I've Become a Finisher Again

The last year was a little rough for me.  I wasn't able to post here much.  I was able to sew some.  I helped my mom during her last few months of life.  I helped my sisters clean out her home.  I trained a few people with their new Handi Quilter Longarm quilting machines.  I continued to work, serve in my church, and care for my family.

Mom's work to be done is dwindling down a bit.  She is still on my mind, and I miss her, but I don't have as much to do for her.

Life is getting back to a "normal roar".  So I have become a Finisher again.

Last week, I finished quilting 3 customer quilts in 3 days.  I put binding on 2 of them during the next 2 days.  I am working on a store sample, and I finished a small store sample last month.  So, I consider myself a Finisher again.

This summer, I quilted and finished this fun Jelly Roll Quilt.  I pieced it back in February.  It is supposed to have something fun on it (like ric rac or applique), but I don't speak embellishment.  I thought it was fine without the extra.  It's a nice lap quilt.

Then, this last month, I made this grocery bag dispenser, using charms.  I found the instructions on Moda Bakeshop.  I actually made two, with charms left over.  I will probably hang one at the store for a sample.

In May, we had a class in guild to make an art quilt - Poppies.  It uses raw-edge applique.  I've used the technique before, but sometimes I have to be reminded I know something.  The poppies stand out well for me, but I don't think I particularly like my background choice.  I've even thought of doing this in a miniature.  As I don't speak embellishment, my friend Pam sewed lots and lots of beads on this.  Hard to pick up in the picture, but it adds sparkle in real life.

I am also participating in a guild Mystery Quilt.  I started a month late with my cutting, and after I square these blocks up, I will have the first sewing step done.  There are supposed to be 88 of these blocks.  I'll count them as I square them up.

I'm using Civil War reproductions, which I haven't used too much before.  Mysteries can be a little scary, because you don't know what you'll end up with.  However, the Mystery Leader does good stuff, so I'm giving it a try.  2/3 of my fabric came from my friend and co-worker, Judy.  She was very generous to give me so many fat quarters!

I'll keep working and I think I'll be able to keep up on posting, too!  It's nice to be back at it again.

Keep on Sewing!