WIP...with actual "progress"!

I've been picking away at my Terrain quilt...



28 9-patch blocks done...





 

Little windows of color for the center of the second set of blocks....

 

Little "mudflaps" on the side..

I've worked on it almost every day....sometimes only for a few minutes, sometimes for a couple hours. I'm starting to contemplate the quilting process...Pretty sure I'll be playing it safe and stitching "in the ditch". I admire free quilting very much...but I'm not pleased with my results. I even considered hand quilting it....but I'd like to finish it in this century ......

Time for Quilting...

Life is back at that crazy I-don't-have-time-to-quilt stage.

No likey.

Trying to think about ways I can MAKE time...and gain the self discipline to use those little moments...

In that vein, I'm not going to try for much of a post today...simply to say I purchased THIS and I'm going to leave right this minute and go cut some of the pieces ... something is better than nothing, eh?

Finished top...well, as finished as it's going to be for awhile...

Sorta Fuzzy...but there's the top all pieced...Now it has to "rest" while I figure out what to use for border and backing. I have a few blocks that were too wonky for the front...but I think I can fit them into the back! I've never done a pieced back, so that will be a new adventure.

I've done some cleaning...and some choregraphy...and finished Wicked Appetite...but the sewing machine is sitting silent. Maybe this afternoon....a long sleepless night is heading me in the direction of a nap...

Whatcha Readin'?

In the car - for breaks and lunches, I'm reading Unknown by Rachel Caine



It's a spin off series from her Weather Warden series. I've a confession...I couldn't get into the Weather Wardens.  I didn't really plan on reading THIS series because of it, tho I've liked the Morganville Vampire Series by Rachel Caine quite a lot. It was a case of "I'm desperate for a book and here is a book and I guess this is the book I'm going to read cuz I'm desperate and this is the only book here."

You know,  a book crisis. I get edgy when there's no book. I NEED books, like some people need chocolate, or yarn, or their workout. Or, Air. Yeah, that's the best comparison...I need books like I need air.

So far, I liked book one well enough to go ahead and read book 2. So far, so good.

On the nightstand, there's Wicked Appetite by Janet Evanovich



It's light, it's funny, it's been the perfect book to keep me company when I can't sleep because Jodie's visiting family in Lousiana. With Evanovich's trademark humor, I've laughed out loud a couple of times...which isn't easy to get me to do with a book.

I've resisted the Kindle/Nook movement for an entire year now. It's been dangled in front of me at holidays and birthdays, and so far, I've continued to say "no thanks". I think they're great, don't get me wrong. But I love holding the book and turning the pages. It's just a weird thing I have.

Not sure what's next on the book agenda. I have a decent "to read" list on Goodreads...but I'm a "run to B&N and grab a book because I don't have one" kinda gal and Bend, Oregon is seriously lacking many things, including a lot of great books I'd like to read. But a trip to Powell's is coming mid month and hopefully I'll be able to bring home some new favorites...

Progress...

So Far....

Note to self: It takes a LOT longer than "just a lil bit" to square up 80+ blocks. Somehow, I thought, "Oh, I can whip through those, get them all squared and be sewing in an hour!"

Not. Even. Close.

Mind you I'm not speedy but geez, I really thought I'd be done quicker. Then when I did begin to sew....

I sewed the first row incorrectly....THREE times.

I know. Really? Three times? I kept wanting to just chain piece them on the machine...and after the final, epic failure, resigned my self to sewing each block on one at a time. More time consuming...but I wasn't spending half my time with a seam ripper in my hand so....apparently that is the way to go for me!

I think, Maybe, just maybe, I have found what I want to do with Terrain. I was over at A Quilting Life and saw this, from Cluck Cluck Sew. I seriously LOVE it...it can be done with just one jelly roll...and well, I love it.

Now off to sew a bit more, then I have a LOT of choreography to do...a lot. A whole lot. Like I probably shouldn't spend any time sewing I have so much choreography to do...but...just a little won't hurt, eh?

A Real Post....With Real Quilting Stuff

Today, I'm quilting. All Day. I may not even get out of my jammies. I really NEED that kinda day.

Last night, I went down to one of the local shops, Quiltworks,  First Friday Artwalk events...this shop is about a year old and wasn't on the radar for me when I was actively quilting (you know over a year ago, ugh!) and it's the only shop locally that does any kind of monthly open house thing that I know of. Beautiful shop, VERY nice staff. They don't do precuts, LOL, which with my life I depend on to be able to do any kind of quilting at all...but I liked them. So I went down. They had appetizers, wine, door prizes, a fabulous showing by a Very Talented Quilter and a storewide sale! THAT does not happen much in this area in the Quilt Shops! From 15% off most things, to 30% off select batting and wool kits. The shop was buzzin' and a little crowded for me, but I enjoyed my visit! I didn't win anything, but I did come home with a couple things:

A Few Fun Halloween Fat Quarters



A Twin Batting (at 30% off no less!)

The Halloween prints may or may not be used this fall....sort of depends on time and inclination. Today's quilting is going to focus on this:



"Boutique"

This was a disappearing 9-patch I started last year for The Dark-Haired Child...set aside to whip up a baby quilt and never picked up again.

Thursday night, I decided to slice the 9 patches up...Mistake. Note to self, don't do this when you are tired. A few ended up pretty Wonky. And I don't "do" wonky! Only a few are unsalvagable for the top, but could be pieced into the back, so no loss right?

Lastly, I leave you with Terrain, by Kate Spain. When I saw this a couple weeks ago...I had to have it. Its what got me back on the quilting kick!

I love it. I love it sooooo much. Don't know what I'm going to DO with it, but I love it. For now, I just like looking at it..playing with the cuts and putting them side by side...Bliss.