I've started another crazy quilt square--this time for a slightly smaller bag. I bought some 7" zippers by mistake a couple of weeks ago. I went in the store with the intention of getting 9" ones, and when I came home I discovered I had purchased 7's. I have no idea how that happened....
But then I realized I could make smaller bags and use the 7's after all. Here's the beginnings of the smaller bag.
This will give you an idea of the mess I create when I'm in planning and assembling mode. I sit in front of my fabric stash and pull out everything I think might work. I put pieces side-by-side and decide what looks the most pleasing. That small floral print fabric is an old piece of flannel that I'm using as a foundation for the patches.
On another subject, on Saturday we're having another Celebrating our Creativity day here at the condo clubhouse.
Three years ago we had our first one and it was successful enough that we've had requests to do another. Since it was my bright idea in the first place, everyone is looking to me to get it off and running. It's not difficult really. We just put on the coffee pot, set up some tables, and make sure everyone knows it's on the schedule. This time I've suggested that participants demonstrate their craft if it's easy to do in their space. I will be doing some needle felting. There'll also be demonstrations of weaving and Chinese brush painting. Small collections will be included this time, and one of our residents will display his toy trucks.
It should be a fun afternoon. As I've said before, I'm usually happiest being a quiet homebody, but sometimes an idea slips out and I'm wheedled right out of my recliner.
Here's my first finished crazy quilt bag. I'm very happy with it, and it's always fun to make something pretty out of scraps.
I learned a few things during the making of it. It's wise to make the bag pattern to accommodate a certain zipper size. My bag was too wide for a standard-sized zipper so I had to make the side seams wider and that cut into some of the designs.
It's also a good idea to keep bead embellishments away from the seam line to avoid breaking sewing machine needles.
I still need to find some good instructions for attaching a shoulder strap. This one has a chain strap that I attached with heavy black thread through the end link. I know there are better ways. But all things considered, I'm scrappy happy, and I'll enjoy carrying my new little purse to special events....like maybe my next dental appointment....
You all know how much Mr. Gadget and I love to cruise. Here's the rundown on our latest one with the main points mingled with a few shop pictures taken in the lovely little French town of Honfleur.
We embarked from Houston on April 19, I mean April 20. Houston had a record-breaking rainstorm and the harbor master closed the port. Fortunately, we were on the ship by then.
Two days later we arrived at Ft. Lauderdale....where we picked up more passengers, more fuel, and more sugar (for those fancy desserts....the ones for which cruise passengers will throw their sensible eating habits overboard.)
After two more days we arrived in Bermuda. I found a little shop with beads and other treasures I will use to embellish my crazy quilt squares.
We then spent seven relaxing days at sea enroute to Liverpool....with a brief interruption about midway for a helicopter evacuation of an ill passenger.
We took a city tour of Liverpool which, of course, included many sights made famous by the Beatles. As we rode along Penny Lane our tour guide pointed out the locations of the "barber showing photographs," "the banker with the motorcar," and "the shelter in the middle of the roundabout."
Our next scheduled stop was Holyhead, Wales, but it wasn't to be. Rain, wind and rough seas kept us out of the port.
After three more sea days, and a 7-hour approach down the Elbe River, we arrived in Hamburg. The city was in the midst of a big harbor festival. The weather was perfect.
The fireboat, with hoses at full force, greeted our ship, and the tall ships were in town. There was a lot of beer- drinking.
One more sea day to LaHavre in France where we boarded a tour bus for the trip to Honfleur.
Then it was just a 100-mile journey across the English Channel to Southampton and the end of the cruise. Since our flight home was not until late afternoon, we took a tour to Stonehenge. Again, the weather was perfect....which is a real bonus I've been told.
And here I am looking perky...before the 7 hour flight home, and the 5 days of jet lag. I've been known to swear off traveling at that point. But it's a condition that always passes....kinda like a nasty case of the touristas...
Mr. Gadget and I have been traipsing around again. I bought a few souvenirs.
I usually don't buy much when we traipse since we are now in the "scaling down" part of our lives, but that cute little Liverpool mint tin caught my eye and I thought about how useful it would be for holding my beads, and then there was no stopping me. Next was the Hamburg tin, and after that the one with no name from the lovely little town of Honfleur in France. Last was that little one from Stonehenge. I think I'm well along the road to a new collection.
But this isn't entirely a bad thing. It fit nicely in my suitcase and added very little weight. I will use the tins to hold beads that I use for my new favorite hobby--making embellished crazy quilt squares.
While I was out gallivanting I worked on 3 squares. When one began to perplex me I switched to another. I received some nice compliments and even inspired a couple of other crafty ladies to try making a square of their own. I love when that happens.
Next time I'll tell you more about the trip. I'm still getting over my jet lag, and trying to tame my duty-free chocolate addiction.
