I'm here...kind of
October 14, 2008
Hmmm....I haven't felt like blogging much. I'm not sure why. It may have to do with the teenage vampire books that are consuming my time. Such a guilty pleasure....
When I wasn't reading this weekend, I managed to get the studio mostly cleaned up. I thought about posting a before picture and then chickened out. It really was that bad. I have a pile of unfinished projects staring me in the face and a larger pile of fabric that still needs to be sorted out. Normally, the mess doesn't bother - it's a creative wonderland, in some ways. I can see what I have and I fling things about, getting excited as I see new possibilities and then - wham! - I am creating as I go. This time it's different. The mess has been keeping me from the sewing machine and I am trying to change that.
I did manage to piece all 96 arcs for my single girl quilts. Yes, quilts plural, as in more than one. They are both twin sized, going in Kate's room. Anyhow, I put one of each square together as incentive to get going on these. The fabric on the right is going on Kate's window seat which was built well over a year ago, painted about 6 months ago and will finally be getting a cushion in the next few weeks. I am not making the cushion so it will probably actually get finished unlike some other things! Ha! And as I look at this photo, the squares aren't laid out correctly - the balance is off somehow. I'll have to do something about that.
I have been knitting - I even designed a hat and am writing up the pattern. But there are no photos of the finished one yet. It's too bloody hot here - in the 80's. When the temps dip later this week, I will show and tell.
Back to Bella and Edward....
I can vouch for the messy sewing room! Yikes! But nothing is more satisfying than a good clean up! You and Anna can have bookclub together, she is on the second book and totally hooked!
Posted by: marcia | October 14, 2008 at 06:53 PM
It's beautiful! I would have loved to have seen the before photo, but I do understand.
Posted by: Sarah Jackson | October 14, 2008 at 07:03 PM
oh, really now, that quilt is going to be incredible. can't wait to hear more about it and that hat!!! i love that pink of the yarn.
Posted by: kristin | October 14, 2008 at 07:10 PM
I loved Twilight books too! I read all four of them last month in one week.
I love your quilt, it's going to be great!
Posted by: Collins | October 14, 2008 at 07:22 PM
those books sucked years out of my life. LOVED THEM.
Posted by: amy | October 14, 2008 at 07:24 PM
I'm glad to see you're still here. Love the quilt! REALLY love the pink hat.
Posted by: anina | October 14, 2008 at 07:37 PM
I've admired that quilt pattern since I first saw it. Something is keeping me from actually diving in though. Glad you're still around but sorry you're feeling stuck - here's hoping you're over it soon!
Posted by: Amy | October 14, 2008 at 07:52 PM
Can't wait to see a finished product of the quilt. So gorgeous! I too have been doing some knitting and sewing. Did a list of my top ten fav things right now, check it out if you get a chance!
www.exploringutopia.blogspot.com
Peace!
Posted by: megbrothers | October 14, 2008 at 07:52 PM
I love those twilight books too. Such an easy read, so much fun!
Posted by: sew funky | October 14, 2008 at 08:04 PM
warm here too. it's wonderful, except for how i'm trying so hard to love the fall and it keeps disappearing. and 2 twin quilts! you're the mom.
Posted by: emily | October 14, 2008 at 08:06 PM
You go girl making two quilts!!! I need to hit up the book store and get myself a copy of that book-everyone is raving!
Posted by: jessica | October 14, 2008 at 08:19 PM
I made *one* twin size Single Girl quilt, and well, it was enough. At least for a while.
Bravo for doing two at once!
Posted by: susan | October 14, 2008 at 08:27 PM
oh do i know all about edward sucking the will to blog right out of one. i'm waiting for book three to show up at the library - i'm #5 on the waiting list, which means i'll probably disappear from the world of blogging early next week. til then i'm knitting away. can't wait to see your new hat design.
Posted by: molly | October 14, 2008 at 08:33 PM
I need to get these books! I have had a hard time being captivated by a book lately...I keep starting one, and it is a complete dud for me! I'll give these a whirl!
Posted by: cindy | October 14, 2008 at 08:56 PM
ooh, I knew that's what you were making. I have been in love with that pattern since it came out. I can't wait to see it finished. It's looking so pretty!
Posted by: Katie | October 14, 2008 at 09:07 PM
I'm just finishing the first one. I think my husband is jealous of Edward!
Posted by: Sandy | October 14, 2008 at 09:18 PM
oh, i really should pick up a book. but then i might actually sleep. :)
Posted by: leslie | October 14, 2008 at 09:26 PM
When I pieced my first block of the quilt, I was a little disappointed that the patchwork squares didn't line up so well for me. I'm going to have to do some easing in to make it all work. Keep going, you're motivating me to finish it up! xo
Posted by: blair | October 14, 2008 at 09:53 PM
I need to do a cleanup too. Desperately!
Posted by: Mama Urchin | October 14, 2008 at 10:17 PM
keep your chin up, girl.
I just completed connor's room makeover, so I know the feeling of needing to complete a big project. keep going!
Posted by: kristyn | October 14, 2008 at 10:36 PM
Dude, Twilight books sucked all the life out of me for about 3 days straight. So amazing!
Also, I'm really excited to see your Single Girl Quilt. I bought the pattern recently and I'm interested to see how it goes for you!
Posted by: Nell | October 14, 2008 at 10:38 PM
Indulge in Edward and Bella! Do. They really are excellent reading. Save the sewing projects for when you’ll need them - to occupy the empty feeling once you've flown through the series! (I’d also recommend The Host, her other [adult] novel)
Posted by: Rebecca | October 14, 2008 at 10:48 PM
I have some friends who love those books. They sound like page-turners.
Posted by: amy h | October 14, 2008 at 11:20 PM
Yeah - Bella and Edward are much more important than the blog...sigh...I love those books!
The sneak peek of the quilt(s) looks great - I have that pattern too - such a cute pattern.
Posted by: Amber | October 14, 2008 at 11:36 PM
Oooo, I have been sucked into the same series on the recommendation of my husband's 13 year old cousin. I do enjoy a bit of young adult lit.
Posted by: Heather | October 15, 2008 at 12:12 AM
I read the first two and am waiting until I can get 3 and 4 cheaply (borrowed/library/used). I read Eragon and Eldest this week. Fantasy isn't usually my genre but it's about all I've read this month. I love the single girl quilt A LOT, but I am slightly afraid of the size and curves.... I'm sure I will get there. :) Have a wonderful week! Enjoy the great fall weather.
Posted by: Katie R | October 15, 2008 at 12:14 AM
I just loved the Twilight series. I waited two weeks for the last book to come from the book club and then read it in the space of about 4 days (not bad considering I was also working and doing Mum type things at the same time). Totally addictive reading.
I love the quilt pieces, they look beautiful. Nice hat too :)
xMx
Posted by: Marie | October 15, 2008 at 05:46 AM
those books are the best guilty pleasure of all time. i've read them a few times, and am reading them to my husband now. :)
Posted by: robiewankenobie | October 15, 2008 at 06:05 AM
How have these books escaped me? Now I have to go to the bookstore.
I think the quilt square looks awesome! Won't it be all balanced when it's stitched together?
Posted by: caroline | October 15, 2008 at 06:35 AM
The Twilight books are great. I love Bella and Edward. I can hardly wait for the movie. I hope they do the book justice.
Posted by: Marcia | October 15, 2008 at 07:21 AM
I've been wondering what you were going to do with that yummy fabric! That pattern looks wonderful--and not easy! Can't wait to see how they turn out--I'm in the midst of kid-quilt wonderland here, too. Each kid is getting one for Xmas--one down, two to go.
I haven't started the Twilight series. Harry Potter consumed me in a way that was probably unhealthy...for now I'll stick with American Bride, which I just started.
Love that yarn too--the color is just wonderful!
Posted by: Meg Evans | October 15, 2008 at 08:42 AM
I'm so full of adoration about your single girl quilts.
Excited to see your hat! And to see you!
Posted by: Tracy | October 15, 2008 at 08:53 AM
I am going to be adding your blog to my list of ones for inspiration! Where did you get your tags made?
Posted by: Jesse | October 15, 2008 at 09:19 AM
Twilight series. Is awesome. But will also make your day disappear quickly when you read them. I have convinced myself that they are disguised as teenage books but meant for adults. Enjoy!
We'll still be here.
Posted by: Alisha | October 15, 2008 at 10:15 AM
squeal! your quilt square is so lovely!!!
Posted by: amandajean | October 15, 2008 at 10:27 AM
i'm lovin the peek...love the fabric. i soo would love to do this quilt!
Posted by: jacquie | October 15, 2008 at 11:19 AM
My midwife (who is also one of my best friends) is super into those Twilight books and she keeps telling me I should read them, but so far I have not bothered. I haven't been reading much fiction over the last 2 years. I tend to ignore my children and house in a scary way when I do. :O
Posted by: Grace | October 15, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Gawd, it's been hot here too, but that's nothing new. I'm afraid to even take a look at those books because I'm sure I'll get sucked in. I already have enough distractions!!
Posted by: beki | October 15, 2008 at 11:47 AM
Glad to hear I'm not the only one who's ditched blogging for the vampire series. :) I'm enamored with Edward, I think. he.he.
Posted by: stacy | October 15, 2008 at 12:26 PM
Have a teenage daughter who hooked me onto these, have read them all, they are fabulous, the 1st one took me 3 days and it only got worse from that point on, nothing else got done, but it was awesome. Enjoy!!!
Posted by: margaret | October 15, 2008 at 02:40 PM
Love the Twilight series (and your hat). I loved the books so much, I stood in line at mid-night to get the 4th book, road-tripped to Chicago for the last book signing/concert, and crafted up some 'Team Edward' shirts. Don't forget the first movie comes out on 11/21!
Posted by: Brandy | October 15, 2008 at 02:50 PM
Love the fabrics in your single girl quilts! You'll have to tell me what you think of the series. I'm wondering what you think of the entire series.
Posted by: tiennie | October 15, 2008 at 06:17 PM
I'm (yet another) adult who loves the Twilight series. I knitted (by myself!) through a midnight party at my bookstore for the last one. All the teenaged girls thought I was SO weird, but I met up with a family whom my husband and I spent an anniversary, while we stood in line for the last Harry Potter. I'm maybe a little strange. But I also love Stephenie Meyer's OTHER book, Host. Invasion of the Body Snatchers from the body snatcher's point of view.
Posted by: KateMet | October 16, 2008 at 01:28 AM
I have always loved that quilt pattern but probably not the quilt to start with. Your blog is really inspiring - so much so that I finally took my grandma's old Bernina to be tuned up yesterday so I can give it a whirl. I have collected fabric for years. Now it's time to make some things. Thanks for all the wonderful ideas!
Posted by: Amy | October 16, 2008 at 07:13 AM
ahhh Edward, I LOVED those books. I read all of them in less than a month so yea I can relate to not much else getting done. I can't wait for the movie next month.
Posted by: sewstylish | October 17, 2008 at 12:00 PM
ahhh Edward, I LOVED those books. I read all of them in less than a month so yea I can relate to not much else getting done. I can't wait for the movie next month.
Posted by: sewstylish | October 17, 2008 at 12:01 PM
ahhh Edward, I LOVED those books. I read all of them in less than a month so yea I can relate to not much else getting done. I can't wait for the movie next month.
Posted by: sewstylish | October 17, 2008 at 12:01 PM
well it's good to know i'm not alone in getting seriously sucked into those books. was sad for them to end but also glad. because i could not stop! you know you're obsessed when you read through the entire series (minus the last book since it wasn't out yet) in the span of a week. and i'm a sap because i teared up at the very very end with bella and edward's last scene. that's all i'll say for the people who haven't read it yet.
Posted by: star | October 18, 2008 at 08:52 PM
Your toes look great with those fabrics :)
Posted by: peanut | January 14, 2009 at 11:36 AM