Getting Ready

Several months ago I joined a newly organized group of quilters who like to applique.  We are not an official quilt club bee, but we did select the name JABs when we made a quilt to be donated to the club’s library book project.  The name is open to several interpretations.

The rules for hosting are simple:  something to drink and only snacks that can be purchased pre-made at the grocery store.  This is my first time to host, and yes, despite the relaxed duties, I’m a wee bit antsy about it.

I did a little tidying up in the sewing room, because, of course, that’s the first space quilters want to see when they visit another quilter’s house.  I left my projects and ironing board out on purpose; this is a working space, after all.

I am not a fan of reptiles of any sort, but these little lizards are pretty.  I saw this one last night when I went out to dispatch a wasp nest I had spotted.  I know wasps are good critters, but my husband is extremely allergic to their sting and I try to keep them thinned out when their nests are located at a place he might encounter.

Wednesday's Workshop

Wednesday’s workshop project was learning to work with silk.  Debbie Maddy led us through the process and our 3-hour class project was a large churn dash block.  

Sadly, I was having one of “those” days and ended up making a miss-cut that required me to buy additional fabric before I could finish the project.  Fortunately Debbie had a little more of what I needed for my kit and I was back in business with even enough left over to add a border.  Last night I finished it.  It’s approximately 16 inches square.

I love the look of silk, and learned a lot during the class.  One of our program speakers this year said we should expose ourselves to as many different teachers as possible.  I truly buy into this concept and am very glad I took advantage of this opportunity.  The silk projects she showed during her trunk show were exquisite.  Debbie is an engaging teacher, but this is probably not an avenue I’ll pursue.  Cotton is much more accessible in our area and not quite as pricey.

Maybe a Trailer Would Help?

Foolish, me.  I actually thought I would be able to travel lighter when going to quilt club meetings this year since I'm not an officer.  Here is part of today's haul: machine and tools for workshop, lunch, water bottle, and another full doggie bed.  Not pictured is the tote full of anti-ouch pouches and gleanings for the Bits 'n Pieces quilt show booth.

Chugging Along

I’ve been working fairly diligently on ditch stitching this quilt, but, as a former boss used to say (Bless his heart) you’d have to pound stakes to see progress.  Since the whole point of stitching in the ditch is to be invisible that’s not altogether bad.

In my continuing effort to declutter my life, another load of clothes and accessories made their way to the local consignment shop.  The clothes fit, 40 pounds ago.  Maybe getting rid of them will help me maintain my weight.

I’ve also indulged in going through my collection of scrappy patterns.  Just over a month from now, I will be joining friends for my first away retreat in several years.  I am seeking an easy pattern that I don’t have to think much about, and that I use totally from my stash.  I have several other projects in the works, but most don’t lend themselves to a room full of chatting friends and they also require design walls.  

Another Scrappy Potholder

Another day and another potholder.  Once again I fished fabrics out of the scrap basket.  The heat-resistant batting I used was also a remnant.  So this was definitely a waste-not project.  I think I've had enough therapy for a day or two.

Tomorrow I return to regularly scheduled programming:  stitching in the ditch.

According to the nearest LCRA gauge, we had a high of 103 degrees today.  

Playing

My intention for the day had been to continue working on stitching in the ditch for the Jill Finley quilt, but by the time I was ready to sit down at the machine I knew I needed some immediate gratification.  After diving into yet another container of scraps…

…and making a glorious mess…

I found this strata remnant that someone gifted me years ago.

I sliced and diced and sewed it back together to end up with a serviceable, but not fancy pot holder. 

Some days you just gotta change course and play a little.

Summertime, Summertime, Sum Sum Summertime!

Work continues here on the Jill Finley quilt project.  I am using my walking foot to stitch in the ditch and will transition to the HQ 16 for free motion work. 

I’m also continuing my efforts to clean up my quilting space.  This box was full to the brim of assorted scraps.  Some have been folded and shelved while tiny bits of fabric and batting I do not think I could use are now stuffed into the dog bed shown on the right.  It should be full enough to turn in at the Quilt Club's August meeting if I can keep up the pace.

Both our house in town and the ranch reached highs to 101 today and temperatures are expected to continue in that vein through next week.  This happens to be the Lakefest weekend where thousands of high speed motor boat enthusiasts descend on our area.  The street we use to access our neighborhood is the primary “offloading” route for the boat trailers.  As usual, Bob and I have stocked up on provisions and will keep close to home for the duration.  

The Good...Not Quite So Good...and Bitter Sweet of Life Last Week

Jill Finley quilt….pin basted…Yay!

House…sigh…replacement ordered and claim filed.  Plus a day and a night with non-functioning air conditioning…now fixed, thankfully!

Weather…ugh!

Home grown tomatoes…yum!

In other news, but not pictured, our oldest grandson earned his learner's permit last week and received his first driving lessons from grandpa yesterday.