Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Summer!

I’m back – did you miss me? I am really looking forward to catching up with my Blog reading!

I’ve decided that next year I am going to skip July. Oh wait, that is what I did this year! Yes, it has been a trying and fitful month. I just couldn’t stay focused. I would walk into my sewing room and fondle each of the 15 ongoing projects, and walk out as my eyes glazed over. Part of my problem is that I am in between major applique projects.
I always have “busy” hand work at the ready (EPP, mini bindings, etc.) but, I feel lost without a serious applique mission. I have a few on the horizon that should bring me out of this fog by Fall so stay tuned.

In the meantime, I have managed to get “clue #1” of Kevin’s (Kevin the Quilter) summer mystery sew-a-long done.
aerial view
You can see that my “summer fog” crept into my sewing machine and caused a few minor mishaps.
I can’t wait for the next clue!

And, my monthly mini is almost complete. It’s o.k. to give a little chuckle when you see how simple and small it is!

I had a fabulous time at the Vermont show in June and was able to meet up with lots of friends. My friend Randy (Barrister's Block) came to visit me with her friend, Claire (Cspoonquilt). We had a great time at my husband's family summer home before we all went to the show.
Randy and Claire brought me all sorts of goodies, but I just had to share this little pin cushion that Randy made for me.
The elephant is a vintage planter (my favorite kind!) and she made a felted wool ball in colors to match the elephant. Too cute! 


I entered my Noah and Matilda potholder quilt in the Vermont show. 
We (the Seven Sewing Sisters) arrived too late for the award ceremony so we just went straight to the quilts. It took me a while to find my quilt because Sharon Waddell's fabulous antique exhibit captured me and would not let go! There were many people all standing around my quilt and I heard "Gee, I wonder why this quilt didn't get a ribbon?". I stood there a while listening to the comments and then a few friends came over and said, "wow, you were robbed!". Now, I am the first person to say that I don't enter shows for ribbons (and I truly do just like to share my work), but I have to admit I was disappointed. So, back we went to our hotel. Came in the next morning to get my badge (no ribbon, but at least I get in free!) and the lady at the desk couldn't find one for me. Hmmm, this is getting interesting! But, finally a sweet young woman came over and said, "Oh I am soooo sorry, I was the one in charge of ribbons last night and I somehow missed yours. Long story short (I know, too late) I had won a blue ribbon. There is no moral to the story, just a good laugh! Please visit Barb's (Fun with Barb), Randy's (Barrister's Block) and Gladi's (Gladiquilts) to see excellent shots of the show. I really stink at photography! 

I have been plugging along on my c1880 blocks with Pam Buda at Marcus Fabrics.
It has been so much fun making these little guys.  I joined through Cyndi's Busy Thimble quilt shop. Visit Pam's website (here) to find out how to join the club. And visit Janet (Rogue Quilter) to see her glorious version in the making! 

Last, but not least, if you are looking for a great (and I mean super!!) book to buy this summer, I highly recommend this one.
Lori Lee and Kay Triplett have done a fabulous job with this book. I have many of their books, but this is my new favorite. I will tempt you with just one photograph.
You can get your copy (here). You won't be disappointed! 


If all goes well, I'll be posting the monthly mini's next week. Wishing you all cooler temps and lots of quilting time! 



16 comments:

  1. A hearty congrats on the blue ribbon! That is quite an honor, but well deserved!!
    Love the fabric and colors you are using for Kevin's mystery.

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  2. Yes, congratulations on your Noah and Matilda quilt. It's gorgeous. Now who is being the temptress! It looks like a fabulous book. I bet once the weather cools down a bit you'll get your sewing mojo back. Mine fades way occasionally too. I think I'll actually have a mini this month!

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  3. That quilt was just so gorgeous (even the smaller version!!) which absolutely should have won MORE than one blue ribbon. But at least they figured it out and you got your ribbon.
    It was fantastic spending time with you and Gordon again this summer. You are spoiling me!!!
    Love seeing all your projects! Very inspiring, Wendy!
    xxx

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  4. I did miss your posts. I was thinking that today and wondered what you were up to. I'm so glad you received that ribbon even though it was in a back handed way. You really deserve the recognition. I've been eyeing that book. Hmmmm?

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  5. So glad you are back! Congrats on a well-deserved blue ribbon for Noah & Matilda. Would love to see that in person some day :) Looks like you have enough little projects to keep you busy for a while!

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  6. Congratulations on the blue ribbon, so well deserved! There may or may not be a mini this month depending on whether a suitable border fabric turns up in the stash for my little medallion start. One day at a time! Summer is a time for breaking out of the mold and having some R&R. Sounds like you've had a great summer so far!

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  7. I thought I had posted my comment, but it seemed to have disappeared.
    What beautiful little hexie flowers you have fussy-cut!
    That pincushion from Randy is too cute. So clever--I love the idea of using a vintage planter.
    Your Noah and Matilda deserved more than a blue ribbon IMHO. But I am so glad it hadn't been overlooked altogether!
    I am trying to get started on the June mini from the 1880 club, but when I finally get a moment of down time I am too tired to follow a pattern.
    Not familiar with the book, but it looks intriguing. I'll have to check it out.
    My July mini is actually finished, I just can't seem to get a post written.

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  8. Congratulations on the ribbon Wendy, your quilt is spectacular! Apparently July wasn't a total loss, and you had fun with friends. I too love your colors for the mystery quilt. I can't wait to see everyone's minis!

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  9. Hello! I did miss you lol
    Your quilt is so stunning and it was a good story even if it did rob me of a goodnights sleep. ha ha
    what an adorable pincushion from the girls. Clever idea!
    I better hurry and make my July mini is will be so simple you'll laugh!
    I have to check out the new Trippet Book it looks awesome!

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  10. Congratulations on winning a ribbon! What a story to go with it! It's such a gorgeous quilt. It will be fun to follow your progress on the summer mystery quilt, That book looks very tempting!!

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  11. Your Noah and Matilda certainly deserves that blue ribbon - what a beauty! Those little dishes of pieced hexies are looking so yummy - Don’t you just love the books that have come out of the Poos Collection - this one looks like a must have too!

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  12. Great post Wendy! I have not signed on to Kevin's mystery but I will enjoy following what You do! Thanks again for a great visit! It was so much fun!!! I checked out the link to that book and I'm definitely going to order it, thanks for the tip! cheers, cw

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  13. Congratulations on the blue ribbon! I have seen pictures of your finished Noah & Matilda quilt and it's wonderful! Can't wait to follow your next appliqué project! And now I'm off to purchase Hidden Treasures - one can never have too many books about antique quilts!

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  14. Oh I'm so glad you got that blue ribbon! What a beautiful quilt. Yes I missed you! You have so many projects going! The book looks amazing... I've got to add it to my collection!

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  15. Congratulations on your ribbon on your gorgeous quilt!

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  16. Yay for the blue ribbon! So absolutely beautiful! Your quilts are so wonderfully detailed. The book needs to go on my wish list for sure.

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