I know, I know, it's been FOREVER since I've written anything here. I've started countless times. Have had lots of ideas. I've even written them in my head - and please tell me that I'm not the only one who composes thoughts into stories in my head at a time when I can't write them down..... like when I'm driving or taking a shower....
No, the problem is not in coming up with the ideas or getting started. It's more in the completion.
You see, I get started, then get distracted, then lose my train of thought, and by the time I make it back to finish things, everything that I wrote is so out of date that I have to start all over again. And hope that I can remain focused long enough to finish. Obviously, that focus thing hasn't been working in my favor recently.
And I have to tell you that it is not only with my blog. It's with everything. Which explains why I just finished my latest book a few weeks ago - the one that was supposed to be finished in May - and why there is a lag between when I got the books delivered to me and when I'm posting it for all of blogdom to see.
But because I'm determined to finish this one tonight, {even if I have to pinch myself to stay awake} I'll move it along and show you my latest book and projects....
Originally, I was going to do the book with only a few color pages showing the projects and have the text pages for the instructions in black and white. More like my older books. But after getting the entire book laid out, I just didn't like it. So, I went back through the whole thing, added color to all the diagrams, and re-worked it to have color on every page. And I must say that it was worth it. A lot of extra work, yes. But so worth the end result.
So, here are the projects....
This is such a cheerful quilt! I was really trying to make the blocks look like buttons and flowers without having to do any applique, and I think it turned out well.
For this one, I took the owl that is on one of the prints in the Buttons and Blooms fabric line and appliqued him on the pillow. The swirls that you see coming from the branches were actually stitched on with my machine, because I was trying to save some time. I simply threaded my #16 pearle cotton floss through the upper part of the machine and used some Aurofil thread in the bobbin. It was quick, easy, and effective!
This tote bag uses two small parts of the panel that is in this line. They become the pockets on the outside (yes, that's a pocket, and there's another one on the other side using a different panel section. I sized this to be pretty generous, so keep in mind that ANY fabrics can be used for this. Make one for the winter and one for the summer. I think a heavy weight home dec fabric would look great for this bag too. I'm just sayin'.....
This table runner was so much fun to put together! And I used up some more of my really jumbo rick rack in the process!
No, this one is not a panel..... it is actually painted on the fabric using the Shiva Paintstiks! In the book, I give specific instructions on using the paint and in addition to the colors I used in Make It Merry (burnt umber, crimson, ivory black and meadow green) I used yellow ochre and slate blue. If you've never used these paints, you're missing out!
You can probably tell that this is another portion of the panel print, along with the large border stripe print. But my favorite thing about this quilt is all the buttons my mom stitched on for me in the border!
Once again I ask, can you ever have too many pincusions?! I love the size and weight of this wool one. The little needle book is removeable so you can stash it in your sewing kit, or leave it attached.
And finally, Ollie the Owl.....
I had so much fun making Ollie and he seems content to sit by my machine and watch me stitch away. Now, if only I could find the time to get to my machine to sew!
And that is all! I have added Buttons and Blooms to my website, so be sure to check it out there....
Before I go, I wanted to thank all of you for being so supportive and understanding while I try to get everything done yet still enjoy a little time with my kids this summer. The high school graduation went great, and this summer has been awesome with both my boys home and all their friends congregating in our basement. But the next several weeks are going to be hard, especially once they are both gone. I will be finding out what it is like to once again have the house quiet and picked up. Am I looking forward to it? Yes and no. But I guess I'll find out and I'll keep you posted!
Now, I can't believe I did it! I finished an entire blog post in one night. Wow. I think that deserves a good night sleep.....
Good Night!
