Finding memories & making memories

Today I found these treasures while I was unpacking a box - it's only been eleven months since we moved!

Oh, my goodness, junior high was not my favorite.

I walked or rode my bike to school.

In 8th grade I decided to memorize Edgar Allen Poe's poem, "The Raven".

I recited it as I walked to and from school.

In the same box I found my "Man from UNCLE" newsletters and secret instructions. Hahaha.

Ninth grade was so much better than junior high.

I lived two blocks from high school and came home for lunch every day.

My friend and I discussed the latest episode of the show as we walked to school.

The two books below are returning to NYC.

Liam has the other two in the series and he likes to keep sets together. (Like his gran.)

I took this pic in front of our local library.

Flat Chuck, the chick, is part of Missouri Star's anniversary celebration.

Quilters were asked to take selfies with him.

Libraries are some of my favorite places.

All the cousins making music. 

I love this noisy bunch.

In a quiet moment David and Ava were using their reading skills with some vintage Golden Books.

Gran's gang.

The youngest on the highest step.

Liam the helpful leader is near his buddy, Kenton.

The six year olds together.

So much fun.

 

Easter Baskets and Improve Blocks

Once again I posted sewing on writing blog.

Enjoy reading about what's going on in the sewing room.

I finished four more baskets for Easter.

I made them one inch smaller than the original pattern.

I changed the opening for the final turning by cutting the lining in two pieces

Some of the lining fabric I used was directional so that was part of the reason for cutting in two pieces.

With this change I was able to make the turning opening in the bottom of the lining.

After making the lining and outer basket separately, the two are nested with the handle sandwiched between them. A quarter inch seam is sewn around to attach the lining and outside.

Then turn the basket right side out through the hole in the bottom.

I machine sew the opening instead of hand sewing it.

Above is the turned out basket.

Above is how it looks as it is being turned.

The lining is turned but needs to be topstitched around the top.

First I iron the edge to prepare for stitching.

New baskets are finished.

Two have fabric handles and two have woven braid handles.

I think the grandkids will have fun hiding and finding Easter eggs with these baskets.

Below is the first basket with smocked eggs.

Uncommon Threads Quilt Guild's block of the month is improv blocks.

Carmen made kits of scrap fabric in blues and purple.

It's going to interesting to see the finished charity quilt made from these blocks.

The improv blocks made me think of this book. 

When my batik fat quarters come I may use them in a superstrata quilt.

Happy sewing!