This is all that is on the wall today. I have decided to work on one BOM a week this month and since the fabrics for the owls was already out, this is the BOM for me. At the top left is the block I completed this weekend.
I believe they are the last set of three in one block. I am amazed at how much time it takes to draw the pieces and then cut them individually out, find just the right fabrics where I am not repeating fabric combinations, fuse the pattern pieces to the fabric, cut each piece out, place the pieces together so they look right, fuse the pieces together and then fuse the completed appliqué to the background. And that, just in time to do it all over gain for the next month.
And on Saturday the March patterns came out. So I printed all of them (except the one that doesn’t come out until the 15th, of course). As I took them to the studio I found just looking at the patterns made me tired so I spent some time just sitting in the recliner, looking at what was ahead of me. 
Then I got busy drawing the pieces for March. I was just beginning to cut them out when I realized that it was time for Sunday dinner so that has been put off until today. I will cut the pieces as a break from laundry.
Part of the reason this weekend was lost to quilting was that DH and I went to a quilt show in Prattville, AL. The quilts were great and there was a wonderful selection of vendors. I didn’t take pictures of the quilts but I did of this jacket because I think it may be the inspiration for a blue one for me. It is a sweatshirt jacket but the outer fabric looks like suede. the back is also squares on point but they are larger squares. I have made three sweatshirt jackets but really need a blue one to go with my many pair of jeans.
The other really interesting vendor was one who makes a stand-up quilter using featherweights. All the wiring is in the base under the machine and it comes with a light and stitch regulator in the handle. Very tiny throat space but cute as a button.
At the quilt show I attended a couple of weeks ago I bought this new iron. It has a steam generator built into it and blows a strong steady stream of steam (try saying that three times). It has a constant heat setting, does not scorch, and lets the steam do the work. For pressing I really like it, my seams press very flat and I can let the iron sit on my fabric while I fuss with it and don’t have to worry about burning anything. I even think my ironing board covers will last longer. The only problem I have is that it doesn’t heat enough to fuse for applique: I don’t think steam will help the fusing process. So I am using an old iron for fusing but the new one for everything else. I’ll have to wait a while to see how long it lasts.
My plan for this weekend was housework on Friday, Quilt show on Saturday and studio time on Sunday. Well the first two were accomplished but on Sunday DH decided he wanted taco pizza and the closest place is almost 60 miles away so off we went. And since it was 72F as we left we decided it was the perfect day to put the top down and let the wind blow through our hair …… well my hair. The sun was out, it got up to 81, and was a great day to be on the road. Needless to say, life and convertible weather does get in the way of the quilting experience.Today is gray and rainy, the perfect day to stay inside and do laundry. And, of course, occasionally draw, cut, and fuse owls.
Have a great week everybody and if it is snowing where you live, STAY OFF THE ROADS!! Gari
