Happy Valentine's Day!!!!!!

This is a long post, so you may need to procure a liquid refreshment before starting (don't say I didn't warn you!).

First, I'm sure you remember to use one block per paper plate to keep things organized.  Yes, I cut all the gray background to go with the colored pieces.

 First block machine pieced and pressed.

Second top completed, no borders will be added.

First top done, with borders.  Out of gray now.

My first hand stitches in about 15 months!  I machine quilted a top I had pieced before the stroke and added binding.  My left hand does not hold the binding fabric back like before (hopefully soon) so the stitches are not hidden as well.  Did the best I could and moved on.  See two pictures down for front of piece.

A kit from Connecting Threads.  Fused (what the ??) wool on cotton.  Hand blanket stitched.  A gentle reminder--ALWAYS cut the background bigger, applique, then cut it to size!  I forgot, and the black raveled a lot, not leaving me enough room to bind. I chose to let the raveling work for me and machine appliqued the block to a bigger piece of black and raveled the edges.  I chose a red/white fabric for the back (looks like snow), stitched right sides together with Thermore, then turned it right side out and ladder stitched the opening.  A plus for Christmas 2019.  The pattern called for French knots, which I couldn't do, so I sewed on red/white beads instead!

 The finished quilt!  The first hand stitching so far.  At least it helps cue my hand!

Sorry the pictures are sort of out of order and not cropped.  Still typing with one hand.  Finished a third plus sign runner yesterday.  Presently reading about a neuroscientist who survived brain tumors and is telling her experiences.  I'm still here, working hard every day.  Able to walk with no aids inside, short quad cane outside.  

Thanks to all who left comments last post--greatly appreciated!

Blissful hugs,
Sharon

P.S.  Yes, that is a new pouch from Hot4Handbags on the counter!  The front has a cute cut-out that looks just like Lynnie, my last boxer--I had to have it!

P.P.S.  For those who remember my adage "you may pin more than me, but never less" the ante has now been raised!  I pin much more now.  Who knew?

Take Time to Smell the Flowers

 Many of you have commented on the picture of Lynnie smelling the flowers.  As I was looking through pictures of her tonight, I found several more.  Enjoy!

Quilting updates soon.

Blissful hugs,

Sharon

Lynnie 11/3/2002 to 3/3/2013

At 5:30 tonight, Lynnie suffered a massive heart attack and is no longer with us.  She did not suffer, for which I will be eternally grateful.  I cannot imagine life without her.  But I have wonderful images of her running free

and taking time to smell the flowers.  Heaven is richer by far tonight.  See you at the Rainbow Bridge, Lynnie.  I love you always.

The Lentils

When there were just female animals in the house, it was easy to classify everyone as "The Girls".  Now that there are one of each, it was hard to decide what to call "them".  After due consideration, I came up with "The Lentils".  I think it's safe to say that "The Lentils" are getting along just fine.

Have a great Thursday!

Blissful hugs,
Sharon

Random Sunday

I must admit to a bit of sloth today.  I've started on the instep of my mom's sock, cleaned the sewing room closet (!), done a bit of vacuuming and took Dickens to the vet.  Turns out he has an auto-immune disease, which apparently is not uncommon in neutered male cats.  So he is on injectable steroids--most likely for the rest of his life.  Luckily that only has to take place every two to three months.  He is already more comfortable (less itching, no weird bumps) and his fur feels soft and silky again.  He's gone through so much in his young life, this seems like adding insult to injury.  On the plus side, he and Lynnie are happy together.

Most of the snow is gone, thanks to our warmer than usual weather.  Guess what that means?  Yep, MUD!  And we have lots of running and standing water.  On the bright side?  We don't have to snow blow or mow! Yippee!

I'm listening to The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown.  

Happy start to your week!

Blissful hugs,
Sharon

2013 Finishes

As promised, I have lots of pics for tonight's post.

I made two more of those little cases.  One with ants inside and out, and one with flamingos on the outside and a pink batik in the middle.

 What they look like closed.

To go along with the Maxine case, I added a mug rug and a potholder to match.  The inside of the case is also shown here.  Typical Maxine!

 Protecting Peewee is finished!  I finished the quilting a few days ago, and added the sleeve and binding yesterday.  It's pretty low contrast for me usually, but I just love this piece.  The backing is the bird fabric in all its glory.

Here's a detail shot.  All the hand quilting was done with straight lines.  I did not quilt in the bird hexagons, but everything else got some.

And my parting shot for tonight.  I don't think there's a problem with Lynnie and Dickens getting along.

That's it for tonight.  I'm heading for the land of nod.

Blissful hugs,
Sharon