Not much sewing

After managing to complete four tops last month, I have forsaken quilting for other things. But of course, I always manage to squeeze a little sewing in! I bought a copy of 'McCall's Quilting', and found a lovely pattern by Susan Guzman called 'Dutch Breeze'. Not only is it lovely and easy, but it's perfect for scraps - my kind of pattern! It's made from 1.5" strips and 2.5" strips. Just join them together, cut into 4.5" squares and sew together!

I've only had chance to make a few blocks, but this one will be such fun to do, and since the blocks are 8" finished, it will grow quickly. There are several other good scrap quilt patterns in the magasine, so check it out if you have the chance.

So what have I been doing which has kept me away from my sewing machine? I'm a member of a local drama group, and have volunteered to reorganise and be responsible for our store. We are lucky enough to have a space in an industrial unit which is given to us rent free by the owner, Michael Coates. Thanks, Michael, we're very grateful. The problem is, that people go in and out of it, and it had become a dumping ground which was in total chaos. The chances of finding the blow up hammer for next year's panto, or the soda syphon for Agatha Christie were negligible.

Here is a 'before' picture taken from the doorway. Bags and unlabelled boxes everywhere. The basket of plastic fruit (vital for panto) is obvious, but everything else could be anywhere.

Another view to dishearten anyone trying to locate something specific. (Just why is that cuddly angel fish lying on top of a camouflage net?)

So over the last few days, DS and I have been to IKEA, bought and erected some basic shelving units, and begun to try to empty carrier bags, bin bags and boxes, and start a simple categorisation system. Boxes have been labelled with 'Men's hats - uniform', 'Aprons - coloured', 'Waistcoats' and even 'Dame's underwear' (a large box!) and stored on shelves. Yesterday a group of people from the group came over and we completed the job.

This is now the view from the door, with all costumes hung on racks, and other items in boxes on shelving along the back wall. Here is a view of the props shelving, with the plastic fruit now safely boxed, and the blow-up hammer in the panto props box. What a transformation, and what's more, I'm determined to keep it like that!