A Few Things I'm Thinking About

Last Saturday I went to a Redwork workshop that my dear friend, Jo, taught. She did a wonderful job and I'm almost, but not quite, ready to show you the finished product. I've always used an old plastic sewing machine surround (that doesn't fit the machine I have now) with a light under it to trace my applique and embroidery things. But Jo had one of these and it was so much easier! Lucky for me Hobby Lobby had their 40% off coupon in this week's paper so I just bought myself one. I've already used it several times and it's so much better than what I was doing.

I've been working hard to get this wool Folk Art quilt top finished before we leave. I have 3 borders on and the 4th one is ready to put on. Then I'll do the "filling in" where the borders go together with the rest of the flowers and vines and this top will be finished! It calls for hand quilting don't you think? Especially since all the applique is by hand. So it will have to wait until we return from our trip. But I do believe it's my favorite quilt I ever made! I know I said that about the redwork Christmas quilt, and the appliqued Pumpkin quilt, and the greenwork Herb quilt, but right now this is my favorite. :)

This little quilt pattern came brom a book called Prairie Children and Their Quilts. It's a great book that I picked up at the LQS. Have you noticed that several quilt books lately tell stories with their patterns? I have a couple that do and I've really enjoyed them. This one has some interesting history lessons. There's a little verse written on the light triangles that I doubt you can see in this picture. I intended to embroider them but when I saw how the words looked written with a brown Pigma Pen I decided to leave them - it looks antique. I used some of the Butterfly Gardens fabric from Moda - I love those dark, muted colors.

You all were so wonderful to advise me on things to take with me on this mission trip. I have a long list with several things I didn't think of. I'm starting the packing and I'm holding myself to whatever shoes will fit on this rack. I love shoes. I could take a lot more and would be happy to do so...but nope, only this rack.

I'm thinking about food...we won't need a lot because we will eat in the cafeteria during the week but we need a few staples. After I took this picture my husband suggested I add brownie mix and cookie mix. They are not on my diet! But maybe I'll lose another 5 pounds this week and I can have one or two - a girl can dream can't she? And since I have extra shampoo and lotion, etc. I'm taking those also. No sense in buying there what I can stick in the storage compartment of the camper.

I'm typing up instructions for the housesitters, I've cancelled the papers, and put the phone on "vacation." I'm almost ready. :)