March Progress

My guild had a small patriotic project and I chose to sign-up.    This was a quickie and a patriotic piece so I didn’t hesitate.   I have been refraining more and more from jumping in to all the projects that are offered by guild's and at my EGA.  I used to participate mainly because I wanted support each group’s programs.  I have since decided it is ok to be more selective.   Like everyone else, I have my own ‘store’ of projects many that have been collecting dust longer than they should have. 

 

Once I finished work on my two WIPGO assignments, I threw myself into working on my Civil War Quilt.   The final shipment, Month 13,  arrived mid-January and I was still on Month 6.  Oy!     Long ago I accepted that I am a one-trick pony when it comes to genres’ of crafting. I made a pledge to make quilt work a priority in March.   The challenge was not to finish but for some sizable progress.    I managed to compete 8 blocks, a bunch of the sashing pieces and cornerstones.   From there, I started making more rows. 

As you can see, I am still waiting for a warm, non-windy day to take what I have done and lay it out on the patio for a good look at it.  It seems I just don’t have the floor space inside.

I next up, I need to make a whole bunch of the 9-patch cornerstones.   I have enough sashing cut and assembled; I have 7 more blocks assembled that are not sewn into rows yet; and, only 15 more blocks to cut.   Block by block, I am getting there.   Watch out rainy days in April because I will be back at it.

I put about 7 hours of work on American Sampler.   I am not one to keep track of my hours but I managed to dedicate my daily stitching time for a week on this one.   This is about 3/4 of page one of 6 pages.  It is slow going but I can see progress.     Another tree, a complete set of wings, a flag, some border work, a flowering vine, a bee skep, shrubs and a fence.   

Unfortunately I did not touch my French Alphabet yet in March.  I will be going to Salty Yarns for a small stitching-only get together this coming weekend and it is all I plan to work on for the weekend.

Outside I have been picking up sticks and watching the daffodils start to peak through the soil.    Early in March, we had an unseasonably warm day and I tackled one of the beds I usually neglect.    This past week I managed two more yard days and was able to clean two more beds.  Last year I had absolutely no mojo for the yard.  I feel like I am going to change that this year with my early start.  It does feel good to have my hands back in the dirt!   My focus will be maintaining what I have established already.   For the veggie garden, I am thinking maybe planting blueberries and blackberries and fewer vegetables.   The jury is still out on that.   

Hopefully in April I can continue  to get my WIPGO’s done, complete the monthly HOD ornament, have some quilt progress and the yard work.  Just writing it, I know it will be a tricky balancing act!  We shall see.

Thanks for stopping by.   I love reading your comments which I appreciate greatly -  I am just not so good at following up on them.   I go in spurts with that task.  For now, just keep on stitching, keep on creating and find beauty in everyday things.