We've Come A Long Way Baby!

As I have been preparing for the upcoming show, I have also been trying to edit my stash.  I think that's just the fancy word for cleaning, but it doesn't sound so laborious.  I came across a stack of blocks that I cut in 1989.  I can't believe I am admitting that online.

  

That was in the olden days - before rotary cutters, rulers and mats.  I just have to say, "I love my rotary cutter!"

I was able to piece it surprisingly well for as odd as the blocks seemed to be.  They were closer than I thought they would be.  Most of my corners even match.

  

I did all of this before I even really knew anything about fabric.  Some of the pieces still had the selvage.  It was 'sew' weird.  I am getting ready to sandwich it and quilt it, but so far it has turned out kinda pretty.  

This little nostalgic trip back in quilting time has made me realize just how far quilting has come and how far I have come as a quilter.  Whew.  See, reading all those books and magazines, visiting all those shops and shows, and "practicing" really pays off.  I think I just came up with my new excuse reason to stitch rather than do housework.  I am practicing my quilting so I can get really good at it.  Oh no, I am not very good yet.  Need to keep practicing.  I just can't get it quite right.  Let me try for another hour or so.  I think then I'll 'get it.'  I might need to practice some more tomorrow.  Okay, I'll stop. Quilting really has come a long way though, and I am glad to be in the company of like minded stitchers.

Until next time,

Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches

  

Doodads

Well, hello there.  I am back from the quilt show.  It was very nice, and you are not going to believe this, but I left my camera in the car.  I looked and shopped freely.  I didn't take a single picture all weekend.  The quilts were fabulous of course.  I was surprised to see that there were not a lot of quilts, and there were quite a few vendors - kinda the opposite of Baker where there were lots of quilts and not so many vendors.  That's why it does us good to hit a variety of shows.  Hood River has some Beautiful! historic houses.  I have been in the fun room playing.  I tend to stick pins in my shirt as I am working away, not to remember them until later when they demand attention with their sharp points into my side.  I made one of these for myself and decided they were fun so made a few more to put in the etsy shop.

This is the one for me.  I made one more like it and a few others.  Now I can stick my pins in this.  It clips onto my shirt rather than pins - I love that I can put it down low on my shirt where I usually stick the pins.  It also holds my scissors when I am not using them so acts as a fob. 

I love playing with vintage jewelry.  Oooh, aaaah - pretty.

 I am usually drawn to old fashioned styles - like really old as in Victorian, golden hues with deep rich colors, but who can resist the happy reproduction fabrics.  I will just refer to it as out of my box - any excuse will work really.  I am not to choosy.

 Aaaaand, it can be a name tag as well.  Or it can hold a note with a measurement, name, pattern, scribble, or just any ol' thing that needs holding onto so I don't loose it:)

These are now in my Etsy shop & I am hoping to get a few more made in the next couple days in different styles.  I have a couple more ready to rock and roll.  I am having waaay too much fun.  Hope you enjoy!  Have a marvelous Monday morning.

Nimble Fingers & Happy Needles