Initiating Quilt Mode

A few years ago, I found this fun patchwork robot fabric on clearance for a ridiculously cheap price. I think I paid about five bucks for the entire remnant.  I had originally planned to make Aidan a little bath robe with it; but, I never really could find a pattern I liked that would be lined and also, not a giant pain.  So,  it has been in my stash for quite a while.

On Sunday, I decided it would be a super great idea to make a blanket for Aidan's upcoming birthday.  He'll be seven on Saturday.  Monday, I headed to Joann's just before closing (along with five-hundred other shoppers) to take advantage of their Columbus day sale.  I found this super soft turquoise blue fabric that reminded me of the old vellux blankets.  I knew my snuggly Buddy would LOVE it.  I, of course, also purchased several other fabrics to fill the soon-to-be-developing hole in my stash.

I had intended to make this a really quick project.  I wasn't planning to make a quilt.  I was thinking I would just make a small, quick blanket, wrong-sides-together, turn it, stitch is closed and be done. BUT, I just couldn't resist giving the quilt a go.  I did still have four sewing days until the party.  I didn't really have any sort of a plan, the right materials, know-how or a clue.  But... I had a dream and that's really all a girl and her Bernina needs, right?

The project actually went surprisingly well.  After I cut my fabric, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to fit it all through my machine.  So, I only stitched the vertical stripes in the quilt.  I'm not sure I  could have actually fit enough of the quilt under my machine to manage all of the horizontal stripes AND I forgot to buy thread so I was trying to conserve my two tiny spools.

I cheated on the binding and just did some folding and tucking in the corners.  I'm not sure if that was wise.  If anyone can identify an improperly-mitered corner, I'm sure Aidan can... and will. All of that puffy, fluffy backing was a bit of a headache to stuff through my machine. (Thank goodness for my Jeans Foot impulse buy a few years ago when I thought I would hem jeans because you know how often I need to shorten my pants.) The fluffy backing was wonderful for hiding mistakes and crooked lines and all sorts of other mishaps, though.

I'm really happy with the results and I think Aidan will love it.  Matt said Aidan's going to still have it on his couch when he's in his thirties.  I said I'm sure his wife will be ecstatic.

Monday Meal Plan (A Day Late)

This weekend, my mom and I went away for a girl's shopping trip.  I spent yesterday getting the house together and catching up on laundry... so, I'm just getting around to our meal plans today.  I've actually got a pretty easy week in the kitchen.

Tonight, I'm making Beef & Mushrooms over Brown Rice to use up some leftovers.  We'll have Steamed Broccoli, Biscuits and a Pumpkin Roll for dessert.

Wednesday, we're having Chicken Noodle Soup, Grilled Cheese and Fresh Fruit.

Thursday, we're headed to a cookout and bonfire so I'm off the clock.

On Friday, I'm making Fried "Uncle Bill" Fish, Carrots and a Tomato Basil Salad.

Saturday,  we're making DIY Homemade Pizzas, a Salad, and maybe some Cupcakes if I've got it in me.

Sunday, for "Fancy Dinner", we're having Lobsters,  Brussels Sprouts and some sort of Butternut Squash and Quinoa Gratin (recipe TBD???) and Apple Dumplings for dessert.

I don't have much of anything exciting planned for breakfasts and lunches this week, just the usual, I guess!  Saturday, there is lots happening all day at the farm market so we might just get breakfast and lunch while we're there!

What are you cooking this week???  Let me know in the comments below! I'm always looking for inspiration!