Can I Follow My Lead?

I was lost, but now I'm found. I started on this quilt for Hannah's high school graduation present. It's all improvised. No patterns. You would think those kind of quilts would be easy to put down and pick right back up again. Not so. I got lost in my improvisation. I stopped after I'd completed 6 of the 16 blocks. That was at least a couple of weeks ago. I lost track of time as well as losing my way. I forgot what size I cut the strips and how much trimming I decided to do etc etc. Even though I say I'm winging it, it really does have a plan, if only in my head. I think I might want to write down a few thoughts. I usually have a sketch and a few notes, but for this one I had a plan of action, but never wrote down a thing. It took me all afternoon to get back into the groove. (with a few missteps and ripping in the process) I have 14 of the 16 center panel blocks completed. I'm determined to finish those tonight so I don't lose my way again.
















I've also been working on these. There are 30 blocks stacked here. It started with the fabric on top. I made 3 blocks from that fabric, pulled another fabric made 3 blocks from that, and so on until I had 30 blocks from 10 fun fabrics. It's a mix of Michael Miller, Amy Butler, Flea Market Fancy, and some assorted fabric from my stash. They all need to be squared and then these are ready to become a quilt top.





















I have a few thank yous to pass along. First, I received these goodies from Rachel at 2nd Avenue Studio. Thanks so much Rachel. I'm using the needle book already! My hubby appreciates that...no more needle danger on the sofa! I'm also going to love the Q tools. Haven't tried them yet, but both assist in areas that I need help, cutting and scant 1/4 inch seams! Also, I received a box from Liz at The Quilted Turtle. I won a box of tulip bulbs. Sorry Liz, no picture. They're already safely tucked away in my basement sleeping, waiting for fall planting. Talk about the gift that keeps on giving! Thanks!
















Thanks also to Madge of It's a Mad Madge World for this award. You make my day too! Thanks so much. It means so much that folks are visiting, reading, enjoying. Pass on some bloggy love to these ladies. They all have great blogs that are fun, inspirational reading. You may even learn some science...isn't that right, Liz! Lastly, a former Tallgrass lurker contacted me. She's a lurker no longer and now she's a blogger. Yup, took the plunge. Good for her and good for all of you too. She's got five children, loves to craft and has no space to really do what she loves. So, she's organizing and purging and believe it or not, giving away some of her excess supplies including stash. You can get fabric for free and at the same time welcome a new blogger. So head on over to Jennifer's blog. Sign up for her giveaways, but more importantly become her blog friend.