Friday, September 9, 2011

Little Things


Life is like a ten-speed bicycle. Most of us have gears we never use. 
~Charles Schulz

Yesterday after lunch I felt like my brain just shut off.  I didn't feel like sewing.  I didn't feel like reading blogs.  I just felt like sitting and staring off into space.  Maybe I ate to much at lunch?  Maybe I didn't get enough sleep the night before?  Maybe I had overworked my brain in the morning?  One will never know the cause.  I ignored my brain and kept on plugging through the afternoon.  I made sure not to do anything too strenuous or start something new.  Have you ever had a time like that?  These little do-nothing events don't happen too often, thank goodness.  But all is well this morning and I'm ready to tackle the day!

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PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY


Today, September 9, is National Teddy Bear Day.  The teddy bear got its name from President Theodore Roosevelt. On a political trip involving a dispute over the border between Louisiana and Mississippi, Roosevelt went on a side hunting outing in 1903, in Mississippi. Teddy Roosevelt refused to shoot a helpless black bear cub, which had been chained to a tree for him by his hosts. They wanted to ensure he would bag a hunting prize.  A political cartoon done by Clifford Barryman, portrayed the event reflecting both the bear and the border dispute. The caption read "Drawing the line in Mississippi".
A man named Morris Michtom and his wife created a pair of stuffed bears to put in their shop window. They were an instant hit. With permission from President Roosevelt, they were given the name "Teddy's" Bears.  The shop became the Ideal Novelty and Toy company in 1907. That in turn became The Ideal Toy Company in 1938.
Before the advent of the upright teddy bears, the Steiff toy company of Germany, had produced stuffed bears on all fours. They were mounted on a base with wheels to be pulled around. At about the same time, the Michtoms created the first teddy bears, the Steiff company was making their own version in Germany in 1902.  Richard Steiff, the nephew of the Steiff owner Margarete, went to a The Stuttgart Zoo and drew up plans for the new upright teddy bears. Steiff bears are often considered more realistic, having humps on their backs.

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TWO NICU QUILTS

Last week I finished up two little quilts for my guild's Loving Hands project.

Don't you just love all of the tractors?  This is some of the fabric I won recently from Frances (One More Quilt)  last month.  This fabric is perfect since I live in an agriculturally rich community.

This is the backing.  John Deere will make some little future farmer very snug and warm.

Then I worked with some larger panel blocks of tractors.  Another quilt for the NICU.

This serene farm scene I used for the backing should be very calming for a tiny baby.  These were all quilted with a simple loopy meandering.  They measure 32" X 32" to fit over the isolettes.  Thanks again to Frances for the wonderful fabrics!!  Oh, and a special thank you to DD#2 for being my quilt displayer :)

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A FORGOTTEN QUILT

Over the weekend I was looking for a fall type tablecloth I knew I had put away last year when the season was over.  While searching I came across a quilt I had totally forgotten about.  In fact, I don't really remember ever making it but I know I did.......

This had to be one of the first quilts I ever made.  The patchwork wasn't perfect and the stitch-in-the-ditch quilting definitely leaves something to be desired.  But after all is said and done, I really like the colors and I love the pattern.  Too bad I don't remember which pattern book it came out of.  I think this will be my new lap quilt for when I'm in my power chair this winter.  It is the perfect size.

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PRACTICE

Wednesday's practice was a fun little pattern I will probably never use......

Most of my circles were less than perfect and a couple of the straight lines are a little wobbly.  Leah named this one H2O after her two years in college as a Biology major.

Now this design I can see myself using in both blocks and sashings.   My biggest blunder was the block on the left side, third one down.  Don't know where my mind was on that one - lol!  This pattern is called Square Spiral.

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TODAY'S GOAL

Today I hope to start on a Fall/Halloween table runner I would like to have finished by the end of the month.

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GIVEAWAYS

I Play With Fiber (a brand new blog by our friend Annie of Annie's Ruby Slipperz) is having a giveaway.  You could win a copy of Sheep In A Jeep by Nancy Shaw.  Not sure when this ends though.

Sew 4 Home is having a giveaway.  You could win a Mystery Grab Bag.  This giveaway ends Saturday, September 24, at midnight PST.

Stumbles and Stitches is having a sponsored giveaway.  You could win a $25 gift certificate from Fashionable Fabrics.  This giveaway ends Saturday, September 10.

Bunny Hill Design is having a giveaway.  You could win one of 3 jelly rolls of Puttin' On The Ritz, or a bundle of waffle and satin cloth for baby, or one of 16 Puttin' On The Ritz scrap bags.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, September 14.

Quiltin' Grandma's Blog is having a giveaway.  You could win an autographed copy of Jennifer Chiaverini's newest book due out in November, "THE WEDDING QUILT"  and a new pattern book  "Traditions from Elm Creek Quilts: 13 Quilts Projects to Piece and Applique". This giveaway ends Monday, October 31.

Woolen Sails is having a giveaway.  You could win a copy of the software, Quilt Album.  This giveaway ends Saturday, September 10.

Annie's Ruby Slipperz is having her Monday Mystery giveaway.  You could win 5 fat quarters.  This giveaway ends Saturday, September 10.

Qubee Quilts is having a giveaway.  You could win a copy of String Quilting Today.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, September 14.

Loose Threads is having a giveaway to celebrate her 200th post.  You could win 1 1/2 yards of Kona White, 1/2 yard each Kona Red and Green, and 2 Flurry charm packs.  This giveaway ends this evening, Friday, September 9.

Possum Blossom Patchwork is having a giveaway.  You could win one pack containing 50 fabric hexagons in 50 different colours, plus one pack containing 100 1" paper or card hexagons.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, September 21, at 9:00 pm Aussie time.

My Go-Go Life is having a giveaway.  You could win 3.5 yards of Katie Jump Rope.  This giveaway ends Monday, September 12.

Quilter In The Gap is having a giveaway.  You could win a Spice Blossom Flannel Stack from Connecting Threads.  This giveaway ends Thursday, September 15, at midnight EST.

Amanda Murphy Design is having a giveaway.  You could win a copy of My Memories software scrapbook.  This giveaway ends Monday, September 12, at midnight.

Bejeweled Quilts By Barb is having a giveaway.  You could win a $25.00 shopping spree to Inchworm Fabrics.  This giveaway ends ?

This is the final reminder to enter my giveaway for a GO! Baby Cutter and your choice of 3 dies.  Go HERE to enter.

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FINAL THOUGHT

Today is Friday!  The final work day of the week.  It usually means the last sewing day of the week for me, too.  I sometimes get some hand sewing in but not much more than that.  I like to spend time with my DH and sitting in front of the sewing machine just doesn't allow for that.  Our weekend isn't too full.  Just the normal run to the farmer's market and an ALS support group meeting.  Speaking of which,  I am participating in the ALS Walk To Defeat ALS on October 1.  If you would like to know more about it or become a member of my team, just click on the button at the top of my right sidebar.  But I digress.  This should be a fairly relaxing weekend before a jammed packed week next week.  We have something going on every evening next week and into next weekend.  So we will be recharging our batteries, watching some tv (I'm sure there's a car race some place) and just enjoying each other's company.  I hope you have a wonderful weekend planned, too!

Weekends don't count unless you spend them doing something completely pointless. 
~Bill Watterson

39 comments:

Barbara said...

Love all that little boy fabric! It has made great quilts. EEEEK...square apirals! What next?! You are so good at this.

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

Your quilts for the NICU are so cute! I really like the quilt/tablecloth you forgot you had.....that is almost like Christmas isn't it! It is really beautiful with lots of little pieces! As always I enjoy your FMQing and thanks for the giveaway links.

Quilting by the River

sunny said...

Love the quote about weekends. And if you could peek into my house, you'd know I love Teddy Bears. Enjoy your weekend!!

Impera Magna said...

Love your forgotten quilt... beautiful pattern and colors! Despite it being less than perfect, I'm sure it will help keep you warm this winter!

Teresa said...

We all have days like that and this heat we are having doesn't help me any.
Love what you did with the fabric you won.
Teresa's Heartfelt Stitches

Cheryl said...

Love to be part of your team...going there after I finish this. It is a rainy start to the weekend here...hope it clears for the Hot Air Balloon Festival! Otherwise, I will sew.

Vroomans' Quilts said...

The tractor fabric worked out great for your isolette covers. Lovely 'found' quilt.

I will be sewing this weekend, but my house will be open to laundry and showers for neighbors.

Sheila said...

Wonderful quilts , some little boy will love these with all those farm tractors etc. just sweet . Your quilt you made sometime ago is lovely , the colors are gorgeous .

nono said...

I love all those quilts. I'm hoping to get a little sewing done today, after my big to-do list is finished.

Paulette said...

I love those little quilts and that cute JD fabric! The JD plant in the town next door just celebrated their 100th anniversary with a big parade. A whole lot of beautiful green and gold!

Love the tablecloth quilt too - such beautiful colors!

Maria said...

Yes I often have days like you had. Pleased you got over it quickly.
Lovely little tractor quilts. They will be loved by someone special.
I do like the colours in the quilt you found in your cupboard.

Anonymous said...

You used that John Deere fabric perfectly in your little quilts. They look great. Lately when my brain (and hands) wants to stop working I indulge it, so you have my admiration for being able to keep on. Enjoy your weekend.

Terry said...

Your forgotten quilt is just beautiful! I'm glad you found it! :0)

Needled Mom said...

Those little John Deere quilts will be precious for the NICU.

I love the blue quilt. It reminds me of the tropics. It really is a great pattern.

I can see using the H2O design as I think it would be perfect in a lot of blocks. The second one reminds me of a Greek key design. - perfect for borders.

It sounds like you have a busy week next week so I think if I were you I would vegetate all weekend!!!! Enjoy it.

Megan Harmeyer said...

Your Loving Hands quilt is cute! Are those Chicken's hands holding it? And I like the blue/purple quilt - you may not remember making it, but it's pretty. The H2O FMQ is interesting - and does it really matter if the "straight" lines aren't so straight? Have a good weekend - I'll talk to you some time...probably Sunday.

Kris said...

Linda - I love that you let us know all this great information and I really love knowing more about Teddy's Bears!! Your quilts are darling and I am sure will be much appreciated!! And I think your H20 practice pattern is great!! But the best part of this post is that you are going to spend a wonderful weekend with your sweet hubby!! Enjoy!! Kris

Marcia - Crafty Sewing and Quilting said...

Love the Farm Quilts!
And the story about the Teddy Bears! I have a teddy bear that my grandparents bought for me in Chicago, Illinois, 54 years ago, this November, when I was born. I also have the one they bought for my daughter, 30 years ago, this November! Good to know the story of the teddy bears! Thanks for sharing.
And I hopped over to enter the Go Baby giveaway too!
Thanks!

Sara Lyn said...

I don't think many of my weekends count. Maybe I should work on that... :) Sorry about your off day - I hate those. Luckily, they don't come around very often, but I find them frustrating. Glad everything is back on track!

Linda said...

Your quilts are just wonderful! I love the forgotten quilt. What pretty colors and the pattern is striking!
God speed in the ALS Walk. We will be walking in a Down's Syndrome Buddy Walk for my nephew. Hopefully the weather will be cool for both of us!

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

Adorable little quilts! And your first quilt is a beauty too. Sorry yesterday was an off day for you~ hopefully today will be wonderful! Have a good weekend!

Christine said...

Those quilts are so cute for a little boy! Enjoy your weekend. The weekend is my time to sew!

Barb said...

I have days that like too...glad you are doing good today.

I can't tell you how much I enjoy your FMQ...

Raewyn said...

The tractor quilts are just perfect. I'm hoping for a fruitful weekend but I'm sure there will be something pointless in it somewhere!

Anonymous said...

I have had MANY days like that this year... been an off year, I think. So glad today is better. The NICU quilts are adorable. And the forgotten quilt? What a find!

Have a wonderful weekend... Karen

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

Finally a holiday I like!! National Teddy Bear day. I have lots of Teddies.

Linda in Arkansas said...

Eeeks! Those NICU quilts are just too cute!! The little babies to receive those will be so lucky! Funny that you could have forgotten that quilt. It's very pretty.

Browndirtcottage said...

Uh Oh.....sounds like you had a brain
hiccup...lol...they don't last long!!

Lynda said...

My computer has been giving me fits for a few days but I finally made it back in to look at blogs! Your little quilts are darling and will be warm and cozy for a cute little baby.

As always, love your hexie flowers, especially the Zebras.

Your FMQ is really coming along. The big flower is a favorite. I feel like I accomplished something great just by making a wavy line across the fabric!

This weekend our TV will be tuned into the BYU game. I don't watch much but I do make goodies for the ones who come over to watch it at our house.

corina said...

I love your "forgotten" quilt. Who cares if it's not perfect - it's stunning. I'm not a blue fan but this quilt makes me rethink my blue aversion. In combo with green and purple it is so pretty. You've really kept at the FMQ and it shows. Your backtracking is great (one area that I really need to work on).

Wendy said...

Wow, Linda, I love that quilt you "found" again. The colors are so pretty and I really like the pattern too. If you ever figure out what you used I'd love to know.

Have a nice relaxing weekend.

Miss Hillbilly said...

You know, I get the feeling that you are working on a burnout. Why don't you take a vacation from blogs for a week. Turn off the computer for a whole week...we would all understand as we all need to do that from time to time.

Blondie ~ Vintage Primitives said...

Hi Linda
Some times you just need a day of NOTHING. I keep reminding myself of that. Perhaps I will do that soon?
Your forgotten quilt is so up my alley. Love the colors, pattern and the fact that it is imperfect in your eyes makes it even more desirable to me. Nothing I make is "right" but neither am I.
Big hugs and many blessings to you!
Blondie

Unknown said...

lovely quilts. hugs

Talin's Corner said...

Oh that John Deere quilt is precious. I have been enjoying all of your quilting progress/pictures.

ElfRenee said...

Yay for National Teddy Bear Day! And I think the h2o pattern looks really cool!

Joanne Lendaro said...

Glad you snapped out to the mood. We call it "funk" around here. Just in a "funk, where we just are" not doing much, not wanting...well, you get it. Glad you're over it.

And your first quilt looks pretty good!

Redspect said...
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Redspect said...
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Cheryl said...

Hi there. I stumbled across your site when searching for a John Deere quilt to make for my soon to be born first great nephew. I had the fabric in my stash and just didn't know how to use it. Could you tell me what finished size your block are? I am wanting to make a crib size quilt. I love that you do your quilts for the NICU! That is wonderful. Thanks in advance for your reply.
Cheryl

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