Time Flies

Here it is the weekend before school starts and I find I didn't post a single thing over the summer! Geez! Maybe I need the structure of school/work to keep me going. What will happen when I eventually do retire? Oh, well...

Will try to get some pix up here of projects...

I started paper piecing this summer. Joined Carol Doak's Yahoo group; bought her instructional DVD and have forged ahead. I had tried some PPing earlier this summer without good instruction and found it very frustrating. Sure helps to know the tricks! Carol started a BOM in May so these are the first 4 blocks. Block 5 (Sept) is ready to be sewn. Hopefully will get some time this weekend. I think I will need to remake the first block as there isn't enough contrast; the 'white' part isn't white enough!

I also made her Mystery BOM, though it wasn't a mystery by the time I got the pattern! These are the beautiful batiks I choose

 ...and this is the almost finished top...I say almost finished because I made a mistake on the bottom right corner and 1 block is flipped 180 degrees. I have since taken it apart in that area and fixed it. Just haven't taken a new picture yet!

And, I made another Twister Quilt. These are some Moda charms that I picked up in Ephrata at the quilt store and added in some solids.

I LOVE how this technique makes the fabric much more interesting. I have also taken the leftovers and made and itty bitty twister and will be putting some of the tiny ones inside the border...

In addition to sewing we've also done a bit of camping and drove to California for a family reunion... so lots of family time. I'm also local arrangements chair for our state teacher-librarian conference this October so have been busy with that.

Oh, on Monday I'm also starting my 30th year as a teacher-librarian in my school! I have 3 more years from Oregon. I CAN retire at the end of this year (barring any changes from a court case that challenged part of the law giving teachers who are 62 and have 30 years teaching) but I will probably work at least 1 more year, if not 2. By fall of 2015 our district is reconfiguring the schools - again! - and my school will be returning to a K-2! Been there, done that, don't want to do it again!

Take care - hope you had a great summer!