Tuesday, November 29, 2016

I did a bit of paperwork yesterday afternoon but I was itching to get back to some sewing so I started a birthday card that is due very soon. The pattern involved half-square triangles that were then to be sewn together to make quarter-square triangles. I’ve done it before but I clearly didn’t remember how and my first attempt went into the dog pillow just as Pat called me for supper.

I was determined that today would be a better day, and it was. I would have liked to have tried some of my newly-acquired skills in invisible machine appliqué since this particular card had some appliqué on it. I thought by the time I dug out my notes, found the right paper and glue that it would take longer than doing it the old way. I improved on my zig zag stitch and I think that, in part, was from my recent class.

I also shook out some cobwebs for the quilting. I used a zig zag around the appliqué, a bit of stitch in the ditch and finished it off with some free-motion quilting. As I worked on the card I kept thinking about how great these cards will be for practice when my new free-motion templates arrive. The next time I have a card with some appliqué I will take the time to try it the “new” way. My next card is going to involve paper piecing and I wish I had time to sit down with my new book (from Houston) to try out a new technique I learned there. But just now I have projects I need to finish so I will have to stick with the tried and (sometimes) true.

I picked my car up just before heading off to the Doctor; the vehicle and I both checked out well! I have a new battery in the car, fresh oil and a gizmo that will stop the hood from falling on your head when it is open. I, on the other hand, have a couple of routine lab tests to have done but I was able to get the renewals on my prescriptions.

It feels good to be back at the sewing machine.