When you get the blues...

On my way to California, in the 6-hour long plane ride, I tried to engage my co-passenger in a conversation.  Five times.  But I could barely get a word out of him.

Always take the window seat

1. I asked him - Do you live on the east or the west coast.   I live here, he said and then nothing. 

2. I saw that his nose was about to drip, so I offered him a tissue. He accepted the tissue and said thank you but nothing more.

3. Do you have allergies, I asked. Something like that, he said and then nothing.  

4. Would you like some Allegra. I have it in my purse. No, that is okay, he said and then nothing.

5. I saw his laptop with a website saying Justice, so I asked him - Are you a lawyer?  He replied yes and then nothing.

I gave up and returned to my book. 

I finished my book.  Still one hour to go.  I looked out of the window and squealed at the sight below.

“Do you know what lake that is?

Salt Lake in Utah

Oh. Let's see, we are flying over Utah.  Look this is our location. He was showing me a map with an icon of a tiny plane indicating our location in flight.  Thanks to the blue lake, we finally engaged in a conversation!!!

California was beautiful.  We went to a balsamic vinegar/olive oil tasting in Sonoma.

Winery in Sonoma

Since I don't drink, I was not interested in the Wine Tasting but the olive oils and the flavored vinegars were oh so delectable.

Olive Oils & Balsamic Vinegars

The Golden Gate Bridge is iconic.  How can I not go there? We did and I am slightly proud of this picture where you can see the bridge in the side mirror.

Driving on the Golden Gate Bridge

Elle took me to Muir Woods.  It was a bit cool and here we are in our light jackets.  It was so good to see her.

with Elle in Muir Woods

And I also saw this.  Elle had placed the quilt on the guest bed, so that I could enjoy it while I was there.

To Greener Pastures

Here I am enjoying my last hours in California, the only way I should - dipping my feet in a lovely pool.

On a warm afternoon

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I know I am supposed to be talking about my finished quilt, not gush about the older one.  Well, here it is.  I completed my Blues Scrappy Quilt.

When you get the Blues

When the design just evolves, as it does when I am piecing scraps, often it gets wider than 42" and requires a pieced (or wide) backing.  I am loving this backing with a strip of aqua adding some pizzaz.

Blues Backing

Normally, I would have asked Paul to hold up the quilt for pictures, but he could not.  I will tell you why, in a minute. But first let's see a few more pictures of this "When you get the Blues..." quilt.

adding label

I stitch the label to the quilt back, using a basting stitch.  Then, bind as usual. Love these fancy labels :-)  Did you know that they have care instructions on the back?  Adds a nice touch and I hope that folks read them before washing/drying the quilt.

Binding

I think this binding really works well with the back too :-)   
Here is a close-up showing the quilting detail.

Quilting Detail

Yes, that is my shiny new bright red car in the background.

Photo Shoot

I see fabrics in here from quilts I made for Paul, Alex, Divik. and Ishaan.  Fond memories :-)

Front & Back

And just then I realized that my bright red car would be a perfect backdrop for the blue quilt.

Finished!!!

Am I showing off my label? Yes, a little bit :-D

Labelled

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The day before I left for California, Paul had surgery on his left wrist.   The surgery went well.

A very groggy Paul

His dear friends - Dan, Lindsay, Walt and Tamara took care of him, by which I mean they spoiled him rotten with movies, board games and food.

I am trying to keep up with his loftier than usual expectations now, which include (but are not limited to) helping him shower, cutting his meat, and not calling him during the day, lest he may be sleeping.

The doctor took an x-ray last week and declared that everything looks fine.  Paul got a new cast.  He chose his favorite color.

Blue Cast

And since his left wrist is in a cast, he can no longer serve as the Quilt Model (holder upper).

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Speaking of blues, I made a Becca bag.  My last Craftsy class was - Zippered Bags with a Twist by Joan Hawley of Lazy Girl Designs.

My first Becca

I love love love this class.  If you are even slightly interested in making zippered bags, I highly recommend this class.

Joan's instructions are the very best.  She explains every step in great detail. But never dawdles or lingers, quickly moving from one step to the next.  
I did not have the recommended size zipper for the large Becca or the small Becca.  So, I just used Joan's guidelines to make a medium Becca, because that was the zipper I had.

So neat 

I have made over 50 zippered bags by now.  You want a neat bag that is fully lined, with all hidden seams - it takes a long time.  You can make a quick bag but it won't be fancy.  With Joan's class, you can make a fancy looking bag in the time it takes you to make a simple bag.  The trick is her one-zipper technique. 

So, I have only made one Becca bag but I have started using some of her awesome techniques (zipper tape loop) in other zippered bags.  To me, that is the real value of the class - that you can apply techniques acquired in one place in other places.

So what do you do when you get the blues...Turn to Black Friday. Yes, Black Friday sales at Craftsy.

Now there are so many fabulous items on sale, but I will only tell you about a couple of those that are 50% or more off. Best. Deals. Ever.

1.Cotton+Steel FQ boxes, each on of them is 65% off. Marked down from $110 to $38.  That is a steal. You pay less than a $1 per FQ.

Cotton + Steel Collection at 65% off

Cotton +Steel FQ Box at 65% off

2. If you are a Jinny Beyer fan, you know that her fabric is on the expensive side.  Therefore, when it is 55% off, you have to have it. Check out RJR Delhi by Jinny Beyer. 

But that is not all. Jinny Beyer Batiks FQ bundles are now at 60% off.

3. RJR Handspray Jewel Box - Such rich colors at such a great price. What a great stash builder at 55% off. YAY!!!  

4. Robert Kaufman Fusions Bloom FQ bundles. - Just look at the pictures. Words do not describe the richness of these colors.  And at 50% or more off, they jump into your cart so easily!!!

Fusions Bloom Cool FQ Bundle

Fusions Bloom Warm FQ Bundle

Fusions Meadow Cool FQ Bundle

I will be linking with all my favorite linky parties and I'd love to hear your thoughts on all things blue. 

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