Oxbow Working Group

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Several of the BAMQ members working on making our own versions of the Oxbow Tote, got together for a little mini sew day to work on our bags. It was so fun to see where everyone was in the process, some just beginning to cut it out, some doing the very last steps. It was also great to see the fabric and webbing choices, all so different. 

Working in a group setting is so helpful, especially if you're all working on the same project at different stages of completion (and bag-making mastery). It also can mean that if you forget something crucial, someone else will let you use some of the interfacing they actually remembered to bring along. Thanks, Sue! Reminder to self: Pay It Back!

I was really happy to get to work some more on mine and to advance several steps through the pattern thanks to the help of seeing the steps either done, or being done with my own eyes in person. Sometimes I think that's how I learn best, because video classes aren't always shot exactly well. Not commenting on the Noodlehead one that comes with the pattern which I still need to watch. Another note to self: watch the video!

Optically True

At BAMQ's Sew Day, there's always a "Free Table" where members deposit quilt related things they want to give away. This is usually fabric, patterns, thread, tools, notions and such. I even brought some stuff this time that got snapped up right away. (reminder to self: bring something to give away every time!)

One of our guild members passed away unexpectedly earlier this year and one of her relatives is also a member. She's now at the point where she's going through the late quilter's stash and bringing it to share with the guild. That's how I ended up with the above.

It's a really great reducing lens! I was so surprised to see how well it worked to take a picture through it. It was very easy to do and it illustrates so well why you'd want one of these in your quilting tool box. You can see just how useful this is when you're working on something bigger. It can be quite hard to get enough distance away to see how the color and patterns are working in your quilt and this lens really makes it possible. 

I'm glad that we all get to remember our friend from the guild by using and enjoying bits and pieces from her stash. It's a good way to honor someone's creative pursuits, she was a very giving person, so I think it would make her happy to see her stuff being used instead of thrown away. It definitely makes me consider the options for myself.