An Observation...

I've made a couple of changes recently to the way my day unfolds.

An unexpected bonus is that I seem to have made a bit more time for piecing, which is nice because that has been sorely lacking for a couple of years.

I've made good progress on my One Monthly Goal for this month...which, to be honest, I thought I wouldn't find a bit of time for! 

For a few years I've needed a new Christmas tree skirt. I began nice and early this year at Retreat in May...but made an error, shoved it aside and promptly forgot about it.

Well, this week things are looking hopeful to actually finishing it in time for Christmas!

I love doing Lone Star quilts and haven't made one in a while. My last tree skirt was the same pattern. For a moment yesterday I thought it would be nice to hand-quilt this piece, but then I gave my head a shake....this will be on the floor, under a pile of Christmas presents....machine-quilting will suffice!



I've had time to do the odd bit of sewing on my "I Am Enough" quilt.

I put some of the pieces up on the design wall. The beauty of a large design wall....I didn't have to disturb the Farm Girl Vintage blocks that were already up...

This is when I made my observation.

 I've often said I've gone through the "fabric change of life", since the bulk of my work over the years has been "country" colours (think Debbie Mumm). Now, I gravitate to the bright, cheery modern fabrics. 

Part of me is sure that this happens, of course, because we are influenced by what is going on in the fabric world at any given time.

Over the years I've also often worked with 30's reproduction prints....and that's what I notice in the above picture. To me, the bright, cheerful, clear, modern fabrics of the I Am Enough project are very much the same mood as the 30's fabrics in the Farm Girl Vintage! 

As much as I'm sure that I am influenced by trend...the thought of the similarities of the two types of fabrics pleases me for some strange reason.


Finally, I have to do my part to enable others to look to a new project, don't I??? Bwahahaha!

In the past, I've enjoyed taking part in Bonnie Hunter's Quiltville mystery, which always starts the day after the American thanksgiving....which is this week.

The last couple of years I've held back, as it's usually my busy time of year as a longarm quilter.

I think I'll give it a go this year. The quilt is a bit smaller than the past years....and, as my friend has said, at least try to do a bit each week of that week's clue. 

So....have a look at the intro and see if it interests you. Bonnie's instructions are always very clear. The only year gave up on one was due to very unfortunate colour choices on my part.

You can see the introduction HERE. The quilt is called Good Fortune.

Today I am linking up with Lorna for Let's Bee Social, Susan for Midweek Makers, and Esther for WOW, WIPs on Wednesdays.

Have a lovely, quilty day!

Everyone loves a mystery....

Everyone loves a mystery! Well, almost everyone.

I'm referring to mystery quilts. I have taken part in many and have had a good time. Some in a workshop format and others online.

I do know there are many of you that don't like a mystery....that giving up on knowledge of what the outcome of the project will be.....and that's ok!

Many of my mystery quilts have been thanks to Bonnie Hunter at Quiltville. Her mysteries always begin at the American Thanksgiving (so around the third week in November) and continue with weekly clues til the end of the year. So, soon she should be revealing the colours and approximate yardage needed this year.

Her quilts are quite awesome, but, be forewarned, they involve a lot of piecing in each segment. On the other hand, the instructions are very well-written and the quilts go together beautifully!

Here is mine from last year.....

No borders yet :(

I have to admit, it is hard for me to keep up sometimes since this always happens at my busiest time of year, what with customer quilts needing done for Christmas and Christmas itself.

This week I told myself that I will not start the next mystery unless I get this last one done. Well, that's not going to happen in time, I just know it!

In the midst of thinking this over, don't I see a post about another mystery starting soon! This one seems more achievable....maybe!

Check out this blogpost by Temecula Quilt Company HERE. It seems she does a mini mystery over the first twelve days of December. I'm in!!! All of a sudden I feel better about letting myself off the hook for the Quiltville mystery! (Famous last words!)

I hope others will try this little mystery with me. Although, a word of warning, by the sounds of it these will be teeny blocks, which definitely does not mean easier!

I'm looking forward to the weekend.....I have been invited to teach an applique class to a group of women who are on their regular cottage retreat. Fun! The only glitch at this point is the possibility of snow!!! What the heck????? I sure hope this cottage is heated! lol

Have a great day!

And so I am a Blogger

Today I have decided to jump into being a blogger. It's a bit terrifying, but I'll give it a try!

Yesterday I decided that I will take part in Bonnie Hunter's new mystery quilt which starts tomorrow over at Quiltville. I wasn't going to because I sure don't have time to do all the piecing I would already like to do!.....but I know I've regretted not taking part in her last couple of mysteries. Bonnie is a pro at leading us thru' these mystery quilts....she has the process perfected and I would suggest joining in to anyone!

To make it more manageable, I've decided to do a smaller version of her new mystery. Oh, and I guess I should mention the title of the mystery.....Grand Illusion.

My first order of business will be figuring out how to add pictures to my blog! Stay tuned, I'll get this figured out!

Have a great day!