Sunday, October 23, 2011

A Few Blocks and Some Family Time

It's been a busy weekend but not much completed in the quilting/knitting/stitching arena. I did get two Farmer's Wife blocks done. A lot of quilters aren't making the basket blocks (there are two variations in this quilt). I've never made one so decided to give it a go. I'm glad I left it in and will probably do the other one as well.
Farmer's Wife Block # 3 Basket
#3 Basket
The color placement is off within one of the smaller blocks that make up the block below. Since the red is more saturated than the other fabric colors, it's really not noticeable so I'm leaving it in. I didn't think it was worth ripping.
Farmer's Wife Block # 4 Basket Weave
#4 Basket Weave
I also got two of the Cotton Club BOM blocks done for the 2nd month. There are a total of 4 for this month. These finish at 5" - smaller than the Farmer's Wife blocks.
Cotton Club Block, 2 of the 4 blocks for month 2
Last weekend my brother and his family were visiting my parents. It's been a while since I've seen my nieces - I sure wish they lived closer! Saturday my husband and I along with and Chris and Jake went down and then Sunday Greg and I drove down alone.
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Here are both of them sitting on my oldest sons back while Chris was doing push ups. He could only do about 4 with good form but they thought it was a good time. Lots of girl squeals!
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Alex's birthday is the end of the month so we had a little gift giving. My brother and his wife gave her their big gift early - tickets to a Taylor Swift concert. She was so excited that she started crying. I'd love to go with her and her friends but that's one of the big drawbacks of living so far apart. It was SO good to see them!
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November and December will be busy months and typically my quilting/stitching/knitting take a back seat to other activities. I have scheduled two days off in early December and I hope I'll be able to go to my LQS for at least one of those days to quilt.

In the meantime, I'm going to get some fun things in while I can! For those of you who sew, knit, or stitch after a long day at work, how do you do it? I'm usually so mentally wiped out.

May all your stitches be happy ones!

26 comments:

Annie said...

Lots of pretty blocks! And looks like you have two fun nieces to play with! How lucky to get Taylor Swift tickets!

I'm exhausted in the evenings too. I usually do about 15 minutes of stitching in the evening these days before I completely flake out. It was easier when I was younger.

Julia said...

You never cease to amaze me with your beautiful work! I sure don't see a problem with that second block!!!
The girls are soooooo pretty! The tears of joy truly touched my heart!!!!

Daffycat said...

Such beautiful work, Jackie. I especially like the blocks in the 3rd photo, Cotton Club? They are so dainty and lacy and feminine. Pretty!

Nancy said...

Beautiful quilt blocks! I love them all, but I think the one at the top is my favorite. Your nieces are so cute!

Littlebit said...

Oh, Jackie! I love your blocks! What a pretty job you did on the basket. And I love the block below it and don't see any problem at all, color or otherwise.
I made an executive decision today to put away my BIG stitching projects until after the seasonal stuff. I put things off to the last minute and then get mad at myself.
As for stitching/sewing, etc, after a long work day, it's what I look forward to the most..mindless Jane Austin movies to listen to and stitch. Can't stitch to a movie I have not seen before.
Beautiful work, Jackie.

Margaret said...

Your blocks are all so pretty! I like the misplacement on that Farmer's Wife block -- makes it unique! Love the pics of your nieces and your son doing pushups. lol! So sweet how excited your niece was about the Taylor Swift tickets! Happy birthday to her! I can definitely understand being too wiped out after work to stitch or anything. There are days when I'm out all day and when I get home, I'm too wiped to stitch!

Michele said...

Are you planning on going to Elf Days? Looks like you had a great visit with your nieces :-)

Barb said...

Your blocks are just wonderful, I love that basket one...

Cute nieces...

Pat said...

I'm a bit shy of basket blocks myself...the handles scare me!!! LOL Your blocks are all so nice...and I see no problem with the red in that block you showed. How nice that you got to see your nieces and what a gift....I'd like tickets to that concert myself! :)

Theresa said...

Beautiful blocks!!!!!!! Each and everyone of them is so different yet so pretty~~~~~~

It's always nice to have family come visit~ Thanks for sharing it with us!!!!

Carla said...

Your blocks are great. When I am too pooped to sew or knit, I usually baste hexagons. It's sort of a no brainer---perfect for after work.

Lois said...

As always, love your blocks! Looks like a wonderful time with family. What great pics!

Poussy Stitches My Love said...

superbe !
bisous

Katherine said...

Aw; they're just too sweet those nieces. And your blocks are amazing!

Patty C. said...

So excited she cried - What a beautiful young lady :)

Love the quilt blocks ;)

Carol said...

Such pretty blocks, Jackie--and what a variety! Your work is so perfect-looking :)

Your nieces are adorable--love the photo of them on your son's back while he is exercising--such great smiles!

Ann-Maree said...

I have enjoyed visiting your blog, we have many projects in common! Look forward to following your blog.

Marjo said...

how do you get so many beautiful blocks completed. They are all lovely. Isn't it fun to visit with family.

Sally said...

Your blocks are gorgeous as always Jackie.

Lovely family photos.

Siobhán said...

Your blocks look great, Jackie! I love the fabrics that you're using.

Your nieces are too cute. That is so sweet that the Taylor Swift tickets moved her to tears. :) What a fun memory of her bday.

Kats Studio said...

Jackie, I really admire your stitching. Your points are killer, wish I could say that about mine.

Dani - tkdchick said...

What beautiful quilt blocks!

I think Taylor Swift is a wonderful role model for young girls, she's so down to earth.

Carolyn NC said...

Nice blocks and such cool pictures of your family!

Simone de Klerk said...

Such beautiful nieces, Jackie! How fun it must have been to be together with them!
How touching, to see her so happy with her birthday gift!!

Anonymous said...

Your nieces are beautiful! I haven't been around the blogging world for so long they both seem so grown up. I wish you lived closer to them too.

Love your quilting too!

Millie said...

Beautiful blocks and your nieces too.