Thursday, June 2, 2011

It's A Kitty Day


Did God who gave us flowers and trees,
Also provide the allergies?
~E.Y. Harburg

Something is blooming causing both my DH and I to suffer from allergies once again.  DH is used to being stuffed up as he seems to be allergic to something or another all year long.  But I'm not that way.  This year, with all of the rain and cooler temps, has been causing a lot of people to suffer from runny noses and watery eyes that have never had that problem before.  My sinuses are stuffed, my face feels puffy, and all of it's making my teeth hurt from the pressure.  Not a lot of fun :(  I guess we really do need the heat of summer to kill off the blooms and put us back into dryer air.  A hex on whatever is causing allergies now.

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

PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

National Adopt-A-Cat Month

June is known as Adopt-A-Cat month.  Isn't the picture above just too cute?  Here are some interesting facts about cats:
* The nose pad of a cat is ridged in a pattern that is unique, just like the fingerprint of a human.
* There are more than 500 million domestic cats in the world, with 33 different breeds.
* Egyptians shaved their eyebrows as a sign of mourning when they lost a beloved cat.
* Calico cats are almost always female.
* The domestic cat is the only cat species able to hold its tail vertically while walking. All wild cats hold their tails horizontally or tucked between their legs while walking.
* The largest known litter (with all surviving) was that of a Persian in South Africa named Bluebell. Bluebell gave birth to 14 kittens in one litter!
* A cat has five more vertebrae in her spinal column than her human does.
* Sir Isaac Newton, discoverer of the principles of gravity, also invented the cat door.
* Cats need 1/6th the amount of light that humans do to see. Their night vision is amazing!
* Cats are the sleepiest of all mammals. They spend 16 hours of each day sleeping. With that in mind, a seven year old cat has only been awake for two years of its life!
* A group of grown cats is called a "clowder"


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

BLOCK #5

Over the weekend I was able to put the finishing stitches in block #5 in the Baltimore Basics quilt I'm working on.....

This was a learning block as it involved my first attempt at needle turn (the gold medallion), making 1/8" stems, and making the rose buds.  Some of the stems ended up a bit curvier than others and some of the green parts on the rosebuds are not uniform but that's okay.  This is a learning process.  Just took a look at block 6 and I'm looking forward to getting started on it.

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

ANOTHER PINCUSHION

Also over the weekend, while I was traveling around the world in my recliner, I made another pincushion.....

This one is totally different than the flower pincushions I made before.  I just love the little kitty with the fish swimming around him.  The pattern I used is called My Cat Claude Pincushion from Hatched and Patched.  It is all wool and filled with crushed walnut shells and dried lavender.  I finished the edges differently than what the pattern called for.  It said to sew a lining and sew right sides together, turn it right side out and stitch closed.  I like the look of the more primitive edge using a blanket stitch.  As I write this, this little pincushion is heading off to its new home.

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

TODAY'S GOAL

I'm still working on the borders for the Mystery BOM quilt top.  Hopefully TODAY I will finish them!

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


GIVEAWAYS

Amy's Creative Side is having a giveaway.  You could win a kit for the June quilt from 1 Choice 4 Quilting.  Amy will announce a winner on Monday, June 6.

Crafty Sewing and Quilting is having another May for Me giveaway.  You could be one of two winners of a $20 gift certificate off Marcia's Machine Quilting Services on a Lap Size Quilt or larger.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, June 15, at 6:00 pm.

Quilt Hollow is having a giveaway.  You could win one of two patterns from Perkins Dry Goods.  The winners will be selected on Friday.

Just One More Stitch is having a sponsored giveaway.  You could win a $25 gift certificate from Fat Quarter Shop.  This giveaway ends Saturday, June 4, at midnight.

The Shabby is having their monthly giveaway.  Jennifer is giving away three $25 gift certificates to Shabby Fabrics.  This giveaway will last all month.

Tonya's Sewing Room is having a giveaway.  You could win a copy of the book, HELP! I Married A Quilter by Mark Hyland.  A winner will be drawn on Friday, June 3.

One More Quilt is having mini giveaway #10.  You could win some beautiful fabric.  This giveaway ends Friday, June 3, at 10:00 am CST.

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

FINAL THOUGHT

I sure have misjudged how long it would take to make the borders of the quilt top I'm working on.  I feel like it is taking forever.  It's sort of like when my DH says "Oh, it will only take three hours to do that" when he is working on something.  And, in my head I'm thinking "Okay, that means it really will take about 5 hours" - lol!  My hubby is the best at underestimating how long it will take to complete something, but then I think that could be a guy thing.  I honestly thought that I would have the borders done in a maximum of two days but it looks like it will be three.  But then I didn't calculate in there the stops I would make while washing and drying fabric for a future project.  Nor did I include the stops I made to felt some wool.  So, in all reality, it probably would have taken me only the two days to finish if I had just stayed on track.  Why, oh why, can't I keep my nose to the grindstone when I'm so close to finishing a project?!?  Do any of  you have this same problem?

Anyone can do any amount of work, provided it isn't the work he is supposed to be doing at that moment.
~Robert Benchley




47 comments:

Annie said...

That pincushion put a smile on my face this morning, so cute, I'll have to get the pattern.

: )

krisgray said...

Love your applique block! Yes, I have a hard time staying in track, especially with borders - so boring to do.

LOL - I remember my mom saying when I was a kid, "Oh it won't take long to make that." Now I do it. Well, there's sewer's time and then there's everyone else's time!

Cheryl said...

Baltimore block #5 is stunning...good job on that medallion. The kitty pincushion is purrfect.

Terry said...

Great pincushion! I love everything from Anni Downs! :0)

Barbara said...

I always enjoy all of your posts, but have to comment on your Baltimore Album block, wow! I am in awe of anyone who can do such beautiful and tedious applique. It's beautiful! Can't wait to see the whole quilt.

Unknown said...

As always your blog makes for an interesting read. I love the pincushion, very sweet, and the Baltimore block is amazing, such patience in getting that needleturn applique done. Congratulations.

Barb said...

Sorry about the allergies....love the block and pincushion....

Vesuviusmama said...

I am a classic underestimator of time and how long something will take. My husband has come to expect this now, bless him, and it no longer irks him the way it used to. And like you, my problem is that I get sidetracked, thinking I can squeeze something in between other somethings. Oh well - at least I get a lot done that way. Love the pincushion!

Megan Harmeyer said...

Booooo allergies!! Mine were bad earlier this year. I told Neil it's Adopt-a-Cat month and he asked if anybody wants ours. LOL I really like the Baltimore square. I like that pin cushion, too!! Really cute. Neil is a good under-estimator, too. I always tack on some extra time to his estimate (though he doesn't know I do that).

Impera Magna said...

You're not a machine, Linda... but a talented and creative person who takes time to smell the roses (do another project) while working!

nono said...

My husband is having really bad allergy symptoms too. Poor guy can't stop sneezing. I love the pic cushion.

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Wonderful Baltimore block - the new pin cushion is adorable. I think we need to have a few projects to work on at a time.

Needled Mom said...

Oh yes, I have the same problem. Grr.

I am wondering if it is the Castor Beans blooming right now that are causing your allergies. I once heard a doctor talking about the worst culprit being the blooming in them. I hope you feel better soon.

Your sweet little pincushion is perfect for the June theme. I like the primitive edge better too.

Maria said...

Oh No nothing worse than those horrible allergies.

Thanks for the cat facts. Was interesting.

Lovely baltimore block and pincushion.

Cyndi said...

Hey Linda! Sorry to hear that you and hubby are suffering from allergies...nothing worse at this time of year! Hope you feel better soon.

That little kitten in the photo is just full-out cute! I love cats, and would happily adopt dozens if my hubby would allow it. I have to settle for two at a time!

Your Baltimore Basics block looks great! And that little kitty pincushion is "the cat's meow"! (sorry, couldn't help myself! :o)

Hope you have a great day!

XOXO,

Cyndi

Staci said...

I love, love, love your pincushion! It is just darling. I enjoyed the cat facts, too. I think your Baltimore Album block is just lovely, you are doing a really good job with the applique. Good luck on your borders, I understand your frustration when things take longer than you thought.

Sorry to hear about your allergies! Misery! I feel for you. I am a fellow sufferer, with year round symptoms.

Lynette said...

The folded rosebuds are really neat!

Jen said...

Borders take me forever. I always allow an extra few days (I'm a lot slower than you!). You can't just slap them on, then require precise measuring, cutting, sometimes piecing and then the seams are so long. It's not a charm square, that's for sure!

Cute facts about cats. And what a lovely pincushion :)

WoolenSails said...

That pin cushion is so fun, love it.
I also love your baltimore block, beautiful work.

Debbie

quiltzyx said...

It seems like just yesterday you posted a picture of your first pincushion! Love this kitty one, it is SO cute. Great job Linda!!

I remember being at my Grandma's house with my Dad, my Uncle Rich & cousin Fred. Dad & Uncle Rich would say they would be 'just a couple of minutes'....and an hour later Fred & I were still waiting! LOL But I wouldn't trade those hour-long '5 minutes-s' for anything. :D

Joanna said...

Again your Baltimore Quilt block is so well done. And I love your pin cushion. How cute.

Brita said...

Very nice job on the applique! Not my favorite thing to do, because that's something you have to do well. And the kitty pincushion is just too adorable, want one :-)

Quiet Quilter said...

Grindstones dull my excitement and ambition..I like to come and go with the activity...it's more fun for me...

Seams to Sew and Quilt said...

Linda, sorry about your allergies. They are terrible this time of the year around here... love the little pin cushion. See you next week.

rosie said...

I love your baltimore applique block Linda, and your pincushion is gorgeous. Thankyou for all the facts on cats...As a cat lover, I found them intriguing. I hope you soon feel better, not much fun sewing with a stuffed up head.xx

GerryART said...

Congrats, Linda, on yet ANOTHER giveaway winning.
I know you'll love Marcia's 'prize'.
hugs
Gerry

Anne said...

Cute pincushion! Excellent work on it!

Anne said...

Forgot to mention the Baltimore Basics block -- so pretty! Such precise stitching -- and the motif reminds me of Colonial Williamsburg.

rubyslipperz1052 said...

the kitty is so cute...I wish i could look that relaxed (or that cute as a matter of fact).

Your pin cushion is really cute...yeah, but all your pin cushions are really cute!!

hugZ,
annie
rubyslipperz106.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I love the Robert Benchley quote! It's from an essay he wrote, entitled "How to Get Things Done." It is absolutely hilarious - so much so that I made a copy and filed it where I can read it now and then for chuckles. If you can't find it and would like to read it, I'll email it to you.
I "lurve" the pincushion - so cute! And kitties are my special fav...doggies are nice, but kitties have a special place in my heart!
Jacque in SC
quiltnsrep(at)yahoo(dot)com

Barbara said...

Oh, I love the kitties! Your pincushion is adorable. I totally agree with you on the finishing. So cute.

@pril said...

Hey Linda, I liked reading the kitty info. I love cats! Thanks for sharing.

http://KoolBeenz-blog.blogspot.com

Lynda said...

The kitty pincushion is so cute!

We've finally had some good weather so our flowers are in full bloom...along with the pollins. So far I don't have allergies....knock on wood!!!

Miss Hillbilly said...

Isn't it sad that sin has entered the world and caused afflictions so that we cannot completely enjoy the flowers as God intended when He created them?

I really really need to make a pincushion as mine is leaking sawdust everywhere. I just wasn't sure that I liked everyone else's method of batting alone. I have not heard of walnut shells. I may have to obtain some.

Shannon said...

I am just like that. I have a few projects that I just need to finish but I just don't. LOL! It is so funny! I love your pincushion. Those fish are so cute.

Sparky said...

And yes this pin cushion is the cats meow...I know wink...x

Angie in SoCal said...

Love the Baltimore block! Look forward to seeing the quilt. Cute pincushion, too.

Angie in SoCal said...

I'm going to have to look into this quilt called Baltimore Basics. Sounds like something I need to do.

Anonymous said...

If you'd like to indulge in some Hollywood style glamour, 3-D Glitz offers phone cases that are just right for you. Click the "Start" button to convert 3GP to apple tv on Mac. Maybe they thought that users wouldn't
want DVD movies to take up space on their i - Pod (which
is strange, because i - Pods' 30GB and 60GB hard drives are plenty big enough).

Anonymous said...

It is a GPS Smartphone and enabled with A-GPS with
Google Maps allowing you to navigate through your city,
or an unknown one, with ease. Irrespective of class
and standard, this most significant communication tool is now important for all as
we need food, water, shelter etc. For additional information you can get additional at website.


Feel free to visit my blog post samsung s3

Anonymous said...

Charge your device Connect your Kindle to the power cord provided in the box.
Spend any time playing with the kindle fire and
you know that Amazon has it all figured out. It could still be demanded by law
enforcement or stolen by malicious hackers that gain access to Amazon's systems.

Anonymous said...

For these prime functions, you'll should pay back about $1799. The world of telephone communication have improved a lot in so many years that it has become difficult to choose the right kind of system. how to put videos on ipad, how to convert dvd to ipad, dvd to ipad converter, Convert MKV to i - Pad.

my page; mac book air

Anonymous said...

9 fps while battery life is rated at about 850 shots.
Canon's deal with detection can acknowledge as much as. According to Chung, the Nikon has the edge for detail and for the addition of a crop mode while canon has the advantage for lack of moire and high ISO performance.

Also visit my blog post: 5d mark iii

Anonymous said...

Such addition shall greatly improve specific location detection typically,
in addition to detecting location distance relative to other
objects. With the Samsung Galaxy literally taking
the mobile phone world by storm, there is increased anticipation
of the arrival of the next generation Galaxy S smartphone handset.
0, has a 13-megapixel camera, and has a bunch of other features that will make consumers foam at the mouth.


Here is my web-site ... galaxy s4

Anonymous said...

The box of the camera includes Camera Body, Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL14, Battery Charger MH-24, Audio Video Cable EG-CP14, USB Cable UC-E6, Eyepiece Cap DK-5,
Rubber Eyecup DK-20, Strap AN-DC3, Accessory Shoe Cover BS-1, Body Cap BF-1B, View - NX 2 CD and a User Manual.
A few in-camera retouching options are also
available, including image cropping and red-eye correction.
In order to remove the lens, depress the lens release button and rotate the lens clockwise.



Feel free to surf to my website nikon d7100

Anonymous said...

The Canon EOS 5D Mark II is $2,499 for body only or $3,299 with a 24'105mm lens. Make a list of your requirements, and then choose the right model for yourself. But there are only a few that put out top quality cameras.

My web page; canon 6d

Anonymous said...

Black - Berry Play - Book by RIM is at price of Rs 32000 for 16GB model.
It consists of the 1GHz dual core processor with the RAM of 1GB, in order to operate most complicated and
challenging applications. The Blackberry Play - Book makes a superb back-to-school
gift, and also a great holiday gift idea.

Feel free to surf to my homepage blackberry playbook

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...