I have had an idea for a series of blocks that has been fermenting for several years... For this project I'll need lots of VERY teeny tiny cotton prints and trims ....which are not that easy to find anymore... I used to find them easily in the infant section of the thrift stores... But not as many as now most infant clothing now is made of soft knits... Occasionally they have precious velvet and lace special-occasion outfits for infants and I snatch those right away. But I lucked out on Wednesday and not only did I find this teeny pink cotton print, it was loaded with precious trims and doll size buttons... even the hem is embellished.. So it is safely tucked away. So when cruising the thrift stores, don't overlook the infant and toddler sections.. Little girl party dresses often have spectacular trims, ruffles, and lace.
This project was my
second choice for CQJP 2013 so you'll have to wait until 2014 to see it unveiled... But if you run across
teeny tiny cotton prints, save me a piece or two..
Anything I can't use in the house and can't bear to throw or give away goes to the barn and periodically I have straighten up and sort. But today I was out there for two reasons....first we had some damage to one corner of the roof of the barn and though we fixed it, I feared it would leak where I had a lot of fabric store. The second reason was to make a dedicated area for bins of stuff I want to go to grandchildren. When Leigha was here this summer I had her pack up a set of china and some other things and it is all marked for her when she does have a place of her own.... I want to do this as an ongoing project for each of them.. And I did sort and clean some also.. I use the Bounce sheets in every box, drawer and bin to keep the mice out and it works.
So I moved all the fancy fabric bins and they are overflowing again. I have taken bags and bags to retreats, I send a bunch with Cathy K. for a retreat and the local gals have had at them twice. I am going to see if I can get some out-of-town stitchers interested in a "Stash Enhancement" day in the barn. I don't know where it all comes from. And there are smaller bins out of sight of lace, trims, and ribbons. The bucket is for the leak....
And then there are the cottons, décor fabrics and the vintage linens on the rolling racks. 
While I was moving and sorting I did get the fabric pulled for projects I foresee for myself in 2016 including CQJP. I always take a few days in January and set up several card tables and make my blocks for the year... Not many this year as most of my focus in 2016 will be finishing the cottage blocks and the hanky piece. 
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