Thread painting, 2 zippered bagettes

I've had a lovely day and I'm just popping in to show you my projects. Before I went out to lunch with a few quilting friends, I finished 2 more of the little zippered bagettes.

They are from an Atkinson pattern and come int 3 different sizes. I'm having such fun going through my printed and painted scraps to use as the inside of the bag that shows behind the vinyl front.

Even a tiny scrap added to strips of fabric works.

I got home around 2pm--we visited a little shop nearby that I hadn't been to that carries a little bit of fabric, zippers, buttons,etc and I even found my sewing machine light bulb there.

Supper will be an avocado, tomato, chicken mix, in tortillas warmed with cheese. Easy peasy., so off to the studio I headed again.

I did a little free motion stitching on the painted fabric pieces form yesterday. I only started a second one because the first one seemed to have bled a lot but it faded enough and I think it'll work.

It's actually easier to work on 2 at a time as one doesn't have to change thread quite as often.

I'm working form back to front. It always helps to see it up on the screen to scrutinize it and see what I would add or change. The shanties and the people are not yet worked.

My hubby is leaving work at 4 to come home and we will get a walk in before dark. It is sunny and finally warmer. I love February for the warming sun and longer days!

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.