Lookie, lookie...
As some of you may know, I am going on a little trip, and will, no doubt, be spending vast amounts of time in hospital waiting rooms. I was thinking of something to bring to work on . I have yo-yo's that I am making for a bedspread, but that can get monotonous. And then there's the UFO applique I started when I was pregnant with Abe- over two years ago, but I'm a bit burned out on that as I have been working on it some, lately. So... I was inspired by Lucy and some others here who actually still handpiece. Sarah is rolling her eyes now 'cause if there is an easy way to do something then I know how and that's the way I do it. But, but, but... I was thinking that there are certain applications that are not conducive to machine piecing. Like inset corners. I have read every word of advice that is out there on the proper way of accomplishing these with a sewing machine, and mine only come out satisfactorily about 30% of the time. And Sarah also knows that that ain't gonna cut it so I don't sew inset seams if I can help it. Well, then I saw these adorable stamp things-by Kate- and figured yep, I could try that. Now I do think they would be helpful in machine piecing also, but they are perfect for handwork, 'cause they give you a cut line and a sew line. How simple is that? No templates and no tracing. I did the inner little flower in no time at all and it came out pretty much perfect, if I do say so myself. I tried to keep what Genny said about enjoying the simplicity of the process and I found it very relaxing sitting in front of my fire (a gas heater) in my rocking chair. I am a bit clumsy at it and I have found that if I stick my tongue out that I make a straighter seam, but I figure these are all kinks that will work out as I practice. Don't worry Sarah, I still don't see myself handpiecing, say, a nine patch. I know someone who is doing that and I just have to tilt my head and wonder, "why?" Now if I can only stop myself from working on this instead of getting the million and one things done that need to be done before I leave the DH alone in a house chock full of children and one invalid. (And yes, he is the dearest, sweetest thing and I know they will miss me, but be just fine while I'm gone.) I think I might "need" to go fabric shopping as I only have enough for three flowers in fabrics that I like. These three were all from Sarah. She has a gift for finding the tiniest, most delicate little flowers and bugs. Blues and yellows in the center two rows and then flowers and/or bugs in the outer. I have blue dragonflies, gold bumblebees and yellow butterflies. And that is what I am thinking I will go with, so...hint-hint... a chubby eighth will do me! I am thinking that I will set them in muslin- a word about muslin. I think it is such a shame that it has fallen out of style. No, it doesn't look very interesting there on the bolt, but it quilts up so beautifully and adds a lot of simple charm to a quilt. And that's my opinion. I think I'll pack the flower garden stuff and carry on the crocheting project- since that won't require scissors. I am making DD a shawl. Well, time to climb Mt. Neverest. That's what we call the laundry around here. Thank you all so much for your prayers on my dad's behalf. He is a very fine physical speciman- so the Dr. says, so I feel confident that he will get through this fine. But like most men, a poor patient. Sorry Dad, but it's true. Anyone who rips off a heart monitor in the cardiac ward... well, you get the picture. Maybe I should ask for prayers for my Mom...