Wednesday, May 1, 2013

A Start, A Finish and a Stupid Human Trick

Hello again everyone!  There must be something wrong here - two blog posts in such a short amount of time?  But I have another finish and a start so figured that now was as good of a time as any before things really start getting busy around here.  DS is going to be coming home from College on Friday (I can't believe that Year 2 is done - and a 4.0 in his major - yahoo!) so things are going to slow down once again on the project completion.  Although he has a job for the summer - it starts on Monday - at the wonderful time of 7:00 a.m.  Can you just hear his grumbling now?  LOL  It's good for him though, don't you think?  I just told him, "Welcome to the real world!"

First off the start:

Mary Gail
The Scarlett Letter
40ct Vintage Autumn Gold and AVAS 

I decided to keep going with the Scarlett Letter theme since I have so many of their charts that have been languishing around here for quite a long time.  After finishing Ann I wanted something else with some bright colors and I think that I've found the one - Mary Gail.  You can see a picture here:  http://www.scarlet-letter.com/samplers/gail.php  And notice the scissors?  A beautiful pair of Sajou scissors that I won on the Scarlett Letter Year blog.  I was so excited and a huge thank you to Nicola for picking my name.  I love them and they'll be a wonderful reminder through the years of Nicola and her fantastic idea to set up these Scarlett Letter blogs to commemorate her year.  It is so much fun seeing all the different Scarlett Letter samplers.  I think that it makes you more aware of their beauty when you see them actually being stitched!

Now, you will notice that there are some empty spots in the flower?  Well, that's where the Stupid Human Trick (SHT) comes in.  I know that on a few trips to the LNS I slowly picked up the AVAS threads.  I thought that I had all of them, but when I went to use a color the other night I didn't have it, nor did I have the next color.  This resulted in me pulling everything apart searching for the threads.  Well, I think I know what happened.  Head smack!!  I usually visit the quilt store near the LNS, probably bought something at the quilt store, put everything into one bag, came home, emptied the bag of the quilting things and then promptly threw out the bag forgetting the threads.  Definitely a Stupid Human Trick and one that I am sad to admit has happened before!  UGH!!  Hopefully my new order (which I will attach to my body with Velco) will show up today and I can get a move on!

And the finish?  Well, it's the Chippewa Nine Patch quilt - Finally!!  I was excited to wrap this one up!


Ahem!!  Here we go again.  Mr. Bailey claiming whatever is on the floor as his own.  He does this every time!!  I hope there isn't mud on his paws!  But here are a couple other shots.  I have to say that my lame camera isn't capturing the real beauty of this quilt.  I really love it!

Outside shot:


Inside shot:
I can't wait to get this quilted and the binding on it.  I think that it will go well in the family room since the room is predominately reds, golds and browns.  

After I finished with Ann Smith and this quilt, I've felt at some kind of loss as to what to work on.  Have I picked up the Sylvia blocks?  No - ironed the fabric and prepared the foundation piecing sheets, but nothing past that.  Talked to Dear Jane?  Not a whisper!  Do you ever feel at a loss when you finish something?  So I've been digging around to see what else I could come up with and this is what I have somewhat settled on - always subject to change - I change my mind about 5 times a day.  If you saw all the projects that I'm planning you'd probably have me committed:


The fabric triangles are left over pieces from the Snowball blocks in the Chippewa Nine Patch that I thought I would sew together and make a table runner for the family room.  And a Tilda doll.  I've been wanting to make one for the longest time.  And then a scrappy quilt.  I''ve been digging through my fabrics to see if I have enough for the look I want and I think that I do.  I was going to start working on a Pineapple quilt, but I'm holding off a little bit waiting to see if I'm going to need to use some of the fabrics I had thought of using on another quilt.  This quilt:

Evening Bloom by Blackbird Designs

Isn't it beautiful?  I have lusted after this quilt for a long time.  It's a Blackbird Designs quilt done in French General fabrics.  I have seen this quilt made before, but in a different color way.  This weekend I was in one of my favorite quilt stores and saw this hanging on the wall.  I loved this version of it so much.  I stood there drooling over it for the longest time and the shop owner must have known that I was in some kind of lust zone because she came over and whispered in my ear that kits would be available in about three weeks!!!  I almost kissed her!!  Do you think that it took me long to say "Sold"???  Happy Dance.  Now this is the reason why I'm not going to start the Pineapple quilt just yet.  I want to see exactly what fabrics are going to be used for this quilt and pull those from my bundles because.....well, I pull more Stupid Human Tricks than just throwing out floss and tend to make a "few" mistakes when I quilt, so I'll pull the fabrics from my bundles that match this quilt, and make the Pineapple out of the rest of them.  I can't wait to get started on this quilt!!

So that is it for me this week.  Now I better get cracking on working on something.  Problem is that the weather has taken a glorious turn for the better and it's hard staying inside.  I knew that this would happen, but I'm so happy to see green grass and flowers coming up and trees budding.  I just know that I won't be sewing as much for a while.  

Thank you everyone for your kind comments on Ann and to more new followers!!  I'm so happy to "meet" you.  I hope that Spring has finally arrived where you are, although I think that some of you in the west are getting another snow storm.  My heart goes out to you.  I'm sure that all of you have said "Enough already!"

Have a wonderful week!


55 comments:

Yvette said...

Love, love ,love that nine patch quilt. I can't wait to see it quilted, it is a beauty.

Marie said...

Wonderful job on your 9-Patch, and your French General quilt is going to be a stunner. Let's hear it for kits!

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

Yes, I have done some of those "interesting human tricks" myself. (I have several multiple charts of several designs)

Your quilt is beautiful! And the French General quilt--WOW!

Welcome to the real world DS--7:00 a.m. is an early start. Congratulations on the 4.00 in your major!

Vickie said...

What a pretty start to Mary Gail. Congrats on the quilt top.

Margaret said...

Mary Gail looks wonderful so far! Ugh on the accidentally throwing away the AVAS though. :( Love your Chppewa 9 patch finish too. That BBD quilt is to die for! Gorgeous!!

geeky Heather said...

7AM!!! Good heavens, what is his major? I get to work at 10, and it's a good thing, or my employers would be paying me for several hours of brain-dead, useless work!

Congratulations on finishing the quilt...it is absolutely gorgeous!!!

LiahonaGirl said...

Love your recent finishes! Can't wait to see the quilt when it's quilted. Good choice on the next quilting project. Gotta love anything from Blackbird Designs.

Laurie in Iowa said...

Nice start on Mary Gail and ouch about the tossed out AVAS. Your Chippewa quilt is gorgeous. Bailey has very good taste when it comes to what to take a nap upon. The BBD quilt is gorgeous. Would you care to share the name of your favorite quilt shop? Y=

Mary said...

Oh Deb, you made me laugh! I'm so glad to know I'm not the only one who's "missplaced" precious silk and taken it out with the trash...

Mary Gail is perfect if you're eager for bright colors, I couldn't agree with you more about how nice it is to have a better glimpse of all the SL beauties,

Myra said...

Everything is so pretty Deb. Love the 9 patch quilt. You will enjoy making your Tilda doll. I have made one and really liked it. You have reminded me that I really need to make another one. :o)

llknbillburg said...

OMG! Beautiful stitching and beautiful quilting!! I am in awe. Laura

Evelyne said...

Mary Gail is perfect, lovely bright collors!
The BBD quilt is beautiful, i love it too.
The Tilda doll is also on my to do list!


Rugs and Pugs said...

I'm sure we've all done those SHT one time or another.
LOVE the nine patch quilt. You do such beautiful work!
Spring has sprung in Ohio, too, and it is most welcome.
Pug hugs :)
Lauren

Ellen said...

Gorgeous quilt! Have fun with the next one ha ha! Wonderful new start on Mary! Love her, so bright and cheery from the start!

Hugs,

carol fun said...

Your Chippewa Nine Patch is GORGEOUS! Love the colors and fabrics. And that BBD would have rendered me speechless too. What a dynamite quilt -- you have great taste!

Jackie's Stitches said...

I'm looking forward to seeing your Evening Bloom unfold! It's a gorgeous quilt. Are you perhaps planning a Scrappy Tripalong quilt too? I love your Chippewa Nine Patch finish - you selected the perfect fabrics.

Nice start on Mary Gail and I love the Sajou scissors. How sweet to have won them!

You have some serious mojo going on! :)

Loraine said...

Hi Deb. I tried to comment on my phone, and for some reason it never seems to take, so here we go again!
I love this post. I'm doing a happy dance for you on your quilt. It turned out amazing! I about fell off my chair with your new BBD start. Wow, that is one gorgeous quilt!
Wonderful stitching start too. I love the colors of Mary Gail, and I'm sure you will really enjoy stitching her. I'm sorry about throwing the silks away. UGG! That is so frustrating. I do hope they turn up somewhere.
Congrats on winning the Sajou scissors. You are so deserving.
So great to see you post again so soon. Hugs to you!
P.S. I'm working on an e-mail but I came down with the flu yesterday, so I haven't been off the couch today. :( I'll try and get you written back tomorrow.
Have a great one!

Kim said...

STUN.NING, Deb! Just a beautiful quilt finish!! I LOVE it!! I'm going to have to check out Ms. Mary Gail now!!

marly said...

Whether sampler or quilt, you certainly know how to pick the best designs. And dogs.

Teresa S. said...

What a juicy blog post!
So much to look at and hear so soon!
Love your Chippewa nine patch quilt!

Poussy Stitches My Love said...

Oh votre broderie est une pure merveille j'adore votre blog my friend

bisous from FRANCE

Chris said...

Amazing quilt finish. So pretty.
I love your sampler start too.
Have a great week!

Annie said...

At least you can re-order the threads. I remember once leaving a finished piece of cross-stitch in the store where I bought the trimmings and it got put in someone else's shopping bag! I was lucky that time since it did get returned to the store and eventually back to me.

Your new sampler has such pretty colors! Love how merry and bright.

What a lovely quilt. Your dog knows a good thing when he sees it!

Melody said...

Wow. What a beautiful quilt you have finished, and such pretty colors in it!! Also, the Blackbird Designs quilt you were lusting after is spectacular!

Also love your new sampler start! I've done that before as well have a project started and then realize floss is missing that you thought you had. Frustrating.

Happy stitching.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your finish. Chippewa Nine Patch is absolutely gorgeous. I can't wait to see you work on Evening Bloom. Can you post the quilt shop name that will have kits?

Brigitte said...

Oh my, this quilt just looks gorgeous. And so shortly finished after finishing Ann. Wow!
I know that feeling of being on a loss after finishing big projects. That's why I love to always have a couple of smaller projects on the go - and I always find one that appeals to me.

Karen in Breezy Point said...

Wow! Your Chippewa Nine Patch turned out beautifully! Mine has been waiting to be quilted--may have to get it out of the tub now and get to work--I'm inspired!

Karoline said...

Lovely quilt, congratulations

Great new start :)

Pam in IL said...

Well, just so you know, I've done the same stupid human trick too, and sure hate it when I realize I did it again!

Your stitching and quilt are beautiful! When I'm at a loss of what to do next, I take some time off until something catches my interest.

Mylene said...

Your quilt is simply beautiful!! Good start on the new chart and such lovely colours!

woolwoman said...

WOW Deb - congrats on finishing Ann Smith - what a gorgeous sampler - I've been lusting and loving all your posts but I just refuse to do all that over 1. the Nine Patch is gorgeous too - such rich warm colors - you are such a masterful quilter - I admire your work so much. No wonder you don't have time to pick rug hooking back up. that's why I stay away from quilting - I know I can't do it all. I love Mary Gail - such a quirky little sampler - I want that one too - don't we all have a mile long SL list now. take care Mel

Siobhán said...

I love your Chippewa!! It is so pretty. The BBD quilt is going to be amazing, too. Love your Mary Gail! You are getting so much done, I'm so impressed (and jealous!)!

Congratulations to your DS on his 4.0--that's an amazing achievement!

Giovanna said...

What a lovely start - the colours are just gorgeous. And congrats on the awesome quilt.

Dawn said...

Congrats on the Sanjou scissors - I have a pair and they are wonderful.
Love Chippewa Nine Patch and Mr Bailey is a great model.
Enjoy your new projects - and a nice summer with your son.

Sally said...

Love your new start. It is so pretty

Gorgeous quilt.

Katherine said...

Wow, Chippewa is gorgeous! And the next one coming along looks beautiful too. So happy for you and your son!

valerie said...

Yay! Congrats on your quilt finish! Beautiful! Can't wait to see it all quilted quilted! lol Great start on Mary Gail. Don't feel bad. I can't find anything lately. I can't remember when I put things and my craft closet is a mess! Love the BBD Evening Bloom quilt. So pretty! And 7am is really early to be at work! I complain about starting at 8am. lol enjoy the nice weather.

Dona said...

Deb, I love your Mary Gail start. The colors look beautiful on that fabric! I've done that SHT before!

Beautiful quilt finish!

Susan said...

As I haven't done too much stashing lately, my trick tends to be more with groceries. My worst one was my cell phone, I did finally find it in the trash but it was trash by then. The scissors are beautiful. Congratulations on your finish of Bailey's new quilt. Looking foward to watching your progress on your next project

Anonymous said...

Your Chippewa Nine Patch is gorgeous. I too have the triangle scraps for future projects when I have them. Lovely work.

Anonymous said...

Your Chippewa Nine Patch is gorgeous. I too have the triangle scraps for future projects when I have them. Lovely work.

Glenna said...

We talked about your post, your gorgeous quilt and Bailey the other night at Stitch Night at the shop. We agreed that because of you and your quilt, every last one of us wants to run out, buy the stuff and learn to quilt. So lovely.

Patty C. said...

I love Mary Gail - great colors

Natalia said...

Deb I love your start on Mary !!!! Such beautiful colors, now I want to stitch it to, thank you very much. LOL !!
Your quilt is gorgeous and the BBD quilt is such a beauty too !!!

Elizabeth said...

Wow! That quilt is amazing - I cannot seem to finish ones that are that large. It looks like it is already well-loved :) All you guys working on Scarlet Letter samplers has my fingers hovering over the 'purchase' button. You are all bad influences!

EvalinaMaria said...

Your quilt is gorgeous, I hope that some that I will learn this craft too. And your new start looks beautiful. Happy stitching!

Helen said...

love the nine patch and I am already drooling over the blackbird design !!!!!!!!!!!

Carin said...

I love your quilt, that os beautiful !!!
Your new project quilt is also very beautiful, can't wait to see your progress :-)

Anne said...

Such a beautiful sampler you picked to stitch next! It looks fantastic with your amazing win! Congrats on winning AND a big happy dance for finishing your gorgeous quilt!! Your new project looks fabulous too! You go girl!

Michele said...

Congratulations on your beautiful finish! What a lovely quilt! A 4.0 in his major! What an accomplishment! For both of you :-)

Jane in Wisconsin said...

Ann Smith is just gorgeous.......so another chart will have to be added to my hoard!!! Love all your gorgeous quilts and the applique quilt is out of this world! Can yo share the name of the shop? I may have to order that too!

Browndirtcottage said...

Oh My Deb...you have such wonderful crafty goodness going on over here! Always love your stitchery but your quilts are spot on delicious!!

I.LIKE.

Sharon said...

Gorgeous quilts and I just love your start on Mary Gail! So pretty!

Taryn said...

Those scissors are beautiful! What a lucky win for you. Your nine patch is stunning in the outside shot. I think you just needed good light to get a really good shot of it. I've pulled the same stupid trick of tossing something out unintentionally. We all probably have. But it is frustrating.

Poussy Stitches My Love said...

I love your stitching and the cisors "SAJOU" .....

bisous bisous