Rhoda's Rantings

New Decision

I haven't had much to write about for a while, but last week I came to a decision.  I think I wrote last summer that Ron had lost his job.  We spent a delightful summer, and he got a new job in Oct.  Unfortunately, the pay is commission based and he's been getting no commission because it's a totally new territory.  We live in Michigan where building is at a standstill, and the building products he sells are just not selling right now.  (Floor and roof trusses)  I've been struggling since last fall with getting a job, which I would like to do, but dealing with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue really limits what I can do.  The stress of wondering if I'll feel well enough to go to work or not was very difficult for me.  Last week I decided to get cards made and advertise to do sewing, alterations and quilting.  I've sewn my whole life and made my wedding dress.  I do alterations for my friends.  I also decided to look into a small consignment shop in a little town north of us where my husband used to run a lumber yard.  It's a neat little community that I've always liked.  There's a new quilt store across the street.  Anyway, I'm thinking about selling the bags I make for baby gifts and smaller quilted projects like wall-hangings and table runners.  I feel really good about this decision.  I think I was more down about it all than I knew because I have a renewed desire to sew and get things going. 

So the sun is shining here today, and it's already getting warmer.  (The sun.  The temp is 12 degrees.)  We're supposed to get a snowstorm tomorrow.  I hope it's a doozie!  I have chicken soup in the making and life is good!

Rhoda

Ruth's bag

My friend Ruth asked me to do the quilting on the bag she wants to make.  I asked her what she wanted on it - out of my limited experience - and she said anything I wanted to do.  I decided to get creative and try something I haven't done before.  I have to say that even Ron, who really doesn't pay any attention to what I make, thought this was pretty good.  I drew a design on paper for the circle and first row of petals, although you will notice they aren't the same size.  Too bad!  It's not perfect!  I can live with it.  Ruth thought it was great, although she said a piece of fabric will cover the bottom, so the middle of this piece.  I didn't care.  Now I have another piece to do for her that's a dark print.  Since the quilting won't show up I'll just stipple that.

Rhoda

Finally!

Another new BOM

Block of the Month

Hi everyone!  Happy New Year!!   I found the other day that Block Central is starting a new BOM tomorrow.  It appealed to me, I thought it might appeal to some of you, too.  Not that I need any more projects, I have several blocks left from BOMs from last year.

Rhoda