The Ultimate DeStash Project

I've finally done it!!  I opened a fabric store on Meylah.com and I've added some of my large quantities of fabric.  Please go have a little look-see.  I still have many more bolts of fabric to add so come back often and take a look around.  The fabrics are name brand good quality 100% cotton fabrics, perfect for your quilting projects.  (See Meylah store button on right hand sidebar.)

I'm sure there are some kinks to work out so please let me know if you have problems ordering.  I am sure there are some problems with shipping as right now it is only charging an amount for 1 or 2 yards of fabric.  If more yardage is purchased, the price will have to be altered and I will notify you in an email. 

At the present time I have not engaged the International shipping function as I think it's probably not very cost effective to mail fabric outside of the United States.  No matter how inexpensive the fabric is, I can't see that there would be a huge savings once shipping is added on.  Please let me know if you think this may be an incorrect statement and I'll revisit the subject.

I have stated on each of the fabrics that if you'd like something other than 1 yard increments to please email me and I can cut 1/2 yard, 1/4 yards, fat quarters, etc.  If you'd prefer to order and pay by check, please email me and I will send you the amount due and once payment is received I will mail the fabric.

I hope you enjoy the fabric show!!  Let me know what you think.

Run, Tri, Quilt

The weekends are great aren't they?  Up at 5:30 a.m. for a nice 5.25 mile run.  Yeah, I know . . . CRAZY!!!  What was I thinking signing up for the Houston Aramco half marathon again???!!!  Actually this year was a lottery and trust me my feelings would not have been hurt if we hadn't gotten in.  But after going to Memorial Park this morning and running into my running buddies, I'm feeling better about the run and I still have quite a few months to get it together!!!

Afterwards, it was on to my first time beginner's triathlon clinic.  I was totally inspired and ready to go after that hour session.  Race day is October 17 so I've got a few more weeks to get some more training in.

Next up . . . quilting.  I got out the Accu GO cutter and experimented with some blocks.  Nothing fancy, but I made a few blocks for Leona  and Lizzie  who are making quilts for sister and friend, respectively to comfort them through the hard times they are experiencing.  My thoughts and prayers are with them and their family and friends.

Tomorrow is swim day and B. and I are going to the swimming hole to check out an open water swim.  Hopefully I'll come away unscathed!!!

So, there you have it . . . a nice Saturday so far and looking forward to Sunday.  Hope everyone is enjoying her (his) weekend.

Summer Reading

Look what just came in the mail on Monday. Yes, I ordered it on June 24 and waited and waited and wondered . . . what the heck??!! FINALLY, the books arrived and unfortunately I haven't had the appropriate amount of time to adequately salivate over them. I will, though. Trust me.

I also received my moleskin sketchbook for the Sketchbook Project. I haven't been able to "sketch" in it yet, but I have done a rough draft of what I want the book to be. My title is "It must be . . . ". I like it. Today I did a search for other fabric artists in the blogosphere who are participating in the Sketchbook Project and I found several interesting sites where artists are deconstructing and rebuilding. I'll tell you right now, I'm not brave enough for that. I want it to be "perfect" knowing full well that it's not going to be. I don't want the added pressure of trying to figure out how to bind the book again after it is finished. I guess I should just "do it". Hmm . . .

The Tree Matures

The piecing of the back of M's quilt was finally finished today. It took several more hours to add the last 20" to the bottom of the back. Most of the fabric used had to be fused before it could be added to the rest. I finished this portion of the quilt around 2:30 this afternoon. After walking the dog I came back and loaded the quilt onto the longarm machine. I was very excited to get to this point and start the thread creation. I used a new brand of thread (for me), Bottom Line, in the bobbin and I used a variegated Coats and Clark color in the top. Because the piecing on the back has a lot of different fabric thicknesses and holes and embellishments, the quilting had to be done slow in some places. In the end, the result turned out really well. It is still on the machine as I now need to figure out what to do in the white space around the swing. I also need to change thread color to do the flowers at the bottom. That will be tomorrow's project. So far I am very pleased with this learning project. I hope that M likes the quilt.

Doggie and I went for our Saturday morning jog and had a great time. B went to the Jackwood property and did some work in preparation for the new renters coming in. Tomorrow morning is spin class, more quilting and hopefully a real bike ride in the afternoon. So far it's been a great weekend. Monday will be hectic again. I didn't leave work until 8:15 p.m. on Friday, but you know what, it'll still be there Monday morning and it'll get done. It always does.

The Tree has Bloomed

All of the apples and pears have been cut and fusible interfacing applied. Yay! Tomorrow I will cut the leaves and iron everything to the tree. I haven't decided yet if I will zigzag the edges or not. It may depend on how well the fusing held up. I can always hit the edges when I longarm the quilt. I will also work on piecing the back of the quilt. I prefer working with only cottons, but M's clothes include a wide assortment of fabrics. I may have to stabilize some of the rayon, silk and polyester pieces.

Christmas for the family did not happen today. We are cooking the brisket tomorrow. I think it will only be Boyfriend, Dog and me.