Harbinger of Spring

It's so hard to think that it is still Winter when it has been so warm, lite of snow and the yard is filled with Robins. And they vie with the possom and the skunk for the few wiggly worms in the mud of lawn and drive. I love being able to get more walking in, checking the flower beds to see what is starting to peek thru the 'covers'. But I'll keep those tender shoots under their blankets of leaves and bark - because I know Mother Nature can still throw a tantrum. And Robin Redbreast, we'll give you tender treats as you find your favorite spot in the old grape vines and bare apple trees. (and scold those furries for teasing you so)

DESIGN WALL

I just love the pattern chosen for the next Schnibbles - i.s.t.h. And pulled the fabric quickly as I knew exactly how I wanted to do this. Howard Marcus 'Collecions for a Cause - Comfort' just sings 'traditional' to me for this little quilt - with some 'Chocolat' by 3-Sisters and my favorite muslin. I already have bits of it hanging on the wall and mantel - working it as leader/enders. I will link up with Judy at Patchwork Times. I can't wait to see what everyone else has on their walls.

FIRST QUILT-2012

I had done a lot of house cleaning and the extra table was taken down because my grandsons came to visit over the weekend - needed a clear 'playzone' for all those cars and trucks. So when the table went back up, I was determined to get some quilts finished. So the Picnic Quilt was tackled first. Since I used a flannel back, I stayed with a simple stretched 'wiggle line' and used up some scrap binding (pieced a bunch together). Done - first large (50" square) quilt for the year and will be one of my donation quilts.

This quilt top was made during the Sew Scraps Along - and look - I was the Grand Prize Winner!! When my goodies arrive, I will surely share. Thank you Jodi and all the lovely people who helped with tutorials, inspiration, and sponsoring.

FOR FUN

More little houses. They are starting to look alike as I am still playing out of the same scrap bag. Think I need to use that bag for some string blocks and get some fresh scraps (and I do have plenty of them) for more house building.

More ornaments stitched. I think there are enough in that box now to pull out some Christmas fabric scraps and start making these into completed ornies. Now to find my ribbon!

OH WEIGH ME

I still have to get a scale - but I know the pounds are dropping as I have had many ask me 'are you losing weight'? And, I bought some new jeans - a size smaller! I'm trying hard to eat scheduled meals - finding it most important to start the day with a healthy breakfast. Adding more protein in my diet - I really like greens and fish - eating a lot of fish!And maybe with the 'spring-like' feel, have been on a salad kick. Can't wait for those fresh salad fixin's from the garden. To add to this week, more walking. And the nice weather has helped me get outside for that. I have set time limits at the sewing machine - set that timer and get up and move. The ironing is set up across the room so I have to get up and move. And pushing that vacumm does put up a sweat more than my pedal machine.

CLOSING THOUGHT

(poems for the class room)
Robin sits in the apple tree
Singing sweetly down to me.
She tells me of her cozy nest
In the tree she likes the best.
She tells me that her robin mate
And she herself can hardly wait --
They have four blue eggs, you see,
That soon will be their family.
They'll live together in their cozy nest
In the tree that they love best.
Happy in her apple tree,
Robin sings her news to me!

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon