Monday, August 15, 2011

It's A Block


If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it.
~Mary Engelbreit

Have you ever started your day mad at the world but you just don't know why?  That's how my Sunday started.  I scowled at the dogs and snapped at my poor husband.  I felt like throwing something against the wall.  Nothing caused this feeling, it just happened.  Luckily it slowly disappaited over the morning and by noon I was fine.  Maybe it was knowing it was another day of wash.  Maybe it was feeling the pressure of having to complete certain things by Thursday.  I don't think I will ever figure it out.  Sometimes it just happens.  But, luckily, today is a better day and I'm ready for a brand new week!

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

Scrabble

Why are Scrabble letters distributed the way they are?
Scrabble Any Scrabble pro can tell you there are 12 Es, six Rs, and one Z in the game, but can they tell you why? Formulated by its creator Alfred Mosher Butts, Scrabble's curious letter distribution owes a debt to the New York Times. Butts wanted the spread to reflect the English language as it was used at the time, so he studied the relative frequency of each letter on the front page of the paper, and used the resulting data to guide the development of his new game. He made a tweak, though. The letter "S" appears very frequently in English -- it's around the seventh most common -- but Butts decided to only include four in Scrabble in order to make the game harder and limit the use of plurals.All that only applies to the English version, of course. Localized Scrabble versions -- of which there are many -- use letter frequencies appropriate to the language and add accented letters and characters that aren't used in the English game.

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BEE BLOCK

A while back I made a block for Sue, this months hostess for the Bee In Oz group.

This block is called Interlocking Seasons.  It is a large block and ended up measuring 22.5" square.  Sue sent out Kaffe Fasset and Kona white fabrics to work with.  I'm not fond of Kaffe Fasset (yes, I really did say that) but it worked up nicely into this block.  You really had to concentrate on this block to make sure you were getting each piece in the appropriate place but I like the interwoven look.

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A LITTLE HELP

Marydon of Blushing Rose is participating in Miracle Makeover.  Please help her reach her goal of 5,000 comments.  Each comment results in a dollar donation to this worthy cause.  It just takes a moment to leave a comment and could mean so much.

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ANOTHER PRACTICE

You are probably getting sick and tired of seeing my daily FMQ practice.  But guess what?  Here's another one......

Most of my circles aren't real round but at least they were consistent.  This practice is called Concentric Circles.  I can see this being used as a filler on a quilt.  I actually had fun with this one.

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I need to put borders on QOV tops that were made by others.  I should be able to complete the three tops today.


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GIVEAWAYS

Cat Patches is continuing with her Fun Fact Friday Freebie.  You could win a fat quarter just for answering her question of the week.  A winner will be announced on Friday, August 19.

The Raspberry Rabbits is having a giveaway.  Shell is giving away two darling white ceramic bunnies.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, August 17.

Qubee Quilts is having a giveaway.  You could win a book called Log Cabins Today.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, August 16, at 11:59 pm CST.

I'm Just A Guy Who Quilts is having a sponsored giveaway.  You could win a charm pack giveaway of Flurry.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, August 17.

Samelia's Mum is having a giveaway.  You could win 6 patterns from Sally Giblin Stitcheries.  This giveaway ends Sunday, August 21, midday Australian time.

Quilting Block Swaps Australia is having a giveaway to celebrate 100+  followers.  You could win a 12 1/2 inch ruler plus a bundle of Fat Quarters.  Not sure exactly when this giveaway ends :(

Leona's Quilting Adventure is having a giveaway.  You could win two charm packs from Westwood Acres.  This giveaway ends Saturday, August 20, at midnight. 

Sew Fun Quilts is having a giveaway.  You could win one of three great prizes.  This giveaway ends Tuesday, August 16, at midnight.

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FINAL THOUGHT

It's Monday once again.  As if you needed me to remind you of that little fact.  My week looks to be a busy one with grocery shopping and a guild meeting happening later in the week.  I'm hoping the beginning will be at least a little quiet.  Last week I took the plunge and sent in my entry for the local county fair that happens next month.  I have entered two of my quilts and a counted cross stitch picture.  I have hopes for one quilt but not for the other.  Sort of silly to enter when you feel that way isn't it.  Oh well, it was only $1 an entry.  I used to enter counted cross stitch several years back and even won Best In Show two years in a row.  I'm not expecting anything this time.  Thought this might be a good place to get my feet wet before the guild show in January.  I feel like I'm jumping off into the deep end and don't know how to swim - lol!  Do you have your week all planned out?

You should listen to your heart, and not the voices in your head.
~Matt Groening

23 comments:

Average Quilter said...

I know what you are saying about waking up not knowing why you are mad. I woke up one morning and was mad at my husband with no idea why and the kicker was I stayed mad for 3 days. I try not to do that anymore

Sue said...

The photo of my beautiful block doesn't do it justice. In real life it is WONDERFUL and am so glad it is working out for those making it for me.
I had bought the Kaffe at the Melbourne Quilt(Australia) show and was never sure what to do with it but this block is showing up the fabric well. I like bright and bold goes with the extrovert personality. Have a great Monday I have spent mine with my 3 year old grand daughter - we played with the soccer ball, swung on the swing, cooked cup cakes and had hamburgers for dinner. It is now 10pm and I have washing to fold and dishes to do and then bed. Goodnight

Nancy said...

Hi Linda, I hope today is a much better day for you and the week turns out to be wonderful. Good luck with the fair entries!

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Happily - I don't get those 'mad' days. Retired, only one in house (well the Queen resides), Just me to answer to.

I have found by limiting my swaps (4), limiting my BOMs, and working on fun projects this year has me happier.

I was stressing over the pile of flimsies, but although I have them on UFO lists to encourage finishing, I don't have to beat myself up if they don't get done on time or in that order. AND, it was a good feeling to pass a pile along to Sarah.

My week - all my swaps are finished and waiting for mailing later in the month. Need to bind a couple of quilts and add a hanging sleeve for show quilts (Sept) and have guild summer challenge to start on - just got the fabric (Sept mtg).

Maria said...

I have days like that too Linda for no reason at all. Pleased today is better.
Loved the post on Scrabble. I really enjoy that game and the newer one called Bananagram.
What an interesting block. How did you put it together???

Needled Mom said...

I can see why that interlocking block needed lots of attention.

Your circles are wonderful!!! They look like they would be fun too.

I've got a busy week ahead too. Ugh. Seems like there is something each day to get me jumping.

krisgray said...

Usually it's stress that makes me grumpy - feeling overextended. I try to make sure I do some yoga or some cardio at the gym. Sometimes a little relaxing time in my sewing corner helps.

I'm with you - a terrible thing to say in blogland - but K Fasset doesn't do it for me either - just too much. I found one print in two color ways that I couldn't live without, but they were from his Liberty of London series.

The only thing I can get done this week is to work on my consulting gig's final report. So, very little sewing for me. My machine gets a rest for the next couple weeks. but I will sneak in some hexies.

Have a great day!

Impera Magna said...

Love those concentric circles... very cool!

BTW - It's perfectly alright with me if you don't care for KF prints... that just means more for me!

:)

Barbara said...

LOVE that block, and also, of course, your FMQ concentric circles. Consistency is the most important thing of all!

sunny said...

Glad you're having a better day today! I got up extra early to go to Doc appt with DH, and the doc was late! I did my grocery shopping on the way home, so now I can sew. I don't even have to cook dinner, because we made a pot of soup last night. Now, to get off the computer.......

Vesuviusmama said...

I woke up a bit grumbly today, but I know why. I told the boys we would clean (and purge) their rooms today, a task I abhor! I laid in bed long after I should have gotten up, and now, here I am online, prolonging the inevitable. Ugh! Your concentric circles are some of my favorite so far. And you know, I always enter my quilts sure I won't win anything, and so far, I have been right on the money! I just enjoy the feedback, and know that if nobody but those who think they are going to win enter their quilts, then there wouldn't be much to see at the quilt show. Good for you for entering!

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

Your interlocking block is beautiful and I really enjoy seeing your FMQ blocks. I think the Concentric Circles looks like a fun one! I'm glad you are feeling happier.....I think we all have that at times.

Brita said...

I love Scrabble, and play a computer version almost daily. Thanks for the tidbits about the game :-) You might be surprised about the outcome of your quilt submissions -- I entered four in my guild's quilt show just for participation, and won three ribbons -- I was shocked! Good luck :-)

Lynda said...

I really like that interlocking block. It does look like it takes some concentration tho.

Leslie said...

I'm going to put in my vote that you keep showing us the FMQ. I also follow Leah's blog but as of yet, I haven't tried her designs. She is very creative and it's good to see others use her ideas.
Interesting facts about Scrabble. I have it on my Kindle. I love Scrabble but I'm not very good at it.

The Vegetarian Hunter said...

I love the bee block you made - the pattern and I do love Kaffe Fassett - I love the prints enough for both of us, lol.
Your free motion practise is awesome! You know what you could use this for other then filler? You could do an under the sea quilt and these could be clams or Mussles!! You know how to cling to rocks? I think it is brilliant!!
I saw your Pets on Quilts entry. I was hoping to get a picture of my creation outside in the sun, but its all over cast and rainy out. Boo.
hugs,
Carolyn

Debbie said...

I have a crazy week planned out.

Monday: groceries, making food for a friend who had surgery, baking muffins, water plants, some laundry etc.

Tuesday: Taking son volunteering with me (always more work to watch him too), Picking up friends from the airport

Wednesday: Kids play date at a bouncy castle, tumbling place. Wed. night IM hosting a Tupperware party.

Thursday: looks to be free!!

Friday: hosting a craft group at my house. maybe date night?

Saturday: Adopt a pet event. Im the volunteer coordinator. also have sunday school camping if we like to go for the day.

Sunday: Church and relaxing!

plus in there I have to do the rest of the laundry, cleaning etc!

MAN! I'm tired juist thinking of it!

Anonymous said...

The circles look really good. It's a lot easier on a longarm, so I give you credit for doing so well on a domestic machine! That's very tough. Here's wishing you a ribbon at the county fair, too.

quilterliz said...

G'day. I think it is part of being human to have days where you get the grumps. I have one of those days every now and then and I can't explain why they happen. I am enjoying your FMQ. I love the circles. Take care. Liz...

Linda said...

Maybe grumpy days are like cloudy days - they make you enjoy the sunny days more! I hope that as your day unfolds, you'll find your mood brightening!
I love the Interlocking Seasons block. It looks like a great block for using up some of the scraps I have around here!

Barbara said...

That's a beautiful block. And please keep sharing your FMQ. I love it.

quiltzyx said...

I know just what you mean about waking up grumpy! I've always wondered if it's because of something I was dreaming about.

Your bee block is wonderful! Were you asked to make a specific block, or was it your choice?

I'm not tired of seeing your FMQ practice blocks, I think they're fun! And you're giving me some ideas too.

Have a great week!

Miss Hillbilly said...

Good luck on your entries! I entered cross stitch years ago but I am too shy about entering my quilts yet. Well, and we don't live near a fair anymore.

Hope your week is going well!

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