Over the last few weeks I have composed many posts in my head but somehow did not get to the keyboard to capture those thoughts. So, here we are, the “unofficial” start to summer in the Pacific Northwest**. A good time to begin again.

I went on that quilting retreat but I didn’t make any scrappy log cabins! At the last minute, I decided to leave my machine at home. It wasn’t a new idea. One of my quilting friends did this a few years ago. And I have so many hand stitching projects (not to mention knitting) that get very little attention when they have to compete with the design wall and sewing machine at home. What did I have to lose?

My main goal was to make progress on my Cuppa blocks. This is the block of the month from 2016 and I would very much like to finish it by the end of 2026. I got a lot of the hand stitching done on these blocks and when I got home, I was able to get them joined into a top. I still have lots of embellishment to do on these blocks but this was very good progress. This last week I was able to get the letters for the boarder cut and basted too.

I also worked on some Steampunk blocks (hand stitching) and a Sashiko panel for a small bag. I made a bit of progress on my test knit cardigan but I did not bring a yarn needle so I wasn’t able to weave in the ends. Fortunately there are yarn shops in Bellingham so I picked up a needle and made progress there too. (I finished the cardigan last week. Stay tuned for a picture when the pattern is released – soon.)

I went on a hike (with a lot of uphill), did quite a bit of reading (Enormous Wings by Laurie Frankel), and enjoyed the slowed down pace. I have known some of these women for over 35 years and it is always so good to be together.

I finally sat down at my sewing machine today to rework a project bag and hem a sleeve. I have a new quilt idea brewing but I am going to let it simmer for a while. And I always have those log cabin strips to sew together.

Have a wonderful week.

**When we moved to the PNW, almost 39 years ago, July 5th was the unofficial start of summer. Most years we had a grey, cold, and gloomy June and often rain on July 4th. No rain this year but is has been very cool – absolutely NOT complaining but enjoying it very much. Of course if it gets hot, I won’t want that wool quilt on my lap so fingers crossed for a few more mild days.