String Theory

It was a week of strings. My theory is that quilters who are obsessed with strings (*cough cough*) will let all other sewing projects go in hectic times or times where the calming influence of easy, mindless sewing are required. As an example, I offer myself.

The list of projects in my sewing pipeline is longer than Donald Trump’s Pinocchio nose, but all other projects were forsaken this week. And I don’t regret it one bit.

I sewed four sets of 15 string blocks (6.5” unfinished) for a total of 60 this week. That brings my String Frenzy total to 468 (out of a goal of 600). I will not make my goal of 600, because the remaining pile is small, and will likely only yield me somewhere between 45-60 more. I hope to find out exactly how many before month end. But as my friend Carolyn pointed out, I should not think of it as missing my goal, but rather that my string bucket will be cleaned out. Yippee! And that is (or will be) cause for celebration.  And will likely last less than a week or until I trim the next quilt backs…..

Anyway, here are this week’s strings with their brethren on my design board. These are the blocks that I’ve made just since our October Quilts for Kids meeting, where I turned in over 200. They are pinned in groups of 15 to be inserted into quilt kits for our volunteers.

I did find a couple rolls of strings in my light neutrals drawers, one in whites and another in off-whites, that are leftovers of several rolls that someone in our chapter of Quilts for Kids gifted me with a few years ago. White isn’t the most preferred color for kids quilts, but I could make HST string blocks with them and come up with a design. I would just need to dig up some complementary fabrics. 

I have a couple doctor appointments next week, an HOA Board meeting in preparation for next Saturday’s big annual meeting, my Weight Watchers workshop, and a Block-of-the-month class at my local quilt store. I’m taking the class with Ruby and her sister Cathy, Cousin Kim and her niece Jenny, plus two ladies from my WW group. Whew. Hopefully there will be chunks of time in there where I can retreat to my sewing room and start working again on quilts. I would like to make a backing for the Weathervane quilt and hopefully pin baste it and the Windmills top too. And maybe finish up my strings. HA! One can dream!

Also, Ruby and I (and possibly Bruce) are planning another day trip on Thursday up to Crystal Hot Springs, where we went to soak in the mineral waters last January. But the weather is supposed to turn cold and nasty this week, so that may or may not happen. 

So, that’s all I have this week to share. But I’ll insert a gratuitous picture of Darla. I walked into the bedroom one afternoon a few days ago and noticed that the pillows were askew. This is what  who I found peeking from behind. 

Daddy can sleep on the couch tonight because I am claiming this side!

Oh, one more thing. Not to brag, but I’m done with my Christmas shopping. Before you boo and hiss, I should remind you that my knee surgery is December 4 and I will not be able to drive for weeks afterwards (and Bruce doesn’t drive anymore). So we took advantage of Barnes and Noble’s yearly promotion - it ends before Thanksgiving - and bought gift cards for everyone. In the process, we earned enough in rewards to supply our coffee, book, magazine, and puzzle habit for a long time! Life is good!

Linking to Scrappy Saturday at Angela’s blog for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge.