Yesterday was the 14th(!) anniversary of my beginning A Quilter's Table, the blog, back in 2011. I really wanted to post here, as an acknowledgement of sorts, but the words just didn't come. So instead, I sewed. Come to think of it, sewing, has really been the impetus for my writing all this time, right? So maybe this year, that was ok. Don't write, if the words aren't coming, but do what feels right to do. Just sew.
So in that small way, I did celebrate my blog anniversary, making a new thing that I could share with you all. I grabbed the bag of scraps that I'd gotten in the Studio Mystery Box from Anna Graham @noodlehead531 a few weeks ago. They suddenly seemed perfect for a journal cover I'd been wanting to make. I used a tutorial I'd used before by Rachel Houser @stitchedincolor, and luckily, I had just a few composition books stashed, so that was fortuitous.
Knowing the dimensions I'd eventually need - 12" x 29.5" - I started laying scraps out, piecing sections, and just figuring out shapes and placement as I went. I love working improvisationally like that!
Due to the lightness in color of some of the fabrics, I chose to line the cover, as Rachel suggested. The fabric I chose to use was something I'd ordered by mistake, Brussels Washer by Robert Kaufman. Though the color was perfect, I didn't realize until later that it was a linen/rayon blend. Its texture caused me to loosely quilt the layers together, which despite my first inclination, ended up working out ok. At any rate, once it was all sewn together in its final shape, I thought it was more than fine.
Admittedly, friends, I had no profound words to share on this anniversary. But I AM profoundly grateful for your presence here. Whether you're new, or you've been around for years, as many of you have been, I appreciate you. No matter what I choose to share (on not), you are encouraging, affirming, and kind. For all that and more, thank you.
Congrats on your blog anniversary and for knowing what you needed. Your notebook cover is beautiful. I started blogging in 2007 and have recently been feeling blah about it so I have done a bit of a reboot in my blog space. Just setting things aside for a bit is giving me a renewed energy for sewing and blogging.
ReplyDeletehappy blogaversary! what a beautiful notebook cover. I still have one you made for me many many years ago.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely notebook cover! Really great colors, though the best part is that "hot stuff" print. Perfect. I've been gifted some covered journals, and when I use them, I always think of the special person who made it. I'm delighted for you to have persevered through 14 years of blogging! Congratulations! As we know, it's no small thing to make such a commitment, both in writing blog posts, and in responding to comments. You've done a fantastic job. I hope to continue reading about you and your doings for many more years.
ReplyDeleteYou have been a respected, talented and favorite READ for a long time. Thank you for all the information you generously post.
ReplyDeleteLearning about “flag” in your current blog was a new bit of information to think about - your binding and making mini art quilts for others, sent me into the closet to make minis , to share.
I would be happy to mail the finished pieces to you to distribute to the FLAG nearby. there are none close to my address.
oh fun! Rather then sending to me, most FLAGs I've found welcome mailed art, and some even publicize their mailing address. If you'd like me to suggest a couple, email me at aquilterstable@gmail.com. Thanks!
Delete14 years is a really lovely milestone, and I can't think of a better way to celebrate than spending time creating and sewing. How fun to see these prints already put to good use and what a fun placement of the hot stuff sauce. Cheers to many, many more years of making and blogging!
ReplyDeleteThat came out so functionally cute! Great milestone! Love your blog!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Betty! I really really like how it turned out! Thanks for following the blog!
DeleteLove your blog--You are always inspiring...and your talents just flourish with each project! Love the journal cover! I may have to give that a try...in my copious spare time! Ha. No really, I can see that it would be very useful and great gift idea for my writing friends! Loved the fabrics you found..."The Horizon has no ends" and "Hot Stuff" so apropo!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on another successful year quilting/swing/ writing and blogging! Well done! Love you much. Mick