March | 2008 | Mrs. Schmenkman Quilts

Archive for March, 2008

I thought they’d never leave

March 31, 2008 at 8:52 pm · Filed under Everyday Things

I’m happily recovering from finishing quilts before a quilt show and from hosting our first girls sleepover. Maybe by the time the birthday rolls around again next year, I will have forgotten it. You know, kind of like how they say all mothers forget the pain of childbirth…

I’ve also had a fleeting sighting of the Other Mrs. Schmenkman. I was kind enough to sell her some fabric, give her a hug and send her on her way with her robotic children. It’s not as mean as it sounds. Maybe that’s “robotics” children.

I’m plotting and planning next projects, but in the meantime, I had to send you over to the Piece O’Cake web site to see the ADORABLE pincushions. So. Darn. Cute! Free directions. Go on over and see.

Admittedly, they are almost as cute as the tiny Boston terrier puppy that came to the bus stop this afternoon. Almost. If I could have gotten away with sneaking it into the house to live, I would have stolen it. He barked at the bus and I swooned in love. Bobo is my new boyfriend.

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Crazy 8

March 27, 2008 at 5:37 pm · Filed under Everyday Things

Today’s the day! Someone is turning eight!

Where did this kid go? It doesn’t seem like just yesterday our girl was this size. It seems like forever ago. Every year we say how quickly she changes and how quickly the time goes by. But I think that time has now compressed itself into a time capsule I can’t even remember. How sad.

She is not yet, however, grown up. I will try to continue to appreciate that as I’m sure the coming years will zoom by too. My favorite question of the morning, after opening up presents containing new clothes, was: “do you think there will be more presents with toys later?” Yes, there will be a few toys too.

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That was close

March 22, 2008 at 8:43 pm · Filed under Books, Quilts

I didn’t get to do any additional swearing. Don’t worry, I’ll find something to swear about. I always do.

I’m not supposed to be here. Our little trip was indeed cancelled because of inclement weather. I won’t call it unseasonable because, well, it is Michigan. But Herself had to have one (of three) parties postponed. She is being consoled by a new Nintendo DS game. She also seems to have a fever, so it is probably just as well we aren’t spreading that joy. We also, ahem, had to give the Easter bunny a last-minute change of address kind of a thing so he would get the update on where we would be. He’s very clever, so we weren’t really worried. But, you know, Easter is very early this year so I didn’t want to put any undue stress on the system. Thank you, Walgreens, for helping us handle that.

A few upbeat results of not travelling. The binding on the endless black and white quilt is ready for hand-stitching, and the next victim, er, quilt, is ready for quilting. A little ahead of schedule. Don’t worry, I’ll rest on my laurels ever so briefly and be behind in no time!

But I was also here to get these delights from the mail carrier (oops, sorry about that snowy sidewalk the first time around…).

SQUEAL! Dolly quilt kits, people! I can surely get myself back behind schedule by breaking into one of these!

And who doesn’t love cheerful and interesting applique books by Ayako Miyawaki?

I mean really!

Gosh, I’m acting like it’s my birthday. Just practicing up, really.

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Yeah, it’s been like that

March 21, 2008 at 8:11 pm · Filed under Books, Everyday Things, Quilts

Meet my arch-nemesis. This is spool number 2. I have about 4 square feet, maybe a little more, of quilting to do and I am not sure I have enough thread. There will be swearing. Maybe I should clarify that: there will be more swearing.

This quilt won’t end.

I’ve spent quite enough quality time with it over the last week. And to think we will get to be together for the binding too!

I have, however, been deeply entertained by catching up on the entire last season of The Riches while I quilt.

But I won’t blame the quilt for a bad week. It is just in the mix.

Just when I thought things were looking up and a back issue magazine had arrived, I find this:

Um, this is not Fabric Trends magazine. Despite the great choice of green on the cover, thoughtfully matching my new mug, I did not order this.

However, many things were properly received for a certain girl’s upcoming birthday. I would like to thank Land’s End, Mini Boden, Hanna Andersson and Amazon for prompt and courteous (and mall-less) service. Somehow, dear daughter has grown and nothing fits in that all of a sudden kind of way. Good thing she doesn’t mind receiving clothing gifts.

Some entertainment also arrived for me.

The Alabama Stitch Book is really as amazing as everyone says. It is amazing and beautiful. I may someday sew with knit fabric.

So, until next time, may you not be annoyed by anything (including but not limited to pesky internet hosting companies with lackluster support records) and may the Easter bunny deliver lots of chocolate to you. We’re going to see about a short birthday party trip that may get cancelled by a snow storm. It’s how I roll.

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Karisma pencil revisited

March 13, 2008 at 6:33 pm · Filed under Great Quilt Patterns, Tools

You would think I’m trying to sell you something. Way back when, I talked about the Karisma mechanical marking pencil. I wasn’t overly enthused because it seemed like the marks didn’t come out any easier than a regular mechanical pencil’s marks. But, then again, I think I paid more for shipping than for the pencil itself so I had pretty high expectations.

In any event, I see that Superbuzzy now has the Karisma pencil and refills. I’m thinking I might try some of the white refills since I seem to mark mainly with white anyway.

Heh heh heh, the Kim McClean Princess Feather pattern came today. So pretty!

OK, let me go see if I can get two borders on a quilt before my return trip to the bus stop. Ready, set, go!

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Another good thing

March 11, 2008 at 8:45 pm · Filed under Books, Great Quilt Patterns

I guess I’m making up for all the internet-less time last week and am surfing all over creation. So, I wandered over and saw that Sue Spargo has a new book out with directions for her WONDERFUL Flowerbed quilt! She also has a full kit for this splendiferous creation. I guess swooning season is in full swing!

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Yes, I ordered it

March 10, 2008 at 9:28 pm · Filed under Great Quilt Patterns

Thanks to Lil, I see that there is a new quilt pattern by Kim McLean over at Glorious Patchwork. Yes, you need it too.

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In which it is revealed how lame I am

March 10, 2008 at 7:15 pm · Filed under Great Quilt Patterns, Quilts

If you’ve been playing along, you might recall a not-overly-grandiose plan back in November to construct a baby quilt with 25 six inch schoolhouse blocks for dear daughter’s teacher. It was a fine idea which, had I started sewing a few blocks at a time then, would be easy to execute. Instead, I find myself a few weeks before the due date and I punted. It is not a bad solution. You’ll recall Blue Underground Studios’ Posh Tot pattern? Well, instead of plain blocks, I inserted five of the schoolhouse blocks, added the feature fabric and am calling it a day. Lame. I am so lame. Don’t ask me how this involves my hatred of the “everyday math” curriculum. Also lame.

The modified Petal Play top is also done. I now have three quilt tops awaiting quilting. Oh and bindings. And three birthday parties to execute. All before the last weekend of the month. March is always a challenge.

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Bleak house

March 7, 2008 at 12:33 am · Filed under Fabric, Field Trips

It’s amazing what a person can get done when the internets is down all day! The Dandelion Wine quilt got bordered and the Petal Play blocks are all pieced and appliqued. Perhaps sometime when the sun is up AND the internets is working, I will show you those items. I anticipate that my connectivity will also be compromised tomorrow in the name of system upgrades, so I have to strike while the iron is hot. Actually, my iron is off. You know what I mean.

Here is some advice. For what it is worth. On the glorious day after a snow day (after the bickering masses have returned to the classroom–mind you, I have one child but she has friends…), when your internet is out (disconnecting you from your public radio streaming lifeline) AND you are working off the crabbies from the day before AND it is grey outside, DO NOT listen to The Road by Cormac McCarthy. I’m not sure how long it will take to shake off this brand of funk.

On that note, how about a snapshot of goodies from a recent field trip to a delightful local store, Material Girls? They have a wonderful selection of Japanese fabrics, among other things.

Hmm, while I can I’d better download another audio book for tomorrow’s listening pleasure. Something a little more upbeat is required.

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Oops, I did it again

March 4, 2008 at 9:42 pm · Filed under Fabric, Great Quilt Patterns, Quilts

Also known as, we interrupt the Petal Play quilt to bring you a newly-started quilt. I have nothing to say for myself. Perhaps this is a little late-winter diversionary tactic–you know, to keep my mind off another winter storm that is on its way to us. The diversion also involved Becoming Jane. The upstart in the photo is Dandelion Wine, a pattern by Lori Allison. If I hadn’t taken such a long time picking fabric (I believe I selected fabric for two of these because they are like potato chips), I could have had this cut and pieced today and no one would have been the wiser. But, oh, the fun a person could have picking fabric for lots of these. Each one would be a delightful surprise. Kind of like a blended nine-patch for lazy people. I am only speaking for myself here.

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