Utilitarian doesn't mean boring!

I have had a need to do some utilitarian sewing lately. I joined our local city band a month or so ago and we have two concerts tomorrow. Because these concerts are out and about, we need to bring our own music stands. I hate having to try to hang on to my music stand, and my music, and my horn as I am walking, so I decided to make a cute little case for my music stand. And while I was at it, made a cute little draw string bag for my valve oil and slide grease.


I of course chose cherry fabric (I know, you're all shocked) and red polka dots and threw together this little case. In hindsight I would have done a few things differently, but considering I just threw it together, I don't think it turned out too bad, and it serves it's purpose. And now I can travel to my concerts in style! (now if only my French Horn would fit in the trunk of the Miata, I could REALLY travel in style *wink*)

STUD Swap received

This is my first time participating in the STUD swap. STUD stands for Swap Til U Drop.

You make a mini quilt and send it to your partner. My quilt came out a little bigger than planned, but I added some extra sashings because it just looked lopsided without them. I hope my partner loves her quilt. I think she will. But you just never know.

Here is a little looksie. I can't show you the whole thing until she receives it because it's supposed to be a surprise. Her favorite colors are orange, green, and blue. I thought that was going to be hard, but then I found the floral fabric and it all worked out perfect.



Meanwhile, my quilt came in the mail yesterday! Kolleen, my partner, looked through my favorites folder on Flickr and just happened to chose one of my alltime favorite quilts to use as her inspiration. Pair that up with cherry fabric and I'm a gonner!


I absolutely love this quilt! I love the wonky blocks, and I love the ric rac, and I forgot to take a picture dangit, but the fabric on the back is adorable too!

Thank you Kolleen! I adore it! And just as much as the quilt, I love the little fabric pieces, and the doily. I can't wait to make something fun with that fabric!

I am having a really rough go of life right now and my spirits are pretty down. MIL came to the rescue and took the boys and I out to lunch and to see Shrek yesterday. It was a nice escape from my reality, if even only for a few hours. Thanks MIL, you're the best!