Summer arrived

  Well, summer arrived after so much rain.  The heat moved in this week.  I have been loafing and working on small projects.   I survived both doctor's appointments and tests.  Good news as I have improved enough for the cardio vascular surgeon to say "See you in a year!"  That is great news for me not to fret over every 6 months.    Small steps.....it just takes forever.

 

   I wanted a lighter weight bag for summer.  In fact, I wanted a roomier one that I did not have to fight to stuff things into:)  Enter the idea for a zippered tote.  I found the tutorial on  the blog at Sewcanshe.   And I loved the handles she used---she linked to tutorial on creating them. 
   I had a panel print that screamed spring/summer.  Just meant for me as it is a Monet inspired watercolor print.  And I loved the colors.
  Of course, I ran out of fabric for the handles.....lol!  I introduced a design element by piecing two fabrics.   I just used straight lines for quilting and added a long inside pocket for my keys and phone.  Size is 12'' by 15''. 





   And another basket......smaller to hold leader and ender pairs.  Plus I wanted to try a different ending.  I found an idea for a loop that tucks the end under.....it works better than the knot. 

   This basket is slightly warped.  I realized I was pulling on the rope to straighten it as I was attaching it.  Don't do that as it will draw the basket in and not have a pretty shape.  So once I realized what I was doing, I  relaxed and just kept sewing.  The end result is okay, only a bit off kilter. 

 

   I have lots more sets of garlic knot blocks to stitch up.  So now, I have a handy place to toss them as I trim scraps and strips and make up sets. 


   I haven't tackled any quilting in a month.  I have one small quilt pinned, but have lacked the motivation.  Next week is free of appointments and commitments, so I am hoping to move me in that direction. 

Happy stitching.