This is Ivy giving me "The Look" as I hauled in heavy box after heavy box full of my personal book library.
I've been wanting to do this for quite a while, but it needed to wait - previous 200 mile round trip jaunts to Wallburg NC from here have dealt with the moving of the stash and studio items.
THERE IS STILL MUCH MORE TO GO! (Is there a stronger word than daunting?)
Yesterday was very necessary - the main event being picking up a quilt and boxing it up with two others to be shipped to the Iowa Quilt Museum.
And since I was there with a smallish rental car as compared to the roominess of my van, boxes of books were also on the agenda.
Some of my favorites!
The bulk of my personal library is full of the more "reference" type of book -and I have a hugs collection of historical books on quilting by state. A lot of heavy hard cover books on antique Amish quilts.
There is very little of anything that can be considered as "trendy."
And reading titles while boxing these babies up was like visiting with some old familiar, and much missed friends.
I packed up as much as the car trunk and back seat could handle.
And then I grabbed Christmas décor things to finish "decking the halls" at the cabin.
Jeff and Ashlyn went down to Wallburg last weekend and picked up the Christmas Tree. They have set it up in their little house, and from the photos I've seen, they've had a wonderful time making their first home together full of the magic of the holidays.
My view off the Blue Ridge Parkway.
I am already missing GREEN! As things go dormant and deadish looking -I keep reminding myself that the trees and bushes know when to bloom again. For now they rest.
And I needed rest too.
I pulled in back home about 3:30pm and crawled right into bed. I had developed a bit of a headache and was feeling just a bit punky from my shingles shot the day before.
It wasn't anything that a couple of Tylenol and a good nap couldn't fix.
I awoke just after 5 and all I wanted to do was sit in my comfy chair and perhaps attempt some hand stitching.
Binding and The Crown.
And a purring Ivy Lea.
(Zoey had opted for the couch at this point!)
The sad thing is - I only got part way on stitching down the hanging sleeve, and fell asleep. I missed the second half of whatever episode that was, and will have to back up and start again.
This morning - I'm feeling pretty fair. And any side effects of the vaccine are much less of a nuisance than getting shingles would be.
Jean's Nearly Lemoyne!
So festive in holiday colors!
"Hi Bonnie, Here is my “Nearly Christmas Nearly LeMoyne” It won’t get quilted in time for this year, but it will be ready for next. Thanks for the great pattern. I love how the seams nest."
Thanks, Jean! Your quilt is lovely!
You'll find the PDF pattern for Nearly Lemoyne in the Digital Patterns section of the Quiltville Store.
What's ahead for my Thursday? Can you guess?
Getting Part Three of our Grassy Creek Mystery read for posting tomorrow morning! Are you ready?
I can't believe it's time for Part Three already.
Quiltville Quote of the Day -
I've started many times.... it's finding the TIME to finish that stumps me up!
What is the most motivating for you - starting a new project, or finishing one that has been languishing?
Let me know in the comments section below.
Have a wonderful Thursday, folks!
56 comments:
I share your pain about moving those books. My personal collection is a bit over the top. I have 500+ books and counting. I followed my brother's lead (he is a jazz afficionado and has over 5000 vinyl albums) and put all the titles into a Word document years back. I found I bought the same title more than once (guesss I really liked them!). This way I can download the file to my phone and if I am out and about in a LQS, I can check and see if I already own the book. Plus if someone asks if I have the book, I can check quickly. I loan out my boooks to trusted friends, but don't copy out patterns for them (copyright!). Once in a long while, I will cull a book or two and donate it to my local guild's library.I have quite a few on log cabins, applique, scrap quilts, and string piecing. Of course, every single one of your books is in the collection.
I guess I'm better at starting than finishing (sadly). Always gung ho when I see something I 'must' make and jumping in but then losing steam and another UFO lays for who knows how long.
I love to start: planning a pattern, choosing my fabrics... jumping right in. Finishing is the challenge: sandwiching! Then, I love the binding!
I love to start! But I just finished my Frolic & Good Fortune tops - so Grassy Creek here I Come! Have ordered a Moxie so tops lined up for its arrival! Thank you for these awesome patterns! I learn & relearn with every one! Happy weekend!
Finished Clue 2 last night and posted a pic. Your Mini Folded Corner Ruler is fantastic for trimming. Can't wait until tomorrow.
Mine is finding time to finish, too. Have a good day, Bonnie.
It is always so exciting to begin a new project. My expectations motivating me onward. It helps also to be part of a group that is sewing along and sharing their progress. I will be forever thankful to Bonnie Hunter for the mystery journey.
Definitely starting a new project is most fun! This year my goal was to get some finished. I did that and also started several new! Oh well. It's been wonderful to have sewing time this year.
I don’t know how you do all the things you do. Please do take time to rest and refresh!! That shingles shot is a doozie & can surely knock us for a loop. Thanks for the wonderful blogs each day. They’re always an uplifting and encouraging read!! It’s ok if you want to go part time with them. Like Monday Wednesday’s and Friday’s may give you a little more down time!! We’d still love and cherish every word. God Bless you Bonnie Hunter!!
View from the Blue Ridge Pkwy is awesome. I often doze off in the evening and have to repeat the episode I was in the middle of. Have a great day completing Part 3.
Starting is always easier than finishing. I keep a projects list and look at it each week so my projects never get buried or forgotten. This has really helped me to keep working on them!
Thanks for all you do and hope you are feeling rested and refreshed soon,
Mary K in New Mexico
Definitely finishing a project that been waiting for me.
starting a new project is much more motivatng for me, which is why I have so many UFO's in my bin. I took one to the long armer a couple of weeks ago. But it wasn't needed before xmas so it may be awhile before I have to tackle the binding on it. It is Box Kite pattern from Addicted to scraps, I think, cannot locate that book right now. One of the serveal B.HUnter books in my personal library. But with xmas coming I have been stitching up small projects to gift. microwave bowl cozies, eye glass cases, tote bags. etc. I love those quick and easy projects. But I also did get a UFO quilted and it is adorning the back of my couch. A Christmas Tree wreath quilted table topper or wall hanging, not sure which it will be.
I feel your pain about moving. This time last year, we were finishing up a year long back and forth (3 hours one way) move to our new home in rural central Colorado. It really took an entire year to purge our house we lived in for 35 years - and what a chore it was. Every time I turned around, there was more stuff!! But we are happily settled in paradise forever and wouldn't trade it for anything.
well now, my 'starts' are always with a bang!!! and an enthusiastic fit of fabric fondling, and cutting and stitching... then something "more interesting" comes up and I put the started one aside "for now" (HA!) and begin another... and so it goes... LOL... when i get around to finishing the UFO (of which there are too many) it's almost like a new beginning and I'm always enthusiastic about choosing/making a back, attaching labels binding and when appropriate, sleeve...
If it's a quickie donation, i do the binding by machine, and I'm off to the next new adventure or another UFO. this is getting long, but i started my quilting when the home ec teacher where i taught asked if i could finish a quilt her mother started but never finished... she said she had all the 'parts' -- not ever having looked at a book and only pictures of old fashioned tied quilts, and not knowing any better, i said, "sure" -- that was some 50 years ago, when we made templates (pre-rotary cutter, what a miracle THAT is) and started my long loved quiltmaking 'career' -- books? you want to talk books??? Some should be gifted to a museum i think!!! I'm almost finished w/clue #1 and hope to get a good handle on #2 today, so when #3 comes I'll be ready!!! or close to it! The mystery always grabs me, cause it's like starting a new quilt each week!!! <3 thanks as always for your contribution to my live, Cats in Carlsbad CA
Thank you for the shingles shot #2 information. Our 8 weeks is up next week and we are heading to our Son's house for Christmas. It was decided to put #2 off until after the first of the year when we get back. I guess I can say that I wait for a quilt to speak to me before I finish it. Don't hurry the process just to get it done.
Hand quilting "Ocean Waves" all those triangles hope to have done by Spring 2021! Thanks sew for your free patterns and good luck setting up your new library
Well considering my first quilt flimsy took 4 years to finish while at my first quilt retreat and a second flimsy was sewn at that same retreat; I'd have to say group quilting is more motivational. My very first mystery participation confirms it again. I got clue 2 finished last night in anticipation of Friday coming soon! Yep! I'd have to say retreats & quilt alongs are more motivating and make me feel part of a community since sewing at home can be lonely at times. Oh, what did I do while finishing clue 2? I listened to old quilt-cams. Now THAT was fun!!
Today I'm running to my LQS to grab a little more fabric since I cut extra strips by accident for clue 2 and I don't want to run out since I'm sticking to one fabric for each color. The leftovers will go on the back or a matching pillow.
Thanks for motivating me!! Cheers! ~Merri
Hi Bonnie! Definitely it's the starting of new projects that excites me. That's why I have so many UFOs! But I also get highly motivated as I get close to finishing wanting to show n tell 😊
Hoping for a sew day today. As I'm waiting for my ruler for Part#2 I haven't done that clue. I'll work on Roll Roll Cotton Boll some more. Putting all those 1/2 square triangles together is a looong job. Books!? You want to talk books? Last time I counted I had over 300 and I love nearly every one of them. Do need to purge some I'm sure but will always keep the reference books, of which I have many, dating back to the early 80s. My aches from my first Shingles shot are gone today and the sun is shining. Weatherman says it will be in the 60s with some rain maybe on the weekend. Should be a good day. Wish I could see your quilts in the museum but will enjoy what I find online. Bless you for the joy you bring us all.
Starting a new project is like an adrenalin rush! Pulling fabrics and imagining how it will look is SO fun! When I finish an older project it more like a peaceful calm that settle in and I feel I have really accomplished something. It's not just that I have completed a quilt, I have completed a UFO! I can imagine Snoopy doing his happy dance.
Susan
Please don't. I have a shingles infection on a nerve that wasn't recognized for years and caused lots of pain. Side effects are irritating but not horrible. Please follow the instructions for best results.
I'm must admit, I'm a better 'starter' than 'finisher'. And some of those book titles look familiar.
Both my husband and I had the second shot. Neither of us had any adverse reactions. Get the shot now.
Excited to start a new project but cause to ponder for the sandwiching. Have to pull out 2 part table and start the process. Since that table is in the living room I must time it so no guests or other interference in the way!! I have my share of books but yours goes way beyond my stack!! Love Ivy expression. What do you mean more of those again!!
Normally, the thinking/planning/dreaming stage of starting a new project is my favorite. I also love the cutting/matching stage, with all those neat little stacks of pieces. At the moment, though, finishing things is my focus, and it's been super satisfying. Not only finishing a project, but also clearing away the supplies/clutter and opening up both storage space and mental energy. It's so freeing to check something off my to-do list so that it's no longer nagging me. Finishing things FTW!
That shingles shot is a real stinker. My first in Sept. made me feel run down and my arm hurt for 10 days. Just had the second one and only hurt for two days. Treat yourself well and don’t get too run down.
Amen!
I had shingles the first time at 36 or 37 years old. The 2nd bout was about 15 years later. Much more widespread and nerve pain for several months after. I got the vaccine as quickly as was safe. Each bout can be much worse than the last. I had no reaction from the shot. Always talk to your health care provider first.
Hi Bonnie:
I am glad you got your Shingles shot. The first one didn't bother me in the least. But the second one was a large red knot that hurt dor a couple of days. Nothing warm/hot compresses and massaging couldn't rectify. Yes, that is a little price to pay to not have Shingles!
I love the quote of the day, also. I Love to start new pojects, and believe me, I have way too many started, and not finished. That is one reason I am not starting as many right now, as I want to finish some of what I have going. I wasn't going to start the mystery, but being it is fall colors, and I love fall, I decided I would, but only make it half size. I have shoulder surgery tomorrow, so I am cutting part one and two to sew after surgery, as it will be a while before I can use my rotary cutters. It is my dominant shoulder.
Thank You Bonnie, and I am glad you got a lot of your books up to the cabin!
Donna
Kasilof, AK
Where it is definitely winter now!
Finishing is my weakness. I love to start new quilts. Love your organizational skills. Thank you for all you do for the quilting community. Can't wait for Clue 3 tomorrow.
I love the thrill of a finished project. Something I've worked on for years, pulling it out of the box and getting it to the quilt machine. I have several that need finished, and hopefully I'll keep at it getting them done!
I like the start and finish, in some fazes. I love the design part, hate cutting out, love piecing, hate quilting, love binding by hand...🙄. It’s amazing I ever get anything finished! Hope you’re feeling back to normal tomorrow.
How about one of each? I finished a flimsy just so I could start a squirrel that was running around in my head! That started, I think it will be one of those "lifetime" projects that I work on from time to time!
Your cats certainly do pose well for you! Whenever I tried to take pictures of my cats I would always immortalize their hindquarters fleeing the room.
I had the old shingles shot, right before I found out they were coming out with a new improved version. LOL I'm pretty sure I got shingles the next year anyway. I say "I think" because it looked a bit like shingles, but it didn't hurt. I'm told this is fairly common after having the old shot. The "not hurting" part is awesome and well worth the unpleasantness of the shot!
I like to start a new project with a "new-to-me" vintage or antique sewing machine. My next project will be on a green/blue 1956 Morse I picked up recently for 25 bucks! LOVE those old machines! Each has their own personality and voice.😊
I think there should be a speech bubble for Ivy that says, 'hurry to unpack the books, Mama, I want to sit INSIDE the boxes!!'
Sherrill, I'm the same way. Will there be enough time to make all I want?! Bonnie's blog and Pinterest are my downfalls-I see such wonderful quilts and ideas!!!
AMEN!!!
I had absolutely no problems w/ my shingles shots. A bit of a sore arm but nothing else. Don't delay getting your shingles shots--I have friends who've gotten shingles and it's a mess!
I also had it in early 30's and then again in late 50's. As soon as I finally recovered, the Dr. had me get the first shot that was available at that time. I had the new one last October. Hoping it keeps me from ever getting it again.
I see some of my 'old favorites' in those boxes!
I love starting new things, and finishing old projects just about the same.
Happy friday Bonnie
There’s also an app called CLZ books (free?) that you can either scan in the bar code or enter the book if it’s not in their huge database. Then you can search your collection by type, author, title, etc. I love it!
Your book collection looks much like mine. I have a large collection including history type books also. Having owned a quilt shop for 14 years I have a large collection of fabric and books. The titles showing are in my collection also. Enjoy.
I had both the old and the new version of the shot both after I had a bad case of the shingles which after 19 years this month I still have daily side effects (the shingles not the shot). I am so glad people are getting the shot as it is so worth it. I love the lights on the cabin, it is so homey feeling. I hope you can find some down time to enjoy the season. Merry Christmas to you and your entire family.
I ALWAYS want to start a new project more than I want to finish an old one. Thus, I end up with more UFOs.
I keep seeing the word "flimsy" and it's new to me! Where did that word for a quilt top come from? It makes me laugh every time I see it as I can't make the connection. I've been quilting since the mid 60's so it's not like I'm new to quilting. Enquiring minds want to know!
Noticing the steel rack holding your stash behind the boxes of books.....can you tell me where you got that rack? email me at rosiecheeks39@shaw,ca, if you please.
Both! I am motivated anyway so I work on old and new at the same time
I had the 2nd Shingles shot yesterday. Sore arm today. Sure beats having the Shingles.
Oh, this is, yes, a good question!!Eh, unfortunately all my UFOs are telling me that I love to start and plan and look for fabrics to use and then once I've started and have gotten the technique down, and life and work get more hectic, it's that "finishing part" that nails me!!! 😅 😂🤣
PS: stay well!!!
I have to overcome the fear of messing up before I can start. It's easier for me to continue towards a finish. I have found that breaking down the very next step into the smallest task to get me started works wonders. The small task has to be anything as small as 2-15 minutes. Sometimes, even the next task is 'clean sewing machine' then the next step comes to me and I get motivated to continue and finish! Thanks for keeping up your blog and hope you feel better! Your sharing is much appreciated especially in these times of isolation. I can relate to what's going on in your world and love hearing of your adventures.
Lola does not look impressed lol, she is such a cutie pie.
Hope your feeling better
Stay safe
Love and quilty hugs
Anne xxxx
Definitely starting. Designing, pulling fabrics, cutting. I think I am weird, but piecing is my least favorite these days. The thing that keeps me going is the quilting, as I have a fairly new long arm (2years) and I like that part! And I love to hand bind. I give most of my quilts away to my friends on FB, and that is fun for me too. I do about 6 at a time, because there is no way I can keep all of my quilts, there is no room. When my friends have one, then they will go to charities. Just keep on plugging on! I have enough fabric that I also will never use in my lifetime. I am having my quilting buddy “scope things out” now, so she can swoop in and take what she wants when I am gone.
I use an app called Libib that works like the CLZ book app Charlotte recommended. Sure helps when you see a book or DVD that you can't remember if you have or not.
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