Sewing with Friends
That is the sound of happiness . . . the sound of the dull roar of you get when you have eight women, a few sewing machines, and lots of laughter and chatting. The sound that almost drowned out my daughter crying herself to sleep tonight, she who has decided that she doesn't really want to sleep any longer than 3 or 4 hours at a stretch any more. My son, who had to come down the stairs to peek a few times, was amazed that I had TWO sewing nights in less than a week. Sometimes life is good like that. (Last week, friends helped me turn this stack into this)
I think everyone was happy to get out of the house (some may have used the word escaping), enjoy lively conversation, help with projects, etc. So often quilting is a solitary thing--It is so nice to have friends to help-- whether its pin basting your quilt top, suggestions on how to quilt the baby quilt you are working on (it was almost unanimous--gray thread, stippling), asking questions about how exactly, one does stipple a quilt, voting on options for binding, suggestions for additional fabric for a project, and the luxury of just sitting and talking. Not to mention hanging out with people that actually like going to the fabric store, or in yesterday's case, the awesome stockroom of Pam's online store, DelRay Fabrics. (More on that another time.) I'm lucky to have incredibly talented friends. And they bring gifts (above)! I'm gathering selvages for some sort of crazy selvage quilt. If you have any you want to save for me, I'd love it.
I made a quick stroller blanket for one of my husband's coworkers Friday night while he was out on an official guys night (what makes it official? Apparently, lots of meat, billiards, and Rock Band. The only essential part is the meat.) The stroller size quilt (about 30 inches square) is bright and simple. It is backed with the "nice and easy" (?) chenille-like fabric I bought at Joann's for this quilt. It is super soft but a bear to work with. I'll never buy it again--minky works out so much nicer. I also started a quilt top for friends of ours having a baby boy in a month or so. So many babies!Note: Its 6:30 in the morning, and despite being totally exhausted, I'm off for a quick bike ride. I have my new handlebars, a bell, and flickering lights. I should be good to go. I'm publicly patting myself on the back this morning for going. All I want to do is sleep...now all I have to do is wait for the sun to come up a bit more.