Sping in my Step

 We have had gorgeous weather for a few days. (The shoe will be dropping next week, with more evenings below freezing.) The spring-like weather has filled me with enthusiasm. I've woken up early, and I've enjoyed time in my sewing space over the past few days. 

I pieced together some raw edge scraps on my long arm a while back, intending to make some sort of wall hanging to show the guild ladies an example of something you might make for the State challenge if you were making something representative of Florida. Then I put it up on my quilt wall and stared at it, trying to decide what to do next. 

Of course, since it is Florida it needed palm trees. But, how would I make them? Thursday I pulled out some brown fabric and product called "Texture Magic". After stitching the texture magic to the back of fabric you use a steam iron to shrink the product, which produces interesting textures in your fabric. Much has to do with how you sew the product on, how close your stitches are and whether you put batting on it too. This was the end result for me.

I love it! (If I do say so myself!)

When I first pulled my backing off of the machine I didn't realize how

out of place the blue orb on the right looked (see above)

I had intended it to be the crest of a wave....I didn't exactly nail that! 

One thought I had is that it could be an island in the distance. 

I can add some green to it, perhaps.

I next thought the maybe I can cover the orb and make a sunrise.

I made a large fabric "yo-yo"

(If you sew, you probably know!)

It kinda looks like the sun, but I'm not sold on it.

I may try half of a Dresden Circle:

This is a Dresden Circle sunflower, 

you can imagine how a small piece in various yellows or oranges

might work as a sun. It's something to think about!

Below I have pinned the trunks of three palms made from the textured fabric I created on the piece.

One still has clips where I glued the raw edge under. 

I have yet to stitch these on the backing as I am still not certain of placement. 

I have a wild idea for the palm fronds. 

Some day I may get those done and post it here!

(If my idea works!)

A few days ago I mentioned the start of a bag,

and that I had to rethink how to use what I had.

I had some bamboo rings. I pulled the sides through the rings and tacked them down.

I made a handle of folded fabric, splitting the bottom 

so I could but it through the rings and tie it around the handle.

Eh...it's done. 

I did make the missing piece for the Bonnie Hunter "Lupine & Laughter"

mystery quilt yesterday, and I have assembled two rows out of seven.

It's a start. 

And, I assembled the pieces of San Francisco fabric

AND quilted them! I will be putting a zipper in,

then I can put the pieces together for a pillow.

I will also show this to the Guild ladies as an example of 

a quilt you could make for the State challenge.

I have also found a source for state-related fabric,

which I will share with them

Now, I'm heading out on my bike to enjoy our sunshine.