Sew Excited!

After being sick the first couple weeks of the year, and then crazy busy with work for the last month, it finally feels like life is getting back normal around here.  And that means having time to SEW! :)  There's been lots of father-daughter time around here while I've been at the quilt shop catching up on some projects.  I'm feeling like one lucky mama after getting to sew all day Saturday and for several hours Tues. night.  It feels so good to be finishing things.

Here's a sneak peek at the first quilt top I finished:

and the second (at least I think this is done...I might add another border):

I'm also trying out a couple new things.  Last week I took my first machine quilting class.  The class was great; relaxed, with plenty of practice time, and lots of great information and tips.  Here are my first couple attempts during class:

Loops

Meandering / puzzle - you're not supposed to cross over

any of your lines of stitching...still working on that :)

And a new fabric pencil I'm trying out.  I tested one at the shop and it was NICE.  Can't wait to use it here at home.

And a few final fabrics to add to the Baby Floss pile.  So, so cute.

I'd post a picture of my progress on that one, but my tiny pinwheels are best left seen at a distance. :)

The best part of this week?  I got to leave work early this afternoon and went to all the antique shops downtown, and I have tomorrow off!!!  Having a "me" day.  Sew, sew excited!!  I'm planning on sewing and scrapbooking all day, so hopefully I'll have more pics to share tomorrow! :)

To close I'll share two more things that have been making me happy lately:

This lovely stack of fabric that's been sitting on my desk.

It's just too pretty to put in the closet!

And this soon-to-be-published book by Anna Marie Horner that I can't wait to get my hands on; Handmade Beginnings: 24 Sewing Projects to Welcome Baby.  No, we're not expecting, but the book has lots of flexible projects; dresses that can be modified for maternity or nursing (or neither), quilts for little ones, and so many sweet projects that would make wonderful gifts.  Just watch the video on Amazon; you'll see what I mean.  I hope it comes out soon!!

If that's not inspiring enough, it's National Craft Month.  So far I am loving March.  Happy Crafting! :)