Wednesday 15 March 2017

MId March Catch Up


     On Monday morning I was feeling really happy.  I find that often I don't realize how much of a funk I've been in until I get out of it and feel joy.  It's been a difficult winter and to add to that my sewing machine was acting up.  There were a lot of skipped stitches.  I took it in for a tuneup, got it back and the problem was still happening.  So last Friday, I took it in again and this time I went in with it.  Reza (the repair man)  opened things up and had me sew with it until the problems started up again. He then made adjustments as I sewed along.  He did this while helping  another customer choose a machine. It seems that the tension was adjusted a bit too tight on my machine.  He gave me some trouble shooting tips as well. So it was a good experience after all.  It's amazing how much happiness having a well functioning sewing machine can bring to a quilter.

    Here's the project I was working on to test out the machine when it came back the first time.   I'm going to float these blocks in negative space for a simple but cheerful quilt, for my local Guild's charity projects.


     My friend Laura won this charm pack from Andover fabrics at Quilt Con.  She figured she wouldn't use it so I took it to make the donation quilt. It's a noble quilter who knows her quilting style so well that she can pass on such beautiful fabric. I tend to be more of a hoarder but I am trying to rectify this problem. 

The next thing I tackled was this Star Block for Lee, the Queen Bee of Stash Bee Hive 3.  She requested any star block .  As I'm the Queen next month and have to prepare a tutorial this month, I chose a simple 8 pointed star.


     I didn't realize until I got this done, that the eight pointed star is one of the blocks for the Honey Pot Bee.  I've been far too busy to work on Honey Pot but I'm itching to  make that tiara bonus block.  Now that the 30 quilt design challenge for 2017 is drawing to an end as well as the Meadow Mystery I just might have some time to participate in the Honey Pot Bee.  Fingers crossed.

     Speaking of the 30 quilt designs challenge I am pleased to say that I only have one more design to reach the 30.  I have to submit it today but that's totally do able.   Designing 30 quilts in 60 odd days has been very intense indeed.   I like some of the designs more than others, but it's taught me to look around my world for inspiration.  Another interesting thing is that sometimes I've thought a particular design is pretty darn awful and someone else will comment that they love it.

     I'm using one of my earlier designs as my block for Stash Bee.   I won't share it until April when the Stash Bee tutorial is live....but here is a peak at some of the fabrics I'm using in my samples.  The colours are chosen for the person I'm planning the quilt for.


          Today is March 15th and it's Gabriel's 1st Birthday!  Oh Happy Day.   I'll be calling his parents later today and Dwight and I are on for babysitting on Friday.  He's so much fun at this stage.  He recently learned to walk and to clap his hands.
One of my goals for this year was to spend more time with him and it's working out.  You would think this would be an easy goal, but with their family living in a neighbouring city and trying to work out our schedules with his parents schedules it's been a bit harder than you would think. 

      I'm linking my post up with Let's Bee Social at Sew Fresh Quilts and then I'm practising my renditions of "The Wheels on the Bus" and "5 Little Monkeys".  Being a Grand Parent is so much fun!

14 comments:

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl said...

I'm so glad to hear that you are out of a funk. Going in with your sewing machine for service sounds like it worked out perfectly, and a repairman who passes along troubleshooting tips is marvelous! I hope you continue to have a wonderful week; having something like looking forward to spending time with Gabriel on Friday sounds great. :)

Tish Stemple said...

Glad to hear you were able to get the bugs worked out on your machine. It's always so frustrating when mechanical things act up and you can't figure them out. Also glad to hear your sewing mojo is back. Those little charm squares are so bright and cheery. And I'm sure you will be counting down the days till, Friday gets here :) I hope I get to be a grandparent one day...but quite a ways down the road.

Pamela said...

The star block is fabulous!

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

I'm glad you are feeling better and have your machine fixed. Sometimes it is the littlest things that cause a problem. I've had that happen too, where I realize I feel better when I didn't know I wasn't feeling well in the first place.

Melanie said...

I love those fun charm squares. It will be a lovely charity quilt. And the pull for your bee project also looks inspiring. I wish you a great sewing week without new or additional machine hiccups and a lovely day with your grandson.

Lisa in Port Hope said...

Making beautiful blocks and then going to see a beautiful baby! Sounds like the perfect way to end your week. Have a great time!

Sewmotion said...

Good to hear you're feeling brighter, and I'm sure a working machine can only add to the happiness, I love those charm square fabrics, and that star is perfect!

Diana @ Red Delicious Life said...

Glad things have improved. Having a working machine can really improve one's mood, that's for sure. Love the pinks in your star block. That navy background really makes them pop. And have fun with Gabriel this weekend! Such a fun age.

Rachel said...

Love those cheerful squares you brought for machine testing and glad to hear your machine is feeling healthier!

Kaja said...

I love those days when I suddenly realise I'm just completely happy; often I get them at this time of year, when the sun decides to shine after days and days of grey. A smoothly running sewing machine works too,(your repair man sounds pretty good) and fun with a toddler never fails!

Anja @ Anja Quilts said...

Yeah for a working machine. I'm a bit behind in QAL's and never found time to do the design challenge. I hope you had a great visit. The wheels on the bus go round and round.... LOL

Anonymous said...

You are stupendously busy with all these projects, and they all look great! Congrats on your grandmother anniversary and hooray for a working sewing machine. I can really sympathize with you about the agony of it not working right.

Michelle @ From Bolt to Beauty said...

That eight-pointed star makes me so happy! I foresee some comparable stars in my sewing future!

Preeti said...

Such a cheerful block. It will be perfect floating in negative space.
Your star makes me happy. Go Queen Bee!!!