Thursday, January 26, 2017

Trying to do better

Not so long since my last post.  What has been happening at Nana's casa?

I have been able to spend quite a bit of time in the sewing room.  I decided to work on completing the reduced size Mystery Quilt from Bonnie Hunter from couple of years ago.  I do wonder if I have managed to rotate some of the blocks as it doesn't look quite like her reveal page, but this can easily become an extra-long twin.  I may consider side borders with very smqll ones across the top and bottom.  But that is good to get moving.  I'm considering what to do with the extra blocks I completed but didn't use.  Here's a thought:

In my neighborhood there is a group called "Buy Nothing".  This group posts items that they are willing to give away or wish to have or need to borrow.  Others answer these requests.  I have loaned some tools and am today giving away a bag of fabric strips - for making string blocks, for example, and a bag of 2.5 inch blocks.  I really have so very many.  Another thing this group does is has Round Robins in which a box/container is circulated in which people make donations and others take things.  Everyone is encouraged to only take a reasonable amount and to add some thing(s) that another might find good.  Each box is themed and I have signed up for the fabric and sewing notion round robin.  So (dramatic pause)...... I think I will add the completed blocks mentioned ablove and then someone can make something from those.  Good idea, huh?

Days for Girls continue to have sewing needs.  60 kits were shipped out last week.  I think they went to Jordan for delivery to Syria.  I know that more are needed for a shipment being prepared for Africa.  I have been sewing 'shields' [the piece that holds the sanitary pad].  This Saturday there will be a workshop at our church to offer folks the chance to help out - sewing skills or not.  If you are local and read this, get in touch and I will give you the address.

Still working on the Judie Rothermel quilt pattern - civil war style where each block is finished and then joined together into a quilt. Binding, binding, binding.  

I am very much looking forward to a trip to visit Emma Dere Veitch this spring.  I first met her in the Netherlands.  She and her family have now returned to living in France and Emma has begun offering quilting classes.  I'm sure there are also embroidery classes, as she is a fabulous embroiderer herself.  Friend Caroline will meet me there and we will have a girls sewing extravaganza, no doubt.  Much to anticipate.  OK - here are the photos


Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Oh my word.......

My sweet friend Gretchen reminded me just a couple of days ago that I have been terribly remiss in blog writing.  In fact, Caroline and I have talked about this more than once, but I have been a very bad blogger.  So, with your forgiveness, let me try again.

Welcome 2017.  Such a busy time with lots going on.  Busier days - as many have said before,  How did I have time to work?  So much going on.

Here is some catching up and a peak into what's on the docket.

We fulfilled one item on the "wouldn't it be fun" list.  With a group of friends, we took a train to Leavenworth, WA, in the snow.  And, in fact, it snowed almost all of the week-end.  It was fun and beautiful and the tree lighting activities were so incredibly crowded.  Probably would skip that part another time.

The whole family was together to celebrate the Christmas holidays.  A great time for everyone.


 Even my son got into the spirit of the Family church service, with his sheep ears and a crown for my daughter-in-law.

Nana did some sewing of dolly clothes.  At least American Girl doll is a better size than the old Barbie's.




Since then I have been working on making squares of various "stars", to put together into a throw.
Working on a quilt for the RV group's auction this summer - can't show you that, but here is a bit of a preview.  I quite like it myself - so I'm not sure one can put a "reserve" on a donation.
and of course, work continues on Days for Girls kits.  We just recently sent 100 kits for Syrian women.  This is a marvelous organization, should you be looking for a new charity to support.  Your help would be great.  Happy January.  Let's hope that Nana can continue as she has begun.