Was that measure once?

So, the tote bag is sort of on hold, in that it was just a wee bit small to hold my 18" x 24" cutting mat like it was supposed to do. I started with a slightly narrower piece of fabric than the pattern called for and with the addition of batting and a lining, there just isn't as much space in the bag. I will have to figure out whether I need to add some fabric to the sides to serve as a seam allowance or if I can just take a narrow enough seam to give me the extra room needed to fit the cutting mat. I was annoyed, so it's on hold until I can decide what to do.

In the meantime, I was back working on the Shoppe Girls' Magic Tiles quilt. I am almost ready to add the last border. I have about 4 or 5 feet of hand stitching to complete on the grout line attaching the pieced border. That is on the schedule for this evening.

A little earlier today, I was tidying the sewing room and came across some Cross Stitch projects in a drawer. I pulled one out and can't believe that it is *this* close to being finished! Actually there is a couple more in the same drawer. I put them aside when we move six years ago and then completely forgot about them. My eyes aren't what they used to be, but maybe I can see well enough to finish these up.

Tote bag for workshops

I have stack of drapery fabric samples sitting around and decided to use some to make a tote bag to carry my cutting mat and rulers to the next workshop I attend. I bought a pattern some time ago and I was able to find it! After reading the directions, I see I will have to make a few changes. The pattern suggests using denim or canvas, no quilting, no lining. The drapery fabric is lighter, so I'll use some light batting and add a lining.

My last completed project

This table runner is from a kit I purchased a couple of years ago. Once I started, it was finished in an afternoon except for the hand stitching on the binding.

Becoming a blogger

Here we are into a new year - 2008, a leap year! It has been just over a month since I quit my job. I haven't accomplished much. Within the first week of my self-imposed unemployment, my back spasmed and I was unable to sit, stand or walk for very long before having to do one of the others. The pain lasted in varying degrees for most of the month of December. It was so frustrating not to be able to do all the things that needed doing in the run-up to Christmas. Finally, I am starting to feel able to tackle finishing the quilt that I started with my satellite group, the Shoppe Girls. It won't take long if I can tear myself away from the computer.

I sat down to write my article for the Guild newsletter. Once that was finished, I wanted to send along a list of quilt-related links for members to visit just in case there was space to fill. The last few quilt magazines I have read have all had articles mentioning various blogs to visit and I dropped in to check out a few. Of course, one blog leads to another... Four hours later, I realize that I missed lunch and it is now time for dinner.

Some of the blogs out there are so inspiring. Some have grown into a virtual community of hundreds. I might get more use out of my new digital camera if there is someplace to put the photos. We'll see...