August PhD Update

Hi Quilting Friends,

August has never been my favorite month. There are no official holidays to celebrate. It is hot and humid in Houston, with temperatures over 100^oF for most of August this year, so one must minimize outdoor activities. Summer vacation has ended, and I’m back at work again. So, sorry August, you are not my favorite month.

On the positive side, Mr. Fix-It and I enjoyed a week-long beach vacation in Galveston where we shared a beach house with our neighbors. Here are some vacation highlights-

Also on the positive side, our younger son Nathan recently started his new engineering position for a NASA contractor at the Johnson Space Center. It is wonderful to have them living closer, and it’s fun to tell friends that he’s a NASA engineer!

In addition, all five of our backyard kittens have been placed in their fur-ever homes with loving families. We miss them, but it wasn’t ever meant to be a permanent relationship due to my cat allergies. Katniss (mama cat) has recovered from her spay surgery, and is living her best life as our outdoor attack cat, hunter of birds, squirrels & other rodents, lizards, & bugs.

Best of all, we welcomed Freya, a super sweet 10-month-old French bulldog, to the family. We’re enjoying her immensely!

So, between our fun end-of-summer beach vacation, Nathan’s new job, Katniss, and Freya, August has actually been really great. I may just change my mind about August. . .

My time for quilting has been minimal with all of the action around here, but that’s just fine. Here’s my August report!

PHD in 2023 Projects

I didn’t make any progress on my PHD this month, but then again I’ve already finished up the required twelve projects so that’s not a problem. I’d still love to wrap up at least one of the two large quilts that are on my list. I should have time to do so, since 2023 has four months left.

New Projects

I’ve created drawings for three new foundation paper pieced vehicle patterns (semi-truck, logging truck, pickup truck), which will be added to the Ms P’s Pattern Shop inventory. I’ve started stitching, but haven’t finished sufficiently for any photos yet so here’s a shot of the rough draft of my piecing diagram sketches.

My “One Monthly Goal” for September is to finish sewing the three truck models, and get the block patterns published. Ready, set, SEW!

Elm Street Quilts One Monthly Goal September Link-up

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My “One Monthly Goal” for August was to finish making the twelve pieced flower blocks for a soon-to-be released design. (Susan is busily stitching the applique animal blocks.) Ta-done! Here’s my photo finish-

I’ve started to stitch up a project to share for the “It’s a Dog’s Life” Sew It Show It challenge. You’ll see my project on September 19, if all goes well.

Ongoing Projects

The “Rainbow Scrap Challenge” color for August was YELLOW! Here’s what I made-

Carolina Chains

Rolling Stone

Progress Update

My task list for August is the same as it was in July-

And here’s my updated PHD tally for August –

Happy quilting,

Sharon

Gail’s August PHD Report Link-Up