And a little of that. I’ve been working a bit on getting blocks together for my current and old BOMs. I am really happy to have the center of the Blooming beauties together. I probably should have taken some before, and during construction photos. I laid all the blocks out on my ironing board in piles with labels attached. Then carefully placed them on the design wall in the correct order. I double checked and triple checked, then sewed together the left half, then the right. I sort of webbed the rows together, but since the diagram is on point, I had to clip them apart then sew the columns together. My brain just couldn’t wrap around the design when I put it square. The inner borders were fairly simple, I again lined up the piles of QST and sewed them together. I am actually caught up with this BOM until next month. Looking at the finished quilt, I think it will be a little more interesting to sew the assorted blocks that are in the outer sections.

Yesterday I got the Message in a Bottle BOM out and got situated with where I left off. I have a large appliqué block (16 leaves), few more little appliqué blocks and some pinwheels to do to finish that months blocks. But it is out and available to stitch.

On the long arm front, I need to get some designs figured out for the two customs I have taken in. My customer asked for something geometric and something floral. I just have to put some time in. I ordered a roll of batting, I ran out of white a few moths ago, and only have warm and natural. I had a less than perfect experience with the last roll of Hobbs I bought, apparently there are different levels. This time I bought the premium one, it is 80/20, but hoping it is more consistent. I also indulged in some notions (new batting scissors yay!) and a pattern from Wing and a Prayer called Stormy Sea. I got a whole set of digital quilting designs that go with it from Wasatch this month. It is a BOM set up, but I think I have enough blue, brown and grey batiks on hand to make it.

The threads I ordered for the sampler came in yesterday. I got a start on it last night, I am beginning at the bottom and so far it’s interesting, with a few different stitches and color combos. The grass stitch is relatively easy to do, but those little flowers stems are challenging on the linen. I do like that this piece is small (5″x 9″), so I am hoping to get it done in a reasonable amount of time.

In the package with the thread was a yard of flag fabric, I want to make two bucket hats for an Uncle and his niece to wear this Fourth of July. Once the MIAB blocks are done I will reward myself with something fun and done.

Be Kind.