\LYT-moh-teef\
Just in case -- it means a dominant or recurring theme. (I only know what it means because an English professor I took a class from loved to use this term. Ad nauseum. And no, he didn't use that term but by the end of the semester, my class sure knew what it meant... but I digress.)
My leitmotif -- or "theme" -- this year seems to be tardiness and/or absenteeism. Though it must be said that a cursory inspection of my attendance record while in school would show that it isn't a new or recently-developed theme.
First things first -- my Mom is fine. Rosie is fine. It has just been busy. Not crazy, hectic, oh-my-gosh busy... just that regular, everyday, not-enough-hours-in-the-day-to-finish-all-the-stuff-on-my-list sort of occupied busy. You know how that is.
But there are a couple of things to tell you about so let me get right to it -- there has been a magazine recall that you need to know about. Have you seen this magazine?
Quilter's Home magazine -- June/July 2011 issue.
It is a lovely issue, chock full of all sorts of terrific articles, need-to-knows and all-around fun things.
But the editors made a really big mistake, one that they have corrected.
The issue wasn't re-published. It was the sort of mistake that a big black Sharpie could fix.
The corrected copy looks like this --
:
As in... the really nice folks at Quilter's Home included this little blog here in their lovely list... only I haven't been around since the issue was published!
I confess that I'm quite flattered but feeling very undeserving... notwithstanding that whole absenteeism thing. Several of my very favorite blogs are on the list. The Happy Zombie? Yep. Read that one. Jacqui at Tallgrass Prairie Studio? Been bookmarked for ages. Elizabeth Hartman at Oh Fransson? Rita at Red Pepper Quilts? And the Stitchin' Post in Sisters, Oregon, the home of Jean and Valori Wells? And the list goes on with lots of very familiar and all-together terrific blogs. So if you're looking for some amazing inspiration, there are 54 places to go.
So what exactly has kept me busy? I've been writing patterns, filling orders, doing a little bit of sewing, running my Mom and I around to appointments of one kind or another, and getting back to a couple of regular shifts at my "other job". New fabric arrived from all sorts of different places, including Nine Dots, the next Rosie collection that will be coming in late July or early August.
(More on that later this week -- I promise!)
It's also been kind of disjointed getting back in the swing of things after sort of gearing up for Market and then having to change those plans. I actually got a lot of work done and maybe that is what messed me up. I wonder if this is how racehorses feel when they're not in a race... they sort of run around a bit and then when they realize there isn't anybody smacking them on the rumpus with a little stick, they just loll around in the sun munching the grass. Just wondering.
I'm getting a couple of new Schnibbles to the photographer this week... finally. I think they've been sitting on the cabinet for a week or two now. As soon as I have good pictures of them -- mine are always poorly lit and either on the floor or the wall -- I'll show you what they look like.
There's one missing, it was still on the wall and I forgot to get it into the stack. I'll do that before I forget -- it wouldn't be the first time I was halfway across town and realized I had forgotten something I was supposed to take with me.
I am very, very happy to say that no swearing was involved in the making of these new Schnibbles.
Though the patterns are finished yet so there is still time.
I've also been getting some "fun" -- as in, not related to work -- stitching done. While I've been working on it off-and-on for what Ginger will tell you is forever -- and she's not far off -- I'm going to finish this this week!
This is one of my friend, Ginger Sanchez', designs. The leaves and basket will still get a little stitching for definition but all that's left are the red flowers, the basket and the berries. And then it will have to be finished off. It makes Ginger absolutely nuts but I turn most of my penny rugs into pillows. What can I tell you? The pillows get used and enjoyed but the penny rugs... well, I don't get to enjoy them as much. The funny thing is that Ginger knows this but it still annoys her that I turn them into pillows. It isn't like she doesn't already know that I am a habitual, un-repentant Flat Surface Abuser.
I have to finish this one soon so that I can maybe, possible, probably not get one of her newest patterns done by Christmas. This is one of my favorite designs she's ever done and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Ginger will do this one as a class this summer.
Wouldn't that make a really cute pillow?
There isn't any chance at all I will get this one done by September or October. But I might start it anyway... it would also make a terrific Fall pillow.
While on the subject of wool, did you know that Bonnie Sullivan of All Through the Night fame has published a book with the lovely folks at Quiltmania?
It is titled Bonnie's Garden and it is beautiful. Quilts, punch needle, stitchery, little projects -- the book has everything. C'est magnifique!
While you're there, take the time to look at Yoko Saito's book, My Quilting Life, and Shizuko Kuroha's book, Indigo and Sarasa. Both books are in French and English, making these the first English-language books by both quilters. I particularly loved the Indigo book as everything from the quilts to the information presented is exceptional.
That's all I can think of right now.
But I'll be back.
Eventually. Maybe even sooner.
Glad to hear things are ok there in AZ. I so enjoy your funny, intelligent, creative jottings. And you definitely get way more accomplished than I do. And I don't even have a job! Stay cool there in the desert.
Posted by: Leslie Schmidt | June 06, 2011 at 11:57 PM
What no swearing lol. and yes I got a copy of this mag too, and must admit have spent more time than I should sourcing out new blogs to read lol
Busy takes us to places we cannot even imagine... thanks for the turn of my lips into a smile, like only you can do
Posted by: madame samm | June 07, 2011 at 12:43 AM
Love Gingers patterns have been a fan forever!
I have to get the O Tannenbaum pattern love those trees! congrats on being included in the list that they think are the best blogs!
some I agree, some I question...more I could add to that list.
Kathie
Posted by: kathie | June 07, 2011 at 03:11 AM
Good to hear from you! Lots of fun news!
Posted by: Cindy | June 07, 2011 at 04:48 AM
I always miss you cheery blog notes. Glad all is well, but I know what busy looks like.
Posted by: Jocelyn | June 07, 2011 at 06:58 AM
Missed your blogs! Glad to hear all is well with your, your mom, and Rosie! Smile!
Posted by: Elaine Morgan | June 07, 2011 at 09:45 AM
So are you saying that you have been chasing your tail much like Miss Rosie does??? I'm sure Miss Rosie thinks that's a fun thing... whereas, not so much for you!
It's nice to see that you were included in the magazine issue! I was wondering if there was a miscount/much like hanging chads or did someone get crossed off the list? I'm glad it wasn't you! I'm going to go pick up a copy if I can find one.
Now, stop reading this and get back to work on those Schnibbles! hehe
Posted by: Sinta Renee | June 07, 2011 at 09:56 AM
I love reading your blog whenever you write it! I'm so glad to hear that your Mom is doing ok. Busy is good, but take some time for you. blessings, marlene
Posted by: Marlene | June 07, 2011 at 03:18 PM
Your blog is always wonderful to read and even makes me laugh too. I had a lot of fun reading yours and Cupcakes and Daisies blog lately. It sounds like you both had a great time. The airport story was a lot of laughs.
Glad your Mom is OK. Very excited to see the new Schnibble patterns. Your wool applique project looks very nice and will make a lovely pillow. I love working with wool. It is so relaxing and fun to work with.
Have a great week,
Karen M
Posted by: Karen | June 07, 2011 at 07:03 PM
Looking forward to seeing the new patterns, and hope that Long Tall Sally is among them!
Posted by: Lyn | June 07, 2011 at 08:49 PM
Be proud of being in this year's top 55 List. You are loved by many and this magazine's article recognizes your contributions to our wonderful world of quilting. I bought this issue with excitement from this article and you!
SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com
Posted by: SewCalGal | June 07, 2011 at 10:06 PM
Good to hear from you, Carrie! Glad that everyone is healthy. Life sure gets busy, doesn't it?
Posted by: Darlene B | June 08, 2011 at 05:32 AM
welcome back :-) just have to tell you that i'm in the middle of making your Luci in the sky quilt (with 3 sisters Peace on Earth fabric) and it's so much fun--your idea of trimming the hourglass blocks is pure genius!
Posted by: dorothy | June 08, 2011 at 09:28 AM
Love Ginger's patterns! You're in for some fun!
Posted by: Carol | June 10, 2011 at 08:36 AM
Loved hearing what you have been busy doin ... I can hardly wait to see your new patterns and get them ordered for my shop - got a little section going to Schnibbles!
Posted by: Gran - Knot-y Embroidery Lady | June 11, 2011 at 06:10 PM
You may not be a consistant blogger, but I enjoy reading what you write- when you write!
PS- I'm hopelessly addicted to Moonlight Mahjong as well...
Posted by: Kathi B | June 13, 2011 at 11:19 AM
Really, really want to see the new patterns!
Has the smoke from the fires come your way or interferred in your community?
Posted by: pam hansen | June 14, 2011 at 11:27 AM
Glad to hear everyone is ok. Was beginning to worry. Congratulations on the blog thing.
Posted by: barbara | June 15, 2011 at 04:26 PM
Is this the "Sports Illustrated curse" - you write about someone being a great player and then they hit a slump? I'm having Miss Rosie blog withdrawals - ha ha! I don't know how you get everything done and so beautifully. You are an inspiration!
Posted by: Ramona Chester | June 16, 2011 at 01:33 PM
Ok where can I find ginger patterns. I know I used to have a few of them but can't find them! Does she have a website I couldn't find it
Thanks
Posted by: Kathie | January 19, 2012 at 01:18 PM