Busy As A Bee

GREETINGS!

My goodness! I can't believe it's been over a week since I posted. I guess I have been busy! My last post was about the disappointing quilting class; this one is about the fun of teaching myself!

On my weekly trip to WalMart I went to the sewing section and looked at their "notions". Well, to my delight and surprise, I found the items of tools the teacher said we should have, i.e. rotary cutter, rotary mat and a big ruler. And the best surprise of all was that they were about 1/2 price of what they were in the fabric shop! So of course, I bought one of each! I'm here to tell you, there is nothing like a rotary cutter; it's the best thing since sliced bread! I would strongly suggest you get one if you do a lot of cutting out of material. They are amazing!

So once I had my "tools" I figured it was time to get busy and create! It took me awhile and a few piece of paper to decide how I wanted to lay out my table runner, and which colors of fabric I wanted to use. I decided on 3 of the red pieces from what my daughter gave me for Christmas, and a very simple layout, or pattern. See below. The hat in the one picture is all you can see of Ronnie holding up the runner after it was sewn together.

After I had that part done, I made another trip to a different WalMart to buy some material for the backing and something for the middle to give it some substance. I had some batting that I had bought to use, but found that it wasn't apparently made for what I was making as it was too fluffy and unruly! What I did end up getting was some material like the stuff older blankets are made of; I don't know what its called, some kind of fleece maybe? Anyway, it works perfect! And I got some red and white gingham check for the backing. I think it will look great! I got those two things all measured and cut and pinned on the runner pieces and today was the red letter day...............I started quilting my table runner!!

I've done one whole row the length of the runner, and I think it looks great! I'm so excited to be at this stage. I tell you, when I get this thing done it will be on my table for a long time! It seems the first time you make something it is priceless because of all the money you had to spend buying the needed supplies and tools, some ending up worthless! ha And not to mention all the time you have invested.

When I am all done you can bet I'll have a picture of it on my blog!

In between my sewing I've been doing laundry, cooking, boxing up some stuff to send to my grand-daughter and going to the post office! We don't even want to discuss the cost of shipping a good sized box. My friend Judy and I went back to our old church last Sunday. It was nice to be welcomed by old friends, but sad to see how attendance was down to about 40. I imagine we will be going back there. The only down side is that it is 16 miles one way and it would be nicer to be closer to home. I'm sure Jesus would have a few things to say about that! :)

That all I know for now. Take care and God bless all of your days.