It was yummy while it lasted....

My gorgeous box of Valentine chocolate didn’t last as long as I thought it would….or should have.   I would tell myself to only take one piece, but end up gobbling down 2 or 3.    I have no will power when it comes to chocolate, sour candies, mac & cheese, pecan pie or a zillion other things.  So not sure why I’d be surprised the chocolates lasted less than a week.  When not pilfering through the kitchen, I whipped together a few more Fussy Stars.  

Another inch or so of snow – nothing like the East coast, just enough to bugger up the roads.

I am ready to get this show on the road.  I already know the Fussy 6pt Hexies will be my new favorite quilt when complete, but this is taking a long time.  I think I’ll take a short break and work on another one of my unfinished projects.  It’s not like I don’t have enough projects to pick from!  I’ll keep you posted.  

Happy Valentine's Day

Snuggled up with someone special today?  Going out on the town?  Give or receive chocolates or strawberries?  I received a fancy box of chocolate from a dear friend who wanted me to feel special on my first Valentine’s Day alone.  So very thoughtful!  

While nibbling on my first chocolate, it occurred to me the thought of a Valentine’s Day alone didn’t make me feel blue, I didn’t have any sentimental thoughts, nor did I feel like crying….. I actually felt pretty damn good!  In fact, I might even have a spring in my step.  I realized my self-worth is much better than being married to someone who didn’t respect or value the relationship.   The light is on, I’m walking tall, and I’m feeling good!  

Check out my chocolates…..the box is from Christopher Elbow Artisanal Chocolates.  Not only are they gorgeous, but down-right the best chocolates I’ve ever had.   Not that I’m knocking my other local favorite Russell Stover (as they have a mean peanut butter tree at Christmas), but Elbow is in a totally different league. 

Several Fussy Stars in progress….but only one complete this week.  Maybe I should lay off the scrumptious candy…

February First Friday

Seems like a lot of cities host some kind of “First Friday”.  It’s normally located in the revitalized part of their Downtown area.  Kansas City has an artsy area in their Crossroads district which hosts First Friday.  It’s quite an event, lots of galleries, eateries, etc.   However, I’ve yet to make it downtown to one First Friday.  I’m all for supporting local businesses, artists and eating establishments, so I made a vow this summer I would make great attempts to attend.

 

So that got me thinking……While I’m not one of those cool hipsters who have a gallery, I’ve decided to have my own “Quilt Dish” First Friday.  Each First Friday of the month I’ll dish about one of my favorite cyber spots I enjoy frequenting. 

The first is Temecula QuiltBlog.  They follow what's going on in the Temecula Quilt shop, in Southern California.  I enjoy just about everything in this blog.  Deep down I carry a love/hate relationship with Temecula QuiltBlog.  No matter how hard I try, I cannot keep up with the fabulous projects they host.  Just too many sweet projects and just not enough time.  Should you choose to travel to the blog, on the right hand side margin is a list called - Quilt With Us.  Within each project most have complimentary directions or the pattern.  And, most also have the option to purchase the fabric kitted up as well.  

My Fussy Cut Friday (6pt Fussy Stars) originated from the Temecula Blog.  They've since moved on to another English paper pieced project but I'm still lagging behind with my 6 pointers.  

Instead of purchasing the English Paper Pieces for the 6pt Star, I've been able to make my own. A website called Incompetech has graph designs to create different sizes of diamonds/trapezoids, hexies, etc.  I printed on cardstock and cut with a to-dull-for-fabric rotary blade.

Don’t forget, Shop-Local-Saturday always follow First Fridays.  Show your local quilt shop some love tomorrow.

Disclaimer:  Any views or opinions presented in this Blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company.  This Midwest chick is in no way involved with the Temecula Quilt Shop or Blog.  I’m not on their payroll, In fact I’m sure they don’t even know I exist.  I’m sharing because I appreciate complimentary directions, patterns and quilt a-longs like any other budgeted quilter would.  

  

Ol' !Man Winter

 Gettin’ my fussy on…. 

No, the snow in Kansas isn’t blue, I’m just a poor photographer. 

It's a hard choice but I think the Blue and Cream (right above) is my new favorite Fussy Star.  Everything matches up so nice.