Checking In

I'm finally letting myself start a new project, since I'm supposed to be off my foot.  It''s a project I've wanted to do for awhile, actually.  Last year on Instagram @stephjacobsondesigns had a Plus block quilt-along that I really wanted to do, but didn't have time for.  So, now is the time!  If you're interested, you can see more about this on Steph's blog here.

Here is the diagram of the Plus block I'll be doing.  This makes a 10"block, which makes math for the quilt really easy!  Always a "Plus" in my book!  Hee hee! One could use a jelly roll for this, but I'm working with half-yard pieces and cutting my own strips.

Here are the fabrics I'm using.  They are Ombre Confetti Metallic Dots by Moda, that I found on my trip to Missouri last year.  I fell in love with them, and have been searching for a pattern to use that would highlight the ombre aspect.

I'm using Low Volume fabrics in the backgrounds, as I love Low Volumes.  My Low Volume quilt is one of my favorites.  They're so perfect for a  more interesting background too and there is a lot of background in the Plus quilt.  I've collected a good-sized group of them over the years.  This is just some of what I'm using.  Right now I have a table set up in the living room and I'm just cutting fabrics.

the start

First block

Here is my first "practice" block.  I've learned to make a practice block before I get too far along, just to make sure everything is copacetic.  Doing that has saved me some grief over the years!    

I've got one more stack of fabrics to cut up and then I can start sewing!  Yay!  I can't wait, although to be truthful, I love cutting fabric.  I could do it all day.  I find there's something quite soothing about chopping up big pieces of fabric into small, usable pieces of fabric.

As you can see from this photo, the Orthopedic doctor has given me a cast.  This is my very first cast, although not my first broken bone.  The cast is made from fiberglass now, so much lighter than the old ones, I understand.   I''m not in any pain, just some discomfort.  And it's awkward.  And because I'm terrible at crutches and they're killing my arthritic hands, the doctor prescribed a knee scooter for me.  

I saw this on Facebook and it made me and my son giggle.  So when I got the knee scooter, my son promptly dubbed it the "Kneelie Wheelie".

My "Kneelie Wheelie"

This is a lifesaver!  I've gotten pretty good at getting around with this.  Unfortunately, we live in a 2 story house.  So, I go up and down the stairs on my bum, and generally do that only in the morning and at bedtime.  Upstairs I get to use the crutches, so I don't spend much time up there.  Our old kitty Shade, who won't come out of our bedroom because he's terrified of our son's dog, isn't too happy with that arrangement!  Poor baby.

So, in 4 weeks I get the cast off and get another Xray to see if the break is healed yet.  If not, then another cast for a couple more weeks.  I'm hoping and praying that 4 weeks will be enough!   In the meantime, I hope to make some progress with my new project!