Is It Insanity or Squirrel Moments,.....

Or a little of both 😉

This seems to be my life these days...some days I don't even know if I'm coming or going!

Here's a little update on the family situation.

All our kids are legally adults the oldest being 28, our son 25, another daughter being 23 and then the twins are 19. Yup they all live at home with Chris and I and they all drive except one of the twins, she has a drivers permit but no license. So I am "Uber Mom" driving her to and from her college classes as well as her work schedule throughout the week.

Oh and I broke my left arm near the shoulder at the end of January, yes I can't walk and read mail at the same time. So for 6 weeks was pretty much immobile and unable to sew or quilt...hmm there is only so Netflix binge watching you can do before you go crazy, lol 

So I picked up a hobby that I use to do 30 some years ago; Cross Stitch.   

Wow cross stitch sure has changed over the years (for the better). Instant PDF downloads for charts via the internet, Floss-tube (on you tube) and Facebook groups all with the intentions to enable you to spend money so you can "Stitch all the Things"!!!

I have a lot of cross stitch finishes pics to share with you. The following were done over 30 years ago but never fully finished (just as framing).  

The Little Aviator from a 90's cross stitch magazine.

Foot Prints in the Sand

A 90's Dimensions Kit

This one I did while I was pregnant with my oldest daughter.

Then these are the ones I did since breaking my arm....

The monthlies are from Sugar Stitches Designs on Etsy.

Making this one as a house warming gift for my Cousins who are relocating to AZ.

This is the Taylor of Glouster A Beatrix Potter character which I have been wanting to do. 

An old kit that's been in my closet/cross stitch stash since the 90's.

Also  1 of 2 project bags I made to keep my cross stitch in. 

Here's a smaller version of the project bag with Aprils monthly in it.

  This one is a Lori Holt's Vintage Christmas Cross Stitch on 10ct aida cloth, not a fan of 10ct.

I have tried to use even weave and linen but always come back to Aida 14ct, 16ct or 18ct.

I like the look of the others but too much work to focus on counting the threads and the whole idea of hobbies is to de-stress and not add to it.

The past couple of weeks I have been able to do some sewing thanks to Physical Therapy twice a week for my arm. 

Last fall I signed up for the Happy Trails BOM from Stitchin Heaven, it's a 13 month program that started on April 2, 2019. Which was perfect since my sew sampler subscription just finished up with its 12 month quilt series (so I canceled the sew sampler box from Fat Quarter Shop so I could do this new one). This is block 1 "Wagon Wheel" all fused down and ready for machine applique.

I have a lot of quilt WIPS scattered all over my sewing space/ office in different stages. And I have about 15 that need to be quilted (was hoping to have them all done this winter/spring but then everything flew out the window when the arm broke). And at least 2 that just need binding and labels sewn on.

So is it insanity that I picked up cross stitch after all these years? And how much will it add to my squirrel moments? By the looks of it so far yes and by a lot!  

  

What's Up?

It's been over a year since I last posted...would rather sew than post in my spare time. But here is what I have been up to...

Sew Sampler Box Barn Quilt in progress. Started receiving FQS Sew Sampler Box this year and I am loving getting the surprise every month in the mail.

Swoon 16 king size quilt in progress using Lori Holt's Autumn Love fabric. My fall quilt for my bed (Thimbleberries Quilted Garden) is showing a lot of wear and tear lately so I need to replace it and I liking the swoon quilt.

I am doing 36 of the swoon 16 blocks and it will look something like this.

Here's a close up of a swoon block. Each block will feature a different autumn love print.

Lori Holt's Bloom quilt.

New studio pics....

I had my DH make me a peg board wall...love!!!

added 2 $30 white Walmart bookcases.

Packed with lots of cool stuff.

See the pink rug? Love this new addition!

I also finally got around to making my Quilt Diva quilt (it still needs quilting and buttons).

I put back up my Quilted design wall...

Goes so nicely with my area rug ;)

This Lori Holt min quilt also needs to be quilted...

Zipper Bags to hold Lori Holt's Sew Simple Shapes...

So my son moved back home a few months ago so he could save money and go back to school, which is a good thing and he's getting straight A's. But with this change DH gave up his office which was actually a downstairs bedroom. I gave up my office/sewing room space to him and took over the dining room space as my new sewing room (My longarm is still in the one car garage quilt studio).

I like my new space a lot...see above pics :) 

I also have been on a huge Lori Holt binge lately...so far I have made several of her sew along quilts. I have done Bloom, Cozy Christmas and I have the fabrics to make Sweetie Pie, Be Happy, Let's Bake and I am currently following along with her Autumn Love sew along and I pre-ordered Farm Sweet Farm. I am also patiently waiting for Lori's Vintage Christmas Book to be shipped and will be buying more Cozy Christmas fabrics over the next few months.