Book Finished, Dear Jane, My Job

Well, it's been a very busy week. My job is taking up entirely too much of my free time - but it's that time of year and I'm nearly on vacation time.
I finished reading Sarah's Key on Tuesday I think - I liked it. I think it's as much about atonement and forgiveness as anything else.
I had my Dear Jane class yesterday. We had a tutorial on applique techniques, especially in prepping the pieces. I learned a few things. My teacher suggested a small iron to do the pressing, so I went out this morning and got the one she suggested - it's a Rowenta travel iron that I picked up at Bed, Bath & Beyond - if you go to their website and do email signup they'll send you a 20% off coupon. I tried out the iron today and it worked great. I also learned how to have better "less than 90 degree" angles and I'm happy with how these ones turned out. I also got some tips on getting my paper piecing to not shrink so much - don't use steam cause it shrinks/distorts the paper, and some trimming suggestions. I'll post on how it goes when I try it.

J1

Victoria Day Weekend, Dear Jane, 607 Pieces & Downton Abbey

We are having a beautiful weekend here. Yesterday I helped babysit my nieces; today I cleaned out my car, finished my Dear Jane homework for next weekend, and finished off season 2 of Downton Abbey and the Christmas special - I can hardly wait for it to start again.
I had some troubles with Dear Jane this round - my math was frequently off for some reason.
Finished is better than perfect. Total pieces: 607

B9

D10

G1

H5

I4

J6

Dear Jane and new book

I took a break from my other job and sewed a bit. I've also been watching Downton Abbey and loving it - but I digress.
I finished F3 and H3. H3 was a pain - for some reason when I paper piece my finished product is a bit too small - I wonder if it's all the seams that tend to come in a paper pieced block?

F3

H3

I finished reading The First Stone and quite liked it. My next read is Sarah's Key.

Dear Jane

I got two more Dear Jane blocks done. A3 was more challenging than it looked - this is try #2. The first time my outer circle was all wonky - this time I traced around the outer circle onto the background fabric, then appliqued the melons on - they all make a nice outer circle now. 432 pieces to date.

A3

C3

My day job is going to get busy over the next little while so I think I'm going to lose some of my weekday sewing time. This is disappointing, but a necessary evil so I can continue to fund my fabric and sewing habit.

Mug Rug

One of my friends picked up this cute fabric at a recent sewing show for me - the day we went together I saw it, loved it, and neglected to pick it up. She was back the next day and got it for me. Here are her thanks.

front

back

close up

This fabric will eventually find a permanent home in a baby quilt sometime.
I've learned that sewing binding on something this small is not easy - I'll take a bigger quilt any time.

Mug Rug and new project

I finished up this little mug rug for my friend - the recipient of the bubbly baby quilt. I decided she needs some things for herself right about now. Red is her favourite colour. It's the same pattern I used for myself, just a different overall shape.

front

back

I cut out these cute little guys for my next project. My friend picked this up at a recent sewing show for me - the overall fabric is cute as can be. This next little project will be a thank you for picking the fabric up for me.

I'm living with my parents right now because I sold my house and haven't found another one I like - I am diligently looking. While it's trying at times, it's really working out well. My mom wants someone to look after - I'm happy to be looked after; my dad's happy he's being left alone; I have minimal domestic responsibilities which gives me lots of time to sew and create. I think I'm equally grateful for the time as the roof over my head.