Sunday, February 11, 2007

A Happy Weekend




DH made yesterday a "Teddy-tate" day for me. That's a day when he lets me do what I want to do, when I want to do it, even if all I do is vegetate. He cooked lunch, cleaned up the kitchen from lunch and then cooked dinner (bacon cheeseburgers and crispy french fries - my request). I only had to clean up the dinner mess last night and that was because I did it before he could.

How did I spend my Teddy-tate day? First I finished up six bindings I am donating to Cricket and Nancy for HeartStrings quilts. I finished my siggie blocks. I was able to use some of my 6 inch charm squares and leftover cream fabric for the blocks. I'm happy with how they turned out. Then I started working on my red work “A” block from Bobby Socks.

Today was a day for me to play. First I made a small notions bag for my hand quilting tools. I had made a similar one before Christmas and use it for my binding tools. But I wanted another one. I pulled a FQ out of my stash and had a bag done in about 15 minutes. I wanted to be able to close it so I cut 48 inch strips of yellow, purple and green ribbon and braided the strips together and made it into a pull string.

Then I got the crazy idea of making Valentine postcards for my parents. I had some Valentine fabric I bought last year so I decided to use some of that. In the process of making the cards I decided to give machine quilting a try. I put the darning foot and plate on my Janome and gave it a whirl. Wow! How much fun I had! I don’t know what I was afraid of – maybe messing up???? Anyway I finished three postcards – one each for mom and dad and one extra one for DH’s office.

I wasn’t ready to quit playing in my studio since I was home alone so I pulled out my nickel charm drawer and spent some time trying to find a combination of nickels that looked like fun. Nothing was jumping out at me. I started rummaging through my other charm drawers and found a packet of Northcott Heaven Can Wait charms I received from a friend. I thought about starting another quilt with them and found a pattern to use them, but decided to wait another day to start a new project. Instead I pulled out my Triple Irish Chain I’m making with Jinny Beyer fabrics and put together one more 49 patch block. 18 blocks down and 14 more 49 patch blocks to make.

Now I’m relaxing and finishing up the laundry. Tomorrow it’s back to the dreaded office.

16 comments:

dot said...

Sounds like you have been busy but having fun in the process.

Evelyn aka Starfishy said...

It is always nice to have a day to yourself to do what you want. Sounds like you put it to good use!

Cheers!

Evelyn

Nicole & Phil said...

these look great, and lots of fun to do!
cheers
Nicole

Cynthia said...

what a fun day being able to do whatever you want for the day. You certainly have been busy.

Shelina said...

Wow, you have been busy doing so many things. I like the idea of that Teddy-tate day! So glad that the postcards showed you how easy free motion quilting is once you get to it. It is a lot of fun if you aren't too hard on yourself.

Laura said...

Sounds like you had a great weekend! Isn't it fun to get a lot accomplished!

Judy said...

Teddy-tate day....what a fun idea and a great way to get so much done for yourself! I think your hubby is a keeper! :>)

Finn said...

Hi SweetPea, what a lovely idea to have a day like that to yourself, and still have the daily stuff get done..*VBS*
Thanks for stopping by so often at my blog, always good to see you..*VBS*

I love your valentine postcards, what a great idea! I haven't tried any as yet, but soon. And finding the needle treader and cutters just when you needed shopping and shopping success!! Wow...that's soooo great! Makes the week worthwhile. Hugs, Finn

Libby said...

Sounds like a lot of fun -- a day to do whatever your heart desires . . . priceless.

Judy said...

Thanks for visiting my blog, Paula. I hope you do take the applique class and learn to enjoy it as much as I do! Some people really have a hard time with applique, but it just seems to flow for me. We do what makes us happy?

Nancy said...

What a wonderful weekend you had! What can be better than a whole weekend to spend however you like? My kinda time. I have a 3 day weekend comeing up and that's exactly how I plan to spend it.:-)

Clare said...

Sounds like you've been busy busy busy and having fun at the same time. Machine quilting! I'm like you - too scared in case I mess it up. However, I might just give it a go soon.

Darlene said...

A wonderful day full of everything good!

Meredith said...

My DH gives me quilting weekends that are just like you described. Isn't it nice just to take a break from all the real world stuff? I like you valentine quilt cards. I have only done walking foot straight machine quilting maybe I can borrow your idea and give fee motion a try

Linda C said...

Now that sounds like one smart husband, Paula. Let you play and let him wait on you a bit. I bet you return the favor too.

Happy Valentine's with your sweetie!

Marla said...

Wow! Fun day! I haven't been in my sewing room in 2 weeks. Am still catching up on blogs too.