Still here and still stitching

Looks like I am going to be lucky to post once a month these days. My new plan to focus on some unfinished projects is working quite well but that new focus has resulted in less time for blogging and more time for stitching. And I am not even reading blogs as much as I am really trying to have fewer distractions so that I can put some concentrated effort on working on some of my own designs. I discovered the world of quilting blogs about 5 years ago and have taken much delight in what others in the quilt world are working on and have certainly been inspired to try many new things. But unfortunately I put many of my own designs aside and have decided that I need to look for my own quilting voice again and find a way to enjoy the fun sew alongs that I see online and love to do without losing myself in the process. It is a very difficult balance for me, I love seeing what is new but I end up being drawn into what everyone else is doing and my own ideas seem to recede. Does anyone else feel this way? Anyway, I have been busy stitching. First up is my Miss Porter by Di Ford.

One of my biggest influences since I began blogging is Australian quilts and designers. I just love what is happening in Australia in the reproduction quilts, modern fabrics, great color and fabric arrangements. There seems to be more people doing handwork including EPP, embroidery and hand piecing and such wonderful hand applique. Why it just all makes my heart sing and I am so inspired. And that is what got me hooked into The Splendid Sampler. Another sampler of all American designers I might have been able to resist, but one organized by an American and an Australian and including designers from all over the world had me intrigued. I am all caught up and am loving each and every block. Here are my blocks so far.

There are also 2 extras in that group, both by Lori Holt. I am not sure if they will be included but any time I have a chance to make an extra 6 " block I am trying to make it in colors that will blend in case I want to use it in the finished quilt. The extras are the bee and the little Instagram camera which was a little mystery block Lori did via Instagram.

I am also working on this year's BOM by Sentimental Stitches, the 1857 Album Quilt. I am not doing the traditional colors of red and green. As part of finding my own voice, I decided to use "my colors" and may make a few changes along the way to personalize my blocks. This one is fun and easy, a nice break when I am looking for some simple stitching.

I am also working on an old project of my own design which I started before I began blogging and which I have decided not to share right now. It is a pretty intense project with lots of applique and I have dreams of entering it in a national show (if I ever finish the thing) so for now it remains secret which is another reason my blog posts will probably remain infrequent. Hope to be back soon with some more stitching to share.

 

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