I lied. I didn't finish the quilt top last night. I ended up ripping out stitches repeatedly. I love sharing fabric with the gals in the Society of Sexy Sewing Sisters but I am not crazy about sharing sown blocks. Strangely, not everyone apparently measures 1/4" seam the same way! Because I sashed the blocks, the grid had to line up at least reasonably closely so it took FOREVER to get everything straight. I got the first outer border on and the second is cut and sitting by my machine. When I get home tonight I will put on the last border and start pinning. I really want to have this thing totally finished by Sunday. I still have to make something for my mother's birthday on Monday. Nothing like a little pressure to keep the blood pumping!

I am determined today to finish the quilt top from the retreat at Bear Hollow this past weekend. We shared blocks at the retreat and the original plan was to turn them into a quilt using the "Barn Raising" pattern. Never one to leave well enough alone, I turned mine into pinwheels and then sashed them. I ran out of fabric (I know! How can that be?!) so I had to wait until I returned home to get some that matched the sashing. I cut strips last night and started sewing but still have a long way to go. Since we used "fall" colors for the exchange, I also found a beautiful piece of fabric at Burkholder's for the border. Instead of blogging, I should have cut that this morning. If I really rush, I can get ready for work and still have time to drag out the rotary cutter and mat.

I will post a photo of the FINISHED quilt top tomorrow morning!

I am contemplating the condition of my quilting studio...I think the whole fabric stash thing in here is totally out of control. It will take me YEARS to sew all the fabric that I have collected so far and I just keeping adding to the stash. What is it about fabric that makes every bit of sense I have fly out the window when I see a bolt with colors or design that attract me? I love the feel of fabric. I love the way it smells. I love looking at a piece of fabric and imagining it in a quilt. My goal this week is to finish the quilt top from the retreat by Friday and start quilting over the weekend. I am going to exhibit some semblance of self-control and refuse to purchase any additional fabric until I have the quilt bound and complete. The big quilt show is Harrisburg is next weekend. More fabric, more quilts for inspiration...