I Like Thursday #129

 I have had one of those weeks. It started off -- Let's just say that my time off I requested was messed up and then when I pointed it out to my boss I was argued with.  As I age I have learned:

I know what the computer system said, I even had another supervisor verify that I had done it correctly since we are using a new time management software for punching in, out, requesting time off.  All it means is that I will be taking another long weekend very soon since I have to use my vacation before my work anniversary date in December.  

I Like having several days off in a row!!!!

What did I do on my 4 days?  I worked outside, almost had the pool ready to close, it rained first, then the wind storms have hit, and it is too cold to get into the pool to clean out all the leaves which have landed in the pool.  Ten acres of land explain how every leaf within 1/2 a mile seems to find its way into my pool?

I learned some new techniques for applique' using MonoPoly thread.  I started sewing down my chickens.  I couldn't seem to match my thread.  I asked a friend, could I use rayon embroidery thread which I use in my embroidery machine?  She said yes.  But I looked at this and thought about all of the thread changes so I learned how to use MonoPoly.  I am about 1/2 way done with the stitching part. 

I have seen where when they are doing the applique', the piece is already sandwiched and so it is basically quilting as the applique is being stitched down.  I am thinking I should have done that with this piece.

I will be using the MonoPoly to applique this piece also. I watched a video by McKenna Ryan on Fon's and Porter to see how she sewed it down. 

Beary Be Witching by McKenna Ryan of Pine Needles Designs.  I purchased backing so when I am ready I will sandwich it before I stitch down the applique'.  

Below it you can see my maple leaves for the Fort Worth Fabric Studio's Absolute Autumn mystery.  I have all the parts cut for the rest of the quilt but I got a wee bit distracted.   

I have most of the borders on my flower delivery quilt and the applique all ironed on, yet another piece                                 

 that needs to be sewn down.

I also have my Oregon Banner to applique.  Do you see a pattern with me and applique'?                   

 I love how the applique' looks but I find the sitting and stitching it down, even with machine very tedious.  Which is funny, because I love piecing and it is basically the same thing.  

I finished a couple of other applique pieces though, even quilted them and they are sitting in this pile by my chair waiting to be bound.

I cut out the final block for the BOM Amish with a Twist which I was doing last year.  Since there is now dark thread in my machine, and I must just be lazy I am working on the finishing blocks.  

I have one set done, 1/2 way done with the 2nd set.  I only work on them for an hour or so in the evening and if I am tired all bets are off.  I think there are 3 more finishing block sets then it will be ready for assembly.  

I measured and sewed a lot of borders during my vacation, did some quilting;

Since I have a couple of projects almost completed and have picked up a UFO to work on I can start something new (Hey my rules!). 

This is the engine part of the Tild Tractor made with the fabrics from Tiny Farm.  I love these fabrics, the colors, the hand and when I am done I am sure this will be a favorite.  

I saw this piece and had to share it, just the link.  Many of the other bloggers not only quilt, but paint, make journals, do photography, knit and so I thought this was fascinating.  Agnes Herczeg creates miniature scenes out of mixed media and lace.  

Speaking of lace, what about spider lace?  Check out this web!  Spiderman would be jealous!

I read or listened to a lot of books this past week.  

Conjure Women by Afia Atakora is a novel from a slave's point of view in the years before and after the Civil War.  

The Bookshop of Yesterdays by Amy Meyerson

and one of my favorites for the week because it definitely made me giggle.

Murder at Melrose Court by Karen Baugh Menuhin.  I like the synopsis which says Downton Abbey meets Agatha Christie.  

Now head over to LeeAnna's at Not Afraid of Color to check out the other I Like Thursday posts.