Bit by Bit, Block by Block

Good morning, my friends. Our weather is still dry. Happily, Mike finished his caulking job yesterday, and so we're safe there. Nevertheless, we had another red-sky morning. It was hazy yesterday. At least today we can see the mountains.

Everything took longer than anticipated yesterday. I wasn't able to make my drive into town until after lunch. The trip into town was quick enough, but it made for a late start to my sewing day. I was able to finish one more block. This is the one with blue running diagonally. It's a little harder to see the dark blue against the other dark scraps. I should probably use lighter blues for the next blue blocks.

I need one more yellow block to finish this go-round. For sure I'll have time to work on that today. For now, these are the blocks I have.

When today's block is finished, I'll reach the end of my list of WIPs for this time around. That will bring me to the "Quilter's Choice" section of my white board. I'll admit I'm torn about whether to start something new right now. I still need to finish off my "Sashiko" piece. The reveal will be November 1st. This was your last peek at it.

I'm still undecided about how to finish it off. These fabrics were pulled from my stash a couple of weeks ago. 

I like the one on the right. It's been in my stash a long time, and this would be a good opportunity to use it. Also, the gray solid is probably a good choice. The two blues on the right, though...I'm just not sure.

Part of my dilemma is this: You might remember when I finished off the Scrappy Plus quilt top.

There isn't a good backing fabric available in my stash, and so I've decided to travel south about an hour to visit the Cotton Patch quilt shop down in Albany, Oregon. On the last day of each month, they offer a 25% discount on quilt backs. The only requirement is that I bring the finished quilt top with me. And so Tuesday is the day, and I'm planning to go. I could look for something more inspiring for the Sashiko piece while I'm there. And, as I'm writing this, it seems the obvious solution. You guys are so smart. Thanks for helping me make up my mind.

But that brings me back to my earlier question about what to do next from the "Quilter's Choice" section of the white board. I'm tempted to make a quilt from one of the many panels I have to work with. Some include individual blocks, while others would be appropriate for a quilt center with borders all around. I'll have to take a look while I'm in the sewing room today and see if anything inspires me. As I'm writing about this, an idea is coming to me. Stay tuned.

That's about all I have to tell you. I'm a few days away from finishing my current slow-stitching piece. 

Yesterday, I moved my hoop up and to the left, and I'll start there this morning.

I'm giving myself an easy day today. My wrist has held up to all the cutting for the Stair Steps project. Unfortunately, the back of my hand is very sore. It took three sticks to get the IV started when I had my medical procedure on Monday. Now my hand is bruised and sore. I'm thinking some ibuprofen might help. That will be my next stop when I finish here. 

So, I'll do some work on my slow-stitching, and I'll do more work on the Stair Steps if my hand will allow it. Aside from that, there's nothing on the day's agenda. Sometimes it's good to take a day off from responsibilities. Today is that day. What irresponsible activity will you engage in today?