Design Wall Monday - March 15, 2010

The first picture is of the fabrics I am using for a Terry Atkinson (of Yellow Brick Road fame) pattern available free online called Neutral Territory.

The stripes in the pattern are formed by sewing 2 inch strips in sets of 5.  My strip sets are already pieced, but I have a problem.  Apparently, my 1/4 inch seam was too scant when piecing the strips, so my strip sets finish at 8.5 instead of 8 inches. They are supposed to be 8 x 8 before they are pieced to the other strip sets.   I'm trying to decide how to adjust the pattern so it will come out even.  

These are my sewn together strips laying on top of the border fabric.  The one on the right has been cut to 8 inches.  The rest of the sets are folded to approximate the 8.5 inches they would be if I cut them square.  I love the red/black batik and really need to push myself to work on this.

Don't forget to visit Judy L's blog to see some interesting design walls.

Makes me Happy Monday - March 15, 2010

Family events can be stressful.  Whether they are for your family by blood or marriage, it's easy to get drawn into the emotional stews that have been simmering for a lifetime.  The bridal shower I attended on Saturday was no exception.  With all of the crazy emotional turmoil that took place behind the scenes, the bride's mom (my husband's aunt who is only 2 years older than he is) remained gracious and serene (at least on the surface).

Although my contribution to the shower decorations were minimal, she made me feel as though I was a major factor in the success of the shower.  As I left the restaurant, she presented me with one of the centerpieces.  It makes me happy  to know that I have in-laws, rather than out-laws.