I can’t even begin to describe what a thrill it has been to ship her out to all the Lazies who placed pre-release orders!  We’ve even received reports that a few customers have already received her.  Oh…I can’t wait to make a Lily just for me.

Wear from your shoulder or cross-body to rest comfortably and securely at your hip. Fully lined, short to long handle, inside and outside pockets, Velcro closure.  Finished size: approx. 9” x 10 1/4” x 1”

Here’s a view of Lily’s back side:

A look inside Lily:

Taking PRE-RELEASE orders NOW, due to ship the first week in September 2010.

Click here for more info and to place an order.

This is your license to play! Whether you’re a quilter, a textile artist, or you dabble in mixed media, you’re going to love this tool. When you can’t find the exact fabric you need, make it yourself!  Check out this video clip highlighting several techniques from the book:

Surface Design Essentials is ON SALE now at SewThankful.com where you can SAVE on threads, patterns & more every day.

Tea For Who Tea Cozy Pattern

Tea and Cupcakes Tea Cozy Pattern

Hot Fingers Microwave Oven Mitts Pattern

Click the images to learn more about these adorable designs ON SALE now at SewThankful.com

I am happy to report that despite continuous rain the day before and a 40 – 50% chance of thunderstorms the day of the ride that it was a go… and I did finish.  There was a race and a ride option offered.  I chose ‘ride only’ which is simply an endurance ride on a designated course on public roads. I have no desire at this point in my life to race.

We did get a few raindrops and a LOT of thick drizzle, but that also kept the temp just below 90 which was nice.  I started to go flat in my front tire near the 3rd rest/aid station, but the volunteer bike mechanic was right there when I rolled up and changed my tube for me quicker than quick.  Rest/Aid stations were set up approximately every 10 miles or so.  ALL the volunteers were FABULOUS!

Sadly, one of the cyclists in our group was rear-ended by a car near mile 40. I was a couple miles back when it happened. When I saw the ambulance and all the cop cars with flasher blazing near the top of the next long hilll my heart sank. I think that was the hardest, longest hill I never wanted to make it to the top of. When I got there they had just put her into the ambulance. Several other cyclists were standing around sobbing and talking with the police. I didn’t know at that point if the person was still alive but decided not to add to the confusion so kept pedaling on to the next rest-stop where I received an update when a few other witnesses road up.

As far as I know she is still alive and at the local hospital. There were a BUNCH of witnesses–cyclists and motorists going in both directions–and the police got the person who hit her. Witnesses told me the person was an older female who was extremely incoherent.

As for the course, it was even a little more challenging than I thought it would be. There were a LOT of hills, so many I lost count.  Most were in the 1/4 mile to 1/2 mile length (a few went on for about a mile+) but some of the grades were quite steep, exceeding 10%.  A handful of riders did drop out by mile 40 and snagged a ride back in the SAG truck.

I started having severe muscle cramps and spasms in my lower right quad (on my good leg) at about mile 35. I was taking my electrolyte capsules, but I really think it was the humidity sucking it out of me as fast as I was getting them down. There were times I wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry it was spazzing so bad. But I kept pedaling anyway and I made it!

It was a great truly fantastic first big ride back after surgery. Challenging, humbling and exciting enough to make me want to do it again! The route was gorgeous, the volunteers were amazing and I ♥ Texas.

Unfortunately, my guys weren’t able to come with me this time so there was no one to take pics during the ride.  Here are a few I snapped from the car (of some of the closer in parts of the route):

UPDATE JULY 10, 2010 – I contacted the ride registrar to gather more information on the status of the rider who was hit.  I have heard back and here is what she said:

Terri W*** is the ladies name who was injured and I talked to her husband yesterday.  She has many fractures and broken bones and is very fortunate not to be paralized.  She had a 10 hour surgery on Tuesday to repair her back, and had surgery on her arm on Thursday.  She is one tough lady and is going to a re-hab facility today. She is in terrific shape [all things considered] and expects to be back on her feet shortly.

Thanks Tracy for asking about her and thank you for riding with us last Saturday.  We love our riders so much and we have been pretty upset(really
upset)that one of our own got hurt, much less almost killed.

For those who pray, I’m certain your continued prayers, good thoughts and positive energy will be appreciated.  Terri W is a strong woman, but she no doubt will have a long, tough recovery & rehabilitation.

Goofy Ghosts pattern by Karen Eckmeier

Make your own happy kaleidoscope of jack-o-lanterns, bats, ghosts and more! These ghosts are having way too much fun to scare anyone. Come join the party of black cats, pumpkins, owls, candy corn, purple bats, and broomsticks.

Simple straight-stitch applique is done at the quilting stage eliminating the need for a stabilizer. Easily adapted to your favorite method of machine or hand applique.

Finished size 25″ wide x 25″ long.

ON SALE now at SewThankful. Click here to check it out.

Click here to see more patterns by Karen Eckmeier.

My mother-in-law just had knee replacement surgery, so the Ice-Me-Nicely project was perfect for her Mother’s Day present. the linen closet I found a “broken in” purple towel (orphan from son’s college days at Univ. of Washington!), found an appropriate-sized scrap of batik w/ purple for the binding (in my newly-organized stash), used 4D Monogram Wizard to create monograms in 2 sizes to fit the 2 cases, and ended up w/ 2 pretty good looking ice pack covers. I was so excited to get them in the mail to her that I neglected to take a picture. I”ll do so when we visit over Memorial Day and send you a copy.

Last week she sent me a picture and gave permission for me to share with you:

Ann W's Ice-Me-Nicely packs gift

FANTASTIC work, Ann!!!  Your Ice-Me-Nicely packs turned out beautifully!!  I love the monogram and your choice of batik binding.  Thank you so much for sharing with all of us.

FREE instructions for making the Ice-Me-Nicely packs can be found here: http://www.sewthankfulblog.com/?p=1479

Just wanted to share my Bag with you. Was very  easy and enjoyable   to make, instructions were easy to follow, thank you to Lazy Girl Designs. I did put a extra pocket on the back of the bag and just flipped  the fabric. I also put brass feet on the bottom of all my bags.  Get the pattern and enjoy the easy to install zipper instructions.

Here are pics of Patricia’s beautiful bag:

Front side of Patricia's Margo

Inside Patricia's Margo Bag

Nice work, Patricia. I love the extra pocket and the addition of feet to the bottom of  your bag!  Thanks so much for sharing your work with us.

Have you made a Margo yet?  If not, what are you waiting for? The Margo pattern is ON SALE now!  Make several for yourself or gifts for friends.

Finally, after being on my to do list for nearly 3 years, I finished the covers last night. Here are a couple pics:

close-up of the quilted fabric

Jeff and the boys love the new covers and I’m SO happy not to see that old crackly, split pleather anymore. They are removable — I simply added a casing around the bottom hem of the circumference band and inserted elastic. Now when the covers get dirty I can pull them off and just toss into the washer & dryer.

I did not use a pattern, I just quilted up some fun stash fabric using pretty Rainbows thread…then I made it up as I went along and we really like how they turned out. It was much easier and faster than I imagined. Looking back, I can’t believe I put it off so long.

SEW… I started my Margo on Sunday (pre-washing, cutting & marking) and  finished her on Monday.  I love to sew, but I am not a speedy sew-er. I like to savor my passion so took my time and stopped many times (to take care of family needs, meals, etc.).  Margo was a LOT of fun to sew and definitely not complicated as long as I focused on each step I was working on.  I have a problem of reading ahead (and it gets me into trouble all the time!).

Here is my new girl:

Margo - front view featuring her smart, angled front pockets.

A look inside of Margo -- LOTS of fabulous pockets and plenty of room for all my stuff.

The zipper is a snap to put in. Joan has written really good instructions!  It’s so easy to produce a nicely finished bag if you follow her instructions exactly and go step-by-step. My biggest problem is staying focused & not reading ahead (yes, that often gets me into trouble–ever since I was a kid).

If you’re looking for a great handbag pattern and want one with a zipper, give Margo a try!  She is smart and beautiful.

Click here to learn more about the Margo Handbag pattern – link opens a new window.