I know I said "Victory Lap" was going to happen on my Gretchen block quilt top center yesterday -
But it didn't.
Because I dug right into finishing up laundry and doing retreat things that needed to be done before today's arrival of the April Quiltvillians. In March. Because Easter has commandeered their usual weekend.
And that's pretty much what was happening yesterday. Not to mention the pollening that is killing my eyeballs this season.
I've longed for spring for so long!
But be careful what you wish for - because with spring comes pollen. Ahhhhh!
This is the lilac hedge in front of my parking spot on the mountain. Look! We have LEAVES!
No leaves on trees yet, but it just feels different somehow, even if it is chilly.
I took this photo before sitting down at the computer this morning just to give you an idea of how peaceful it is up here.
Next thing on my list? Bring back the hummingbirds!
I had comments asking to see the neutrals I purchased on my Monday out and about day - Just 3 half-yard cuts.
I love the colorful butterflies - so cute! And square random dots - always a winner.
Little stars on cream - but what's the big idea with this huge wide black band of selvage?
Anyone else think this is overkill and just what would you do with this if you are not a maker who sews with selvages?
My plan is to cut it off now and put it in with the strings. I think its wide enough, but I still feel like it encroached on the useable amount of fabric I could get from the "MAIN" event I purchased this fabric in the first place.
Dear fabric companies - please stop this!
Today I will spend time doing something that feeds my soul and puts things right in my world!
Through my front blinds at the studio cutting table -
It's BIG ITEM pick up month. That means that all big discards that are too large for weekly pickup are placed at the curb for the big trucks to come get.
And that also means that folks will go around salvaging things that are still useful.
For the last few years we've had this guy come by and take anything metal that he can take to the recyclers for a bit of cash. He is welcome to it! Anything that helps him, and helps us I am glad for it.
We are allowed a dozen items at the curb. So as soon as someone takes a few things, we can add a few more.
So what am I doing with the borders for the Gretchen blocks?
Here is my start! I've still got so many small saved pieces to use and I'm loving the paper piecing as a way to sew them into something fun without having to rotary cut each piece down to a specific size to use them.
Sew first, trim second!
The only thing I care is that the piece is bigger than where it is going to finish.
And this will also take a while because I'm going to need MANY of these to frame the quilt center.
But it's not a race, right?
Hazel sure doesn't think so!
And at this point I'll do anything to keep my mind off of wars, and gas prices and TSA issues at airports with long lines and untrained ice agents walking around with guns.
I purchased my tickets to fly to Idaho to see my mom at the end of April/Early May and I'm dreading this.
I don't think there are enough hexies in the world to get me through this kind of anxiety right now.
At this rate I'll probably make enough border units to make an entire second quilt out of them because this girl has ideas, and fabric, and needs a focus.
This is my reality. And before anyone - and I mean ANYONE- comments "I come here for your quilting content so don't talk about this stuff." This my my blog. My journal. My home. I discuss everything here, and sometimes that means my feelings on current events that are affecting my life.
Our feelings and view of what is happening may differ but you are a visitor here. You are welcome to follow, scroll on by posts that don't interest you, or unfollow me.
But you can't dictate what I get to write here, and what I don't. Thank you.
And if you haven't yet, please pop over to the Gift-Away post and get your entry in!
I'll be drawing for 2 winners who will each receive a Brookgreen PDF pattern from me and:
A Caramel roll from Cotton to Quilts!
We'll draw for our winners on Saturday, 3/28/26.
Introductory Pricing: The PDF pattern for Brookgreen is currently 25% off in the Quiltville Store, no coupon needed! Price good through 3/31/26.
Simple shapes and easy piecing create a stunning repeat of pattern and secondary designs, inspired by photo taken of vintage tile floors white traveling.
Full color photos, Optional piecing methods, and directions to press for success!
I can't wait to see what you do with your own version, be it in these colors, or perhaps a color theme of your own choosing!
Brookgreen finishes at 80'' X 80'' but is easily customized by making fewer blocks for a smaller quilt, or more blocks for a bigger one.
Quiltville Quote of the Day -
This is the vintage quilt that encouraged my need to sew with more yellow and inspired my Rocky Road to Grayson quilt!
Have a wonderful Wednesday, everyone -
37 comments:
I enjoy reading your blog and following the pets. Your views are those of many. Thank you.
We cheer you on for stitching all the scraps. Life happens sorry about the pollen attack. I agree that selvadge is too big! I have a tote full and even a big ball of salvagees. Yikes!
I flew to Cleveland from Raleigh on Sunday and did not have much of a wait. I think the smaller airports are not affected as much by the shut down. Hopefully the shut down will be over with by time you have to fly. I thanked the TSA agents for being present for those of us that do fly. Your Gretchen quilt is looking awesome.
I agree Bonnie!
Today is a "sew something fun and pretty" kind of day. Yesterday was a "dig in the dirt and plant some seeds" kind of day. This world is showing its age. But focusing on a task at hand (as my Grandmother used to say) still works.
Oh, be still my heart....that yellow quilt! It's gives the same feeling as forsythia blossoms and daffodils on an early spring day. Love, love, love it.
Thank you for acknowledging what all of us who care about, yes it is a dumpster fire in the big wide world and focusing on our creating keeps us upright and plodding forward. Sending you peace in your pieces today. IJ Sims
Comment about life outside of quilting all you want. It makes you real. We know you are not an emotionless quilting robot. You have feelings and opinions like the rest of us. It's refreshing to read your non-quilting remarks. I don't know anybody (thank goodness) who supports the malarkey going on in the world these days. I'm hoping by the time you fly next month, that problem will have been solved. Tying their funding to non-related issues is ridiculous. They are people with families and bills to pay, plus they vote...
Feeding our souls is critical - you write whatever you want to. It's your blog. Anyone who doesn't like it needs to mind their own Ps and Qs!!!
I look forward to your posts
I enjoy reading all your comments. It’s one of the first things I read every day, and if it’s not there when I first get up, I’m always disappointed. Now to the wide black selvedge, I love the comment that’s in it, and I can just see it popping up in your Quilts in miscellaneous spots, “Gaze at the stars!”
I love your blog, and the pictures of the quilts, cats and dogs. Thank you for keeping it honest. - Sandee Margeson
I look forward to your blog every morning, don't change a thing. I love every subject!
Bravo. On all the things in your blog!
I completely agree with the selvages, way to wide and waste of fabric. Spring has skipped us here in the west, pretty warm here.
Thank you for your wonderful real blog! I look forward to your posts everyday!
I saw a quote the other day that went something like don't be the Salsa the free salsa. you are the cheese, you are the Cheese dip.
And that you are Bonnie
The yellow quilt is so bright and happy, a touch of spring! I do read your blog for the quilting content but there is life outside of quilting. The only comment I'm going to make is to tell all women (unless you have an up to date passport) to get a copy of your birth certificate now and your marriage certificate if you are married. You may need them the next time you vote.
Hi Bonnie Love your blog Read you every morning. Just keep on writing what You want. Mostly always lnteresting Ha I cringe watching news too Our poor country..... Jan
I enjoy your 'life' comments, keep them coming. Also the nine patches at the sashing intersections of "Rocky Road to Grayson" look great. Ellen Thompson
I agree with your opinions of our current world, but even if I didn't, I defend your right to publish them. I also agree that the "starry" selvedge is not nice. Fabric isn't cheap any more and we deserve all the usable inches we can get!
I think the pollen is especially bad this year - at least I am miserable here in Northern VA. And yes, dreading my next flight! But appreciative of the TSA agents trying to keep things on track.
Ceci
I so agree with you Bonnie!! Hopefully by the time you go to visit your momma this mess will be settled at the airports! Doubtful on the other. Thank you for all you do for us! Sorry about your allergies, it does make Spring miserable, sadly.
I'm also just trying to control the things in my corner of the world. My garden, my sewing room, my kitchen. I am aware of, and frightened by, the events going on in the world. I do all I can about those things, I VOTE! Peace Sisters
As we're way behind with Springs arrival, thank you for the reminder to start my antihistamines now. Before the histamines hit, my guard will be up. I was thinking about the forsythia we had in our previous yard and what I could make. I bought Rocky Road to Grayson when it came out but havent made it. Now's the time. Hang in there Bonnie. Even scary things pass.
Bonnie, I LOVE your blog and read it faithfully every day, as much for the animal and weather news, and yes, current events, as for the quilting. I feel like we could sit down together and have a good natter on any number of topics, and if we agreed, fine, and if we didn't agree, also fine. Thank you for sharing all that you share. Keep a box of Kleenex close by and keep on stitching. (no need to publish this comment, I just wanted to express my admiration and appreciation.)
I love all you do and especially that you are free to express your own ideas about anything you like. You are greatly loved and I too wish for the good old days of common sense.
Love you. Bonnie. You make me feel so welcome.
Thank you for sharing your quilting and your values. Interesting that some don't know the two go together.
Oh Bonnie, glad I can sympathize with you. How could we survive with out quilting and cats? I love Hazel, she reminds me of my Marigold. She loves to lay down in the middle of what I am doing. so glad you are htere for us every morning. Thank You. Peg
I agree with your views and your right to express them. I love your quilting content and your pet stories and pictures. Your cats are so pretty. I lost one of my cats this past week. My other cat misses her too. Now I have to decide whether to go to the shelter to shop at my age.
I feel an old saying I used to hear in my youth is appropriate here: "Amen Brother Ben! " I wish we all could just agree to disagree and get on with it.
I’m also going to Idaho the end of April, first of May. My 94 yr old mother died Christmas Day and we are traveling down from Canada to bury her ashes and I will most likely visit my favorite quilting store in Rupert.
I agree!
You are you and that's good. Like others I read your column first every day. I enjoy everything you write, and join you in your worry for our country. Seeing Hazel leaves me with a grin.
As it should be Bonnie. You don’t make it into a tirade…but just stating simple feelings that many others feel. You have the right to express simply…as you do. There is no judgment in your words…just feelings. It is your right.
Bonnie, it's so refreshing to read your blog. Thank you for sharing yourself with us. It makes us all feel that you are our friend. I'm working on a simple Friendship Star yellow quilt for a close friend who has started chemo treatments. Yellow is her favorite color. Oh, the pollen in Portland is going to be very high this weekend. I'm not looking forward to that at all. On the plus side, I will be awarding a Quilt of Valor this weekend.
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