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

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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. 

This blogpost contains affiliate links.

OMG, I am going to California

Do you remember Elle?  This is the quilt I made for her.

To Greener Pastures

Last year she left Washington DC for California, to be closer to her family.  One year later, I am going to visit her.  She has a new (for her) house with a guest bedroom, with a lovely green quilt on the bed. And I cannot wait to see her as well as the quilt in use. I believe that the best thing for a quilter is to see their hand made quilts being used.  Don't you agree?


I am leaving tomorrow and I made small gifts for her and her two granddaughters.

For Elle

Elle - Since her favorite color is green, I chose to make her two zippered pouches using this lovely fabric.  A flat pouch for her Kindle or iPad (blue zipper) and a 3-D pouch (pink zipper) for her toiletries.

Green Pouches

I chose to make pillowcases for the granddaughters.  As I was picking out fabrics, I remembered growing up with my sister. We are two years apart and there were so many times we would fight.

Mushroom Houses

"How is that she has the blue necklace, while mine is beige?"
Note to parents - No kid ever liked beige.

That is when I decided that the two pillowcases will be identical. Because when things are identical, there are fewer chances to fight over them.

Two Pillowcases

Did I not tell you that Elle has a grand baby on the way?  How about some receiving blankets and burp cloths? How do you feel about this flannel print?  I think it is cute and gender-neutral.

Cuteness!!!

When I return on Monday, I will be ready to attack my to-do list for August.  Here we go:

1. Finish quilting/binding Scrappy Blues quilt

Got the Blues

2. Commission Memory Quilt from Baby Clothes - The top is ready to be quilted and must be completed before August 20.  I cannot show it to you, but here is tiny glimpse of the backing fabric.

Backing for Memory Quilt

There is one more quilt - blocks in the construction mode but cannot share it unless it is finished.  Also working on a new pattern/tutorial.

Yes, there are several irons in the fire, as usual.  And you?

Linking with One Monthly Goal.

Something Old, Something New

I am happy to report that Side Effects is complete.  Read about the process here.

Paul, the model

Even though I had (still do) at least two other projects that are urgent, this is the one that I wanted to finish.

For Sandra, who loves this shot of quilts (see the cute elephant in the corner)

Why?

Feathers, Beads and Cupcakes

May be because these scraps helped me through my doldrums.

I see Fish. Can you find the rabbit?

Chose a Christmas backing.  Quilted with gentle curves. Red binding makes it pop.

Red Binding on a Christmasy Backing = Christmas in July

I am happy about the side effects of quilting - Scraps to make more quilts!

Color me Happy

Am I happy about the side effects of marriage - Fighting?  Not directly.

Labelled

But, indirectly speaking - "make-up sex is worth fighting for", said Nick (Dermot Mulroney) in the movie - The Wedding Date, 2005

And, I would never argue with Dermot Mulroney.  Paul knows :-)

Side Effects

Once we had made peace, it was perfectly logical for Paul to ask for food, dates and other favors.
He asked for a zippered pouch.


Me: What? Really?
Paul: Yeah.
Me: Whatever for?
Paul: To keep stuff in when I am traveling
Me: OK. Do you know how big?
Paul: Awkward silence
Me: Do you want to pick out fabric?

He picked the stamps fabric (thanks to Jake) and also chose a peachy zipper to match.

Fabric from a dear friend Jake :-)

Me: What about the design?
Paul: What do you mean?
Me: Stiff or Soft, 3-D or flat, handle or not
Paul: 3-D is good, don't really need a handle.
Me: OK, stiff or soft?
Paul: Soft. You know I like soft things...

the tall & short of it

(The twinkle in his eyes met with a glare in mine.)
Me: Are we still talking about fabric bags?

Green Lining, Peach Zipper

What did I do?  Well, since I am the ideal, loving wife, I not only honored his request, I made him a set of coordinated travel pouches.

Only batting, no interfacing for soft bags

Between the Side effects and many pouches and baskets, I had used up a lot of scraps.  Time for something new :-D


Let's go shopping.

These are a few things that caught my eye for obvious reasons and that they are on clearance!!! Like 40 - 50% off. YAY!!!

1. Marcus Fabrics Intrigue Pink

2. Anthology Shibori Fat Quarter - Imagine skinny strips of this gorgeous fabrics between wide black/charcoal strips

3. Moda Tucker Prairie Fat Quarter Bundle - You will not get this FQ bundle at this ridiculous price anywhere else.  Guaranteed.

4. Andover Sun Print Precuts - Love these colors - so rich and so versatile. Must for every stash.

I know, I know you are on a fabric diet because you are oh so swimming in fabric.  Well then, may be you would consider one of these classes, all of them are just $19.99


I will be linking with all my favorite linky parties as well as One Monthly Goal.

Which fabric caught your eye and why?  Please let me know cause I love hearing from you.

This blogpost contains affiliate links.

Side Effects of Marriage (and quilting)

We had a fight!!!

Scraps

He got angry ( I am sure I provoked the saint of a man.)
And said things that were hurtful.  ( I am sure I deserved it.)
And then he stormed out of the house. (What else could he do?)

Where is the broom?

Needless to say, I went to my sewing machine while tears streamed down my cheeks and sobs convulsed my body.

What a mess!

What shall I work on, I tried to think.

Design Wall to the Rescue

There are bags and baskets to make.  About three dozen of them are still unfinished.

Basketful of Pouches

I could quilt any one of the four quilt tops.  I believe they look at me with such neediness as the cat begging for a sliver of turkey lunchmeat.

Completed KISS flimsy (from Craftsy Blog Hop)

There are at least five new quilts that have to be made for specific recipients - my brother, my friend in India, my high school friend also in India, one of my teachers in India, one of my sister's friends, and her sister-in-law.

Blue Strips for a Future Quilt

No. No. No.
Look at yourself.  You are more pathetic than a pile of ugly scraps.
Sobbing and Crying - you will just ruin fabric and thread.

Some order from chaos

So, I did the only sane thing I could do.  I opened my bag of scraps and went to town.
Who cares if I ruin them, I thought, still sobbing.

I am liking this!!!

Being married, fighting with your spouse is inevitable, in my opinion.
As a quilter, it is inevitable that you will have scraps.

Three Columns of Blocks

So when one side effect threatened to ruin my day, I turned to another.

Finished Flimsy

So will I cook for Paul?
Sure, if he asks nicely, I will.  He still has not.
Guess that means I have more time to myself :-D

So bright and cheerful

Now, that is a good side effect (time for quilting) of a bad side effect (fighting).
Trust me to always see the bright side of things.
And speaking of bright side, this flimsy is not too shabby either.

Scraptastic

What do you think?  I am going got call this one Side Effects :-D

Now, that adds another flimsy to my to-be quilted list.  Shall I add this to my one monthly goal?
Why not?

Not sure it will get done.
Because, now that Paul and I have made up, I am feeling sane enough to dive into a new project.

Here is a sneak peek at the auditioned fabrics.

For Angel's quilt

I will be linking with Scraptastic Tuesday and One Monthly Goal, along with all my other favorite linky parties.

And please, please share your thoughts about fighting, coping and making-up too!!!

  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oh, I almost forgot to tell you that Craftsy is having a 50% off sale on their top classes.

And while I was browsing, I could not but notice that this very yummy Free Spirit by Tula Pink fabric was a whopping 40% off.  No, that is not sale. That is a steal!!!

Free Spirit by Tula Pink

This blogpost contains affiliate links.