Ides of March

It's Retreat Season!  I've been to a Quilt Retreat, a Scrapbook Retreat, and there's another Quilt Retreat this weekend.  I spent today packing and prepping.  And doing laundry.  And some cleaning. Now I can go off with my peeps for the weekend, with a clear conscience.

I recently had a birthday, and received a fun package from my friend Maria.  A sewing mat for under my machine, and a matching thread/scrap catcher!  She also included some needles and two very pretty buttons.  Thanks Maria!

I'm a little behind on posting my progress for Gifted Gorgeousness, so here are my Jan., Feb., and March pieces.  The photos are awful because it's nighttime.  Number four is prepped for Retreat.  It feels good to be caught up.  

I've also made some progress with purple scraps for  RSC16,  I love making string blocks - never thought I'd say that.  

 And I think I forgot to post this quilt earlier.  I purchased a fat quarter bundle in Lancaster County a couple of years ago, and wanted to make something Amish inspired.

I'll leave you with a couple of nature photos - surprise!  We went to a Wildlife Management Area this past weekend to see some migrating Snow Geese.  We were a couple of days too late to see the largest number of birds, but there was still an impressive display.

Off to a sewing day with friends tomorrow, and then Retreat on Thursday.  What a life!

Keep on stitching...... Sunny

Wrapping up February

February was a very busy month.  We started the month in sunny Florida, spending time hiking, hanging at the beach, and visiting with family and friends.

We were home for two days, just long enough to unpack, do laundry, and take off for Retreat!!!  I worked on several small projects this year, and have put on the finishing touches since returning home.

Heather from Happy Appliquer sent me this pattern a few years ago when she was finished with it.  The picture below is the back, using up more scraps.  Thanks Heather!

This was designed by my friend Allie at Allie-Oops Designs.  Fun pattern!

At retreat, all the rooms except mine had a small quilted wall hanging.  My room has one now.

 Several more rows were added to my afghan while on vacation, and I finished up the 150 yo yo's that I need for a project coming up later this year.

Since yesterday was an extra day, I spent my time sewing with a friend, and made all my brown blocks for RSC16.  I had cut out everything earlier, so the sewing went quickly while we chatted and got caught up.

I'm planning to make at least 4 strip pieced blocks each month.

I don't know what this block is called, but I'm making one each month, and they will be sashed with another white strip.

That's it for now!  I've thought of a few more things to tell you, so hopefully, I'll be back in a few days.

Keep on stitching...... Sunny