Yesterday was the first day that felt sort of routine. I'm still putting things away and planning my new life post travel (I suppose that never ends), but I actually accomplished some things yesterday. For one thing, I got started on a small wall-hanging project that a friend asked me to do for her. I'll say more about that when I'm farther along. For now I'll just say that the fabrics are very pretty.
Here's what I did finish.
A sweet little gift bag:
I found the tutorial for this bag at A Spoonful of Sugar. I'll worn you that the tute asks you to cut a square 8 1/2 inches. I cut mine 10 inches, and it was still just barely large enough to hold the small gift I put inside. Cut the size of your square accordingly, but it doesn't really matter. The instructions are so simple, you can make it any size. Also, it calls for using crochet thread for the tie. I think it would be prettier with ribbon, but I didn't have a piece long enough for the size of my bag. Still, I think it turned out precious, and it only took less than an hour to make. A nice way to dress up a gift and make it more personal.
Then I finished my "one star" for the "Just One Star" campaign. If you haven't heard of this, United Notions, Moda Fabrics, and the Semper Fi Fund have teamed up with the goal of putting together 100 quilts for veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. They need 1,800 stars to meet their goal, but I doubt they'd mind receiving more. The star is easy to make. I made mine in less than an hour. My dad was a career Marine and a WWII and Vietnam vet. There's a special place in my heart for soldiers.
This picture looks kind of dark. The background is actually cream colored. Finally, I finished up my Spring quilt. I posted this on Design Wall Monday last week, but it wasn't quite finished then. I wanted to show off the back and the quilting. The quilting was done by my long arm quilter,Tammi, and I think she did a great job with her butterfly design.
Here's a close-up of the quilting:
And this one shows the back:
I purchased the back online, and when it arrived, I wasn't sure I would like it. I think it turned out just fine.
Finally, I made my first stab at decluttering yesterday. I'm going by the sneak peak posted each week at Fly Lady. Mondays task was to clean out under the bed. Ours is a platform bed, and so that didn't apply to me, but I took the opportunity to vacuum the bedroom instead. Then Tuesday, I was supposed to go through my sock drawer and toss out worn out and mismatched socks. I filled a whole shopping bag full of socks and old nylons that I no longer wear. Now I have a whole drawer full of space! It was so easy! I feel five pounds lighter already. And, so funny, as I was looking through the drawer, I found several unopened packages of L'eggs Sheer Energy, my favorites when I wear stockings. Since I no longer work, I never wear them any more. But it's good to know I have a few pair without runs or snags for emergencies.
Now pay attention! After a three-month hiatus, Fun Fact Friday Freebie returns a week from Friday with a great giveaway! This Friday, I'll be posting information about prizes. You'll have some decision-making to do. There will be four winners. Each of the four winners will win 1) a quilting book, 2) a quilting pattern, 3) a fat quarter, and 4) a sewing machine seam guide (a pretty nifty little tool, if you ask me). One of each! It's a virtual smorgasbord of prizes. But you'll have to take a look and choose your favorite fat quarter, book, and pattern. Of course, I can't guarantee that you'll get your first choice, but you can give me some input anyway. As usual, followers will have an extra chance to win. If my Fun Fact Friday Freebie button is posted on your blog, you'll have another chance to win. And if you blog about my giveaway, you'll have yet another chance to win. You don't need to do anything yet. I'll be giving you more information soon.
Here's what I did finish.
A sweet little gift bag:
I found the tutorial for this bag at A Spoonful of Sugar. I'll worn you that the tute asks you to cut a square 8 1/2 inches. I cut mine 10 inches, and it was still just barely large enough to hold the small gift I put inside. Cut the size of your square accordingly, but it doesn't really matter. The instructions are so simple, you can make it any size. Also, it calls for using crochet thread for the tie. I think it would be prettier with ribbon, but I didn't have a piece long enough for the size of my bag. Still, I think it turned out precious, and it only took less than an hour to make. A nice way to dress up a gift and make it more personal.
Then I finished my "one star" for the "Just One Star" campaign. If you haven't heard of this, United Notions, Moda Fabrics, and the Semper Fi Fund have teamed up with the goal of putting together 100 quilts for veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. They need 1,800 stars to meet their goal, but I doubt they'd mind receiving more. The star is easy to make. I made mine in less than an hour. My dad was a career Marine and a WWII and Vietnam vet. There's a special place in my heart for soldiers.
Here's a close-up of the quilting:
And this one shows the back:
I purchased the back online, and when it arrived, I wasn't sure I would like it. I think it turned out just fine.
Finally, I made my first stab at decluttering yesterday. I'm going by the sneak peak posted each week at Fly Lady. Mondays task was to clean out under the bed. Ours is a platform bed, and so that didn't apply to me, but I took the opportunity to vacuum the bedroom instead. Then Tuesday, I was supposed to go through my sock drawer and toss out worn out and mismatched socks. I filled a whole shopping bag full of socks and old nylons that I no longer wear. Now I have a whole drawer full of space! It was so easy! I feel five pounds lighter already. And, so funny, as I was looking through the drawer, I found several unopened packages of L'eggs Sheer Energy, my favorites when I wear stockings. Since I no longer work, I never wear them any more. But it's good to know I have a few pair without runs or snags for emergencies.
Now pay attention! After a three-month hiatus, Fun Fact Friday Freebie returns a week from Friday with a great giveaway! This Friday, I'll be posting information about prizes. You'll have some decision-making to do. There will be four winners. Each of the four winners will win 1) a quilting book, 2) a quilting pattern, 3) a fat quarter, and 4) a sewing machine seam guide (a pretty nifty little tool, if you ask me). One of each! It's a virtual smorgasbord of prizes. But you'll have to take a look and choose your favorite fat quarter, book, and pattern. Of course, I can't guarantee that you'll get your first choice, but you can give me some input anyway. As usual, followers will have an extra chance to win. If my Fun Fact Friday Freebie button is posted on your blog, you'll have another chance to win. And if you blog about my giveaway, you'll have yet another chance to win. You don't need to do anything yet. I'll be giving you more information soon.
3 comments:
The sock drawer purge felt so good that I went on and did the underwear drawer a few weeks ago, too; the feeling of lightness is amazing, isn’t it?
I look forward to Fun Fact Friday starting up again; facts are some of my favorite things !~!
The Spring quilt turned out great, the quilting is lovely. You've been busy. I need to check out Fly Lady, we are in need of some significant decluttering around here too!
A very productive time you had!
I really like that little bag. I might have to figure out what size to cut to make one to fit the ceramic mugs I custom paint.
Your spring quilt it lovely! The tulips & butterflies quilted in it are just right. :D
Fly Lady has lots of great ideas. I was signed up several years ago, but became overwhelmed with all the email they sent. I'll have to check back in with them again.
Good job Barbara!
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