Check that list!

Isn't it a wonderful feeling when you can check some items off the endless list of things to do? I've been able to do that this week, and it feels so great! They're just small things, but each finish has an accompanying sense of relief!

I had wanted to make up another of these applique block mats:

The secret squirrel project was started and finished:

And I'm now busy working on the tree skirts/table topper patterns for my Etsy store:

My tree skirt pattern has been extremely popular for a number of years, and each year I receive many enquiries about whether I can provide the pattern in different sizes. And I'm sure that for every enquiry I receive, there would be even more people that just move on. So, I'm working on three new sizes, two smaller that can also be used as table toppers, and then one larger - hopefully people will be able to find one that suits them.

It is my preference to always make the projects first, so I know that I'll get the fabric requirements and instructions right rather than just make guesses - so the one above is the first one on the machine. It finishes at 34" from tip to tip.

I'm machine quilting right now - just some organic scrolly things - my machine quilting could definitely use some improvement - my own fault entirely, because I simply don't take the time to practice. Having said that though, I recently got a ruler foot for my machine, and I've ordered a couple of rulers to play around with, so maybe there will be more adventurous machine quilting in my future?

This afternoon I'll be back to the sewing room - hopefully I'll finish the quilting today. The only interruption will be a trip to a nearby lighting store - I've had a call that the new light fittings I've ordered for our family room are ready to be collected. I hadn't liked the fixtures since we moved into this house in 1999 - but I had no idea what I wanted instead and was completely at a standstill about what to do. Anyway ... you just can't rush these things ... and finally I've made some progress in that regard. Another list item checked off!

Thank you for all the lovely comments on my post last week - I appreciate you all visiting so much! xox