Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Plan C

Years ago I made these blocks and even added a border, but it was never my vision for the quilt.  Later I removed the border to use on another quilt.  It was just perfect for another quilt, even the size.  This first bunch of blocks was called Plan A.

 Then I made another quilt that better fit my first idea and called it Plan B. I put the pattern for this one in Save the Scraps











Then I decided to make Plan A more to my liking and, of course, had to call it Plan C.  I had to separate the blocks, but that's no big deal. I just put the speaker phone on and let my friend entertain me.  I guess tv would work, too.  I had it all cut out and sewn - even the border was cut!  Then just before I was about to add the border I decided to add another row of blocks.  Can you tell I'm still in that "bigger is better" frame of mind?  Actually, Mark liked this one too, so I thought as long as it's a keeper it oughta be useful.

Life can be stressful at Christmas time so I want to be able to sit down to sew when I NEED to.  This is one top I hope to finish.  And I will probably start work on one of the kits I put together a few months ago.  Sure glad I did that.  Now is not the time to concentrate on sewing.  That mindless sewing will do tons to keep me relaxed.  I hope you can find some time to relax by quilting this season. Happy Holidays.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Tis the Season

Yeah it's Christmas time. Don't you love it? I s'pose many quilters are scrambling to finish up some quilt projects for gifts. I don't make quilts for gifts, but occasionally I make a gift of a quilt I've made. Less stress that way.  I am not done with shopping yet,so I haven't started any wrapping yet. I don't do the cookie thing  but I do like to decorate.  Not doing as much of that this year either.  Christmas will be here and gone before you know it. Don't know if I like that or not.

I've not done much sewing, but I have made these blocks.  Not as colorful as I like. I started this one a little differently than I do most.  Usually I set out to find fabric for a pattern I designed.  This time I started with the gray tones in the quilt and looked for a pattern to use them in.  I had sorted my drawer of fat quarters and once again came across this pile of medium gray toned fabrics.  Much as I like them, I never found a use for them and they have been in that drawer for too many YEARS. I think this might be as big as this portion gets.  I might add a round or two of other blocks or a pieced border.

Instead of quilting I was working for one of my people doing some serious deeeeep cleaning. WOW! 27 hours later, I quit cause they came home. Kitty missed me and I am glad to be home.  Going down to the studio to finish up a lap quilt with a feathered border. Tomorrow is quilting at church. Here's hoping you get all your gifts done and under the tree in time for the big day.
Sew long,

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

I decided to put an end to this PHD. There wasn't a pattern for this sampler, and I was tired of it sitting on the shelf so after these 12 blocks I decided it was time to finish it.  And as has been happening lately, I am almost sorry already that I didn't make it bigger. But I didn't want to add an elaborate pieced border and I am out of the print I used in the sashing, so that's as good a reason as any to finish it.


Now with so many tops finished, I feel like I can get on to starting something new. I just put 6 kits together in the last month. Yesterday I  pulled one off the shelf and saw that I  already forgot that I started a kit for it. I don't know what  anybody does with dozens of UFO's. With Christmas on the way, I think it will be a while before I can really put some time into piecing again.  I want to focus next on some quilting and before you know it I will be working on comfort quilt kits again.
I am convinced- Whoever figures out how to bottle time will become very rich. Sew long.