compose

Wow.  Having finally been diagnosed (bronchitis and the flu) and properly medicated, I am finally starting to feel better - on this, my 12th day of being sick.  I'm really looking forward to feeling like myself and returning to my usual level of multi-tasking busy-ness.

I've been able to put a little bit of work in on some sewing projects during my rest time spent at home.  It's been nearly impossible to stay seated on the couch, so I'd periodically cut fabric and move to a new seat at the sewing machine.

First, here's the project I was working on before my departure for Arizona.  It was my "travel tote" that I packed full of supplies and carried with me through airports.  I liked the size and strength of the bag and the deep side pocket I installed on the inside.  I was flattered to be asked once on my trip if I was selling the bags - to which I answered, "Not yet."  The deer stencil is from this cool book, which Jesse got me for Christmas.

Next is a little pincushion; the directions, by Heather Baily, can be found here.  I thought the pincushions I found at sewing supply shops were pretty horrendous, so I found this cute template and used some fabric from my first shopping spree at Mill End.  Next time I would stuff the cushion to be a bit firmer - and my slip-stitching skills (which close the final small opening by hand) really need some work.

Last is a "rice heat therapy bag" - the template can be found here - that I made as a birthday gift for my coworker.  This project includes an inner muslin bag which holds two pounds of rice, and a patchwork slipcover with a Velcro closure.  The recipient can microwave the whole bag for 2-3 minutes and apply it to "aches and pains."  I'm pretty pleased with the result and am excited to deliver this gift when I return to work tomorrow.  I found that a pre-assembled "fat quarter" pack from Joanne's provided a nice array of complimentary fabrics that I completed with some carefully chosen solids (Jesse helped with this!).

I've got to make note of yet another contest I've won!  Let me tell you that entering every contest you come across - and firmly believing that you're bound to win - is a winning combination!  This time I won two tickets to a concert that Jesse really, really wanted to attend, so I'm thrilled!  The artist is Citizen Cope, a singer we've seen several times before and who puts on a great show every time.  I just got the email this afternoon, and the show is Wednesday night, so I'm really hoping to be up and running by then.