Sunday, July 29, 2007

A Fresh Week

It comes around every 7 days like clock work. A fresh week. I looked back on the last few weeks and realized I had wasted alot of time. I am always thinking "I need more hours in my day", but I think I throw alot of minutes out the window! If I think of everything I have on my "to do" list, I will go mad!! So now there is a fresh week ahead of me. I really like what JT is doing in her 1 hour sewing segments. She spends 1 hour blocks of time doing something. The Flylady system says you can do anything for 15 minutes. 15 minutes may be ok for clearing a counter or picking up a messy room, but if I am going to sit down at my machine, it takes me 15 minutes just to get my groove going! 1 hour seems more logical for machine sewing. I did make a pretty good dent in Judy's July, Hour A Day quilt. That's great considering August arrives at the beginning of the fresh week.










It is actually a fun quilt to put together. For me that says alot, as my machine still dislikes me. She only "beeped" at me once today, so I felt tolerated.
I got my swap partner in the stitchery swap over at Coffee Time Quilt Studio and drew out my design and actually got a large amount of embroidery work done on it. I would say it is 3/4 of the way done. I will hand quilt it though and that will take some time. It can only be 12x12 so I am comfortable with the timetable of getting it mailed no later than Sept. 1st. I am almost certain the recipient does not read my blog so I will give you a peek...
That is one little element. I (and it) am still a work in progress. Speaking of progress, Rachel finished another block. What is this now, 4? Introducing Tyrone... It's like he is waving to you, huh?! I have my first UFO where stitchery is concerned. I decided, while doing inventory of all the minutes I need, that I am wasting my time on this piece. I have no plan for it, I do not like it, and my stitching is not at all acceptable. I need alot more time and practice on the Lazy Daisy stitch. So, this will be set aside and I will move on.
Off the quilting/sewing topic for a minute, Joni shared a bee picture on her blog today. I thought I would share my bee picture.

Are those white things eggs? The dark things on the white things are bees. Not as pretty as Joni's bee. We need to get rid of this soon.

Another non quilty thing. The kids and I watched a movie on Saturday. I had a preconceived idea of the story and how it would go. I was so wrong! Charlotte and I cried through 1/2 the movie. It was very good, but a tad too sad. Worth watching.
So, a fresh week is appearing tomorrow and I plan to take advantage of it. More stitching on the swap piece, and piecing on Judy's July quilt (even into August), and some added applique on the Masterpiece block. I also plan to overcome my bagaphobia! I have planned to make a bag using the pattern Margaret shared with me. I can feel the fear just typing about it! I will spend some time preparing for school in the next few weeks also. I can't believe we start in a month. I think it was a good idea to set up the school area on the other side of my sewing room. Maybe that 15 minutes on the machine thing will work after all!

15 comments:

atet said...

What a cute pin cushion stitchery. I can't wait to see the entire project. I'm with you though on just 15 minutes at a time NOT being enough if you are at your sewing machine!

Andrea said...

You always seem so busy - it's a wonder you have any time to sew ! Those blocks for the July quilt look great so far - nice bright colours !

Rose Johnston said...

Bren ur stitchery for the swap is gorgeous....pity we werent swap partners (can i say that lol???).....ur hour a day quilt is looking great!! those colours r fantastic..........when it gets overwhelming, just write a list and delegate household jobs lol
hugs xxx

Darlene said...

Cute pincushion stitchery! Can't wait to see the whole thing.

It I tried to do something for just 15 minutes I couldn't stop. I need 15 minutes just to get my act together someday. LOL

You must get rid of that hive - ugh!

Love your hour a day quilt.

Unknown said...

Bren I can't enlarge the photo of your teacup and saucer, but I think your too hard on yourself when it comes to your stitcheries. Perfection isn't always what's required. Relax and enjoy the journey, it's a little like our walk of faith. Your pincushion is adorable, well done, give yourself a pat on the back, stand back and smile.
Talk to you later.

Knit-Wit said...

Great idea to set up the school room in the same area as the sewing room. I have a lot of down time where I'm just waiting for the kids to finish something before moving on.

Love the pics - scary bees.

Wendy said...

Your right 15 minutes is not long enough for sewing at the machine...I need at least 1 hour to get something accomplished. Love the stitchery, I look forward to seeing if finished.
Maybe the bees should go...

Kiva said...

I love the pin cushion stitchery..I have been trying my hand at some embroidery but nothing like your beauties. :) Everything else can stay but the bees must go and go quickly.

Jeanne said...

You have a great start on the stitchery for your swap partner! I know I throw away lots of minutes every day, too. I like your HAD blocks.

Solstitches said...

The quilt blocks are very bright and cheery.
Have to say it would take me several years to produce something if I only worked at it for fifteen minutes a day!
The little stitcheries are so cute especially the one Rachel did :)
Don't feel bad about your teacup stitchery. I think it looks great. Keep it - one day you will look back at it the same way I did with my first x stitch sampler.
I just finished a x stitch that has a little bee on it. I like it but not those bees on your porch!!!

Joni said...

Bren,
I think your pin cushion is great, I can't wait to see the final product.

I think the cup and plate stitchery is fine too. What is wrong with this woman Linda? Just teasing Bren!

The bees should stay. I think they are wasps actually. They will rid the garden of caterpillars and spiders if you let them.

meggie said...

You keep sooo busy! I thought your blue stichery was quite ok, but if you are not happy...
I want to see that movie too, I have heard it is nice.

Yvonne said...

I love your stitchery...the blocks are wonderful. Your hour a day fabrics are very nice too. I just finished mine tonite. Those bees are pretty scary looking.

Joanne said...

Your Hour a Day blocks are going to be great -- love the colors and they'll look so good with the black and white. It's really a great design Judy did.

Sue said...

Your embroidery looks great and so does your hour a month quilt. those blocks look wonderful, I can't wait to see more!