Progress On The Bag

 Yesterday was another grey misty day with a high of 10C. This morning it is a mix of sun and clouds and 5C (4C at 5 am). Today is supposed to be a mix of sun and clouds with a high of 15C. 

Lifestyle

I was texting with daughter about a funeral she has to attend when daughter-in-law texted asking if I would come and help her with the fillings for sandwiches. I was over there for the morning mixing them and learning how to do it for the next time. I cut my hand a blade but was really successful when I used the mandolin to cut the cucumbers. I got home at noon. 

I picked up my friend and we went to family's for dinner. It was a curry chicken with pasta, a bun, and salad. It was delicious. After dinner we watched two shows on Indian food cooking. We learned a few things we can use in our cooking. I got home about 8 pm after dropping my friend off. 

Sewing

I spent the afternoon sewing on the bag. I sewed the handles into a tube and turned them. The webbing was inserted and top stitched. I then marked the bag where the handles were to go and sewed them down. 

I had googled how to do the X in the square and I had success in doing all 4 of them. 

I put the bag on the chair to look at it. I am pleased with it. 

Next up was to make a 6" square. I found a heart block that seemed to be simple to make.

It was a bit of a challenge as the fabric is slippery. But I got it made. The next challenge was how to attach it to the quilt. The block was too big for the front (or was it) so I decided to attach it to the lining. I took some strips of fabric that I had miss and pressed in half wrong sides together. I cut them down so the finished edge was 1/4". I sewed one to the top and pinned it on to the lining.

The binding gives the block a finished edge and it will allow me to appliqué it into place (better known as hand sewing). When the binding is all on, I will pin it onto the front of the bag and see if I like it or not. Once the heart is appliquéd on, I will then quilt the purple fabric. Straight lines which will be 1" apart.

While making this bag, I know I can do quilt as you go on the bag for the contest. I know I will make a 6" seagull block and bind it to appliqué down. I am still working on the piping and where it will go. Ideas are floating in my head. 

Knitting

I knit one row and had to unknit it. I did my own pattern as I was not paying attention to what I was doing. 

Thoughts

    I am starting again this month on what I will do and not do. It is self care for me with hopes that if I push myself I can move forward happier and calmer. I started yesterday by eating healthier. I sewed on the bag which I really am enjoying and knit on the blanket. I had less social media time which kept me from sitting on the couch and vegetating. 

    I am really paying attention to the videos I am watching on YouTube. Three in particular jumped out at me. All three repeat the same thing over and over again. They seem to annoy me with their complaining and I have limited watching them. The ones I watch regularly have more positive content and they never complain not matter how hard their lives are. One I watch that is so-so is about renovating a chateau. Another one on renovating a small chateau is humorous and leaves you wondering how much they do get done in a day. I find that I am getting more selective on what I watch. If I don't like it, I leave it. Pure and simple. 

    My friend is leaving on June 9 and I have to schedule a time to take her out for lunch or dinner. She was telling me that she will be doing less volunteering when she gets settled. She wants to do more fun sewing and take part in little contests. Right now she is spending 3 - 4 days a week at one place helping the owners set up the sewing area and training someone to take her spot. She does it all for free. 

Today

I am out to make sandwiches shortly. When I get home, I want to do the balance sheet, type up the minutes and do some cleaning. I will sew the binding strips down on the heart before I go out to take some items to my friend. I have dinner ready for tonight and I will knit this evening. 

Until the next time..........................................................................