Running time: 00:28:30 Size: 13.2MB
Sorry about the lack of audio fidelity in this show. I was using a portable digital recorder with a built-in mic and it doesn’t sound as good as my home equipment.
Find out what I do when I am absolutely stuck in the driver seat of a company van… not just sleeping, I can assure you.
I tried every way I could think of to bring along a rotary cutter and mat, and a sewing machine — but no dice! The only things that I can productively work on involve no work surfaces or electrical outlets, so I have to be creative.
This is what I have been doing this last week, as explained in my podcast:
1. Well, recording a podcast, of course!
2. Here is what fits in between the seats, which is not much:
3. Designing quilts, Baltimore Medallion (based on West of Baltimore quilt patterns):
Oh! But I need a better vase, and voila — here it is at the next stop:
4. Designing a quilt for new fabrics, “Dotty Pickle Dish”… pretty, but you’d have to be kind-of dotty yourself to want to applique all of those little dots on, eh?
5. Designing Exploring Fabric Choices blocks on-the-go, and here is what the quilt will look like:
“Low Tide” made with Marcus Brothers’ Surf and Sand fabrics, all done in low-value-contrast. This quilt will be on display at Material Girls in South Jordan, Utah very soon.
6. Designing 54/40 for Fight blocks for a different Exploring Fabric Choices sampler:
I want your feedback as to whether or not you can see the design of the block clearly, which should be a star. Comment and let me know!
As you can see in the pictures, there is precious little room to take photos, and I have to use every available source to secure the block so I can fit it in the view finder.
7. Here is the hand work project that I have been working on, my Japanese “fabric” that I am making for a new backpack pattern. I appliqued the hexagons and am now embroidering little x’s to quilt the fabric to the batting to provide stability. I’m using DMC Linen embroidery floss, a little tricky to work with, but I think it has a nice effect.
8. The cover of Cindy Lammon’s book that will be out in May:
The correct title is “Gathered From The Garden” — not the title that I said… Doesn’t it look like a great book?!
9. Observing the wild life…
10. Lastly, the containers that I found at Borders for my new sewing kit and floss/notion box:
Out of this world cute, isn’t it? I can’t wait to line it with cool fabric and start using it. If you’re wondering why on earth I would choose something with that design on it: It’s because those little drawings look like characters on Japanese trinkets — you know, kind-of like Hello Kitty? Quirky, I know, but I LOVE quirk!
Wish me luck for this week, where I’ll be doing a lot of the same!
Happy Quilting to you — who can do it in the privacy of your own homes ; )
TQS was wonderful and to’see’ you in action on the show this am at 5:30! Great show and your hair looked just fine to me. Hope to hear from you about coming to speak at our guild in Vermont next year. (Check you emails from last night.)
Claire
Hi Annie – Love the new look!
Really got my “Annie” fix today – here and at TQS – you did great and your quilting techniques were fantastic to actually “see” being done!
Only you could take your “situation” and turn it into a “positive” thing – you could start a whole new thing – designing quilts in your car! I was feeling a little “down” today – but as always I always find listening to your podcast (and seeing your online pics) a real picker-upper (as Rosie used to say – lol!) Btw – your “star” looks obvious to me, if that helps.
Thanks Annie
I really like the very first 54/40 Fight block. The block with two different fabrics for the star doesn’t show the star very well. (or is that just the steering wheel?:-) Lots of contrast in the others so the star shows up. I love greens and pinks together.
What a great idea for a sewing kit! Must go to Borders. Thanks for your interesting podcast, Annie, and good luck driving the van.
Nice new look! Fresh and fun for your personality. I guess your episode #209 with ALex and Ricky is up and running! Did not see any undies hangin!
See you soon. Gina
Annie, you put me to shame. You get more done sitting in your car that I do with a whole free day at home. My excuse is that I had to watch you on the Quilt Show and I had to listen to your latest podcast. As for your new 54-40 or fight stars, I think they all stand out except the striped star. By the way, you were brave to show (on the Quilt Show) an example of a quilt you made with this pattern that did not work. It drove home the point you were making about the importance of fabric choices and placement. Good job.
54/40 or fight blocks
I like the 3rd one down from the top of the podcast. It feels visually balanced.
Hi Annie! You truly made good use of your situation. It looks like you got a lot of fun designing type things done! I’m so happy you like the cover of my book. I can’t wait till everyone gets to see the inside!
I love the stars…. & my favorite is the striped one! Funny how everyone has different tastes, isn’t it?
I loved the podcast–it reminded me of all the Little League practices and quilting in the car! I loved seeing you on TQS. I made a similar quilt using the Joseph’s Coat block. I’ve just got to make another one! It’s just amazing how different a block looks with the fabric placement. About your blocks–block #3 is my favorite. The stars are very well defined in each block. Judy
I don’t care for the first star; it doesn’t stand out very well. I really like #4 and #6, although I’m sure the colors in #6 match better in person than in camera.
I had a lot of fun at your house, watching you on TQS. Next time you watch, though, you need to breath!
Annie-really enjoyed reading your pod-cast. Found you after looking at Pat Sloan’s blog. My preferance for your 54-40 or Fight block is the last one- #6. I like the balance and the black star points, I also LOVE the little black and white check fabric.
3,4,6,7 work for me. Love the travel quilting and the podcast!
hugs
margi
I love “Low Tide”! Where did you find the pattern?
Yeah! Yeah! The newletter e-mail got through this time. In fact, two of them actually came about 20 minutes apart. You won’t have to mention my name on the podcast again. I’m impressed with your generosity in helping your friend as much as the blocks! I’m the kind of person doing some kind of quilt project every where I go! I love the ziplock bag idea. I have a Grandmother’s Flower Garden right now organized in ziplock bags. Bless you for your efforts. I also loved your TQS appearance. See you in Nauvoo.
You asked what star we liked best.The next to the last one is great!Keep up the podasts!!!!!!!!I cant wait till the next one comes out and down loads to my ipod.Your quilting friend,Michele @quiltedheart@peoplepc.com
OK, You got me. I’m hooked! I followed a link to your site for the first time early this morning, and I love it! I downloaded a podcast to listen to on my way to work and back… Joe Cunningham! I know Joe from when he lived in Michigan and did work with Mary Schafer (my neighbor, bless her soul). Only got through 10 minutes of it in the car, so am anxious for work to be out and listen to the rest! I will be back, daily!
Caron in Michigan
http://blog.caronmosey.com
Hi Annie!
I like Block #5 the best – (counting down from the top). I love the contrast in that one!
I really enjoyed your appearance on TQS. I immediately went out and bought some fork pins and have pieced together a small quilt top and I love the results! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Mary Anne
in gray and dreary San Diego – hoping for some Mother’s Day sunshine!
Is there a trick to watching the podcasts? I can hear it but can’t see it.
Hope someone can help. I am new to DSL.
Thank you
Loved your TQS show, also enjoyed the chat last night.
Re: 54/40 blocks-the star is clear in all, but No 1 seems a little busy.
I looked inside my little car today and decided there was NO WAY I could accomplish inside it what you seem to be accomplishing in your vehicle! I’m amazed. Thanks for doing The Quilt Show chat last night. I really enjoyed it.
Annie: Love the new look on the podcast when it shows up on my iPod. This show was so very inspiring. I have to travel this week on business. I always take hand work of some kind no matter what. But I will give it even more thought. I loved you on TQS as well and I am going to try your Exploring Color Choices – it is a fabulous approach, one I wish I had been exposed to earlier in my quilting journey. I like block 4 & 6 the best.