Baby, It's Cold Outside

     Here in the Chicago area the temps have dropped significantly.  Wind chills below zero but still no real snow.   So what does this have to do with sewing?  It just means we are staying inside more and enjoying the time sewing.   I made a receiving blanket for grandson Colton with all his vital statistics embroidered on it.  These make great baby presents because not only are they very personalized but they are practical as well.

Colton's baby blanket

     These are really easy to make.  I buy 1 1/4 yards of two coordinating flannels.  Then I wash them in hot water and dry them in a hot dryer.  This shrinks up the flannel and also washes out some of the finishes and softens it up.  I then cut them so the two pieces are the same exact size and start pinning them together with right sides together.  I then round the corners.  Sew with a 1/2" seam allowance, leaving a small opening.  Then I press, turn and press again.  I use some Steam a Seam to close the opening and then topstitch 1/4" from the edge.  On Colton's blanket I used a decorative stitch instead of just a straight stitch.  The back of this one says "I Love Grandma"  I felt since I was making it I could do that :-)

     I decided then to read through my sewing and embroidery magazines that have been piling up.  I also downloaded the various freebies that went with the different articles and have organized it on the computer.  I think then I will get back to working on my Christmas quilt unless Colton needs something else.

     In class, Julia missed Monday.  Not sure why, maybe she was off somewhere because of the school holiday.  Bella cut out a square neck blouse using a polka dot fabric.  Meghan is almost done with her pillow and Katie's purse is coming along nicely.  The outside is finished and she is working on the lining.

      Tuesday's class Izzy finished her little notions bag and cut out a square neck blouse from a red checked fabric.  Lauren and Christine are almost done with their sewing bags and will most likely start on their first clothing items next week.

     Wednesday last week Cara is working on her back slit denim skirt while Hayley and Greta are working on pants.  Hayley's are from a fun polka dot print.

     I have finished planning my summer camps.  I will be teaching beginning sewing the weeks of June 10th or July 8th.  The week of June 24th is The Three Rs ReMake, ReModel, ReUse, the week of July 29th is Summer Cotton Fun and the week of August 5th is Out to Lunch.  I am just finishing up creating the supply lists for each camp.

     Starting to get in some longer runs on the weekends.  Need to get ready for my marathon in Nashville the end of April.  Also working on building my strength on the bike for our bike challenge.  Trying to push some higher watts.  It is tough but I am hanging in there.