Hello July!

Reality check! It's almost incredible to realize that we are already in July. July! How fast we find ourselves waving 'bye-bye' to half of 2025. But that's where we find ourselves. Reality check, indeed. 

 I have to say I haven't progressed as far on my list of goals as I had hoped. This means that I absolutely must get myself focused on these goals as we slide into the second half of this year. 

This past month posed more of a setback in goal efforts on two fronts: a 2-week sinus infection and the flooded basement. I am pleased to report that I feel better and the basement is dry. We have had extraordinary rainfall totals in the last 30 days - like nearly 12"!! These last two downpours (3.8") have not impacted our basement. Hallelujah! 

So yes, Goals. I'm gonna' get after it in these next 6 months. Seriously. 

Okay, let's take a look at the June wrap-up collage. Some sewing successes, sure, and happily a lot more family time.  

 TOP ROW: A super-proud Gramma Jayne with her two granddaughters, Reagan and Cate. We don't get too many opportunities to have them together, so this picture is one of my favorites. Early in the month, we discovered the basement flood, and all our plans suddenly were derailed. One big positive in the sewing room was having my Featherweight serviced. I am using it with lots of satisfaction since bringing it home. 

MIDDLE ROW: Late in the month, we were able to correct the basement flooding with a plumber who dug out a new drainage ditch and corrected the issues we were having. Just last Saturday, we attended an annual picnic and fireworks party at our friends' house. Little Reagan and her parents attended the same picnic, and of course we made the most of our play time.

BOTTOM ROW: My mother, 88 years young, cuddles Reagan on Sunday afternoon, when all of us went over to visit. The weather has played such a big role in our world this last month, I thought including a screenshot from the precipitation map was worthwhile. And, finally, the work on Cotton Ridge Farm has continued sporadically throughout the month. I am currently working on the outer border row of HSTs.

Looking ahead to what July will hold, all our home-oriented efforts will be toward prepping for the family reunion we will host at the end of the month. We do this every year, and I think this is #7 coming up. (Note to self: find the date for when we held the first one.) We've got our lists ready, and will be tackling small-ish items.

Sewing plans include finishing Cotton Ridge Farm and getting the long-arm going. I know. I've been saying that since the first of April, but I really will do it this month.

Okay, I'm off to stitch! 

Happy Quilting, Friends!

Jayne

Hello July!

 

Three days into the month and weather-wise, we couldn’t be having any more perfect weather! These past couple of days have been the epitome of ‘chamber of commerce days.’ Comfortable temps, clear blue skies, pleasant breezes and low humidity. 

July, you’re looking good so far! 

I’ve compiled my June collage, so let’s recap last month’s highlights. A quick glance at this collection indicates that Cate time might just be more precious than quilting time. *wink*

TOP ROW: Our Cate just grows and grows! And she's adorable through and through. We kept daughter Erin's two cats while they were vacationing in Hawaii. Here, Betty is inspecting my quilt-binding skills. And the quilt I was binding, Paris Flea Market Find, is finished and ready for use.

MIDDLE ROW: Another quilt fresh off the long arm was Temecula Baskets. I am just now getting around to binding it; a good activity for when we are watching Tour de France. Next, remodeling. Can you imagine the BIG mess that currently exists in our upstairs as a result of this bedroom remodel? When one removes 31+ years of accumulations from a room, the fallout is gargantuan! I keep too much stuff! *waaaa* Third, a sleepy Cate models the wrap dress I made her; thank you, Erin, for sending many pictures from Hawaii!

BOTTOM ROW: Back in Ohio after vacationing, Cate was happy as can be to return to her friends and teachers at daycare. Next, I made great strides on Tiny 9-Patches, finishing the 4 corner triangles late on the last day of the month. Finally, one more picture of Cate from this past Sunday. We hosted both our daughters and their families for lunch. It was our 45th wedding anniversary! Low-key celebrating, but wonderful to relax with them all and enjoy their company.

Now, July is here and we have work to do! Getting our bedroom back in working order is the top goal, as well as removing all that has been stacked in the hallway, the guest bedroom and the long arm room. Believe me when I say we have stuff piled up everywhere! Even the shower in the main bathroom has luggage and boxes stacked inside. Navigating through some of these spaces is risky business, for sure.

Goodbye walls of  Tuscan-inspired 'Cider Toddy' and hello calm and restful 'Agreeable Gray.' We have used Agreeable Gray throughout our downstairs, and we still love it, so deciding to use it in the bedroom was a no-brainer. Yesterday, the new floor was laid, and soon I hope to be sharing a completed look at our re-do. The rug is scheduled for delivery on July 11, so it will be at least another week before I share. Stay tuned!

And here's a sneak-peek of Tiny 9-Patches. Since the bedroom was unavailable, I had to bring it outdoors for a photo. The corners are on there, but they haven't yet been pressed out. My decision now is whether or not to add borders, and if I do, how many? The inspiration quilt (bottom of link) is what I'd like to continue imitating, but I am not yet fully committed. While I work on completing our bedroom project, I will be considering border options.

Gotta' get going! Things to do! Hope you have a great day and a fantastic July!

Happy Quilting, Friends!

Jayne

Hello July!

Greetings to July! We celebrated our anniversary on Wednesday, were out pretty late after our special dinner in Granville, and yesterday was rather busy, so we have a delay in welcoming July.

What will be accomplished this month? I have some very specific goals to work toward. Let's take stock.

First, a baby quilt. I bought a great selection of juvenile prints while in the Shenandoah Valley last month. I have already constructed the quilt top, and am ready to prep the backing. That should be getting quilted very soon. I will share pictures after I've gifted it to the expectant parents, Will and Kristi.

In addition to the baby quilt, I have every intention of finally taking the last steps in that red and white effort from earlier this year. Since early April, all I have had to do is make 9 more red stars. I have had a major mental block against doing it. Why did I think it was going to be such a difficult thing to do? Too much of a mental effort for me? I think so. Especially since back then I was thinking I had enough of these for a finish. No. I didn't. Anyway, those 9 stars are now cut out and I am ready to stitch.

A new quilt always excites me, and I have one on the agenda for July. The Scrappy Trip Around the World was one of the items on the 2021 goals list, and now is the time to start it. 

I have begun pulling the fabrics and am chomping at the bit to start it. I must reign in the enthusiasm, though, until those other projects are checked off.

Have a great July!

Happy Quilting, Friends!