Bits and Scraps of This and That

Sometimes I'm at a loss for something to write and sometimes I get on a roll.  Every once in a while I start typing with an idea in my head, and it takes a left turn at my fingers making the keyboard go in a totally different direction.

I wonder about my brain!  Whether it's even tethered to the earth...

Oh well.

Last week I finished up a quilt for the preschool at our church.  It was one of those kiddie hand print block things and was probably the only thing besides mending that I actually sewed on during the month of May.  It was so nice to see it completed.  I posted it to Facebook and got some 'likes'.  The lady who does the actual quilting is so talented and we make a good team.  Good job, Suzi!

I have so many projects in my head.  This week has been mad crazy busy at work, and of course I have lots of financial things that must be done, so no slacking off!  But I'd so much rather be off work and sewing.  Maybe this weekend, since it's a long one, I'll be able to go into the sewing room.

But the weather finally got nice here, so even though last Sunday was a free day, I was loathe to go into the basement when the sun was shining so delightfully!  Besides, I needed to rest up from our last day of Sunday School.  The kids were so excited to recite their memory pieces, they were literally vibrating as they stood.  It was adorable.   My little opening message was using Legos to tell them how they're building a foundation for their faith by learning the commandments and prayers.  I do so love them all.

But now I'm excited that my book that was backordered from Nancy's Notions is being shipped, so I want to get back to sewing again.

First, I got all those nice patterns from Samina at the Sew Everything blog.  I am looking forward to making that Sandra Betzina green blouse.  I have the perfect fabric in mind...

Then I bought that lovely stash of stuff from Sewing Weekend.  And I also won a book from Randi at the Barrister's Block blog.  And here is where I would post photos of all that stuff if my camera was working.  Imagine cool stuff.

This week I did sew up a little skirt for Miss A.  She was in the sewing room with me while I was finishing up the quilt.  She spotted this pink plaid half yard of fabric that I bought to make some doll skirts.  I should have predicted she would love it, it was three shades of bright pink. 

Not the right fabric but the one she has is this color.

Miss A:  that's good dress fabric.

Me:  it's too small a piece for a dress.
Miss A:  well, is it enough for a skirt?
Me:  Probably, if it's a small skirt.
Miss A:  I wear a small.
Me:  I can see that.  Do you want a skirt from this fabric?
Miss A:  Yes, please.  And can you do it now?  You're not doing anything right now anyway.
Me:  to myself -- you mean not doing anything with YOU right now...

So she went home wearing a new skirt over the top of her leggings.  No picture though, she ran too fast.

Tonight when I get home, my book "It's All About Embellishment" by Gail Yellen should be there.  Time to read and dream about more projects.  And wish for more time.

Sew on!

Weather or Not...

Here in Wisconsin we have a saying, we have three seasons:  June, July and Winter.  This winter has been kind of crazy!  Last winter was one of very minimal snowfall, and then of course in the non-winter months we suffered a drought.  So the winter of 2011-2012 was a 'snow drought'.

The Water Resources engineers were all bemoaning the lack of snow, saying it was going to affect groundwater in the spring, impact fishing and farming.  Shoulda listened!  They were right.  (I don't like to admit it when they are...)

This year it's been feast or famine.  Christmas Eve was cold but not snowy.  The guys wrangling the donkey at our live nativity service did have an outdoor fire but they didn't get wet and soggy.

We celebrated a record long streak without measurable snow this year -- 288 days on December 15.  I looked at historical climatic data from the 1990-2000 period and our high was 50 inches in 2000.  The average for the year is 46-48 inches.   Last year we got 30.

I like snow in the winter.  DH says that is because I don't have to shovel.  There's probably some truth to that.  I did shovel when I was younger but since the arthur-itis hit my hands I don't do it anymore.

This is what I saw on the way to work last Friday, the day after the 'big storm'.

I worked from home on Thursday, and by Friday morning we had gotten about 8 or 9 inches in my neighborhood.  Nothing like what they got in Boston on Friday, but I am happy that it finally looks like Winter in Wisconsin is supposed to look!

It's raining today.  That will put a nice crust of ice on the roads... hmmm, also a Wisconsin tradition!

Drive carefully.  Sew on.