Letting It All Hang Out!

I have to do this - I can't help myself. LOL :-)

Two years ago Vicky and Patti encouraged me (well, Vicky shoved me off the fence) to step into the world of hand applique and I was instantly smitten.

So....drumroll, please....the following are my "in the works" hand applique projects.

This one is "Pumpkin Hill" by Bunny Hill Designs (it was the first project)
99.9% of the applique is finished - assembling and embellishing is all that's left. Sigh! :-)

This one is "Baltimore Album Meets Country Cousins" (3 of 12 blocks completed)
This one is "Rabbits Prefer Chocolate"
99.9% of the applique is finished - assembling and embellishing remains! :-)

This one is "Vintage Memories" by Blackbird Designs (Cheri Ralston)

And, last but not least - a design by Kim Diehl but I can't recall what it's called - again all the applique is finished on the blocks. :-)

I had a ton of fun getting reacquainted with these projects. Yes, I do plan to finish all of them.

There's a poll in the margin; which one do you think I should finish first?

In the meantime I'm going to get busy on one or two more. What the heck! :-)

I love it when you stop by - y'all come back!

In Friendship!!!!!

A Lightbulb Moment!

I've struggled recently with projects and such! I'm in the hand applique mood and I want to start something new. I've been really rough on myself because I couldn't justify starting a new applique project when I have several already started - kept telling myself that I needed to finish what I have before I start something new. But those projects are not speaking to me right now. Sigh! I have a tendency to be really hard on myself. :-(

Well, this morning I had a HUGE lightbulb moment when I read Juliann's blog. You must go read her "Monday Mindfulness" post - she hit the nail right on the head. Why can't I start a new applique project? Why can't I start more than one? Why can't I do anything I want? Is someone keeping score? And, in the grand scheme of things - does it really matter?

So today I pulled out an older Moda fat quarter bundle called Gingham Rose (yes, it's a bit old but I love it) and traced the first block and I'm ready to prep the first pieces. WoooooooHooooo! Have I piqued your curiousity? {giggle, giggle} ;-)

And, I might start another new one later this week once I settle on my background fabric. teehee!!!!

I spent an entire day last week cleaning my sewing room. Now, the counters are clear and I can actually walk into my "walk-in" closet (what a concept - lol).

Thanks for stopping by - come again, please!

In Friendship!

Now What?????

I finally finished all my Fall Market work and when I finished I was relieved. Lots of repetitive piecing and quilting. Ugh!!! This time the work was exhausting and stressful and NO FUN!!!! I had to take a few days to just exist.

I feel rested and wondering "Now What?" I have been working on a wonderful stitchery project and I've completed 8 of 12 blocks. This one is "Ring in the New!" by Kathy Schmitz. I'm using DMC #310 and a Moda Marble that looks tea-dyed. Just a sweet project! :-)

My sewing room is a huge disaster - piles everywhere. I stand in the middle of room and can see the piles of fabric from several long ago finished projects. Ugh! I have no desire to sit at my sewing machine and work on a large project. The idea actually makes me sick to my stomach - this could be a little burnout from all the piecing I did for WORK! I've thought about going shopping to find a new project that might provide the needed inspiration but that doesn't sound like fun either. Sigh!

So, in answer to my Now What? question I think I'm going to attempt to clean up my sewing room and then I'm going to go shopping in my stash of long forgotten "had to have projects". I'm in the mood to do more handwork so a hand applique project is sounding very appealing.

If you're still stopping by to see what I'm doing - thank you! I appreciate your visits and comments! Come again and come often.

In Friendship!

Some Fall Decor

A week or so ago I took time to do a little Fall decorating in the entry to our home. I really enjoy doing that, so I look forward to the changing seasons or holidays.

If you came to visit, this is what you'd see when you walked into our home - drop by anytime! :-)

Just a close up!

Another close up! Yes, the little Halloween pillow is dated 1996 but I don't seem to tire of including it when I pull out the Fall stuff.

The quilt draped on the quilt rack is called Tennessee Waltz and was featured in a magazine several years ago.

Since so many of you can't stop by for a cup of coffee, tea or cool drink I thank you for stopping by to visit me and my blog. :-) I love it when you do so please come again soon!

In Friendship!

Hello!

Have you missed me? Even if you haven't, tell me that you have - it'll make me feel good. :-)

It's Fall Market crunch time so I've been busy proofing patterns, sewing small quilts, etc. for my friends, Me & My Sister Designs. So, it's been a hubbub of activity. Sigh!

All work and no play tends to make me very unhappy. :-( So, I worked for a few hours this morning and then gave myself the rest of the day off. I finished assembling the blocks for "Summer" of the "Primitive Four Seasons" block of the month by The Country Loft. Hopefully, the first "Fall" block will be here today. And, I finally got around to making block #4 of the Designer Mystery Block of the Month from The Fat Quarter Shop - block #5 will be here soon. I've done a few embroidered blocks for a new project but they need to be pressed - I'll show them to you soon. BTW, if you sent an e-mail about The Sewing Bird and didn't hear from me it's because you're set up for "no reply". The pattern is on a CD by Kathy Schmitz and available from Colonial Crafts.

A few friends, Carol, Wendy, Judy, Sharon, and I recently completed a block swap for an adorable quilt. In the final package of blocks we all sent treasures to each other. I can't show you what Sharon sent because Judy has not received hers and I don't want to ruin the surprise!

The following mini quilt is from Judy - isn't it adorable? Gotta love those cute cards, too. :-) Thank you, Judy!

From Carol - a wonderful sewing machine cover and pretty post its with matching pen. How did she know I'd been wanting a sewing machine cover? Blue and red - my favorite colors. Thank you, Carol.

From Wendy was this beautiful Schlep Bag and cute mini book titled "The End". I've been using my bag often and really have enjoyed it. Thank you, Wendy!

I wish I had more to show and share but this is it. That's all folks! Thanks for stopping by - please come again soon and often!

In Friendship!