Sunday, January 8, 2012

Dipping a Toe In

I've never participated in a swap of any kind. I have been interested in the online quilting bees but just haven't felt like an established bee was a good place to start. And frankly, it's kind of scary. I stumbled on a bee that was just forming and was intended for quilters new to Bees. Perfect! It's called We Bee Learning Beginner Bee. Here is my block for the first month. Hayley chose the quilt block but allowed us to pick whatever fabric we wished. I'll send this off as soon as I get the signature block made. My month is August and I'm already thinking of it.
Bee Block for Hayley
My design wall was empty so I put my bee block up along with the Cotton Club Blocks I sewed this weekend and my Farmers Wife blocks. I'm hoping that it will be a reminder to get back to making my FW blocks. Does that ever work for anyone? :)
Whats On My Design Wall
I'm always amazed at how different a block can look when set on point. Here is an example from this months Cotton Club blocks:
DSC_0064
It looks totally different and much more pleasing on point:
DSC_0062
It's so hard for me to sew during the week. I was able to do some stitching early last week after work but as the work week progressed my energy in the evening seemed to diminish too. Sometimes it seems that I'm wishing the week away for Friday night and that's really not how I want to things to be. I need to use my time during the week more thoughtfully and efficiently. Tonights plan? I'll be multitasking. Stitching Ann Dale and watching the Downtown Abbey Season 2 Premier! Hope your stitches are happy and plentiful!

38 comments:

Nicola said...

Downtown is a wonderful series. Maggie Smith steals the show with her one liners. The third series is about to start in March in the UK, I can't wait.

The second series is brilliant, every episode is well worth watching but they go so quickly. At the end of the series we had a Christmas special and it was AMAZING.

I hope you enjoy as much as I did.

Annie said...

Swaps are always fun and your first block is a beauty.

I do a lot more crafting on weekends too. By the end of the day during the week, my eyes just rebel at the thought!

Enjoy your stitchy evening!

Laurie in Iowa said...

Your exchange block looks wonderful and I hope it's a good experience for you. Love those FW blocks.

Vicki H. said...

Very nice job and your points are so perfect! Love your fabric choices too. I find that I do a bit of sewing in the am before I go to work. Makes the day start on a happy note.

Pat said...

I like most blocks on point, too...and have made a few quilts that way. Have fun being part of that "bee"!

imquilternity said...

Your new header is wonderful!! I love all of your blocks. So different from one another. We'll be watching Downton Abbey tonight too. Just love that series!!

Suburban Stitcher said...

It usually works for me to put things up on the design wall. It reminds me that I can't forget about them!

Catherine said...

Your swap block looks great, as do all of your blocks! Interesting how turning a block can make it look so different!

Mrs.Pickles said...

great looking block I just know its new owner will LOVE IT!!! Your other blocks are pretty great too I would be more than happy if you sent those along too..LOL Just kidding :)

Poussy Stitches My Love said...

merveilleux travail !

very lovely

bisous de France

Simone de Klerk said...

Sounds like a fun bee! Lovely block.
And your small blocks look so pretty. Amazing how the look of a block changes if you turn it. Never looked at them that way.
Happy week.

Isabelle said...

I love your new header, Jackie;
Many congrats on your new blocks : they are colorful and very joyful.It sounds that you are beginning a new year with plenty of quilting projects : so nice !!
Have a lovely day,
Isa

Shay said...

I love Downton Abbey too! Cant wait for the second series to start here in Australia.

I really struggle with doing anything during the week after work too. I think maybe we're expecting too much of ourselves. When you work all day sometimes you just dont have the head space to feel creative when you get home.

I participated in my first swap last year and had a ball! You'll probably have so much fun you'll be swapping left right and centre!

Margaret said...

How exciting that you've joined a learner's bee! What a great idea! Should be fun -- the first block is pretty! Love seeing your design wall too. Wow! So many beautiful blocks! I think when you work all day it's hard to get the energy up to sew or stitch at night. I know i would be the same way.

Carol said...

I'm glad you've found a perfect swap to join, Jackie. Your first block is so pretty and cheerful. Amazing how much more I like the block tipped on its point! The difference really is incredible :)

I still need to watch season one of Downton Abbey--I've heard so many wonderful comments on it :)

dixiesamplar said...

Hey Jackie...finally catching up on my blog reading! Loving all the stitching and quilting finishes...gorgeous! Can't wait to see Ann Dale too...

Tanya Willis Anderson said...

Oh WOW - the peacock colors in that first block are stunning!!

Love Downton Abbey - never can get my fill. Eager for next week's episode.

Tanya :)

geeky Heather said...

That is amazing how different that block looks on point! We just started watching Season 1 of Downton Abbey this weekend!! Now we are trying to set up to record S2, but the PBS channel we get good reception on isn't showing it until the 25th!! Of course the one we don't get reception on is showing it, like every two days!!

Your design board is just lovely. I would want to leave all those blocks up there instead of making a quilt!

FlourishingPalms said...

Good for you to try a block swap. You'll do fine if you don't sign up for several swaps that you're obligated to each month. I understand and remember those days of being so tired after work and not wanting to do anything in the evening. Sadly, I DID live for Friday nights. You make me appreciate being retired. And didn't you love Downton Abbey?! I was so excited to see it again, and I thought it was great. Can't wait for next Sunday evening.

Littlebit said...

Jackie, you hit a cord with me! I, too, find myself living for Fridays. I am really trying to not do that, and I had quite the nice day yesterday, though Monday is traditionally more of a tough day.
Your blocks are all so pretty. I hope you enjoy the Bee!

Sharon said...

All of your blocks look so nice! Thank you for your sweet comment and the info on the table. I'll take a look!

Melanie said...

I've already watched S2 of Downton but that's not going to stop me from watching it again on PBS. Can't get enough of it. :)

Lovely blocks!!!!!

Kats Studio said...

Love your colors you have chosen for your swap block. You always have great contrast in you fabrics which makes them pop!

Siobhán said...

Like Nicola said--the Christmas Downton Abbey special was amazing. My daughter and I sat and cried and said it was like a Christmas gift. Yes, uber dorks--but it was good! You'll love it!

Great job on the blocks! Enjoy your first bee--it sounds like fun!

Abby and Stephanie said...

I love the blue/green combo and pinwheels are such happy little blocks. Have fun with your Bee. Love the blocks on your design wall--love blocks on point.

Karen said...

I love all things you are working on. I wanted to make a special note of your new banner. Those are all very lovely things you have made. Hope your new year is going well!

Teresa said...

I hope you enjoy your new Bee and looks like you are all off to a good start with that first block. Setting on point really did change the look of that block, which btw, I think is very nice - love your fabric choices.

Dani - tkdchick said...

As usual I enjoy seeing your quilt blocks.

Sally said...

Beautiful quilt blocks Jackie.

I didn't see at the second series of Downton Abby as I'm a new convert but I'm looking forward to the 3rd one. There was a Christmas special on here and it was fantastic!

Karoline said...

Lovely quilt blocks, enjoy your bee

Carla said...

Hi Jackie. Good for you for entering a swap. I have wanted to but keep so busy sewing for the store. Have a restful week-end : )

merumo said...

Pretty swap block! Love the cotton club blocks, too! It's do nice seeing someone also enjoys what I do - quilting (modern style and reproductions), stitching and knitting!! How special have found you and your lovely blog!

Barb said...

I just love what is on your design wall.

Michele said...

Your blocks are beautiful! Amazing points! Perfect :-) I'm sure you'll enjoy the Bee.

Heidi said...

Your blocks are wonderful Jackie! I especially love the colors in your cotton club blocks. The black and red are so pretty together. Have fun with the swap blocks.

Hugs from Holland ~
Heidi

Brigitte said...

A great idea to put all your finished blocks up on the design wall. Must be very inspiring. They all look great.
I know what you mean. That's the reason why I haven't started a big quilt yet. The Farmer's Wife quilt is also on my agenda but I kn ow that I will start it when there'll be some free time ahead. Maybe I'll have to wait until retirement which is only one and a half years away, lol.

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

What a wonderful block! Your FW blocks are great too and having them out where you can see them keeps your working on them!

Patty C. said...

Your blocks are gorgeous.
Love the red color - im so positively envious of your abilities!