Sunday, February 20, 2011

Sunkissed, Birthday & Snow Days...

The weekend is about over...darn.  I had plenty of time to get a few things done today that I really wanted to, though, so it's all good.


I got the Sunkissed fabric cut for the sample quilt for my lqs (Saving Thyme).

I prepped fabric and traced a pattern for a huge project.  Did I tell you about this?  Sharon of MoosecraftUSA & I are embarking on a project.  Together but separately...each will have our own finished product.  But, across the miles, we will be here for each other as we work our way through this project...and try to not become overwhelmed by the immense amount of hours it will take to complete it.  (Me Mum predicts that it will take 194,000 hours to complete it. Sharon did the math and it comes out to be 12 years...24/7.  ha!)


It all started when Sharon mentioned 2 BOM's that she was starting this year.  Applique/quilting projects.  I looked at the patterns she was doing (they're so cool!) and looked further and saw one that I was completely taken with.  If you're a regular reader of my blog, this will sound familiar to you.  That's cuz I wrote about it here.  Sharon and I emailed back and forth about this quilt and we were both so excited...she finally could no longer resist and joined the BOM for that, too!  YAY!  So, my plan was to cheer her on with it.  But, surprise, surprise, she decided to send a pattern of my own to me.  Happy Birthday to me from Sharon!  Thank you so much!  (ohyeah, more about my birthday in a bit.)  So.  We are in this together.  I think she just really wanted someone to feel the pain with her.  This pattern calls for 16 skeins of floss...of the same color...2 strands used for the stitchery.  Look at how gorgeous this variegated floss is...

The pattern calls for over 40 different fabrics, but I opted to cut that number down to 26.  I went to the lqs close by my work (Stitcher's Crossing) and Julie gave me outstanding customer service with help in selecting fabrics.  In fact, she ran around with a skein of the floss and chose fabrics...all I had to do was stand there and decide which ones I could not live without.  There are several batiks...soooo gorgeous!  Lots of textures.  And, of course, all more gorgeous than they show here.

I tend to watch a lot of tv in the evenings...especially now with American Idol on and Dancing With the Stars due to start soon (March 21).  If I have some handwork to do...it's all a good thing.  Keeps me from thinking about smoking and eating.  This project will definitely keep my hands busy!

So.  My first block of stitchery is ready to go.  YAY!  The stitching is all done in backstitch, so it won't be at all difficult.  The challenge is the detail in the stitchery blocks.  

That being said, it is going to be one gorgeous quilt when finished.  Since Sharon's BOM is 14 months long...and I'm not going to rush to get done before her...we should have these ready to cuddle up with for the winter of 2012-2013.  Course, it's always possible that after all of our work, we will opt to hang them on our walls!! 

(you'll have to click to enlarge to see this and even then you may not be able to see it very well.  I would like to point out that this block has the least amount of detail of all of them!)
 
 Wish us luck!

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Yup, I had a birthday this past week.  I think I forgot to mention it.  No big number/milestone...this year.  It was a quiet birthday...nothing special going on.  All of my coworkers brought food...can you say sugar overload?  I received many phone calls & emails,  2 virtual floral bouquets, several happy birthday wishes on Facebook and some very nice gifts.  Thank you all very much!
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I have been thinking about doing a giveaway.  The only reason that I'm not announcing it right here & now is that I haven't made up my mind what to give away.  Any suggestions?

Have a great work week!


Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might. - Ecclesiastes 9:10

10 comments:

Farm Girl said...

It all sounds so wonderful and I am so excited about that quilt you are going to do and that you took the plunge. Have you seen Meg's Halloween quilt she is going to publish after I think a quilt show. I want to do the Halloween one. Well, get your embroidery skills going.
So glad you had such a nice birthday.
I like to hear your happy voice through your post.

Dog Trot Farm said...

Jacque, Happy Belated Birthday! That is quite a project you have taken on, but sounds like a lot of fun. As far as your giveaway is concerned, I think anything made by you would be a wonderful and generous offering, hint....hint.

Rugs and Pugs said...

Jacque ~
Happy belated birthday ... and many, many more.
Good luck to you and Sharon. Sounds like fun. I hope you both keep us posted on the progress you both make. That floss is gorgeous. What brand, may I ask?
One of your hooked rugs would be a great give-away {grin}!
Hugs :)
Lauren

Cathy G. said...

Happy Belated Birthday wishes Jacque! Sounds like you had a very good one!
My, that quilt sounds mighty ambitious! But you and Sharon with all that talent between you are the ones who can pull it off with greatness!
Hope you are feeling great!
Hugs!
Cathy G

WoolenSails said...

Love that pattern, was trying too see what it was by the links? Is that the new linen floss? Love the colors.
Can't wait to see your progress.

Debbie

Anonymous said...

I know what you can give away...TAG!!!!!!
Only temporarily and he can help clean houses for anything "on a stick"...and we all know he will work for food...
just a silly thought...
Love,
Janer
(because, you have so much sewing projects going, you need to stay home and send him to work!)

Sassafras and Winterberry said...

Happy Birthday!!
The fabric array is splendid! I love all the colors and can't wait to see what emerges! For the giveaway, I agree, anything made by you would be so nice!
Have a good week!
Courtney

moosecraft said...

Happy Birthday Jacque!!! This post got me excited to start my block today!!!! You just keep waving that thread and fabric under my nose and I just can't resist!!! Looks like the first tracing went perfect! :-)

Miccosukee said...

Jacque,

I too am looking forward to the new season of DWTS!! Amazing what I can hook when that's on!

Glad your birthday was fun and I understand about it being understated. Mine in January was low key. Think the celebrations start to mean less as I age.

From a personal point of view, I would love for you to part with one of your hooked rugs as a giveaway. This from one of your adoring fans!

Take care,
Trisha

Susan said...

Oh the joy of a new project...... That sounds like so much fun especially since you have a friend along for the ride....... I will be watching your progress...........