After retreat

My retreat had it's ups and downs! I arrived at 9AM Thursday morning and proceeded to work on my Queen sized quilt. By Friday I had it put together except for the white border strips. Typical for me, I thought I had the math all figured out, but, while it is plenty long enough, it could have more width. Because the sashings are done in one long strip horizontally, it would look funny to add a vertical row. I either have to accept the  width or add another border.

There is about a 10" drop on each side right now.

Of course at lunch I couldn't resist some bird feeder photography. These are pine siskins which I saw feeding off a ladies hand on facebook. I stood outside for about 10 minutes with no luck. I'll have to keep trying. In the picture below, I was attracted to the beautiful wingspan when I noticed the one on the right.

I also had time to put together this zippered pouch from a bit of my painted and stitched canvas.

Friday night, I did not sleep well and was very tired on Saturday. I seemed to be having some shortness of breath and decided to go home after supper on Saturday. I had enjoyed most of the retreat at least. As usual, we had lots of fun and laughs, along with quiet conversation, sharing of ideas, fabric and supplies (what a generous bunch), and good food-- a little bit too good!

Sunday, I went to emergency and an ECG showed an electrical block. Once questioned though, and  it was ascertained by the doctor that I could get my heart rate up to a good rate during exertion, I was assured that I would be fine to go and see my family doctor in a couple of weeks. I'll likely be referred for some further tests.

Today, I've been low key, spending the afternoon in my sewing room putting together a little baguette from this pattern.

I made the small one from a leftover screen print that I had painted with Neocolor II crayons, as in my latest article in Quilting Arts magazine. You can find the link to the issue in my sidebar. Following a bit of experimentation with the new machine, I added a bit of free motion stitch too.

Even though my intention was to make a couple of these for possible gifts, I also want to keep one for myself. Although it's not really noticeable, I put the print in upside down, blue on bottom, green on top, lol. Good enough for me; I have some binding clips that need a home.

I hope this Monday finds you healthy, happy and creative in some small way. Tell me about it if you like.