Back to the sewing machine

I like to do a little quilting each day, but got side tracked for a trip for a sick friend to Naperville, Illinois.   And then I went into  full cleaning mode for a meeting at my house. My dear husband was ever so helpful.  ( Cleaning is not the problem.   It is the creative piles of projects and such that need to be sorted out.)  True confessions here.  Please, do not tell. My mother would be aghast!

But I do have a much neater home. I don't quite know how long that will last. 

 I returned to making progress on my Snake River quilt. ( Judy Martin pattern) Sometimes it is slow going with all the pieces.  I am so happy to say I have the borders and corners completed!   Yeah, Yeah, Yeah!   That means I also got to empty the box of assorted beiges from 3/4  inch wide to 2 1/2 inches.  And I also get to donate the silverware trays for the assorted autumn strips which only needed 6 sizes.  This was a great suggestion from Judy in the book. 

And yes, if you have been following me, I made a similar border with bright colors and black squares for a previous quilt.  I got the idea from this project and used the same measurements. 

All that is left is to assemble the whole quilt!  

The second project getting some stitching  is my tiny America blocks from Sentimental Stitches in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  I get a 3 1/2 inch paper piecing  block block every week for the year.( One for each state.)  And I have completed 26 of them to date. A setting is being provided, but I don't know if I am going to use it or not. Some of them are easier than others.

So glad to be on track. 

So now I have a baby quilt to sew for my daughter's friend. I had a panel and assorted matching fabrics already in my stash. I have debated the borders to make for it. That will be a fun and quick project. 

Vacation in Branson

 I was able to be with all my family for the past week in Branson, Missouri.  Such a delight to see everyone and spend time together.  My grands are growing so much and I truly enjoy watching them try new things, explore the world, and gain new skills and interests. Sharing a condo together provided lots of special times and meals. 

Just having small chats keeps our connection strong. ( They didn't know I  provided a bag of bags for them. In each smaller bag labeled for the next few weeks before school begins has supplies for various projects. I also included a new slushie maker for them on those hot days.) 

Plus we explored the area around Branson. We enjoyed Table Rock Lake and picnicked there. And we got to do new and amazing things like a cave tour, an awesome aquarium, and a climbing gym. The pool was visited daily. 

I did stop at a cross stitch store for some new patterns and supplies. ( I am trying to just use up my quilting ones and didn't want any temptations.)

Missouri is so different from other Midwest states.  I cannot get over the hills and valleys: the steepness, oh my!  And the views are spectacular. 

And now I am back home.