Up the Down Staircase

I have been trying to get a sewing day for more than 2 weeks. I plan it out and something always ends up stopping me. Add to that homeschool and housework and it is close to impossible to get more than a few minutes at my machine at any given time. I decided today to bring up my machine and other tools and have a real sewing day....this would make it possible. When Sweetheart saw what I was doing, he said, "Why not set up a table in the livingroom and then you can just stay set up and won't have to tear everything down." Goodness....if you knew Sweetheart you would be picking yourself up off the floor!!!By the time I got set up, he was back with my 64 oz. Road Ranger Diet Coke!

MUCH sewing has gotten done today and I have several hours left to sew. Homeschool got done, and nothing was sacrificed in order to have my time at the machine. Oh, and the lighting is AWESOME!!!!!!Of course this is temporary until I turn the new project into a top. But then....I do have the Pine Ridge that is half way pieced, and the UGRR needs it's last set of borders......we'll see.

My view to the left is looking out onto the front yard.

You can't see it because of the glare, but this is what I get to look at......Kyle.....outside raking leaves!!!! I love that boy!

I received some early birthday gifts (I meet 50 early next week). Sweetheart sent me on a shopping trip to the quilt shop. I got the fabrics I mentioned the other day for my new project, but also I grabbed this book... I love every pattern in this book!!! That is rare. I also got a package in the mail from Winona!!! What a surprise! She made me a beautiful Bow Tucks bag! I have seen the ones she has been making on her blog and was THRILLED to get one from her.She has such high quality of work.....Kyle said, "Now that's art!" LOL I was on the phone with Winona when he said it, and she said, "I knew I liked that boy!"

The inside is wonderful. FULL of pockets and just as beautiful as the outside. I took a pic, but mine was too dark, so I stole this one from Winona's blog....mine has coffee cups instead of polka dots on the inside, otherwise it is the same.It is a nice size bag and I already have all my "stuff" switched over from my purse to this bag. I can't wait to use it tomorrow!

I better get back to my machine before daylight is gone. We had a huge sleet storm a while ago and everything is cold and dreary now from the bright sunshine that brought the day. My view is no longer what Sassy is enjoying in this picture. No matter. Sewing upstairs with the family is what I am most thankful for today.