More discoveries in the stuff/stash/bins from the sewing room lead me to some easy sewing over the weekend. I found 10 sample blocks from workshops that I taught several years ago on raw edge applique. Not enough for much of anything by themselves.......so I pulled out the string bin and found some neutral blocks to add. Right now it is 22'' by 28''.....borders to come.
Stacks of 3 1/2'' squares from past projects got turned into wonky stars. I had seen Elizabeth's tutorial on these, and my scraps fit the bill. I found some light fabrics and set to work. I ended up with 12 star blocks and some extra dark squares that I will throw in somewhere.
Last night was guild night......special guest speaker was Diane Knott of Butterfly Threads blog. Our VP, Susan, introduced Diane with a long version---maybe even exaggerated on me---about how she came to invite Diane to speak. The upside was I got the treat of 2 small project bags from Diane that feature graphics from her quilts! It pays to blog and promote others!
I also picked up her book....a new one is in the works. She shared all the quilts from the book, and her secrets to a successful scrap quilt. It is always a treat and glorious to see the actual quilts. Real life is always the best :) We got to see the backs of each one....all the extra touches and cute labels.She has a colorful viewpoint and offers different hints throughout her talk. Hints also through out the book, and coloring pages in the back for each design. A great touch.
I asked about her fabric buying.....she is not into the precuts, other than fat quarters---lots of those--buys yards of a favorite fabric, saves the selvages (the cutest basket quilt in the book uses them), and mixes fabric lines. In other words, a quilter of my kind! I completely enjoyed her show and have the inspiration to sew on. Thanks, Diane, for a great evening.
Health note: I am feeling better, and have given up on the nerve pain pills after 3 weeks. I hate the weight gain and sluggish feeling they give me. So I made the decision to increase the B-12 shots to twice weekly for the next few weeks......I am hoping to get past this plateau and that the nerve pain will lessen. I am sleeping better and trying not to over do. When you hit the wall, and there is no more energy, stop for goodness sake, stop! But I know me....that is a battle I may never win. Accept my limits but keep getting back up.
Happy stitching.
I'm so happy to hear you can back off some of the pain meds. More signs of progress! It's great seeing you put some orphan and leftover blocks to use too.
ReplyDeleteThe project bags are so nice.....I'm glad you were rewarded with them. It sounds like it would have been a great program.
ReplyDeleteI hope the extra B-12 shops will pep you up.
Hope that your pain goes away soon. It looks like you got some sewing done over the weekend. Sneaking some quilting or stitching in always gives me a boost of energy when I'm not feeling well. --Andrea
ReplyDeleteCute little quilt of flowers and strings. : )
ReplyDeleteI really like wonky stars, though I have never attempted them.
Really great little bags--what a nice surprise.
Thank you for the health update. Whenever you post I want to ask how you are doing, but I don't want to pester. I hope the shots are more effective for you than the pills have been.
It is kind of funny, yesterday I had my granddaughter laying out wonky stars and then I read your blog. Mine are colors on white because I can't bear to through out those scraps, 2" squares. I still have to figure out how they are going to be set. We did 18 yesterday and she took 2 home, so I have a way to go for a quilt. I do the points as leader/enders.
ReplyDeleteLet's pray the B-12 turns you into the Energizer bunny.
I love it when I can take "orphan" pieces and use them for something like this.
ReplyDeleteI hope the B12 helps a lot with the pain.
Great save with those flower blocks, they look so pretty with the neutral stings and of course, the wonky stars are wonderful. Good for you not taking the pain pills, remember you can if you need to but hopefully you can power through.
ReplyDeleteSounds like I need that book. Good news on the health front. Pain meds have lots of bad consequences long-term, so I'm glad you're able to lay off.
ReplyDeleteYou've made more progress with your quilting than I have over the past few days! Good for you re the nerve pills, I too am contemplating letting these go, I feel to be walking around in a fog! Lucky you for scoring the project bags, they're little beauties.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are doing better. Just take it one day at a time.
ReplyDeleteYour wonky stars prove you don't need any training on how to successfully use scraps! I think you do a fantastic job with getting the right mix of color and contrast :)
ReplyDeleteI hope your newest regimen of B12 works out well for you!
I'm so glad you like the little zip bags, I was so pleased to be able to meet you in person! Thank you so much for inviting me to your guild. I had a lovely time and enjoyed meeting every one in the group. Thank you so much for your kind comments as well. I put my heart into my quilting and I am so happy when my work brings joy to others. I am so glad you were feeling well enough to come to the meeting and I wish you lots of good health and a speedy recovery.
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