Valentine Progress

I read this morning that chocolate cake at breakfast can help you lose weight.  For real, this is a valid study (and yes, there is a catch).  I'll share it later this week for Wednesday Wellness.  Needless to say no one at work believed me - so I decided to make GF Valentine chocolate cupcakes and will put a printed copy of the story alongside the treats.  We'll see how long they last!

I dug through my pink scraps one more time and found some that are nearly identical to what I used for the heart.  That allowed me to extend my checkered border all the way around - which looks much better than the solid red I was considering.  Was beginning to panic as time got away from me, but fusible web came to the rescue.  I had used it for a class, and though it doesn't give a nice loft, I don't really need loft for this project.  What a fantastic time saver!  I can begin quilting as soon as I get home from work tomorrow.

The heart is not yet applied.  Here is what the back looks like.  It should serve nicely as a Valentine in-basket.  My Sweetie and I aren't celebrating until Wednesday, so I'll still have tomorrow night to quilt, bind, and apply the heart and handle.  Then I have to tuck a Valentine and some "stocking stuffers" in the pocket. 

I REALLY wish I'd get these bright ideas a week or two ahead of time, but inspiration doesn't seem to come according to schedule! 

Have a Happy Valentine's Day :)

Scrappy Valentine's Day!

Remember those nifty little Valentine baskets we used to make in grade school?

Well, in my usual (last-minute) way, I decided to make one for my Sweetie!

 Here's how it looks like so far.  I may use a different background fabric.  Also not sure if I should applique the whole heart, or finish the edge and make it an actual pocket - into which I could place a card and some Valentine-y surprises.  What do you think?

I also haven't decided how to frame it up.  Still waiting for inspiration to strike. 

Why aren't fabric stores open on Sunday nights, anyway? 

Shhhhh....don't tell - its a surprise! :)

Is Blogging a Thing of the Past?

There have a been a number of articles out asking if blogging is passe.  From the business angle, some say yes.  From the self-publishing perspective, no.

Journalism tells us to present the most important information first, with additional information in desending order of significance.  But in the age of information, people (myself included) can't assimilate all the data coming at them every day.

I try to use a good "hook," and include include pics so readers can quickly determine if my post interests them.  I put the most pertinent info in the first paragraph, as a courtesy.  Short and sweet!

But blogging isn't as much fun as it was 2 years ago.  My theory is that now people are looking at Facebook, Flicker, Twitter and what-have-you - rather than quilting blogs.  Does a quilter now have to maintain presence on multiple media forms?

And there are less comments.  Have we been spoiled by the "Like" button on FB? 

In the interest of jazzing up my blog's appearance, I played around with the new Blogger designs - some which are quite attractive.  But I came back to the standard format because the new designs either reduce the font and photos OR they lose all the verbiage - even the title of the post.  They also exclude your widgets, profile and followers - as best I can tell.  So changing my design isn't going to be an option for the immediate future.

I find its getting harder to follow OTHER quilters.  I like that Google button that says "Follow."  Nice and easy!  But now there are so many other options - its a bit confusing.

And so, I'm perplexed.  I'd like to know what other bloggers make of all this.   I'd like to expand my readership, and engage in more discussion.  But I'm not quite sure how to get there from here.  Am open to feedback on my own blog, or your assessment of blogging in general. 

Thanks! :)

Chris

Double Irish Chain, Checkerboard Valentines

Not sure what to get your sweetie for Valentine's Day?

It's not too late to make a quilty Valentine.

As I was working on my shamrock quilt it occured to me that a Double Irish Chain with a few applique hearts, embroidery or quilted red roses would make a very pretty Valentine.  Or here's another idea - a combination Valentine & checkerboard.

Maybe if I start it NOW it'll be done in time for NEXT year!  :)

Double Irish Chain with Shamrocks

Today's goal was to assemble the center, and lay out some border ideas I've been considering.  This quilt has been a great exercise in adjusting your needle position to get a perfect 1" square.  Even then, it took a bit of "coaxing" to get everything to line up!

I laid out several borders, but none of them had the same impact as a simple dark green frame.   The others seemed to compete with the quilt interior.  I think with a busy quilt, sometimes less is more.  :)

Wednesday Wellness - Thyroid Cancer Prevention

A coworker shared the following information with me.

Thyroid Cancer

On Wednesday, Dr. Oz had a show on the fastest growing cancer in women, thyroid cancer. It was a very interesting program and he mentioned that the increase could possibly be related to the use of dental x-rays and mammograms. He demonstrated that on the apron the dentist puts on you for your dental x-rays there is a little flap that can be lifted up and wrapped around your neck. Many dentists don't bother to use it. Also, there is something called a "thyroid guard" for use during mammograms. By coincidence, I had my yearly mammogram yesterday. I felt a little silly, but I asked about the guard and sure enough, the technician had one in a drawer. I asked why it wasn't routinely used. Answer: "I don't know. You have to ask for it." Well, if I hadn't seen the show, how would I have known to ask?

We need to pass this on to our daughters, nieces, mothers and all our female friends and husbands tell your wives !! I just did, now you send it on to your list. Someone was nice enough to forward this to me. I hope you pass this on to your friends and family. :)

"Souper Bowl" Score!

While fat quarters were 10 for $20.00, at the Stitcher's Crossing, I snatched up 10 - plus a Chicken Salad Pack.  I'd hoped to buy a couple yards of the Chicken Salad fabric in the upper left corner.  I'd seen it before and LOVE the colors.  I neglected to buy it right then and there.  When I returned, this lonely fat quarter was all that remained!

Fortunately, I can see from the selvage that it's a Hoffman 2012 print, so I will find more online.  My chicken hot pads were such a hit at the craft fair last year, I'll need to whip up some more for next year.  The Home to Roost fabric at the bottom is pretty cute too. 

All in all, I'm happy with my haul.  I have something specific in mind for each of the fat quarters - but my ideas are too many to list.  What actually comes to fruition remains to be seen!  I scheduled a vacation day for the near future to work on home-related projects (I confess, I still have some Christmas stuff in the living room).  Once some chores are out of the way, I can justify MORE sewing.  Won't that be nice!  :)

One Dozen Shamrocks

12 shamrocks complete - YES!

"Souper" Bowl

http://stitcherscrossing.com/

For anyone in or near Madison, WI - don't forget about the "Souper" Bowl at the Stitcher's Crossing from Noon to 4 PM Sunday.  They're collecting cans of soup for a local food pantry.  Bring cans of soup to the store, and enjoy an afternoon of special sales.  Maybe I'll see you there!  :)

Shamrock Block No. 1

Its been several weeks since I got to sit down and sew.  Ahhh...life is good!

I decided to do the hardest block first - something I usually do just to get the biggest challenge out of the way.  But since it's a four-leafed clover, I'm hoping it'll bring me some luck!  Perhaps the remaining blocks will come together smoothly, and my sewing time won't be interrupted this weekend.  It could happen!

In past years I've had a snow day or two that allowed me to get some extra quilting done in January.  But not this year!  Instead, it may take the luck o' the Irish to get this little quilt pieced, quilted and bound in time for St. Patty's Day.  :)