Saturday, May 4, 2019

So little to show for the passing of a week

This post may come as a shock to some who know that I don't spend a lot of time on hand work. But since most of the piecing I have done this week has been for the Indigo Challenge with Sandy, to be shared at the end of the month, I had to scrape the bottom of my quilting barrel to come up with anything to share.
First off--quilting on my BIG hand quilting project that has been basted and waiting for years! (I can see from the photo that this needs more lines for the background quilting.)

When I started quilting this I was having shoulder troubles and finally gave up on it until I could have the surgery. That got postponed a couple of years. Then my healing was slow, and I felt like I couldn't stress my shoulder. But eventually it got better, and now I have no more excuses. I gave myself a swift kick recently and committed to at least quilt 30-60 minutes a few nights a week. Back issues keep me from doing more at a time.
This quilt was to commemorate my youngest son's time as a missionary in Brazil--he has been home for almost 10 years (yikes)! He'll get it eventually.

Then there was the stitching I did while we were on the road for about 3 hours today (Saturday). My Stars in the Garden mini hexie quilt is my "go to" road trip project. The problem is that I don't enjoy stitching hexies and this little thing could very well be my lifetime project. I forced myself to attach 3 hexies to this flower today. That was all I could manage.

I keep a photocopy of the potential finish in the lid of the project box. As I finish a section I cross it out. When I look at what I have crossed out I try and tell myself that I am making progress. Then I remind myself how many years this much has taken and I realize I am practically standing still on this one. (Don't roll your eyes at me, Sarah--the hexie queen!)




















I  also made a smidgen of progress on my Circa 1880 quilt. I stitched my final "rogue" block, and laid out the row it will call home. This was foundation pieced, and I still have to remove the papers from the block. This will be in row 24--it is the last one I will make from my own blocks. The final three rows will be made from swapped blocks, when the last of my swaps are completed. This one is so close, I can almost taste it.  

I have a few more patterns that want a home where they will be loved. Most of them are wool projects. Some are patterns I have already made, some are duplicates, and some I'm just sure I never will get made. I am not separating them--I just want to send this out as one bulk group.
If you are interested, please mention it in your comment--and if you don't know whether or not you are "no-reply", please include your email address if you are serious about it. I will choose a random name from the interested parties.

Just for fun, I am sharing a photo of me that was taken exactly 60 years ago. I came across this as I have been working on my Mom's history lately. 

And exactly 8 years ago I began my blog. What fun it has been to build a blogging community with so many kind and generous, fun-loving and mischievous (you know who you are) quilters. Thank you all for reading, commenting, lurking, or whatever it is you do here. :)

Until next time,
Janet O.


36 comments:

  1. I’m enjoying seeing your Circa project blocks. My daughter is also working on them with her quilting club!
    I LOVE wool applique and am currently working on a Buttermilk Baisn BOM from a few years ago. I would be. Dry interested in your patterns!
    Gunterheather@yahoo.com

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  2. looks like you mastered the 3-wheeler...LOL...that'll come in handy later in life as well...only then you'll be riding indoors...LOL

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  3. Good morning! I feel your pain with the hexes. .Its nice to have that portable project. I would be interested in your patterns as I love the tree in the middle as well as Buttermilk Basin wools. Thanks! sewandsew@hvc.rr.com

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  4. Interested in patterns, love the Buttermilk and Primitive Pattern line. Wanted to do the Circa 1880, but could not find a local Quilt store in my area. Thanks for sharing yours. Love your small works of wonder.

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  5. Uh oh, I'm mulling over whether I want to take on an EPP Bridal Bouquet project. It seems logical since there are so many Y-seams in that block. But if hexies are slowing you down... Love the latest "rogue" block!. And most importantly, CONGRATS on EIGHT YEARS of blogging! Every post is inspiring! Here's to your great work! And I am interested in those patterns.

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  6. I am with you on the hexies....just not a fan. Your 1880 quilt is coming to the critical point of getting done! I know you can't wait to get it all together. I love your tricycle look....memories to cherish. Love all your wool projects, and know someone will enjoy them. I so mix being able to handstitch and embroider. Congrats on your 8 years....I cherish my blogging friends.

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  7. I love to see your hand quilting!!! Love your rogue block...I too love my blog friends so much. Thank you for the chance to win.

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  8. Oh my,Janet.... your hexie star project, love the idea that you have a road trip project "on going". Knowing you------"you"× will get-er-done and and will absolutely be a treasure!!

    Your picture is darling...I had a trike like that, I would decorate it up and pretend to be in a parade...guess my creatively juices were starting to develop!

    Congratulations are in order for your blogging anniversary of eight years! I have been following you almost since you began ♥️♥️!

    I am sure you are having fun putting your mom's history together, and having lovely memories working on it. Our oldest son "Matt" turned 50 the 21st of April, I went through and gathered all photos, announcements, special notes he had written etc. and pictures of his family though the years and put in an album for him with special captions on all....very rewarding.

    Happy Mother's day next Sunday Janet!!

    Hug's, Carolyn

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  9. Any progress is still progress. Slow and steady wins the race. All of your projects are wonderful, especially your Circa 1880 blocks. The fabrics are so pretty and the little blocks are adorable! Some EPP is fun for me, but I cannot do it for long either but I do enjoy hand quilting my quilts. I would be interested in your patterns there are some cute ones in there. Do what you enjoy!

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  10. Lovely quilt projects. I have a few that are working their way to 'lifetime' status ;-) I like hand piecing and applique but the prep seems to never get done.
    Sweet and happy photo of you. She has grown up to be an inspiration!

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  11. Your blog is always so inspiring!! Love to see your quilts and your progress! The Circa 1880 quilt will be wonderful -- will you hand quilt it? My life-time quilt is a Dear Jane quilt -- I hope to finish it "someday"! Love the picture -- I had a trike just like that about that number of years ago :) I would be interested in your patterns -- they look really fun! Thanks for sharing!!

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  12. I still can't get over your beautiful quilting stitches--they just amaze me! I completed my Stars in the Garden, but now have no idea how to finish it. I know they show it framed at shows, but I really have no where to hang mine. I know it's hard, but if you really aren't enjoying it, maybe you should pass it on to someone who would enjoy finishing it (not me!). Circa 1880 is going to be wonderful. You are passing on some really cute patterns!

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  13. I recently discovered your blog and love it. I'm starting to focus a bit more on quilting these days. I have a hexxie project ready to go so love seeing yours. I'm also interested in learning wool applique. But first to finish up a quilt for the wall over the couch. I'd love to be included in your pattern drawing. I think I can be contacted via blogger.

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  14. Don't include me in your pattern drawing. We're on the same wave length as far as passing things along goes. I got my hexie project out just today to decide where to go with it. Again you've been sending me vibes and we're working on a similar project-ha! I am so caught up in finishing things up I just got out the next UFO and it happened to be the hexies. Your hand quilting looks lovely. I hope you'll enjoy your time at the frames like I do. The new "rogue" block is great. You are so close to being done.

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  15. Could have fooled me...it definitely looks like you have made nice progress on a number of things...like seeing your Tree of Life block and the lovely hand quilting....I have one started but reserve working on it when in the RV or attending a nearby monthly retreat (both of which have not happened recently!) Keep on keeping on...you are doing very well.

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  16. I love your hexi project! Keep on keeping on:))
    I see several patterns among that nice stack that I would enjoy making. Thanks for being so generous.

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  17. Your hexie quilt is going to be gorgeous! I can't even imagine doing that one! I love your little "rogue" block too. Can't wait to see that one finished. Have fun; you definitely are making progress! ---"Love"

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  18. Oh Janet please consider giving the hexies away! Life is too short to sew something you don't like - well that's my opinion. Love the paper pieced block, very sweet.

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  19. I am new to your blog, love to read all about your quilting adventures. I feel the same about hexies, but wool OH MY! I am so addicted i can't get enough. Love the fact that it is so portable and easy to work with! Also just started making small quilts, having lots fun with those too! I really love all the patterns you have for the give away, of course because most are wool related!! Thanks for a chance to win!
    Carmen

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  20. Janet, Happy Blogiversary!! I'm so glad you blog and once I found the blog several years ago, I went back to the beginning and "got to know you". Such a sweet photo of you on the tricycle! I have one of me my mom took when I was about two. A real metal one...not plastic like the ones today!!

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  21. Looks like you made some progress on lots of different things, quilting, hexies, 1880. It all adds up. I need to reevaluate some of the projects that have been tucked away for a long time. Time to finish? Or time to move it on? Have a great week. Enjoy your quilting journey. Thanks for sharing so much with us for so many years!

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  22. Blogging.......that long deserves congratulations. Love the cutie on the bike!

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  23. Gorgeous wee photo of you on your bike Janet. I have been absent from blogland for a bit & am just catching up on my favourite blogs. Well done on 8 years of blogging - quite some achievement. Love your hexies & think what a great idea to have the photocopy in the lid & cross each section out. This must make you feel like you are achieving something at least!

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  24. That is such a cute picture of you! Being is kid was so much fun! :-)
    Hexies are not my thing neither...lol! I have a small pinkeep that I've been working on for quite a long time...don't think I'll be trying anything larger...
    Your Circa 1880 is looking great! Love all those hidden blocks!

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  25. You may not think you are making progress, but you are doing better than me lately. I don't know if it's the weather or what, but I can't seem to get moving in any direction. It has been raining here for so many days. I really enjoy basting hexies but not sewing them into a project. I would love to have some of those patterns. I see a few that I have been wanting to make. Thanks for the chance.

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  26. You are leaps and bounds ahead of me. I have not managed much sewing time at all since Christmas!! I am looking for my sewing mojo but other things just seem to keep getting in the way. I have been planning in my heads some finishes for this month, at least get the tops done!! I always enjoy reading your blog!!

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  27. First of all, you are the cutest thing! What a sweet photo! Your hand quilting is gorgeous and I am happy that you feel good about getting back to it. I am in awe of your progress on your c1880. I am so far behind I will never catch up, but I know it is not a race and I just need to keep plugging along. I am enjoying the process. And I LOVE your rogue blocks!!

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  28. Yes, I'm interested in the grouping of patterns! One of our monthly groups has recently done a program on wools. Would be fun to pick a new project. Enjoy reading your posts about your "rogue" blocks in your Circa 1880 quilt. bfiresheets@bellsouth.net

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  29. I love that picture of you and I love that you shared it on your blog :)!!!
    Good for you working on James quilt! The 1880 quilt will be such a treasure when it is all finished!

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  30. Well Happy 8th Blogaversary! I'm very happy that you've kept up your blog and not gone rogue to Instagram like so many other bloggers. It may seem to you like you're not making progress on your projects, but you really are! Your 1880 quilt is coming together beautifully and it doesn't really seem like it's been that long that you have worked on it. I think sometimes we who work on multiple projects feel bogged down with a lack of progress, but then discover that the finishes pile up rapidly at the end. That grouping of patterns will be a sweet gift for someone who loves wool projects.

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  31. Oh my gosh, what wonderful projects! I do love seeing what you are up to, especially those little projects. Your rogue block is amazing and looks perfect in the rows of 9 patches. 8 years is a long time to blog! Happy Blogiversary! And keep quilting. You inspire me!

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  32. Sorry I am the aforementioned quilter and I was logged in under another email. My email is : time4stitchn@gmail.com. And I am definitely interested in your patterns.

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  33. I would love to have your patterns.

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  34. You are makign progress on your projects. Progress is progress no matter how slowly!!

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  35. It must feel good to start quilting again on a long overdue project. That's definitely progress! Every little hexie is progress, too, and I love your last rogue block for your 1880 project. Looks like you are moving right along :) What a cute picture!

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  36. I have projects that have been waiting to be finished and I did make a dent in the stack last year and this year...so far! I see you are "plugging away" too. I'd love to have your patterns!

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