Tea Time

Many people in my life enjoy a good cup of tea, including me. Those of my generation are usually happy with grocery store types of tea. However, the younger people have been experimenting with trendy things from places like Teavana and David's Tea.
The other day, over on Heather's blog, Books and Quilts, I saw these tea wallets. I decided that I needed to make a couple for my favourite tea snobs.
Today, I was tidying my sewing room, in preparation for my 28 day DaGMT 2013. I found a couple of fat quarters that went together but didn't fit in my stash. They had come from a grab bag I received from a shop hop in October.

See how tidy my cutting table is!

So, I did a little procraftination (or started my challenge early), and I made the fat quarters into 4 tea wallets.

I think they look wonderful, for something that took less than an hour to complete. I did substitute some muslin for the interfacing, because I found a scrap as I was tidying. (See the ironing board is clear, too)
Meanwhile, I found the borders that I started for a Laurel Birch Christmas panel, and I have decided to make it my first UFO to complete in February.

Not a bad start to my sewing challenge.

Meanwhile, if you hate those Prove you are a human quizes that are on some bloggers comment areas, I thought you might like this article from the BBC.

Twenty Minutes a Day

Pam at Mad About Patchwork told wrote about a great contest/ inspiration over at Quilting Hottie Haven.  I have a LOT of projects I want to start or finish, so here goes.

I, Kate, a quilter who is drowning in UFOs,  am joining Quilting Hottie Haven's second annual DaGMT event, and pledge to quilt for 30 minutes every day of the month of February, 2013. In doing so I hope to  reclaim my sanity and I think Beth Helfter is brilliant for coming up with this concept and inspiring me to join.

A slightly blurry version of some of my UFOs

Now, I need to get my sewing room in order, so I can start on Feb. 1!


 

Knitting as Therapy

I have had a really bad cold and decided that I needed some time to just look after me. So I have been cuddled under a quilt, knitting (and coughing and feeling sorry for myself). After 10 days, I am finally starting to feel human again, though I still cough.

So, I thought I would show you the results of the pity party.

I have 2 good friends who are about to become grandmothers for the very first time. Such occasions demand gifts.

Back in the fall, I made a new born hat for the first baby.  I recently asked the grandma-to-be to pick out some yarn for a sweater. Her choice surprised me. Not your typical baby yarn at all. Here is my sweater progress, so far.

The yarn is Patons Astra in Wild Wizard. I think it is suppose to be the colours of the Hogwarts Houses from Harry Potter. It is bright and cheery, and is knitting up nicely, so I think it will make a lovely gift. The baby is due in 2 weeks, but I am not worried about finishing this, because I am making it in a 12 month size.

Meanwhile, baby # 2 is due in March, around St. Paddy's day. What does such a baby need but green Hiking socks!

I used the end of the ball I made slippers from, for Christmas. Since both socks used less than one repeat of the yarn, making them match was not an option.

 I added a teabag to the picture to give a sense of scale. They are seriously cute, just the thing for babies on the go.

Saving For Good

Sadly, my mother died last week. She was a wife, a mother, a secretary and an exceptional volunteer. On the day of her funeral, the hospital where she volunteered for nearly 20 years, lowered their flag to half staff.
One of the things that used to bug me about my mother was that she saved things for "good". When my dad was alive he would tease her until she used something, but lately, she has been at it again. Among her things, I found a bag I had made for her about 4 years ago. I love to make bags, and they are not works of art, they are meant to be used.

She told me how much she liked it, she admired my skill and workmanship, but it was "too good" to use and was tucked away in her closet. I wonder now what occasion would have been "good" enough to use it.
Life is short. Enjoy the "good" things that life has to offer. Make tomorrow an occasion, and wear that item you are saving for "good".