Woven Scraps and Snow Cream

I'm staying true to my loose ends theme with this latest lap quilt. I used up more scraps and completed another unfinished project. I sewed these random strips last spring while we were camping, with the idea of using them as a border. As I laid some out on the design wall, another thought came to mind. I sewed a simple rail fence block using solid pale yellow on either side of the scrappy strips. Depending on how you look at it, they appear woven like a lawn chair or floating on a field of yellow. 

We had nearly nine inches of fluffy, beautiful snow last Friday and Saturday, one of the biggest 24-hour totals I've seen since we moved up here on the ridge. For once the weather folks were nearly spot-on in their predictions. It was perfect for snow cream! I made two big batches of sweet goodness, then worked it off by shoveling the back sidewalk.

Useful Notion: Quilters never grow old. They just go to pieces. 

 

Chili Time

It looks like winter has finally arrived, so it's chili time at the Ireland casa. I've got some simmering away in the crock pot right now. It was eleven degrees this morning up here on the ridge, with snow and sleet in the forecast over the next few days.

Instead of getting out in the weather, I plan to relax, work on a new quilt design, clean out a closet, enjoy time with my mama, read a murder mystery, and snuggle with my sweetie. 

Useful Notion: The best way to get things done is to simply begin.

Loose Ends

I was in the sewing room last week, putting the finishing touches on two small quilts that had been sitting around for a couple of months. As I worked on the binding, I thought about how easily things get put off. I could have finished these many times and I would have benefited from the escape to my sewing retreat. Instead I let them hang there and taunt me every time I walked into the room. Why didn't I make the time?

Later on I found a group of fat quarter fabrics that I bought last summer with no particular use in mind. I picked up a quilting magazine, chose one of the patterns and began to cut. I totally enjoyed focusing on my sewing and listening to music. The next day I finished this pretty little lap quilt: Bohemian Rose.

Maybe I have a theme for 2016. No unfinished business here. Tie up loose ends. Do what needs to be done. Say what needs to be said. Use it or lose it. Embrace it or toss it. 

Make time for yourself.

I've already started.

"There are always going to be loose ends in life.  You just have to decide whether they need to be tied up, woven in, or cut off." ~Katie Scarlett

Coffee Break

I may rise, but I don't shine until I have my coffee. I'm only on my first cup, so the first blog of 2016 will be short and sweet. 

During my working years, I had some of my best conversations and made great new friends at the local coffee shop. 

In retirement, I get to share a quiet morning pot of java with my sweet husband. The simple things do indeed make life special.