That's the short version of my life since I was last here.
The longer version is that on March 8th, I packed up my car with a sewing machine, a couple of projects, some clothes, my laptop and Rosie, and I drove to Houston so that I could harass my brother onto the road to recovery from hip-replacement surgery.
Rosie was really excited.
(Okay, in the interest of full disclosure, I took this picture on the drive home. She was one tired puppy. And yes, I put a quilt on the backseat to keep her happy and comfortable.)
Because of doctors, rules and regulations, various suddenly required test, it wasn't a definite "go" until Friday afternoon. I had hope to leave Saturday but I just couldn't get it all done in time to go so I left Sunday morning instead. I pulled into my brother's driveway a little after noon on Monday and managed to get unpacked and settled before his early Tuesday morning surgery.
Mark's surgery went spectacularly well and he's doing great. "Back to normal", so to speak... only without the hip pain, the limp and all the pesky related issues that come with having a worn-out hip. He came home Friday morning and after realizing that he was telling everyone what to do and how to do it, he remarked that he was "back to his old self".
And I couldn't be happier.
Even with Market looming, there was never any question that I would go and do whatever he needed. It's not because I'm a "saint" - though my brother did actually say I was... I have a witness! - but because he's my brother. Just as it was with my Mom, he's my priority and everything else will always take a backseat. I know that most of you understand perfectly, that you have and would make the same decision for your family. Besides, it was a lot of fun and I really did enjoy spending almost three weeks with my brother. He's a hoot.
(When we were in school, the district office designed "gifted" programs and classes just for him... but he just discovered Netflix. A Breaking Bad marathon has commenced.)
Since he was doing so well, I did get some sewing done.
I pieced all thirty-six blocks for a big quilt and I made five small Little Bites quilts.
This is one of them - it's made with Vintage Happy by Lori Holt for Riley Blake.
If you don't have this fabric... I'm not sure we can be friends. I'm kidding! Mostly. It's pretty wonderful.
And this...
Denyse Schmidt's Ansonia with the new Mochi Linen by Moda - in Natural. I love this fabric! It's easy to sew with and it washes up beautifully. I was curious so I threw a small piece in the wash. It's a cotton/linen blend - 70/30 - and while it's a little bit "thicker" than the regular quilting cotton, it didn't affect my seam allowance. I'll be using more of this soon.
I drove home on Friday, March 28th, and while I didn't intend to drive all the way through, there's something psychological about "gaining" two hours. Oh, and if you've ever been on I-10 in West Texas and New Mexico, you know that the speed limit most of the way is 80 mph. I made very good time.
Since getting home, life has been kind of busy. I've gotten a little bit of sewing done with more scheduled this week. Between writing patterns, packing orders and finishing up projects, I won't be getting out much.
But that can wait until after Market... when it will be too hot to go anywhere.
Actually, it's supposed to be 90 tomorrow... and 95 degrees by Thursday.
Perfect weather for staying inside and getting some work done.
Market looms.
