This is what I do for fun

I take a pieced top that I finished putting together a while ago.




I cut backing and batting and then I quilt it on the machine. Then, I attach the binding and sew it down by hand.



The excitement mounts. Since this fabric wasn't pre-washed, there's some uncertainty. Will the colors run? Will the runner shrink? How much?




Low and behold, the colors didn't run (I put a dye catcher in the load just in case, but it came out still white). It did shrink, just a little, but cotton batting will do that.



And there you have it. I'm ready for Christmas in July.

Since I have a card reader and can transfer images from the camera to the computer, here is my favorite image from my recent trip. It about sums up my feelings about driving across Nebraska.

Today's checklist

My to do list looks something like this:

1) Give two weeks notice at job I hate and can't stand anymore--done (this Saturday is my last day)
2) Buy card reader to replace the camera cord I managed to lose somewhere between here and Colorado--done
3) Use card reader to print out pictures of projects (say that ten times fast!) to add to my portfolio--in progress
4) Take teaching portfolio to tomorrow's interview--yet to come.

Wish me luck!

I have a problem. . . .

I wasn't going to do this.

I already have several projects going. Aside from the current projects I have, which include quilts inspired by http://www.quiltville.com/diamondstrings.shtml, http://lovelylittlehandmades.blogspot.com/2009/01/ava-coin-quilt.html, and this one http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2009/05/bento-box-quilt.html (although mine's not king size),

I have a quilt planned based on this one:
http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2009/02/whirlygiggle.html

I already have the pattern for this one, thanks to a clearance sale when I was in Utah:
http://www.americanjane.com/products/AJP205.jpg


I would like to make this one at some point: http://www.suzguzdesigns.com/catalog/i18.html, (also shown here http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2008/12/candy-bar-road.html).

In the meantime, I have two quilts to finish for an event in two weeks (fortunately the tops are done, I just need to tie them and bind them). I also have a wedding quilt to finish piecing for a friend who got married two or three weeks ago (I'm thinking it might end up being an anniversary gift).

So what on earth am I doing, pulling fabric to make the quilt featured here? http://oldredbarnco.blogspot.com/2009/06/quilt-along-week-4-giveaway-too.html (scroll down to the bottom to see it!).

Or this one?
http://terryatkinson.typepad.com/.a/6a010535dafc6e970c011168a93584970c-pi (the quilt pictured on the front, although I also want to make that bag, too.) It's also shown here:

Clearly, I'm spending too much time online.

I'm also thoroughly sick of filling out teaching applications. Unfortunately, "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone, people like me!" is an insufficient answer to a thought-provoking essay question. Rats.

And look, I learned how to insert hyperlinks into Blogger. Look at me, using technology. :) I feel so proud.