I got a good bit done during this period but not as much as I had hoped. There are several projects in the planning stages, and I can't wait to get started on those.
First and foremost, the devastating floods in South Louisiana. There are some communities still under water. I don't mean to make light of the situation, but this is kind of how we feel now. Please keep our state in your thoughts and prayers.
Of course, rising waters and lots of rain bring out the neighborhood beasts. This scary creature greeted me as I opened the door to go to work a couple of Mondays ago. He didn't want to move and he was between the house door and the car door. I finally got him to leave by remotely honking the horn. I know the neighbors appreciated that immensely. And, yes, that is an extremely poisonous cottonmouth moccasin. I'm real wary of where Penny and I walk now!
Heading back to the Cottage a couple of weekends ago to sew, I loaded up the little wagon with two bolts of fabric and other goodies that arrived in the mail. The umbrella was loaded up because I always get caught back there when it starts raining and I never seem to have one.
August was also a month for celebrating -- I think. I finally hit the magic number and I'm officially an old lady now. But I have to say that this wonderful Chantilly cake sweetened the day. My thanks to my co-workers. It was a double celebration because my boss' birthday was the next day. Fun!
I'm really enjoying the monthly Sew Sampler boxes from the Fat Quarter Shop. I made this cute table runner from two charm packs included in the box a couple of months ago. The fabric and pattern are by Lori Holt.
I'm determined to stay on top of the Portage Lake BOM from Minick & Simpson. Each month has several blocks in it. Needless to say, I got off to a rocky start -- I can't watch LSU lose their opening game and applique at the same time. I took the stitches out the next morning, repositioned it and restitched. I always say I have to do everything twice!
I spent a week pulling fabric and playing around with some pattern ideas. The time was well spent because I'm almost ready to start some cutting.
The August Sew Sampler box had the Fat Quarter Shop's newest book, the Jolly Bar Book. I purchased some Jolly Bars and started sewing this weekend. The first quilt in the book has no cutting, just a Jolly Bar and a layer cake. It was going together so easily ...
... and then this happened. This is a picture of what the screen on my Bernina 750 looks like right now. I heard a couple of loud metal clunks and it stopped dead in the water. It was Labor Day, after all, so I guess it needed a day off. So it's off to the shop for this honey, and I'll get out another Bernina to sew on until it's fixed.
Another thing I've really enjoyed in the Sew Sampler boxes is the bonus blocks. The Fat Quarter Shop put together for purchase 12 solid fat quarters to use on these blocks. I'm right on track with the five months received.
So there you have it. Five weeks in my quilty world. I'm having so much fun and that's what it's all about!
