More bagettes

It's been cloudy with sunny periods today and the temperature managed to read about -10C. The sun is currently lighting up and warming my studio although it was partly grey and cloudy when I ventured out for a short walk with my walking poles. When I walk, I try to appreciate the moment, breathing deeply and relaxing my shoulders. It always makes me feel good to get some fresh air.

This morning, I cut out the pieces for 2 more bagettes. For the first one, I set a scrap of a screen print into strips of fabric scraps, added a stabilizer behind it, and then stippled and added a tiny bit of free motion stitching.

I know they're a bit more labor intensive than the plain fabric lining, but I find it such a fun diversion to do these little projects with my artwork. I really enjoy incorporating my scraps of prints into practical items.

This is the first kit, the middle sized bagette.

On the second piece I added a purple high lite with a few swipes of fabric paint. After it dried and I heat set it, I stitched a few free motion lines on the central motif.

And I got the pieces cut to go with it.

After my walk, I decided to put the smallest one together. It seems to take about an hour. In the end, I always find some imperfection. It might be another keeper. I didn't see any marks on the vinyl when I cut it, but there are marks now. Perhaps it's a lesson that nothing can ever be perfect. We try though don't we?

I kind of like this one too and hoped to use it for a gift but the little creases are very noticeable. We'll see how the next one goes and maybe I'll have to do more.Yippee, I'll get to go riffling through my scrap bins again!

I'm linking to The Needle and Thread Network.

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.