Disaster and Completion

An early movie and a dinner out afterward - it doesn't get any better than that. A nice end to a day that started with a dental appointment. Maybe that's the way to schedule in the future. Gives me something to look forward to instead of something to dread.

I worked on my applique 'adventure' last night and am ready to scrap it this morning. Somehow my fusibles got mixed up and I did not use what I wanted to. As a result, my sewing machine started skipping stitches like mad (gunk buildup on the needle) and it quickly became a disaster. Of course, I did the routine 'rethreading', rewinding the bobbin, cleaning extra thoroughly, changing needle (that's when I noticed the gunk) and then read the manual again. My piece of applique looks like an absolute beginner with huge needle holes and lots of skipped stitches (blanket stitch) - well, maybe a little better than when I was that beginner. Needless to say - there is not much to salvage from that project.

Now on to the next project. But for today it is a day away from the sewing studio. Other things take priority today.

On the positive side, I did get my puzzle finished (minus one piece). Big T swears up and down he did not take it. So I have one 999 piece puzzle completed and ready to put back in the box. I think next time, I am going to count the pieces first.

I also finished my block for the jelly roll challenge from Moose on the Porch Quilts. I love the shades of hot pinks and the chocolate browns. This is my first time to participate in a challenge. I can see where if you don't stay on top of it - you could easily fall further and further along.

Have you checked out the Spider Web quilt at Melody's Fiber Mania site? She definitely raises the bar for quilt art. I love her use of color and the total lack of inhibition she displays.

Hugs to all! Thanks for staying with me as I discover what I want to do when I grow up? :)

Marie

After Book Club

The book club is a fait accompli AND the dessert was a success. The mulled wine went over well because it was a very cold, windy day. So now I can relax for another year before I have to host it again. This is a traumatic event for me. I have to clean AND cook.

The book was South of Broad by Pat Conroy and takes place in Charleston, SC so I wanted to make a southern dessert. I found a recipe on the 'net for "Incredibly Easy Mississippi Mud Cake" and that is an understatement. I wish I could give credit to the originator of the recipe but it is not possible.

1 box brownie mix - made according to directions for cake browniesEXCEPT substitute bourbon or whiskey for the water
2 7-oz jars marshmellow creme
1 can deep dark chocolate frosting.

Bake brownies - immediately on removing from oven spread the marshmellow creme over the hot brownies. Melt the frosting in the microwave until liquid (about 45 seconds) and pour over the marshmellow creme. Allow to cool completely before serving.

It can't get any easier than that. If I can do it, anyone can!!! Needless to say, I have had enough sugar for the day (or week).

Tomorrow is back to the sewing studio. I am playing with black and white with a red showing through every once in awhile. I can see what I want but seem to be worrying one part of it. Maybe if I back into it, I can make it work. That works for me when I get writer's block - go around the block and approach it from a different angle.

I still have not been to civilization for my white thread. Actually, I have not been anywhere. It would probably be faster it I ordered it on-line. Meanwhile my wall hanging is hanging on my quilt wall staring at me. One book club member wanted to know if the sewing machine dust protector could be sized to cover her large counter top mixer. Interesting, I think it would work without much resizing at all. They also liked the 'chick and chic' bag with the bright greens and yellow - called it a happy bag.

I am still working on my strip blocks. I've been working them in color groupings and then will see how they fit together or what jumps out at me.

Hugs to all of you who care to read my ramblings as I discover a completely different side of me.

Marie

Water - at last!

Water, beautiful, glorious water. A shower never felt so good. The water was restored around 9:00 pm last night and fully functional this morning when we woke up. I haven't enjoyed a shower like that in a long time. Curious what we have come to take for granted. When you turn the faucet, something is supposed to come out of it (and hopefully, that stuff is clear and sparkly).


The quilt wall is finished - here is a rough photo without any props.






I started and finished a sewing machine dust cover yesterday. It felt good to go from beginning to a finished project in one day. I used pieces of lavendars and purples (my favorite color) to add a little brightness and color to my new home studio. Now the big decision is - do I use it or post it on Etsy (or both??)?

And here is the 'out of white thread' project. It is so close to being finished.

Hugs to all of you who care to read my ramblings as I discover a completely different side of me.

Marie