Ooooohhhh the messes that didn't get picked up, the laundry that didn't get folded, the dust bunnies that didn't get sucked, the dog that didn't get a bath, the weeds that didn't get pulled. Oh well. Since when did spending hours with tiny squares of fabric rank the highest on a person's list of indulgences? Since this weekend. I drafted a pattern for my little lovelies with the hope of doing something not too squarish. I like the simplicity of a square, but wanted something spin-y and antique-y feeling.
So this is the block I came up with after a few drafts, angle configurations and geometry consulting. Can you call it a block when its not a square? Wouldn't it be fun to live in a neighborhood with 6 sided blocks. It'd be so easy to pick out from an airplane. Anyway. Not pristine points yet, but still mastering the perfect piecing order, and I think after about 6 of them I have it figured out. Humble is good for these though. The plates aren't pieced perfectly either which has really freed my mind from worry and made all this so relaxing. Everything but the outer border is vintage. Which is nice I think. New fabrics with yesterday's at the heart of them. They are small. The squares are only 1.75" so you can imagine how small the other pieces are.
So fun to piece though. I did a few by hand while watching seasons 1 and 2 of this with Juliana and Jeff. So some of those stitches were made through tears of laughter. I also pieced some by machine, but with such itty bits its a little harder. Faster, yes. But trickier, so I'll just do some of both I guess. I do the love the lap stuff.
Other indulgences involved having a whole day with the daughter and the husband to kick around some other blocks in town while the littler sort were occupied with their grandparents. Our house was in such disarray we just decided to leave. We don't normally do that. Best decision ever. Guided mostly by the girls, we managed a little of this, some of that, a new one of these, and just a smidgen of a visit to here. (Wow. I'm feeling link-y.) Man it was great. Now to cope with the reality of mess. Nothing new.
Hope you are in a happy chaos yourself :) AM
Love how you pieced those together! Lovely. Nice to have those little indulgences once in a while. Dust bunnies can wait.....at least for a minute. :)
ReplyDeleteI love those tiny leetle blocks, Anna! SO intricate and playful at the same time! Sounds like you had a fun weekend out on the town! I'm envious.....we have nothing of the likes in our small town....can't wait to see what you do with the blocks! Maybe a wall hanging, a pillow or a fun bag?! Hmmm...
ReplyDeleteThe blocks are just fabulous. I love to see the new ways you used the old squares. As a side note, I am a huge Office fan and love to hear about others enjoying it too.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Anthropologie...but there are none in Knoxville :(
ReplyDeleteI admire your way of dealing with the mess in your house. I'll have to try that! ;)
ReplyDeleteOh my husband and I just got hooked on the office. I don't think I have ever laughed so hard at a tv show in my entire life. I feel kind of ashamed to admit that we were a bit skeptical before starting.
ReplyDeleteI also just got the 2nd gen chocolate (I got the black cherry though), and am loving it. I just keep forgetting to pick up the headphones (regular ones don't fit) so I haven't used the mp3 player part as much as I would like to.
so if your squares are 1 7/8, allowing for seam allowances, your blocks must be less that 5 inches. Wow that is intricate. Can't wait to see it all.
ReplyDeleteSuch neat blocks! I love the sense of accomplishment that comes from figuring out something.
ReplyDeleteThat picture at the top looks like you sneaked in here and took a picture when I wasn't looking. Glad to see that someone else works like that!
ReplyDeleteI have pink ponies and Polly Pockets all over my painting studio! I love the picture of the pony in your studio--it's a great reminder that there are many of us multi-taskers out there.
ReplyDeleteBusy, busy woman. I fully respect your choice to walk away from domestic duties... they are always waiting when we return, so it's not a *missed* opportunity!
ReplyDeleteWow--deja vu all over again!! I have a fabric just like the polka dotted brown in the second photo--except mine is made of a rayon blend that I love.
ReplyDeleteI actually am in a bit of house chaos but I had a similiar weekend... my husband's brother came and took my kids away for the day with his, and I was left to sew all day!!! I totally neglected everything "work wise" and it was great. Now back to reality. Did you get "Vodka and Caviar"??? My favorite and on my toes right now!!!
ReplyDeleteeveryone is so busy lately- must be the routine of getting back int Fall. LOVE the fabrics and your new little pattern.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great weekend, much better than the domestic choice, especially because shopping and chocolate were involved. The blocks look gorgeous - very nifty.
ReplyDeletethis would be more accurate with English paper piecing techniques. Cool pattern by the way.
ReplyDeletetake care sunshine
Thanks for the suggestion sunshine, I outta try that!
ReplyDelete:) Anna
I have the same little pony keeping me company in my sewing room...and spiderman. He helps with some of my bow making too.
ReplyDeleteI love the new blocks..can't wait to see the finished product.
-Andre'a
I can't do any hand work when I am watching The Office. I laugh so hard my stitches get crooked.
ReplyDeleteOk....I got lost on the OPI page! LOL I'm back now. Love your linkies. Well, I just plain love your site. Thanks for sharing your life and love.
ReplyDeleteWow! That sounds like a fantastic day. I strongly believe in ignoring chores once in a while to have a day you will remember with someone you love. Actually, not many chores get done around my place.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see the results of your recent project...nothing better than old and new blended into a beautiful result.
I enjoy your blog very much!
Hey Anna Maria!
ReplyDeleteNice star blocks- Stocks? Blars?
I am a big Office fan, too. And that new show Pushing Daisies- I hope it stays good and does well. And Scrubs. That show always always makes me laugh out loud - no matter how many times I have seen the episode!
oh my.. you ARE adventurous!
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing more sweeter looking to me than an artist's little bit of mess. And I enjoyed all of your links!
ReplyDeleteTeresa
happy chaos....you know it!
ReplyDeletei could be getting my teeth pulled and still think the office is hysterical.
christie
www.punkychicken.typepad.com
Those blocks are adorable (and yep -- blocks even if they aren't square :0) ). And ya know what? All the dust and other chores are still there waiting, but the time spent with your daughter and husband -- much more important. Happy chaos indeed!
ReplyDeleteThere is a quilting saying (maybe Amish?) that you a quilt should always contain at least one mistake so as not to rival God's perfection.
ReplyDeleteI usually have this more than covered!