Ready for a new Month

Today's Block Count: 5

I managed to get 4 of the 16-patches done for my Teal Quilt and got the last seams sewn for another Black and White block. I did progress quite a few of my Tiny Jacob's Ladder Bits, but sadly did not get them all done for this month. I really need to push harder next month to get caught up. I'm just glad to be done with February. I'm really hoping March will be a little calmer.

My One Monthly Goal for March is going to be a little easier (though I'm still planning on my Tiny Jacob's Ladder Blocks, too). I am just going to aim to bind this quilt. It's not tricky, it's just that I have to change gears from piecing, and change my machine foot, and clean off my desk, etc. It has been trimmed, so I just have to prep binding and attach it.

End of the Month (Year-to-Date) Progress Report:
February Block Goal: 196 Success
February Bonus Blocks: 160
Finishes: 2 
Tops: 3
Borders: 2
Trims: 1
Extra projects: 1 
January: Success 436 extra

Closer

Today's Block Count: 28

 Today I was trying to focus on getting my teal blocks done for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge. For me that means getting the monthly number for my Tiny Jacob's Ladder (80) as well as trying to get the blocks for a quilt in the month's color. I don't think I'm going to get either done this month. But I did make some good progress (in my opinion) on all of that. I got 8 Tiny Jacob's Ladder Blocks. I got 1 16-patch. And I got 19 of the big HSTs for the alternate blocks in the Teal Quilt. I also chose to start cutting for the Civil War quilt I decided on just the other day :P for some leaders and Enders. I also almost finished a Black and White Block. Hopefully, tomorrow will yield even more progress though most of the day should be spent working on getting through the book club book since that is tomorrow night.

In the great marble saga, Kyle had another x-ray today. The doctor drew this very basic picture to explain that the marble has not moved and both times it has been just inside the stomach next to the small intestine. He thinks the weight of it is keeping it from getting dragged out by food and has suggested we try getting him to lay on his right side when possible to get the marble to roll into the small intestines. We will give a few weeks of trying this with some monitoring weekly x-rays so we don't lose it somewhere it might create another bad situation. And if that doesn't work, then they will have to sedate him and remove it in a few weeks. So we are really hoping/praying that we will be able to roll the marble into the intestines. All the way out of his body would be best, but seeing that's is moved in the next x-ray would be the next best option.

And in the Katie is an idiot category. While I thought that Kyle's Articulation test was today...it is actually March 27th...so I guess I have more time to wonder about all these things. Of course, it is great that I am such a patient person (while you can't hear it...that sentence positively reeks of sarcasm).

One step closer

Today's Block Count: 4

I managed to get 3 more Tiny Jacob's Ladder Blocks Done as well as the February 14th Black and White Block.

I finally have all my supplies ready for the Long Time Gone Quilt Along hosted by Angie.

Also today while searching through a gifted box, I rediscovered some cute sets of rolled fabric from a guild member. They have a very Civil War feel to them, so I got distracted and decided on the project for those. It will involve pinwheels and double 4-patches and will be adorable.

So the month is rapidly winding down, so tomorrow and Tuesday will be spent in a crazy attempt to get blocks done and my book read for Book Club. You know, in between Kyle's Articulation Test, and attempting to get the marble to appear,  and helping in Nate's class in the afternoon tomorrow (if the marble allows). Speaking of the marble, if you have any suggestions of a liquid diet (chicken and noodle soup was approved) for a 3 year old, I would love some help. He has finally hit the stage where he isn't too thrilled with trying things that aren't favorites...even if he's liked them in the past, like chicken noodle soup and egg drop soup.

Long Day

Today's Block Count: 0

I couldn't get myself to focus enough to make anything when I was home today. I also got to spend a couple hours in a doctor's appointment followed by an x-ray and getting the necessary treatments for my son sho swallowed a metal marble on Tuesday. Now he is on a mostly liquid diet until he passes the marble.

I also gave in on another swap (I've resisted a lot of them). This one is the Fandom in Stitches swap. It's a mini quilt swap that is supposed to use a pattern from the Fandom in stitches site. I got my partner information today (I know who I'm sending to but not who is sending to me). I actually have a pretty cool idea swirling in my head for it...so I guess we'll have to see if it works.

Dumb di Dumb Dumb

Today's Block  Count: 0 + 2 Stitches.

This is the only picture I have to share for today. We started out the day with a vision and hearing screening for my 3-year-old. They determined a more extensive articulation test next Monday would be a good idea for him. So after that test on Monday we will be able to determine if he is bad enough to try to get him taken care of early or not.

Then during naptime I had some sewing time (after some "I'm really enjoying the quiet" time). I was working on a Black and White Block and needed a Leader/Ender but didn't have one. I grabbed the next fabric and my Shape Cut Ruler and started to cut some more 1 inch and 2 inch strips for my Rainbow Scrap Challenge projects. And thought my finger was one slot to the left...but I quickly learned I was wrong. I also thought at first that I had bounced off of my fingernail....but it was actually cut zlong with my finger. I immediately applied pressure and got my next door neighbor to come sit on our couch so I didn't have to wake Kyle up, and her husband drove me to the Instacare. Now some glue, 2 stitches, and a tetanus shot later...I keep finding things I normally use that finger for that are just a touch harder right now...picking up my 3 year old, opening my inventory on Minecraft...you know the important things. Now it is time for bed, my alarm is set, and we shall see if I can get up with it this time.

Fuzzy Headed Day

Today's Block Count: 0 + 3

Today has been another fuzzy headed day, and I think part of that is due to the fact that my 3 year old was up before 7 this morning...and already being a terror. He climbed on my counter and found candy...11 fruitsies and 3 suckers before I could get my eyes to stay open.

 Also, he has been playing with my VHS tapes because Daddy showed the boys what a video tape is yesterday. They have been playing with some 3d printed Laser Beak Transformers that transform into a video tape, so he thought it would be a good idea to show them. Unfortunately, Kyle is now struggling with the fact that these ones are not toys. Yes, we still have some. No, we do not still own a VCR (Nate ruined it years ago). These are ones that I can't replace, including some of the Disney Sing-Along Songs Tapes.

 Yesterday, I got to enjoy some time watching a live stream of a giraffe in labor (poor thing was still in labor when my computer shut off at 10). Which wasn't highly stimulating...but fun nonetheless. Then because I also have been working on my sorting system in Minecraft, I was also AFK (away from computer/keyboard) there while things were sorting on my second monitor. And since neither of those required my active attention I read. It was actually a really pleasant evening.

 Also, yesterday I managed to get 3 blocks done. 1 bonus 4 patch block and 2 Black and White 365 Blocks.

 Today, with all the fuzzy-headedness, I didn't get much done, though I have started a fun new tv series on Amazon called Just Add Magic. It's great, and something I feel ok watching in front of the boys. It's about a Disney Channel or Tween Level in my opinion, which is perfect for me.

I also went to Epic Sew Day. I trimmed my Vomit Quilt which means I should be able to bind it this weekend. I think I know what I'll be watching while I do 😀. Then a friend snipped at the threads for me, while I traced some tiny hearts. I only did a small batch of them, and then I sat there and cuddled in my Vomit Quilt and fell even more in love with it.

Tomorrow, I get to take Kyle in for a hearing and vision test as a preliminary for a speech test. We are going with the "it doesn't hurt to try" and the "better safe than sorry" and "he does already have a brother doing speech, and it's better to start intervention early" theories for having him tested. Plus if it works out, he can start preschool next year and I will get some periodic quiet time during the day.

Trying to Clean Up

Today's Block Count: 67

I tried to work through the piles of odds and ends and leftover bits from last week's projects. So I cut through all the extra strip sets I had after finishing my Cobblestone's top, and got 62 4-patches made. I also got 1 filler block done for Gypsy Wife, as well as 3 little bonus 4-patches from the end of the black and white strips for Gypsy Wife. And 1 more Tiny Jacob's Ladder. Since the end of the month is fast approaching, I'm going to be putting my Gypsy Wife away again, to try and get some of my monthly goals done...specifially the tiny Jacob's Ladders and the Black and White 365 blocks.

Also today, we had a Kyle incident. He came crying to me because he hurt himself (I still have no idea how he hurt himself). And I realized he had a marble in his mouth. As I went to try to get the marble out (so he wouldn't swallow it), he jerked his head back and swallowed it. So then I sat and comforted him. And someone stood there and repeated over and over again (with slight variations). "Maybe you overreacted, and that startled him, and that's why he swallowed it." (over and over and over again) Then when I snapped and yelled at said person they acted affronted that I would be upset...because obviously they were just trying to help...

Gypsy Wife Section 6 Progress

Today's Block Count: 5

I managed 1 block for Gypsy Wife Today. And 4 Tiny Jacob's Ladders. Most of section 6 has been super easy because I pretty much got all of the filler blocks made during Section 1 and 2, since I just did all of 1 type of block at a time.

Today has not been a super productive day, since I had it in my head that I needed (ok really wanted) to work on a new sorting system in Minecraft. I managed to get it set up and I'm quite pleased with that. Now I just need to send everything through it, but I had so many hoppers left over from the other sorting system that I could just feed them all straight into the new system. Yup...I'm a little nerdy sometimes...

I did manage to get up at 8 this morning. Woohoo. The boys still beat me up, so I still have to push to try to get up earlier...

Ready for a New Week

Today's Block Count: 5
Yesterday's Block Count: 1

I am really glad that last week is over. Now I can focus on the new week, This week we have Epic Sew Day, President's Day (so Nate will be home), and Nate is starting off the week sick, but no longer contagious.

I ordered the pattern and another solid fat quarter bundle (or 2...ooops 😜) to be able to do the Long Time Gone pattern by Jen Kingwell as part of the quilt-along being hosted by Angie starting in the middle of March. I will be doing it in Solids.

But after I ordered it, my mom said I had to finish my Gypsy Wife Top before I could start that one. So of course that got me thinking I needed to get it out. I dug it out (everytime she tells me something needs to be done...it's always at the bottom of the stack of bins), and actually got the last block I needed done for Section 5 and figured out my stripes (which was why it got put away in the first place) last night, and then I finished Section 5 up and attached it today before starting on section 6.

I forgot how much I loved this one. I started it last year as part of a quilt-along and lost control of it in May when the stripes were going to require some thinking that I didn't want to have to do. They are all warm fabrics and purples on a black and white striped background. The color inspiration actually came from a desire to showcase the blocks (black and white stripes) and some warm fat quarter bundles I had bought. There were some purples included in that and I think they have added some great interest. I also added a few more fat quarters into the set since I needed a little bit more variety once I started.

This is also another project that tends to need a lot of leaders and enders (as most samplers do) so I also managed to finish 4 more Tiny Jaocb's Ladders...and 1 messed up Tiny Jacob's ladder that will be going into my orphan bin.

This week I'm hoping to get more done around the house, since this week was one project/deadline after the other. So who knows what all will be accomplished. I am going to try to get myself to do a little bit of quilting each day this week, which for me will include any part that happens after the top is finished...so backing, basting, quilting, trimming, or binding because those are the parts I tend to veer away from. But I think it is safe to say that my list needs to be paired down somehow, and this is the best way...1 bite at a time.

Cobblestones Quilt

Todays's Block Count: 18 + 4

I managed to get 18 more cobblestones blocks done today to make the quilt a good lap size. Hopefully, Spencer thinks it's a good size too since he commented the other day that we don't have any that fit him if he is on the couch. This will also be super simple to straightline quilt too.

I love how it feels really random. I actually rotated the blocks a lot to get it more random...and so that I would only have to match seams every 4 inches instead of 2. It measures 60 x 72.

I also managed to get 4 bonus 4 patches done yesterday while I was working on my tumbler top, so I could show it during my presentation last night.

I've also been working some more with my (husband's 😜) 3d printer to work on some quilting templates. This is a set I designed for my mom. And of course I had to start a raw edge something using the smallest (and second smallest) size(s). The smallest size is 1 inch tall and fits on a 2 inch background square, and the next smallest fits on a 2.5 inch background square. They are sooo stinking cute. I'll be sure to get a picture tomorrow, since I forgot that yesterday...and I haven't fully unpacked from the presentation...ok to be honest, the only things that have come back out after yesterday, are the quilt for our bed, and the squares I needed to make the cobblestones top.

We had a great party in Nate's class on Tuesday as well. The mom's did a great job. We ended up having 5 activities, so we did my hearts quickly at the end.

 One mom had the kids race to see who could move marshmallows in and out of their cup the fastest using a straw. His teacher upped the challenge by giving some skittles too for the kids to try.

 Another mom, played a candy matching game with the kids. There were different colored hearts on the bottom of the candies. The kids got to keep them if they got a match.

 Nate is on the left of this picture. Another mom had a great crown making station. The kids loved it. It was fun to see which kids were very particular about what they put on and which kids were a little more relaxed about it. Nate was very particular, and he alternated red and pink.

And the last mom, taught the kids some fun songs to sing to their parents. Each group then sang to the teacher...and one group even sang to me.

Tomorrow, I really need to work on laundry and dishes in the morning, since I've spent so much time on other projects this week. Of course, I am also volunteering in place of the other room mom in class tomorrow, and I have to put up the teacher appreciation door decoration right after school. But after that I should get a nice amount of quiet time, since nate is going to play with friends after school. I'm also going to start trying to get up earlier each day. I've set my computer to shut off an hour earlier than it has been. My oldest woke me up this morning letting me know that the youngest had gotten 2 full sized kids vitamins out. While this wouldn't seem like a big deal, the youngest is only supposed to have a half...for another year. He then had a meltdown because I broke it in half. If this had been the only issue that has gotten me out of bed earlier than my body likes, I don't think I'd be worried. But just this week, we've been woken up by fights, kids playing in the bathroom, kids playing nicely and LOUDLY right outside our door, kids getting into the freezer, kids getting into the knife cabinet to get scissors to cut open a brand new bag of cheetos...for breakfast, kids getting things off the top of the fridge (you know where we keep things they aren't supposed to get into without adult supervision), and of course, more screaming and fights.

Monday Crazy

Today's Block Count: 0

I honestly wasn't home much today. The day started with a doctor's appointment for Nate, which revealed no answers to a baffling medical issue, and a someday maybe suggestion on an expensive diagnostic test or two to confirm that it isn't what the doctor doesn't think it is...but neither is necessary at the moment, so he completely understands if we wait. He also recommended an allergy test for rice, just to once again confirm our suspicion that it has just had a coincidental relationship to the problem.

The problem we are facing, is that since Nate got sick in June (ended up in the hospital with mild dehydration 2 weeks into a 3 week illness), he throws up once every 2-3 weeks in the middle of the night. And then is fine again for another 2-3 weeks. He also tends to take every illness that comes to our family and turns it into a stomach issue (including what is a head cold for the rest of us). If anyone has ever had experience with something like this, I would love to hear about it.

The appointment felt like a lot of "well if it was x, we would expect y to happen." Over and over again. Anyway, hopefully we can figure it out eventually.

On a happier note, I got to help at school today, and while the kids were extremely talkative, they were really good at working on something that most of them didn't want to do (finishing missing pages in their math books). I was really impressed with the fact that some of them even would look through and find the pages they had missed without bringing their books to us for us to tell them which to do.

On an even happier note, I found adorable little composition notebooks. I'm a sucker for notebooks, and then you make them tiny, and I have a hard time resisting. The fact that they were 3 for 88 cents made them even more irresistible. I was going to be good and just get 1 batch of 3, but then the boys each wanted one, so OF COURSE, I had to get the 3 different color set options. Kyle chose the aqua at first and then stole the lime green I had picked for me (so now I've started using the aqua to make a list of everything I want to take and talk about on Wednesday night). And Nate chose the pink. I love when I can give my boys the chance to choose pink if he wants. I want them to feel like they can use all the crayons in the box no matter what happens in life. I think life would be pretty boring if you had to pretend a certain color didn't exist because "society" told you to.

I also decided on a project to have the kids do tomorrow at the Valentine's Party. It's a really cool version of the woven paper hearts. I know for sure 3 of the other moms have their centers planned (we have 4 so we can split the kids up and rotate), but the 4th I asked to help with a center never responded...so I have made sure that I have an extra activity. I did it in October, too, even though I had all 4 moms tell me what they were doing. It doesn't hurt to be prepared. I'll try to get some fun pictures of the party tomorrow.

I also decided that I was ok taking the boys on our Valentine's date. With as crazy as this week is, tonight was the best night, but we weren't able to get a babysitter. Aside from Nate jabbering and whining all night, it wasn't a bad date. It did make me smile though when Spencer realized why I usually say it doesn't count as a date if the boys are with us. For those who live near Provo, Utah...one of my new favorite places is Zubs, they have subs and pizza, and the bread/crust is heavenly. They also have some board games in a cabinet, which Nate and Kyle loved. So while we waited for our food, they played with the Connect Four game. It also was not even remotely busy, there was a couple there when we got there who left before we were done ordering, and a mom and daughter (I think) who came in while we were eating. So I didn't feel bad when Kyle was upset over having to share his chips with Nate, and I think the boys liked that it felt a little more relaxed, too. I had the Italia d'Alfredo pizza...yummm.

Now I'm off to bed because tomorrow is another busy day. Goodnight.

Sweat and Sew Complete

Today's Block Count: 11

 This is the Sweat and Sew Day 8 block. I struggled with this one because the math was off on the original site for the half square triangles...so I finally gave myself permission to just do them as Flying Geese.

 This was Day 9's block. It is a crumb square center with star points.This is one

of the blocks I'm not very happy about because the fabrics are too much the same.

In between the Yellow and Black Blocks, I was also able to piece 8 more Cobblestone blocks. I really like how these are coming along. Though I am glad to be done with tbe Sweat and Sew, so that I can try to focus on this better to get it done in time for the challenge.

Of course, this is going to be a bit of a crazy week anyway. Tomorrow, Nate has a Doctor Appointment, then we have to go get treats for his birthday at school (since his school appointed day would be on the 14th). Then it is my day to help in his class. Then on Tuesday, I will be helping with the Valentine's Day Party in his class. It's also Valentine's Day...though we usually don't do much on the actual day because going to dinner then is crazy. Then on Wednesday, I am giving a presentation on scraps. So I have a few other projects to finish for then. Thursday is the deadline for the Cobblestones challenge. Then on Friday there is an adult church activity. I still have to find a babysitter for that too, since my usual one won't be around for it. Then Saturday is guild.

Exercise is Dangerous

Today's Block Count: 16

Last night I wrote my goals for today, so here is how I did.

1. Finish Sweat Day 8
2. Sweat Day 9- Started
3. Sweat Day 10-attempted
4. Sew Day 5
5, Sew Day 8
6. Sew Day 9
7. Sew Day 10
8. 4 Black and White 365 Blocks
9. Subcut Cobblestones Strip Sets Got yesterday's Strip sets Cut and made 5 blocks as well as another 8 sets of 9 subcuts to become blocks
10. Sew Tumbler Rows
11. Zelda Pillowcase
12. Dishes
13. Laundry
14. 15 minutes cleaning in my sewing room
15. 15 minutes cleaning in my bedroom
16. Sew more strip sets- Now I have more strip sets to subcut

In addition to this, I also tweaked my bad knee again...which really just means that the muscles probably pulled the wrong way during one of the exercises...Right now I'm really regretting not keeping up on my leg strengthening exercises...

I also got 5 bonus 4 patches out of the leftover strip sets for the Cobblestones blocks. And 1 extra Black and White Block in the wrong size. It would help if I read through all of the instructions before cutting, rather than assuming I know what I'm doing. It would also help if I would start them before 11pm on the night I need to post the picture to be entered into the weekly drawing.

Apparently, it was just not a good brain day period...because I had also cut the star points for day 5's block at 2.5 (for the 6.5 inch block instructions instead of 4.5 for the 12.5 inch block). I still like it though.

Now it's really time to go to bed because I keep mistyping EVERYTHING. But I do want to put down my goals for tomorrow first.

1. Sweat Day 9
2. Laundry
3. Sweat Day 10
4. Dishes
5, Sew Day 8
6. Sew Day 9
7. Sew Day 10
8. Zelda Pillowcase
9. Subcut Cobblestones Strip Sets
10. Sew Tumbler Rows
11. 15 minutes cleaning in my sewing room
12. 15 minutes cleaning in my bedroom
13. Sew more strip sets- Now I have more strip sets to subcut

14. Trim Vomit quilt

Extra Quilt Begun

Today's Block Count: 0

While I didn't get any blocks done today, I did finish up my rows for my Second Tumbler Quilt, so I need to focus on putting those rows together tomorrow.

I also cut 2.5 inch neutral strips today for my Cobblestones Quilt. I also pulled all of the dark strips I will need (or at least a majority of them). When doing a lot of strip piecing with uneven strip lengths, I like to measure my strips as I set them aside to be used. I calculate the total length I need and I add 1 inch for each of the strips I use (to try to help with the offset that happens when strips have leftover ends that are not big enough for the subcuts, but were counted in the original measure). I only measure 1 of the fabric sets, so for this one I measured the darks since that made it easier to get a good variety.

Tomorrow, I will aim to get those strips subcut. I think I will cut 9 strip sets at a time then they will be nicely paired for a block.

I also was reminded of another challenge I wanted to do (I'm a sucker for Challenges). This one is the #SewmyStash2017firstchallenge. The idea for this one is to take a fabric or a bundle that you love and have been holding on to for the "perfect" project and make something with it. If we make a quilt, it just has to be a top. So then, I started going through my fabric in my head (why is it these things always seem to come to my attention at bedtime...) trying to decide what some of my "precious" fabric is. I came up with: 1) my Blueberry Park Layer Cake, 2) my pokemon charm pack, 3)my Lizzy House Butterflies Fat Quarters, 4) my Dragonflies Layer Cake, and 5) a yard of a Zelda fabric.

I think I've decided to try to use 3 of these. The first will be the Zelda fabric. I want to make a pillowcase for Spencer for Valentine's Day. If I cut the cuff a little bit bigger and the main part a little smaller), I might even be able to make a second one for me, using the Zelda Fabric as the cuff instead. The other 2 I want to use is the Blueberry Park Layer Cake and rhe Dragonflies Layer Cake. I found 2 patterns on Moda Bakeshop, Mosaic and Colorweave. I'm not really sure which one to use where...but I think right now I'm leaning more toward Mosaic for the Blueberry Park, and Colorweave for the Dragonflies. What do you think?

So my goals for tomorrow are (in no particular order):
1. Finish Sweat Day 8
2. Sweat Day 9
3. Sweat Day 10
4. Sew Day 5
5, Sew Day 8
6. Sew Day 9
7. Sew Day 10
8. 4 Black and White 365 Blocks
9. Subcut Cobblestones Strip Sets
10. Sew Tumbler Rows
11. Zelda Pillowcase
12. Dishes
13. Laundry
14. 15 minutes cleaning in my sewing room
15. 15 minutes cleaning in my bedroom
16. Sew more strip sets

I think it looks like I might need a 48 hour day, but hey, if I push for the goal, maybe I can get quite a bit done before bed tomorrow.

Winter Solstice Challenge Begun

Today's Block Count: 4

Yesterday while cleaning up my room, I found a perfect pink fabric (and lots of it) for my planned Winter Solstice Quilt that Pat Sloan is designing. We get 1 block each Wednesday and it will run from Winter Solstice to Summer Solstice. Yesterday we go block 8. So I got half of the blocks done today. It was a nice change from one I have been doing because it was big pieces in big blocks. I know 12 inch blocks are small for some people...but they feel giant when the blocks you have been making are 3 inch.

Even my 16 patches feel big some days at 6 inches.



While saving the patterns for this, this afternoon, I found that she had also issued a challenge to make a quilt top using block 4 (top right). I looked, but was unhopeful that it was still going on, and lo and behold, it is still open until Thursday the 16th. So I am going to do it with random scraps. If I work fast enough, I can get it done by Wednesday afternoon, and share it at my scrap presentation that night.

This challenge is also why I only got 4 blocks done. I'm a bit of a rule follower, and I like sequence. So, I didn't want to move on to block 5 if the challenge was for block 4. I've also had other projects come to a screeching halt if I am waiting for more supplies to come....even if I could work on a different part. I had it happen with the Splendid Sampler too, while I was working on catching up. I had to wait for wash away stabilizer for an embroidery block...and I tried to push myself to make the next block. I did manage 1....but I couldn't get myself to make another out of order.

I've also seen this happen with homework assignments (in college or high school) and in my exercising. I would often work on the things that were late before I would work on the things that were due next. Anyway, my goal for tomorrow will be to alternate 15 minutes exercise and 15 minutes working on this challenge quilt. I may have to switch it to 10 minutes on the exercise because the 15 minutes was kind of brutal tonight.

Part of me is really going to miss the daily exercise expectation. It is nice to have someone telling me what I should do to exercise each day and the accountability part of it.

Anyway, Goodnight.

Onward

Today's Block Count: 5 + 2

 These little hexie flowers were sewn on Sunday at Church. I keep these in an old pill container and when I'm having trouble sitting still I pull them out. After having taught 5 year olds last year, it can be hard to sit through adult Sunday School some Sundays.

 This is a make-up block. It was for Day 4 of the Sweat and Sew. I started fighting a very serious headache (light, sound, and movement aggravated) about the middle of the afternoon. It could be any, all, or some combination of not enough sleep, exercise fatigue, dehydration, body adjusting to normal hydration again. (I've gotten really lax on my drinking lately...most days it's a struggle to even get 32 oz...), etc. Anyway, so all morning and then from the minute he got home from school, Nate kept asking when we were going to exercise. He's been loving it. At that point, I was sitting in my room with the lights off and my computer screen's brightness turned way down. So we went out into the hallway, and I had just a little light coming from a doorway, and we did our exercise for the day. I'm glad he got me out there. Tomorrow, I have to work a little bit harder because I am still 2 days behind.

 This was Day 7's block and 3 16-patches, for my Sea Green Patches and Pinwheels quilt for the month.

I've also begun to try to create templates using my husband's 3d printer. This was last night's attempt. I managed a much better version today, by removing the pointy corners. The idea is to allow fussy cutting through the center and it has approximately a 3/8 inch seam allowance, so it will be great for English Paper Piecing. My main goal is to get a set made for myself, and if I get it to a point that I feel ok selling them, I will contact the designer of the quilt(s) I've done them for, and ask for permission to sell them. I'm not pushing myself to hurry with this, just trying to put in 10 minutes a day. I'm still learning then software.

1 other point for tonight. I asked my husband what 1 thing he would like me to get done. (I'm trying to get help focusing on a task each day, and hoping it will make it easier for him to see what I got done, and less likely to wonder why I didn't think the same thing was important.) He responded with cleaning up the playroom. I pushed myself to get it cleaned up just as my headache was starting (during naptime). It looked really good when I was done. Nate was really excited to see it clean when he got home, and even talked about putting toys away when he was done with them to keep it clean (of course, now it's his idea despite us telling him for years...). But after Kyle got up, it went downhill fast. By Bedtime...it looked just as bad as it had before I cleaned. It was rather disheartening. It made me want to cry when my husband and I looked at it just after putting the boys to bed. To my husband's credit, he just held me and thanked me for doing it anyway.

I did also do some massive tidying in my sewing room tonight. I managed to get the ginghams down for my Quilt Your Weight Off Swoon. I also have a giant stack of fabrics awaiting wrapping on the comic book boards to be put away. I also found the perfect hot pink to use for the Winter Solstice Challenge (will be black and white with pink accents). I also have a list of about half a dozen other quilts I found to be added to my Projects list. I will add those tomorrow... Right now, it is waaaaayyy past bedtime.

Tumbling Into Rows

Today's Block Count: 1

I only managed 1 Tiny Jacob's Ladder in Sea Green today. I have enough half square triangles for several more quilts, but my 4 patches tend to go slower.

My second Tumbler quilt is nearly a top. It's crazy how fast this one seems to be going together. I have 2 rows completely done and ready to be sewn to each other, and several more rows that just need 1 more tumbler. There are a few that need more...but none of them need a ton.

I also worked up a sweat for Sweat and Sew Day 7. I have the block nearly done...but was having fun putting all available seams through the machine before having to dechain (I dislike Dechaining 😛 ). That's part of why I seem to be able to get so many projects done at the same time. I literally have several going under my needle every day. Today it was 4; Tiny Jacob's Ladder, Tumblers, Sea Green Patches and Furrows, and Day 7 Sweat and Sew.

Today for my workout, Nate followed along for pretty much all of it. I had to split it in 2 parts because I needed to eat and get Nate off to school, so the last bit was done by myself. I also discovered a nasty looking bruise from my Baby Crow Poses yesterday. It was probably me trying to hard to wedge the same knee into my arm to start everytime. Also while trying to get started on today's exercises (used a lot of planks again) Kyle did a headstand right next to me. Then I tried to get video of it again, and he couldn't get his legs up. I love that the boys are interested in my exercising. I do wish Nate hadn't said "This is so easy," so many times. But his counting helped to get me to not stop as soon as I wanted to everytime (didn't want to be outdone by the 5 year old). His absolute favorite part of today's exercise was the Pyramid Pose Floats.

Now you can enjoy the cuteness that was Kyle trying to get back into a headstand.

En Provence Parts Done

Today's Block Count: 83 + 1

I found a bonus block from yesterday that I forgot to include in my count. It was an extra from when I made the black and white block yesterday since it had used the 2 half square triangles from a square method.

 This is my Day 6 Sweat and Sew Block. I decided that instead of trying to continue to work in order, I should make sure that the current day's is done before I work on catching up. I'll do some more catchup tomorrow.

 I got caught up on my Black and White Blocks again with these 2. I also managed to sew (or finish sewing) all of the quarter square triangles for the last clue of En Provence. The only thing left to do is to cut some yellow squares and then I can start putting blocks together. I'm kind of excited about that...even though I'm not sure if I really like the quilt... But on the plus side, once the top is done, that's one of my 4 UFOs off my list for the year.

I also have begun on my sea green Tiny Jacob's Ladders. I also decided that while I am cutting pieces for that, I'm also going to cut 2 inch squares for 4-patch and Furrows. I found a nice dark brown and a peachy cream to use for the furrows. I think this will be a simple enough pattern that I should have no trouble addingnthese in while working on the Tiny Jacob's Ladders.

Tonight while exercising I was supposed to be doing some hops and baby crow poses. I knew I would dread it less if I had a workout buddy, and I knew Kyle would love the hopping. I was completely right about that. He had the biggest grin on his face as we were hopping. He kept hopping in my way, but it was cute. Then when I went to try the baby crow pose, he did this. I had to get a bit stern with him a minute later as he kept trying to crawl on top of my back, knock my feet off the stairs, lay underneath between my legs, and under my butt. Then once he realized that Mommy was not ok with that...he went and got his blankets and pillows and laid down next to me...

Missed a Few

Today's Block Count: 4
Today's Yesterday's Block Count: 27
Day Before Yesterday's Block Count: 26
Day Before Day Before Yesterday's Block Count: 34

Doh! I had this 98% ready to post yesterday, and then went to bed and forgot to finish it.

 This was my last block for yesterday. It was the end of another week....so I'm especially upset with myself for not getting a picture of them week's blocks yesterday since that meant I didn't get myself entered into the drawing. But I guess I will survive since staying caught up is the biggest part of that goal.

 I also managed to finish up my Day 3 block for Sweat and Sew...it is bad enough...I might have to make another...but I will wait and see how the others turn out. There wasn't as much contrast in the fat quarter bundle as would really be good...and I didn't want to use the good yellow and good black too much in the beginning since this still has another week of blocks to go.

I also got the last 2 purple Tiny Jacob's Ladders done. So now it is on to sea green. She described it as being teal, and turquoise, and basically all the fabrics that fall between green and blue that are harder to use. So tonight I went through my green bin (it's still in the drawers on my desk since that is the color I am supposed to be working on for the Rainbow 365) and grabbed everything out that read more blue when combined with the sea of green. I think while I'm at it I'm going to try to make a few extra tiny 4 patches...since I way over did on my purple half square triangles, so I'll have just a few crossovers.

I also want to try to come up with another simple quilt (really want to aim for twin if I can) to use some of the scraps in. I only managed a baby size last month...which may be all I can do again this month, but I don't really want to do that strippy quilt again this month...maybe I should do 4 patches or 9 patches with 2.5 inch squares. What do you guys think?

This one could be fun with the 4 patches/16 patches just being scrappy instead of coordinating, and black and white Half Square Triangles. Or a 2 color Split 9-Patch. Or this one. I could also be up for a Half Square Triangle something, or an orange peel...or half hexagons...really kind of anything. Let me know if you have any ideas.

I also managed 1 more Black and White Block. I also have been making some good progress on my second Tumbler Quilt and have cut and halfway sewn the quarter square triangles for part 7 of En Provence. I've really been enjoying the sending of fabric through my machine. Here's hoping for more progress tomorrow. Happy Sewing.


Read the part below this as though it is a day old (because it is).

So I fell a little behind on my blog posts the last couple days, because I usually do it after my computer shuts off at 11...but I've let myself stay up much later than I should have, and I've just fallen into bed and fallen asleep instead. I'm going to start working on my posts during the day as I accomplish things. So it may look a little different

So without further ado, the day before yesterday was spent working on the Tiny Jacob's Ladder Blocks again. I'm almost done with my purples. I got 34 done that day.

Then, yesterday, I managed to get 4 more Tiny Jacob's Ladders done, 1 Black and White Block, and my Day 2 #sweatandsew1 block, and 20 quarter square triangles for En Provence. Slow and steady progress will lead to finished objects.

Part of my sewing today was to try to finish up the purple Tiny Jacob's Ladders. So far I have finished 3 more...which means I just need to cut a few more 4 patches to finish those up. I also have another 23 of the quarter square triangles for En Provence which finishes up part 6. Now I can cut for part 7.