I don't do resolutions! What do you have planned for 2012? Care to join in on some fun?!

Happy 2012! Wishing all my readers all the best in health, happiness and creativity!

For 2012 I am going to try really hard to be more creative, do what I really enjoy more and participate only in what brings me true happiness! But I don't do resolutions... I gave that up years ago when I realized they are sometimes just too hard to keep... but I did start a bucket list, somehow crossing things off a list seems like a more logical and manageable way of getting things accomplished.... and I've even gone so far as to make it public (check the side of my blog). What are you gonna do for 2012?

Don't you just love the thought of cold lemonade with strawberries floating in it, a fancy glass, and some pretty dainties, wearing a straw brimmed hat, sitting on the porch, rocking in a rocking chair... or iced tea that's sugary sweet, with fresh baked scones and home made jam... perhaps stitching on a hand made quilt that you just know the person who receives it is gonna treasure and admire it and keep it as an heirloom... kind of makes a person feel like they are living a simple life... or maybe they're just old!

Well, I can tell you... there's definitely nothing simple about my life... and... I'm not old... but I do love those things!

But when it comes to quilting, I have to say.... I'm not an obsessive quilter - that is, it's not all I do, I just have too many interests and I like trying "everything"... nor am I a traditional quilter, I tend to lean towards a more "whimsy" kind of quilting, so there are only a few "traditional" blocks that I tend to make... but... I've been intrigued by the flurry of activity going on by the younger generation in regards to the Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt... and yes, finally, I have decided to jump in on the band wagon... but why go it alone.... "sis, you wanna join me"! She has a rubber arm, LOL!, not to mention, she has quite a substantial stash of her own that she needs to get used up.... (I won't even mention that she's the older best sister! VBG)

So, we are starting what we're gonna call, the "sisterhood of the farmer's wife blocks"...

We're are both very busy gals, so we are just going to do what we can - no pressure, aiming for one block a week (more if we can, and of course trying to one up each other... tee hee - nothing like a little sisterly rivalry)... so, we're inviting all "sisters" to join us (not sisters literally, (but if you are a sister even better), but anyone who cares to join us in this activity for the year), you're more than welcome, and I'll even post your pics on here if you send them to me ... we don't know how many we'll make or how far we'll go, but our goal is to have at least one finished baby or lap size quilt (size of the maker's choice and how you "design" it, is your choice too - perhaps it will give us all a little inspiration) before proceeding on to more blocks... at least that way there won't be a lot of blocks sitting around for an eternity, collecting dust and becoming a UFO... we're going to do something with them! Our goal is strictly "motivation"... help each other actually get something finished, and have a little fun along the way... there, now that it's written down, there's no going back!

So, I am going to try to make posts on Fridays... I'm calling it Farmer's Wife Fridays... doesn't matter if you're a beginner or advanced, or what you use, (new fabric, stash, scraps, sheets, whatever)... the goal is just to get going on it and motivate each other... share our joys and our oopsies along the way... at the same time, we thought we'd "analyze" the letters that inspired the blocks... that is, compare the thoughts of yesteryear (1920's), with today, and compare how they relate to today's way of thinking, similarities or differences... embrace the "simpler" life of yesteryear, while thanking our blessings for what opportunities we have today.

So, if you want to join us, you'll need to purchase "The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt Book by Laurie Aaron Hird", which includes a CD of templates.. I bought mine from Amazon.ca for $21.11... doesn't matter if you start a little late... I don't think you'll have a hard time keeping up with us!

Eek! Did I say Fridays... does that mean I have to get one made for this Friday! No, we want to give anyone interested time to get their books... so, we're starting on the 13th... but, that means, we'll be behind one block for January... you can make that up anytime you want to... I'm going to keep track of when my sis and I get behind so we can see how many blocks we need to catch up on! (This is really fun 'cause I'm making up all the rules as I go)...

So, come join us... there might just be some little incentive along the way! I'll get a button made up for you to add to your blog... soon...

Egads... I just gave my sis permission to post on my blog... let the rivalry games begin!

And while I'm at it... here's a few peeks at some of the things I've got on the go... (just to prove that I am not at all sitting idle)...


... notice the two different types of FMQ on the same project... you get a completely different look!


... you'll just have to wait and see what it is...

Now... this was an oopsie... remember this needlecase/cushion I made just before Christmas.... well, I actually started the embroidery 4 times... the first time I hated what I was doing (I was "designing on the fly" which I most always do, ie. no pattern)... the second time I hated it again (I just wasn't focussed)... the third time I got this....


...all washed and blocked and ready to be used...

... and I really liked it... but... it was way too big for the hole that I hadn't created yet... so I had to start over gain...


... so this little gem is waiting to be used... any ideas what I should do with it?? I'm thinking the cover of a needlecase?

Then I've got this sitting in the works....


....hmm... wonder what it's for!!

And finally, Liz is also having a "SewingRoom sew along"... pop on over and check it out.


Live, Love & Laugh....Heather