New Project!

Yep - I found another project to get started on. Can you believe it?  I was just cruising around the interwebs, reading through a few of my favorite blogs and on Cat Patches, I found a mention of Pat Sloan's 182 Day Solstice Challenge. The name got me checking it out. Basically it's this - snipped from Pat's blog, in her own words...

"I've been fascinated for years about starting a project on the Winter Solstice and ending it on the Summer Solstice. That is 182 days between them this year.

A 182 days to focus on doing a project... something fun... creative.. free flowing. And doing it together is way more fun than by myself!.

Check out the details but it boils down to 26 blocks (1 a week) from the Winter Solstice, which was December 21st here in the Northern hemisphere, until the Summer Solstice, June 21st.  Pat's blocks are designed as 12 inch finished blocks, with maybe a few surprises thrown in and a setting somewhere along the way. 

Now, you all know by now that I can't leave well enough alone. Oh no, why not just follow along & make the blocks as posted?  Because I can't.  I'm not wired that way. No, I have to make the blocks so they finish at 3 inches. And I need to make a total of 56 blocks (a 7 x 8 layout, or 21"x 24"), so that's 2 a week plus 4, because 52 doesn't layout in rows.  On the plus side, I have a group of aged muslin hanging around that was going to be the Storm at Sea but that requires more color and contrast than this fabric can offer.

Because I just started this yesterday, I had two week's blocks to make. And since the blocks are small, the seams need to all be trimmed to reduce bulk.

First four blocks down:

Yes, I know I really don't need another project right now.  As it is, I had to take a 3 hour round trip to get more Dinosaur fabric on Tuesday. And there are all the other things on my list BUT.... I couldn't resist.  This challenge will keep my sewing something every week, helping me keep the focus to work on the other projects, figuring out those details and designs.

I admit it - I am struggling a bit. I haven't been to the barn to ride.  I haven't done a lot of sewing.  I haven't gotten out walking. I haven't even done any handwork in ages!  Christmas felt like I was just going through the motions.  I'm feeling disconnected. I think that's the right word. I am missing a part of me - a medium dog size hole in my soul. 

I know time will make it some better.  DH & I have started discussing adding a new canine to our pack.  It's in the very early talking stages. We're not quite ready to do any looking yet.  We have a few things to get past first but our hearts are starting to open to the idea of a new dog. I'll share more when  it's time but I'd appreciate any & all positive thoughts you may care to share.