Angel wings or buttlerflies from the sea

I finished the Beetle Bag.....which I briefly posted about here. It is a pattern from Aby Lane Quilts that I bought at Jo Ann's....

I had a bit of issue with the binding, but I am happy with the results. There are 6 zip closed bags in the center held with Velcro straps for stuff and the pin cushion is removable. The strap wraps around to the back and attaches with Velcro. I hope to make a few for gifts. I will make a few adjustments when I do. Not bad for a first. I love the fabric which I bought last year. It was for a BOM club project that Jo Ann's always has. Easy when the fabrics are already color/pattern together.
Yesterday was a blood work day for Mr H and me.... nice when the technician is gentle. After the stabbing we returned home to settle back and watch a few Sherlock Holmes movies....totally relaxing afternoon...but no stitching. Later Mr H made dinner...remember I told you he is the cook in the house. It was a pre-prepared seafood clambake dinner and was delicious. He also made some shrimp with butter and I ate them all! I cannot resist shrimp. What I found out when cleannuing up...yes he cooks I clean....was these lovlies

At first I thought what cute butterflies...then as I washed them I thought of angel wings.... what I will do with them remains to be seen but I could not throw them all away. I am always amazed at Mother Nature....look at the shell designs...exact on each side and they were pretty much all different. For now they will live in a basket.
My friend Gail and hubby are almost to their destination in Virginia having safely driven from here in all the nasty snow, icy roads and rain weather. I await the Facebook message that says they arrived. In the meantime, a cup of coffee and some breakfast. Today is a work day....whatever your day is, I do hope it is wonderful.
Thank you for your kind words and friendship....

It's gonna be a long day

I did not sleep well and was up into the  wee hours. I think I finally closed my eyes around 3 AM. So not to waste time, I decided to complete my Southwest print bag.

I rather like it. The fabric is Moda Southwest selection. The squares, 6 inch, were pre-cut...very nice thank you. The pattern calls for 5 inch which is what the size was I made the first bag. This is a little larger which is fine. The straps are made from the ling fabric which is from the same collection. Not sure if I will keep the doodad on the front/back as embellishment, but for now or until I find something else, it will do. I have no idea why, but I want feel that I should do some crocheting again! Why?!? I really have enough to do....we will let it go for now.....
I did some stitching on The Witch and the Halloween piece yesterday but I had a podiatrist appointment which ate up some time. The good news is that I won't be having any surgery....would need to be very extensive but the bad news is that I will have to adjust to some degree of foot pain. I bought  special inserts that will hopefully help ease some of the pain. I have had 6 surgeries on my left foot since 1986, (the last 2009) and do not want anything more! I like this new doctor, he is conservative and that is good. I return in 3 weeks for a follow-up and we shall see if these inserts help. If not, the special made ones will probably be needed....
I would like to welcome a couple of new followers and thank you all for the kind words and emails. I am off to work today.... whatever your plans are, hope you have a marvelous day.

Mixed thoughts day

Crazy title for a post? Well first let me tell you that on Friday night my co-worker's husband was killed in a motorcycle accident on his way home from work.  He was 41 years old. She is a young lady who always smiles and is cheerful. Someone I do enjoy working with. They have 5 boys from 18 years old to 7 months. Such a sadness.
Next on my list is that I have several projects in the works and feel like it is forever to get them completed. Don't get me wrong, 2 of them are only in need of finally being constructed into something. Just need a push to do it. Then there is my tatting.... just finished another ornament. This is the beaded tree shape . Now I have a multi colored, a red and a gold. I next will do an all green one. Spoke with my tatting guru Debra yesterday and we are having a Tat and Chat meet next Saturday. It was nice to not hear  her say a lesson! I guess I have progress in her mind enough to just spend friendship time. Next to make plans to sit and stitch with Jeanne next week. I am beginning to need a calendar to keep track of my new social schedule.

The post brought my thread order. These will be used in the Witch Doll. I bought extra just in case.... you never know. It is used in the rest of the Dolls so I want to be prepared.
At some point I want to stitch all of them.... 3 ladies and 3 witches.
 Then there is this project...

The prints are from the Moda Southwest collection for another quilted bag. It took forever for me to layout the 22 squares. I kept changing my mind and then asked Mr H for an opion and he put back one of the squares that I had just moved to where I had it in the first place. WE do think alike.... most of the time. So since this is in the way on the floor of the sewing room, I probably should get it stitched together before I try to rearrange it again.

On to the weather.... it is just feeling too hot to do anything out of the house. Mr H and drove 4 miles to the nursery yesterday...the half hour out of the car and we were wet to the skin. The humidity is what is the problem... the monsoons bring it.

There are lovely grey clouds in the sky.... if only they would bring some rain.
I finally made it to the post office yesterday....mail out to Rhode Island----Cranston, Johnston and West Warwick and to San Fransisco. The clerks always remark on my package destinations.
So you see, my mind is everywhere today. The one thing that I feel is happy to have Mr H and also my friends. Without all of you near and far, it would not be a nice world for me. I am a very lucky lady indeed. I enjoy our visits here and at your place.... I love your kind words and emails and will try to be better at leaving them for you also. Whatever your plans today, have a great day.

It's April...no foolin!

Can you believe another month..... turn the calendar.... it's April 1st ! Yesterday Mr H and I had a very nice quiet day. He is feeling so much better so that means I am too. Well actually, I still have this cold/flu thing, but not worrying about him helps me feel better. Honestly I am feeling better. Mr H cooked hame and topped it with pineapple slices with brown sugar..... yum.
I finished my new bag

I love how it looks. The fabric was a quilt bundle from Jo Ann's. The layout and then sewing was interesting but I followed the directions and voila! I tried some of my machine's embroidery and think it was okay. My sewing machine is a Kenmore that is about 25 years old and still sewing well. I am thinking of having it serviced as it never has had to have any work done on it. I keep it oiled once a year and clean and never have a problem. I dread the day I will need to purchase a new one. This was top of line when I got it and now they are so much more expensive.
I have a nice easy week..only 2 days at work so my stitching plans are already forming. Look what I found yesterday in our yard

this little petunia growing in the crack of the  walkway.... there are several others that will bloom if Mr H does not step on them! Of course they are right in the path so......
Welcome to a few new friends....so glad you have found me. Some times there is no way to contact you, so maybe you will send an email ? I am pleased to have you visit wit me and for the kind words and emails..... you brighten my day! Whatever your plans for today, I hope it is a wonderful day.

A finish....

I just finished my new bag....

The bag is a nice large size but not over powering. I could not find buttons that I liked and I needed 8, so I bought wood discs and drilled holes and stained them and voila! I am already thinking which fabric to get to make another. I think these two look fab together.
And yes, it seems I can post pictures again. Also my page is back to normal. Little things do mean a lot sometimes. We are in for another hot hot hot day. My only errand is to the doctor...routine stuff. I may attempt to stitch today...and I really want to finish my braiding... just can't decide to make a bracelet or necklace. I am leaning toward the bracelet which I tend to wear more of.
Well, my stomach is asking for food......I think Southwest Hash browns and scrambled egg with a cup of tea. Thank you so much for all your kind words and emails. I truly appreciate your friendship. Madame Muriel is thinking about where to travel---you still have time to let us know if you are interested in having her visit with you. She has 3 offers so far...Italy, Australia and Pacific NW. I do hope you have a wonderful day.