Xs and Os

I finally started on my new project today. Didn't get nearly as much done as I was intending since my hubby had the day off from work.

We watched The Incredibles -- I'd almost forgotten how much fun that movie is. He'd never seen it, but loved it just like I thought he would. It's got superheroes, humor and stuff that blows up. We watched a bit of the "making of" - boy, how I'd love to work at a creative place like that (since I can't actually acquire superpowers somehow). Hubby can work at the Mythbusters workshop and I'll work at Pixar. Sounds great except for the whole "no skills" problem.

I did finally get started on my Valentine's project tho. Here is my basket of strips, all cut at random widths between 7/8" and about 3", with some at angles. This is my one bit of anal retentiveness - I like to keep the fabrics separate in their own little bags. I didn't use to work this way, but it was always so frustrating pawing through strips and scraps looking for the exact fabric I wanted, so this little tiny bit of organization won out. Trust me, there isn't much of that in my life.

I'm making Xs and Os for awhile. I might start making some hearts or other words too, or I might just stay with these. Won't know for sure until I'm further along. At first I was doing one letter then the other, but realized that wasn't efficient. Xs work best if the cuts are sliced with a rotary cutter, whereas Os can be made without ever having to stand up. Might as well do a bunch of Xs all at the same time. [Note: info on making letters X and O can be found in my letters tutorial here.]

My makeshift design wall is off where I can't see it from the sewing machine, so I decided to put up a new small one on the wall of the dining room. Had to take down my blue and white houses quilt and put up part of an old bed sheet (yes, I had purple sheets but they finally wore out). This is my beginning. When I laid them out I sorted by size and ended up with this. Why do I think I'm making "Hugs and Kisses" over again?