Monday, April 2, 2012

Less blogging equals more sewing

It seems like ages since I fed the blog, I do have excuses but I'll spare you and give you a little update of the quilty kind instead.
I decided to pay a little more attention to just a couple of projects instead of my usual rotation that doesn't get me any closer to a finish. Don't ask me how long it will last because I don't set rules for myself.
I was pretty conflicted about whether to do the one inch squares for the sashings as in the pattern or use just one fabric.
I  happened to find a large enough piece of this vintage Kaffe Fassett in the cupboard which no doubt I had other plans for but it seemed like a good fit for this quilt and I was more than happy to use it.
I'm currently working on the bottom border and started with this tree which took a long time to applique with all it's innies and outies.
This one was a walk in the park, the hardest part was deciding which fabric to use.
 I love this one, it reminds me of a big palm tree.
The bird bath was quick and easy. I'll finish putting all the large elements on this border and then add in the colours that I think it needs with the birds and the gazillion circles.
I may not blog as often as I have in the past but I'll try to be better about catching up with my blog reading. I seem to love making quilts ( plural) that take a really long time to make and have a lot of hand work to do. This means that I have less to write about or show, age might be catching up with me, sigh.
There's a little write up about my quilting over on one of my favourite blogs, Quilting The Town Red. Annemart does some wonderful posts called in the limelight where she features different quilters and it makes for great reading which I love.

57 comments:

antique quilter said...

I pulled my flower garden blocks out this weekend too!
thats so funny that you finished yours., love the trees!!!! Yes I was thinking the same thing one fabric for the sashing, looks wonderful, perfect use for that fabric!!!!
good to see what you were working on, I totally understand I am trying to limit my computer time too.
Kathie

Alison said...

Thanks for your update Janet. Please don't stop blogging - even if it is only once a month - it is worth the wait as your work is so inspiring and encourages me to put in a few more stitches.

Lovely autumn here in Rotorua - the leaves have only just started to fall.

Alison

*karendianne. said...

Janet, your Flower Garden is amazing. I really love the tree with all the ins and outs. It's absolutely divine. What a beautiful piece and if all these blocks mean less time on the computer, I'm so supportive. Well, that's not right. I'm supportive no matter what. We're fortunate you share your work whenever you can AND you do have a personal life, too! Warmly, *karendianne.

Salley said...

Havent started my innies and outies yet...LET ALONE all them circles...yeesh. You need a medal Janet....the flower beds are amazing and the autonomous border is perfect.

Shelley said...

Wow, seeing all the blocks together after seeing them separate over the past year...it's gorgeous!!!! Like that you chose one fabric for sashing :)

Jess @ Scrappy n Happy said...

Your quilt is looking wonderful!

Mimi said...

Beautiful work as usual. I agree, less time on the computer means more time sewing. I need to follow that rule.

Kimme said...

Gorgeous! Love the vintage Kaffe for the sashing. Inspired :-)

Susan said...

Computers suck up a lot of our extra time, don't they? I'm glad that you are getting a lot accomplished in the sewing room, but please continue to blog and share your wonderful work with us! I love seeing the projects that you are working on!

Heather said...

Your Flower garden quilt is perfect and I LOVE that vintage Kaffe fabric. I hope you will blog every now and then - you are so inspiring, but understand that there are only so many hours in a day and more should be spent actually quilting!

Pinkadot Quilts said...

Your flowers look so pretty and fresh! I know what you mean about the blogging, it does take away from many things...

Thimbleanna said...

You do such beautiful work Janet! I love the fabric you've chosen for the sashing -- it's a great substitute and from a distance looks so much like the pieced sashing. You're amazing with all the quilting that you manage to complete!

Karen said...

Janet - I just read the feature article on you and couldn't agree with Annemart more. I would love to sit at your kitchen table and talk and learn. You have been such an inspiration to me - your work is perfection including your current project. Thanks for sharing this part of you with all of us.

Darlene said...

Incredible! Absolutely incredible!
I swear I'm going to become your neighbor. :-)

Karen said...

I take spells of deciding to just get it done and work, work, work on a project. I haven't seen you work on this project for a while. Looks like you are in the home stretch.

Lori said...

I love your projects!! I am slow (not because it is all handwork) and it seems I am showing the same thing again and again... I always enjoy whatever you want to share;)

Janet said...

Oh I like it!! That sashing looks great with your blocks. Your trees look very happy - I look forward to seeing the borders when they're done.

Pat said...

A lovely choice for sashing...the scale and floral print provides just the right amount of interest, colors & movement and enhances your applique blocks...beautiful work as always.

My own weekly blogging has faded away since the first of the year...applique and other hand work demands so much time - we have to make a choice!

Annette said...

Your handwork is always so amazing. I love to come here for a visit and inspiration.

LuAnn said...

What a beautiful quilt, and the sashing fabric you used is just perfect.

Kristen said...

No worries about no posts. Sometimes you just have to sew. I love the applique. The sashing is perfect match and those flowers have such personality. In a very good way! My power cord on my computer broke and I have been on a break too! Apparently it is ancient and HTF! :p

Oops-Lah said...

Gorgeous work as always. I tend to do the same as I lose interest if I work on one project for too long. If I put it away for a while, I'm happy to go back to it a bit later on. It works for me, although it usually takes ages for a project to be finished.

Carrie P. said...

Perfect sashing fabric. It is a fabulous top. Well done!

Nedra said...

I've missed you Janet, but understand when life gets complicated. Your work is stunningly beautiful as always. Love those kaffes!

Mary said...

Not posting because you're stitching - perfectly acceptable! I know just what you mean. I like the one fabric sashing. I think anything else would be too busy and detract from the blocks. And they're the focus, after all. You did an amazing job on them, just like always.

imquilternity said...

I think it feels good occasionally to take a break away from the computer. You do get a lot more done! :)) I love your border choice - have always LOVED "Floral Dance" - but I would not have been able to cut into it. I wish they would bring that fabric design back!! Take care.

Cathi said...

Your Flower Garden quilt is stunning! I love the palm tree -- well, all the trees actually but there's something about the palm tree that really appeals to me.

audrey said...

such gorgeous work. love it!! you are definitely an inspiration.:)

Teresa Rawson said...

I will love reading whenever you write. :o)

Your long-term projects are really inspiring. Anyone can do a "quickie," but the staying power and energy it takes to finish something really special is very motivating to read about.

In stitches,
Teresa :o)

Sew Create It - Jane said...

Such gorgeous applique..I especially like the one with all the innies and outies :-)

Doris said...

I've been reading less blogs, because less blog reading equals more sewing time! Glad to see this one, and that fabric is perfect!

Kaaren said...

Breath taking, Janet.

I can sit and stare at your work for hours on end. Thanks so much for sharing because I always leave soooooo inspired.

Monica said...

It looks fabulous! And great fabric choice for the sashing. I'm hoping to getting around to starting my Flower Garden soon...fingers crossed.

Cardygirl said...

It is looking lovely and I like the single fabric sashing...adds some gentleness to the garden. I know what you mean...hand sewing takes time that you can spend blogging...stitch and blog less, we love seeing what you create!

Sue-Anne said...

Your quilt looks AMAZING! I totally understand what you mean about handwork and not much to blog about - that's me to a tee. Have a happy Easter.

Julia said...

Janet, it's always worth waiting for you to post, no matter if it's once or twice a week, it's always such a treat to see your beautiful amazing work..
Love the quilt..
Julia ♥

Annemart Berendse said...

Your post shows why I wrote a post about you!

Shirley said...

Annemart did you proud. Can I come and sit at your table too? Just keep on blogging even if it is not as often. We would miss your valuable inspiration but I do know what you mean. Have been trying the not blogging as much thing myself the last few days and have been making good progress on those dollies. It is a much slower progress with the hand sewing but worth the wait.

Nicky said...

Just hopped over from Kathie's blog - she is right beautiful quilt and love the sashing!

Pip said...

Sometimes if you want to make quilts you can't blog much. Your Flower Garden is inspiring, I'm still plugging away on the centre blocks, but I have started on that pesky tree, doing a bit here and there.

Unknown said...

Congratulations your Quilt is Gorgeous...Love the Sashing Fabric.
Always look forward to seeing your work...
cheers

Taryn said...

I am on the computer all the time but it's for work not fun. I try to get away from it when I am off. But then I miss all the fun that quilt bloggers provide. I know what you mean about slow progress making for less posts. Don't fret about it because when you do post it's always a bonanza! I love to see your work whenever you show it. I pulled fabrics I want to use for my flower garden quilt but can't find where I stashed my pattern.

Karen said...

Be still my heart! Your flower garden is wonderful and the Kaffe fabric was a brilliant choice.

Anonymous said...

I'm always so excited to see your appliqué...beautiful always!

Meredith said...

Nice write up I enjoyed reading it. Spring Garden is perfect for this time of year in the U.S. I wish I had someof that "vintage" Kaffe left.

Abby and Stephanie said...

You make the kind of quilt worth waiting for you to blog about. Your garden grows lovely.

SewWhatsNew said...

Gorgeous quilt. This is my next one on my list of Kim's quilt to make. I have been to AU and NZ for the past 3 weeks. This was not my first visit; but still left my heart in both places. Thanks for sharing your work. The breads look amazing.

Ivory Spring said...

Janet, I actually like your sashing because it doesn't take any away from the blocks. I feel like 1" squares might competing with the blocks. Your work is ALWAYS so stunning.

kim mclean said...

Gorgeous Janet! I love the sashings in the one fabric, makes much more sense than my 1" squares. Sometimes I wonder where my brain goes to when I do the quilts. Kim McL

Eileen said...

Janet, loved the article; I agree with you about blogging and stitching. Only with me it's the computer overall.
Your work is awesome, thank you so much for sharing it with us.

Terry said...

I've enjoyed watching you make all those lovely flowers, and now it's just wonderful to see them all put together! :0)

Dixie Howard said...

Wow, really love your latest blocks. The fabric you chose to put them together really complements them. Another great project!!

Browndirtcottage said...

Slow and steady wins the prize!!! And oh what prizes you have created!!

Karen said...

Stunning applique! I so don't have the patience for it. Yours looks perfect. Happy stitching.

Elaine said...

What a lovely cheerful quilt!
Elaine Surrey UK
Blog - http://rellus.com/Emily

خياطة وتفصيل said...

Your quilt is looking wonderful!

Rachaeldaisy said...

I love seeing your dancing flowers quilt. Those innies and outies look so tricky!! The fabric you chose for the sashing works beautifully!! Good choice!!