new windows, new cat, and other random stuff

After a full Saturday of sewing with the KCMQG, I spent Sunday "supervising" Jon and my Dad as they replaced the 100 year old windows in our little cottage style home. While charming from a distance, these old windows were in really rough shape. 

Most of them had rotten sills, cracked panes, and/or missing glazing. Several were painted shut and all the iron weights had been cut loose years ago. We uncovered many wasps nests and cobwebs. I'll miss their character but not the cold drafts and inability to open without fear of them breaking apart and falling out.

We had my sewing room turned upside down for the windows, so I took the opportunity to recover my pressing mat with some heavy, natural linen. I'd been wanting to do it for a while since the old muslin layer was looking pretty gross. I was too lazy to go the fitted sheet or drawstring route, and opted to simply staple the new fabric over the top of the old. I'm regretting that decision now. Next time around I'll remove the staples, wash the linen and sew on some elastic to make future washings much easier.

Since we were moving the desk around too, I finally dug out the plastic "risers" I bought long ago to raise it up for a more comfortable cutting surface. Now if I can only find an extra one for the odd fifth leg out front and center. I suppose the pressing board could use a lift, too.

Who thinks I should cut up this old, tattered quilt to make a couple curtain panels? I pinned it there as a temporary solution until we replace the blinds, but now I'm totally digging it. Looks super cool from outside at night, too. Yep, I think I'll do that.

Yesterday I stayed home sick from work. I didn't even feel good enough to sew, can you believe that? I attempted to but  my nose was dripping uncontrollably and making a mess of things. I spent most of the day cuddled up with Hank, Lucy and our newest fur baby, nicknamed "Black Cat" until we come up with something better.

She was an unwanted warehouse kitty at my work for several months, evading capture and only seen by those who came and went earliest and latest. I thought she was a tall tale until I spotted her late afternoon last Thursday, back by a high rise of pallets and some giant bags of dirt. After doing the "here kitty kitty" thing for a minute I managed to get her to come to me. We made friends and I took her home, fully intending to pawn her off on someone else as soon as I got the chance. 

I'll blame Jon for getting too attached. She's mega cute and super friendly. Hank can't stand her but has slowly been coming around. Lucy gets whacked every now and again for being overly playful but she's starting to figure it out. We had her spayed, de-wormed, and shot up, so she's part of the family now.

I went to work this morning but left early to hit the urgent care clinic. I'll nip my sinus infection in the butt this time instead of suffering for a week or two before finally giving in. The neti pot can only do so much before powerful antibiotics have to get involved. 

Now I'm home, resting. If I can't manage a nap I may just stuff some cotton up my nose and head to the sewing room. Pressing, cutting, and stitching fabric isn't that strenuous, right? It's relaxing, even. Maybe I'll make some more of these Jacob's Ladder blocks. 

Can you spot where I goofed? First one to point it out wins a prize! I'll finish the rest of the blocks before bothering to correct it. Or maybe I'll leave it. Adds a little character, perhaps.

Linking up with Cindy today (although she hasn't posted it yet). No one does random quite like she does! 

If you missed my quilted seat cushion tutorial yesterday on Ellison Lane, you can see it here. There's still time to enter the giveaway.