Monday, March 29, 2010

Knock, knock

Knock, knock.

Who's there?

Ima.

Ima who?

Ima bad blogger who hasn't posted in, well, longer-than-expected and hasn't produced a lot either... at least not much that's easy to show.  No exciting reason... heavy on work, light on energy. 

Let's skip the stuff that's not as "show-able"... practicing hand quilting, playing with expanding a design of a table runner* into a larger size.  (* Sweet Escape pattern from the book "On the Run" by Heather of Anka's Treasures, pic here.) 

Yesterday I gave in to this temptation. 


Little 3" hand-pieced Klosjes (which translates to spools).  Very cute. 

Take a few hundred and .......... what, did I lose some of you?  a few hundred sounds too daunting? .......... maybe you need to see how neat it looks.  Check this out.  Pretty, isn't it? 

I liked a slightly larger middle square than you get with a 9 square layout, so I drafted my own pattern.  I think I know how I can share it and will let you know in a couple days. 

Sensible-me was asking impulsive-me to explain why we were taking on another project.  Why?  It's one of those take anywhere projects... very portable.  Requires templates for only 2 shapes.  It will improve my hand-piecing speed and skill, including y-seams.   

Yes, but what about the time it will take?  If you stop yourself because how long something might take, it's important to remember that time will move on anyhow... and rather than having something wonderful in 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, or even 10 years, there will be nothing except the passing of years. 

Plus, I get to play with lots of fabric.  I switched my rotary blade, and wavy-cut the edges and washed and pressed some new additions.



A few weeks back, I made some other purchases. 

I bought a honey bun of Patisserie and a pattern.  The pattern is made up of three simple blocks: a rail fence, a 9-patch and setting squares.  That'll be my next machine-stitched project. 


I also gave in to another temptation.  I'd seen such beautiful cross stitch on blogs, especially the Quaker samplers.  I visited a wonderful shop, Stitchville USA, and ended up with the following pattern.  It's not a Quaker sampler, but once I saw it I had to have it.


I'm enjoying my first time using linen and silk floss.  The linen is 32 count... requiring great light and my cheaters. 

Originally I only stitched guidelines on the outside edge and center lines.  I knew better, but was anxious to start.  I added the red guidelines after I discovered that the top row is off by one thread (which will be redone). 


I've wanted to use variegated thread for a project, and chose some lovely floss. But some of the light shades are too similar to the color of the linen and aren't showing well. If I'm going to do that much stitching, it needs to be seen! I'll be making another trip to Stitchville soon. :-)

Yesterday was a gorgeous, sunny day.  It is the first ever March that there hasn't been snow.  EVER! ... or at least in the 100 plus years they've been keeping records.  These little guys are starting to poke up and it won't be long till they bloom.


Officially, there is no snow on the ground.  My yard has always been a straggler and hangs on to snow longer.  I resisted taking the shovel and tossing it all in the street, lol.  (Yes, I've done it in previous years.)


My blog reading is soooo behind and I'm slowly working on making my visits and seeing what everyone else has been doing.  I need to be strong and resist any more temptations.  :-)

12 comments:

Crispy said...

Hi Beth, great to "see" you again :0). It sounds like you have gotten your stitching muse back with lots of things to keep you entertained. I'm envious of you haveing a shop to buy cross stitching stuff. I've never stitched guide lines before, but then I've never used linen before either.

Welcome Back!!

Crispy

wishes, true and kind said...

Another online quilter falls to the allure of the klosjes :). I can't wait to see more. And I love your sampler. I started out doing counted cross stitch -- mostly samplers. I just love them!

Anonymous said...

Hey Beth...I think it is just that time of year for most of us bloggers. I've noticed a serious decline in blog post to include my own.
I'm glad you had a chance to check in. :-) Happy Spring...I'll be watching for your finishes....and starts because we all know how that goes right?!

Trish said...

Beth,
Hope you will be able to share your spool with us. I like the thicker middle also. Great job on your spool, it is beautiful.
Trish
www.quilttalesandcattails.com

Joan said...

Well for being a bad blogger - you did pretty well Ima :)Have a great Easter or whatever...and thankyou for sharing...I really should stop reading blogs and get some sewing done for me too...

Teresa Rawson said...

It's March in the midwest...that is what I am blaming my lethargy on. But, I saw my daffodils are starting to push through the mulch so maybe spring is coming.

Thanks for the spool picture link. I, too, will foolishly join this endeavor when I finish with "the bride." I love the scrappy look and it just feels so good and earth-friendly to start this kind of quilt recycling project with all those gorgeous scraps in my basement!

Janet said...

Blame it on the weather, the lack of sewing or motivation. Your klosje block looks great, a promise of good things to come. Love the sampler.

Pat said...

I really love the variety of your blog. I find it most interesting. Your photo's are great, and your work is lovely. Thanks for sharing.

Paula said...

Hi Beth, nice to "see you again". I do like the spool quilt and I'm looking forward seeing your Blue Deer Sampler. I agree with you, the stitching has to show. Hope you enjoy your stitching.

Karen said...

Sweet klosje! I love making them.

Carrie P. said...

Good to see you back. I have been bad about reading blogs lately. I have been busy myself. So you have joined the bandwagon, the klosjes, they look fun but I am not joining! Everytime I see them I want to join.
That is a great idea to put on the red line on your xstitch. 32 count, Whew. I would have to do the same.

Carrie P. said...

Been missing you Beth.