Sewing Like the Wind

Since Sunday afternoon I've been sewing like a crazed person. I found out Sunday afternoon that I was going to Arizona to see my sister and I'm leaving next Tuesday. The machine starting going with the wind. First up was my tote bag to use on the plane. It's a cross between a Charm Party tote and a regular tote but I added a larger outside pocket and a large zipper in the top. I had this cute bumble bee fabric from the Patched Works so I was good to go.




Next up was a pair of pillow cases from some sock monkey fabric that I had been sitting on for a while. I think they turned out really cute and I can't wait to use them.

A while ago I made quite a few cloth books for the babies in Arizona. Those got mailed out and then Jen gave me this one to make since I had been on a roll. Well I finally made it today so I can take it along with me. These are so easy and fun to make I think I'm going to see what other ones the stores have. Maybe I can add a few for Christmas. So far I've been able to find them at my local WalMart.

At the last minute I decided that I needed to make a larger bag to carry all my toiletries in. I use two pieces of batiks that came from my friend Sherry a couple of weeks ago. I think the bag turned our really nice and it's going to be very useful.

Last but not least I made a tote bag for my Mom who is also going on the trip with me. Well, actually I'm going with her. She needed something lighter than the big heavy bag she usually carries on the plane. I had these great batiks that I had been sitting on for a while and decided to use them. There are 4 different fabric patterns on this bag. On the front she wanted a large pocket to put her air line ticket in. I added the two buttons to the flap so she would be able to feel where the flap is since her vision isn't the best. I also added a large zipper to the top so her bag would be closed up tight. I took lots of pictures of this bag but just couldn't get the colors to come out right. It's very right looking in person.

Next up I'm going to make myself a few new watch bands to take along and hopefully tomorrow morning I'll run to the Patched Works to buy some more fabric for pillow cases so I can make a few to take along for my sister. I've done alot of sewing in a short time yet I've enjoyed every bit of it.

Barn Hopping

Today was just a wonderful day in the world of Cindy. This afternoon Jen and I went on a Quilt Square Barn Hop in Walworth County. It was a beautiful sunny day and just a tad on the cool side. Off we headed complete with a map, a list of the addresses for the barns we wanted to see and of course a GPS. The directions were relatively easy to follow and we had no trouble coming across our first barn. I was so excited because I hadn't seen these on barns around Wisconsin before. It was a great block. We also talked to the barns owner a wonderful woman who explained how she was on the committee that got all of this started and how they went about picking out their block and the colors for it. She even explained how it took a huge front end loader to lift the panels up high enough so they could be attatched to the barn. While we were visiting this farm we also got some Indian Corn and a couple of really pretty and different looking gourds. I'm a little leary about hanging my Indian Corn outside because I have a squirrel here that will for sure steal it and take off with it. He likes to sit at my livingroom window and stare in at me in hopes that I'll give him something.

I want to just show you a few of my favorite barn squares and of course a cow that I made friends with. She even licked my finger and I wasn't expecting such a rough tongue. We did have one farm dog, very gentle, who did stand up at the open car window while Jen was taking pictures of their block. We didn't want to get out of the car because of the dog so the dog came to us. All in all it was a wonderful day. Thanks Jen for taking me along on the adventure.

My Mom Turned 90

Back on October 2nd my Mom turned 90 years old. What a milestone that is for anyone but for my Mom it meant alot. Three years ago after her heartattacks we didn't think we'd ever make it this far, but here she is still going strong. I just wanted to share her picture with everyone. Just think of all the things that happen in someones life by the time they are 90. She was married to my Dad for 65 of those years, another feat. Mom has 6 kids and 15 grandkids and countless greatgrandkids. Some of us were able to go out to dinner with her for her birthday and tomorrow is another party for her. So Mom, here's to many more years to come and many more birthdays that we'll all celebrate with you. I love you.

My Mom is the one where I got my love of quilting from and she also inspired my daughter Jen and look at the quilter she's become. Mom no longer sews because of her vision but I know just looking at her that she'd love to still be doing it right along with Jen and I.