An Outing

Our unscheduled days are pretty rare this time of year, so we opted to take a ride to the country today.  We needed to stop by the ranch and be sure the storms had not caused any damage and were relieved to find everything okay.

The wildflowers are already fading, but we enjoyed a lunch at the Castell General Store which serves very good hamburgers.

Here is the only evidence I can provide that I am also devoting some time to quilting:  an empty spool, a handful of pieced neutral hexagons, and stacks being cut to bow tie unit size.

Bow Tie Progress

It’s been a while since I worked on my bow tie blocks.  Today I actually made some progress on the project while sewing with my Tuesday group.  I completed a block I had already started and got a few more units put together.  I really treasure my Tuesday gathering.

Where oh where has the month of March gone? Where oh where has it gone?

Like a lot of folks right now, some of my stitching time has been replaced by yard chores.  Some has gone to travel and some has been lost due to lack of focus on my part (the major loss).  

I have completed two more rosettes for my Edyta Sitar project, and I’m cutting for bow tie blocks which I hope to work on tomorrow while sewing with my Tuesday quilt pals.

The countryside is in bloom and the wildflowers will probably peak two weeks earlier than normal.  We haven’t hit 90 degrees yet, but we are pushing the upper 80s, which is well above normal.

Home Again

Last week traveled to South Texas where Bob’s two brothers from Wisconsin spend the winter.  We were joined by a Dallas area brother for a mini family reunion that included four of the six siblings.  It was lots of fun and it feels ever so good to be home!

I knew sewing would be limited to what handwork I could squeeze in while riding (usually with a dog in my lap) or in the evenings while the guys played pinochle.  So, all I have to show is two rosettes.  I’ll be working on some more this afternoon while Bob watches basketball.

Linking to Slow Sunday Stitching.

A Friend's Studio

I love to see how other quilters manage their space, especially since I am always at battle with the unorganized clutter in my life.  

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to see Sue's studio for the first time.  She is a prolific quilter with a background in art training.  I knew her space would be special, and she graciously agreed to let me post some photographs....when I finally got the courage to ask for permission.

Sue has created a relaxing retreat for herself that is also quite functional.

It is filled with whimsical little settings, quite characteristic of her personality.

And, it is filled with collections of items waiting for that perfect next project.

Sue also happens to be a Master Gardener.  I hope she lets me stop by again when everything is budded out and in bloom.  (hint, hint, hint 😊)

Prepping for Handwork

I dove into my reproduction fabrics yesterday and paired fabrics for more rosettes.  The Edyta Sitar pattern calls for 32.  I have 14 finished and 11 ready for basting and assembly.  That, along with all neutrals I need to make, should keep me in handwork for a long time.

Following a recommendation made by Bonnie Hunter, I use a die cutter designed for scrapbookers for cutting my paper foundations.  I like being able to put all that scrap paper to use, and it is more economical in the long run.

We had a rare treat this morning:  breakfast at the Blue Bonnet Cafe, where the bluebonnets are already making a show.  We had a very dreary morning and the picture does not do justice to the colors.

Not to be out done, my rose bush is also in bloom.  Both the roses and bluebonnets are extremely early this year.  

Rotating Between Projects

I’ve started quilting this Bonnie Hunter design that came out of a workshop with her a couple of years ago.  This is going to take a while because I am a very slow quilter, but it feels good to be at this stage in the process.  Also, I’m afraid I may be developing issues with my quilter and that’s making it more of a chore too.  I sure hope that's not the case.  It weighs 50 pounds and getting it to Austin for work will be a hassle.

I put the pedal to the metal Tuesday and Wednesday, so to speak, and finished my anti-ouch pouches for March, 15 again. 

And, I’ve continued work on my Edyta Sitar hexagon project.  The diamond units in the center have been joined and I’m pairing more fabrics for rosettes.  I also need a bunch more neutral hexies…a whole bunch more.

A Little Work, a Little Play, and a Little Silliness

I’m still working on my hexagon project and the center with diamonds is gradually taking shape.  

I’ve also added another rosette to the mix but have several more left to do.

Our winter Texans who have been joining our Tuesday sewing group for several years are headed home.  Once again, they threw a farewell party for us.  This year’s theme was Breakfast at Tiffany’s and they out did themselves decorating the table.  They are such a fun pair.

I’m also working on this month’s batch of anti-ouch pouches.  I completed four yesterday and got a start on several others.