I've been looking for some other places to purchase fabric besides Wal-Mart, Joanne's, Hobby Lobby, and the one little quilt shop I know of in our town. I remember noticing a couple of quilt shops in passing over the years, so I did a little exporing on Friday. Two of them are closed, and one isn't a quilt shop at all, but specializes in needlework and yarns. There are two more places I want to check out. One is a sewing machine repair shop, but I just found out they sell fabric too. After that, I'll have to go to the next couple of towns over. They seem to have several quilt shops each, so maybe one day soon, I'll make a day of it and go check them out.
I did manage to spend some of my Christmas gift money though. I bought the black and white fabrics for a special project I've been working on, which I'll show you a little later. The Peaches and Cream cotton is for some washcloths. I have several medical appointments coming up and they make good little waiting room projects!! I got some Lion Brand Vanna's Choice Autumn Print yarn and I'm going to start knitting my first sweater one day soon. And I couldn't resist the Cotton Blossom charm packs from Moda. I don't have any particular plans for those, but I'm sure I'll think of something!!
This is my Swap Til You Drop swap quilt for January. The theme for this month is "Sing It, Watch It, Read It." I chose a theme that is not only a song from the musical "Chicago," it's also the title of a movie. This little quiltie was a bit of a stretch for me. I have never done applique before, and if I'd thought about it a little more, I might have chosen something simpler for my first project!! I found a picture of the movie poster on the internet, so I downloaded it, blew it up a little with my copier, and traced it onto tracing paper for a pattern. I did a coupld of practice pieces before I tried the final project. I'm actually quite pleased with how it turned out. 
That's one of the things I love about this swap ... it's been pushing me to stretch my wings a little and try new things. Last month, I did the paper pieced chili peppers, which was something I only recently tried for the first time. It was a lot of fun, and I can't wait for a chance to do more paper piecing. Now, I'd like to try more kinds of applique. I don't know how much sewing I'll get done this week. I have a lot of end-of-year accounting stuff to do for the business, which takes a lot of extra time, and that has to be the priority. The joys of being self-employed!!
Wishing for a great week for everyone ...
Terri
10 comments:
I'm so impressed that you are on day 9 with no smoking. And, Yeah, I'll admit it...I have not quit but I'm more disgusted by my smoking every day. Is that where it starts? I hate the smell in my house, on my clothes! I eat peppermint candies constantly, trying to hide the smell from myself. Isn't that ridiculous? Keep up the good work! They say it's the hardest addiction to overcome and you're over the hump! Way to go!
Good for you, Terri, trying to quit. My husband struggles with it, too. I know you can do it this time though. So, I guess you've been to the Quilted Cottage on the corner of Center and Gratiot? I assumed you were talking about Speedy Sew? They do have some fabrics and they are great quality. It is just a small selection though. I often find things there I really like though. AND, they often have a really nice selection of clearance...but I was in there the other day and there currently wasn't any (FYI). You should try Crocker's Attic in West Branch...I know it is a BIG drive, but pick a nice day and go. Also, there is another quilt shop right down the road from there. Both are nice. In the opposite direction you could drive thru Davison to Linda's Quilt Shop and then keep going to Ortonville to my favorite shop, Mabelena. I know what you mean, I try to stay away from Joann's as I have had problems. As far as online shopping, have you tried The Fat Quarter Shop or The Fabric Shack (can't beat that 5 dollar shipping. . .cheaper than these road trips!). Thanks for the compliments on the runner and it is nice to hear someone else liked the other 2 patterns!
You are such a courageous girl, Terri - good on you - keep going! Looks like you have done lots of lovely shopping and been sewing and spreading your wings there, too - nice work!
Hugs - Lurline♥
Hang in there Terri! This is the one time in your life when it is good to be a quitter!!
Glad to hear you are exploring your quilt shop options... never know where that perfect fabric is lurking!!
Hugs
You're doing it. Hooray for you. You can accomplish this!
Yea on the non-smoking! And, I love the little quilt. You did a very nice job on it. Haven't done much applique but, I plan to do some more this year...
Congratulations on your non-smoker status! Yes, you ARE a non-smoker!
Looks like a great pile of goodies from your shopping1
Congrats honey. You won the drawing over at my house. Send me your snail mail addy and off your wool kit will go! Be encouraged in laying down your cigerettes. You can do it and will be so much healthier for it!!
Congratulations on 9 days. You are doing great! I'm rooting for you. Your shopping trip sounds like it was fun.
Congrats on the NO smoking! Love the applique and the theme!
Best wishes in accomplishing all your goals this year!
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