July's Colorful Blocks

I made a few stand alone blocks last month that I hadn't had a chance to share with you yet. I finally had the opportunity to try out Sarah's Stained Block for Stash Bee in July. Last month's host, Kristy Lou, wanted bright colors with Medium Gray sashing which turned out beautifully. I really like how this block is so scrap friendly and how easily it came together. I used a selection of orange and aqua scraps from my stash to make the block. I also just had to add a little bit of the balloon print from Children At Play, complete with a fussy cut bunny and girl. : ) 

I also got to play some with selvedges last month too. As I was cutting all of the Mystery Charm Swap charms I decided to save the selvedges and actually try making something (I'm horrible about saving selvedges usually). I had some good practice making up this string block and figuring out how exactly to sew with them (a little tricky but not too bad). I learned that it helps to leave at least 1/2" of fabric at the top of the selvedge and to use the straightest ones you have rather than the ones that are little wavy on the edge (they tend to not want to lay flat interestingly). ; ) 

Last month was also my final month sewing along with Stash Bee. I have been making some gradual changes in my personal/work life lately, and after considering it carefully, I decided that I wasn't sure I would be able to keep up with the commitment in the months ahead. It was a bittersweet decision, but  it also felt like the right one.

The exciting news behind this decision is that I am finally on the path towards self-employment! After doing lots of soul searching (and then filing the requisite paperwork with the city and the state) I am now "officially" working for myself doing more of the design/art/illustration work that I love. I know that I don't often speak much about my personal life here on the blog, but since all of this is so much tied to the creative work I love to make and share with you, it seemed only natural to take a moment to share this too. : ) Frankly, it feels a little scary/liberating/exciting/huge to finally take this step, but it's where my heart is and hopefully good things will come from it.