Labor Day weekend

When my kids were younger, I used to tell them that Labor Day was a day for them to help me clean the house.  Of course, it didn't take them long to figure out that their mom was full of hot air/bologna.  <smile>  I followed my own 'advice' this past holiday weekend, although not by spending the time cleaning house.  I decided to spend most of the time in my sewing room doing a little cleaning/ clearing of space and also by sewing up some projects and using up some scraps.

The first project I worked on on Saturday was some fabric pieces and directions for a card play block that I received in the 'ufo' collection of a quilting friend who passed away earlier this year.

Once it was completed, I wanted to find out what the block was for, thinking that if it was for a president's block, that it should go to that past president of our guild.  That's not what it was for, though... now, I'm not quite sure what I will do with it - definitely not going to let it lay around and languish on precious real estate in my sewing room.

Just remembered that I hadn't shared this photo yet...

This is a car 'diddy' bag... actually, I made two last Thursday, but only took a photo of one... both basically look the same.  Not hard to do at all... the original pattern included a zippered pocket and a second pocket, but I want to use these as 'trash bag holders so pockets weren't necessary... http://www.sewcanshe.com/blog/2016/4/26/car-diddy-bag-free-sewing-tutorial

No sewing on Friday - not sure why, lazy day, I guess - or maybe I was too busy doing YIKES housework.

Next up was Saturday and I worked on a secret project first off, then the card trick block, and then a NEW project...

This was one of the three patterns I had bought while at the AQS quilt show in Grand Rapids last month.  All fabrics were from my stash.  It came out so cute and was pretty easy -- and I might make a few more for Christmas gifts - or maybe the church's bazaar this fall.  The pattern is from Bloomin' Minds Half to Have and is called ... #642 I Know.

On Sunday, first up was doing my RSC for Sept.... Purple!  You can't really tell from the photo but there are 5 blocks...

Then, while trying to do a little cleaning/clearing, I decided that I would add the orphan blocks I'd found to the rows I'd sewn at the last sew in, but, no, that wasn't enough for me... I went ahead and stitched the rows into a quilt top....  It's folded up in the photo.. I wasn't going to ask hubby to hold it up so I could take a pic.. it can wait until after it's been quilted.  6" finished blocks 11 blocks across and 12 rows... should finish at approx. 66" x 72". And, most probably, a charity quilt.  Glad that's out of my room!

Then, while sorting, re-organizing ( trying to find something/ looking for dog patterns), I came across a pattern for a dog scarf.  I knew exactly where the M.S.U. ( Go Green!) fabric was, so I made this scarf for Buddy. 

He LOVES it... even patiently waited so I could take his photo. ( Mr. Prissy in the background)

Once I found the dog patterns again ( I had put them away in a bin... sigh).  Here are the three blocks that I started on Saturday night and finished last night...

 This guy had a complete wardrobe change :)

.... and I have a fourth one traced onto paper back fusible and roughly cut & ready to fuse onto fabrics once I find the ones I want to use.  That will leave only one more block yet to be done; once that's done, it will be time to find sashing fabric(s).

Then, I need to get to this one.  I have the appliqued bear paw blocks done, but still need to do the pieced ones - LOTS of half square triangle blocks - not my favorite.  :(

I NEED to get these done and off the design wall so that I can get to work on the guild challenge that is due NEXT MONTH!!!  Why oh why did I wait so long?!?!?!  I have done the prep work, but should have been a little further along than what I am... and with being gone for four days next week, it might end up a little too close for comfort in getting it done.  Of course, if I don't find the inspiration picture that I was assigned, it might be all for naught! :(.  Well, I'm not going to fuss about it... not much chance of winning anyway ( I've seen one of the competition's), just a new technique for me to try.

And, on that note, I've got to scoot... need to go get groceries and, hopefully, new tires on the car today.

take care.......
ttyl.....