It has been a very exciting week for me. First and foremost, my godson was born. I’m not entirely sure if it was Friday or Saturday but I received the news on Saturday during Open Sew. His name is James and he is perfect. I feel so bad for my friend because James weighed 10 pounds 9 ounces. That’s big right? I’m super excited that my friend, Ciara, picked me to be a part of his life. I haven’t shipped his quilt yet because I’m trying to fill the box with goodies for the entire family.
I met Ciara back in 2008 when we were graduate students in England. During our dissertation period, she left to Korea and it was one of the most crazy, worth wild thing she ever did! Later on, I went to visit her in Korea to meet her fiancé, Mark. Then, I went to their wedding in Ireland. I’ve gone to visit them twice since the wedding and we are able to pick up were we left off. It’s very rare for me to feel this way with people. I’m very grateful for Facebook as we keep in touch on a weekly basis.
I mentioned before that I have finished my first year as a graduate student. I have one more year plus the teaching credential. As a fun gift, my boyfriend bought me treats from England. Monster Munch and Worcester-sauce Crisps were often found in my studio flat when I lived in England. I wish they were sold in the USA. I really can’t wait to eat them.
Last week I began my ethnic quilt for the guild’s summer challenge. I’m quite happy how it’s turning out. I chose a pattern called Sparkling Snowflake but I can’t remember who designed it. Once I find the pattern again, I’ll give credit where it’s due. During, the spring, I began gathering material for it. If you remember, when I won the Shop Hop award, I was able to complete the materials for it. My nine-patches are complete and I’m working on the solid blocks. For the solid blocks, I’m interchanging two types of skulls. First, I have the regular sugar skull. I bought the Crafty Chica Sugar Skull from Sizzix. I’ll also be making a papel picado type of skull for the other blocks. I hope I can finish by the end of next month.
Sometimes I don’t get much of a change to actually sew. I have back up projects to work on in the mean time. I recently came across these Russian nesting dolls in my fabric stash. I bought the panel last year while traveling to Solvang. The shop is called The Creation Station Fabric and Quilt Shop. It’s such a fun place to stop at. I wish I lived closer.
I was able to stuff three of the dolls with all the itty, bitty scraps that I have left over from fat quarters, or squaring off blocks. I’ve been saving those pieces for over three months and I finally found something to do with them!
Tip #6: Even the smallest scrap is worth saving!
Another project that I was able to complete is the ear bud case that I started. I’m not too happy with the results. I like that it’s small but I had a difficult time with the zipper. I asked my mom for help because I did not know what I was doing wrong. She ended up fixing the zipper. The ear bud case will be attached to the library tote back when it comes back from the exhibition.
On Sunday, I had the opportunity to stop by M & L Fabrics. I bought a lot of fun fabric for a few projects that I have in mind. First, I want to design my own drawstring bags. I bought Finding Dory fabric and a few batiks for the drawstring bags. I also bought some fabric for a skull skull quilt that I have in mind. It’s going to be a simple Carpenter Star quilt. I received the pattern as a gift so I’m happy I found something to use it on. Lastly, I purchased 1/8 yard of the white and black Nightmare before Christmas fabric. I’m slowly trying to gather neutrals for the next Bonnie Hunter mystery. It doesn’t start until Black Friday but I’m getting ready!
Can’t wait to see what I finish this week!
theLatinaquilter 