A New Normal

I spent last week trying to make lists and figure out what I wanted my new normal to look like now that both boys are in school.  Today, I actually get to try those lists out.  The clothes and dish washers are working, and I'll head upstairs to clean my bedroom and bathroom.  After that, I have to pick up toys downstairs from the littlest man's birthday that seemed to explode all over the family room.  Once those "Must Do's" are out of the way, I am free to play in my sewing room.

What's on my agenda to work on?  First, I have to pull all of my supplies for a quilting class tomorrow at The Quilting Squares.  It's a free motion technique class called "Let's Doodle".  My free motion quilting is coming along, but I need to practice, practice, practice.  I'm hoping to pick up some more pointers to make me better.

After I've pulled the supplies, I'll go back to my Spring Block a Day.  No...I'm still not finished!

Here is where I am on it:

I've had to rip out several color combinations, and even had to go buy more fabric.  I have a few more blocks to add that are in various stages of completion.  I was using this as my 'Leaders and Enders' project, but it has now become my primary project.  I really want to get it done today, so that when I get home from class tomorrow, I have something to practice free motion quilting on.

IF, I get all of that done, I will spend some time working on my Buttercream Block of the Month (Year).  It is my hand project, and great for the boy's karate classes and TV time.  If I embroider just one flower a night and spend some time Saturday morning adding the french knot embellishments, I'll be done with my current block this week.  That's my goal anyway.

Here is what it currently looks like:

Have a great day everyone.  I hope you accomplish all that you want to today.

"Oh the places you'll go!"

Congratulations!

Today is your day.

You're off to Great Places!

You're off and away!

by Dr. Suess

My littlest man has started Kindergarten this week.  Today is his second half day, and next week he will be in school all day.  It is a time that is a little exciting and sad at the same time, for both he and I.  After 9 1/2 years of having a little person at home with me, I am suddenly hit by a quiet.  It is a quiet that I have longed for at times, yet has been elusive in the hustle and bustle of life.

But today...I sit listening only to the hum of the refrigerator and air conditioner.  I have great plans for this time.  There is a house that will always be clean, workouts to be done, projects that will be thought of and completed, projects and quilts to be sewn, and I'm sure other thinks that I haven't thought yet.  But today...I just sit.

I know that left to myself, I would just squander this precious gift of time.  So I must begin making lists and setting goals of what I want to accomplish.  Some lists I'll save for another day. But it is time to share with you some of the sewing projects that beckon and nag for completion.

Quilting UFO's:

• Buttercream Block of the Month
• Block-A-Day - Spring 2014
• Civil War Celebration
• Temple Sentimental Quilt
• Heart of Worship Quilt Repair
• Kristie's Cowboy Wedding Quilt
• Block-A-Day - Summer 2014
• Quilter's Academy - Strawberry Fields
• Quilter's Academy - Double Rail Fence
• Quilt Across Texas Quilt
• Fall Pillowcases
• Hexagon Table Runner
• Christmas Table Runner
• Summer Table Topper
• Birthday Table Topper

Sewing UFO's:

• Leigh's Purse
• Baby Shoes
• Lounge Pants & Shorts
• Jewelry Pouch
• Fleece Baby Blanket
• Quilt Across Texas Tote Bags
• Napkins
• Fall Dress
• Black Out Curtains
• My Purse
• Bootbag
• Christmas Placemats
• Christmas Napkins
• Cash and Carry Pouches

Whew!  That is a lot of sewing.  And those are just the ones I've thought about and know I want to complete!  I participate in Aunt Marti's 12 in 2014 UFO Challenge at 52quilts.com  If you would like to participate and want more information, click here.  You can see what others are finshing by clicking on the UFO Parade tab at the top of her website.  As for the sewing UFO's, I still plan on completing one a month, even though I am not participating in a challenge.

This weekend I plan to complete the top for my Spring Block-A-Day.  It has been a source of agony over the last weeks, as I still am not happy about it.  But I have determined just to get it sewn together and ready for quilting (again).  On Tuesday, I have a free motion quilting class.  My plan is to practice what I learn in that class on the quilt.  And then it will be back to the Temple Sentimental Quilt Repair.  That will be my August UFO completion, and I am ready to get it off my plate and finished. 

For the rest of my quiet time today, I will sit a little longer and embroider on my Buttercream Block of the Month.  Have you figured out where you want to go today? Let's use Dr. Suess as our guide and be on our way!