I'm sewing finally

Yes, I'm finally sewing at home. I'm not sure why, but I've been in a real sewing slump lately. I just haven't felt much like setting up my sewing machine at home. I mostly have been traveling with my machine and supplies (to class and my mom's house) so it all usually stays in the car. This weekend I finally set myself back up at my dining room table and did some sewing and it was great! Above is a picture of the progress that I've made on the quilt my mom chose (see previous post) and my newly, if not only partially, cleaned off work area. The unfinished projects, patterns, and stray fat quarters were closing in on me. It doesn't look very clean in the picture, but then I didn't dare take a "before" picture for comparison.

And now for a picture of the blissfully happy Bear, whose main happiness seems to be laying on a reclined lap.

Birthday Sewing

Every year for my sister's and my birthday, my Mom puts together a quilt project for us to work on at her house. We were finally able to get together this past weekend for this year's project day. It's always a wonderful day with sewing and laughing and eating. The project is a surprise until we get there and everything we need is provided by my mom. We had a great time as usual.

Above is the sample of the quilt that my mom made. The fabrics for our two are different from hers and will look really different. I didn't finish my top, but I can't wait to see how it will look.

I snapped a picture of the project that I mom was working on that day, which I thought was really interesting. She'll cut the strata in a curve and piece in another fabric, if I understand it correctly. I'll be interested to see how that turns out.

Pink Basket

I made this adorable little pink basket this weekend using all fabric from stash! The tutorial was listed on Sew Mama Sew's Handmade Holidays that I posted about earlier this week. It was very quick and easy. Go here for the tutorial, but be sure to check to Sew Mama Sew! daily for new ideas. In addition to the links to the tutorials, they also have a link to something related to the day's theme to buy, a recipe and an opportunity to win a prize each day.

Election Day 2008

The time is finally upon us. We've endured over a year of tireless campaigning. We've been inundated with information, both false and true. Millions upon millions of dollars have been spent. Now is the time. I can't urge my fellow Americans enough to go out and vote today. It is an honor and privilege to even be able to vote, and in my mind it is just not an option not to vote. I have strong opinions about who and what I am voting for, but regardless of anyone's opinions, you just need to go do it. I actually find it fun to go to the polls. If I have to stand in a long line today, I might change my mind on that, but for now I like the ritual of physically going and casting my ballot. Go Democracy!

Handmade Holidays 2008

Handmade Holidays is back over at the Sew Mama Sew! blog. Just like last year, there will be links to tutorials every day of the November for items to make for the holidays. I loved looking at the site every day for new ideas. I ended up making many dishtowel aprons as well as crayon rolls. Stop by to see what's new!