It's all about the cats.

This post was going to be about a new afghan I've started, but Sunshine (Violet's sister) was determined to steal the show.

36 squares

I fit in quite a bit of pleasant sewing time this weekend...and finished all 36 squares for the Mod Sampler quilt. Now I can't move forward until I select a sashing color, and I'm having a heck of a time with that decision. Jeff votes strongly for white, but as far as I'm concerned, more color equals more happiness. I'm leaning slightly toward a subdued yellow like the one in the print that's paired with the orange solid. Thoughts, anyone?

Therapy

What with the gloomy weather and a school decision weighing heavily on my mind, I've been down in the dumps. Today provided just what I needed...some warm sunshine and young pansies outside and new Mod Sampler quilt blocks inside.


















And a sweet little kitty always helps too.


















So do pep talks from loved ones. Thanks, Mom and Gina.

Plan B

The solids weren't quite working for me. There's a gorgeous quilt made of mostly solids in Denyse Schmidt Quilts that I've always wanted to make, so I checked it out again the other night and realized I didn't have the right color tones.

Yesterday on the way to Costco I told Olivia I needed to go to JoAnn and get some more colors and she retorted, "You don't need any more fabric, Mom. You want it. What are you going to do when all the shelves in your sewing room are full?" My suggestion that I add a fabric shelf to her room was met with disgust. What a little teenager, and she's only six. But I guess she had a point, so I came home and started fresh. Here's the result, and I'm much happier with it.














The prints are from last year's vintage sheet swap, which Elizabeth also hosted.

Colors for the Mod Quilt and an Afghan from Mom

I was thinking I'd use all solids for the Mod Sampler quilt, but now that I've photographed them I'm not so sure. I was toying with the idea of orange, red, or pale yellow for the sashing. Now I'm rethinking the entire palette. I have to admit it's a pleasant dilemma....














And I wish I could take credit for this lovely creation, but alas I'm not much of a knitter. My mother, on the other hand, can do it all. When I was little, she sewed clothes for my Barbies and me; knitted and crocheted afghans, hats, and mittens; embroidered at least one glorious picture for the wall; and made various holiday decorations. Then she grew tired of stitching for many years until she was inspired to get her knitting needles out of the attic last month...and promptly whipped up this delightfully soft afghan for Olivia.

Back in the sewing room

Just when I needed some inspiration for a new sewing project, Elizabeth at Oh, Fransson has begun a quilt-along. I'm thinking my lovely stack of Kona solids, a recent treat from Pink Chalk Fabrics, is going to be perfect for the Mod Sampler Quilt.

Cookies, and a Onesie for Baby "B"

I'm getting back into the swing of things, thanks to the big pink Amoxicillin pills that are knocking out my two-week sinus infection. Yesterday we made thumbprint cookies. Really Olivia made them; all I did was read the recipe and help with measuring. I'm so pleased that she likes to bake. And oooh, they were tasty! Between us we must have eaten 12 last night.














Also I finished and packaged (but alas have not yet mailed) this onesie for Doreen, who won the December giveaway and is expecting a baby girl in May.