To-Do Tuesday and A New Logo

I had a foot doctor appointment yesterday and got clearance to wear a shoe instead of a boot! Don't look too close, but I still have some swelling in my right foot. The doctor says that is normal. The kitties are glad not to have that big boot clomping around. And I have my energy back along with my Sew-Jo!

Looking west, here is the newly weeded garden and tomato plants..

That's the back of our house in the background waiting for landscaping!

(The arrows point to my sewing room window.)

These were my goals last week:

✔ 1. Start on RSC red blocks - FINISHED and posted here

2. Sandwich rose quilt - NO PROGRESS

3. Plant zinnia seeds - SOME PROGRESS - We plan to have zinnias in the prepared bed outside our bedroom windows. (You can see the blank space in the photo above.) Planting will have to wait until mid-June when our new windows are installed. That way the contractors won't stomp on them! But I did weed my garden. In the process I got 18 itchy chigger bites. Now I spray myself liberally with bug spray before going out in the yard.

Here is what I hope to accomplish in the coming week:

1. Sandwich rose quilt

2. Work on Monthly Color Challenge block - it's a surprise color this month!

3. Plant green bean seeds

This photo was taken looking east. My husband planted these tomatoes for me

while I was unable to do much, and they are flourishing!

I have a new logo! I purchased it on Etsy because I loved the colors and design. I plan to revamp my Etsy shop with a new banner of the same design. I want to get myself sewing and sell some stuff!

I'm tardily linking with other To-Do Tuesday folks at ChrisKnits. Go check out some stellar accomplishments by clicking this link!

Riley Black Quilt Block Challenge

Yup, I jumped on another challenge, this one because I think the blocks are so pretty. I read about it on Amy Smart's blog Diary of A Quilter, so I'll blame her! Riley Blake Designs is sponsoring the event, and each Tuesday (except for the last Tuesday of the month) for 16 weeks a Riley Blake designer will offer a free downloadable 10-inch block pattern. The end result will be a sampler quilt. You can find all you need to know about the challenge right here or click on the button in my right sidebar.

Below are photos of each of the blocks I've made so far. Under each block, click the name of the block to go straight to the free pattern.

The first block, Pinwheel Star, designed by Amanda at Jedi Craft Girl, features a pinwheel within a star

Shining Star is block #2, designed by Bev McCullough at Flaming Toes

Carina Gardner designed block #3, the Framed Flower block

Stella is the #4 block, and it was designed by Sandy Gervais.

Rachel Erickson of Citrus and Mint Designs, is the designer of Ocean Waves block #5

On the fabric requirements information page, RBD included a color chart of the fabrics used in the sample quilt, so I used that chart to find similar colors/shades in my stash.

The blocks have been fun to make. Stella is a beautiful block but was the most difficult to make so far, because it includes a triangle in a square. The pattern recommended a Tri-Recs ruler but included a template. I used the template, and the result was a less than 2-1/2 inch block. I realize this is maker error, but next time I'll cut it more generously, Others that posted on Instagram had issues also, so I don't feel alone!

If you are interested in joining the challenge, you can still catch up. The blocks really are a breeze to make, and I impatiently watch the website each Tuesday because I look forward to it.

Here is where I spent part of my time this past week. I have a severe bunion that is causing pain and walking issues. I have had this bunion probably 15-20 years, but until the last couple of years the biggest issue was finding shoes that were comfortable. Now my big toe overlaps my second toe, and the result is pain, numbness, and difficulty walking for any length of time. I saw an ad (of all places - on Instagram!) for lapiplasty, a new procedure that promises a shorter recovery time and better long-term success than the typical bunionectomy, and I found a doctor within our insurance network that specializes in this type of surgery. My surgery is the first week of April, so I'm going to be hurrying to get a few things done in the sewing room, because I'll have to be off my feet for two weeks following surgery before I can wear a "boot". I'm not sure how that boot will work with my foot pedal!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!