Playing catch up!

Since February is my birthday month I decided I was going to thoroughly enjoy it. So, I sorta took the month off from blogging, and it felt relaxing and rewarding to step away from the computer. But, I certainly don't mean to imply that I didn't do anything creative because that was not the case at all.

I finished the quilting on my Gothic Prairie quilt and love, love, love how it looks. Just simple wavy, horizontal lines across the quilt. I'm torn about this, but I've decided I will be selling this quilt in my etsy shop. It will be listed there in the next couple of days.

I also made the decision to re-start my Goodnight Irene quilt, and I used some of the previous sewn-together blocks to make mug rugs (I forgot to take pics) for friends and this cute little basket (which has already been used quite a bit).

I joined a new mini group. It's geared towards a more "artsy" or at least, less traditional approach to quilting, although we can work on whatever we want. I like the attitude and the sense of freedom that comes with it. We've been meeting a little over a month now and I'm really enjoying it and my new friends. We all have different skill levels and different interests so it makes it educational as well as inspirational - plus it's just so much fun!!

I found that I needed a ironing pad/carrier in order to take my iron with me to group meetings so I searched online and found this pattern. I was able to make it in one afternoon, after I located and purchased the ironing board fabric and the insul-bright. It was easy enough to assemble and sew, although it was slow sewing since it's five layers of batting, fabric, insul-bright, and ironing board fabric. I just used the walking foot and took it slow, being careful to check the backside to make sure it was lying smooth and that I was catching all the edges in my binding. It's clever, don't you think? My husband loves it! I've been asked the question, "is it possible to set a hot iron down on it?" and I honestly don't know the answer. I'm planning on letting the iron cool off somewhat before I pack it up, but if someone does know I would love to hear about it.

I made a new zipper pouch for carrying threads to quilting class. I know I read somewhere what to do when making bags with zippers like this one so that the zipper wouldn't ripple. Darned if I can remember where I read it or what it was I should do. If anyone knows, I would love to be reminded.

I've also signed up for a couple of classes being held in the next couple of months. Two are bag classes and one is a quilt class with Louisa L. Smith. I'm excited!

And, I've been knitting socks again. So fun! I've missed it and so far, it doesn't seem to be a problem for my shoulder. Yeah!! Tesserae pattern in BMFA Socks That Rock lightweight, Purple Rain colorway. Just finishing up the toe on the second sock! 

and, finally... I'm presently working on this... a Scrap Vomit!! The blocks are on the design wall, but I need to make just a couple more before I can sew the quilt top together. I've been working on this on Tuesdays and Thursdays when I'm at my quilt group meetings.

Whew! That was a lot of effort! Both writing this post as well as all the sewing/quilting/knitting, but I'm not complaining. I haven't gotten this much accomplished this quickly in a very long time.

Take care,