It's time for new Curtains

I've spent more time in the past few weeks looking for curtains for my windows than I ever do when selecting fabric for a new quilt top. I live in the country, far enough off the road and away from neighbors that I don't need them for privacy, just for looks and light control. I finally found some panels that I liked enough to get, but of course, they are way too long. I want my curtains to hang inside the window frames, not go to the floor. After all, this is a country house, not a formal manor or estate. So, I've been confined to the sewing room while cutting off about 1/3 of the length, sewing in hems, making tie-backs and valances for the windows. I've still got one large window in my bedroom to finish up, maybe tomorrow afternoon. Then, I have to decide what I'm going to do with the sunroom. I've never put any curtains or shades in there as it's on the back of the house and I love the view of the fields and woods. But, since we've rearranged the rooms and now have our tv in their, I would like to put in shades that could be pulled at night to help with the temperature control at night this winter. The problem is that I have 12 windows and 2 large sliding glass doors in there. Way too many to go out and buy special shades. Still trying to decide on what to do there. Have to think some more on that. Better get back to the sewing machine. Those curtains won't hem theirselves without some help.

Scrap Blocks, too much fun

I spent most of yesterday afternoon making Scrap Blocks for a swap I'm doing on another quilt list. I only needed to make 12 blocks to meet my obligations but got carried away and made about 30. They are so simple to make. You just start sewing scraps together until you get a piece large enough to trim down to a 6 1/2 inch square. They are like eating potato chips, one is not enough. This swap has been going on for several months now and I have a large baggie full of blocks, probably enough to make a pretty good size quilt. Need to start sewing the blocks together one of these days. In the picture, this is just a few of the new ones I made yesterday and are laying on my super size ironing board.