Thursday, June 28, 2012

fun color test

Are you color blind?  Not I!  I took this color test at the Huffington Post and it was pretty interesting.  I would bet that a lot of us quilters would get good scores on this one.  I got an 11.  The lower scores are better - best score possible is 0 and highest can go over 900-something at least (that is the score if you don't organize them, LOL)

I'd love to hear your scores! :)  I am interested to see if I can get hubs and our sons to take the test........


Tuesday, June 26, 2012

food allergies suck

Well, I have now confirmed that I *am* allergic to cherries.  I did a little searching last night on cherry allergies, and it seems it might be related to Birch pollen allergies too?  Interesting.  Sounds like possibly only 'raw' cherries though, which I guess I can deal with.  There is a place that I've camped at twice under some trees (same time of year), and both times I woke up with my eyes nearly swollen shut.  I'm thinking maybe those are birch trees possibly.  We do have a couple birch trees in our own yard, but I don't spend time *under* those trees.  I do have itchy eyes/ears/nose during hayfever season, but not horribly bad.  I'm guessing it is those birch trees though possibly.
Anyhow, I don't know how many of you were following me last year when I had the scary allergic  reaction after eating a bowl of bing cherries - started with itchy ears, throat, uncontrollable sneezing, itchy eyes, slightly uncomfortable breathing, then completely stuffed nose and eyes swollen like I'd been hit by a bus.  When I went to the doctor a couple days later, she told me I should have gone to the hospital - and gave me a scrip for an epi-pen.  Well, I almost used that epi-pen on Sunday.  The doctor had told me to try cherries again this year, only in a small dose.  So, I ate 3 cherries (that I had rinsed well), and I got another horrible scary reaction.  I did notice the reaction coming on, and took Benadryl faster than I had the first time though, so I think that made a difference.  It was only about 75% of the reaction as last year, but still bad enough that I thought I might go to the ER.  Scary stuff.  My son told me that he thinks I must be bullet proof - because even with that reaction, I still stuck it out and worked on the truck project hubby and I have going on, LOL.  We have been working on it a lot lately, so I have nothing to share in the way of quilting unfortunately!  I do plan to baste a quilt or two this week though, so maybe I will have something to share soon!


Saturday, June 16, 2012

siggy blocks

Today, I worked on my siggy blocks for the siggy block swap on Flickr.  I got 64 blocks done, they are yet unsigned though (still going to practice, and maybe find a different pen to write with).

Does anybody have any suggestions for pen/technique for the signature?  I have Micron Pigma pens size 005, but I can't seem to get a nice solid signature with them.  I tried a fine sharpie, and it was a little better, but not by much.  I think I need to stabilize the fabric somehow......maybe iron on some freezer paper?  Or painters tape on the back?  Something that can be easily removed probably.....


Thursday, June 14, 2012

color wheel charms

I have been in 2 different 5-yard color wheel charm swaps the last couple months- and this is the result:

TEN yards of 5'' charms.  560 charm squares.  Enough for 2 quilts I'm sure......  I'm dying to use them, but I am not sure what to use them for yet.  I'm sure the project will come along.  I'm kinda glad I don't have a thought of what to make yet, because I have too many other projects going on, not to mention my 'for money' sewing I need to do!  Anyhow, just thought I'd share my lovely stack of yummy charms :)


Wednesday, June 6, 2012

more urban 9-patch blocks

I got 6 more urban 9-patch blocks done today!  I think that brings the total to 19?

Monday, June 4, 2012

more progress on the urban 9-patch

The last few days, I have been working again on the red/white Urban 9-patch quilt....... 
I got 2 more full blocks done (for a total of 12 complete blocks):
I also got ten 9-patch centers complete:
and enough of some of the outer components to finish maybe 4-5 of those 9-patch centers.  Plus, I think I have all but 8 of the 9-patches sewn together (but the curve not cut into them yet).  My plan is for a 7x7 layout - making this a decent sized quilt (81'' square I think if I have my math correct - I think these are 12'' unfinished blocks).  I am going to have to go to the fabric store and pick up more of the white on white dotty print for the background (and cross my fingers they have it!)

Saturday, June 2, 2012

small town quilt show

I went to a small quilt show in our town today - I only had my camera phone with me to take pics, but I thought I'd share what I took pics of even if they aren't the best quality photos.
Who doesn't love a good crazy quilt?  Love all the embroidery.....
 And good old-fashioned Sunbonnet Sue.  So cute!
 This one in 30's reproductions....  LOVE.  Anybody know what pattern this is called?  I forgot to look on the info tag!  Can you spot the mistake humility block?
 These 3-D type quilts always amaze me, although I don't think I'd ever make one myself, I do like to look at them!
 This is the one I voted for - all hand pieced AND hand quilted apple core scrappy quilt.  ::swoons::
 This was my second favorite.  This pattern is on my 'to-do' list.  Love it in 30's reproduction pastels, I usually see it in jewel tones!  I think this tag said it was a pattern by Darlene Zimmerman.  Basic 4-patch + HST's though, easy peasy, but stunning I think!
 This was such a lovely scrappy quilt.  My 3rd favorite :)
 This bargello flag quilt was impressive!
 This fish quilt got my vote for favorite miniature.  It had all raw edges and had great quilting!
 A selvage quilt!!!
The quilts there inspired me too..........  I think I am going to aim to enter a quilt or two in this show next year.  I think that my red/white urban 9-patch might be my goal quilt, so I am going to be thinking hard how I will quilt it so it's really eye catching :)