Old Business

More regular posting would mean that I do things in a more timely fashion. However, we all know that I am anything but a regular at posting, so I'm going to share my September wrap-up, at beyond the halfway point of October. 

A quick glance at this collage indicates that our time was spent with granddaughters more that with sewing. We also had a few days of travel inserted into the month, also keeping me out of the quilting room. 

TOP ROW: The long-arm troubles were briefly corrected which allowed me to finish this sweet little Pink Pinwheel quilt which finally found its way to its final home. It was supposed to be done before Annie, now 6 months, was born. The second picture shows darling Cate doting on little sister Annie, who is growing and thriving in perfect form. The third picture is Reagan, showing off for us on a FaceTime call.

MIDDLE ROW: The vacation I mentioned found us in New Hampshire where we met up with Charlaine and Ken, friends we've made in Florida. Charlaine is one of the quilting friends I've made, and we attend the Thursday sewing day in Nobleton together. The middle picture are two patriotic blocks I've made for a sampler quilt I started. Then, I pulled out a long-ignored hand-quilting project that I've gotten busy on again. 

BOTTOM ROW:  Dear Baby Annie is all smiles and sweetness. It's incredible how easy-going she is. Cate is all giggles and smiles when Gramma Jayne and Pappaw Kevin are around. (And probably all other times, too; she is a happy, smiley girl!) And Reagan celebrated her 2nd birthday at the end of September with a little party at the other grandparents' house. We are loving all the time we've been able to spend with these sweet granddaughters this past month.

Now, for the sewing portion of this post. This is the current view of the front of my sewing machine. It serves as a message board. 

I've shared before that I like keeping these little notes to remind me of future quilts I want to make. Having these notes right in front of me every time I sit down at the machine prevents me from losing focus. Gotta stay on track! A quick glance give me direction when I feel directionless. I do, often, and it really helps to keep these front and center.

The top right note refers to the sew-along on Instagram hosted by @reproquiltlover. FFP stands for Fancy Four Patch. I've made a few blocks, shown below.

The note under FFP says Generals' Wives Quilt. It was a hugely popular BOM from several years ago. I never got on the bandwagon, but I sure did admire all the ones I saw made, both in person and online. I have borrowed the patterns from quilting friend Terry, and have decided that I ought to go ahead and work on it. When I start, though, remains to be determined.

The remainder notes contain brand-new ideas that I've never mentioned here before. Others are project that I am currently working on - WIPs, in other words. (Works in Progress) I added a really, really old UFO - Tulip Applique. It is the oldest UFO in my quilting room. I have referenced it before, but haven't dwelt on it by any stretch for the last 20+ years. Lately, though, I have been thinking more about it; I feel as though I've progressed enough with applique that I can more confidently finish it.

We've just had our annual family weekend at Hocking Hills, and it was so special with three sweet grandbabes to love on. Above, I am holding Annie and Reagan just as they were nearing bedtime on Saturday evening. The grandparents (DH and I) absolutely love this annual event; we are grateful to the daughters and their fellas for indulging us with this special time together.

 Happy Quilting, Friends!

Jayne