The dangers of procrastination

I was fiddling about in my room on Sunday, not really doing much. I should have been cutting my floral scraps, but instead I was procrastinating, poking about in this drawer and that. I noticed that my collection of batik scraps is getting a little out of control and making the drawer look untidy.

So I hauled them all out and dumped them on the cutting table. Then had a tidy up in the drawer and before I knew it, it was time to go to work.

Over night an idea was born and this morning I scooted in to town and purchased yet another set of plastic drawers. My collection of batik scraps in all their little containers were all tucked neatly away, and there was still plenty of room for my collection of fabric crumbs, so in they went.

I really wasn't sure what to do with this little collection though. They are rejects from this quilt top and are only partially batiks. 

Hmmmmm, I left them out and vowed to have a think about what I could do with them.

While I was in town, I called in to the sewing centre, hoping to find a blue binding for the OP Shop Top.

No perfect blues, but I did find the perfect burgundy.

And I found an end of bolt, just under a half meter of a cream grunge, with spots.

I thought it might work with my floral scraps. I'm pleased to say that I was right.

So pleased in fact that I started cutting soon after I put together my drawers and cleared all the batiks off the cutting table. . But first I made leek and potato soup for lunch, I left it simmering while I played with fabrics. I got a whole bunch of 5 inch squares cut.

Then soon after lunch, the squirrel hopped in through the open window!

Full of ideas about what to do with that wee box of rejects and before I knew what was going on, I was playing with those instead of cutting florals.

My first efforts met Jack the ripper!

But the second idea worked out much better.

I got as far as putting a column together before deciding to stop and sit down for a while. 

I'll need to find something to use as border and binding, but I'm sure that won't be too hard.

Thank you Mr Squirrel, you can be on your way to help someone else for a while.

*

So you see the danger of procrastination and pottering about doing not very much really, is that it becomes an open invitation for the squirrel to visit.

 

Finally!

After just over 7 weeks, I am finally allowed to return to work. I just had to record the moment before I headed out of the door on Thursday afternoon.

It was good to be back, with many hugs and we missed yous from colleagues and residents. 

I'm still not 100%,  My voice continues to come and go, and I was encouraged to take things slowly and grab extra breathers if I needed them. I'm happy to say I took only the rostered breaks.

So, moving on......

On Wednesday I found myself pottering in my sewing room. The first time is almost two months I had gone in there, except to cut fabrics for Lucy.

I'm not sure what prompted it, maybe the news that I could return to work.

Anyway, for some reason I found myself sorting through my drawer full of floral scraps.

And this is the result. I have half a plan in mind, which will probably change a few times before I settle and start cutting, or throw it all back into the drawer. So I won't say anymore at this time. LOL

*

My jigsaw puzzle is growing slowly as I pick away at it each day. Sometimes I stay with it for only 10 minutes, sometimes a couple of hours passes. I'll get a photo another day, as I like to record my progress. 

And finally ...

Nails.

I've dallied on and off with pretty nails over the years. 

A few weeks ago, on the spur of the moment I went and had gel polish applied.

Blue, of course.

 My nails are usually quite weak and tear very easily. Wearing gloves at work and constantly washing my hands doesn't help I'm sure. So it felt good having pretty nails. So good that I went back and got another colour done three weeks later.

Green this time.

I'm not sure how long I'll keep it going, but for now, I'm enjoying pretty nails.

I wonder what I'll do next time.

Do you have pretty nails? I think we should blog nails too if you do. 

 *

That's my news.

I suppose I should get a move on and go grocery shopping. 

Not a lot happening.

I've not done much sewing, my sister has been around doing hers, with my help and encouragement, but I've had little chance to get at the machine myself.

My beginners Scrap bundle and block the month instructions arrived yesterday. I got some lovely bright prints. Once again, they are mostly fabrics I wouldn't choose for myself.



The block pattern is for hourglass blocks. I'll have a play with those some time soon. I have to wonder though if I should change to a different club, I know I have only recieved two packages, but neither of them has really challanged me and inbetween the two I took on pinwheels with my sister and Katies choice for myself. I may have a look and see if I like some of the more challanging clubs. Any suggestions? I must confess to being tempted by this Dear Jane club. I've looked at it several times in the last couple of months. Julia You have a lot to answer for. LOL I've been following Julias progress for some time and really love many of the blocks she has produced.


I was out this morning with my sister, we stopped off at one of the islands few fabric shops, I got a few fat quarters. The christmas one was my sisters choice, I thought she wanted it, but when we got back here she said no, she'd suggested it to inspire me! LOL


I also bought some thread for quilting my boys top. The fleece has arrived and it's time to get on with it.

I have 4 Katies choice blocks made up now and 4 more cut ready to piece. Aside from being slowed down by a bad back, thats all I have to report.

What counts as Stash?

My understanding of the term stash means to buy fabrics just because we like them, we may have a plan to use them, we may even manage to use them. (Though it may be in a few years time!) but basically we buy them, because we can and because they are there!
The fabrics I ordered arrived today, but I'm not sure that they are stash, I plan to use them up, very soon and, in the next few days rather than the beginnings of a vast and colourful stash, I'll have the beginnings of a scrap box, the first few pieces towards my first scrappy quilt!
Does the scrap box still count as stash?
I've dreamed and daydreamed about this quilt I plan to make for about a week now, finally my fabric is here. I can fondle it, wash and iron it, and very soon I can start cutting. I suppose I should take pictures too, then any expert stumbling in here can cast a learned eye over my choices. Which means that very soon I'll have to learn how to post a picture. So much nicer than links.

I've been looking in on a few more blogs lately, looking about and gaining inspiration and hoping to spot helpful hints and advice. I have to say, inspiration is plentiful thank you.

To those of you who took the time to pop in and say hello and offer words of encouragement. Thank you also.