11/23/15

It wouldn't sing

I bought this kit at a quilt show a couple years ago.  It was one of those "had to have it" purchases.  I knew that even if I never made the quilt, I'd enjoy having the fabrics.  It's also where I learned to open the package and see what you're getting.  But, that's neither here nor there.  I kept it as a kit, knowing one day...one day.



When Rob and I were looking for a project for a gift, this fell off the shelf and he liked it.  We replaced a couple fabrics that he didn't care for.  And, I ironed it and started cutting and making blocks. 



They were so flat.  So little movement.  And, the more blocks I made. the less I liked the quilt.  I even stopped and made some sashing to see if that helped.  But, it didn't.  The blocks are small, 6" finished, so we decided to make more of them.  And, we talked about sunflowers and whether sunflowers are all uniform...or if they have varying shades of gold.  I went to stash and pulled greenish golds and orangeish golds...and, the pattern adapted for me.  Instead of just laying there, it started to have movement.



Next, we bought a border fabric and replaced the greens again...  I know!  What if I just planned ahead??  Well, then it wouldn't be my kind of art... 


I'm really enjoying how it is coming together now...

The news just ran a reminder to take your turkey out.  I just ran and took the turkey out.  It takes one day of thawing for every 4 pounds of bird. 

The other night at dinner, we were talking about whether Rob and I were going out on a date.  Sydney finally piped up.  She said it was like we'd always been this old couple that had been together a long time.  But, now we were like newlyweds on a honeymoon.  And, it is cute...and a little bit creepy.  That seems appropriate for a teen, right? 

Rob keeps reminding me of a commercial from a while back where some kid comes home, thinking his poor parents are already in bed, asleep, on a Friday night...and boring.  But, really, the parents were out on the town... and the wise ass kid was home alone.  It's time for her to be home alone some.  She's a grown up.  It's time for her to get another job, too!

Everybody have a great Monday.  It's Thanksgiving week.  I'm feeling thankful.  Thankful for my little family and our home and the life we live.  For friends and extended family and a job I understand and am good at.  Thankful that I am me, always changing, but somehow, always the same. 

Lane

 



6 comments:

Rebecca Grace said...

Lane, I really love the changes you've made to the sunflower quilt. You're right, the color variations really do bring the quilt to life. And the kit fabrics that didn't make the cut can go live in your stash -- maybe some day they will be just the thing some other quilt needs to make it sing!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

Becky said...

Happy Thanksgiving Lane, Rob and Sydney!!

I love what you have done with the sunflowers. It is gonna be a stunner! Lane, you are beyond a quilter, you are a quilt artist. I have always enjoyed your eye for design and color!

Love you! Becky

Libby in TN said...

Little changes mean a lot. It's looking good!

Vesuviusmama said...

Hi, Lane! Remember me - Erin, AKA Vesuviusmama? I'm trying to be more diligent about blogging, both reading and writing. I miss it and my online community very much! Anyway, I love what you've done with that quilt - really made it come alive!

lw said...

Adding the different hues and intensities made a huge difference. There's so much more depth now, and the dappling effect makes the sunflowers very clearly sunflowers, if you know what I mean.

I don't know a single kid who is comfortable with the notion that their parents are still--well-- physically romantic with each other. I think I was in my thirties before "creepy" changed to "wonderful."

Kath said...

Happy Thanksgiving Lane, to you and your family. It's a shame we don't celebrate thanksgiving here in England, it's a lovely time to think about how fortunate we are and all the things we are grateful for.
I'm sure you will have a lovely holiday together.