winter blahs

 I don't mind gray days...I get to sew without feeling guilty for not going outside. But winter is a different animal. It teases us with two mild, sunny days, then punishes us with high winds, pouring rain and deep freeze temperatures. Maker up your mind, MotherNature!!

 Today started mild and gray, but turned nasty in the afternoon. I had gone to the local quilt shop to wallow in sale fabric. I spent a good portion of my Social Security check and have goodies to show for it. When I was through, I drove home in a snow flurry. Looking out the window next to my chair now, I see it beginning to collect on branches and shrubs.  

At the sale I found my favorite leather thimble! (Penny ate the last one, naughty girl!) I found a new Sandy Bonsib book, fabric and background to make a sea glass quilt, a quirky armadillo pattern I intend to make for one of my new step-grandkids, a fat bright quarter pack to make the armadillos with, Ruby Star 10" squares and two jelly rolls, and a jelly roll of solid white. (not in the picture) I already put away the three fabrics I bought yardage of. Two batiks and a beautiful botanical background fabric. Cha-ching!

I have to finish the bat quilt before doing anything else, so I finished sewing the center and cut all the pieces for the border bats.

Center sewn!

Ready to make some border bats.

I got the borders sewn to a vintage top I had hanging around, and quilted it. The binding was also made, and I sewed it on today. I'll be hand sewing a couple of nights; it is 89x100! 

With my new borders, this quilt will look great on the queen sized guest bed. I love both the fun 1940s and 1950s fabrics and the hummingbird piecing pattern.

Panto: Espalier

I found this wide back fabric in Hiawassee that looks great on the quilt.

Binding attached and ready to hand sew.

                                                              

You can't see the snow flurry too well here. This was on my way to the house from the studio, about 4:45.

The snow inn the air makes the whole scene look like it's behind a veil.

My daughter texted today that she got the package of her Christmas gifts                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     . The biggest hit was the box! Her cat Maxine claimed it as soon as it was empty. 

                                                                                   

Black cats can hide well in dark places...