Playing Jacks

Do you remember the game "Jacks"? Bouncing the ball and collecting the number of Jacks. I have an old set that is wood and then an old metal one - ouch if you got aggressive with the game or if someone forgot to pick all the Jacks up and you stepped on one. Love the pretty colored plastic ones.

I've been playing Jacks in my quilting. Trying to bounce the ball high enough to get all the required numbers. But that's not a fun game to play - and I like my FUN. I purposely cut my required numbers down for June. Some new FUN came along with bloggers having quilt alongs, etc... BUT we need to set our limits We need to remember the FUN.

I even took Monday completely OFF - finally a day with no rain! And played all day outside in all the glorious flower beds. Slowly enjoying each bed and each flower. And Wednesday I shopped for ME. I needed new shoes - which is a venture. But luckily the second pair was perfect, never have had that kind of luck - even got a pair of sandals. AND, I went to the hairdresser for a wash, cut, and style. YES, I took the time to breath!

I found this little quilt top when going thru my UFO's and flimsies (pieced quilt tops) to see what I wanted to finish and to realistically decide they need to move on to another 'home' (Sarah - a box is on the way). I probably did this paper pieced water lily pattern 3-4 yrs. ago. All scraps of blue little florals. I found a scrap piece for the back (blue floral) and enough of a blue floral scrap binding. It was windy and I had trouble getting the quilt to 'stay put'. When I turned to get the camera set and then back, sneaky got into the act - so I let her pose.

When I need to 'breath' I find playing in my scraps helps - remembering projects they came from or maybe another quilter donated the fabric and I think of their project. A bit of SQUARED UP this time with 3.5" squares that I pulled from the barrel - added a few fresh reds, but plenty there. Sewing them as 'twosies' right now with more to come.

And stitchery relaxes me. This is the second block for the Clover & Violet stitch and quilt along. I opted to use just the single large butterfly and added some playful little button flowers. Love my buttons.

My 4th of July piece is coming slowly. Just enjoying a section or just a strand stitched. There will be plenty of time and I can enjoy this little wallhanging thru July.

And I am taking more time to work with my cross stitch - my true love. Seeing my Dad's old pencil and color wash piece made me give a try at accomplishing this affect in my new piece.






CLOSING THOUGHT

Old proverb:
'All work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy'

Remember to set realistic limits, slow down, don't bounce your ball too high or try to grab too many Jacks. Take time to breath. Remember to have FUN.



Sewingly Yours,
Sharon