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Organization contemplation

I have been overwhelmed recently with my obligations. Quilting, therefore, is at a temporary standstill. I can't even sneak in a few minutes! So, during this time, I wanted to discuss with you some things I've seen regarding fabric organization.

I am a member of the Stashbusters Yahoo group, which is supposed to be dedicated to paring down and better organizing your stash. Today's daily email was of a member who'd done an intense reorganization in her sewing room. Then, totally unrelated, a little later, I read a fellow blogger's recent entry to her blog who'd done the same thing. Both had made use of a board-like item that they wrapped their fabric around.

So, I started digging a bit.

I saw this system at PolarNotions.com:

And I saw this similar system at TheFabricOrganizer.com:

They are fabulous systems! But a bit costly. So, I saw that the bloggers I'd mentioned above hit on an ingenious solution to produce the same basic result. They used Comic Book Backing Boards!

I'd never even heard of these; have you? But apparently they are a stiff board of some sort, and they are acid-free, so they are safe for your fabrics. And they are much more affordable. Who knew?!!

What about you? Have you heard of these? Or what do you use for your fabric organization system?

A new pin cushion!

Do you remember the Pincushion Pass?

Well, I got my pincushion!

This thing is HUGE--probably no less than 10" wide!

Doncha just love the tape measure sewn onto this? It's just fabulous!

And look at the little embroidered dressform!

Thank you, partner. I LOVE it!!!

Quilt Odyssey 2010 - Hershey, PA

I attended Quilt Odyssey last month. All I can say is, WOW.

There were far too many quilts being exhibited for me to get pictures of them all. But I did take quite a few pictures you can go to my flickr photostream to view the set. The photo above shows just one of several stunning quilts. Update: I have removed the pictures so as not to violate any copyright, etc. laws.

I chose to focus this year on prizewinning quilts. What is it that makes a prizewinning quilt a prizewinning quilt? I can't help but think that, at least in some small way, it is subjective, and depends upon who the judges are and what they want in a quilt--on that day. Honestly; some quilts that were passed up were beautiful, and no less breathtaking than the winners. But, I'm not the expert; the judges are, right?!!

I focused on these types of quilts at the show, because as my quilting group has recently been toying with the idea of holding a quilt show in the future, I came to the realization that I don't really create exhibit-worthy quilts. Now, I LOVE my quilts, and I think they're beautiful, but worthy of being in a show? Hmmm. This issue has given me pause for a couple of months now.

So, I have therefore begun to look at quilts differently, and with a critical eye. Certainly, every quilt can't--and shouldn't--be show quality. I believe very strongly in the utilitarian nature of quilts. All but two of mine (the antique one, and the white one that is my avatar) get used. And, besides, my children are still young, and I homeschool them to boot, so my time to quilt is limited. I not only love the clean lines of large block quilts, but they are ideal for my lifestyle, as they go together very quickly.

Yet, even if I do it one block at a time (the way I'm creating my string quilt), I have to try to eventually figure out how to slowly but surely create quilts from time to time that are worthy of being hung in shows. And, as I now have this goal in the back of my mind, I find that a couple of things have happened. First, I am more tolerant now of "traditional" quilting than I was before, and am beginning to like patterns that I didn't previously like. Second, I have to make an effort not to become discouraged about quilting altogether--since, you know, the kind of quilts I want to try to make take more time.

So, along with the busyness of life, this is a really good explanation as to why you have not heard as much from me recently. I love quilting no less than before. I have just had to, by necessity and through re-evaluation, take a wee step back.

Flimsy Gifts

Did I tell you? I was gifted not one, but two--count 'em, TWO--quilt tops, or flimsies!

It is really hard to give you a good idea of what this quilt top really looks like, because it is HUGE! I can't remember right now what the measurements were, but I remember that this quilt can easily fit a queen or king sized bed! It has a small flaw; one of the blocks was not finished (see it down on the lower right?) so I am going to have to {gulp} try to match the fabric and finish the block. But I think the challenge of doing that is more than worth it.

Here's a close-up. Isn't this just fabulous! (Do you know what the name of this block is?)

But wait; there's more!

It's an applique quilt! I was speechless when this quilt top was unfolded. Especially since all things applique make me break out in a cold sweat. My being so intimidated by applique quilts makes them doubly coveted by me. Like the pink one, this one is large enough to fit a queen, or possibly even a king bed.

I was thinking I'd give this as a gift, but I don't know. Could/would YOU part with this?

These "Flimsy" gifts are anything but flimsy.

It arrived!

This is the pincushion I sent to my partner. She emailed me last night to let me know it arrived, and I think she really likes it. She especially was happy about its size. It IS nice and big! Lots of room for lots of pins and needles.

You're welcome, B. It was a LOT of fun to make!

So, perhaps I'll hold on to the others for future gifts, or giveaways...:)

Pincushion mailed!

So, one of these lovelies was sent off to my Pincushion Pass partner today (don't peek, Bobbi)! Which one do you think I sent her?

O, and yes, the square pink/orange/yellow/white one is new. I've shown you all of these except for that one.

And, yes, I'm back. :)

I'm...vacationing

...well, not exactly.

My mom and aunt live in a retiree-friendly and disabled-friendly suburb of Vegas, and I am with them for a week and a half, helping to provide care for my sick aunt. She has autoimmune neurological illnesses; her current physical state can best be compared to that of a quadriplegic. I hope my time here gives my mom at least a little assistance; she is SO tired, and not in the best health herself. (Please keep them both in your prayers.) If you've dropped me a kind word or two by way of a comment, know that I will get back to you as soon as I can. But I try not to talk about weighty issues on this blog, so I'll shutup and leave you with a picture. :)

Stacked pincushion

Here's another one.

I just love the look of this stacked, or tiered, pincushion, with the hand button on the top!

I think it's SO bright and cheery!

Pincushion inspiration

So...

1. taco 004, 2. Asian Crane Pincushion, 3. Stove Pincushion for Pretty Pretty Pincushion Swap, 4. STRAWBERRY AND CREAM TART, 5. Patio Party Pinushion, 6. silent community, 7. Mini Purse Pincushion Tutorial, 8. Happy Birthday Pincushion, 9. Untitled

I just finished viewing the pincushions in the Pincushion pool over in flickr--all. 235. pages. of. them.

(O my; did I eat during that time? Take care of my family?)

And I have to say, you pincushion-ers are amazing. You created everything from tacos to ovens to wormy apples to headbands, all in pincushion format.

I was hoping to get inspiration for a couple of more pincushions that I'd like to make, so I could have a number of them from which to choose for my partner for the Pincushion Pass.

Um...I got it. (Inspiration.)

Thank you. :)