Well Shoot. I didn’t mean to be gone so long, but there just hasn’t been much to report lately. It’s not that I’m doing nothing, but I’ve just sort of been hibernating in the cold — doing not terribly exciting stuff like paperwork for taxes and the daily dinner grind. I’ve also spent too much time slurping around the internet — being inspired and pausing to think about stuff.
I did have a moment of fabric weakness when I bought some PamKittyGarden fabric, and I’ve been busy wrangling the tangles that result from pre-shrinking the fabric. Happy fabric has been a bright spot in these dreary January days!
I’ve also started a new sweater. I usually just want to knit all the time in the winter months, and this January has been no exception. (And, can you believe it? Today is the last day of January. Winter will be over before we know it! February is a short month — although, I don’t know how it could be any shorter than January, which seemed like it lasted all of about 4 days.)
I’ve watched with interest all of the swaps that are happening on Instagram. Just when I think I’d like to join in, I slap myself back into reality. Anjeanette wrote an interesting post about swaps a few weeks ago — if you have time, it’s well worth the read. How do you feel about them? I think it’s a fun way to get to know people, but I’m trying to pare down around here (and very unsuccessfully, I might add!) not add more stuff. (Haha, I hear you fabric police.) Plus, I don’t even have time to make all the projects that I want to make!
And, while we’re on topics seeking your input, how do you feel about fabric clubs? I’ve had a few people ask me if I’ll be having fabric clubs with my Liberty fabrics (oooh, a new order just went in yesterday (yay!) but it’s backordered (boo!)). I’ve never been a big fan of fabric clubs. I mean, they’re a great deal for me, as a seller, but for you? It seems to me that you’ll end up with fabrics that you wouldn’t have normally bought. Plus, they just seem so expensive to me when you add up all those months of being in the club. No? What do you think???
Well, those two paragraphs sure make me sound grumpy. Sorry. Really I’m not. Just trying to keep the hysteria in check — and if you could see this house, you’d realize that I’m not doing a very good job LOL. I started working on month four of The Aunts’ quilt today. First step is to use the magic light box and transfer the pattern.
Then pick some fun fabrics. I would say that I like that part the best, but I’m really loving this whole project!
Ok, enough chitchat. I’ll leave you with two things:
Here’s a link to a video that shows that Downton Abbey appeals to everyone. Can you say Tea Pong?
And I left my station for a moment and returned to find The Scruffster getting into a bit of trouble.
Luckily he realized that fabric isn’t a ribbon and he quit trying to eat it. Good Kitty.
Have a great weekend — we’re off to see Paddington and I. Can’t. Wait!
XOXO,
Anna
I have occasionally joined a fabric club but not real often – on the other hand the tumbler quilt on my design wall – I joined a mini charm club from Fat Quarter Shop for a year and got 4 packs a month – i stuck with it for a year and got all the little squares I needed to cut for my “almost” charm quilt – there are some repeats but not a lot – and when it is a repeat it is usually a different color/shade. Now why I did that I don’t know when I have tons of scraps there were large enough to use!! I could slap myself sometimes.
That photo of freshly washed fabrics is so pretty. I don’t use IG and part of the reason is all the added temptation, of new fabrics and new projects. I know how easily tempted I am. As you say it’s hard enough keeping up with a few projects that you want to do. I think swaps are great though and can push you creatively, and it fun being part of a group. I guess it’s just a matter knowing which ones you really want to do.
The scruffster is so cute attacking your binding. He’s really showing it who’s boss.
ah yes – to swap or not to swap, that IS the question … i don’t swap anymore cuz it makes me too stressed out trying to sit at the Cool Kids’ Table…
i lurve the colors of yarn that you are knitting with – but you can’t tell anyone cuz they will think that i am Seahawks fan and then i wouldn’t be able to go to sleep at night without a gun or a knife or something under my pillow … and your knitting bag is hilarious!
No, I never thought you sounded grumpy, just inquisitive! And if you want, I’ll give you my opinion regarding the two topics you’ve mentioned (I give it to you in any case ;)!!! I’m not a big fan of swaps. I did do a couple of small quilt swaps but usually I didn’t really like what I got back. I guess it’s a nice way to connect with other bloggers. And I’m not at all into fabric swaps. I really don’t see the sense; you give away something you like (otherwise you wouldn’t have bought it) for something you might not like. When I started quilting – about a million years ago – I subscribed to a fabric club with Keepsakes and ended up with loads of fat quarter, which are mostly still lingering in my cupboard. I guess it’s great for stash building for a beginner quilter or if someone is totally into a certain kind of fabric (like Liberty).
naughty kitty!
I’m pretty sure that a fabric club would be awesome, and result in the same syndrome I have had when I joined yarn clubs: excessive yarn and a bit of guilt:) I’ve been knitting a lot, but I never get my stash down because I’m always tempted by more yarn. I’m even worse with fabric because people like you make me thing, “I should make that!” But then I don’t, ha ha
Gosh, I thought I was the only one looking to knit in the winter. Still working on those gazillion pairs of socks. A gal can never have to many socks. Not into fabric clubs myself. I like clubs where we get together and chat not the kind I pay to receive stuff. I’d much rather buy it myself. But …. that’s just me. I’m not normal … well I don’t fit within the normal realm! There I said it! Off to continue on a quilting UFO project! Enjoy the day! Oh yea, the spamming thing. What if I started spamming you? Robots have gotten pretty sophisticated you know, they can check a box and BAM you’ve been spammed! Oh well!
Your kitty is so sweet and I suppose she is a great help when you are sewing ;0)
Happy February. fun post. January did go fast…hopefully Feb will too, lol.
I’m not a huge fan of fabric clubs for the reasons you mentioned, but it did help me build a stash of repro fabrics years ago.
Love your natural light box, I have the same one.
Your knitting looks pretty!
love your kitty photo. Did you see the kitten bowl on Hallmark today – OMG too much!!
xo
Tax time around here too. Definitely not my favorite time of year.
I zig zag around the edges of my fabric before pre-washing it and that takes care of the tangles. I’m not sure whether that is quicker than the untangling after the wash though.
I think if you pick the right one, a fabric club can be great. Especially if you’re “stash building”. Aren’t we all?
im late to reading blogs cause i kept thinking…how could you NOT mention the SNOW.
hope you got lots of knitting done yesterday…we didnt leave the house at all. i kinda loved it!
i think we have discussed, but no…not a fan of clubs. i already have so much fabric that ive grown out of love with…i sure dont need to pick up new fabric that might not be my favorite.
and also…no to swaps. but must admit ive never done one either!!!! i was in 2 round robin bees before though…and both times really did not care for my finished quilt top…at all. as in…one i tore big section off to try to work with remaining part and the second one is still hanging in my closet as a WIP top.
and even though i havent cut into the Liberty i bought last month…im ready to buy more!
oh btw…i havent clicked over to read the post on swapping but…THE EXTRAS!!! people send is enough to give me hives. way too much pressure to keep up with that!
i’ve been in swaps before….sometimes they’ve been wonderful and other times i felt like i got cheated. i don’t do them anymore. fabric clubs? BOMs? i’m like you….if you add up the monthly cost it IS expensive. not my cup of tea.
I enjoy hearing about your craftiness! :) I would love to be more crafty in these dark winter months. Big hugs to you! :) Your comment on my blog about your son’s dog barking at the neighbors’ dog made me chuckle! :)
I’m intrigued by your knitting! Do show us more :o)
No swaps for me, they’re just not my kind of thing. And neither is IG.
I don’t think you sound grumpy, but that may be because I frequently am grumpy, so it’s kind of normal to me. I have absolutely no interest in swaps of any kind. Nor do I want to join any fabric clubs. I just like to binge when I want to, not on a schedule. I do like that you are so good at keeping me informed. Don’t ask. I just don’t know all these things. I did not know there was a new Paddington movie. It looks really cute. I LIKED the frat boys with Downton Abbey viewing and tea, but Mr. Muddling didn’t get it. And good job getting the incriminating photo of Kittikins. But isn’t he cute! (That really does save them sometimes, doesn’t it?)
I’ve been following your beautiful quilt blocks so it’s nice to get a peek of the process.
And Paddington? Was it great? So looking forward to that one.
Amalia
xo
Like you, I have a difficult time finding the time to make what I want, so no, I don’t do swaps, but I can’t help but be impressed not to mention a little intimated by the energy folks put into these swaps! I was in a fabric club quite a while ago, and they’re not for me either. In fact, last year I put together several garbage bags full of beautiful fabric that is just not my style and donated them to a local quilt group who sews charity quilts. They were happy and I was happy! Speaking of paring down, I just read Marie Kondo’s book called The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. We are not hoarders, but I have several hot spots in the house that no matter how hard I try to straighten, within a few days they return to being a mess. I’m going try her method and see how it goes. Wish me luck! Have a great day!
Hmm, swaps can be fun but not enough time for me at the moment and I do tend to agree with all the comments made about the possibility of being disappointed and the guilt and worry that goes with the sending your work off to someone else. So, no – any sewing time I have this year will be for me or those close to me. And fabric clubs – I’ve never been involved in one but it could push you a bit out of your comfort zone which could be good – especially if it’s something niche like Liberty – if you love Liberty you generally love them all so experimenting with different colors could be good.
Hope you are getting lots of time for knitting. Talk soon x
Your projects are inspirational Anna, as usual. Who wouldn’t feel cheered up by the beautiful yarn in that sweater? Seeing your Scruffster makes me miss mine, sadly deceased.
But the video of the Frat Boys made me howl! Thanks!
And no, sadly I did not make the Princess crown! Too far away….sob!
Well here we are..once again you read my mind on a subject. Years and years ago I did some block swaps, some were great, some not so. Haven’t done any in many years mostly because I don’t have to time to do my ever growing list of projects I want to do. Just this AM I almost faltered…that cute pincushion swap!! But I started worrying even before I signed up…so I knew it was not for me yet. Fabric clubs…well I have been doing some but am reevaluating those too. One I use often the other not at all. And I did drop a BOM this year because I have a 4 yr back up. Do I get extra credit because I don’t do yarn?
Your light box is just like mine. ;) You’re a busy gal…knitting a gorgeous blue sweater, ordering fabric, slurping around the internet… sounds like a great day.
I participated in one of the early small quilt swaps organized on Flickr. I put way too much time (as usual) into an original design, used some vintage fabric that was perfect for the recipient’s ‘likes’ and then frankly, hated to send it off at the end. I didn’t ‘know’ the recipient and haven’t seen nor heard her name since. It wasn’t an exchange, so I received my quilt from a different person, who disclosed in a note with her quilt that this was her first attempt to make a quilt ~ ever! While I’m always happy to encourage new quilters, the experience left me pretty deflated. I think I’m better off sticking to my own projects, though I do like the challenge of developing a project within pre-set rules. (Deadlines are also helpful for people like me.)
Your projects ~ even your wash! ~ are so colorful and happy. A nice contrast to the gray skies out the window this month. (Though bright sun today!)
LOL LOVE that Downton Abbey video!!
Your sweater looks really good Anna. I finally bought the right needle size for the sleeves so now I can go on with it. We are leaving today for a one week winter vacation, heading up to my parents’ cabin – I hope I can use the time (with 4 kids… dream on!) to finish the sweater ????
Have a wonderful weekend
Berglind
Your knitting looks really lovely, and I love that sweet little stitch marker. Seeing others swaps is interesting, but I could imagine it could become rather pressured and stressful! I love picking out fabrics that I am thrilled to use so that is how I built my own stash…..I expect a fabric club would have some fabrics you loved and some not so much?
I hope you enjoyed Paddington……I can’t wait to see it!
Happy weekend.
Helen xox
I love to take part in swaps, but I’ve learned to only join in those that have a record of fabulous quilters making gorgeous gifts and putting effort in their swap gifts.
I love your knitting project!