Monday

I finally got started on my Weekender, and though I haven't done much sewing yet, I can see where this project got its reputation for being a challenge. I've never done so much cutting for a bag in my life, and I haven't even started on the heavy duty Peltex yet. My favorite part so far has definitely been the piecing I worked on for one of the large pockets. Using my Nursery Versery prints by Heather Ross, I did a little fussy cutting here...a little paper piecing there. I love the way it turned out. For those of you who are curious, I borrowed Tamiko's pattern (which you can download here) and copied it at about 70% of the original size. I plan to use the original pattern to make a pillow cover sometime later this month, but for now, my Weekender and Scrappy Stash blocks are the two big projects on my list this week.

My dear friend Beth at Plum and June is holding our next Long Weekend giveaway this week, in between hurricane-proofing her home and prepping hand sewing projects in case of power outages. Is it any wonder why I admire this woman? Hurry over to enter, and while you're there, be sure to see the sweet quilt she chose as her entry for the Blogger's Quilt Festival.

For our church barbecue on Sunday, the girls wore pumpkin shirts that my sister made for them. All she did was applique a pumpkin (using a Flea Market Fancy print) and stem (out of a wood grain print) onto a plain white t-shirt.  Jeans, sneakers, and pigtails completed the look. It's such a wonderful quick project for this time of year, and my daughters looked so cute that I just had to get out the camera. I can't wait to frame at least one of these photos for the family room.

My thoughts are with all of you on the east coast who are bracing for Hurricane Sandy. I know power outages are expected everywhere, but please do let me know how you're doing if you can. We're praying for you!