Catching Up : :

All the time spent training Penelope has majorly effected my sewing time this past week and a half, but I think we're figuring it out. She's sleeping so much better through the night, therefor I'm finally feeling rested again, which makes my days so much more productive. Even though I'm missing all my sewing time, I am truly enjoying a reason to be outside more, to take little walks, and to play and lie in the grass. I've kept myself so busy and cooped up sewing this past year with the kids all in school, but I never really adjusted to being alone this much, which is one of the reasons my husband decided to surprise me with our puppy.  

I'm grateful.



Today, I'm mostly busy making crowns! Many thanks to those of you who've ordered during my sale!!



And I also took a little time to track down this forgotten wip from last Summer.



I had never unpacked it, along with a few other random quilt blocks, when we moved. I just thought of it last night after we were looking through the photos that I took recently of the bear that was visiting my parents house.



This block was made one afternoon after we had taken a day trip to Allegany State Park, one of our most favorite places! We had spotted a large black bear on our drive and I decided, since we're making such wonderful memories there, that I would make a quilt inspired by our love for this forest and for taking along on future trips.



I know I'm not going to finish it anytime soon, but I'm going to love to have this block out where I can see it again, to remind me to make more blocks when I find the time or get the urge, and soon enough I'll have another special quilt for my kids!

I don't have any new, cute Penelope pics to share here today, but if you have a second, take a look at this one from yesterday. I'm certain it will make you smile!

♥,  Maureen

Sweet Summer Dreams : :

Today is the end of the school year here and in just a few hours our Summer will begin! I'm not sure yet how my sewing time will change, I am sure it will, and I plan to adapt as quickly as I can! Yes, I've already begun my sewing plans for Summer...

When Brenda asked me to put together a custom bundle for her shop, Pink Castle Fabrics, I knew it had to be Summery, beachy, vintage-y, yet very colorful.

I've been loving the color coral again this year, so that was an obvious first color choice, but once I thought of my favorite West Elm mugs it all came together quickly. The hardest part was making those cuts, I don't think a bundle of 20 fabrics is what Brenda had in mind. I asked my facebook friends for their opinions on naming this bundle, which was really wonderful. There were so many good ones! We finally decided on Sweet Summer Dreams -- a bundle of 12 fat quarters in soft grays, blues, corals, yellows, and aquas -- available right here! I hope you like it!!



One thing we really need for this Summer is a new beach/picnic blanket. Enter Seaside, the new collection by October Afternoon for Riley Blake. Aren't these prints adorable?! I think they'll be just perfect, combined with some yellow, chevron laminate, for our blanket and my next Design Team project!



Arriving with these fabrics was a bit of happy mail for me!



A little mention of my blog in the newest issue of Where Woman Create -- woohoo!



On Monday, we all agreed that we are ready for Summer days.







and for me...some Summer sewing!

Are you looking forward to any new Summer sewing or craft projects? I'd love to hear! ♥ Maureen 

p.s. Here's a peek a tomorrow's Fabric Giveaway!