It’s been a long sicky week with no more birds getting done. However, the time spent in the Drs office allowed me to get my summer socks done just in time for fall…
Monthly Archives: September 2015
Sock delima…
No birds tonight, way too tired to sew without cutting off a finger.
But I did get some knitting done today while sitting in the hospital deli waiting for the pharmacy to open after my doctors appointment. I was at the point of needing to try it on. But I just couldn’t bring myself to take off my sock and shoe in Au Bon Pain… I really wanted to.
Hummingbird #100 – What??
Block #100 for my Grandmother
For my 100th bird, I wanted this to be special. I stressed for the last two days over who to dedicate this to and which fabric to use. Early in the project I had decided to make birds only for those that are still with us, as a celebration of life. But tonight my husband pointed out to me that even those that have gone before us have left their mark on our lives and are special to us.
My grandmother passed when she was in her early 50’s and I was still a freshman in high school. But, I can promise you there would be no hummingbirds without my grandmother. I think I mentioned in a previous post that I owe my craftiness to her. I was lucky enough to live in the same town as my grandparents so I grew up watching her make dolls, crocheting and sewing. She encouraged and taught me anything I wanted to learn.
I often wonder what she would have thought of all this; if we would have worked on projects together, if she would have helped me pick out the fabric for my first quilt and taught me how to put it together. And if she had, maybe it wouldn’t have ended up in the trash…
I know she probably wouldn’t be here with us now, but I have been quilting since I was 18. Had she lived another 10-15 years, I would have known her as an adult, as a quilter. That would have been amazing.
Date Made: September 21st 2015
Block #100
Days on Project: 264
Blocks Made: 100
For My Grandmother
Hummingbird #99
Block #99 For Stanley
Here you go Stanley! Here’s your bird. When I made this bird I thought it was crazy fun. I apologize for my lack of modesty on this one, but it even photographed well! So I thought, who do I know that is also crazy fun… Can only be Stanley.
He also happened to mention, on my birthday, that he had not received his bird. I might be paraphrasing, but I think he said “Where’s my bird?” Stanley and I worked together for a couple of years and in all honesty he should have gotten a bird sooner. I just couldn’t figure out the best story to tell. Then I realized, it was because we had fun all the time. From wearing his Gryffindor best, to his love of bacon (which I share), to dressing up like Chef for Halloween, he kept us laughing. ALOT.
Also, no one rocks the “vest + jeans” look better than him. No One.
Date Made: September 20th 2015
Block #99
Days on Project: 263
Blocks Made: 99
For Stanley
Hummingbird #98
Block #98 For Charlene
This bird is for Charlene. Charlene was a member of an appliqué bee i was in a few years ago and I was thinking about her today. About 11 months ago, I ran into her and a few other quilty friends at festival. We talked about getting together once a month at someone’s house to sit and stitch.
This morning I was thinking of how much more fun it would be to sit and knit with other people as opposed to sitting and knitting with Law and Order reruns.
Charlene is a talented quilter and she is super fast. I am always envious of those that show up to the monthly meeting with new 5 finished projects for “show and tell” while I show up with the same project month after month to sit and work on during the meeting. The project that never seems to make it to show and tell.
But I will still let her come over and stitch; even if she shows me up 😉
Time to make this happen.
Date Made: September 19th 2015
Block #98
Days on Project: 262
Blocks Made: 98
For Charlene
Hummingbird #97
Block #97 for Puja
Well my first bird back wasn’t a complete success but I did get it done. In the process, I forgot to change my foot, needle placement and stitch length. Apparently I wasn’t doing so hot before I stopped making birds either. This one was already cut and somehow I ended up with extra pieces… And it’s actually prettier than this, my “real” camera wasn’t charged. Clearly I was not prepared for bird making this evening.
Tonight’s bird is for my co-worker Puja. She lives not far from me and after some car troubles last weekend, I helped out by giving her a lift to work one day this week. It was nice to have someone to chat with on that very long drive. The thing I like about Puja is that she truly cares for you. She doesn’t go all sappy on you and she often tells you like it is. But it is 100% from the heart. Even given the difficult week she is having, she took the time to give me some encouraging words and “momma” me a bit today. And to be honest, I needed it. I do listen, occasionally.
I am taking it easy this weekend… on Puja’s orders.
Date Made: September 18th 2015
Block #97
Days on Project: 261
Blocks Made: 97
For Puja
Just like riding a bike…
Or Not.
It took me 30 minutes to get my room sewing room put back together. Nothing was where it should have been and I couldn’t even remember which iron I was using for this project (it’s the baby one, fyi). Once I did get it set up, I spent the rest of the time matching fabrics with some success.
TOMORROW WE CUT!
Prior to the matching…
Matches
Awesome fabric I can’t seem to match 😦
Essentials for fast foundation piecing:
Comfy swivel chair, ironing board at “sitting” height, travel iron that is easy on your hands and shoulders, cutting board and trash can right beside my sewing machine (Janome 6600), add a quarter ruler, and a Gail Garber post card for a straight edge.
My set up…
Hello Strangers
It’s been awhile since my last bird or post. Insomnia has me cranking out my first blog in ages. In the middle of the night; on my phone, with my husband snoring next to me.
Life and work have been crazy and my sewing machine hasn’t seen my face in 3 months. I miss it and I miss surfing WP and looking at all your beautiful creations.
I have been able to pick up a few stitches here and there on some socks and my new project at work has me meeting new people and getting lots of new material for bird stories. I will get back to it soon. But, it will likely be a different pace. I feel like I need a whiteboarding session and a project plan to get it done….
I finished this guy. Worst yarn ever. And the lace pattern…. Ugh. Not going for a pair. Might make it into an art piece for the laundry room.
Lonely Sock, Never To Be Mated
My current sock project. I think this marks the end of the gusset heal for me. Back to short row. Maybe I’ll try this fishy heal I’ve been reading about.
big ‘ol foot
Paula Sue Quilts 