mistakes

I've made a few

When I finally got around to spending some time at the sewing table I got real friendly with the stitch un-picker.

Unperturbed, I carried on.

Then ran out of thread.

Went to the store.

Drove around looking for a park.

Found the thread.

Joined a long queue.

Kept 1.5m social distancing.

Hand sanitised.

Drove home.

In traffic.

Filled bobbins.

Made tea. Ate cake.

Ran out of half square triangle blocks.

Measured, Cut, Stitched. Snipped. Pressed.

I'm off to catch up on all your blog posts.

pressing

A window of opportunity opened this weekend and some time to stitch presented itself.  Last weekend was spent making half square triangles (those small ones) so it was a treat to actually make a some blocks.

I'm trying to take care when pressing all these seams for a neater and less bulky finish.  I'm also trying to be as random as I can but it's a struggle to keep from co-ordinating.

Three more of these will make a large block and I'll be halfway along!

slowpoke

Deb A at vtquilter joins a Slow Stitching Sunday group. I'm slow stitching Sunday every day!

This blog is going to become rather dull I'm afraid as I'm just working on making more of the Cat's Cradle blocks. 

I did do some tidying up though.

Stay tuned for another gripping episode next post!

offside

Hmmm, I didn't notice that I'd sewn the square to the wrong corner until I pressed it. Oops! Lapse in concentration.

Oh well, I can use it for the label.  (check out that stray thread - there's always one isn't there?!)

I changed my mind about the layout for this quilt and have decided to go with this version.

The scrap basket is getting a good workout with all the HSTs I need.  This block measures 8 inches finished.

Here's the next stage in the layout.

Soooo scrapppy!

Now I like a square quilt so it needs to be 7 x 7 blocks (56 inches) or 8 x 8 blocks (64 inches). I also like the slanted Star in a Star pattern that forms. 

There's a lot more cutting out to be done yet!

drenched

Long story short . . .

The way we were . . .

It rained. A lot over 24 hours. Two month's worth in fact.  Most of it travelling sideways at about 55 miles per hour.

I know, a mere rain shower in the tornado belt but a lot for here and not particularly welcome when it's pouring through the ceiling.

Turns out that my Swedish designed, Chinese made, chipboard and melamine storage cupboards are not water repellent. In fact, they are super absorbent (like Simpson's Emperor Stringettes).

Memories

Luckily, the fabric stash was spared much damage. Thank goodness for the spare room. Not spare anymore! And the family room. And the dining room. And the hallway. You know, it's surprising just how much stuff was in that little sewing room. And by surprising I mean embarrassing.

Spark Joy!

We are also in Stay-at-Home ~ Work-from Home mode.  So there's been some serious Marie Kondo-ing around here let me tell ya! 

It was time to take a deep breath and dig the Janome out from under the pile. 

I've set up a temporary sewing station in the family room, dusted off the rotating cutting mat and rustled up an ironing mat.  There's no holding me back now!

I enjoy making these Cat's Cradle blocks - no fiddly triangles because I have the funky ruler. Which is a good thing and I'm nibbling away at the stash.

I hope you and those close to your hearts are safe and well.