Journal Cover

I received a fat quarter at a Guild meeting and was asked to create something with it that could be used in our quilt show boutique next February.  The fabric was so pretty I really didn’t want to cut it up.  I procrastinated several months because I could not decide what to do.  When the show chairman said they already had enough potholders, mug rugs, tissue holders and pin cushions, I decided I better get busy and make a decision before I ran out of options.   So, I decided to use Wanda's tutorial and make a journal cover.

A fat quarter is not wide enough to make the inside flaps as big as I wanted, so I had to piece it.  Fortunately, I was able to place the seam were the fabric turns on the back flap and it isn’t all that noticeable.  I like it, and if no one else buys it, I will.

A Workshop Finish

Tote Bag Front

Tote Bag Back

I signed up for a Guild workshop Wednesday and this is the result.  I still had some work to do on it when we had to vacate the room we were using. Fortunately, I was able to push through Wednesday night and finish it Thursday morning.  I definitely did not want another workshop UFO.  The bag was made using a charm pack and accent fabrics for the lining and straps. 

I also delivered nine more anti-ouch pouches to the Guild and picked up some more kits to work on before our next meeting.

Now, back to the never-ending bow tie and hexagon projects…..

Ouch-Pouches, Hexagons, Bow Ties and a Brave Dog

Thursday was spent at a friend’s retreat center working on anti-ouch pouches which are given to patients who have had breast biopsies or surgery.  There were 11 of us working and I’m told we completed 168 pouches!  Our guild meeting is next week and I have nine more started at home that I hope to deliver.

My hexagon quilt went to retreat with me, but was never touched.  Since then I’ve been working on it in the evenings and have made a little more progress. 

And, I think I finally have enough bow tie units to complete the border blocks.  My main concern is whether I have enough variety in fabrics. 

Our lovable mutt (shown here demanding attention while I do handwork) proved her worth this week.  When I went out to investigate her non-stop barking I discovered a water moccasin snake in the yard.  Very dangerous!  Hubby dispatched it.  We’ve had numerous visits from harmless snakes as well as possums, armadillos, skunks and even a rabid raccoon in the 10 years we’ve lived here.  I guess that’s the price you pay for being on the outer edge of the community.

Home from Retreat

I attended our Guild’s third annual retreat this week and thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship, good food and time to work on two projects.

My bow tie quilt is a top except for the units that will border it.  I still have approximately 100 of those to make.

This Sue Garman project was going on its third annual retreat.  I would love for it to be completed before next year’s event.

Of course, there was a somber undertone to our play days.  Although we were far enough inland to escape direct impact.  Everyone had family, friends or property at risk from Hurricane Harvey.  There was no television at the retreat center but cell phones never stopped ringing as we got updates.  Pleas had already been made for loved ones to evacuate and vacation homes had been secured as best they could before Harvey’s landfall.    All anyone could do was wait for the storm to play out while we dealt with our collective anxiety by sewing. The full extent of what will need to be done for recovery is still unknown.