Trick or Treat!

Started this quilt top last Saturday, and finished it today!  The pattern is called The Cut-Up and the fabric is Trick or Treat (sorry I can't remember the designer of the pattern or fabric - if you would like more info., let me know, and I will get it to you!) 

 Here's a close up of the fabric.  Click on the images for an even closer view.

Maybe, just maybe, I'll have it quilted by Halloween!

I can't believe it is Friday already!  Summer vacation is going by way to quickly!! Did I mention there was a fight between a tree and a riding lawn mower the other day?  Did I also mention that I was the one driving the lawn mower?  No? Well, there was a fight, and yes, I was the driver.  Let's just say the tree won = ouch!  One must duck a little lower when driving under tree limbs.  I swear I gave my self whip-lash! I can't tell which was injured more - my ego or my head/neck! Ah well, live and learn!

Well, that's all for now.  Take care, thanks for stopping, and come again - Elizabeth

Vacation!

The school year is over!

My Dad always give me a bad time saying "you teachers get it so rough having your summers off!".  My response is:  "Do you know how many childless parents there would be if teachers didn't have some time away from their students?" - not that I would EVER harm a student, but the thought of hanging them by their toes for awhile has crossed my mind :)

The last week of school was a little bittersweet.  It was hard to say goodbye to some really great kids, and co-workers.  Others, not so much. This quote comes to mind: "I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve.... " (Bilbo Baggins and his farewell speech in the Lord of the Rings).

Believe it or not, I've already done some sewing.  I've got 20 of 36 squares pieced for a quilt top and hope to finish it up yet this week.  Pictures to come soon!

Take care, thanks for stopping, and come again! - Elizabeth

News

After applying and interviewing for a new teaching position, I have just been offered a contract!  I don't know if I should do a happy dance or sit down and cry! It is all very exciting and scary!

If you've been following my blog, you know that the past few years of teaching have been physically and emotionally challenging.  This year has probably been one of the hardest.  In teaching K-8 Vocal and 5-8 Band, I have been swamped and exhausted all year.  I have never quite felt in control or ever truly prepared, and with my anxiety issues, it has not been a good combination.

For this new position I will be teaching K-12 Vocal Music.  It will still be a very demanding position, but believe it or not, in comparing the pros and cons with my current position, this new one wins!

With this new position, I will only have to drive a total of 40 min. a day versus my current 2 hours!  I will actually be able to be home before 5:00 p.m. if I like! This means I might actually have the energy/ambition to get back into a sewing routine - how nice would that be!?!?

Well, thanks for stopping, come again, and take care! - Elizabeth

I haven't forgotten...

...how to sew!

Twisted Pinwheel Table Runner - using the 5" Twisted Pinwheel Template / Moda's Verna Charm Pack and a chocolate brown border.
(sorry for the blurred picture!)

I have not touched my sewing machine since Feb. 6th and I figured it was time to become reacquainted.  We had a few disagreements in regards to tension, but after I tore her apart, cleaned, and re-threaded her, we got along just fine :)

After unloading and setting up at a local sit-and-sew establishment, it took me about 4 1/2 hours to complete this little top.  I probably could have stayed and at least sandwiched and quilted it, but I had had my fill of sewing for the day.  To continue would have led to mistakes, ripping, and frustration - better to stop while happy :)  Maybe it will get finished once school is out???

I haven't completely decided if I like the twisted pinwheel effect.  It's a lot of work to sew all your squares together and then re-cut and resew to get the finished result.  I really liked the look of just the squares sewn together, but as they became the pinwheels, the colors and design of these fabrics disappeared.  It's definitely a pattern that needs more contrast between fabrics - something to play with another day!

Well, thank's for stopping, take care, come again, and have a HAPPY EASTER! - Elizabeth

Spring

Here are a few pictures of Spring in Northern Iowa. 

Daffodils

Busy Bees

Hyacinth

 Went to a local quilt guild's quilt show today.  Lots of beautiful quilts!  Wish I had the time and ambition to get something crafty done on my end.  Just over a 1 1/2 months of school left with 5 performances to go.......

Thanks for stopping, come again, and take care! - Elizabeth

Easy Table Runner

I first talked about this table runner here, and after seeing Amy provide a tutorial and show several done in fun fabrics, I figured I'd share mine again.

Here's the 10 minute Table Runner - just ignore the wrinkles!

Thanks to all of you for sticking with me during my near month of silence.  I have been overwhelmed with work, and my sewing mojo (any mojo for that matter!) just isn't there!  Things aren't looking to bright for the near future either as I have 6 performances to get kids ready for within the next 9 weeks - no rest for the wicked! 

Take care, stop by again, and sew some for me would ya? - Elizabeth :)

I wish...

.....I was more interesting to visit at the moment!

Sorry!

I'm afraid I have no new sewing/crafting news - just haven't gotten around to doing anything!

Thank you for stopping in however!  Take Care!  - Elizabeth