A sewing day.

Today has been a good and productive day. The sun has been shining here in London and our various rose bushes are covered in flowers. I've had a cold and cough all week and I've been feeling rather rough. I managed to go into work as I needed to pack up my books and work area as we were preparing to move offices. Unfortunately by the time I got home each evening I wasn't in the mood for household chores. This morning I was feeling much better and planned for a sewing day. However, I had some household tasks to do first, changing the beds, laundry and walking the two dogs, so it was gone lunchtime when I was able to set up my machine and make a start on some sewing.

My first Job was to cut out and make two more of the pieced blocks for the frog quilt. I had fun deciding which fabrics to use even though I only needed to pick a tan, a dark green and a light green. The tan fabric I chose isn't tan but I really like it and it will work in this quilt. As I started cutting the pieces I got a little confused. The pattern identified a large square and said I needed to cut 4. I doubled up the fabric and cut the first two squares but then I couldn't work out why the block needed 4 squares. I think the cold had affected my brain and I had a lot of problems deciding if I was wrong or the pattern was. I finally realised that the large square was for the middle piece of the block and so I only needed to cut 1. Sewing the two blocks together was quite a quick job

This block is named the Lilypad block. The 'tan' colour has a leaf pattern on it and I think it looks like leaves floating in the water. That's 4 blocks made, 6 to make. I'll try and make another block tomorrow.

Next up was the advent calendar I started before Christmas. A colleague had asked me to make it but then decided to buy a chocolate calendar instead. Not a problem as I can use it as a present or for the office. Previously I had added the pockets but needed to add the backing and hanging loops. It is now done so I can cross it off my to do list.

I also needed to make a new cushion cover. The dogs like to sit in John's arm chair and they enjoy making themselves comfortable on the cushion.  as a result they have rather messed up the cover I made a few years ago. I've had this fabric for quite a while so I'm very happy to put it to good use. It's also furnishing fabric so won't get so damaged by dog paws.

I was going to spend the evening doing some embroidery but I just felt like sitting and watching the TV. Sometimes you just need to chill out.

Tomorrow I may do some baking and I have ironing to do but there will be some stitching time.

I also want to plant out the seedlings and dead head the roses. Unfortunately I think there is also some work need to do in preparation of a meeting on Monday.

Take care

Lyndsey