It's A Start

I've decided that the only way to end the 'bemuddled' feeling, was to just grab a project and work to a finish.  Or at least to get a handle on where I left off and arrange it into a more workable system.  The first thing was to catch up on the Temecula Quilt Co. summer sampler blocks.  I've been waiting for at least four to be posted before pulling those CW totes as the blocks only use small bits.

I haven't been dedicated to the RSC18 this year, but I noticed the Red tote was overflowing so I grabbed it and of course - dumped out on the table.

My go to block is the Boxed Squares when marrying a lot of same tone scraps.  These go together so quickly and once started they work great as a leader/ender.

I have half the blocks made and the other half pieces cut and laid out on my mini design wall board to set by the machine.  The tote is now much thinner and neater.

Of course, the smaller scraps got cut down into my fabric food chain.  All the size squares into the barrel system - 1.5", 2", 2.5", 3.5", and 5".

I missed the linky to report on Val's Piggy Bank Challenge success.  I moved my change into a smaller 'barrel' as the big one became impossible for me to pick up.  I throw change and bills in and raised a total of $325 (and I know it got dipped into a few times).  Val has started the new year if you would like to join in.  I think I will take this small stuff to the coin machine to start fresh.

I've lost the rhythem of hand stitching at least 15 minutes a day since the temperature quilt was finished.  BUT, I have been babysitting the grands one day a week thru July and have been taking time to work on my hexie diamonds.  Normally I can get one of these totally completed, but we spent time playing out in the yard to enjoy the wonderful weather.

On Friday I had to take some travel time for the Quilters Hall of Fame, so I met up with a friend to travel with me and she took me to this lovely new quilt shop in Margaritville, NY - BloomQuilts.   It's a small store, but packed with wonderful fabrics, patterns, notions, yarn, and art supplies.  A super class room and you need to check her website to see the Retreat area.

Not that I need any more fabric, but this caught my eye (and my friends) -  'Zentagles' by Nancy Smith for Benartex.  You can leave them plain or color them.  The store owner said she had clients that were embroidering on them for a wonderfully striking look.  There is also various cats and woodland creature panels like this.  I want!!!  I didn't get those this trip so I have an excuse to go back and take my SIL with me - she will love this store. 

We are expecting days of heavy rain and we need rain, but I hope it stays just overcast today as I want to check out another new place not far from me.

Take time to enjoy those little side adventures,

Sewingly Yours,

Sharon