In My Sewing Studio

I haven't had a chance to do much sewing lately...between recuperating from the flu virus, various BRD deadlines, and preparing class kits and materials for two large classes in April, my plate has been overwhelmingly full. After focusing on my completely covered desk this morning, I decided it was time for a little reward - some afternoon sewing therapy.

I chose to work on another mini quilt - "Spinning Spools" - measuring 12.5" x 12.5". I was wanting a fresh, springy quilt to hang in my kitchen....and these colors worked perfectly (my kitchen is black and white). I love how these blocks look like spools of thread...and using a striped fabric for the center of each block gave the appearance of thread wound on the spools. This was a great afternoon project that gave me just the creative boost I needed.

I was also able to use my brand new Quilt In A Day "Triangle Square Up Ruler". I had seen Eleanor Burns use this ruler she designed on her television show and I knew I had to have one. After mentioning it to my girlfriends, I actually found one at a local shop and couldn't wait to try it out for myself...and it worked like a dream. I was able to easily trim and square up all sixteen of my half-square triangle units, which definitely helped my piecing. I am always on the lookout for good quilting notions and this one was a superb addition to my sewing studio. Eleanor Burns has a great video (which can be seen by clicking on the first link above) that shows how to use this handy little tool.

It was enjoyable to spend a couple hours in my sewing studio and complete a small project...it was a wonderful stress-free afternoon.

This evening I am back in my stitching nest, working on a couple Halloween ornaments for Just CrossStitch Magazine. Tomorrow, after a lunch date with a good friend, I will be working on class kits for a couple large teaching events in April - I have over 200 pieces of linen to cut and serge - so I will definitely have more time in the studio, only tomorrow it will be with my serger...