August - A Busy Time

Hi All, 

It's getting close to the end of August.  It's also getting pretty busy around here.  We went away for the weekend to visit family.  It was a nice visit.  I'm especially glad my DH got to visit with his family.  We've stayed away so we don't get anyone sick, but took a chance to go this time.  

It's harvest time starting up.  We've been picking blackberries for about 3 weeks.  The raspberries are starting up, now, as well.  I've made 2 batches of blackberry freezer jam, 3 batches of blackberry syrup, and one batch (pints) of crushed tomatoes.  I'm very blessed that my DD comes to help me.  

They are waiting to be washed and labled, then put on the shelf for the coming year.  I forgot that I had made blackberry syrup last year, so I need to start using it up, and giving some to the kids.

My DH has been experimenting with sourdough (like the rest of the world), only he's just been at it about 6 weeks or so.  Today's sourdough became tonight's dinner - scones, or frybread.  It was delicious!

They were light and fluffly, but had a lot of chew time because it's sourdough.  It just isn't the same texture as regular white bread.  Delicious with peanut butter and blackberry jam!

I also washed some raspberries to have with our dinner.

Delicious with cream and sugar!  Just like grandma used to serve!  I love this time of year!

I am working on a very big customer quilt.  And it is custom, so it takes me a while to get it done.  In the meantime, I keep getting quilts in to be done.  I'm at 25, with 2 coming tomorrow and 1 on Monday.  I need to really buckle down and get some done this weekend.  I'm hoping the custom quilt will be done by tomorrow evening.

Here's as much of the quilt as I could get a picture to work.

Here is the first row, what I have been doing.

Here's a small sample of my quilting.

Usually on custom quilts, I do a mixture of computer designs and free motion.  I'm trying to do everything as I go, but I forgot to quilt on the eagles near the top, so I will be returning to that after I finish to the bottom of the quilt.

I have 2 blocks I am working on for the store.  We are part of a shop hop coming up in September.  We are making one of each of the blocks that are being provided by the participating stores.  I'm only doing two, and I need to have them finished by Monday.  So, no quilting after 9 pm, so I can piece instead.

Over the weekend, I finished binding some small quilts for my sister, so she can give them as Christmas presents.  

Next time I'll share some of the things waiting for me on my sewing table.

Keep on Sewing and Quilting!

I've Been Busy Baking

and made 18 of these poppy seed pound cakes on Saturday. They have been delivered to neighbors and friends, and one got eaten by the family. We also made Chex Mix, and dipped pretzels in chocolate. It took 3 trips to the store that morning, but we made it through!

Friday, I made these fun book marks.

I saw a tutorial here on a quilted bookmark, using fusible web and confetti pieces of fabric. However, I decided I wanted them in strips and sewed them onto a muslin foundation instead. I was very pleased with them, and the technique is also similar to the inchies.

Christmas is almost here, and I think I am ready. I will make a lovely dinner on Christmas Eve, then it is time to relax on Christmas day. I will be basting a queen size quilt tomorrow to work on next week. I have been wanting to try it on my "little machine", and I think I finally have the courage to do it. If it works, I will be very happy. If it doesn't, I'll be finding a long-arm quilter I can afford to do it. I really want this quilt to be done and on my bed. It has been almost 2 years since I bought the fabric. Much too long!

I wish all my friends and followers a very Merry Christmas. May the day be peaceful and bright for you and your family.

I won Blockjack Again!

I am pretty amazed...

I don't win things very often...

But I won the Blockjack blocks for December.

There are 11 blocks with these beautiful trees and red cornerstones. I really enjoyed this block, as I could see a use for it right away.



I was sitting in the meeting, imagining what I would do with the blocks, if I won them, and then they called my name. I was so excited.

Then, later, reality hit and I realized I don't have enough blocks for what I was imagining. I actually need 7 more blocks. So, now I have to rethink my idea, decide if I want to make 7 more blocks, and if so, see if I can get the same red fabric. I definitely won't have time to do it before Christmas.

However, I did work on another Christmas project today.

Last month, I bought a box of sweet rolls by Moda. I actually fell in love with the pattern that came with them. They were Christmas fabrics, and make cute stockings. So, today I made them,
and now they wait for the finishing hand work. I'm still debating whether these will be a decoration at my house, or a surprise for someone else. It is so hard to make something and give it away.

However, the one(s) I would give them away to would more than appreciate the work that went into them.

Next, back to more customer work. Plus, holiday baking, baking for DH's office, church party, etc. etc. etc.

Will I get Christmas cards mailed this year? We will see!