twelve squared

12x12=144



That's how many followers I have. I noticed today. I've been watching the number climb and getting excited to see it grow. I think part of that has been because of my varied interests and I think part of it is because when I'm on my game, I'm interesting (and when I'm not, I bore even myself). But, you've stuck with me through those long and boring times and lately, I think I've sent a couple of interesting tidbits out into the blogsphere.



There's the post on indifference, which was very popular and drew both comments and private emails. I was surprised how many people are, like me, trying to find another way to deal with pain and was pleased that some found out they were not alone. Of course, there's no way to link up those that thought they were alone so they can know they are not, unless somebody speaks up. And, I was glad I did.



And, there was the ship pattern that so many thought I should publish. If only I knew how (he says wistfully.) But, before I can think about that, I have to finish the darn quilt. And my inability to focus on one thing for too long at a stretch means that might take a while.



I hope I've inspired someone to sew for Project Linus or to another charitable organization (Britches for Boys...I'm just sayin'. That was some easy sewin'). If I were to challenge quilters to make a project a month, and if I shared the easiest scrap quilt pattern in the whole wide world, would anybody accept the challenge? And, if I gave a place to share pics, and you accepted the challenge, would you show us your projects there? My weekend is going to be devoted to finishing a Linus quilt that is already pieced (so you'll get to see the easiest scrap pattern in the world next week).



I know some of you found me from Bonnie Hunter's blog. Luv me some Bonnie work. Sorry that my RRCB got stalled. I let myself get one step behind and now I can't seem to get caught up. I did get the last blocks attached this morning and now I can proceed with the pieced border. I'm looking forward to getting this one finished and quilted as I need a new cuddle lap quilt. My old one has been drafted into service to protect the sofa from the pets.



Some of you found me through Peter's blog. Peter is a sewing inspiration to me. I don't want to quit quilting, but I would like to expand my horizons so I can further justify owning so many sewing machines ;-). Maybe, if I get really courageous, I'll show you pics of the coat I made about 8 years ago out of an old, striped, wool blanket. I would very much like to take that apart and try again. I can do better. I've learned a lot in the past 8 years about sewing and even more in the last 4 months about garment construction. If you laughed at my 60's era sewing book that I was reading, you might be surprised to know that I learned a LOT about making clothing from the parts of it that I was interested in and now I'm reading one from the 80's that is also packed with information. I skip a lot. I don't need to know how to line an A line skirt. But I'm reading about patterns and interfacing and fabrics and tailoring from them (and poor Jane Austen languishes on the bedside, waiting for me to get back to fiction). The 60's era book also told me how to make a tailor's ham and I'm going to give it a try. Hey, what the heck. Worst that can happen is it molds (the wool is supposed to be wet when the ham is packed) and I throw it away, but since I'm making it from things that are scrap and junk I've held onto like it was the grail, I've nothing to lose. I'll post pics of how that goes starting over the weekend.

Some of you have been with me through two blogs, one of which was lost to the blog-o-sphere (probably for the best). You've seen me grieve and rage and depress (not correct grammar, but hey). You've encouraged me and given me great advice through some really difficult parenting. And, you still keep coming back.

To all twelve squared of you, Thank YOU. I watched Julie and Julia this morning and I have a new appreciation for how blogging has changed me. I think it's made me a better person and I hope you've found something here you like.

And, I'd like to give a big Thanks to my man. Rob, you've put up with my obsessive sewing when you'd rather I was doing something else and you've learned about quilting so that you could be part of my hobby rather than...well, because you've been so great, I don't know what the "rather than" would be. Thanks for being part of my life, hobbies and all.

So, with my traditional ending; Take care. By that, I mean Take care of yourself, take care of your loved ones and take care of your life.

My favorite movie line..."It's like she had a life, but she didn't feed it and it wandered away."

Lane