Okay, These weren't on my list

I had a pile of fabric, prepped and ready to go, for some pillowcases for Amelia just sitting on my cutting table.  Every time I needed room, I moved them.  And then when I was done, I moved them back.  Back and forth, back and forth.  I got so tired of doing that, yesterday I finished them using a "new to me" method of pillowcase creation.  I've heard of the technique (the "burrito" method) and read how to do it on paper but it made no sense to me at all.  But I found a video tutorial on Monday and now I get it!!  It's fantastic and really quick and easy.

These 2 pillowcases have been waiting 3 years to get sewn.  The fabrics match Amelia's big quilt.  I LOVE the butterfly fabric.  I wish I had bought more when I purchased the fabric for the pillowcases.  I have a little bit left that I will use in a couple of throw pillows for Amelia's bed.

Candy Land.  Something fun for her.  Punkie loves to use pillowcases that Mama made for her.  And since her favorite color is red, I think she will really dig these.

Last, pig and cow as a remembrance of our PA vacation.  Those two are cute and I wish I bought enough for a set for my bed.

Back to my list.... we can mark #1 as DONE!  Isn't that exciting?!?  Borders are on the quilt, backing is cut (to be sewn today) and binding strip to be created (today too) and it will be sent off to be quilted!  I snapped a few pictures of the top.  I love how it came out.

On Punkie's bed

And a larger view of the whole thing.  That's the backing sticking out underneath.

After 3 years, I'm glad I finally got it done!

I will have more to share towards the end of the week... I HOPE!

Enjoy your day!
Jen

I wish I had something clever to talk about

But I don't.  Sad, sad, sad.  I have been doing some sewing.  Trying to work through the endless To Do list.  AND I've been stalking my mailbox.  The Summer Tote swap that I joined is coming to a close soon.  Every day I open my mailbox with a flourish and then walk away a bit saddened.  Maybe TODAY will be my lucky day.  LOL!

OH!  I did accomplish a milestone.  I FINALLY finished sewing the binding on my very first quilt!  HOW EXCITING!!  I took it with us on vacation and worked on it a bit there and I even attempted it in the car.  I didn't get car sick so I got a lot of it done while driving home.  And once I got home, I couldn't put it down, knowing I didn't have much more to do on it so I finished it.  It's now washed and dried and on Punkie's bed.  I also finished binding my hexagon table runner!  I took that one with me yesterday to a family picnic.  I only had another foot or so to hand sew and I want to see it on my table so I worked on that yesterday and now that is finished too.

Amelia is with my mom all week as my in-laws (our regular child-care) are in Nova Scotia on vacation for 2 weeks.  So my mom has Punkie this week and next week, we'll be taking time off and heading to NH for a couple of days.  While Punkie is gone all week, I have BIG plans. I will outline them here.  Maybe it will keep me accountable.  HA!  Right!

1. Put final borders on Amelia's big quilt and get it off to be quilted.  I REALLY want to give it to her for her birthday.  So that's on the top of my list.  Hopefully my quilter can fit me into her schedule!  ;)
2. Finish potholders for Stacy for our mini swap.  I'm almost there.  They need to be quilted and bound.
3. Pin cushion swap!  That deadline is coming up FAST!  I started my pin cushion.  That's all I can say about that right now.
4. Attach binding to butterfly wallhanging so that I can take it to NH with me to work on.  Just have to find that jelly roll that I used!  It's around here somewhere.
5. Start tote for SIL birthday gift.  Her birthday is on Friday.  I doubt I will be done by then but I can at least get everything cut.
6. Personalized pillow for my niece for birthday gift.
7. Messenger bag that I was asked to make
8. Personalized pillow for my BFF's husband's niece.  She LOVED the one that I made for Julia and wanted one for herself.  I just met the girl over the weekend and she is the sweetest so I told her I would make her one.  Her name is short so it will be quick to do.  LOL!
9. I'm 2 blocks behind on the Jelly Roll Sampler quilt along.  Need to get those done
10. Block 2 of the FQS Mystery quilt is here and I need to get that one done as well.

I could honestly keep going and going and going but I won't.  I hope to get 3 of these done and off my list before Amelia comes home at week's end.

Wish me luck!!

Since posts without pictures are boring, here's Punkie with her Baba (my grandmother) at my cousin's bridal shower over the weekend.

Enjoy your day!
Jen

Home is the place to be!

I really enjoy going away solo. Makes me appreciate what I have - a nice home, a loving and caring husband and a wonderful little girl. I called home once I got off the plane and asked Chris to keep Amelia up - I was on my way. I walked in the door and Amelia was so excited to see me. I think she hugged for a full 5 minutes. She just kept saying over and over again - "Mama. I missed you. I'm so happy you're home." I didn't think she would notice my absence since she herself was in New Hampshire while I was gone. Makes my heart swell. I love being a Mama.

My trip to Texas was great and uneventful. It was hot and muggy so all of my time was spent indoors. I had a good time catching up with my BFF. Just like old times. We chatted about our lives and little girls and just laughed and laughed. Her husband felt overwhelmed because another one of Barb's friend made a visit from New Jersey to help celebrate Julia's first birthday! That was a big surprise! We all had fun together but Nate was overruled with all the women around. LOL.

Julia's first birthday was a success! She had a great time. Here are a few photos of the birthday girl... OH! The pinwheel wall hanging and little tote bag were well received! Barb loved them! That made me happy.

Took her a few days to warm up to me but by the time I was ready to leave, she would laugh and smile. We were buddies. I hope that the three of us can go there in the Spring next year. I think Amelia would have a good time with Julia.

Friday before all the chaos of a birthday party was to happen, Barb was willing to take me to the quilt shop of my choice. I chose Cabbage Rose Quilting and Fabric in Fort Worth. The building is very non-descript and once I saw it, I thought we just wasted our time. Was I ever wrong! I guess I should never judge a book by its cover. It was awesome. I was in heaven and if possible, I would still be there! They had every Moda line under the sun! Barb found herself a chair and relaxed while I shopped. LOL. Being 20 weeks pregnant, she just liked the time to veg out. I took my time but I knew she was hungry for lunch so I didn't really want to keep her waiting too long.

I was a bit overwhelmed and I did go in there with a plan of action but that went out the window. So I'll show you what I got.

I got a few packs of charm squares.

And some Cotton Blossom yardage...

To make this with my CB charm squares...

A couple of pillowcase kits for Punkie (I love fun pillowcases)....

Some polka dot yardage for my stash.... They had so many different polka dot fabrics. Every color combination you could think of. I was in polka dot heaven. LOL.

Some FQs for my stash and some for an upcoming project...

And lastly, more random yardage for my stash...

I really could have shopped more but my credit card wouldn't like it so I had some restraint. We're going to upstate New York next week for a few days and I'm going to try to hit one or two shops up there during my visit. Just need to pick out a few!

So. That's it. I'm happy to be home and relaxed. And we're all a happy family again. I guess that's what we needed. Time apart. LOL.

Enjoy your night!

Jen