Spring is here

Yep, spring is really here!!!

We planted broccoli and cauliflower.

Tomatoes, tomatoes and more tomatoes (and some bell peppers too). In the background you can see my $10.00 composters. I picked up two $10.00 garbage cans at the home store and drilled large holes in the sides, and cut off the bottom. It's great you fill it up with stuff and once a week lift it up turn and put back in can. I will have some great compost and save the landfills too.

Pole beans in a cute little pot, strategically placed to create shade on the side of the house.

Carrots, leeks and zucchini...................................yum!!

Braid Placemats Part: One

Well it all started with this disscusion at Block central on a strip pieced table runner. I found a pattern at Quilters Cache

It's so pretty and I thought that it would make great placemats.

I went to a quilt shop and picked up these 3 charm packs. I ended up with a lot of pretty 5 inch squares and in a lot of colors.

I figured that I could get 2 strips out of each square and save the scraps for other fun projects. My strips are 2 inches wide.

Here are a few of the strips before sewing.

After I sewed the strips together in the length I wanted I then took it to the rotary cutter.....

Trimming the ends first. I lined up the seams with the 45* mark on my ruler and cut away.

This is one trimmed end.

After trimming the ends, I then trimmed the top and bottom.

This is one braid that is 16" long by 5.5 " wide. I am going to use two per placemat.

A good tip; after trimming the ends save the scraps to start you next braid.

To be continued..................................

In the mean time check this out:
Check out Bonnie Hunter's cool braid ideas.

Here's another tutorial.
For anyone with EQ5 check out this great tutorial from Patti Anderson. I took a class with her once and she is a wonderful teacher.