Back to Work

I had such big plans for my holiday break!  I had visions of making lots of progress on projects and posting something new here every day.  And although I thoroughly enjoyed the time off, I can't say that I spent much time at all in the sewing room.  I didn't really manage to get up there until the last three days.  I wish I could say I spent that time wisely working on projects already underway, but instead I was inspired to begin several new projects. I need to have my head examined!

The first thing I couldn't resist was the Just Takes 2 project.  I will have to add the button to my blog.  I prepped three of the first six blocks.

I also prepped another Stars & Sprigs block and an Applique Affair block (a blast from the past!).  While I was working on prepping applique, I listened to the current episode of The Quilt Show featuring Eleanor Burns.  One of the quilts featured in the episode was one that has been on my "want to do" list for a very long time.  It's the Nancy Page basket quilt. I dragged out my pattern and the next thing I know I was at Jackman's buying all the fabric to make it!  I didn't get very far - I hope to get back up to the sewing room after work to finish piecing and prepping the applique on the first block.

I did actually manage to finish up another block of my Flower Penny Garden BOW last week.  This makes number three.

I wish I could say that was it...but I am expecting to receive my "Sarah's Revival" pattern today.  I haven't settled on a background yet, but hope to find something before the end of the week so I can start that one, too. I really should resolve to just stick with one project until it is finished, but where's the fun in that?!?  I'm sure glad I don't make resolutions!

New & Old

I was lucky to have the opportunity to spend a few hours here and there sewing at a friend's house last week.  Although I wasn't able to devote a lot of time to "retreating", I did make a bit of progress on a couple of blocks.  I tried my hand at back-basting on one of the Applique Affair blocks:

While I am happy with how the block turned out, I have pretty much convinced myself that back-basting is not for me!  It took far longer to trace the pattern onto the back of the fabric and baste everything than it would have to just trace freeer paper templates and trace the patterns onto my fabric.  And I didn't find that I could follow the thread holes (I had to "connect the dots" with a pencil), and I also didn't find that the fabric turned any better.  I'm glad that I gave it a serious try, but I think I will go back to my old way.

I also had a chance to finish up block one and prep block two of this year's BOW. It's a lot more involved than the little blocks were last year, but I am very happy with how it is turning out:

I also had a chance to spend time in the sewing room over the weekend, and even hooked with a friend on Saturday night.  More on that progress later...