Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Flowers, Bees & Baltimore


What may be done at any time will be done at no time.
~Scottish Proverb

I'm getting that feeling again.  The feeling of wanting to start something new.  This is a bad feeling.  I currently have 5 projects I'm working on.  To start another would most certainly send one of my current projects into that deep pit known as the UFO pile.  I just remembered - I have another project that needs to be sandwiched, quilted and bound.  Not a big project - it is a PIF project.  I keep putting it off knowing that I have until October to finish it.  So, I definitely should not start a new project.  I have to quit looking at other's projects but that is rather difficult when I'm reading blogs.  The temptation to start something new is sometimes hard to ignore.  Okay.  I will promise myself not to start a new project until I have completed at least one of the 5 I'm currently working on - swaps and bees not included.  There.  It has been said out in public.  Ahhhhhh!  I feel better.  Well, at least for today I do - lol!

================================

PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

Here are some fun animal facts that you may, or may not, know:
* Hippo milk is pink.
* The oldest known animal in the world was 'Ming' the 405 year old clam, discovered in 2007.
* Sharks, like other fish, have their reproductive organs in their chests.
* Sheep can survive for up to two weeks buried in snow drifts
* Flies are deaf.
* Honeybees never sleep.
* Cockroaches can live for 9 days after their head has been cut off.
* The katydid bug hears through holes in its hind legs!
* The ant, when intoxicated, will always fall over to its right side.
* If NASA sent birds into space they would soon die; they need gravity to swallow.
* A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why.

================================

ONE FLOWER WEDNESDAY

Yesterday when I made my goal for the day, I had forgotten it would be One Flower Wednesday today.  But have no fear, I did get a hexie flower made.....
This bright and cheery flower will be a great addition to my GFG.  To see more wonderful hexagon flowers, go to Karen's blog, Journey of a Quilter.  Karen is the one that keeps all of us flower makers in line and provides the linky site.  Thanks, Karen!

==============================

BEE BLOCK

Even though I had to get my hexie flower done, I still me my goal of making a Bee block....

This block, much like the last block, was a challenge to make.  Our hostess for Let's Bee Together Group B, Jorie, sent out beautiful fabrics to work with, but all of the pieces were rather small.  Every pattern I looked at needed more fabric of certain a certain color than I had.  I must have spent an hour looking at block patterns.  I finally just ended up cutting 2.5" squares.  I think I arranged them in a rather pleasant pattern.  Now I just hope that Jorie will like the block, too.

==================================

BALTIMORE CONTINUES

Over the last couple evenings I have been able to make a little progress on block 4 of the Baltimore Basics....

So far this block has given me two new things to try.  First the little stems were only 1/8" when finished.  Instead of creating a bias tube, you folded the fabric wrong sides together and stitched down the length just shy of center.  Then you centered the the stems on the placement marks and folded the finished edge over the unfinished edge and stitched it in place that way (did that make sense?).  The other new method to me was needle turn applique.  The gold center piece is all done with the needle turn technique.  You can almost tell where I first started working (top right corner) and where I finished (bottom right corner).  My technique improved as I went.  Now to make flower buds.

=================================

TODAY'S GOAL

Today I need to cut and assemble the background pieces for my quilt class at Quilt University.

================================

GIVEAWAYS

Sew 4 Home is having a giveaway.  You could win a copy of Crazy Quilting by Allie Aller.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, May 31, at midnight PT.

Sew I Quilt is having a giveaway.  You could win an I Top Tool and accessories.  This giveaway ends Thursday, May 19.

FabricWorm is having their weekly giveaway.  This week you could win  Laurie Wisbrun Pooches and Pickups in Fat Quarters.  This giveaway ends Monday, May 23, at 8:30 am PST.

Grosgrain is having a giveaway.  You could win a Silhouette SD Machine.  The winner will be announced Tuesday, May 24.

Ditzy and Dotty is having a giveaway.  Sally is giving away a pdf file of her lunch bag pattern PLUS a copy of the ‘Red Riding Hood Basket’ pattern plus, if that wasn’t enough, Lisanne at Sewcity has donated a bundle of 4 gorgeous Fat Quarters.  This giveaway ends Thursday, May 19.

Rsisland Crafts is having a giveaway.  Robin is giving away two Simplicity patterns - one is for bags and the other is for skirts.  This giveaway ends Friday, May 20.

The Intrepid Thread is having a giveaway.  You could win a darling little kit for a pillow that was only available at Market.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, May 24, at midnight.

===================================

FINAL THOUGHT

Thank you all for your encouragement to attend the local quilt guild meeting.  I think I have convinced myself to give it a go (don't you like the decisiveness there - lol!).  If I don't go, I will never know and will always wonder what it is like and what the people are like.  I've been thinking about dragging my DH along for the first meeting but that might be considered cruel and unusual punishment.  He likes (or at least pretends) to learn about what I'm working on and enjoys going to quilt shows with me, but I don't think listening to 2 hours of quilt talk would be very interesting for him.  I just need to suck it up and be brave.  I need to push myself out of my secure little nest - to spread my wings, so to speak.  I think I could handle this for one evening a month.  I will do it!!

A year from now you may wish you had started today.

~Karen Lamb

Make your Wednesday wonderful!!

38 comments:

Barb said...

You have alot of fun stuff going on over there....love all of the blocks....that one hexie block is stunning.

Gerda Hartman said...

Just love the flower and the bee block. Great job.

Vroomans' Quilts said...

You have created some lovely blocks. I do the skinny stems that way - never told that is the proper way, it just seemed the easer way to do them.

Good luck on the commitment to not starting anything new. And glad you are going to give the guild at least a try.

Cheryl said...

Your blogging mojo is back...great post. Don't you wonder who gets ants intoxicated and then watched which way they fall over!! Must be a government funded project.

Jocelyn said...

I'm with you. I've got to get a handle on all of my ufo's. I don't really have 998, but it sure feels like it ;-)

Staci said...

Oh, I feel your pain! I have new project fever, too! It is all I can do to control myself!
I have to wonder about the drunken ants. . . .
Love your new flower. I have a question about your template for fussy cutting--where did you buy it?
I love Jorie's block, that was a really good idea. The fabric is certainly cute.

Mommarock said...

Stems.. I completely understand. Now did you use the Perfect Stems to help you make them? I have done this with zip ties those plastic type ties you can buy to control cords found at the hardware store. If you clip off the square end of them they work fantastic. I tested the ones that DH had in the garage, and they worked fine for me.. I placed them in the fold of fabric with the right side out.. then stitched my seam.. trimmed it close. Twisted the seam so that it was laying on the center of the flat underside instead of along the edge and pressed it. Remove the zip tie from in the center and it stitches down great. I also cut my fabric on the bias, so that it turns the corners great.

Barbara said...

I as well think this is a great post! Love the "bee block", just my kind of scrappiness. Take your hubby? Hmmmm...don't know about that. You are already ahead of the game if he's interested in what you do. Think I'd let that sleeping dog lie as it is, or he may be turned off entirely. I love your Karen Lamb quote, have said something similar many times -- that the time will pass no matter what we do, so we might as well do!
However, I also love the quote that we are "human beings, not human doings". I save that one for days that feel less energetic.

krisgray said...

Really like your bee block! I think you will enjoy the guild meeting. At our meetings there is very little social time built in, especially if there are lots of show and tell quilts, which is the best part.

Needled Mom said...

I admire your ability to stick to your current projects. I always get carried away when I get an urge to start something else.

Pretty hexie flower!!! You need to post a picture of all of them together for us.

I think you did a great job on the bee block. I am sure she will love it and your applique looks fabulous!!! Great job.

Have fun at your guild meeting. I can't wait to read your review. Best to leave hubby at home. You don't want to have to worry about him being bored while you are checking it out.

Brita said...

I totally understand the urge to start something new. But I've been (kinda) good, and it feels better to get something finished than to stuff it back into the UFO pile. So hang in there. Put together a kit for your new project, and use it as a carrot to finish at least one UFO :-)

Paula said...

Wow you are busy, but your one flower is absolutely beautiful. Great post

Kathy H said...

Hope you have a fun time at the guild meeting. I don't belong to a guild right now but go to an occasional meeting when they have a speaker that I would like to hear. I love how your baltimore blocks are turning out. They look so precise. ANd those 1/8 inch stems!! Wow. I haven't tried any that small.

Hilachas said...

I enjoyed reading your interesting facts. They are really, well, interesting. I am always amazed at all the projects you manage to finish. Your Baltimore blocks are beautiful, as is your hexie flower. Have fun at the quilt guild meeting.

rubyslipperz1052 said...

For me...starting (buying stuff for) a new project is like walking thru a door into the sunshine after being in a box with no windows. It's a journey (mostly a social journey)that keeps me alive...finishing is only a side attraction. So, I can understan the pull to start something new!

It would be fun to "hear" how your Quilt Guild visit goes...if you feel like sharing =)

hugZ,
annie
rubyslipperz106.blogspot

Catskill Quilter said...

Linda, I sure hope that you follow through and go to the local quilt guild meeting -- and then let us all know how it went! I have not taken that step yet here in Florida. Maybe I will have to do it too? Enjoy!

Birdie said...

Love your hexie, so bright. I haven't had the bug to start a new quilting project yet, but I do with making earrings. After 35 years, I re-pierced my ears and can't stop thinking of new ones I can make.

sunny said...

You certainly stay busy! i've scrolled down through a few posts, and I see I've missed much while I was away for a few day. Go to Guild! Most are very encouraging to new quilters, which you are certainly not, but you don't ever have to worry about your quilting not measuring up. And I found the Title for my Happy Quilt that I plan to start soon. Keep up all the good work.

Linda said...

You did a great job on the applique!
I also really like the hexi-flower. Your quilt is going to be so pretty!
I'm glad you're going to give the guild a try. Hopefully, you will wonder why you didn't go sooner.

Joanna said...

I like what you came up with for the swap block and commend you for making the fabric work for you. It really looks nice. And your hexie is a cutie:) I don't know of a quilt guild near to me, although there are some that would be a 30 minute or more drive, so I never consider going. I think it would be neat to check it out. You don't have to go back unless it pleases you.

Karyli said...

Your flower is bright and cheerful! Love it! I love your other blocks too. You do great work - as usual!

Eileen said...

Boy do I know that feeling of wanting to start a new project but have sooo much to finish. Unlike you I have no will power, I always give in,lol.
You hexie is wonderful I am still doing mine but not every week. Hopefully I will be able to post next week.
How does an ant get intoxicated?

Jeanette said...

Love your facts list today. Very interesting. Your hexie is gorgeous. Happy Stitching,

Talin's Corner said...

Love the fabrics you used on your Bee block (love the way the block turned out, too).

GerryART said...

Our quilt guild meeting last night had a interesting program.
One of the founding members talked about her quilts.
Born in 1915 child number 6 of ten fell into love with quilting at an early age and is still going strong.
Her plan is to have not one scrap piece of fabric in her closet when she dies.
She is a local quilter and has several descendants in our guild.

Show and Tell followed the program.
So much talent [each quilter at her own level of quilting]. No competition just enjoyment of quilting.
hugs,
Gerry

Seams to Sew and Quilt said...

Linda, I really enjoy visiting your blog.. you always have all kinds of good stuff to read and learn... have fun at the guild. A lot of my quilt ladies go and love it.

Deborah in Atlanta said...

Okay girlfriend, this is an order. The project you have that needs to be sandwiched, quilted and bound? Get that baby done. Sure, it doesn't need to be done until October. But if you get it done now, you can get it washed and dried, and already put in a box and gift-wrapped. I can just her that satisfied "Aaaaahhhhh!!!" when you realize you've actually finished it. THEN you can pick up another project. So CRACK! That's the whip snapping at you - get that one finished and out of your "to-do" pile so you can add one new one. Okay? Pinky-swear?

Karen said...

A bright and cheery flower for sure and a cute Bee block!

Unknown said...

Your hexi is bright and pretty!

All of your work is really nice. I am just beginning to applique and I love it. I hope to get good enough to make a Baltimore.

I have been wanting to start a new project also, but keep telling myself no also. Must be something in the air!

Barbara said...

I know just what you mean about wanting to start a new project. Isn't it always so much more fun to start something new than it is to work on the same old things? I have made the same promise to myself . . . that I can't start anything new until I finish up the three BOM's I'm working on. And I have plenty more in addition to those!

Oh yes. Did you know that the blood of the horseshoe crab is blue? And it benefits each and every one of us medically. Horseshoe crabs are caught, bled, and then returned to the wild unharmed (at least that's the plan). They are fascinating critters. I always enjoy the items I learn from your blog.

Melody said...

Such wonderful work. I particularly love your hexie flower.

Raewyn said...

The bee block is just perfect - I think the hour of arranging fabrics was well worth it!!I like the fussy cutting hexie-flower too - well done. I know that feeling of an urge to start something new and being inspired by everything around you - good luck with your resolution (I hope you finish something soon so you can indulge in a new project!!)

Raewyn said...

oops sorry, forgot to mention your needle turn - lovely :-) how rewarding to see the improvement.. I think I have done stem like that - seems fiddly but it works!

Kate said...

I loved your hexie flower...it was awesome... You have given us plenty to think about again this week..Please let us know how you get on at the guild..I do not belong to any group...i need to take a deep breath too and have a go..One day ..

Anne said...

Excellent work on that Baltimore Basics block. The center medallion reminds me of the plastic disc used to convert a 45-rpm record to play on an album turntable. ;-)

Love the artistic flair of the fussy-cut petals on your hexie block! Just darling!

I think you'd enjoy the quilt guild meetings! I often read the online newsletter and minutes from my county's guild and wish I could participate. The guild's meetings clash with my church's monthly council meetings, for which I have served as recording secretary for many years. Tough decision to favor one over the other.

PolkaDotClassic said...

Pretty flower! :)
Have a nice day
Marta

Wendy said...

Such a cute flower. Your GFG is going to be so bright and cheerful!! Oh, and I think you did a great job on your LBT block. I like how you arranged the rows!

Anonymous said...

"* The ant, when intoxicated, will always fall over to its right side."

Who's the idiot getting ants drunk? LOL

I love your hexie block

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...