Today I should have stayed in bed. My down comforter keeps the bed warm for about an hour after I’m out of it. It was calling me this morning. I should have listened.
I did a fantastic interview with Penny McMorris of Electric Quilt, one of my all-time quilting heroes, in Houston.
I pulled up the file into my editing software… and… nada.
I think I might find more like this, so the harddrive crash is the gift that keeps on giving. WebGuy assures me that he will look at it tonight, and the other files that were recovered and see if he can “work miracles for me”. OK! He’s a pretty good miracle worker.
So… I have a thought for you today instead of the interview that I so much want to share with you.
The title is a clue…
Yesterday, I was working on finishing a Quiltmaking 101 sampler to take to the HMQS in Salt Lake City in May. Actually, it’s the quilt that I made for the online class. I hadn’t finished adding the last row or sashed and bordered it yet and I thought it was about time…
So, here’s my original plan:
I saved this little stripe and didn’t use it in any of the blocks because I wanted to use it as a horizontal stripe interest sashing around the quilt. The colors in the stripe are a little darker than the color palette in the focus fabric, so I thought it would work well. And how cute it would be!
But, it would really be better separated from the focus fabric.
So I hung the quilt on the wall and previewed everything one more time before cutting — and enlisted Kirsten’s help with holding the folded border fabric (the thickness doesn’t pin well)
And she says to me, “don’t do it. the stripe disappears and the colors really aren’t right with the rest of the bright ones you used”
But I WANT to ! (Oh, did I mention that I forgot that I had gotten this beautiful lilac jumbo rickrack to put in the quilt that I bought from my pal, Gina Halladay?)
so here’s what I settled on because of Kirsten’s meddling… ; )
I think it’s the right choice though.
The quilt said, “sometimes you just shouldn’t force it.”
So, I won’t, and I know I’ll be a lot happier with the finished result. More on that in an upcoming blog post.
Now…
what’s today’s Give-Away?
How’s about……
something different…
for Quilters who KNIT?
Kim is a v-e-r-y talented knitwear designer
What do I like about this book?
Beautiful, practical knitted designs that fit bust size 34″ – 46″, which means petite to plus size. Kim’s beautiful sweaters are the type that I would knit for myself, my daughter or daughter-in-law or for one of my sisters. And I don’t knit for just anyone, any more than I make a quilt for someone who wouldn’t appreciate it.
Kim’s designs look like the fine sweaters that you would like to purchase but the price tag is too rich for your wallet. Did you know that you can knit your own really lovely designer sweaters? You can!
The photos are beautiful and tempting, Kim’s instructions are well written and there are great techniques diagrams for those terms that you don’t know off the top of your head.
Here is Kim’s website, Dolce Hand Knits. And here’s a really pretty summer sweater that I’d like to make:
Nice, right?
So, if you would like to win this book for yourself or another knitting quilter, leave a comment about why you enjoy knitting and quilting — like maybe how knitting helps you to work through problems with your quilts?? Something like that. And I’ll pick the winner tonight — April 21st — at midnight.
Happy quilting — and knitting!
©2011 Annie Smith All Rights Reserved
I love knitting. It is easier to tote than hand applique or piecing with fewer tools and pieces to lose. I always have a knitting bag with me wherever I go (unless I am at a quilting retreat). I even take knitting with me to guild meetings. When we get together to watch a movie, I knit.
On the other hand, I am more confident with quilting. I can design and make a quilt from the ground up – making it entirely my own. And I love the hum of my machine and the feel of a rotary cutter in my hand. Quilting is my alone time. I lock myself in my studio with the dogs and everyone knows not to bother me unless they are bringing food and/or water or someone needs to go to the hospital.
I consider myself a quilter and needleartist who knits (and sometimes crochets). Quilting will always be primary, but it sure it difficult to resist branching out into the other fiber arts.
Sometimes you should not force yourself to work with your sewing machine when you are tired. You can ask me how I know this. Thank goodness for seam rippers
It took me many tries and many teachers before I finally “got it” when my sister taught me about 3 years ago. The only problem is that it has taken me away from quilting! I like knitting because it’s easy to pick up and put down when I have only short periods of “free” time. Quilting is better for the longer periods (which I wish I had more of!).
What I like about knitting and quilting is that they are both pick and go projects. For me, they are both relaxing and meditative. And I love that I’m able to do either one while watching television!
I love, love knitting. It’s so great to take along to all the arena trips I make! I also love ravelry! Best web site around.
Of course I just love any kind of fibre goodness. I just have too many UFO’s I must finish up.
I can’t knit. I’ve tried, and tried to learn. I can’t seem to get my hands to work together at the same time. So instead, I crochet. I like crochet because I mostly make amigurumi and can finish one in usually about a week, so I get that sense of accomplishment. My sister, however, is a fabulous knitter, so I still get to see lots of beautifully knitted things.
I do not knit but would love to learn and enjoy it as much as I enjoy quilting.
I’d love to be a knitter but instead I’m a crocheter (and a quilter!)
I have just rediscovered my love of knitting and its built-in time for contemplation perhaps of color or quilt design
I’m not much of a knitter. I love the way a knit item looks but I have a difficult time completing them I will admire knitters
Hi Annie,
You know I’m a knitter as well as quilter. I love them both. I have several projects going. Darn day job gets in the way of getting to them quickly.
I have been enjoying you frequent podcasts. Thanks !!