and the race is on!

So, I am happy to report that we have a new season of The Amazing Race!  So my Sunday nights are once again, the happy place!

Also, the day was off to a very good start with this little gems--

I  can highly recommend them as easy, tasty, economical and practical.  And I know this is driving you nuts, Dan, but they really are good!

It was also a good day in the sewing room, since I got to finish up this-- 

Mary Lee by Totes By Sandy

Plus, I finished sewing together the rows for this--

Deco Tumber by Sew Kind of Wonderful

soon to be displayed at Bear Patch and included in our Sew Creative event.  It uses a special ruler to cut those curves, and sewing them was a snap!  Well, almost!

the good and the bad

First, the good news--

I had fun with this cute big star, quilting it up in a bright thread color, with one of my favorite freehand designs. Curly-q's and plumes, loops and circles. I remember when I was first learning how to use my longarm machine, it took awhile for me to even be able to freehand a simple loopy meander design. I wondered if I would ever be able to do something more artful. So now having the ability to pull off this type of freehand design is very rewarding.

And what's the bad news? I am lamenting the elimination of my cowboys from the Amazing Race. I think I have been watching too much TV! Really, how did I get so invested in this simple reality show??

the cowboys ride again!

I was oh-so-relieved last night when my cowboys pulled themselves together and made up some ground on The Amazing Race. They avoided elimination, so I won't have to boycott the show!

I am sharing a couple of good reference sites with you today. Things I find as I read blogs, etc.

First, for anyone who ever wants to make purses and totes, there is a wealth of information on the U-Handbag. The newest helpful post demystifies interfacings. The site is written by Lisa from England, and she has recently authored The Bag Making Bible, a book I probably need to add to my collection. She also sells many of the products needed to make professionally finished bags. Bags that will make you the envy of all your friends! Bags that are almost as nice as my Kristina Koffee Bean Bag!

Next, a good site to try out if you are figuring out your own quilt designs or trying to modify one you already have. This quilt calculator site will help you with computing how much fabric is required for making multiples of several basic shapes. Also calculates yardage needed for backing a quilt of your dimensions, with explanation of how to sew the backing. I have always been familiar with making these calculations for myself, but after working in a quilt shop I am aware that most people would rather have someone else do that for them. If that includes you, I highly recommend that you try this site, at least for backing yardage, so you are comfortable with what you are purchasing. Then you won't have to rely on someone who might be a complete stranger to run through those numbers for you. I guess it is just a part of my nature to be self-sufficient as much as possible, and that leaves no one to blame but myself if there is an error!

And a quilting finish last night, my first collaboration with my own sister, Jan.

This is her own design and her idea to use complementary thread colors on the color blocks, which turned out well even though it is not so visible in these pictures. I used some geometric designs in the color blocks and then white thread in echoed arcs throughout the white area. I like the result, and it was fun to work on something that she made. Now to get it back to her in CA! I think she should come pick it up so we can have a little visit!