Friday, June 24, 2011

A Few More Obligations


The friend is the man who knows all about you, and still likes you. 
 ~Elbert Hubbard

Yesterday I went out to lunch with my BFF.  We hadn't seen each other in almost 4 weeks - he had been back east visiting family.  We had a great time catching up and sharing what had been happening in our lives.  Cussing and discussing politics is always a favorite with my friend and sometimes laughable, too.  Our favorite lunch spot was packed to the rafters and was extremely noisy.  To show you how much of a introvert hermit I am, I practically lost my voice trying to be heard over the din.  I'm not used to that much talking let alone at a loud volume.  We both showed our age with several "what was that" and "huh?" from not being able to hear one another across the table.  All in all it was a good time, reuniting with a friend, sharing good food, and just being out in the world :)

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

PHOTO FACT OF THE DAY

Swim A Lap Day
Today is Swim A Lap Day.  A swim sounds really good with the heat we have been experiencing.  Swimming laps is an excellent form of exercise.  In keeping with the theme, here are some fun facts about swimming:
* Around 65 thousand people (are estimated) in the United States don't know how to swim!! * The first recorded swimming race was held in Japan
* Women weren't allowed to compete in swimming at the Olympics till 1912
* The bikini was named after a U.S nuclear testing site in the South Pacific, in 1946
* The slowest Olympic swim stroke is the breaststroke
* Swimming started in the 1st century
* Egyptians made a picture or symbol for swimming as far back as 2500 A
* The shorter your hair is the more chance you have for swimming faster because there is less friction
* •It really is true that you shouldn't swim for about an hour after eating. This is primarily because your body is digesting your food and you may get a cramp during the time right after you eat. Allow your body to rest after eating and then go into the water.

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

MUG RUG

The other day I completed another obligation for the month of June.  I made a mug rug....

This mug rug is for my secret partner in Leona's Mug Rug Swap Adventure 2.  My partner requested brights that don't necessarily go together so my mind automatically went to wonky.  Why do I keep making wonky when it is such a challenge for me?  The black sashing measures 1/4" in width.  When I went to quilt this little thing I discovered that my small Janome didn't have a walking foot.  No problem, I thought......so I pulled out the walking foot to my big machine that was in the shop for servicing.  Guess what?  That foot is not interchangeable between the two Janome machines!  Who would have thought that would happen - certainly not me!  I ended up using the regular pressure foot for quilting so I did a simple stitch in the ditch.  Even that was a challenge without a walking foot.  This mug rug is on its way just a few states over.  I sure hope my swap partner likes it.  Oh, the backing is just a solid black.
If you are interested in seeing more of the mug rugs being swapped, check out the flickr group.

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

KEEPING COOL

This is Weasley's normal position now that summer and warm temps have arrived.  (I touched it up for modesty purposes).  Doesn't he look comfy baring his belly for all to see?

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

SWAP BLOCKS COMPLETED

Wednesday I also completed my June swap blocks for the 6 Inch Block Swaps Australia....

My swap partner, Coralie, requested Star Of Hope in jewel toned colors with a light background.  First I made the orange and yellow block.  Next I made.....

this purple and pink star.  Now that I'm looking at the pictures, I see that some of my points don't quite match up.  Hmmmmm......I'm going to blame that in part to working on my little Janome. 
I hope that Coralie likes these stars.  I would have put them on a black background if she hadn't requested light.  I think that would have made the jewel toned colors pop even more.  These are winging there way to Australia as your read this.

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

TODAY'S GOAL

Today I plan to make the bread basket that I need to complete before the end of the month for another swap.

====================================
GIVEAWAYS

Quilting In The Rain is having a giveaway.  You could win a jelly roll of Terrain by Kate Spain.  This giveaway will end Sunday, June 26.

Quilt I.T. is celebrating her one year blogiversary with a giveaway.  You could win 5 Fat Quarters of "Jacobean Jewels" by Red Rooster Fabrics or a Candy Bar of Moda's "Breakfast at Tiffany's".  This giveaway ends Sunday, July 3.

Quilt Story is having a fabric giveaway from Sew Obsessed.  You could win a 6 fat quarter bundle of Urban Chiks.  The winner will be announced on Tuesday, June 28.

Confessions of a Fabric Addict is celebrating her 400th follower with a giveaway.  You could win at least a fat quarter of three yummy Swiss Chocolate prints, and Kona cottons in four coordinating colors.  Sarah will select a winner on Wednesday, June 29.

Our Busy Little Bunch is having a giveaway.  You could win an AccuQuilt GO! Baby Cutter and your choice of 3 dies.  This giveaway ends Friday, July 1.

Stray Stitches (ME!) is still having a giveaway.  Click on the link for all of the details to win an awesome table runner kit and a darling pair of embroidery scissors.

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

FINAL THOUGHT

Wednesday evening on his way home from work, my DH picked up my big Janome from the shop.  It was cleaned, polished, and ready to put in another year of sewing.  I missed my machine.  I was afraid to tackle anything big on the little Janome.  Do you know how many times I hit my knee on the side of the sewing desk trying to use the knee lift on the little machine?  It doesn't have a knee lift.  I had to lift the pressure foot up by hand each time.  Do you know how many times I hit the automatic clipper button that wasn't there?  Or tried to adjust the sewing speed?  I have become spoiled.  Not to mention the automatic needle treader.  I now know of at least four things that all future sewing machine MUST have.  I'm also used to having many more selections for tension than the little machine has.  I guess it's good to have the big machine missing for a few days.  It makes really appreciate all it can do and what we can do together.  It probably enjoyed the vacation of no sewing for two weeks but I'm sure glad it's back and ready to go!

The sewing machine joins what the scissors have cut asunder, plus whatever else comes in its path.
 ~Mason Cooley

23 comments:

Impera Magna said...

I would have guessed more than 65K Americans not knowing how to swim just based on how many folks I know who can't. Not a prob in my family... lots and lots of swim lessons for all!

Average Quilter said...

I would love to have a pool - swimming laps sounds like fun
http://averagequilter.blogspot.com/

Vroomans' Quilts said...

I can no longer swim and avoid pools because of crowds. Love the jewel blocks and agree they would look so much better on black background. Glad your 'main' machine is back from the spa.

Megan Harmeyer said...

Sounds like you enjoyed your lunch with Mr G. I like your mug rug - love the bright colors. Glad you have your machine back. Isn't funny how much we really are creatures of habit?

krisgray said...

Cute mug rug! I hear ya about missing your main machine - I did the same thing when mine went on for cleaning.

Needled Mom said...

Boy, I know what you mean about noisey eating places. Do you think we burn more calories eating there?????

Your jewel tone blocks look beautiful. They would have been gorgeous in black too.

I really like the black in your mug rug. It gives the colors such a nice break. I am sure your partner will love it.

My first machine was a New Home (which is now Janome) and I know that the walking feet are not interchangeable on them either. Glad you have your machine home and ready for work.

Barbara said...

Have been away and am trying to catch up a bit here. I may not get to post comments on all my favorite blogs, but have to say I LOVE your cute little mug rug! :)

rubyslipperz1052 said...

I wish I had a pool too...but, only if someone else takes care of it! =P I LUV to swim and dive...not so much diving at 58! Water does something wonderful to my spirits! Just being around it, listening to it or being out on a boat.

Ok...and the heat...brings out the DRAG-un in me!

hugZ,
annie
rubyslipperz106.blogspot

Linda said...

I love the jewel toned blocks! They are perfect!!!
Swimming has never been my favorite thing, but I have to say that when visiting my grandkids I really enjoyed getting in the pool. I mainly played with them, which is probably why I enjoyed it. I would love to have a pool just to look at. There is something so calming about water.

Deborah in Atlanta said...

Love your mug rug for your secret partner in Leona's Mug Rug Swap Adventure 2. THOSE are my kind of colors, and if I had a mug rug like that, you can DEFINITELY be assured I'd use it. I have falled in love with it.

And I'm 58 years old, and never been able to swim. I could dog paddle a little bit, but not enough to save my life. Good thing I never go swimming, huh? Oh, and I don't EVER go in water where I can't see my feet. So that leaves only pools, and I know where the shallow end is, so that's where I stay.

I sure am glad you're back from vacation. Glad you had a good time with your friend.

Jessica said...

Hi Linda! I always read your blog but I don't always comment, but I wanted to tell you that I just love what you have to say. I think your star blocks came out beautifully. Isn't it just the saddest when we can use our sewing machines? I completely understand. Thanks for always writing entertaining posts!

Catskill Quilter said...

Love the mug rug! What narrow sashing -- good for you. The black makes the other fabrics pop!

Talin's Corner said...

Isn't it amazing how we get used to sewing on our machines. I have a few that I use, but like you, I am so used to the one I always use. I was laughing so hard because I do the very same things that you did. At least I know that I am not alone.

Joanna said...

I like the mug rug very much. I'm beginning to like blocks with a black or dark outline. Both of your blocks are beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Teehee! You remind me of myself at the last technology networking event I went to. Lots of business people in a small place, and so much noise that you had to shout. I had absolutely no voice left when it was done! LOVE the mug rug!
Sorry I have not checked in til now...the day you came back was the day we posted on Stash. It's been crazy since then...we have some new subscribers to our site, and two online shops are interested in sponsoring. We are EXCITED!! LOL
Jacque in SC
quiltnsrep(at)yahoo(dot)com

Nancy said...

Alas, I am one of those non-swimmers. I had lots of swim lessons along the way but none of them took. When I saw "swim a lap", I actually broke out in a cold sweat because I flashed back to swimming class in college. It was dreadful for me.
Have a beautiful weekend.

Melissa said...

Out of curiosity, what two Janome Machines do you have? I have one now that is just a very simple mechanical one and I am planning on purchasing a Horizon 7700 next week. Thanks!

Sheila said...

Love your mug rug! Very nice blocks.
I have those hearing issues, too :(

Kathryn D. Duke said...

I am a lap swimmer and just L O V E it!! I only swim about 15-20 minutes after my water aerobics classes twice a week. It seems that I cannot add a third day in...water, water, water!!!ewwwwww

merumo said...

Love your wonky mug rug! It looks really fun making!! Say doggie hi to Weasley from Ms. Limo. She may need to get a summer cut to stay cooler?

Sarah Craig said...

My dogs like to sleep on top of the AC vent in the floor. Crazy animals!!

Thanks for plugging my giveaway!

Vesuviusmama said...

I am in complete agreement that doing without your usual "something" is great for maki g you appreciate what you do have.

Anonymous said...

Excellent website. A lot of helpful information here.
I am sending it to some buddies ans additionally sharing in delicious.
And obviously, thank you on your sweat!|

Feel free to surf to my weblog ... program pit 2014

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...