Direction...

Not direction like north, east, west or south, but
direction meaning line of planned action.

Here's what I mean...
sometimes I have an idea 
firmly fixed in my head.

But, then it's time to begin and
that's when I begin to rethink...
and go in a different direction.

 

Here's an example...

I've been picturing this small quilt with

the fabrics I showed yesterday.

(shown again right here for your convenience)

I was excited to begin working on it.

But, when it came time to start cutting
into the fabric, I changed direction

and decided to use different fabrics.

I'm using the Whitewash fabric collection

(received from Sharon...thank you!!).

I am very happy with how they are turning out.

These blocks measure 5.5 inches...

aren't they cute?

 

Another example.

I started following Cheri's quiltalong

for the apple brown betty small quilt,

 but this is what I came up with, instead.

I am very pleased with how it turned out,

in spite of the fact that I changed direction

and went my own way.

So.

Do you do that?

Is it a good thing?

Or not?

I like to think it's my creativity.

Well, really...what else could it be?

{grin} 

I know some of you are wondering,

so here are the details on the small quilt...

I used Luna Notte fabrics

and Kona solid in Bone.

It measures about 11.5 x 20.5 inches.

I quilted in the ditch in the center portion,

then quilted with rows of straight stitching

around the outside border.

 

Here's a view of the back
where you can see the quilting.

Today's agenda:

Watching this movie

while eating pizza.

Sewing more churn dash blocks.

Finishing my hand-pieced quilt top. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A little story about Tag E. Butt.

He doesn't let much of anything

stop him from getting

what he wants.

Oh, don't get me wrong...

he is very obedient...

when I decide that he needs to be.

Some say he is spoiled.

I say he is special.  

{grin}

Anyway.  The story.

Tag does not let a little thing like a 

plastic container sitting smack dab

in the middle of my big easy chair

deter him from laying there.

He is a smart dog and knows 

that this is, of course, 

the most comfortable place to lay.

And, he knows that he can make this work.

So, he got up behind the container,

pushed the towel out of his way

to make his bed and laid down.

By the way,

the towel is there because there is a

hole in the fabric of the seat cushion

and I have yet to mend it.

Putting the towel over it prevents further tearing.

In theory.

When the brown boy moves the towel

and situates himself,

he is also bothering with the tear.

{sigh} 

But, gosh...doesn't he look comfy?

Just so you know,

as soon as I walk away from this computer, 

I will make him move out of my chair.  

My wish to sit there overrides his cuteness.

Hope you're having a good day!

It's back to work tomorrow.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

Day Off...

I have today off.

I love 3 day weekends, don't you?

What am I doing?

Reading, relaxing, sewing.

Cuddling with Tag in my big easy chair.

In no particular order.

I've been working on two small quilts today...

am definitely making progress.

It should come as no surprise

to you to hear (read)

that I am thinking ahead

to my next small project.

I plan to make this quilt.

Here are the fabrics I'll be starting with...

 

  I may need to add in more white backgrounds.

I may make the blocks a bit larger.

 I think this will be quite striking!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."Jeremiah 29:11

Not Quite Finished...

Here are a few things I have been working on.  

My 'swoon' quilt...the top, anyway.  I was going to make 9 blocks (remember, each block measures 24.5 inches), but decided that I didn't really need (or want) to make a quilt that was 84 inches square (with sashing & borders).  So, I took 4 of my fave blocks and made this nice lap-sized quilt top.  Right now, it measures 57 inches square.  I think I'll probably use the other 3 blocks for large pillows...or I could add borders and make a few nice baby quilts.  OR, I could make one more block and have 4 of them for another lap-sized quilt!  A plethora of ideas!  {grin}  At any rate...I am loving this orange and aqua color combo.     

This is the small quilt I started with Cheri Payne's quiltalong.  But then I veered off in another direction.  No special reason.  Just cuz.  I am ready to quilt it, but have yet to decide how I want to do that.  Ohman, the decisions I am having to make!  {grin}

I finished knitting both heelless (tube?) socks...am now learning how to sew them together.  It'll be a bit before I finish that.  Mostly because I am not concentrating on finishing them.  I do love these summer colors. 

Been working with my hand-pieced quilt...putting the sashing and cornerstones on.  I should be ready to start hand-quilting on this very soon.  Once I decide how I want to do it, that is!  (I told you, didn't I?...decisions!!!)

American Idol is on tonight!

I'm okay with DWTS's elimination last night...how about you?



 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."   Jeremiah 29:11

Easter...

A Glorious Easter to you all!

 
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."    Jeremiah 29:11

Not So Much...

I haven't been around, lately.  Not so much going on.  I am having a bit of a problem...don't worry...everything is okay.  Just overwhelmed with trying to stay caught up at work (one person new/training and one person who only does half of what she should be doing...and then there is me...trying to do my job plus the overflow in 30 hours weekly.  Yeah.)  I am finding that when I am stressed, my tinnitus increases in volume and makes me very anxious...it then interferes with my sleep.  Not good.  At all.  But, it will get better.  Count on it.

In addition to not blogging much, I haven't accomplished (read finished) much, either.  

I did manage to do this block for my hand-pieced quiltalong.  Erin asked for a suggestion...I love pinwheels, so this is what we got to piece this week!  YAY!

 

Here are my blocks all together.  This pinwheel block was Block 11, but I opted out of two blocks...I think I am going to go with just these 9.  Unsure at this time whether or not I'll add sashing. 

I wanted desperately needed a no-stress weekend, so I took a break from my list.  You know the one...with a bazillion things to do on it.  Yeah.  No list weekend!  

So, today I've been knitting...just to try out this pattern.  Easy Mistake Stitch Scarf.  It's a basic knit2, purl2, but there are an odd number of stitches, so that makes it work out differently than if there were an even number of stitches.  The yarn I used is an acrylic that was sent by me Mum and Aunt/Godmother.  Practice yarn.  As the pattern says, 'Mistake Stitch creates a very deep and lofty rib'.  It is truly scrumptious.  

Mowed the dog yard.

Watched a movie..."Tower Heist".  It was okay and had some good comedy in it.

 

Now for some more relaxing. 

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday.  Nothing happening here.  What do you have going on?


 
 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."   Jeremiah 29:11

Can You Say Frustrated?

I have been sewing clothes and following patterns for 45 years.  Yeah.  A very long time.  So, why is it that I am running into snags with my current sewing project?  Is it because the pattern is poorly written?  (Nope.)  Is it because the instructions are incorrect?  (That's what I thought it must be for a long time.)  Or, is it because I think I know everything and don't read the instructions thoroughly?  AH-HA!  That would be it.  The first snag was because I did not take the time to read the pattern instructions thoroughly...which resulted in me redoing most of what was done.  Another snag was hit when I asked someone for a measurement and was given a number that I should have known was not correct.  I am trying to finish up what should have been a very simple sewing project for me.  I still have a few hours left.  I am more than a bit frustrated.  I just hope that - in the end - it's worth it.  That the article fits properly and that it is loved by the recipient.

Here's a sneak peek...

Though I didn't get as much done this past week as I had hoped, I did manage to finish a block for my hand-pieced quiltalong!  YAY for me!

For those of you who are wondering how my knitting is going (I know there is at least one of you out there!), I am on the second heel-less sock and it's going great!

This weekend is all but over...another work week ahead.  Hope this one is easier...last week wore me out!

Have a good week!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."    Jeremiah 29:11

Nothing Much Going On Here...

This has not been such a fun week for me.  I was sick with the flu.  I wasn't aware of anyone who had the flu ('cept Pokey) so not sure where I caught it from.  Apparently, this is a very virulent strain...just need to breathe those bad germs in - no need to be in direct contact with someone with the flu - and they're yours!  For better or for worse.  So, I missed some work this week.   I mostly laid around...one day I slept 14 of 19 hours.  That's some kind of record for me, as I sleep no more than 6 hours in 24 on a regular basis.  

I am feeling much better today.  Thank you.

Didn't do much at all.  I had visited the lys (local yarn shop...ohhhhh...what fun!!!) early in the week and had a good look around.  Picked up a skein of yarn, so did a bit of knitting...

a bit of sewing...

and some reading.  Also watched the movie, "Bridesmaids".  

Not really my cup of tea.

Remember when I told you back here that my Aunt/Godmother and me Mum were sending some knitting needles to me?  Well, they sent more than that...and the  package arrived yesterday.  Needles and a few other items...plus some yarn to practice with.  (their stash of yarn would rival my stash of cotton, for sure!).   

Thank you Mum and Bev!

Just gonna hang out this weekend and take it easy.  How about you? 

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not o harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."    Jeremiah 29:11

My Space...

I am, by nature, not very neat.  Fairly messy, in fact.  I have a bad habit of not putting things back where they belong when I'm done with them.  Therefore, things pile up.  Quickly.  And, sometimes way beyond control.  My sister really dislikes this part of me.  So.  I try to keep things picked up.  At least in the common areas of the house.  


edited to add:  I am, however, very particular about many things...where I want things, how I want them done...especially with my sewing and the work I do at my job.

My sewing room is another matter entirely.  When I am working on a project...said project is everywhere!  Every.  Where.  And, I don't put scraps and pieces of fabric away when I finish a project...usually I am excited about starting the next one...so I just keep going...making mess after mess after mess.  My sewing room is small...about 10x10.  So there's not really much room to be messy. 

But, you know...sometimes too much is too much even for me.  Yes, indeed.  So.  My major to-do this past weekend was to straighten up and clean my sewing room.  I didn't take 'before' photos...but here are a few 'after' photos.  (There is no photo of my closet...where I have two shelf units mostly full.  Odds and ends, more books/magazines, office and mailing supplies, plus a few works in progress.)

Here is a nicely arranged shelf unit...

top shelf:  headless dolls and sheepie.  Okay, not really headless...just didn't include the heads in that photo. 

2nd shelf:  batting remnants in basket.  Black recipe box containing rug hooking hooks and scissors.  Quilting thread and journals and Kona cotton color card. 

3rd shelf:  patterns I have yet to use in basket.  Fabric covered boxes containing leftover bits of bindings (in the two smaller ones).  Embroidery floss and perle cotton in the large one.  Two spools of quilting thread sitting on top of them.  Also sitting on them is a round container with a needle-punched top for buttons.  Just a few of the quilting books and magazines in my possession. 

4th shelf:  Snow Days fabric and stitchery stuff.  Rolled up needlepoint canvas which was started almost 40 years ago by me Mum...I will finish it soon.  Basket with orange fabrics for hand-pieced quilt I am making.  Container with Poppy and Curio fabric collections and Poppy quilt top. 

5th shelf:  binder with .pdf patterns bought over the years...mostly primitive stuff.  My old sewing machine.

This photo is of my fabric.  (Some of it.  I have a large Rubbermaid tote under my sewing table full of fabric collections for already planned projects.)  Ironing board with fishie towel on it for extra padding cuz I'm too lazy to make a new cover.  Underneath are two enamel pots (previously used for dyeing wool) full of cotton scraps.   

Last, but not least...my sewing table.  Naomi Janome.  Some pieces to finish up sewing.  And, just stuff over there in the corner.  A binder with interesting quilt-related things...and upcoming project instructions.

I do find it difficult to create in a place that is too cluttered.  Difficult to organize my mind when my space is a mess.  Ya know?  However, now that things are cleaned up and put in order, my brain feels lighter...and I am raring to go.  I have a few sewing projects planned before I do anything else quilt-related.  Hope to finish them up quickly.  


But, before I go...here are 2 quiltie things.  

Block 8 - friendship star - for the hand-pieced quiltalong.  Oops...I never did block 7! 

And, I have a photo of my poppy quilt top.  Since it'll be a long while before you see this again, I thought I'd show you what I have.  The quilt top is wider than Julie could hold, so you can't quite see all of it.  There are 6 blocks across and 7 rows.  I think I know what I'll do for the backing...just need to do it and get it quilted.   

Dancing With the Stars starts tonight!  YAY!


Have a great week!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."    Jeremiah 29:11

Knitting...Revisited.

A while back, I talked about knitting...socks in particular.  To have something besides hand sewing or embroidery to keep my hands busy with while watching tv in the evenings.  So.  I set about knitting a pair of socks. 

I got a bit more done than this...

(This is gorgeous yarn...thanks, Sharon!) and got stuck on the heel and gusset part.  I have no doubt that had someone been here talking me through it...or showing me...I would have mastered it.  Or, even had I put more effort into it.  But, I didn't.  Because it wasn't something that I needed to do.  It's not that I needed to learn how to knit...I would consider myself a medium-skilled beginner...I have some good foundation skills.  So.  I have decided that I will leave the knitting of socks with heels to someone else.  I feel okay about that.  If I feel the desire to knit, I will knit something like this....

Rick Rack Scarf 

or these...

Ribbed Hand Warmers

or these....

Tube Sock Leg Warmers

or any one of a myriad of projects listed on the Purl bee's blog.

Funny thing...after I typed this blog post but before I posted it, I talked on the phone with me Mum.  She told me that I am soon to receive a box in the mail containing...knitting needles!  (So, I guess it is in my destiny to be knitting, hey?  {grin})  Seems my Aunt/Godmother and me Mum had decided that they should buy knitting needles for me...gotta love that kind of support!  Cracks me up.  And, fills me with love and appreciation for those 2 women.  I will let you know when they arrive (probably won't be for a bit, so don't be holding your breath waiting!)


Thank you for your knitting encouragement.  Stay tuned...



"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."Jeremiah 29:11

Early Morning...

It's early Saturday morning.

I've been up for a long time already.

Why?

Why Not.

Lots to do.

Besides, I never sleep much.

It's raining.

I have a load of wash in.

Time to fix breakfast.

I rarely eat breakfast during the week.

I usually eat breakfast on the weekend.
Same with you?

I've been sitting here quietly.

Thinking of all I'd like to do today.

Browsing through the Purl bee blog.

OH.  MY.  GOSH.

Have you been there?

Purl Soho is a store in NYC.
 the Purl bee is their blog.

A craft blog.

Something for everyone.

Seriously!

Once you visit, you will wonder

how you could have missed this.

And, you will be stuck there!

Project after project...

Knitters, crocheters, quilters, sewists...

wool, cotton, exotic yarns...

ohmy.

Rita from Red Pepper Quilts

mentions the Purl bee often.

In addition to being a prolific

and awesome! quilter,

Rita knits.

Be sure to spend some time with her, too.

Guaranteed that you will love her!

I read her every post...

have for a very long time.

It's always a joy to see her finishes.

Tag is hungry now.

(Truth be told, he is always up for eating.)

I need to feed him

and make my breakfast.

I need to fortify myself for the day ahead.

Tackling the sewing room is on my list.

It is the only thing on my list.

Need to organize before
I move on to other things.

Need to know what I have

waiting to be finished.

Works in progress.

Probably more than I realize.

So, on that note.

Have a great weekend!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."Jeremiah 29:11

Still Creating...

Remember this?

Creating...from back here?

Almost 6 months ago...

time does fly.

 

Here are two more...

Sit.

Wait.

I quite like them.
What do you think?

And.  Yes.

The brown boy did pose for those.

Knew you were wonderin'...

{grin}

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."   Jeremiah 29:11