Have you all had a good weekend? We’ve had a nice relaxing weekend here in ThimbleannaLand. The whole family made the trek to visit TheFirstChild and SweetiePie to celebrate the birthdays of MeMum and TheFirstChild which will occur next week. It’s always fun when we get together — the cousins are always entertaining and I love to see how they interact with each other. MyDadLovesMeBestSister probably wishes that my two now-grown boys would leave her three now-adolescent children alone, but hopefully all their lives will be enriched by the mayhem!
Before the big day out, TheManoftheHouse and I went to see Julie and Julia. Meryl Streep was wonderful and I thought Amy Adams was pretty cool too. I don’t know that I’d say I loved the movie, but I did really enjoy it — especially with the tie to blogging. The whole idea of “stalking” a chef from a blog sort of made me think about “stalking” a quilter from a blog. If I could stalk a quilter, who would it be? Who is my idol?
I finally decided that my true quilting heros are all dead. Long gone. I love old traditional quilts and the more I’m overwhelmed by all the fabric and pattern choices that we have today, the more I’m in awe of all those women who came before us. The amazing quilts they made with so few resources. Can you imagine what they would have done with the wide variety of fabrics that we have? It’s a little scary to think about it!
So, speaking of stalking quilters, I might be stalking CrazyMom. Did you notice that she’s having a second round of her 9 Patch-Along? (Day 27 already — where has the summer gone?) She said she just wanted to make another one, but I’m thinking this round might be for her flunkies from round 1, so that we can get caught up. A Remedial Quilt-Along.
A second chance – I’m going to do better. Really. I’m ready for you this time, CrazyMom.
XOXO,
Anna
OOOHHH…That Heather Ross bicycle perfectly fussy cut just makes me smile!
Gosh, you do have some lovely fabrics in that pile for the quilt-along. I agree, some of those older quilts are really fabulous!
I’m glad you had a wonderful weekend! It’s been pretty quiet around here but I’ve gotten a lot done that needed to be done. I baked your shortbread cookies this afternoon and they are now cooling ready to EAT!! I haven’t yet seen the movie but I’d like to soon. I have it on my agenda next weekend so hopefully nothing comes up to spoil my plans. I’m only working 1/2 days on Friday now so I thought Friday afternoon would fun. Have a great week.
Whoops I forgot to mention all your fabric, quilts and that I love that square with the bicycle on it. OK that’s it.
Sounds like a great weekend! Mine was fun too! I had a pre-wedding party for my friend Cony to go to – not quite a bachelorette party because we had 2 kids with us! Also spent some time in Edinburgh last week – must post about it but feeling a little blogged out at present…..must go get my mojo back!
Yup, all our grammas from days gone by, isn’t that the truth, they really are our heros and wouldn’t they think us so strange now, to see what we do and why. The lines of fabric and selection we have…hmm It’s all so different now.
Hubby and I just saw Julie and Julia and we really enjoyed it too. For many of the same reasons that you did. Hubby thought it was funny that Julie was blogging and had a few choice teasing words for me and blogging. HA! But like you I have many idols too, Quilting idols and love traditional quilts. Can’t wait to see your nine patches. They will be just gorgeous, I know.
You make me laugh. You really do. Flunkies. I do not think there are flunkies in quilting. I’d sooner call you all Lifers. Lifers fits.
My husband and I went to the movie Friday night. My thought was, 365 days, 524 blocks. Do you think it could be done? I’d probably go crazy.
I’ve heard a lot of good things about that movie. Your fabric stash is amazing. :)
I can’t wait to see that movie–that and The Time Traveler’s Wife. I found her old blog and I’ve been slowly reading it–and I’m thinking about the book. Have you read Julia Child’s My life in France? Someone was just saying that it was really good…I love 9 patches, well I just love squares…oh and triangles too lol!! I’m with you I love old vintage quilts. Speaking of love I love your 9 patches–especially that red and aqua one in the middle…and what a lovely stack of fabric squares, makes me want to go cut some and make a pretty stack myself lol!!
I am looking forward to that movie opening in Australia! Love your 9 patches – such pretty fabrics. The quilters of yesteryear were certainly very resourceful and crative.
hmmm, now I’m recognizing some of your fabrics you 9 patch quilt along flunkie! I’m glad you had such a great weekend Anna!
I’m still loving the fabric that’s on top in that last photo…The quilter I would have loved to “stalk” is dead…Grace Snyder. She was an amazing quilter and I would have to say CrazyMom comes in a close second.
Anna, I read the book but haven’t seen the movie yet. My Mom bought me the book a few years ago (My name) was the only reason she purchased it. LOL We went to see “The Time Traveler’s Wife” I liked it. Have a great week end. xoxo Jewels alias Julia/Julie TeeHee
Looking forward to seeing that film too. Who’d have thought you were a stalker?!!!!
Kimxxx
lovely post, but the first thing that comes to mind is:
SACRILEGE!!!!
Thim. ble. An. Na.
YOU CUT INTO A PIECE OF HEATHER ROSS FABRIC?
i saw it.
there’s no denying now. i saw that little bicycle, all fussy cut for your block.
I’m sitting here. In California. Gasping for air.
Forgive my while I try to recover.
Oh yeah, I made 8 blocks. That’s it. 8. I’ll make a few more today.
:waves madly
I was hoping to see Julie and Julia…but after reading a few “it was ok” reviews I’m thinking maybe a dvd evening at home with Meryl might be better. Lovely fabrics, quilts, blocks…all of it :)
Have a blessed Monday
Niki.
I’m in the remedial quilt-a-long too! i think i’m almost at 50… 49 maybe.. i’ll get there and so will you!!
My hubs and I saw the movie this weekend and I really liked it. Meryl S did a great job as Julia. Really, I was surprised to see how well she pulled it off!
Your quilt looks like it is coming along nicely!
Dot is really looking forward to seeing the film when it comes out over here as she loves cooking. I hadn’t realised it had a bloggy link!
Get busy with those 9 patches!
Lucy xxx
LOL,,, I love reading your posts, just remember the Nursery Story, I think I can….. put that together with some comedy…Get R done!! Your blocks are looking great stacked up with the cute one on top.
We are going to see that movie someday, the weather just hasn’t been hot enough to make we want to escape it!!!
Insightful post. Pondering it. I do want to see the movie. But thinking about my quilt “idols” I have to agree with you. So many quilters from by gone eras were unsung and maybe before their time considering today’s fabric, as you said. I would like to take some classes in person from a few of our fellow bloggers/talents. I just saw some applique on a new blog that I was blown away with. New blog to me I mean. LIttle acorns. I think perfectionism is something I’ve never really been good at. I’m more creative. But I’d like to do work that people oooh and ahh at. Not so much to be admired but just to make myself be happy that things are so perfect. Ok. Rambling.
Can’t wait to see that movie when it’s out. I used to read Julie’s blog (when blogging wasn’t quite the thing yet)…back when I was still working and not pregnant. And yes, Crazy Mom is definitely the quilter to blog-stalk if I had to pick one. Although, I more blog-lurk than stalk. Don’t know how she does it! Wish I knew. If you find out, do let me know.
Anna, Having seen some of your quilting work on your blog, I don’t see why in the world you would feel in the least bit of awe of anyone (except perhaps your own mother). And I like your nine patches. Look forward to seeing how they turn out quilted. :)
Actually, I think the stalk-a-quilter idea is pretty cool, think of all you’d learn that way. I’m trying to resist any new projects as my head is spinning with all the many things on my to-do list. Although I’m having a wonderful summer, it has certainly proved to be a busy one. So much to do, so little time. Your quilt photos are luring me in, but I must resist, I must…I must.
All of your quilts are so gorgeous. You are probably the one who is being stalked :o)
I don’t quilt myself, but I can relate to what you are saying about the older quilters and the old traditional quilts. Did you see or read about the Gee’s Bend quilt exhibit? Very poor Southern women who were pretty much cut off from the rest of society made quilts from whatever they could find, including blue jean materials still caked with dirt from their husbands working in the fields. The quilts were so rich and beautiful in a way that is hard to put in to words.
Valuable thoughts and advices. I read your topic with great interest.
Now I don’t know if want to see the movie or not. Is there lots of yummy food?? I love the little square on the top of the stack!
It has been lovely to catch up with the house of Thimbleanna! What fun you have over here! And what a terific holiday …. it was so rediculously cold when we were at the canyon last year … hard to imagine it so hot!
Hope you are well!!!!!
Hi Anna,
I hope to have my first nine patch finished by the time the second round is over too, yours is going to be great. Crazymom started me down the stippling path, she’s an inspiration and so are YOU!
he he – Crazymom stalker! You and the rest of the quilting bloggers :) Love your piles of squares – it will be fabulous!
Can’t wait to see your 9 patch put all together.
Now I’ve never seen that film , I am going to watch “17 again” later when Milo has gone to bed though — lol
ohhh aren’t you lucky to get the movie already, we have to wait until october but I’m looking forward to a night out!!!!!
yep I love crazymom too…..don’t know how she does so much but its nice to see someone achieve so much!
Corrie:)
oh yes and I forgot to say love your quilts! I love that bicycle fabric and have some very overpriced little piece from ebay!
Corrie:)
your 9 patches are looking lovely! and if you want to think that i am doing the second round just for you to catch up, you go right ahead. :0)
We all have our heros. CrazyMom is one of mine as well. Your right up there too. Your blog always makes me smile.
Sister you always make me smile with your posts. Sounds like a great weekend was had with family and some good family ribbing takes place – that’s the way our family rolls as well. I’m hearing mixed reviews on that movie, might wait until I can rent it for $4, lol. You go girl on the sewing :)
Hugs – Mrs. Farmhouse
I always love your quilts, and what wonderful fabric.