Good bye February, hello March! Are you going to be as extreme weather-wise as February was? One of the clients where I volunteer told me with confidence that we had seen the last of our cold weather..and the very next one predicted that there would have one more big snow storm before spring! Guess we will just have to wait and see.
The extreme winter weather encouraged more reading, more jig saw puzzles and more sewing than usual. I was gifted the first book in the SHADY HALLOW series by Juneau Black. I don’t do fantasy books or movies—sorry, I haven’t read Harry Potter, not sorry . But since my son gave this to me, (because he liked the cover) I felt duty bound to read it. The first ten pages were a struggle, but then I slowly fell in love with the characters and writing. I am reading the next one in the series. The series is a comforting escape from the real world.
I have a very long list of books I want to read–but something inside me says don’t use your time reading when you could be sewing. My compromise is audio books, of course. But something good happens to your body when you set down with a book in your hands.
Puzzles are good for your brain health, right? That is what I tell myself when I look at the clock discovered 30 minutes just disappeared! This winter, my husband and I have completed five one thousand piece puzzles and presently have one on the dinning room table–featuring quilts! My favorite brand is eeboo. Strange brand name but a poster is included of the puzzle, there isn’t “puzzle dust”, the photos are clear and the color on the box photo is the same as on the puzzle piece. If I am working on a puzzle, I can endure listening to the news without shouting!
February brought changes in our sewing world. Quilters at First moved locations. We had our first regular “Quilting Wednesday” in the new room. We spent a lot of time asking ourselves “Now where did we put—” and bumping into each other. The room is smaller but we are going to try a a small change in the arrangements. We do enjoy the visitors, the natural light and the tile floor.
February allowed more time in our individual sewing rooms. In March, quilting will be competing with yard work and travel for some of us. Many great projects were brought to quilting on Wednesday–some finished and ready for you to see and some almost finished and will be featured later. I have two quilts at the long arm quilter’s ready to be picked up and bound, two to take to her and two “almost finished”. I see miles of hand binding in my future.
Quilters at First have some of the best friends! Shirley’s friend pieced the top and gave it to be quilted and bound for our sale-wow.
The pattern and fabrics are from Laundry Basket Quilts-www.laundrybasketquilts.com. The designer Edyta Sitar is famous for her two color quilts and her complex patterns. This quilt is a lovely example of complex pattern looking simple by using only blues and creams/neutrals.
The quilt measures 75″ x 88″-it would fit a queen size bed. $300
Looking for a longer table runner? This 15.5″ x 60″ table runner would right at home in a traditional styled dinning room. I have seen similar designs in east coast colonial homes. Machine quilted and washable. $40
This table runner makes me think of Greece. But right here in Wichita, the bright print is the essence of summer.
Lemon meringue pie? lemon aide? Ice tea with a slice of lemon? It measures 15″ x 35″ and is $40.
Are you Irish –or do you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? But really, who isn’t a bit Irish on the 17th? The table runner approximately 20″ x 40″ and is $40.
Easter is a bit later this year. But we already have some cute gifts and accessories.
Filled with candies, trinkets or gift cards, they would be the perfect “I am thinking of you” present.
Carrots are very healthy for you–but carrots filled with candy would be more fun! $8 each
Or do you want a huge carrot on your table?
Diane made more hearts from vintage linens and handkerchiefs. Gift your favorite mom a heart–with a personal note or gift card. They also make sweet birthday gifts.
It is difficult to even think about autumn but we quilters do! This set of 6 reversible placemats are machine quilted and washable.
11.5″ x 17.5″. $55 for 6
Quilters sew one or two or even three seasons ahead of the current calendar. Halloween is a fun holiday for decorating.
This wall hanging would fit next to the front door or on the front door. “Spooky trick or treat” measures 30″ 36″ and is $35.
“Crows are among the brainiest organisms on earth outclassing not only other birds (the possible exception of parrots) but also most manuals.” (unknown author) This winter I watched two crows repeatedly attack a van on my son’s street–those crows held a grudge! Crows are part of fall–$25
A winter village table runner works during the holidays and through snowy January and February.
4″4″ x 51″. $40
Several items for everyday use were completed. We have scrub pads, pot holders, microwave bowls and mug rugs. Something new was a plate cozy for the microwave.
They have small darts on the sides to give a slight concave center. Phyllis made several in different prints. All cotton so they are safe for the microwave. $8 each.
Pink flamingos! Who said adult bibs had to be boring? $15 each
And if you really want to plan ahead or think Valentines Day should be every day, the table topper is approximately 25 ” diameter and is $30. The mug rugs are $5 each.
Please excuse my wonky photos–I am going to blame it on the space around the design wall–there isn’t much and it creates a challenge.
According to our TV weather persons, March 1 is the first day of meteorology spring, a promising marker. March 9 is the time change-ugh. My granddaughter has her 13th birthday. Daffodils will bloom on the sunny side of the house. Professional baseball starts it new season, exciting for some in my household. So welcome March, be kind.
Quilts, Etc. 