A VERY 'Blonde' Day

Have you ever had one of those days?  You know, where nothing is going quite right.  It seemed like everything I tried to do, ended up wrong or on the floor.  When I couldn't even pick up pins without sending them flying across the room, I really knew NOT to touch that rotary cutter like planned.  (I did get some of the cleaning and clearing done without injury to self or furkids)

Since I kept knocking this particular tote off the shelf (because it was so over stuffed and not really sitting on the shelf just right), I figured I better really take care of it.  This is my string  tote.  Yeah, there is a tote under that pile - somewhere.

I pulled out one of the 100 old phone books (well, not that many) and started to piece those strings.  NO pins, NO rotary, NO heavy thinking needed!  Just my little snips (which did get dropped on the floor a few times) and a few bobbins wound - OFF WE WENT.  I got 30 ready for their corners - tomorrow.  They will be trimmed down to 6.5" - when I can trust myself with that rotary cutter.

 There's the tote!  Down to the low volumn stuff - a good base for new blocks when that gets over-stuffed again.  

The trip to the Vet at least was uneventful.  Moe did cry like a baby the trip there and home -  luckily it is only a mile up the road.  He didn't try any escapes as there were a lot of woofies - noisy woofies - big woofies.  He decided to sit in my lap while in the room - Mom protecting him.  All was good and quick (the Vet was amazed at how big his teeth and claws are) and home we went. 

Today may be another NO rotary day, too
Sewingly Yours,
Sharon 

On a Monday 4/18/16

Since the month is really rolling along, I better get started on my 'Let's Book It' project.  I plan to work on Hill Side House this April/May, BUT I best get going.

The designer used American Made Brand fabrics, but I picked up my solids with Connecting Threads when they had a super sale.  So It took me some time to lay out and mark those sweeties to match.  Now that they are labeled, I can get to work.

With things labeled, the cutting chart and coloring sheet - all make for quick work.  I have House One finished and hope to at least get House Two cut out.

We spent yesterday de-winterizing every thing (I think Winter is over here in the NorEast) which means every thing needs putting away, cleaning up, and finding homes for (or tossing) some items.

I, also, have to take Moe to the Vet for his annual check up and shots (Bella went last week) .  That is always fun as he cries like a baby while riding in the car.  An escape artist, he roams around the Vet's office like he owns the place.

** linking up with Design Wall Monday and Monday Making **

Have a lovely day,
Sewingly Yours,
Sharon

The Class

Thank you all for wishing me well for the first 'on the road' class with my first pattern.  On the road was just a couple of miles up the road which was a good thing as I was pooped by the end of the day - a short drive was much appreciated.  And most of you thought this cute house/heart block was my project - wrong.  It's just my cover for my notebook holding my notes and print outs. 

This is what I taught.  Yes, I designed a bag.  I don't make a lot of bags, but my SIL does and so many of the patterns she has bought I've had to re-draft as they are horrible.  So yes, I know how to write up a bag.

Those Tuxedo kitties were fussy cut and long tube pocket stitched, but the class used a full piece.  By adding the straps, you get 3 pockets on each side of the bag.  This is an 18" x 20" quilter's project bag - designed for this group's requests.

  The straps are open from the pocket to top of bag so you can roll a project or supply and slide in.  Or clip your keys, etc.....

Single pocket on one side.  They originally request LOTS of inside pockets until I asked them that if they fill all those pockets - were do you put your project materials??? 

A free hanging zippered pocket on the other side.  We learned to put zippers in - with out a zipper foot.

That pocket can swing out of the way so you can stack your rulers, small cutting matt and anything you want protected.  Cover it with the pocket and it is held safely in place - cushioned with the heavy batt fuseable on the outer bag and thickness of the pocket. 

I was so busy with class that I took no photos, so have borrowed off the Peaceable Day Quilters' FB page.

Loved all the variety of fabric choices.  Beth is trying out the new fuseable foam for her bag.  She had to leave early - so I am curious how this finished up.  She even re-worked the pattern to accomodate the size of the foam.  No problem as we discussed thru out the class how the pattern could be adapted to personal needs.

There was, also, a variety of machines.  The featherweights pounded away, where as some of the other models had a few thread issues with thickness.

There was a lot of fusing - so lots of time at one of the three ironing stations.  And you can see we set up an iron on either side so they could work two to an ironing board.

A finished outside shell of a bag.  There were 12 in the class and no one completely finished (almost), but we had a lot of new techniques and products introduced.  We started at 9 am and wrapped up at 3 pm (room used for an after school program).  It was a long day, but I hope they had a good time.

Thank you Peaceable Day Quilters for a lovely day,
Sewingly Yours,
Sharon 

On The Wing

I have just a couple more groups of geese to finish up and then I can get them flying in groups of four.  I will do that today to help keep my nerves in check (HA) as I have an event tomorrow.

I have most of my class supplies, step-outs, instructions/patterns printed and ready, and.............  I will be double checking that list several times as I finish up my  packing and then load the car.  Just my machine will wait for the morning load.  Yup, teaching my first 'on the road' class with my own pattern.  I have to be sure to charge my camera - will share.

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon