Wednesday, December 9, 2020

I made one of my Splendid Sampler bonus blocks this morning. The book is finished but there are a number of seasonally-themed bonus blocks. I’m anxious to be able to say, truthfully, that the Splendid Sampler is done.

My thought was that I would play when the block was done but it was still mid-morning and that seemed too self-indulgent so I worked on a couple of dog pillows for the S.P.C.A. When I have scraps I set them aside to use as stuffing for a pillow (and for me any scrap I put in a pillow is less than 1.5″ square). I use pillowcases and, up until now, I’ve just stuffed them, sewn them together and donated them.

But I’ve seen some of the pillows other Guild members have made and mine are definitely less attractive. So I changed my method and put boxed corners on one end of the pillowcase. But the top of the pillow was still odd so I put boxed corners on that end as well. Without realizing it I managed to completely sew up the pillowcase without leaving any room to turn them right side out or stuff them.

I did a bit of reverse stitching and managed to get one done. The shape is better but I think I stuffed it too full. I have enough scraps already set aside for at least one more pillow so I’ll be able to do some more experimenting. In the meantime, I delivered two pillows to the S.P.C.A. this afternoon.

I finished a couple of knitting projects in the past few evenings. I had some very thick yarn that couldn’t be used in hats so I made some hanger covers. I took a photo of them but for some reason I can’t get it off my camera; I’d take another photo but they are already in the closet with clothes hanging on them.

Kathryn and I picked up some scrubby yarn on a trip to Michaels. I wanted to make a round scrubby but they are crocheted and I found it very difficult to see where the stitches should go so I switched to a knitted pattern. I had enough to make a couple of scrubby dishcloths as well as one small scrubby pad.

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

I had an early start this morning and my task list for the day wasn’t large. I managed to get everything done but I certainly didn’t think it would take me all day.

I had a few things to do as a result of the Hall meeting last night. I’ve sprinkled those tasks out over the next few days. The jobs I did today were the simple ones but it involved contacting a couple of people and having them meet me on the back step to hand over some paperwork.

I worked on Clue 5 of the Guilds’s mystery quilt project. The clue won’t be released until February but this step took quite a long time to finish. I think I’ve been at it most of the month. There was a fair bit of reverse stitching involved over the course of putting it together but I’m pretty sure I have it right.

As I was reviewing the instructions for the clue I realized that the instructions for the next clue wasn’t ready. It doesn’t get mailed out until January but in my mind both Clue 4 and 5 were set. I’m not sure they are done yet but I need a few days (or weeks) before I go back and look at them.

Pat has a meeting tonight so I’ll read while he’s doing that and then I’m looking forward to some easy-peasy knitting.

Monday, December 7, 2020

Today was a “quilting” day according to my schedule. Although I have a lot of quilts and wall hangings that need to be quilted, I also had three birthday cards that were ready for quilting. I picked the easier of the choices and worked on my cards.

I usually do an envelope finish for the cards and that worked for one of them. One of them had too many seams for me to be able to get a good turning line and one of them had embroidery on it; I had used the batting as stabilizer so it wouldn’t turn without another layer of batting which would make it too thick.

It has been a long time since I did a binding on cards but that’s what I’ve done for those two. As I wait for Dr. Henry’s press briefing I’ll stitch down the bindings. The envelope finish means when I’m done I’m done but there is that extra step on the bound cards.

And speaking of cards I had a horrible feeling today that I had missed someone who should have a Christmas card. I took a look at my labels and yes, one address was missing. Over the last couple of days I was thinking I would send out one more card to a friend so I have the label printed for that one. I had three cards left when I did my larger mailing so all I need to do is get these ones addressed and in the mail.

Sunday, December 6, 2020

I have everything Christmassy in the mail and some of the packages have already reached their destination. Most years I get the main parcels sent and then work on the smaller items. But I put the last of the packages in the mail a couple of days ago so now what?

I’ve worked ahead on my January cards, I’ve cleaned up my sewing space a couple of times, and I’ve dug out some old yarn and am making something for myself just to use it up. I finished decorating inside and just have my snowman to put up outside. I should have done that over the past two days when the sun was shining; now I’ll have to wait for the wind and rain to go away.

I’ve spent some time reading in the afternoons. I have two more books to finish in order to complete my Goodreads challenge. The last book was (and the one I’m reading now is) over 700 pages so when I get to book #50 it will have to be a small one.

I have some baking supplies and I’ve picked out a few recipes. Next up will be something to use up the ricotta cheese we have in the fridge. I will make some mincemeat tarts and I’ve had Nuts and Bolts in my head for the past couple of days. I don’t have everything I need to make them but we don’t have our turkey yet either so there is still time. The last time I made that recipe our oven was on the brink of dying and they didn’t bake very well; we’ve got a new oven now so they should turn out better.

I’ve spend way too much time on the internet. I’ve signed up for a few new newsletters and blogs and today I downloaded six new patterns and sew-alongs. Who knows if I will do any of the projects but it is fun to look.