Drinking the [Zakka] Koolaid!

I have to admit, I didn't "get it" last year when the first Zakka sew-along was happening. I admired the projects and the talent of everyone who participated, but I just wasn't feeling it. So when I saw the 2.0 version coming, I thought "yeah, still not me". And then someone - and I am so sorry, I don't remember who it was - made the comment "I'm so glad I participated last year because it made my sewing skills so much better". Oh dear. I'm a sucker for getting better at stuff. I pretended not to notice the time after sushi lunch with a girlfriend on Monday and made a quick detour to Chapters. I had checked whether or not this book was in stock before I left for lunch and before I knew what was happening (not really), it was mine!

And I am very excited to show you my first project:

These are my Bell Pepper Coasters (which aren't coasters; they are actually hot pads).

I have some coasters which I use already and probably don't need more of just now, but my hot pads are looking quite raggedy and not so pretty so I said "hey, girlfriend, why don't you just enlarge the pattern and make some spicy hot pads?". Why not, indeed?

Writing is a big part of my job when I'm wearing my instructional design hat and I find myself critiquing pattern and tutorial directions without even meaning to most of the time. I am telling you right now, this book is superbly written. The language is straightforward, yet not dull. The descriptions are enough to get you from start to finish (and a good looking finish, at that) without being gratuitous (unlike so much of my writing -I don't do succinct very well). One day, everyone will know they should be using the Queen's English, but I'll let that one slip considering everything else about this book is really working for me.

And on a completely different note, today is (still) June 14 which means it is time for another installment of the 2013 version of the Let's Get Acquainted Blog Hop. I hope you will consider going to visit these bloggers; it's hard sticking yourself and your work out there and I'd love if you could go encourage some or all of the people on the list below.

Friday, June 14
Julie @ Jolie Maxtin

Melissa @ Melia Mae Quilting

Adrianne @ On The Windy Side

Laura @ Little And Lots

Sarah @ Duck Egg Threads

Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation

Cari @ There's A Thread

Valerie @ Between Quilts

 Linking up with...any number of things, but today, I'll make a point to talk about Finish it Up Friday over at Crazy Mom Quilts!

Happy weekend.

e.