Things Found

During my house clean-out, I've discovered a lot of forgotten items.

I had saved a lamp that I had used in one of my son's nursery. I was wanting to use it in my sewing area someday.

Since I had found a quite a bit of fabric, I used a few favorites in re-covering the lampshade. *please excuse the mess in the background* I still have to place the "binding" on the shade. That shouldn't take too long.

I also found some companion fabrics that will match the lamp shade, so I'm planning to make some sewing machine covers, maybe some more. We will have to see how for the fabric will stretch.

Jane

Now That They're Gone...

I haven't been doing a lot of quilting lately... why? Now, that both boys are in school, for majority of the day, I have been finding other things to do besides sewing.

Top on my list - Cleaning.

I've watched a few of those "hoarding" shows on television and I am finding that I have a lot in common with them. Since the knee problems that I was having before surgery, I've just let my home go. It was easier to put things off than doing them right away, because it was difficult. Now, that my knee is feeling better (not 100% yet), I am going to gut this house.

While cleaning, I did find that I had some red and white fabric for my "Round the Block" quilt, so I didn't have to purchase more after my doctor's appointment. But I still needed a small amount of striped fabric for my "Yoyoville" quilt and.... (oh, the guilt) I got a few civil war fat quarters to start on the "Runaway Quilt" from the Elm Creek Quilt series. I just had to. I'm weak!!

I'm going to continue getting my house back in order but I'm still going to have to take some breaks from time to time. At the last doctor's appointment, he still says that I'm doing too much (the swollen knee didn't help either). So I'm hoping to be able to catch up on a few more projects, slowly.

Jane

New Name: Round the Block

Although it is one of my favorite quilt blocks and designs, I do not like its name. Without going into detail, I don't like referring it to as my "Drunkard's Path" quilt. So for my quilt, I'm going to call it my "Round the Block" quilt.

I now have 11 rows sewn together and it is about 1/3 done. I have ran out of red fabric and I can't go any further. I am really impressed on how fast it is piecing together.

I have a appointment with my knee surgeon again on Friday and I'm taking that opportunity, while in town, to get more fabric. I hope to not lose my enthusiasm in this quilt until then. But it will be a few days that, perhaps, I can get some more UFO's done. I'll keep my fingers crossed!

-

Jane

First Day of School!

It finally happened! Both of my boys are now in school! My little one is starting his first day of kindergarten today (oh, boo hoo...) and my oldest is now in 6th grade (a senior in elementary school!)

I am enjoying the peace and quiet. Aggghhhhhhh! I can now relax without interuption and I can actually get some housework done without having to stop and referee. I'll be missing those days!

And the extra time free time, when they are in school, I should be using it to get some of my UFO's out of the way. No excuses now!

I know, I know, it's been awhile since I've been home alone.............

Is it 3:00 yet? I miss my babies!!!

Jane

August 6 - A Special Day

Happy birthday to my beloved hubby. He my biggest supporter and I could not pursue my passion, thus far, without him. He never asks for much for himself but would give anything and everything to help me and his family. I give thanks for all he's has done for us.

Happy Birthday, Baby! I love you!!

Drunkard's Path Progress

As I had promised, I was really working on my quilt.

Working with white (or light fabric) can be very tricky. Once the pieces are sewn and the seam allowances pressed, you need to watch out for shadowing. Shadowing is when you are able to see the darker fabric through the lighter fabric.

To prevent it from happening, you should always press towords the darker fabric. But when that isn't impossible, you can trim a scant 1/8 inch, or less, off of the darker fabric. This will narrow the seam allowance and it will be hidden behind the lighter fabric once it is pressed.

A close-up of the marks for the quilting. Please excuse my pins and stabilizing stitches. I use these stitches to keep the seams from moving. I hate it once the quilt-top is ready to be quilted, when a seam allowance has flipped over. I had initally wanted to machine-quilt this. But I'm not ready to do all these curvy, feathery wreaths quite yet. I think I will have to hand-quilt it to achieve the vision that I have.

Jane

p.s. I hate calling it my "drunkard's" path quilt. I know that it's the blocks official name but I'm going to have to think of another name.

Last Fair Entry Peeks

I may be all done with the competitions this year. I need to get to work on some quilts (I'm hoping two) ready for next year. The Grouseland Museum's Festival of Quilts, in Vincennes, Indiana, will be in October of this year. Perhaps, if I get really serious, maybe I'll have another finished by then. Yeh, right! I'm being very optimistic.

A close-up of my quilt with it's ribbons.

Close-up of the vest and it's blue ribbon.

Once I had brought them back home, I had noticed that the judges had attached comments cards to them. Both had very kind remarks:

Quilt : Beautiful! Great colors!

Vest : Very creative. Colors are great. Creative quilt stitches

Another reason I enjoy quilt competitions, I love seeing the reaction of my family. My two little boys proudly saying "Mommy won a blue ribbon!" And my dear hubby walking around with a big grin on his face. It's priceless!

Work has been accomplished! I have been piecing. I will have my sons help me lay the pieces on the floor so that I can see if it is working out like it should. Hope to have a photo soon.

Jane