Henrietta Organizes

Henrietta organizes while she's here.   She spied my ZipLock bags with handles that projects should be stored in.

She folds stash as she uses it.

She keeps a box beside her sewing machine and neatly stacks blocks in it.

I'm not so neat.  I needed a laundry basket for the bagged projects.   This is more my style---

I dumped the laundry on the couch to use the basket! 

And this photo is for Fred.  I made 4 loaves of bread yesterday.   Henrietta loves the homemade English Muffin bread toasted.

One of our stops on Tuesday was a couple of Asian markets.  We were looking for Aloha Shoyu soy sauce.  And I've always wanted to try curry after reading about it on Tanya's blog.  Tanya--do either of these look familiar??

 

Friday Check In

A beautiful day in South Dakota.   85F, blue sunny skies with a soft breeze.  Henrietta and I have been sewing on various things.  

The Swoon blocks are addicting.  

Henrietta's Swoon blocks

Lori's Swoon blocks

Henrietta carefully chooses her fabrics for each block.  She may decide she doesn't like the block when its made and not use it.  I pick fabrics I like--make the block--and it better decide to "play well with others"!!  When we were road tripping on Tuesday, we did a bit of stash enhancement.  

Purchases on Tuesday

Henrietta has a joint project planned for the bundle of FQ's.   It was a free pattern received in the mail called "Summer At Mom's"  Soft pastels with lots of delicate flowers.  

I picked FQ's for more Swoon blocks--here they are paired up.

Swoon FQ's paired up

No rhyme or reason to the group--I just paired up fabrics I liked.  


We're running errands today and plan to sew more later.  Tomorrow we're heading to an auction, you never know what you might find.

 

Volunteering, Sewing, and Just Having Fun

Henrietta and I are relaxing.  I've been volunteering, and she's been sewing.  Ken is here now too, but has declined our offer of a road trip.  I think the mention of quilt shops maybe put him off!

I made another Swoon block before I left home---

I really like this block, the colors are more intense.  9 Swoon blocks make an 80x80 top.  I like the 24" blocks, and the directions are very clear on how to make a block using 2 FQs (and a bit of background--I have used Kona bone).   Very efficient use of a FQ.  Maybe I will look for a couple of FQ's today just to play with.  

And here are a few random pictures---

  

View across the river

Lots of water

Henrietta's robin--He was shy and kept a close eye on her. 

We hope to take more pictures today, Henrietta has been practicing with a new camera. 

Eat My Words

Yes, I have to eat my words and publicly apologize to Henrietta.  Last night while she was asleep I finished my first Swoon block.  Henrietta's were hanging right in front of me as I sat at my machine and pieced. 

Henrietta's are a bit smaller than mine.   But the colors and prints are very similar.   I never noticed that while I was piecing mine.  Subliminal suggestion??

I'm heading to my sewing room to search for some "poke your eye out" fabrics!

Perfect End to the Day

We didn't have fancy glasses (notice the South Dakota Pheasants?) but the weather was perfect, the strawberries fresh, the company the best.  What more could you ask for??!!

Monday

We're very busy here in South Dakota.  Henrietta flew in Saturday and we did some serious damage with coupons at the fabric store.   No stash report as I haven't figured up the total.   Maybe its best I don't.

We are testing a new product--a Salem cutting mat.  I like the color (white translucent with red markings).    I trim two sides, pick up the piece with my left hand while sweeping the trimmings with my right hand holding the ruler (I use a 6.5" square usually) off the table into the trash box.   This mat is smoother and bits and threads slide off easily.  The white color defines fabric edges for cutting better than previous mats (various brands and colors).   The red marking lines are legible without being distracting.  

The design wall shows our current project, a pattern called "Swoon".   Here are Henrietta's blocks---

The blocks finish at 24"--a nice size.  Although we will use the same pattern, I'm sure our tops will look very different.   Henrietta has a more blended traditional style, and mine is "poke your eye out" contrasts/colors.   Here are my blocks--

Yes, I'm busy ripping.  The pattern directions are great.  Following them while tired and on a sugar high--well, I'm still ripping and piecing!  Using my favorite seam ripper--its one of those "ergonomic" shaped rippers.  I use a ripper a LOT, and its much easier on my hands.  

Still raining here, but warmer weather forecast for the end of the week.  I volunteer all weekend, so Henrietta will get time to sew and nap while I'm at the Visitor Center.   Henrietta has not visited at this time of the year, so the vibrant lush green of the grass, trees, and fields is a surprise.  She's always said South Dakota has the bluest skies, today they are absolutely brilliant with picture perfect fluffy white clouds.  76F and a gentle breeze. 

Saturday Snooze

Yesterday I planted my tomato plants.  All six of them.  I think they look lonely.

Will I harvest any tomatoes before it freezes?  I hope so!  I'm hungry for a tomato sandwich.   Ken is spending time camping doing what he really enjoys---

Napping!  There's a husband under that blanket somewhere.    Tonight we'll grill burgers--Ken LOVES burgers.   Baked a hot milk sponge cake and the grocery store had wonderful strawberries on special.  A quiet weekend camping for Father's Day.   I wanted to sew, but I might wake him, so I'll read blogs instead.  I'm almost caught up with my google reader!  

Do you have plans for Father's Day??