Too many projects?

I went shopping in Freeport with a friend recently. She bought luscious yarn at Mother of Purl for a pair of mittens. I bought a bag pattern and fabric at Cotton Weeds. 

I think this will be a fun bag for the summer. There was a sample bag made up at the shop so I got to see the size and have a look inside. Lots of inside pockets and there is a zipper to keep my belongings safe. The owner at Cotton Weeds kindly labeled my fabrics so I know what is what. 

I was going to buy Bosal for soft interfacing but they were out at Cotton Weeds, so I have decided to use the leftovers from other bag projects. I kind of grit my teeth about making bags, but will put the effort into making this one. I just have to make the time to get it done. 

Barred Owl in early March

Did you read about the many Barred Owls in people's backyards? The poor birds were so hungry they were hanging out at birdfeeders hoping for a meal of squirrel or small bird, I assume. Our Maine winter of snow and thaw made the snow crust too tough for the little birds to break through for mice or whatever they eat. I became quite attached to this little one and hope he/she made it.

This is the third applique border for my Jan Patek BOM from last year. I've really enjoyed the applique but I am ready to get the quilt finished. One more to go! 

For some reason (avoidance of working on UFOs!) I decided to work on a little quilt last week. I have a copy of Gai Perry's book Color From the Heart. There are a number of challenges in the book involving color. The first challenge was to cut three 2 inch squares from 40 different fabrics. Those squares are put in a bag and then you pick them out randomly and set them one by one in the rows as above. You are allowed to rearrange a bit at the end, which I did somewhat. 

Sew squares together and then choose colors you want to emphasize for the borders. The point of the exercise is to learn that if the pieces are small enough, then all colors go together. Not really sure that it worked for me but I do like my little quilt. I played with free motion quilting and am pleased with that. Not hanging very straight on my door. I did cut my squares 2 1/2 inches rather than 2 inches. Not sure that would really make any difference. Looking at her example in the book, given the overall size mentioned and the size of the borders, I think she cut 2 1/2 inch, too. I'd like to try this again. If I can remember, I will cut 3 squares from fabrics that I am using for other projects and toss them in a basket for future use. In fact...I have a big supply of 2 1/2 inch strips around here somewhere....

I'm also working on an embroidery project and signed on for "Cheddarback" a BOM from Gaye Bomers of Sentimental Stitches. Five blocks each month. How hard can it be to find the time for that? I so enjoyed the Edyta Sitar BOM last year and this will be similar. Also signed up for a wall hanging with Back Roads. The temptations are never-ending, aren't they?