I am so glad that most of my clocks auto-change so I don't have to worry about them. Just my battery clock in the kitchen and I'll be honest - I only touch that when it needs a new battery. So it will be the correct time again. I drive people nuts with it - I never use it as a time piece, it's just there.
I feel some of my quilting and crafting needs a change. I'm not waiting to make New Year's resolutions (you never keep them), so making changes now. I want to work more on my cross stitch - a little every day. So come 9pm the sewing machines get turned off and the rest of the night is anything hand work - cross stitch, finishings, embroidery, etc. And I really thinned out my UFO quilt tops - either done or donated. Only the newest projects remain. I have decided that 2012 will be the year of small projects. Something that can be done in a week, month, or couple of months. Not just for the need of that 'completed fix', but so I don't have another 'clock' that is off-time.
SWAPS
This is something I have to get better at. I love swaps, but do limit myself. I like to do them as soon as I get my partner info and confirmation. But I don't show a lot that I send because I don't want to spoil surprises and then forget to show them after they are received. AND I tend to forget to show all the goodies I get. This box of Sunshine is from the Once Upon a Season swap (I deleted my partner info once I know my package was received). Lovely Sandra Pipitone sent this (I think she waited till our flooding and recovery was better) it is the Spring swap. That beautiful bag was stuffed! Cute Rabbit table topper ready for spring, spring green ribbon, scented candle in a bag, knitted dishclothe (never had one - my first), bright yellow dish towel, plant poke with the cutest little pot with seed starter for 'forget-me-nots', to-do note pad for fridge, and cute ceramic ornament that says "Take Life One Square at a Time". Thank you Sandra!
SMALL PROJECTS
Several eye glass cases - all from my scrap drawer (bigger, prettier pieces not ready for the scrap tote)and scrap batt. These are for a Senior Home - small gift project for 'Make a Christmas'. The home likes to have a few small gifts for the seniors' breakfast tray on Christmas morning as many cannot see family and family does not visit that day. I need to make some 'manly' ones now. I worked up a tutorial for these and will be adding to one of my posts down the line.
And two more blocks for the 'Sew Happy Sew-Along' project. I know I am behind - but I am enjoying the journey - and they won't be needed until Dec 1st. I have the other three prepped and drawn - ready to stitch during my ME time.
DESIGN WALL
I worked two more blocks for my quilt guild challenge - 2-color quilt. Remember I am doing all blocks with 'bird' names. Because someone asked:
Crows Foot, Swallows Crossing, Bird of Paradise, Wild Duck, Fox and Geese, 4-Patch Fox and Goose, Hovering Hawks, and Circling Dove done so far. Linking this project up with Judy at PatchworkTimes.
REMINDERS
Block tutorials all November starts today at Sew We Quilt's Block Party. I will be doing a tute one of those days.
Market Tote at Clover & Violets on Tuesday.
FQ Stars Quilt Along at Moose on the Porch will have a new block on Tuesday.
Thanksgiving Dinner Challenge - here - lots of pot holder/pad tuts listed as well as you can try TipNut and put in 'potholders' in their search engine - LOTS of tutorials and patterns there for potholders, hot pads, etc... A quick project and great hostess gift done if you are going out to dinner.
TRAVELING STASH
Box #1 - sent off to Shannon of NuNusQuiltWorld
Box #2 - sent off to Staci of The Confused Quilter
CLOSING THOUGHT
"If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it." ~Mary Engelbreit
**for those of you who don't know who Mary is - visit here**
Sewingly Yours,
Sharon
22 comments:
lovely post Sharon,lovely swap items.
I think we ought to place bets on how many small projects you finish by January 2013. My guess is...........hmmmmm. Since you work through most nights and sleep while sewing......hmmmm....102 is my guess.
Any takers out there??
Do you ever stop Sharon... you seem to accomplish so much!
Happy to see your Spring Swap arrived safe and sound! :)
I love the format on your blog!! Thanks for all the updated info, now I know where to go all week!
I'm going to be looking forward to the tutorial for the eyeglass case - I need to make several of those myself! I've set myself a goal for the rest of this year - I hope to machine quilt one top a week. Yes I have plenty to do that and more. :( I don't even want to think about goals for the new year because that never changes - finish UFOs! blessings, marlene
Those redwork blocks are charming! It makes me want to stitch some up, but we just can't get to it all!
Your SAL blocks are looking great, as is your challenge quilt! Loved your swap goodies -- such fun!! Thanks for the reminders, especially where the traveling stash is now! Happy Monday! :)
A few hours after we had changed all of our clocks (and we have several) we had a two minute power outage and had to start all over again!
I really like your redwork and the two color blocks you are working on.
It's always fun to see what you are doing! The blue/bird blocks are going to make a great quilt.
Got all my clocks changed yesterday--I think that is a first. Took two naps--a morning person anyway, but 3:30 a.m. wake up was just too much! Did much better today.
As you seem to do in all your posts--provide many interesting things to read about!
Sounds like a good plan...more minutes to do things that you want!
Thanks for the potholder link. I am wanting to make some. I have a few patterns but haven't started on them yet. Maybe these will be my after Christmas to do items.
Can't wait for the eyeglass case tut...are ya gonna have it on SewWeQuilt in Dec? (I need it sooner cos I told the Historical Society I'd sew up some things for their fund raiser!) LOL Love Mary Engelbreit...one of my absolute favs!
Great post! So many lovely things!
I like your thinking Sharon. I may just limit my projects to quicker finishes too. Makes it much less stressful.
Lovely blue blocks. How fun that all of the names are related. It makes a nice inside joke for quilters to see if they can identify all the blocks.
Yeah, more handwork. I love seeing your cross stitch and embroidery. And yes I'm up with Billie on the bet. So really you had how many eye glass cases there? 10 or so....I'm saying average of 2.5 per week - that puts it my guess at 125 (Allowing 2 weeks for holidays and days ya just can't sew). The Christmas blocks are absolutely adorable!
It takes me about 3 weeks to get use to the new time change. I also have a thing for clocks and have lots and lots in my house that I have to manually change. It's ok though. Just a reminder of how precious time is and that I don't want to waste a single minute of it. :)
xx
Your blog is always a nice place to visit. Sounds like you are in the "decluttering" mode. Simplify. Hope you enjoy your "after 9's". Love your ME quote- she has such wisdom.
You are a busy lady! You made that extra hour count. All lovely things. Always enjoy your needle work.
Looking forward to your Stash guest post :)
Oh, Sharon!! I LOVE all of this post but the best part is your closing thought!! I just did that very thing and ya, know - it works!! Our attitudes about life make all the difference in how we live life!! Thanks for a great post!!! Kris
oh you frightened me with the SAL blocks, I've done 3 and started no 4 today, got the fright of my life when I saw the angel, couldn't remember seeing her at all... just checked my download directory and i've got her *phew*...so bear, tree, angel and snowman to do
Sharon you are very WELCOME enjoy the SWAP items Better after (IRENE) than NEVER!
Good for you for doing what you want. It feels nice to be able to be happy with yourself and what you do.
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