Tidying Things Up

When DSis came to visit, we had a list of things to do. Or rather, things we didn't want to forget to do. We accomplished almost all of the list.  (How I love to mark things off a good list!) Many of the items involved visiting quilts stores in and about the vicinity, and while doing so, we picked up their free Row By Row Experience patterns.

Now here's the thing. This wasn't even on my radar until DSis showed up.  I have four (4!) quilts of varying sizes requiring quilting, and two (2!) more planned and ready to cut. I suppose that is beside the point because after we collected...I don't know...18 patterns, DSis reminds me to not stash them too far back in the closet.

Fast forward to the end of our visit. I return home and it is county fair season. Being retired now (WooHoo!) I am taking other's entries to the local fairs, and also able to watch the judging, which is awesome, but also time-consuming. I have those four quilts mentioned above to sandwich, one of which is a oversized monster. And then DSis starts sending me photos of her Row By Rows (RXR), which are looking awesome.

Again, here's the thing. These are cute little projects that are mostly easily done with small amounts of fabric (scraps!) and also a good way to learn a technique. Like fusible applique.  Back in the day, there was only needle turn applique which is pretty limiting. New fangled fusible bond makes applique magic and new machines have control and fancy stitching that even the Rocketeer can't really match.  (Or I haven't figured how to make it do so!). And I think...I should try one or two. They really are addictive.

So here's this other thing. When DSis finished hers, and then won the prize at her LQS, I WANTED A PRIZE, TOO! (Competitive, much? I have never denied that. Well, actually, I tried to, but gave up in 8th grade.) I kicked into high gear, and seriously did not much else but that damn RXR for four days. I was super focused. And a little bit crazy, I will admit, but finished it up on a Sunday morning. We took it to the LQS in Estes Park, and I won a fabulous stack of fat quarters.

Since then, I did the grocery shopping, since according WonderGuy (who was a PAL through this), we were down to CRUMBS in the pantry! I have picked up fair entries. (More PRIZES!!) The 110 degree sweater is done blocking (And is pretty darn awesome, too).

I have blocked a pair of socks and taken photos of the sweater, the socks, and two hats for Ravelry. The garden has started producing. And the house has been cleaned. and two small knitting projects almost complete.

So all tidied up, right?

Now I can start on the four quilts, and I have put patterns to yarn for (I am not kidding you) three sweaters and five shawls (of varying sizes).