new book to read

My Nest Isn't Empty, it just has more closet space - Lisa Scottoline - I saw this on another blog - it's a collection of news columns this woman writes - one is about how we don't have enough stories in our lives (soap operas, etc.) so we use gossip to fill the void.

Dear Jane & Happy Easter

I finished my marking homework (well, almost - I'll finish up now before bed) and finished my Dear Jane homework too. I'm all caught up for my class at the end of the month. I'd like to make a new spring purse/handbag for myself - I ordered 2 books on modern sewing so will wait for them to come in before I start. Pieces used: 402. Happy Easter!

G11

D5

F7

E12

H10

Dear Jane

I have finished 4 more blocks - my piece total is up to 293. I sure hope the original Jane had a lot of time on her hands! These blocks average about 1 hour each - some more, some less. A2 has 40 pieces in it! B2 I hand pieced the curves then sewed the rest together - I'm off a bit because it wrinkled some in the middle.

A2

B2

C6

G9

I also finished reading The Virgin Cures - it was pretty good. Ami McKay put in little sidebar tidbits that were part of her research. She also included diary entries and newspaper articles.

Dear Jane

C9 is finished. I stopped starching my corners - pressed them really well though - and I could swoop the corners under much easier.
I think I need a new iron - mine is starting to scorch a bit and it never used to. I think I'll try cleaning it first.

C9

Hoodie Finished

I finished the hoodie for my niece today. I was a little worried it wouldn't fit over her head, but it fits over mine so we should be fine. The applique turned out pretty good - eyes and mouths are tricky. I used sulky embroidery thread for the green, yellow, and flesh, silver gutterman, and white aurofil. I used a metallic needle for the sulky and gutterman and am happy with the results. Hopefully the birthday girl will like it - I'll find out next weekend.

Camera Batteries...

I've been away on vacation - now that I'm back, I've started sewing a hoodie for my niece who turns 4 next week. I went to take a photo and the camera batteries are dead - maybe tomorrow.

Dear Jane

I finished my homework for class #2 today - 10 blocks. I'm up to 224 pieces. I learned that with a lot of small pieces, and therefore many seams, I need to make my seam allowance smaller to allow for the height of the seams (if that makes sense) so that my finished square isn't too small. K4 is a bit small and I think that might be why. And my fabric colour is a lot brighter in person - maybe too much light?

E7

F13

J3

K4

M5