Lightbulb Moment

Have you ever gone along with something because everyone else is doing it, and then surprised yourself to realize you don't want to do it?

That's the "brick" that recently hit me . In college, we called it a "lightbulb moment." It's when I admitted to myself that I really don't like hand applique.

Here's how it transpired.

A couple weeks ago I decided to go through my small bins of UFOs and really access what I had, and what my honest intentions are. Too smugly I thought I had about a dozen UFOs. I counted more than that and I still can't bring myself to  share the exact number with you. 

But what surprised me most was the number of hand applique projects I've begun and not finished. I accessed each one. That's when I had my lightbulb moment... when I was completely honest.  

I asked myself, "Honestly, Linda. Will you ever finish these?" To my surprise, I answered, "No, I don't particularly like hand applique."

But I do it, and with fairly good success. It's the prep work I don't care for... drawing templates, the cutting, glueing, layering, pressing, and basting required, depending on the method. I only like stitching.

This is a block of one found UFO.

I thought about what I could do with these UFOs, and decided the best thing would be to offer them to someone who enjoys applique. I'm happy to say that after asking, Carrie P. of A Passion for Applique (Goodness, she couldn't have a better blog name.) agreed to take them off my hands. I mailed a parcel to her and now feel exonerated. Carrie accepted two of my started and far-from-finished hand applique projects and I feel as light and as happy as can be. A good home... someone who appreciates and enjoys applique... how could I ask for more?

I have set aside several other UFOs to be given to just the right people. The UFOs I'm keep total 12, and I have every intention of finishing them. 

One of a couple hand-applique projects I'm keeping is this one. It's a pattern copied from an antique quilt purchased by a friend. The original quilt is in solid shades of purple and green. 

Mine is appliqued with solids: three values of yellow, and one solid green. These 16" blocks will be turned on point and connected by diagonal woven-looking, straight appliqued lines. I need 12 blocks to complete the quilt.  

Last week I spent four days in Kansas at our daughter's house. It's been since January 2 that I was there, and I needed a grandies fix. The grandies are doing very well and thankfully, are completely healthy.

16 month-old Tay on his new rocking horse, with Celina 

Tay in the rocking chair his Mommy once used

12 week-old Aesa who's recovered from bronchiolitis

It was wonderful to see them, and note how the boys are growing. That Tay is such a talker! When I first arrived at their house, Tay couldn't stop chattering with excitement. He pointed out my "glasses," my "nose," my "earrings" and my "necklace. Then, pointing at other items he said, "candle," "book," and "fire" (fireplace). Then he said "happy baby" referring to a made-up song that he likes to hear me sing. I felt such a crush of love for this smart little guy. Whenever a grandparent tells you how wonderful it is to have grandchildren... believe them! I never imagined I would have these feelings.

At home again, I've returned to hand applique because it's too darned cold (-7F/-22C Wednesday night) to be sewing in the basement. I'm continuing to applique leaves and flowers on the borders for my Periwinkle Star quilt. With a dog laying at my feet, how much cozier could I be?

On another, more serious note, I have been deeply moved to hear about the devastation that Cyclone Yasi wreaked on Australians along the northern coast of Queensland. Thankfully, I have heard from a blog-friend in the area of Charters Towers who made it through Yasi when it was "only" a category 3! My prayers and thoughts have been with them, as well as with all Australians who are reeling from weeks of too much rain, flooding, and now incredible, damaging winds. God bless you all.