A Few More Obligations

The friend is the man who knows all about you, and still likes you. 

 ~Elbert Hubbard

Yesterday I went out to lunch with my BFF.  We hadn't seen each other in almost 4 weeks - he had been back east visiting family.  We had a great time catching up and sharing what had been happening in our lives.  Cussing and discussing politics is always a favorite with my friend and sometimes laughable, too.  Our favorite lunch spot was packed to the rafters and was extremely noisy.  To show you how much of a introvert hermit I am, I practically lost my voice trying to be heard over the din.  I'm not used to that much talking let alone at a loud volume.  We both showed our age with several "what was that" and "huh?" from not being able to hear one another across the table.  All in all it was a good time, reuniting with a friend, sharing good food, and just being out in the world :)

==============================

PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

Swim A Lap Day

Today is Swim A Lap Day.  A swim sounds really good with the heat we have been experiencing.  Swimming laps is an excellent form of exercise.  In keeping with the theme, here are some fun facts about swimming:

* Around 65 thousand people (are estimated) in the United States don't know how to swim!! * The first recorded swimming race was held in Japan
* Women weren't allowed to compete in swimming at the Olympics till 1912
* The bikini was named after a U.S nuclear testing site in the South Pacific, in 1946
* The slowest Olympic swim stroke is the breaststroke
* Swimming started in the 1st century
* Egyptians made a picture or symbol for swimming as far back as 2500 A
* The shorter your hair is the more chance you have for swimming faster because there is less friction
* •It really is true that you shouldn't swim for about an hour after eating. This is primarily because your body is digesting your food and you may get a cramp during the time right after you eat. Allow your body to rest after eating and then go into the water.

===================================

MUG RUG

The other day I completed another obligation for the month of June.  I made a mug rug....

This mug rug is for my secret partner in Leona's Mug Rug Swap Adventure 2.  My partner requested brights that don't necessarily go together so my mind automatically went to wonky.  Why do I keep making wonky when it is such a challenge for me?  The black sashing measures 1/4" in width.  When I went to quilt this little thing I discovered that my small Janome didn't have a walking foot.  No problem, I thought......so I pulled out the walking foot to my big machine that was in the shop for servicing.  Guess what?  That foot is not interchangeable between the two Janome machines!  Who would have thought that would happen - certainly not me!  I ended up using the regular pressure foot for quilting so I did a simple stitch in the ditch.  Even that was a challenge without a walking foot.  This mug rug is on its way just a few states over.  I sure hope my swap partner likes it.  Oh, the backing is just a solid black.

If you are interested in seeing more of the mug rugs being swapped, check out the flickr group.

==============================

KEEPING COOL

This is Weasley's normal position now that summer and warm temps have arrived.  (I touched it up for modesty purposes).  Doesn't he look comfy baring his belly for all to see?

==============================

SWAP BLOCKS COMPLETED

Wednesday I also completed my June swap blocks for the 6 Inch Block Swaps Australia....

My swap partner, Coralie, requested Star Of Hope in jewel toned colors with a light background.  First I made the orange and yellow block.  Next I made.....

this purple and pink star.  Now that I'm looking at the pictures, I see that some of my points don't quite match up.  Hmmmmm......I'm going to blame that in part to working on my little Janome. 

I hope that Coralie likes these stars.  I would have put them on a black background if she hadn't requested light.  I think that would have made the jewel toned colors pop even more.  These are winging there way to Australia as your read this.

================================

TODAY'S GOAL

Today I plan to make the bread basket that I need to complete before the end of the month for another swap.

====================================

GIVEAWAYS

Quilting In The Rain is having a giveaway.  You could win a jelly roll of Terrain by Kate Spain.  This giveaway will end Sunday, June 26.

Quilt I.T. is celebrating her one year blogiversary with a giveaway.  You could win 5 Fat Quarters of "Jacobean Jewels" by Red Rooster Fabrics or a Candy Bar of Moda's "Breakfast at Tiffany's".  This giveaway ends Sunday, July 3.

Quilt Story is having a fabric giveaway from Sew Obsessed.  You could win a 6 fat quarter bundle of Urban Chiks.  The winner will be announced on Tuesday, June 28.

Confessions of a Fabric Addict is celebrating her 400th follower with a giveaway.  You could win at least a fat quarter of three yummy Swiss Chocolate prints, and Kona cottons in four coordinating colors.  Sarah will select a winner on Wednesday, June 29.

Our Busy Little Bunch is having a giveaway.  You could win an AccuQuilt GO! Baby Cutter and your choice of 3 dies.  This giveaway ends Friday, July 1.

Stray Stitches (ME!) is still having a giveaway.  Click on the link for all of the details to win an awesome table runner kit and a darling pair of embroidery scissors.

==============================

FINAL THOUGHT

Wednesday evening on his way home from work, my DH picked up my big Janome from the shop.  It was cleaned, polished, and ready to put in another year of sewing.  I missed my machine.  I was afraid to tackle anything big on the little Janome.  Do you know how many times I hit my knee on the side of the sewing desk trying to use the knee lift on the little machine?  It doesn't have a knee lift.  I had to lift the pressure foot up by hand each time.  Do you know how many times I hit the automatic clipper button that wasn't there?  Or tried to adjust the sewing speed?  I have become spoiled.  Not to mention the automatic needle treader.  I now know of at least four things that all future sewing machine MUST have.  I'm also used to having many more selections for tension than the little machine has.  I guess it's good to have the big machine missing for a few days.  It makes really appreciate all it can do and what we can do together.  It probably enjoyed the vacation of no sewing for two weeks but I'm sure glad it's back and ready to go!

The sewing machine joins what the scissors have cut asunder, plus whatever else comes in its path.
 ~Mason Cooley