I finally finished my last audio book, The Red Comet about Sylvia Plath ...it was 45 hours and 37 minutes long! I really enjoyed it. It was especially nice to hear how well her daughter has gotten on in life. Now I'm listening to this one and enjoying it too.
One of my most read posts was one I wrote about the original, Olive Kitteridge,
Olive Kitteridge is Wearing My Skirt. I have an identical skirt to the one Frances McDormand is wearing in the film version of the book.
Truthfully my quilting mojo took a dive around Christmas time. As a result I had to do a little re-evaluating and thinking about how I want to spend my stitching time. Every now and then that seems to happen with me.
Out of that little thinking time, a new attitude about my stitching grew, in particular relating to quilting matters. I'm not going to participate in any BOM's or SAL's for now because I don't want any deadlines or even perceived pressure to enter into my thinking. Or to end up having to work on some block or other that I don't really care for. I want to sew what truly makes me happy in the moment. ( I really hope this doesn't mean I'll bounce around from project to project; not finishing things makes me feel sad and of course, I want to avoid that.)
I know some of you get around this somewhat by not showing a project on your blog till it is well underway or even finished. I'd never thought of managing things that way either.
Speaking of which
We have a large coffee table in our living area that Hubby uses and he asked if I could make a cover for it. So I thought of making a mini quilt for a table topper. I have a few fat quarters of Kathy Schmitz's Snowbound and figured now in our winter would be the perfect time to be working with it. I'm making hexagons, tracing the pattern on old cardboard pieces and then hand stitching them together. Chose a size large enough to show the pretty designs Kathy drew. Hand stitching always makes me feel happy and this project is not letting me down.
I'm much further ahead now so I know it will be finished! Another photo coming soon to show my progress.
And I saw this sort of block at the Art Gallery Fabrics site. The way it uses different sizes of fabric, scraps in other words, and no particular rules to the design appealed to me. Yellows come in such a range from the mustards...
to the delicate lemons. I don't have a lot of yellow in the scrap tote but surprisingly a few pieces. The block below reminded me that the Pantene colours for 2021 are Illuminating Yellow and Ultimate Gray, representing hopefulness and strength, what the world needs now besides love, of course. 😊
I wish I had more of that grey with the house in trees, but alas, I only had this bit. Anyone know the name of this line?
How spoiled I am! Once I sort out supper and get in a couple of walks, this is as busy as Saturday gets for me these days.
I hope all who are reading are enjoying your weekend too!
Happily linking this post with So Scrappy, Kathy's Quilts, Quilting is More Fun Than Housework, Applique Patchwork Quilting and Viewing Nature With Eileen.
38 comments :
Those books sound really good. Hey, sometimes the Mojo is just a NoGo and is probably just temporary.
You found some pretty YELLOW scraps for those new blocks, Jocelyn. Hope you are having fun making those!
Sitting next to the fire with some hand work sounds like the perfect place to be until it warms up. Love the grey trees, but alas, I do not know the name.
what are you knitting it looks great! I will look and see what the book is about. We have too many squirrels sometimes - with this cold spell I ran out of bird seed a couple days ago but there was still a little seed in the feeder that is attached to the sewing room window yesterday I happened to glance up and a squirrel was sitting in it!
Hello Jocelyn,
Your quilt blocks are so pretty, I like the yellows colors and the trees. I will have to check on that book. The suet does not last long here, the squirrels and starlings are piggies. Cute photo, looks like it could have been taken here. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, wishing you a happy weekend! PS, thank you for the visit and comment on my blog.
Looks like a lovely Saturday, knitting before the fire! I think we all have to rethink our quilting every so often (I know I do). Your hexagon table topper is coming along nicely.
Your hexie project looks like an enjoyable project to work on, Jocelyn! It's always nice to be able to make something useful for your loved one who asks for it. I like those new blocks you found to make, too - they definitely look perfect for all different sizes and shapes of scraps. I hope you're having a lovely day in front of that fire!
I loved that book and didn't know they had made a movie of it! I'll look for it! Enjoy your weekend. Stay warm!
You're not alone in losing the quilting mojo.
It seems to pop up regularly :( For me, I have to talk myself into cleaning up the sewing room and then remind myself to do what I enjoy.
Did I read that right? More that 45 hours for an audio book! They are great for sewing along to aren't they? I'm always sad when a really good audio book is done.
LOVE your stone fireplace!
Your quilt blocks and hexies are lovely. You are moving right along.
What a wonderful fireplace to curl up in front of to knit or hand sew.
God bless.
I wish I had that wonderful view in your last photo! I think there has to be an evolution in our creative lives - at least I know it happens with me. I used to be pretty much all crazy quilting in all its forms but now I've branched into landscapes. Who knows what the next evolution might be. I keep eyeing some of the wonderful wool projects out there but then I remember I have absolutely NO room for any new stash so I've resisted. So far!
I never do well doing SALs or such. I like to work at my own pace and no pressure. I have always admired quilting but I have never taken up the hobby. I am a cross stitch girl only with an occasional sewing project mixed in. The fire looks warm and inviting. The sun was bright today for the first time in a while. Everyone was coming out to walk. I have enjoyed strolling through your blog.
Love those hexies. The grey and yellow blocks are pretty. Industrious squirrel is industrious. lol.
Looks like a lovely way to spend a Saturday! Mine was far too active!
I don't believe I've ever seen a black squirrel. He does seem intent on accessing the suet. I've swore off QALS and mystery quilts for now. I'm just working on this and that and playing with color and pattern. I did read Olive Kittredge, but in the end did not really enjoy it. That always disappoints me when other people have raved about a book and I just don't see the appeal. To each his own, I guess. Hope you enjoyed your knitting by the fire. I just can't seem to get warm these days, although the sun shining through the window the other day was very enjoyable.
Pat
Beautiful blocks, I like yellow in a quilt. The table cover looks nice too. I have a quilt dip if I have to many projects going on. I just have to have a few I can work on and not to many things.
Looks like you had a good start of the weekend with your knit work. We had snow last week but now Spring seems to be here. Time to o some garden work.....
Nothing wrong with relaxing in front of the cozy fire with your knitting after a busy day!
I didn't know there was an Oliver Kitteridge movie; I'll have to look for that. Is this the fabric? It looks a bit lighter than yours, but I think the same design? https://www.fabric.com/buy/0746110/andover-makower-uk-scandi-2020-trees-grey
It could just as easily be Miriam talking to me about how she uses her scraps of fabric.
I share your feelings. I enjoy the creative aspect of quilting but dread the deadlines. Sounds like you are finding a nice balance.
I think, in these times, we have to take it easy on ourselves.
I've had a bad few days and I am taking it easy.
At our age, we ought to be doing what makes us happy. Flitting from project-to-project is perfectly reasonable, to my mind.
I agree, at posting when you are done. Who needs pressure??!!
Always a good thing to reevaluate and ensure our projects are in keeping with bringing us joy! Deadlines and pressure are not fun things! Enjoy your relaxing stitching today!
Hi Jocelyn, that last picture is perfect for a cold snowy Saturday...or any other day frankly! Love your hexies. It's going to look great. I have also stopped doing BOM or SAL since they are always UFO makers. I have quite a few to finish before embarking on another. Enjoy your weekend. Take care.
I love your Saturdays! What a great photo. The fabrics are really pretty!
Hi Jocelyn,
I have the same problem....way tooooo many projects going at the same time. I've been picking 2 or 3 to work on. But, I must admit it's really hard to do this....as I see so many new quilts I want to make. Have a great day!
Welcome to the link up!
I really like the way that scrap block uses up different sizes of scraps. A whole quilt of those would have movement and interest, while still lending itself to straight line quilting. A win all around.
Also like your larger hexies. Keeps it from turning into a multi-year project. :)
Oh, that squirrel is so funny! Love your hexie project!!! The yellow/grey looks pretty interesting, too!
Love the color of your knitting, and your hexies! I too am taking a step back and trying not to stress myself too much. Always love seeing your photos! Happy stitching, and hope you have a great week!
Lovely project for your table, your hexies are beautiful. And these improved blocks are pretty, great idea to use up scraps. Enjoy your cozy and warm place in front of the fire ;)
Thank you for linking up today
I too, am one who doesn't like to be involved in lots of projects with deadlines, because I know I won't finish by the stated time. Though I can have several pretties in the works at one time, I mainly like to work on one, say a quilt for instance, till it's done. This way makes me happy. Love those sweet little hexies. Hexies always put a smile into my day. Those lemon and grey fabrics look fabulous together. Isn't that grey house and tree fabric lovely. I hope you manage to find some, somewhere. Such a glorious photo of the snow falling in your magical part of the world. Your little world looks as if it filled with contentment and joyousness. How lovely to sit in front of that cosy fire and knit to your heart's desire....or stitch a hexie or two. Have a beautiful week, lovely Jocelyn.
Love those hexies! I enjoy hand work, too. Stay warm!
Good morning Jocelyn! I think it’s always a good idea to seriously assess how one wants to spend one’s time and to avoid as much as possible doing things that one doesn’t enjoy or provide mental or physical nourishment or needed service to others. Our stitching should be a pleasure and I’m all for abandoning it - at least temporarily - when it isn’t; or abandoning projects when they don’t satisfy. I’m glad you’re enjoying the hexagon project and I like your gray and yellow fabrics! I love Elizabeth Strout’s work and think I’ve read everything by her! Enjoy your week!
A lot to look at on your post today! Your knitting photo looks so peaceful...what kind of yarn are you using? I know what you mean about mojo at the moment....I have needleturn applique to do and some hand-quilting, but I'm really enjoying my knitting these past few months after many years of not knitting. I did a lot of my knitting in the past at the hockey arena or baseball field. When I'm knitting instead of catching up with my other handwork I'm telling myself that these are my hobbies, meant to feel good...so if I feel like knitting, that is what I shall do! :)
My mojo got up and left this weekend. I think it is being locked up and I didn't get out at all this past week which is not like me.
Quilting is our therapy. There should never be any pressure involved with it. Otherwise, I figure we'll need more therapy FOR our therapy! Ha! Periodically I get in a lull too with just too many projects that I'm trying to concentrate on along with too many projects I want to start. Just have to step back, take a deep breath, and then carry on. Sounds like you've figured all that out too!
Your fire looks lovely and I'm jealous. =) I like reading your thought process on what you're going to do. I think you've made good choices for you. =)
Oh, I am all for doing your own thing, I hate deadlines in sewing, I think it takes lot of fun out of it. Sometimes I go through non-productive periods, and that's OK. My sewing is my enjoyment, but my attention span can be quite short, so I could not put myself under any deadline pressure.
Just have fun!
xx
Jocelyn - I think you are wise to choose to do the stitching you want to do! Life is too short to do anything else! I am getting into a spring frame of mind, and I like those yellow fabrics!
I agree with your decisions. I have done that also. I was on a roll until the 10 days of snow, Ice and freezing temperatures. Then I lost it. So enjoy doing what you want when you want and life is more peaceful and happy! hugs
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