Friday, June 7, 2019

Status Check

I'm not much of a goal-setter. First, because it takes time to compile and write one's goals when I could be working on the to-do and getting more done! Second, I'm not good at accepting failure. If I say I'm gonna do something and don't do it, I don't need the weight of guilt to make me feel bad.

So, instead of committing myself to accomplish X, Y, and Z, I'm taking a status check of my projects. During the next week, I'll touch each of them. And on Monday I'll go to Brandon, Florida to give a "Domestic Machine Quilting" program to members of Piecemakers Quilt Guild of Brandon.

Free motion quilting needs my attention because I have three quilts to quilt. This one has been waiting the longest. It's my adaptation of Amanda Jean Nyberg's "Ring Me" quilt, a pattern in her book No Scrap Left Behind. Though I pieced blocks with solid scraps and white solid, just as she did, I changed the block arrangement, and set them on point.  

My go-to formula for choosing a quilting design is contrast. For a quilt design with angular piecing, I like to quilt curves, and visa versa. So, to contrast with all the points and angles, I chose circles. I'm quilting concentric circles around each centered one-inch square.

I'm using my 12" nested set of Quilter's Rule quarter-inch thick rulers to draw circles with a disappearing ink pen. Circles are one inch apart, ending with a 12" ring. This is gonna take quite a while, but it will be worth it. 

Saturday is Central Florida MQG's Sew-In, and I plan to go with handwork. It's so much more transportable than a sewing machine. These are the last of the English paper pieced blocks for my LindaNova (actually "TulaNova") quilt. Everything's numbered and labeled for adding to the medallion that's almost finished.

The medallion is about 55" across now. I'll appliqué it by hand to a backing fabric. But gosh, I don't know what fabric to choose for the background! White seems too obvious, and impractical. Maybe linen? If you'd like to weigh-in, I'd value your thoughts. Thanks!

My next pet bed, for donation, is nearly full of fabric and thread snippets. Making drunkard's path blocks for my temperature quilt creates lots of scraps. 

I'm following-through on my plan to turn my smaller, traditional quilts into pet beds. This bed uses two quilts made in the 1990s. Quilters, this is what happens when you've been quiltmaking for 43 years, it doesn't suit your decor, and no one wants it. 

I'm expressing a little sadness here.. I made a point of looking at Blogger's list of people who read my last blog post. Thus far, 75 of you read my June 5 blog post. Three people commented. As a blog-writer, it makes me question how I'm using (wasting?) my time - whether the topics and photographs are of interest to anyone. I'm assessing whether to continue blogging.

Today is National Donut Day, and I wish I was in Kansas City to help my grandsons celebrate! Krispy Kreme in Overland Park is the only donut shop I ever visit, so when I was there last week, I was enthused about getting to visit twice! I even had the chance to try their key lime donut which was off-the-charts good. Though give me a warm, freshly-glazed donut any day! Or three.

Krispy Kreme is giving a free donut to each person who stops in today. I'm feeling sorry for myself because our nearest Krispy Kreme is 42 miles away! Waah.

I'm linking-up with my friend Wendy's blog - WendysQuiltsnMore. Wendy lives in New Zealand and invites bloggers to share a post every Friday. She calls it a Peacock Party. Wanna strut your stuff too? Go here. Linda

27 comments:

  1. I love the LindaNova. I haven't seen the original (or maybe I have and it didn't do anything for me) so I can't give you any feedback on the background. I'll look forward to seeing it finished.

    As for blogging, don't mind us and our lack of comments. Blogging is for you. It seems these days the bloggers that are continuing on, are those that do it for their own records. If it gives you joy, do it.

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  2. I read your blog - never comment though! Don't give up blogging - do it for you if no one else - it creates a nice record of your work!

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  3. Well, Linda, I had better make a comment this week! There are so few people now who actually blog and you are one of them, writing interesting bits and pieces which I always read. I love looking at your photos and admire your skills and constant 'get-up-and-go' attitude. Don't give up, but don't expect too many comments! I think people (including me!) these days find it so easy to press the 'like' button on Instagram or Fb, we've become too lazy to write a comment.

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  4. I'm going to sy the same thing, please don't give upon blogging! I've been a reader of yours for some years now, and always enjoy reading about what you are getting up to, and admiring your quilting. As you noticed, lack of comments does not mean lack of readers!
    I blog for my own interest, and as a way of recording my quilting life and interactions with other like minded people.
    I seem to remember that you get your blog printed as a book each year?

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  5. I hope you don't stop blogging. Although I don't always comment, it's a great way for me to keep up with what you are doing. I also follow you on IG, as you know, but I love seeing the much larger photos which show the details of your pieces much better. Your blogs are inspiring. Sometimes when I feel stuck about what to do next with a piece I turn to your blog and look around it for inspiration. It always provides me with the boost I need.

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  6. Don't stop blogging. I love your bright colors and the things you do. I usually read your blog in RSS reader, which does not allow room to comment. I've followed you a long time. You visit KC, I live in KC suburbs. I enjoy seeing your work. If you see that I've visited, but there is no comment, consider it "way to go, girl!"

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  7. It's interesting about blogging, and blog readership. I think a lot has to do with seasons; holiday and weekend posting for me at least show distinctly less readership and comments. Even posting on a heavy blogging day (Monday or Wednesday) I see big differences depending on the week. Still I love the blog format much better than trying to figure out Instagram which doesn't really lend itself to the friendly nature of blogging. I blog to stay in touch with several people who have become friends through our love of quilting. Though I loosely follow nearly 300 blogs there are many that I've never left a comment, just not enough hours in the day I suppose. Yours does not fall into the latter category!

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  8. I'm one of the quiet readers who rarely comments. I receive your updates by email, as I'm sure many of your readers do. Blogger may show 75 people read your blog, but I'm sure adding those who follow by email would should many more who enjoy it.

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  9. Please continue your blog, Linda. I have to admit I have rarely commented but I have you on my favourites and check your page regularly. As others have said, it's all too easy to click on Like on FB and IG these days.

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    1. Hi Daphne! You're a no-reply commenter, so I can't email you, but I wanted to say thanks! I'm grateful that you spoke up about blogging. I didn’t expect the responses that I’ve been getting, but you and others are making me realize who's "out there." I confess that affirmation of my posts, through comments, are what keep me blogging, but I certainly understand time limitations, and the ease of simply hitting "like." I do the same, particularly on Instagram. I'm grateful you're following along. Thank you!

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  10. Every once and a while I toy with giving up the blog, and even announce that I will! Inevitably followers and 'lurkers' appear in their droves and beg me not to. So I continue on.... I do it mainly for myself now though and do not put any pressure on myself to keep to a schedule. I blog when I have enough interesting content to share. Sometimes I even share more on my blog than on IG because there are still many out there who do not 'do' Insta! Do what you love.....

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  11. I read a lot of blogs, and yours is definitely one of my favorites! I don't always have time to comment on all the blogs I read, and I'll bet there are many that would miss your posts like I would :)

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  12. You sure got the comments going! I'm with Susan about blogging--it's for me, but I do have my faithful readers (like you and Susan) who are fun to communicate with. Fun also to see what's going on in your workroom/studio and to see where your ideas take you. Will I see you in Austin in 2020?

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  13. Please keep blogging! I love to see quilts in progress. I am new to blogging myself and rarely get much in the way of comments, but the way I see it, my blogs have value a record for myself and a different way of expressing myself. I also find I get more comments if I post the link in specialist Facebook groups - the comments are not on the blog post itself, but it still is a way to engage with the readers.

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    1. Hi Genevieve! You're a no-reply commenter, so I'm unable to respond to you privately. I hope you read this!

      You are certainly correct that blogging is a way to record one's projects and activities. When I began my own blog, more than ten years ago, though it was about quilting, it was also about travel. It's changed a little as I've had grandchildren, and moved to Florida, but is more about quilting than ever. I'm glad you are blogging too. I have never been on Facebook, and intentionally choose not to to be, so linking there isn't an option. However, being on Instagram has generated many friends and followers. Social media is a blessing to me. Thank you for being among my quilt-y friends! I appreciate your support!

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  14. I love to read blogs that speak to me. And yours does. Please continue to blog.
    Betty

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    1. Thank you, Betty, for your encouragement and positive comment. You're a no-reply commenters, otherwise I'd send you a direct email. :-)

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  15. Lots of fun in the works! I admire your quilting with all that marking!

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  16. The circles look fabulous and are wonderful contrast to the quilt top. When you're quilting them are they free motion or are you using the ruler as a guide? And please don't stop blogging. Easy for me to say since I only do one post a month these days.

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  17. I always love reading your blog Linda. I usually comment but occasionally dont ( naughty girl LOL) I love what you make, even though you have changed your style from what you used to do. I love the look of the 12" nested set of Quilter's Rule quarter-inch thick rulers. Where would I be able to purchase them?

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  18. I must add here, that I really love the Most Popular Blog posts at the bottom of your blog, and have just reread your November 2015 spiral quilting on your scrap vortex quilt, and I am keen to try it.

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  19. Linda, please don't stop blogging. I am always checking for your new blog posts and love them all. We learn so much from you and your quilts and your conversation are inspiring and more. For example, I really appreciate your recent thoughts on the Cascade quilt. Its one I am interested in making and your experience gives me ideas. Many times, I think I will comment, but don't want to be a pest. I will comment more now that I know you like to hear from us. I hope I am not a "no reply" person. I am not sure I understand how to be a reply person. . . so let us know and we can correct it!

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  20. I Love your Linda Nova, I just bought the pattern. I am thinking of putting mine on a green background. Funny, it's not even started... Green is my favorite color, I think it goes with everything.
    My thought on yours would be similar, choose your favourite color.
    I also read, and don't comment much. I am not good with words, and I usually feel I can't express what I want to say as well as what others have already said.
    Sew... I just don't say anything.
    I enjoy your blog. if you enjoy doing it, you should keep it up.

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  21. please dont stop blogging, i read each mail you send and am inspired each time as if it were the first time i found you blog. i'm not so good at commenting as i can't always find the comment section.......this time i just kept pushing buttons until it came up! the quilting in the round circles is gorgeous, please show a picture when you finish. thanks for keeping going, shoshana

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    1. Hi Shoshana! I am replying by email to everyone who has commented, but I'm unable to do so with you because you're a "no-reply commenter." So I do want to say thank you! I wasn't fishing for blog compliments, but I do appreciate yours. Oh yes! I will certainly share a picture of "Ring Me" when it's finished! Hopefully the quilting will be done yet this week. And I'm thinking to finish it with a black and white striped binding. Hmm. Will see how it goes. Thank you for your interest and blog support!

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  22. Oh, my goodness, that medallion quilt is to die for! Can’t wait to see it upon completion! Blogger is allowing me to comment today! Sometimes I hit it just right! I am a goal setter. Daily. Weekly. Even hourly! It gives me the opportunity to accomplish more than just sewing, although I can’t always meet each goal. I don’t mind moving a goal up to the next interval, though.

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  23. I hope you have taken to heart all the requests to “please continue”! I may not comment every time I visit...but I am sharing your accomplishments with my local quilting peeps! I often refer to you as “my quilting friend in Florida”. I would really miss your bright happy quilts and all your wonderful tips!

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