Paper Piecing And Post Pondering

They don't mix. 

I've never tried paper piecing before.  But I wanted to make this:

The Boutique

... and paper piecing is part of it.  So I learned. 

I also learned I'm not as smart as I like to think I am.  I looked up a short tutorial on paper piecing and read it but felt it was just too simple to practice.  What's the big deal?  You line up your fabric and sew on the line.  Easy.  Why waste time practicing.  Just start the pattern.  Well.  Not a big deal, BUT YOU HAVE TO PAY ATTENTION.  If you make a mistake you can't pull out the stitches so you have to start over.  So, no thinking about what where this quilt will go, or what the next project will be, or even about the next seam.  It took four "start-overs" before I finally learned that lesson. 

Fusible applique is also involved.  I've done applique before but not much.  The "to protect your ironing board" part of the instructions seemed another waste of time.  From what?  I found out. And now I have a new ironing board cover.

But, if you take your time and follow the directions you get results you just can't get any other way.  It's just soooooo cute!   Only part of it is finished but I couldn't wait to show it off.

Glum Dee Dum

Around about early October I start getting depressed thinking that winter is coming.  Really, a bit of apprehension about the whole season change starts in mid August.  Okay, to be honest, right after the 4th of July. 

Then, right after the holidays, as in Christmas and New Years, I feel like we have rounded the corner and we're heading out of winter.... it's almost over.... Spring is coming! 

About the end of February all hope is lost. It seems as if it is never going to end.  There is still snow on the ground.  Any ground that peeks through is brown grass or darker brown mud.  If it's warm enough for rain it's COLD rain and then it freezes overnight.  The ten day forecast keeps showing cold and wet and cloudy. 

Gloom.   Gloom.   Gloom.

But wait.  What's that I see?

And Daylight Savings Time changes in less than three weeks!  Maybe Spring really will come this year.

Happy Birthday Brother Terry!

A New Neighbor On Periwinkle Lane

This is block 2 of Periwinkle Lane.   My hand embroidery might not be getting any better but it is certainly getting easier and faster to do.

Mari's Quilts

Mari from California sent these two fun quilt tops for me to quilt. 

A simple but striking pattern with sea themed fabrics.

This quilt of circles had fun, whimsical fabrics.

I can't imagine getting the fabrics straight when sewing circles... I'm in awe.

The little birds made me smile. 

They all have an smug expression, like they know something the rest of us don't!

I had fun with these Mari - thanks for sending them!

Happy Birthday Sarah!

And I know this next one is a repeat from last year but I just like it.

Happy Birthday Sarah!

I love you!

No Sew Block Swap . . . .

First, an apology.  Mavis (she is in the second RWB group) did send her blocks AND she spent a ton of money to get them here fast.  I then dropped the ball.  I am so sorry I delayed everything. My grandkids have been here while my daughter-in-law had surgery to have her hip replaced.  Surgery was supposed to happen in January and I knew that wouldn't effect the swap.  But it was postponed until this week due to some complications.  I just LOVE my grandkids and LOVE having them but I can't do ANYTHING (shower? what's that?) while they are here.  I don't know how I did it when my kids were little!  Is it just that I'm older?!?!  Because we got hit with a snowstorm they stayed longer than was planned. Home is 100 miles away and the roads were bad.  They are now home safe.  Their mom is hurting, but healing and on the way to a new lease on life.... she'll be running and playing with the kids this summer!  WOOHOO!!

I spent today catching up and getting packages ready.  One person let me know that they could not participate due to an illness and death in the family.  Blocks for two others have not arrived.  I replaced those three with myself and cut blocks so all groups are ready.

Packages will be mailed tomorrow. 

THANKS FOR PLAYING!!!

Success!

Zak, Caycee & Lynzee are here while their mom gets her new hip.

Surgery is over and all went well.

No Sew Blocks are coming in.... and going out.

The blocks have been coming in and we're only waiting on a few more.  Five sets are on the way.   Only one person hasn't been in contact with me for a few weeks.  If that swapper can't participate I'm ready to add another set.  P/G/W #4 is complete and those will be going in the mail today (unless you are in more than one group).

It sure has been fun getting all these squishies in the mail!