Making Progress...

It's funny how when life gets in the way it takes you awhile to get caught up!  A few weeks ago, I had planned a whole weekend of sewing to do a couple of swaps and even some bee blocks.  I even thought I could maybe get to  THE LIST.  Then we looked at the weather report, and there, rounding the tip of Florida was Tropical Storm Issac.  And The Weather Channel said it was heading straight for us.  WH went into total preparedness panic mode and my whole weekend was shot.  Thankfully, it didn't really come here - we had a little wind and rain, but nothing really significant - and my prayers go out to those who did get inundated by the rains and damaging winds from Hurricane Issac when it came ashore in Louisiana and Mississippi.

And somehow the next couple of weekends just weren't any more productive.

But this past weekend, I actually sat down at the sewing machine and got a few things done.  But not before I missed the deadline for a swap.  I really hate it when I do that.

I participated in the Scrappy Mug Rug Swap and the theme was "summer".  I had decided on a beach theme because my partner said she liked it.  I had an idea for a paper-pieced beach scene, but my attempts were not successful, so I finally decided to do an applique project instead.  I've been doing applique since my teens and I spent a lot of time doing applique and embroidery for my kids' taekwondo school when I was a SAHM.  This beachy effort was much more successful.

Then I decided to get a head start on my mug rug that's due on the 15th in the Rugs with Friends Swap.  I've used this little pumpkin before, although this time I drew my own rendition of it because my silly printer wouldn't work.  I thought it looked a little blah, so I added some hand quilting at the last minute.

I liked it better then.

I even remembered to add labels.  But not to take pictures of them.

Then I started getting caught up on bee blocks.

 First I made the August block for Dena.  I've made this one before, so it was familiar.  Except for the green.  Dena said to use whatever color we wanted for the background and I thought the green was kinda fun.  I mis-read the tute and my block ended up at 11-1/2" so I had to take it apart and do it right.  And then I heard that she wanted them 11-1/2", but I figure it's easier to cut off 1/2" all the way around than add it.  Right?

Then I made Heather's string blocks.  I like to make string blocks.  And I have a ton of fabric "strings" so no cutting - just digging through the sack of strings I culled from the scrap basket.  I even had the white cut already.  Easy peasy.

And finally I sat down and did Hilary's paper-pieced kaleidoscope block that she designed herself.  I've decided I don't like paper piecing much, but I do like the results.  It is very precise if you do it right.  I was glad to get this one together.  It is currently winging its way to Australia.

So, that was my weekend.  I did make progress, and I'm pretty much caught up on swappy stuff, at least for now.  It feels great!

You're a Grand Old Flag! {A Celebration in Fabric}

A few weeks ago, one of the swaps that I sporadically participate in - the Scrappy Mug Rug Swap - held a 4th of July Mug Rug swap.  With only about 3 weeks to create a little mini quilt and send it off to your partner, it was a bit rushed, but sometimes those are the best ones.  Here is the mug Rug I received from my partner, Raesha.

Sorry for the mediocre iphone picture, but I had already taken it to work when I realized that I hadn't taken or posted pictures.

Can you see that she quilted USA in the corner?  I thought that was a fun touch.

And my partner included some fun extras, too, which was fun!

With WH having his foot in a cast and not feeling too well this year, our celebration of Independence Day was pretty quiet - actually, he didn't feel well at all and slept a lot, so I sewed all day (which was pretty much a perfect day for me).  We did eat hamburgers and corn on the cob, so that was something to celebrate right there. 

So, I'm glad to have created (and received) this little bit of 4th of July fun.  It gave me an opportunity to reflect on the great blessing of living in the USA.

So, in the famous words of Irving Berlin, "God Bless America!"

Lots of Excitement Around Here

We have had some wonderful things happen in our family today!  Here is newborn Britton who almost came before his mommy (or his daddy) was ready.  Welcome, Britton!  I can't wait to meet you.  Grandma will be there on Saturday.  So excited!  So blessed!  So thankful for a healthy daughter and a healthy grandson!  Thank you, Heavenly Father!

Then, I received this totally amazing swap package from Karin in Sweden.  The market bag is so big and sturdy and beautiful!

And check out the cute piggy mug rug she sent!

But I was truly blown away by the artwork on this mini quilt!

Check out Greta's hair!  Oh my!  I am so amazed!  How do  you do thread art that delicate? 

Thank you, Karin, for a wonderful swap package!

And, as if that wasn't enough yummy goodness for one day, I also received this awesome parcel from Linda in Ireland in the Scrappy Mug Rug Swap.  When you've been married as long as I have, new kitchen towels are a real treat.  But check out the mug rug...

The paper pieced leaf is gorgeous, and the hand quilting makes it truly special.

And then there's the back.  Gorgeous flowers.  Hand embroidery.  Oh my!  I'm really not sure which side I like best.

And now that Karin has also received her movie mini, I can share what I made for her.  She said she liked old classic movies, and what is more classic than the Wizard of Oz?  I had lots of ideas...  and then I ran across this poster from the movie....

 and an idea was born.

Here is my version of the Wizard of Oz...

I really had fun with this one.  The covered  button flowers were way fun.  (Sorry for the cockeyed picture - I didn't realize it until I already had the parcel in the envelope ready to mail.)

And the embroidered phrase is my favorite one from the movie, and one that I wouldn't mind having hang on my wall. 

And I really loved making Dorothy's shoes.  They were way fun.  Can you believe I drew them myself?  (I'm not an artist at all, but these actually look like shoes!)

I'm not sure if the back might not be my favorite part of this little quiltie.  These kitties at the movies are just too fun.  Myra at my LQS suggested this fabric.  Ruthie wondered what movie they were watching and someone suggested "All Dogs Go to Heaven".  Cracked me up!

And then, as if I don't have enough to do, in the last 24 hours I have signed up for four more swaps - three Flickr swaps and a private swap.  Oh boy.  They are so fun - and so stressful - at the same time.  But I know in the end, I'll be glad I did them. 

So all in all, it has been an amazing day!  Truly LOTS of excitement around here!

Swap Anticipation

Scrappy Mug Rug  Package from Wendy T

I have been anxiously awaiting the mailman for the past month or so.  I have participated in 3 swaps lately - well 2 now - that I haven't received yet, and the waiting is getting hard.

Here is the package I received Friday from Wendy T (lovethesky40).  Isn't this package the cutest?  The travel portfolio is so adorable.  Perfect for the girl whose grandbaby lives 2000 miles away.

Isn't she the cutest?

The "Passport" has fabric pics of all kinds of great places to visit.  And all the handmade travel cards in the portfolio are very cute.  And the girl in the swimsuit on the mug rug itself is just too die for.  

But my other swaps have not been so gratifying as yet.  I'm not ungrateful - I'm just impatient.

The PP7 package I created for my partner

I did  Potholder Pass 7, and mailed my package a month ago, but haven't received a package yet.

Sewn Spaces Swap Package for my partner

I also did the Sewn Spaces Swap and haven't received anything from my partner yet.  I sure hope they come soon.  I'm getting not-so-patient with the mailman.  I hope they're not lost!

But meanwhile, you'll find me by the mailbox, K?