I almost had a “squirrel moment” on Sunday. If you read my last post, “Decorating for the holidays, quietly,” you’ll know what I mean. I almost got distracted by a shiny new nut in my possession. Instead, I made a quick cup of tea, assessed the situation, and found my quiet place. Whew! It was a close call.
I did have a really nice, low stress weekend. On Friday evening, my husband and son headed out on the ice in front of our place for a little fishing. We have about 4-5 inches of solid ice on the lake, which is enough for them to walk out and fish in the open or set up their portable house. While they did that, I dug out a WIP (work in progress) from LAST winter: my low-volume version of the “Happy Trails” quilt pattern from Lori Holt’s Scrappy Project Planner. I\’m in love with this project all over again, maybe because I haven\’t worked on it in several months and it was like a found treasure!
I don’t have a design wall. I have a design floor. Luckily, our living room is right next to my sewing room and it has ample space. With a Christmas movie playing in the background, I was able to sew together some blocks and lay them out on the floor. I’m not gonna lie, this is a killer on my knees. But, I consider all that up and down, bend and squat to be a good form of calisthenics. Ha!
It’s not lost on me how lucky I am to enjoy my hobby and watch my husband through the window as he enjoys his favorite pastime. I say my thanks daily. While I was writing today’s post, it dawned on me that I also wrote about our fishing/quilting relationship three years ago: Fishing, quilting & marriage. It’s kind of a funny post if you’d care to read it. Below I\’ve included a picture that Luke took from Thanksgiving day. Brad is drilling holes for the kids and their cousins. They didn\’t catch enough for a fish fry, but they enjoyed spending that time together.
On Saturday afternoon, one week after the tree went up, I finally hung some ornaments. I took a picture to share with you, and I made sure to light up our dining room and close the beautiful French doors so that you could see them. The previous owner had them installed from the farmhouse where she lived as a child. Being a country girl at heart, I am so thankful to have moved into a home once owned by someone who cherished those things from the past. I love that sense of history and connection.
On Sunday I while I watched the Vikings LOSE to the New England Patriots (bummer), I did some binding on Luke’s college graduation quilt. I don’t want to show any sneak peeks of that just yet, but I will say I am so happy with how it turned out. I hope he loves it. Here’s a photo of the fabrics I used.
During halftime of the game, I needed to move around a bit. So I went to my sewing room and did some organizing. That’s when the squirrel moment almost took hold. I finally had a chance to really dig into my November Sew Sampler box from Fat Quarter Shop. This box is fabulous! It features the lovely new collection by Lella Boutique called Garden Variety, along with a super cute pattern. I had the urge to drop everything and begin a new project right then and there. That’s when I made the cup of tea and went back to my binding. I fully intend to make the November box project, but now is not the time. Focus!
After the game I put my binding away and perused my in-progress projects. I pulled out a project that is near and dear to my heart. I’ll be making a high school graduation quilt for my niece, Molly. Her favorite color is blue, and I’ve chosen the blues from another lovely Lella Boutique line, Nest. Isn’t this a soothing sight? This quilt has now moved to the top of my priority list!
Thanks for stopping by the blog today and allowing me to share my near-squirrel moment with you. My quilting friends, you\’re keeping me honest! Have a lovely week!
~Taunja
Your WIP quilt is so soft and beautiful. Those fig tree fabrics always make a pretty quilt. I can't wait to see how you use the Nest fabric. I have been eyeing this fabric for awhile. I think you have also mixed in some Essex linen in grey? You are always such an inspiration for my many quilt projects. Sorry about the Vikings loss. I live near Boston and I am a crazy sports fan. How can you not be with so many championships in this city? Love your blog.
Taunja, I made a King quilt for our bed this summer in the Nest line- Ohhhhh it's so beautiful!! I made a Log Cabin and it is the coziest bed quilt. My husband loved it so much that he put it on the bed not realizing that I had to bind it! HASo for one night we slept under it unfinished. Your WIP is so beautiful. I just love your fabric choices and of course your patterns!
Your tree looks lovely! Ours is up too – I had a little help this year :)! I keep telling myself – less is more – and so everything is ready, except the baking, but again keeping it less and simple this year. So much to be grateful for. Pretty fabrics in your WIP quilt and the new one for your niece. They will be beautiful when finished.
Thanks so much!! Good eye spy on the grey . . . it's actually Moda's Cross Weave Black, but it has a charcoal look and nice texture. I'll be using that in the quilt. Oh my gosh yes, you are in an area of awesome sports teams. It's fun to follow them, isn't it? Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
That made me smile ear to ear. The husband who puts the quilt on the bed before it is bound . . . now HE is a keeper! Are you on Instagram? It's an awesome social media platform for quilters. Just pictures and sharing and lots of cheerleading (and not all of the negative \”stuff\” you get with Facebook). I ask because I'd LOVE to see your Nest log cabin!!
Thanks so much Sigi! So many people I talk to are saying less is more. We all must be a bit tired, but in a good way. Yes, there is so much to be grateful for in what is already here and right in front of our eyes and in our four walls! Take care and keep sharing all your lovely makes on IG!!
Hi Taunja, I used to be but ditched social media. But Instagram sounds like it's okay. I want you to see some of the projects I've made from your patterns. Glad you got a giggle out of my husband! 🙂
YEAH!! So glad you are on IG! Found you! Thanks!
I saw the frozen lake and all I just thought about was figure skating. I miss that but I am too old to fall. I love this quilt you are finishing upThe Sampler box is very tempting. We are constantly fighting the urge to start another thing, bc we want to make it. I am greatly looking forward to seeing the quilt for your niece Lella Boutique Nest is the cutest fabrics ever
What a great post! I love that you can look out and see your boys enjoying their favorite hobby while you enjoy yours! The fabrics you've selected for Luke and Molly's graduation gifts are awesome! Can't wait to see them finished 🙂 I'm still working on the Star Crossed Pines but I also wanted to dig into the sew sampler project! You have a nice weekend friend. xoxo