Over the Rainbow Jane (and IZ)

I've been spending some time thinking about the sunshine and the Over the Rainbow Jane but that's as far as it's gone. At least there's some good tunes to go with it. This is the last week for homework to be turned in (ish) so next week is grading and the very long year will finally be finished.
I am ready for summer break, even though the pool won't open until at least 7/4 this year.
Piece,
Heather

Viking Progress & update

The Viking has been calling my name. It runs smoothly, fairly quietly, and it's really nice to have a modern machine with free video tutorials available online whenever the mood strikes. I am truly looking forward to some machine piecing soon. The bobbin winding might be slightly confusing for some folks without the help of a computer to view the tutorials on. I'll be honest, my sight isn't what it used to be and trying to figure things out from my phone can be challenging under normal circumstances. However, switching to the laptop made all the difference. 

It's easy peasy once you practice once...12 full bobbins later, I've got this. I'm still putzing around with masks and may make another tweak or two this weekend to finalize the pattern. Those of you on FB may have already seen the preview version and my glasses are still not fogging up, super excited about that. This week munchkin and I ventured out to the local big box craft store (local quilt shop is closed through the 19th) and had a very long wait for some basic supplies and a piece of Indiana University fabric for a couple family members. Purdue fabric is so much cuter (GO BOILERMAKERS!), but to each his own. It looks like a mask making weekend during breaks from grading and answering student emails. Next week is the last full week for students to turn in assignments (YAY!!!!).

In our spare time, the hubs and I personalized graduation signs for our seniors using the Cricut and some blue vinyl. It was some much needed and appreciated nice quality time together. One of these days, I'll have to learn the other functions of that machine (Explore Air 2) and get crafty with it. Do you Cricut and if so, what machine are you using?

Piece,

Heather

30s FQs Plus Organization Before Photos ( Cube & Shoe Box)

I'm SO excited!!! The big Fat Quarter box finally arrived today (one of two) and the 30s are starting to look like they've been replenished...not that that will keep me from purchasing a few more pieces, mind you.  

I ooohed and ahhhhed over the Alice in Wonderland. I'd been searching for those since purchasing one thin precut strip while attending the Chicago Quilt Show years ago.

I've also been looking at all of the modern fabrics that escaped my stash during the hiatus and was disappointed to find out Heather Ross is hard to come by and Aneela Hoey next to impossible.  SO---those have moved up my list and the hunt is on. 

There's some Kaffe Fassett, I know that's not every follower's favorite but I was collecting his mostly cool prints for a quilt for my grandmother. She has since passed but truly would have loved the fabrics, I just know it. Many of the pieces are done for the Farmer's Wife but my heart just isn't into that project like it was...too soon I think. I'll get back to it at some point and may purchase a piece or two every once in a while to help inspire me. 

 I hope you're finding inspiration, getting things done for fun, and making the most of being at home.

Piece,
Heather

Fat Quarter "Shoe Organizer" BEFORE (part I)

Fat Eighths & Some Fat Quarters "Cube" BEFORE (part II)

30s Fabrics Galore!

The sets of strips and 2" charms were also from my little Etsy spree at LancTradFabrics. As Pip suggested, the Fat Quarter Shop has some beautiful prints but I ordered a while ago and still haven't received anything. Several businesses have delayed shipping right now due to high internet orders and low stock since the shut downs for COVID-19. Our state opened more shops but not all the counties in the state were included in the plan. The county of my school district is supposed to reopen next week if numbers of newly infected cases stabilize but schools cannot reopen for classes until at least June 30 regardless of the numbers.

The moving of classes and all the hands on demonstrations that usually take place this time of year to the online environment has been challenging, to say the least. For those of you assisting your children at home with assignments, I know it has been a next level experience, thank you for your patience and grace as we muddle through this difficult time. For those of you teaching (and some of us also helping our kiddos) we're in this together, hang in there...May won't feel as long as April, my friends.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week, thank you for sharing your passions no matter how wide the audience. Whether you teach individuals as a volunteer or you create private lessons for a little pocket money, videotape your lessons for artisans to share freely, if you formally teach Pre-K through university courses, thank you for all you do to share your knowledge and ignite the fires of imagination and intellect for generations. You ROCK and this is your week!

Piece,

Heather

A Little Etsy Shopping Spree

A little Etsy shopping goes a long way! Thrilled to see more black and red 30s prints in the mix. The lovely fat eighth bundles are courtesy of LancTradFabrics (Lancaster Traditional Fabrics) on Etsy. I don't know about you, but these darker hues have really grown on me lately. I still love all the pastels, for sure, but it's nice to have a larger range of colors.

I'm on the hunt for more red, white & blue 30s prints for an upcoming project....a fabulous excuse to continue shopping when the mood strikes, don't you think?

More goodies were in the box, but I'm still working on photos. Ooooooh I miss 30s fabrics!
Hopefully, I can get a little time in the sewing room this evening or sometime this week (fingers crossed). It's been incredibly busy lately as I have a couple guys feeling under the weather. I hope that you're having a wonderful day.

Piece,
Heather