanded and ready to paint!  Don't get too excited about me ruining that gorgeous vintage sheet - - it is so thin, it's not worth repurposing (except as a drop cloth).

What?  no AFTER photo?

Maybe later today.  The painting part is done, but I still have to add legs and reassemble the cabinet.  Today is a drippy, raining, cool day -- perfect for working on projects in the basement!

But here are my GFG's for the week!  I have 12 more done; not sure of my total.  I found some more vintage fabrics that my mother-in-law had given me a couple of years ago.  I had forgotten all about them!  Since finding THIS TUTORIAL, I find English Paper Piecing these little hexagon flowers so relaxing.  It's hard to put them down some nights!  I watched "Ghandi" on TV last night, and sewed merrily all the while.

Notice my old Featherweight in the background?  Yes, Lucy is sick.  I broke a needle the other day, and it fell into her guts, and I can't get it out, so she has to go to the sewing machine doctor to get a needle-ectomy.  Wanna hear a confession?  I bought my featherweight two years ago, and when I dragged it out on Sunday, it still had the piece of 'test fabric' that I sewed on before I made the purchase to ensure it worked.  I have NEVER used it, until Sunday that is...when I made the cushion for my ungrateful cat's day bed.

The Great Bathroom Demo/Reno 2010 (read:Hell on Earth) continues.  This five day project has turned into three full weeks now.  The stress is crippling me. When my brother-in-law arrived this morning, I BEGGED him to please finish it, that the therapy I was going to need to recover was not budgetted for.

STRANDED!!!

My new car (six months old!!!) won't start.  I had it towed to the dealership yesterday, but unfortunately, there isn't a rental car to be had ANYWHERE in SW Ontario.  Presumably, this has something to do with the upcoming G-20 Summit.  No wonder security for the summit is approaching a billion dollars, if the RCMP is commandeering every rental car in the vicinity four weeks in advance! 

Ugh...hopefully whatever is wrong with my car will be sorted out tout suite.

Six more GFG's done so far this week. If there is such a thing as a "thumble" I need it.  The top of my left thumb has been poked a zillion times from all the whip stitching, which has brought production down.

The St. Anne's Community Festival started yesterday, and I was there when it opened at 4pm with the other crazy people to swarm the white elephant tent.  WOW!  It was a mad house.  I was hoping I'd score a bunch of cutter shirts cheap, but it was impossible to get a good look. 

I did find this though:

I was thinking I would paint it, and use it for something.  But I took another look at it this morning, and scrubbed it up with some Murphy's Oil Soap (omg...don't you just loooooooove the smell of that stuff???) and I think it looks pretty snazzy!  According the the label on the bottom of it, it's a cutlery tray, but it's going to serve to hold strips and pieces as I cut them.

What I'm reading:

I can't help it.  I am addicted to crap. My ex-husband once told me that I had a mind like a steel trap, and reading historical romance novels was turning it into a lint trap. I may give up on this one though...I'm a good third into it, and I still don't know what the hell is going on.   

Dealership just called: they will be replacing the "Total Integrated Power Module" - - ehhhhhhhhxcellent, another new car that comes with electrical problems.  The part is ordered.

The babies are out playing!

It's hard to remember that it's still only spring when we've had such HOT summery weather.  We were pleasantly reminded this evening, while Hubby and I sat on the back deck and watched the new baby squirrels, newly emerged on the scene, chase each other around the yard.

Some loud cheeping drew out attention to this little babe:

And while I was out on the deck, I finished stitching the last of these seven GFG blocks(?) together.  I've got 18 made now - - I wonder how many hundreds I'll need to make a quilt?  The hexagons are 2" tall, but I haven't thought about numbers it will take to complete an actual quilt - I'm just enjoying the process.

The bathroom reno/demo from hell continues.  A little snag today: seems the vanity we chose is too big to allow comfortable use of the facilities without buttering up one's hips, and raising the arms as if on a thrilling roller coaster ride.  Forget completing the 'paper work'.  There seems to be a solution, and everyone seemed to be standing around wondering what I thought of the solution, but without ever telling me what the solution was.  I just mumbled "okay" non-commitally, and am hoping for the best.  I got the paint this morning, as commanded by the powers that be, so I think that means I'm going to be painting sometime in the near future, and that feels like a good omen.

My computer has been acting up.  This does NOT seem like a good omen.  Oy.

My Calender is Opening Up

Today is the final day of my class in Child & Adolescent Therapy. WHEW!!!  Now I just have two night classes for the next two months - Mondays and Wednesdays.  It feels like the doors of the jail are swinging wide open!

Wanna know what's been inspiring me this week?

A Quilting Life is a blog that I regularly look to for quilty inspiration. The particular post I've linked to included a link to printable hex templates to English paper piece Grandmother's Flower Garden, and another link to the EASIEST tutorial to cut, baste, and stitch GFG patches that I've ever seen: Sew Many Ways.  I really enjoy having a bit of handwork to drag around with me, particularly now in the nice weather when I like to be outside as much as possible.  So I've been digging through my stash of vintage scraps (ie: ugly old fabrics) and whipping up GFGs all weekend.

Even the centre limey centre hex of each flower is vintage.  I like the effect of fussy cutting the fabrics with stripes.

I received my regular quarterly shipment of Mr. B's Preview Pack last week, containing about 40 or so charm squares from Michele D'Amore's Word Play collection. I immediately had an idea for these charms! 

In other news:  the bathroom demo/reno is coming along.  We at least have a toilet again.  (Let's just say....things were pretty PRIMITIVE around here for a couple of days) The tub is also in, and the floor tile is down.  Next is walls I suppose.  But at least my IMMEDIATE needs are now being met.

We had an interesting event the other night.

At 3:00 a.m., Itty Bitty gently shook me awake, "Mom, the police are here and they want to talk to you."

My immediate thought was...omg, someone stole my car, went on a joyride and crashed it somewhere. I jumped up, a little woozy from the sleeping pill I had taken before I went to bed, pulled out my ear plugs, and made sure my boobs were tucked in my nightgown (sometimes those things can get away on you, ya know?).

Me: What's going on?

Constable: Just your tax dollars hard at work.

Me: What?!?!?!?

Constable: Someone in this house dialed 9-1-1.

Hubby and Itty Bitty had already been talking to the police for a few minutes before they got me up, and one of the officers checked the phones.

Apparently it was a quiet night in the ol' town Tuesday night, because there every cruiser on my street, and every cop on duty on my porch, I reckon!

One of them asked Hubby, "There's nothing 'domestic' going on here, is there?"  To which Hubby replied, "Well no, not until you wake my wife up!"

After the police left, we wondered aloud how the heck this had all happened.

Me: Maybe Gibby did it.

Hubby: Ya, check and see if his food dish is empty. 

You suppose Gibby narc'ed us?