Day By Day, February 1-14

Happy Valentines Day 

 Be Happy and Dance, an art quilt by me. 

February 1,2,&3 - I continue making headway on decluttering, organizing, giving more away, and accumulating less. A pile of magazines was first on my list. They can become clutter so easily. 

After going thru the first 20 magazines, ripping out articles and inspirational images, this was what I had left. I kept one magazine intact for sharing with my grandkids. And I continued on. 

This is the binder of what was kept after 'ripping through' all 35 magazines in the pile. I put articles and images into page protectors. With getting more than 7" of magazines down to 2" and organized by topic, I'm feeling like I've made some major progress in this area. 

February 4- Attended the 'Cobblestone Sandwich Makers' meeting. I did this as my 'take' on McTavishing, our topic of discussion. It's always fun to get together with people that have similar interests. We are always interested in learning ways to improve our quilting skills. 

February 5- We attended Worship services at OLC, stayed for the 'souper bowl' lunch, and then went to visit with Aunt Marjorie. She is a very special person to us.  While we were at church, we heard about a gentleman that could use some bedding items.  These will make a nice set for him. The quilt has florals but with the browns, golds, and deep greens it has a masculine quality. We'll take them with us on next Sunday. 

February 6- I went to Nancy's house to pick up my book on Silk Fusion and see her latest adventures in gelli-plate printing. Then to Michaela's, and off to Ladles for lunch. Sonia brought my DVD on Silk Fusion. We solved many of the world's major problems. I picked up groceries and headed home. Nancy and Michaela shared how far they had gotten with their BCQC projects. I shared mine, at its present stage. I really wonder what will be the final outcome of this. 

February 7- I tore up 3 sheets and rolled them into bandages for missions. The strips are a bit wider than my last batch and I ended up with 78 rolls. They'll get delivered on Sunday. 

February 8- Wendy's scarf is ready to get mailed out. RoseMarie will receive a replacement package for one that was lost over a year ago! She never said a word until I specifically asked her if she had gotten the one I sent in December of 2015. I should have asked sooner, but time got away on me. 

I love how Wendy's scarf turned out. 

We also dropped off a box of stuff at Goodwill, and a box of bubble wrap at a local Antique Shop. 

Had lunch at the Italian restaurant and I now have a pizza box to use for my BCQC project. I'm toying with the idea of attaching it to the top after treating it with some gesso and paint, it's a perfect size!

February 9- Today I went to my first WW Mtg in over 4 years! I'm going to be back on track with this program. It worked well for me in the past, I just dropped the ball, and ignored making good choices. I met some very motivated people with positive attitudes. Just what I needed at this time.  Later that day I gifted this scarf and dropped off the small quilt to my guild for our charity project. 

February 10- In today's mail was my second blog book. This is a journal book, and provides pictures to go with my stories. And there's always plenty of space to add notes later. Like, what I might eventually do with my pitiful BCQC project. It has been stripped of it's borders. I'm determined to get a grip on this and have a finish!

I've been dyeing some tops and various fabric pieces. I used a variety of methods, and per usual, lots of colors. These were more serendipitous than any I've ever done. The one on the top of the basket pressed up beautifully. Maybe I'll try to get some snapshots of me in them, doing something creative?

February 11- Silk Fusion Workshop was a lot of fun. Laura arrived right on time. After acquainting her with the building, we started reviewing the process and techniques we would be using. She was knowledgeable in felting with wool, understood the difference between wool and silk, and was full of enthusiasm throughout the day. Chef G provided a tongue pleasing Jambalaya for our lunch. By the time we had finished eating our fusion pieces were ready to be 'packed for transporting home'.  We decided to visit Middleton Place and take in it's beauty and grandeur. I always get 'calmed' by the atmosphere and humbled by it's history. A must see if you are ever in the Charleston, SC area. The camellias are in full bloom right now, and it is amazing. 

This was one of the silk fusion pieces I made. 

February 12, Sunday- When we arrived at church this Camellia was in bloom. 

February 13- My neighbor and I went to our Weight Watchers 'weigh-in'. Yahoo! I lost 3.6 pounds. I knew dropping the snacking, eating more lean protein, and drinking plenty of water would pay off, just didn't think I'd see this amount so soon. 

The leader suggested we do a bit of decluttering during the upcoming week. Whether it is thoughts or a physical space, clutter tends to be overwhelming and then we just shut down and don't make the best choices. I took several pictures of areas in the house that need attention. Now, to pick 'one' and get it 'done' before next Monday. Where do I start?

Kitchen and entry. 

Livingroom and bedroom. 

Powder room and laundry. 

Landing spots

Sewing room areas

 Sewing room areas

Longarm room 

More longarm room spots

Now to just get started!

February 14- Valentine's Day. And G is making things shiny. 

It's getting close to lunch time and I'm going to have some Jambalaya today. 

May God bless you with a happy day.