Sit N Sew/Surprise Retirement Party

We had a fabulous sit n sew last night. The surprise party was another thing entirely. The guest of honor had to be called to join us so it wasn't much of a surprise. Now Terry never misses a meeting. I believe she has missed two sit n sews since we started meeting. One because of surgery and the other was just last month. She and I were both sick and decided not to spread our germs around because of this swine flu scare. So, of course, we try and plan a surprise retirement party she doesn't show up. Cath had made this wonderful pound cake with strawberries and homemade whipped cream. Mom had sewn her a cute little bag and the rest of us had filled it with fat quarters. We were ready and waiting. The Friend of the Cat finally reached her by cell phone and suggested she stop by. That really gave it away. Oh well. Our guest of honor finally shows up and we finally get to dig into the pound cake. Anyway. We all had a good time. So all's well that ends well. I just won't plan anymore surprises. At least, not until the next one.

The "A" Word

I know I'm not the only person that considers applique a bad word. I have avoided it like the plague. But not anymore. I took a class Saturday, and even though it was a very beginner class, I feel I can tackle about anything now. Nellie, our instructor, was extremely patient. I had warned her we were all beginners when it came to applique. Nellie found out fast that I was not exaggerating.

I never knew thread could be so thin or that they that they came in different weights. I've always just picked it by the color I needed. I thought a needle was a needle. I now know what a straw needle is and why you need to use it as opposed to the needle I do my quilting or hemming with. I do need a magnifying glass to see how to thread this needle even with a needle threader. Very, very tiny eye. Very thin and bendable needle. I had a bunch of the tiny applique pins that I've used in various craft projects. They were perfect for the tiny pieces we were working with. I would never have thought to use them in applique, even though they said applique pins on the box. They were craft pins to me.

What a difference the right tools make. I took notes. Lots of notes. I was very pleased with my practice pieces and have even started one of my Dear Jane blocks. It is a very simple block, but I had avoided it because of the "A" word. I'm going back next Saturday for more wonderful instructions in needle turn applique. I can hardly wait. Sunbonnet Sue look out.

Thank you Nellie for such a great class. I thoroughly enjoyed the class and I learned so much.