5/13/15

Proactive Procrastination

The day got away from me yesterday what with searching out red hots candy and everything. Thanks to those of you who clued me in about the "dollar store" candy shelves. Obviously, we are a group that seeks out and finds our candy, no matter what obstacles present themselves. In my quest to find the red hots, I didn't get any sewing time in yesterday. That's okay though because I did get my little stitchery made up for today's stitching session.


So that turned out pretty cute, I think. I like it better than the original block for the Vintage Kitchen; and I like the idea to use the original block as a label too. I'll probably do that when it's all finished.

With that one done, this morning was devoted to readying the last block of the Vintage Tin quilt. I'll start stitching on that one tomorrow. This block is called "BBQ".


There are three overlaps on the Sticky Fabri-Solvy, and I always start my stitching there to avoid having it shift on me. Just hooping it causes it to shift. A little bit seems unavoidable.


In this case, I've also overlapped my muslin backing. I had two pieces left...enough to cover. Since there was none left over, I'm taking a chance this isn't going to cause me problems down the road. 


Then, I thought you might like a little update on Miss Gracie. She decided to be particularly camera shy today. When I picked up the camera and glanced her direction, she took off running and hid under the bed. No one ever said she was the brightest bulb in the package.


When I tried politely coaxing her out...


So, then I was more rude, pulled her out, and held her tight so I could take this picture. It's not her best side, but it happens to be the side I was interested in right at the moment. You can see that she's completely healed, and her fur has grown back enough to be pettable.


When she realized no one was trying to kill her (honestly, Gracie), she took her place on the rug in front of the fireplace. 


Now you know why she doesn't appear on the blog more often. It's downright traumatizing for her. She's a lady who values her privacy.

So, speaking of trauma, I'm taking a big chance this year and entering a quilt in the 2015 Northwest Quilting Expo. Since the Vintage Miniature Sewing Machines quilt was received so well at the Oregon State Fair last year, I decided to give it a shot. This is a juried show, and so my quilt will have to be accepted to be shown. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right? 


I have no expectation of winning anything, but just getting in would feel like a win to me. We'll see. Notifications don't go out until August, and so I can sit on pins and needles for a while.

So I think I've done everything I can to put off housework and treadmill walking. I'm hoping to get some quilting in today too.

15 comments:

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Bella is the same - as soon as I grab the camera she is off hiding. If I do get lucky and catch her in a shot, I get attitude the rest of the day. I have not sewn a stitch yet today. I have some cutting prep work to do and that may be it. My noon out and then shopping has done me in and I think I need a short nap to catch a second wind.

Christine M said...

I love your mixer block, Barbara.

works4me said...

Very nice block substitution. It fits into the theme perfectly.

So good to see Gracie. Happy she is healthy enough to run when she sees the camera. My Samantha closes her eyes if she hears the camera being turned on anywhere in the house. She keeps them shut, too, until the threat of being photographed passes. Dainty, on the other hand, makes sure she is in every shot. So many times I have taken a photo of a quilt one-handed while holding a squirming kitty in the other.

Your vintage sewing machine stands a very good chance of being allowed in the show, in my opinion. It is different, is a sewing theme, and is quality work. I will send acceptance thoughts the judges' way. :)

Now, get on that treadmill. Forget about the housework. Health is more important.

Jeanie said...

Love your mixer block....it will fit in perfectly with the rest! And who can blame Gracie.... all of this social media...smedia. She knows she's beautiful and doesn't need a picture to prove it. ;) Glad she has healed up so well.

Dana Gaffney said...

When you're that beautiful the paparazzi are always after you, Gracie got her Garbo on :)

Anita said...

Love those sewing machines! Best of luck!

Quilting Babcia said...

Looking forward to hearing good news re the NW Quilting Expo entry - that's one of my faves of your quilts. Your mixer block turned out great!

SJSM said...

Thanks for the Gracie update. She is looking good.

Glad to see the last vintage tin hooped. Love that quilt! Also a Woot! For the mixer stitchery.

Good luck on the NW Quilt Show entry. Will be sitting on pins and needles (��) waiting for your news.

crazy quilter said...

You are so fast with that embroidery! I only wish my stitches looked as good as yours. Happy Later B Day to you, now you have caught up with me. I think you will get your wonderful Vintage Sewing machine quilt into the Juried show, I will keep my fingers crossed for you. I am happy to know you found the red hots, I need some of those myself , but had no idea where to look for them. Let us know if the ones you found in the baking isle are the same. Have a great day!

KMSC said...

Gracie, I feel your pain. Aren't moms annoying? Every time I try to take a nap or look out the window to see the birds in the trees, my mom picks me up, gives me kisses and tries to cuddle. Really? I only like to cuddle at 3:00 in the morning. When will she learn? BTW, you are looking good, girl!

Celtic Thistle said...

Good luck with your Quilt Show entry Barbara, I am sure the jury will wave it straight on through to the show!

quiltzyx said...

Gracie, I don't blame you for avoiding the paparazzi - but you do look wonderful in the photos. Your furs are coming back as beautiful as ever.
Love the mixer block & good luck with that last Vintage Tin block!

Junebug613 said...

Awww. Gracie, don't feel bad about being shy. My Delaney is so shy that I have to find her several times a day, in her hidey spots, just to make sure she is ok. I'm glad her spot is healing up so nicely. Go for it!! Best wishes for the show. The mixer is really cute.

Kate said...

Glad that Gracie is healing well.

I'll keep my fingers crossed that your quilt gets accepted for the show.

Brown Family said...

I like your mixer! I was not overly pleased with this months block, wither. My Angel is almost as bad as Gracie. She comes for cuddles on her terms but do not try to pick her up at any other time!