A Tiny Finish

When I went downstairs after writing yesterday's post, I found the Stanbro Men (human and feline) sitting comfortably and watching snow fall off the roof. Smitty was strategically positioned to keep his "peets" warm.

Sadie sat with me, keeping my feet warm as I stitched on my quilt binding.

With her expurrt assistance, I turned the third corner.

I have to limit the amount of time I spend holding a needle because it makes my broken thumb sore if I stitch for too long. Sometimes it's fine, but the healing process has been slow where my thumb is concerned. It seems to go through phases, and right now, it's in one of its annoying phases. So, okay...I can stitch plenty long enough, but it's annoying to have to impose limits.

There was housework to do, and I was determined to get it done. The week ahead is going to be a busy one on many levels. Nevertheless, my next stop was the sewing room. I worried a stitching emergency was in the offing if I didn't get a new quilt block made up. That quilt binding isn't going to keep me busy forever, you know. So I went to work making the second block for the "Domestic Affairs" quilt. 

This is Jenny of Elefantz's "Gentle Domesticity" block of the month from 2016. Her designs are always so pretty and feminine. This one won't take long to stitch. Some of it was done by machine, and of course, there was the top-stitching of the appliques to contend with. 

From there, I really, really, really did my housework. I'd vowed to pull my sewing machine table away from the wall and vacuum behind it for the first time in many years. Yikes! What I found back there was very nearly gag-worthy. It's all cleaned up now though. I hoped I'd find a treasure trove of lost items behind the table, but there was nothing but piles and piles of clipped thread. I have an idea a mouse might have taken refuge there at one time too. (Mice learn quickly that the Three Cats Ranch is not a place of refuge for them.) 

With that done, I got back to work on my quilt binding, turning the fourth corner. I really like how the rainbow border and binding look together. I bought that rainbow fabric many years ago with nothing in particular in mind for it. I just really liked it, and it has gone into many of my quilts. 

A short time later, my quilt was finished. 

.

Here's how it looks from the back.

It's already been washed and dried, and this one will find a home in our truck camper. With this little finish, I feel as if I can leave my list of projects in good stead for the end of 2021.

Okay, so there's more housekeeping on today's to-do list, and I'll get a start on the "Domestic Affairs" block. If there's time for sewing, I'll make the Valentine's Day mask I've been promising myself since Valentine's Day of 2021. I figure if we're going to be masking, we might has well be seasonably fashionable. Maybe I'll make one for St. Patrick's Day while I'm at it. Oh yes, and how about a Cinco de Mayo mask for my May 5th birthday. And, really, when you think about it, the sky is the limit. A patriotic mask could get me through Memorial Day, Flag Day, and the Fourth of July. Will we still be masking into July of next year? What say you? I say yes, and it gives me no pleasure. 

We've had some worrisome news about the weather. Our plan was to head south on the 29th, but cold weather and lots of snow have suddenly appeared in the forecast. We may have to skedaddle out of here on Christmas Day or risk being stuck for a week or more. Since we have reservations and meet-ups with friends scheduled, it could turn into a real hassle having to change everything around. With that said, the week got a little busier. I'm going to get all the packing done this week as well. If we need to take off with squealing tires, we'll be ready.