My friend the seam ripper (unfortunately) has been used several times in the last few days. First it was the iron spitting brown stuff on one of the sashing strips. I was able to sponge most of it off but after a good night sleep, I decided it really did need to be replaced. First thing this morning that’s what I did. I also started some clothes washing, washed the sheet that I am going to use for the backing, cut all the sashing strips for the rows and cut all of the binding strips. That is after I checked my measurements many times. I’ve now started to sew all the rows together and guess what I discovered. I sewed the nine patch square to the wrong side. In other words upside down which meant that I ended up with two squares of the same fabric together. I was going to start ripping off the sashing and flip it around when I realized that if I chose a different seam, I would only have to rip or unsew as some say, one seam rather than two. So I’m sitting here ripping seams and ripping a book CD to my computer so I can put it on my iPod and listen to a story while I sew. I do have a tv in my sewing room and do watch that but when I’m sewing it’s really more about listening rather than watching. So hard to watch the seams and the TV. Now I’ve finished the seam and ready to head back to the machine before I have to go and help my mother. She’s then going to come here for dinner. Ribs and corn on the cob. Should be yummy!
Category: Family (Page 5 of 6)
So hard to believe it’s the 6th of August. If you live in the Pacific Northwest however you’re glad that it’s August and summer has arrived! Finally. We certainly have been patient for long enough.
I recently had a birthday. Now for some this is not an extraordinary event however this was a significant birthday. Usually birthdays are not a big deal to me but this bigger number really makes me stop and think.. Well that was enough thinking.
Last weekend we were invited to my brother and sister-in-laws place at Lakebay. I was just looking at the pictures again and it has me longing to be back there and enjoy the beautiful views, the beach and the good company. One of my brothers lives on San Juan Island and he even brought crab. I’m still drooling thinking about the many good meals that I had. The rest of my family made it a special weekend celebrating my birthday and the birthdays of my hubby and also brother Dave. We don’t usually get to all celebrate together so that was a special day. Even our kids were there. Jim, Dale and Jill, Larry and Joni, Dave, Amy, Kim and Aaron, thanks for the memories.
I decided I should take a hostess gift with me. As I thought about it I decided that some new dish towels and hot pads were in order. I just bought a new toy, a Slice Fabrique and had a die for it called under the sea so I wanted to do some applique on the towels. There was a bit of learning curve to the process but I did make some appliques and for a fast project it was lots of fun and I like the way they turned out. The towels are microfiber so they should dry lots of dishes and still be functional. In a vacation house this is important. Who wants to spend time doing laundry.
Well this round of gifts is done. I’m just heading to the post office to mail the graduation card and gifts to my niece. I’m actually quite pleased. The little purse/bag is cute and I think she will find very functional and useful as she travels. The shoe bags will help keep the wedding attire that she is also packing clean and who can’t use a cute little snap pouch. This is one that you use the carpenter ruler in the top. It was fast and easy to put together. It probably took more time to cut out the pieces and the interfacing and fleece that it did to sew it all together. There are a couple of things I will do differently next time such as where I start the quilting and how I do the bottom but really for the first time, it was a success.
I’ve decided that I want to send a few things to my niece when I send the graduation card this week. Now she is old enough that she probably doesn’t expect anything but I think she will be surprised and pleased. The challenge is always what to send. I think it should have some practical use as well as being fun and something I think she might like. So off to the stash I went and made my selection. I didn’t really plan things to be color coordinated but it looks like that’s what is going to happen and that is a plus. When I try to color coordinate fabrics it always seems to be a challenge. I grew up in an era where you matched and not just coordinated colors and patterns. It really stretches my thinking when I go for coordinating so there is some interest and it’s not just monotone and ok. I always want that WOW factor. Sometimes I succeed in a spectacular fashion but usually it’s at least nice and I’m pleased. Todays project is for some travel accessories as she and her fiance will be traveling to Italy to get married in about 6 weeks. I’m going to make some shoe bags and I think a couple of zippered pouches. I do have a couple other things in mind so we’ll see how fast it comes together this evening and tomorrow. I cleaned and organized my sewing space, put away some fabric and now I’m ready to make dinner and then cut and sew. More to report soon.
Oh it was a good day today in Seattle. The weather was great and we were able to have the shower outside at my sister in laws house. Happy Day! The guests were in a good mood and the bride to be was pleased. I made hot pads and cute plaid napkins to go with the placemats and towels. I was pleased that they seemed to be well received. Next event… well I think I’m going to see if I can finish the quilt top that I’ve started and then work on a couple of things for camp. Busy busy busy.
The last f ew days I have been trying my hand at making soap. I enjoy using glycerin soap and we’ve had a soap kit here that was used once and the owner lost interest so I decided it was my turn. It was fun and easy. I know there are many ways to make soap but this was melt and pour so melt and pour I did. The colors are bright and clear which I love and I had an opportunity to mix colors and see what they created. I don’t remember much of 7th grade art when we were mixing colors but I do remember a few basics. I bought molds and you could also buy rubber stamps to go in the bottom of the molds so now I have this stack lovely soap. This batch is going to the bridal shower today but I think I’ll be making more.
My niece is getting married soon. We are having a shower here for her but she lives in California so will need to get all the gifts back home with her. We will either pack an additional suitcase for her and pay the fee or ship the gifts to her. When thinking about the weight and packing issues I decided that table/kitchen linens would be a fun and appropriate gift. I bought some placemats and kitchen towels and will make napkins and hot pads. The napkins are still in the works but I tried a different type of pot holder and am really pleased with the way they turned out. I think they will be practical, they are colorful and they were fun to make. I can see making more of this type soon!
It’s been a busy week. Daughter #2 has been here for about 10 days and daughter #1 and one and only son have been in and out as well. Add in some work some sewing and a holiday and tonight we’re sitting in the old rocker with the feet up and vegging out. This next week will be hectic as well with some Girl Scout commitments and getting ready for a bridal shower for my niece next weekend. Oh yes and there is always the work thing to consider too. Hmm, guess I’ll have to fit it all in.
Today my mother came and had lunch and then we went to the grocery store and the cemetery. We do have a nice cemetery here in our little town and my dad is resting there. I think many of us “talk” to dad when we drive by. It was nice to see all the flags and flowers. Someone appears to have removed the flag from dads vase but we knew it should have been there to honor his service in the Navy and we remember and are thankful. We did leave some flowers and a plant and we were all pleased.
It’s been many years since my baby boy has needed a bib! They are fun to make and here are a couple of boy versions. I’m sure I’ll be making more soon. Yesterday I bought a clearance bath towel at TJ Max that will make a great back for many bibs. It’s fun to add the colors and designs to the back and inside of projects and this will be an easy and cost effective way to add some fun. For now however, here are the boy bibs. And oh yes, my baby boy did not will the Billboard competition but was included in footage on the Billboard Awards on Sunday evening. They did a wonderful job and are all winners in my book. So fun to see him there. Exciting moment for this momma!