Boy, I feel like all I do is make excuses for not posting these days. How is it that there’s not a lot going on, but it’s still really busy? Or, maybe there is a lot going on, it’s just not sewing and fun stuff to share???
For one thing, we’ve been put on mandatory overtime at work. Minimum is four hours, but, of course, they’d like us to work more. You can probably guess, I’ll be working the minimum. Their timing is poor — just as MyDadLovesMeBestSister and her family have gone on vacation, which means I’ll have helping MeMum and BigDaddy all to myself for 2 1/2 weeks — which means that there isn’t much spare time to be at work. Don’t feel sorry for me though — I’ll be going on vacation when she gets back.
I’ve also had fun in the kitchen. A cousin that we don’t get to see very often popped in for a quick visit. One night I made the Lazy Day Overnight Lasagne with some yummy Artisan Bread. The Lasagne isn’t necessarily guest-worthy, but it is good and I needed something that I could make while visiting with them the night before we actually had it for dinner. And Artisan bread is SO good and very easy too. The other night they were here, we grilled a Flank Steak — another delicious and easy meal. Just whip up a marinade of 1/3 c. oil, 1/3 c. vinegar and 2 chopped cloves of garlic, marinate overnight, and throw it on the grill for about 15 minutes. It’s wonderful, thinly sliced with a piping hot baked potato on the side. There was also chocolate cake for dessert! ;-D
I’ve been plugging away at this month’s assignment for the Aunts’ Quilt too. Working on the corner blocks …
And prepping some of the scallops that will be used around the borders. I’ve always wanted to make a clamshell quilt, so I played with the scallops a little. I can see that a clamshell quilt would be a lot of work!
And then … two more little things —
1) Pretty new Liberty fabrics in the shop!
and
2) Did you notice I updated the Thimbleanna header? It’s been eighteen months. P-I-T-I-F-U-L. I always seem to forget about the banner somehow. Or don’t have time. Or something!
Ok — zipping off to do a little stitching before dinner duties happen. Have a great week!
XOXO,
Anna
I never even think to change my header – lazy I guess. always nice to see you post – summer is a busy time of the year – especially when you have kids at home! sorry you are having to work overtime! clamshell has been a pattern I want to make but I keep thinking it will be a lot of work and might need to plan on passing that one by.
The season of busy for sure and mandatory overtime..geez! at the time of year when kids are out of school and folks want to be home enjoying their lives. I will readily admit I do not miss one bit all the drama and craziness at work but I have not had much down time at home either. Happily its all been fun and family celebration occasions but I am itching to get back into my sewing room on a regular basis. Hugs!
I noticed your watermelon-eating thimbles right away and was so excited that you’ve found yet another creative way to use your thimbles! You really do amaze me.
Bummer for you about the overtime. I’m glad you are able to keep it to the minimum.
The quilty stuff looks great. I think a clamshell quilt would be neat too, but I’m guessing it’s all applique? Is it? Or something else? I like the look anyway.
Yes I did notice your wonderful watermelon header first thing! So cute. Ummmm. I need to buy more. ;) It’s too hot here to do anything. I just went outside in the back and watered some places for the chickens to cool down. You know it’s bad when they’re panting!
I love your new watermelon thimble header! You are always so creative! No apologies needed for blogging less. With Instagram being so easy to share, it’s becoming harder to write blog posts. Love your clamshells!
Good luck with the mandatory overtime at work!
I often feel the same about blogging… Often too busy or feel there is nothing blog worthy and I wonder if those of us who have been doing this a long time are just a little weary. Not that I don’t love popping by here to see what you are up to! But sometimes, for myself, I feel there is nothing new. Not planning to stop though.
I noticed your new header right away!! It’s no fun when work gets in the way of the good things in life (especially p&q!!).
I have almost finished all my triangles, corner and setting – woohoo!!!!
I noticed your new header as soon as I got here. 18 months since you changed it? Surely not??
As for mandatory overtime – why don’t they just pay someone else to do the work and leave you time to sew? Bosses can be so selfish! ;o)
I LOVE the new header! As refreshing to look at as watermelon is to eat. We always have a big bowl of it in the fridge this time of the year. Boo to mandatory overtime. Too many other things to squeeze in. I love the clamshell – I have saved somewhere a tutorial for doing one. But the likelihood of that happening is slim. But a possibility. Did you make your artisan bread or buy it? I love bread way too much. I’m hoping the next 2-1/2 weeks go smoothly and quickly so you can begin your vacation, and then share it with us!
I love it all!!!
New banner = yay! Love it! They are always so creative.
Sounds like an easy, yummy marinade. I will have to try that.
Sorry about all the extra work at work. Booo!
That little foxy clamshell is TOO Cute!
hang in there! the next 2 1/2 weeks will be a blur but you can do it. ;p love the banner change but it kind of bothers me to see thimble in that sticky watermelon juice….
I love that photo of the scallop pieces, the colors are so vibrant and beautiful!
Anna I am sorry you have to work overtime, I don’t know how you do it ALL! I love your new header so clever. The clamshells look very tempting but difficult, alias I must work on my UFOs. Enjoy your vacation!!!!! Xoxo
Mandatory overtime? I’m amazed that that’s legal.
Still, you’ll be here before we know it. Now our Australian guest has gone, we have my brother and his wife coming and then the next occupant of the spare bed is you!
Your new headers is very fun~ I love watermelon
pretty liberties and the clam shells are adorable. Such great fabrics. I’ve never tried this pattern.
Cute new header, you’ve outdone yourself with this one. Maybe that’s why it took some time ;)? Overtime isn’t fun, although maybe it depends on why it’s been ordered. I hope you get payed for it though so you can buy more fabric! Your scallops look great by the way.
Love the new header. Been meaning to say something for a while now……….!! Clams look lovely.
Ohh Fancy new header!!! I like it!! You always use such scrumptious mixes of fabrics. Don’t work too hard :)
Hi Anna! Thanks for commenting on my blog after my little two year absence! I see you have an Etsy store, too. Very nice!
Mmmm, I want to have dinner at your place. I looove flank steak. And lasagna!
Don’t work too hard. Mandatory overtime … ick.
I attempted to stitch a clamshell table runner once … it drove me to distraction!
I hope you’re get the opportunity for some stitchy downtime while your sister’s away and you’re ‘it’ (that’s the phrase my sis and I use when we’re handing over responsibility to each other for keeping an eye on the aged Ps.)