Squishy Mail Love

Anne in IL sent me some lovelies in a "squishy" envelope that arrived in yesterdays mail.

Autographed Star/ Friendship Star Block

Scrappy Churn Dash Block

A potholder - second one I've received - gotta get mine in the mail soon for these wonderful gals.

This was the first potholder I received from Mary Lou - it's quite unique and she included a couple recipe cards as well.

As you can see the potholders will each be quite unique to the maker - such fun and they certainly brighten ones day when life throws gobs of lemons.

Favorite Sewing tool and potholders are ON MY MIND

First I want to thank Tania at Ivy Nest for the link in her post to texasfreckles where I learned how to make these fun potholders. Just in time to as I am participating in a potholder swap with my on-line quilting friends at 
ourquiltersfamilyhome.

In the above picture is one of my favorite sewing tools. The pointed end is to get the corners turned without poking through and the round end is for running around the seam inside the layers to get them to lay smooth. Above is before I used it and below is after I used it. LOVE THIS TOOL!

You add a layer of cotton quilt batting after you turn it right side out and I learned that it is VERY important to leave your turning opening big enough for your entire hand to fit inside so that you can smooth the batting down well before closing it up; adding a hanging tab and top stitching around the edge; which I did twice - once next to the very edge and then again about 3/4" in to hold the batting in place. I think they turn out really nice considering they started out as scraps in this little tub that I had saved back.

Six done - two more to make and then they'll be ready to go to my swap partners. 

This post is part of "on My Mind" with Down To Earth

Potholders and Blackberries

Insul-Bright as it comes from the store.

Squares of Insul-Bright waiting to be made into 8 potholders - 2 per potholder

My first potholder; waiting for a square of batting to be added to the center before I close it up and stitch around the edges.

I am really enjoying making these potholders and yes one will be for ME. Perhaps I will make one to match the project for my friend as well.


This morning I decided to move a raised bed that wasn't producing a thing by the fence next to the driveway. I've moved it to the front yard and filled it so I could plant the blackberry plants that I got from Gurney's in that Grab Bag. I think the Blackberries look quite happy now...

Along the front of the bed I transplanted some straggly looking mint that was growing in this bed when it was by the fence. As soon as I can I want to add a top dressing of more dirt and manure but I will wait a bit to give the blackberries a chance to settle in.