Cup of Tea Anyone?

I've been seeing pretty appliqued teacups all over blogland lately. Jan at the Calico Quilter is making some nice ones for a swap. She encouraged me to give applique a try. She even shared her technique. I tried, really I did. I even tried a couple of times. They ended up in the trash. I've never appliqued before, and what I learned is that I need a class. But, what's a few teacups in the trash? I think I looked at every teacup pattern I could find on the web, but they all had at least some applique in them...the handles. I just didn't want to attempt it, so I went with my strength and drafted my own little teacup pattern with a pieced handle. After a few false starts, here's what I've come up with so far. Isn't it "Swell". I do love that Swell fabric! It reminds me of the teacups that I received from my grandma after she died. Hopefully the next ones won't take quite so long, but I think I'm going to keep making them.

Not much time for sewing this week, just waiting for the weekend and the quilt-a-thon and some uninterrupted time to create! I do finally have my own one of these. I just couldn't resist spending a bit of cash on this. So many project swirling around in my head. I am working on the quilting of the Red and White Quilt-A-Long quilt a bit each night. I want to finish it before AmandaJean starts the star quilt-a-long on her blog, Crazy Mom Quilts. She gave a preview of some of the stars we'll be doing. It's going to be fabulous!

I want to get the sewing room cleaned so at least I can see the floor (those pesky threads just seem to pile up) before Saturday. I want to be organized and ready so I can get lots done on Saturday. Have a great rest of the week everyone!