Back to Work!

It seems like forever since I have been able to write about something new here.  The end of September through the end of October have been crazy with two trips out of town and tons to do at work.  I haven't even had the chance to sew much, but I have been building up my stash and finished a couple of small projects.  The little finishes help me keep my sanity when nothing else is doable!

I have gotten some happy mail recently!  I won a giveaway from Blossom Heart Quilts in connection with Alyce's Bright Sky QAL.  The prize:  a fat quarter bundle of my choice from anything in the Art Gallery Fabrics line through the Fat Quarter Shop.  Wow!  What a treat!  My choice was Gleeful by Sew Caroline, and was I ever "gleeful" when it arrived!  I am enjoying looking at this stack of fat quarters sitting on my cutting table!

 

This happy bundle of fabric will be fun to work with.  My plan is to use it for a Bright Sky quilt, so thank you, Alyce!

A friend visited New York City recently, and I told her she had to get to the City Quilter while she was there.  Well, she did, and she brought me something back!  

 

A little bundle of Charlie Harper bird fabric, including my favorite cardinals! Love this fabric!  It is also sitting on the side of my cutting table, just fun to look at!

I have wanted to try making some fabric baskets from this tutorial by Seaside Stitches.  I found some fat quarters of Elementary by Sweetwater for Moda, and went to work.  This is a quick and fun project which is great for gifts.  This one was a birthday gift for my teaching partner, so the perfect choice of fabric!  I love how it turned out!  I filled it with tea, chocolate, and cozy socks.  I think she liked it, too.

 

Finally, I ordered some charm packs of Best. Day. Ever by April Rosenthal for Moda from the Missouri Star Quilt Company, and used my favorite squares out of one to make a tote bag for myself from their YouTube video tutorial.  Another fast, easy project that makes you feel like you have accomplished something and gives you a chance to play with fabric for awhile!

 

Teachers always need a new bag to carry all their stuff in, right?!  I am going to love having one out of my favorite fabric.  This one is the perfect size for taking a pile of grading to Starbucks, which is exactly what I did today!  

So, I'm back to work on my favorite things.  Happy sewing, all!