Class Day...

Today is class day in Venice.

I have the sample border completed. It will become a border in my own

quilt, but I want to be able to give the students an idea of how the block

will look for them. I created the paper foundation for it, just in case they

don't want to use the traditional piecing method (which I think I prefer).

My class outline is complete, so they'll know what to expect for the day.

I took the pattern page for the stitchery, and after I pre-shrunk the

muslin for backing the design, I traced it onto the panel fabric.

When I had my needlework shop, I used to sell Tomorrow's Treasures 

scroll frames. I have an entire set, and they are still my favorite frame

for stabilizing my stitching. Now they're manufactured by American Dream,

and I'm so glad that they're still available! (If you're interested in some for

yourself, here's the link. No. I'm not compensated for any endorsements. I 

 just like share my finds with you when I have or use something I really like.)

I'll start working on this as I teach the stitches called for in the pattern.

That ball of pink perle cotton you're seeing was just used to baste the main

panel fabric to the muslin for just a little more stability. I probably wouldn't

have added the extra fabric for my quilt, but the students are new to this

needlework technique, and the second layer of fabric will help to hide any

carried stitches. They're using black, dark gray or brown threads and any

thread jumps would definitely show through the light-colored panel fabric.

So, I'll be gone all day. Handsome usually has a morning rehearsal, but he

dropped a cymbal on his foot last night and we don't think he'd be comfortable

in a shoe, or making the ankle motions he'd need to make to play. His swollen

foot feels better with ice, so I suspect he'll be most comfortable with his foot up 

while he reads a good book. That also means Tag can stay home while I'm away.

Have a great day, my friends. It's almost the weekend - and the start of another 

month already. Where does the time go? It seems I just get used to writing 

"February", when "March" comes butting right in! So much to do...