Yesterday was a beautiful day but we didn't spend any time outdoors. The girls have been working on sewing projects for the Cumberland County 4-H "Fashion Revue." It's a county-wide sewing contest and fashion show held every year for 4-Hers and my kids have entered projects for judging for the last couple of years. They've developed some great sewing skills through 4-H and have enjoyed the many sewing opportunities offered (from club activities to the county-wide sewing class).

But the girls have been a bit behind schedule with their projects this year (you know, we sit around all day doing nothing...). So yesterday we decided to make that the day to finish things up (the entry deadline is Friday and we've got a lot going on between now and then). They are both pretty excited about their entries this year now that they are done with them.

G. made a "fancy doll dress" (it has a collar and that was quite a challenge for her) for her American Girl doll. And L. had it in her head she was going to finish the quilt she started a couple of months ago. It was a huge project and I wasn't convinced she'd get it done in time. But when L. decides she wants to do something, she usually finds a way to make it happen.

G.'s doll, wearing the dress she made, was hanging out with L. as she was tacking her quilt, the final step to complete the project. Neither project is "perfect" but the not-so-straight lines and unintentional pattern variations makes them all the more interesting. I try hard to help the girls understand the Revue is more about feeling good about your project and the time and effort you put into it, not the ribbon you're awarded.

The problem now is that L. wants to actually use her quilt. The idea of turning it over to the Revue committee for a week isn't sitting well with her at the moment (i.e., she's whining about it and driving me a little crazy).

So we're headed outside this afternoon to play in the snow. Nothing like some fresh air on a beautiful day to expel some extra energy and help everyone be happy again.