Sittin’ On the Dock of the Bay….

At least, that is what I was doing a few weeks ago…and am daydreaming that I am doing again now….  See don’t I look like I was enjoying myself?

We had eight wonderful days away…fabric shopping our way North (My sweetie is almost TOO willing to find the quilt shops along the way, not so good for my wallet!)  Taking in the sights…

Getting lots of fresh Lake air…

Taking some steps back in time…

Enjoying the waters…

and eating some fabulous meals!  This was my sweetie’s Bison Burger, by far the prettiest plate of burger and fries I ever laid eyes on (tasty too!)

I did alot of reading by the water, some hand-sewing (pics to come soon!), staring out at the lake, a little swimming, went for a boat ride, or two, fell off a JetSki (I really do not like those things.), and had an overall fabulous time.

I’ve been back to reality for a week now, am just starting to get my sewing mojo and my work mojo back.  I think I may need another vacation. 

Coffee Cozy

It used to be that I didn’t know anyone in my generation that quilted or knew how to sew.  My hobbies were very solo activities.  Until about six years ago when I met my friend Toni (younger than me and just as crazy for quiting and fabric!), and discovered quilt retreats, eventually joined the my local Quilt Guild, and finally found a small group to join.  I’m now blessed with many like-minded friends who understand my fabric obsession, why I would use vacation days from work to go quilting, etc.

One of those friends has had a bit of success lately with local craft shows, her etsy shop, and now, a spread in the most recent Quilts n’ More magazine (Fall 2010):

Veronica Koh Eischeid is a paper crafter, seamstress, jeweler, and quilter.  These adorable coffee cozies are of her design, and are popular stocking stuffers, hostess gifts, and “just because” gifts…

I’m lucky enough to have one of her originals, I received as part of my gift from her in our group Christmas exchange in 2009…

Here it is on a glass (so you can see the cute inner side as well:

Veronica is also the creator of this fabulous circle quilt (getting lots of notice on Flickr these days) that hangs over the sofa in her home here in Iowa:

It’s even more lovely in person.  Check our her etsy shop and her Flickr photostream and tell her you found her through my shout out! 

Strings and Things

I got back into the swing of things this Sunday, with a long overdue sewing day with my pal, Toni.  Toni finished up an ancient UFO, a baby quilt top…and I made a few Bee Blocks.

This one is for Susan, for the Fresh Modern Bee that, due to some things going on in my life, I had to drop out of early, but promised her I’d finish up her block:

Then I made these fun string blocks for Terri, for the One Block Over Bee:

Using a paper foundation, these blocks go together FAST and EASY:

Now, obligations fulfilled, I am on to sewing bags, starting with a few coin purses:

It’s great to be creating again…