Paper Piecing Teacups

I was in the mood to do paper piecing so I went online and found these patterns and decided to make these as coasters and hot pads for my kitchen.  I used scraps that was leftover from summer pants that I had cut but never got a chance to put together when I was in SC.  I got distracted by other projects instead.  I think I must have cut at least 6 pants pattern so that means I have 6 more UFOs... :) But I do like the outcome of these teacups. Next would be to sandwich them, quilt and finish up so I can use them.

Coaster

Coaster

Hot Pad

Fun Retirement Home

Mama Said

This song has stuck on me for the last couple days.....

Hot Hot Hot

Exactly how I feel.............

Bag as Gifts

Trying to feel productive and at the same time thinking of a gift I could make for the maid that was cleaning my room while vacationing in SC, I stumbled upon this cute bag pattern in one of the magazines I had picked up at the store.  This pattern was easy and small enough to finish in a day which was great.  It hangs around your neck and can carry some cash, key and phone which is useful for travelling or if you are a volunteer at a church or some place and don't feel safe leaving your handbag sitting around or in you car.  After the first one was successful, I started making a few more and they sure make good gifts.  I have gifted away three of the finished ones.  Have two thats been cut and will probably keep one for myself whenever I get to finish them.  My UFO's are building up again because I am overly inspired by all the magazines and quilting websites. 

Front View

Back View

Liberated Bag

I started making this bag pattern when I was on vacation in SC becos I wanted a bag that would carry just my wallet, keys and phone.  The first one I made was in pink from leftover fabrics from my quilt (I can't find a picture of it to post) and then when I got back to TX, I decided I needed a more versatile color to match my daily wear clothes so I made one with this fabric which I adore. 

But as I was quilting it, I didn't like the outcome or the quilted look over the fabric, and much prefer the soft unquilted look so I decided to stop the quilting and made one side of the bag with the quilted look and the other unquilted.  I feel so liberated doing this.  Its my bag and I can do what I want.

Quilted Side

Soft Side (unquilted)

Looped

Inside pockets

Fernando Ortega - I heard the voice of Jesus say

Yann-Tiersen - Comptine d'un autre ete L'apres midi

Signs of maturity

When I was younger, I remember my mom would always buy 'foods' like sweets, fruits, imported canned foods(cos they were expensive), even fresh vegetables & raw meats as gifts for our elderly friends and relatives especially during the new year season. I remember watching her and the servants sort & bag the shopping and then deliverying them accordingly.

As a child then I was wondering why she only bought food stuff........ as I was downsizing my collections..........I discovered the answer..........they did not need more clothes and 'toys'..... :)

When DH asked me what I wanted him to bring back for me on his trip back next week, I stop and smiled when I realized everything I requested was either food or health related......hmmmm

New laptop

I got back from visiting DH in SC and my computer(desktop) went completely out and so did the house alarm. So we went shopping for a new computer and I decided on a laptop instead. I had one long time ago but never got around to using it that much as it was heavy to carry around. But these new laptops are light even the 17" ones. Only thing is I have not been able to download anything from my old computer so I have to pretty much start over. Trying to remember old sites I frequent is trying..... :) Using the new software to blog is also trying...... I feel so ancient. I am a creature of habits and I am having a love/hate relationship with this new laptop. I love the speed.....yes, it is a very speedy laptop indeed......not having to wait for download to watch video or view photos is a big plus. I hate all the updates/downloads they force on you. I love that it is wireless but I have not got around to carrying it around the house to use it.......funny.

Anyway, being away from home is good therapy for the eyes cos when I got back, I was ashamed at how messy my study & studio was. So these three weeks before DH comes back for a visit, my goal would be to reorganize which will involve alot of downsizing my collection of books and stuff..... :) I have already discarded 5 garbage bags full so I am very proud of myself. But I need to let go of more.

While in SC, I watched the families who loss everything dued to the tornadoes(on TV) and I asked myself what would I miss most if it happened to me and surprisingly, I didn't miss much. So as I am downsizing my collection of stuff, I am constantly reminding myself of that revelation to make it easier for me to let go of them. It is working wonders cos more shelves are sitting empty now. Very proud of me..... :)