Creating In Small Doses

I've learned over the last month (since we added a German Shepherd to our family), that I need to create in small doses...trying to run a home-based business and a household with a puppy in the mix has put a strict limit on any quiet time (really, any time at all). My sewing machine has only been turned on four times since returning from California at the end of April...yes, I keep track...and yes, I am going through heavy duty withdrawal. This week I have made an effort to change that...because, let's be honest, I am a much "nicer" person when I have even a few minutes of creative time in my studio. I decided to try to finish up all my small projects in progress - even if I just get to make one teeny tiny thing each day. Yesterday, I worked on a project I started in early April...I had this idea to machine embroider some very tiny designs (1" - 1 1/2" square) to put in the center of some more intricate paper-pieced blocks for pincushions. I had eight small embroidered designs ready, so I pulled out my various paper-piecing books and resources and found several blocks that fit my vision...I got the designs printed...and finally sat down at the sewing machine to piece my first one (only a few months later). Like most quilters, I have a HUGE bin filled with fabric scraps...all sorts of colors, styles, and sizes...so I went through the bin to pick a few fun coordinates...I decided on a 5" square block, so I didn't need too many pieces...and of course, they could all be quite small. The result is the design you see in the photograph...I was able to get the block pieced in the evening, but then had to wait until my husband came home from work to cut the wool felt backing, sew the perimeter, and stuff...but I did get it done in one day! My goal is to make a selection of these for my Etsy shop...so with any luck, in several weeks, I will have a nice grouping to list. The challenge will be to get another one done today - I have a full schedule and a giant list of errands...but a girl can dream...