This Week's Goals, Tasks & Projects

Oi vey, I have been BUSY!  I say that all the time, I know...but life can be exhausting when you're nearing 30!

My projects this week include the following:
1) Work on a quilt I've started.  I can't post many details here because its a surprise for someone special, but its a scrap quilt.  That's not entirely true though because my OCD plus my lack of a substantial scrap base to work with means that I've bought a few fat quarters to add to it as well as lots of thrift store/clearance fabrics (more on that in a minute).  So when I say *scrap quilt* I really mean that I'm not stressing about the small stuff.  Its my first quilt EVER and I learn something with every square I make.  I'm not following a pattern, just using random sizes pieced together...well, randomly.   I'm going to be making this quilt with 8" squares and it will be 76" x 60" when its done (give or take).  I am giving you a sneak peek here, but other than this post...info will be minimal.  I will just say that I'm hoping to finish it this month.  I'm 1/3 of the way done with my squares...hoping it gets easier and quicker from there!

My first 18 squares (that's 3 of 8 rows done)!  These were quickly arranged for the photos sake, but will be completely organized when I put it all together.  This was from scraps I had around the house already.  I am already sick of trying to find ways to pair up some of the colors/designs so I've been avidly searching for teals, blues, browns, greens and oranges to toss in.  I have 30 more squares to make...plenty of time to add in some extras!

2)  I'd like to finish this Strawberry Shortcake baby blanket I started.  Originally I was going to sell it on Etsy but I accidentally selected the wrong stitch on my machine and didn't realize it until halfway through and after wasting that much thread I didn't feel like seam ripping to repair it.  I will send it to my niece, Emerson for one of her dolls, because the stitching is sloppy and I really couldn't even give it away to someone without feeling like I was shafting them...but I know my beautiful niece won't mind the bad stitching. ;)  Not a complete waste!

3) Take better photos of my "products" to use on Etsy and then update the listings, as well as post a couple more.  I still haven't had any success making a sale, but I guess that will come with time.  I think mostly I'm just feeling the pressure of almost *needing* to sell something to a) make all the money I've spent on sewing things worth it and b) provide some kind of income to my family.  Things are a little tight right now with my husband starting a new job and I'd love to provide some kind of support/cushion!

4) Fall cleaning around the house!

Lions & Tigers and...DRAGONS, oh my!

Yesterday Gavin and I were bored at home and I realized that out of all this sewing I've been doing...I haven't done anything for him other than a quick handkerchief apron!  Throughout my many searches for patterns online I've bookmarked several sites for things I want to try eventually and I decided yesterday was the perfect day to make Gavin a dragon tail!

You can find the original brilliant Mom who designed it here: Tatertots & Jello

 Helping me add a little stuffing to the spikes because the orange fabric was an old sheet and very thin.  He even pinned after stuffing!!

 He loves it, acting silly as usual!

We used green flannel and an old orange sheet for the spikes.

RAWR!!!

The only thing I'd do differently next time (because you know he wants them in all different colors now, haha)...is make my strips for the straps a little longer.  Gavin is 7 and its really tight around his waist.  I might have to add extenders to the straps down the road.  Oh well, he loves it & that's all that matters!