Monday, November 3, 2008

Busy, Busy, Busy...

Busy seems to be the theme for the month. It seems with Christmas just around the corner and every weekend filled to the brim with events and activities the list gets longer and longer. I'm going to tackle my lists (notice the plural) in a more systematic, diligent kind of way. I have to stop veering off track in my "let's do this instead" attitude. So in the interest of getting something done, today is dedicated to these. They are fabric scrap cards. You can find the directions in Denyse Schmidt's book. They are easy, fast and the perfect gift for someone who loves fabric. Practical too.





















I worked a bit more on my Monet's Garden quilt this weekend thanks to Dallas's contribution of sheets. I still have a bit more to do. Michaela's are in the mail. I was thrilled with Dallas's contribution. They were a perfect fit. Had to do some ripping and resewing of triangles to integrate them, but it was so worth it.





















This is the section I added.
















Part of me feels like a need a bloggy break. I have that "Blogging Without Obligation" button on my blog, but I do feel obliged. I revisited those words and told myself it's not about posting and posting and reading and reading. I need to find some fresh inspiration in my own world and maybe I won't feel like the blog is an obligation. Honestly, I'm addicted to the whole blogging thing. I don't know if I can step away, but deep down I need to. Maybe it's the holidays, maybe it's our crazy life, maybe it happens every once and awhile. See you on the flip side.

62 comments:

QuiltedSimple said...

I love both of these - but especially the Monet one. It is simply beautiful - great job!
Kris

jovaliquilts said...

I love blogging but sometimes it becomes a burden. Definitely step away if you are feeling that. Then you can come back refreshed!

Meredith said...

The Monet quilt is AWESOME! I might have to steal that idea because I have a lot of sheet fabric lying around. Have a nice break...I hope you come back with lots of inspiration to spread around!

Exuberantcolor/Wanda S Hanson said...

I don't feel that blogging is an obligation to anyone but myself. It is my online quilting and nature diary that I love to look back to when I wonder what I have accomplished.

I would rather see one sentence every day than have you disappear. I always have a feeling the person is sick (or depressed) when they don't blog when they had been regular before. If you take a bunch of pictures one day, they can be spread out for a week or two with just a couple words to accompany them.

I guess you see I would miss you.

Darcie said...

Monet is continuing to look lovely, Jacquie. And it looks like the cards are a terrific little project with a twist in artistic medium.

I think we all run into the "step away" moment/s in blogging. I'm finding that I really love my Google Reader manager. If I don't have a lot of time, but still need a little blogging friend fix...I just scroll and scroll through all of the new posts in my list. And if I feel a dire need to go to a particular blog to comment...I just do it! Otherwise...no obligations. ;-) And so far, Google Reader is lots more dependable than my other manager ever was.

Hope you find a balance! Hugs from the North! ;-)

Stephanie D said...

A gal's gotta do what a gal's gotta do (to paraphrase John Wayne). Sometimes I feel like I'm just babbling on when I post, and if I miss a couple of days, I'm afraid everyone will leave and never visit my blog again. Weird, huh? (This from a gal who hates to talk on the phone and rarely calls anyone).

When someone whose blog I follow doesn't post for a few days, I'm still happy to see that bold type show up on my Reader. Why would I think other people don't feel the same way?

Purple and Paisley said...

i have stepped away from my blog many times for a much needed rest...and YOU have ALWAYS left me a kind comment saying you'd still be around when i got back...that was always so appreciated by me...and the same holds true for you...if you need a break? by all means, take one...and i'll still be around when you get back...=)

Anonymous said...

Happy blog vacation Jacquie! I go on them plenty and don't even mention a word of it. It will be good for you. See you when you are back! Molly

Meagan said...

I do read your blog (happily and) obsessively for inspiration, but if you need a break, TAKE IT! You don't want to get to the point where the blog becomes one more item on the to-do list that you groan inwardly when thinking about.

I look forward to seeing your blog in bold on my reader someday in the future. And maybe by then my wonky log cabin top will be finished so I can show you what you've inspired!

Two Dogs and a Quilt said...

Yes, the gift-giving lists are piling up for me too, and I'm sure there will be some that won't get made. As for blogging, I always try to keep in perspective that I blog primarily for myself as a creative journal and the rest is just gravy.

Unknown said...

Love how your Monet quilt is coming! You have a great eye for the details and prints :) Those card are fun! I may have to do that with some of the Christmas scraps I have for a few special people! Enjoy your bloggy break and come back inspired :)

audreypawdrey said...

The Monet quilt is coming together so beautifully! If you need a break, then you should definitely take one. I will be looking forward to when you come back, and I use google reader so it will be easy to tell!:)

dutchcomfort said...

Love the card and your Monet garden quilt really comes together!! Splendid flowers. Love the blues ones.

Take all the time you need. Blogging is supposed to be fun and no obligation! I’m amazed how much I achieve during a break!
See you later, refreshed and inspired!

Michaela said...

Jacquie,
I love the way Monet is turning out. I hope the sheets will arrive today and will be helpful contribution.
I haven't feel the need for blog vacation myself yet, but hey I am only blogging what about 4 months now.
I bet it will hit me too. Happy Bloging Vacation!!! I am sending you a LOT of inspiration waves.
Hope to see you soon...

Tine said...

The quilt is looking great! I totally understand about the need to take a break from blogging... We'll be here when you come back ;-)

MichelleB said...

Love the card, and the monet quilt! Enjoy your break.

Amanda Jean said...

I love those cards!!! I have made several of them. they are great for using skinny strips that you can't bear to throw away.

your monet quilt keeps getting better and better!!!

Katherine said...

Busy, busy and pretty, pretty! I adore fabric cards and am in love with your monet quilt. Take a blogging break and catch your breath, Jacquie. We'll be here when you get back.

Marie' said...

I could tell right away where you added. It pops!

Alissa said...

I too am currently struggling with my blogging anxiety. I shouldn't be that way... it should be FUN! I'm trying to remind myself of that and stop focusing on the dropping stats as days pass without a post. I'm a but nuts that way. The quilt top looks amazing by the way. Cant' wait to see that one all finished!

Libby said...

Your Monet quilt is really sweet :)

The blogsphere will always be there whenever you decide to blog...

country mouse said...

Your projects look AWESOME!! You are such an inspiration. We all need blogging breaks. I've have had more than my fair share of a break lately, but I have always appriciated your coming to visit me, even in the slowest of times. Enjoy your break, and I'll look forward to the inspiration you'll bring back with you when you are refreshed :cD

Fran said...

I know just how you feel about blogging. I went almost 2 weeks without posting and I felt really guilty. I kept thinking"Maybe I should just shut this thing down", but so far I haven't.

Just remember what is important in your life to make you happy. As they say,"Get your ducks in a row".

Ypur quilt is really looking beautiful, even if you decide not to blog for awhile, just post a picture when your done, however long or short a time that will be. I don't know about you but I hate deadlines, and when I know someone want's me to finish this or that in a hurry, I kind of freeze up, don't let that happen to you.

Have a nice rest and I will keep an eye out for you when you return. You do the same for me OK?

~~Fran...:c)

Anonymous said...

this is very, very pretty!

A Spoonful Of Sugar said...

Love the cards - that would be a great project for my 11 yr old daughter! Thanks for the inspiration.

Nanette Merrill said...

I have 400 posts in my reader. If I never get to zero it is ok. I have to tell myself that. I just have to do the best I can. And you know that. Do what you can and you can't do more. Certainly blog hopping is not in your priorities nor is posting every single day! I don't blame you.

ellen said...

I will miss you tons..but, taking a break and taking care is important.
My wish is that whatever you choose to do is the right thing for you.

Katie R said...

don't feel obliged, but I do love reading your posts and I am inspired by your creativity. The quilt is beautiful. Have a great week!

Anonymous said...

Jacquie,
OO..I wish I were very talented like you :) You might be grateful for the skill you have. Take care..

Melanie O said...

Blog when you able and have the time - we'll still be here! (Thank you, Google Reader). I love, love your work and understand you need more time to devote to it. Have a nice break!

Kate said...

Love Monet's Garden Quilt!! Have a nice break and hope to see you back here soon!

MightyMom said...

the monet is glorious!!

great job!

and yup, when you need to blog then you need a break.

I need more time! :-)

Abby and Stephanie said...

Monet couldn't have painted a more gorgeous picture. You quilt is lovely. Your faithful followers will be waiting for your return. Enjoy your break.

Amy said...

You'll be missed but your devoted readers will be here when you return. It's supposed to feel good - not stressful. If you need time off, then by all means - TAKE IT.

Kieny The Dutchlady said...

I always love reading your blog and seeing your amazing work. I understand how you feel about the blogging thing. I think we all have days like that. Take a break if it makes you feel better and we will be here waiting if you are ready.

Madge said...

sometimes you just have to take a break from blogging. i always find i like it more when i come back.

the monet quilt is beautiful!

Yummers! said...

The fabric scrap cards are really fun!! The Monet quilt is fantastic!! You are just one talented and clever lady!
Joni

Emily said...

This Monet quilt is really quite beautiful. I love quilts that have a purpose/backstory to them!

Dawn said...

With your Denyse blocks & Monet gardens, you have filled us with such gorgeous inspiration -- you will be missed, but we certainly understand the need & necessity of stepping away. Remember-->sometimes blogging breaks are a very much needed part of the balance.

KC Quilter said...

I am in that exact same spot with blogging! I totally understand the need for a "breather" from time to time. If you do decide to take a little time away, rest assured--we'll be waiting for you!!!!

Rachel said...

I think the Monet's Garden is m favorite quilt yet! It's exactly my style with the prints and colors!

Rebekah said...

I love the new additions to you quilt! Enjoy your blog break!

Liz said...

We'll be glad to see you when you get back...

Victoria said...

Beautiful work as always, Jacquie!

I have been awful about letting myself get sidetracked, and want to, (need to) get more focused. I am hoping now that the election is over, (and Obama won, yippee!!!)... that I can calm down a bit and get it together. If you do take a blog break, enjoy it, and we will all be here when you return!

Anonymous said...

I ALWAYS love your quilts. And the Monet one is definitely no exception. Just beautiful!

I've been feeling guilty about my break from blogging but I did enjoy it.

susan said...

oh your quilt is looking so beautiful. i think when your life gets super busy, something has to suffer...it shouldnt be you!! put us on the back burner for a wee bit....have fun with the holiday stuff

Heidi said...

Congrats on making the Craftzine blog :)
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2008/11/wonky_logcabin_quilt.html?CMP=OTC-5JF307375954

Allison said...

What a beautiful card! I like your monet quilt. I seemed to get on a roll and make a few posts and than a few weeks go by. I still need to blog Halloween. I hope you get a lot done.

Peg - Happy In Quilting said...

No doubt about it, you have done it again Jackie, produced more masterpieces....I was a litle behind in my blog reading...wow you are amazing...

Anonymous said...

DO take a break from the blogging and DON'T feel gulity about it! Quilting should just be fun and not associated with any commitments and extra pressure, so don't feel that you "must" post just because the blog is there.

If you do take a break, I'll miss all the inspiration from your blog (finished the wonky log cabin quilt, following your tutorial, last night!), but am sure you'll be back with renewed energy in not too long :-)

mom2three said...

Congratulations on your win from Katie. I stopped over to check your blog out and of course have added it to my google reader. I think I'm going to overload that thing! Anyway, I read a few (OK a LOT) of your older posts, and I love the stuff about your dad. Perhaps you and I are really cousins because your dad sounds like my dad's long lost twin. I love to see the things he's made for you. If you check out my blog, you'll see a little of my daddy's handiwork- he's quite a guy if I do say so myself. So happy that I found your blog!

Anonymous said...

I know JUST how you feel:) See you when you you're back.

sewtakeahike said...

Your monet quilt is looking so great Jacquie! Do you have much left to do? Been feeling similarly about blogging lately, addicted and in need of some fresh air. See you when you get back!

Tonje said...

What a brilliant idea the fabric card is! Looks good too.

Take a blog vacation, and come back relaxed and refreshed... it shouldn't feel like an obligation. I was away from bloggin for a couple of months (involuntarily though) and I'm slowly coming back...

Mary Johnson said...

It's trying to keep up with the blog reading that gets to me - it only takes a few minutes to post but I keep adding blogs to read and then get further behind on all of them.

Victoria Findlay Wolfe said...

the quilt looks great! I love the fabric cards. you are now entering the holiday crunch... Don't worry about everyone else. just do your thing deary. We love seeing your lovely things!

Anonymous said...

Sweet Nellie, I have been mulling the whole "Blogging without Obligation" myself! Oh yes it is an addiction and the first step (HA) is admitting you have it. So far that's as far as I've gotten to breaking my addiction. Take care and best of luck, and if you would stop posting such fabulous things I might not be so addicted to you....I'm just saying, maybe I can blame you (and many others) for my addiction. I think that's another sign of addiction - rationalizing things and blaming others. :D

Leanne said...

Dear Jacqui,
Take a blogging holiday you will feel fresh when you return. We will all be here when you get back. When you return you need to clear bloglines other wise you never catch up and the whole process starts again. While I was a way for 2 weeks I had over a 1000 posts waiting to be read it all then becomes to hard, however would miss your wonderful inspiration work.

kat said...

beautiful Monet quilt. Please let us know if you need more sheets because it seems our local thrift store has quite a few these days.
As far as taking a blogging break, considering that I find it rather difficult to post more than 2 maybe 3 times a month, well - you gotta do what works for you! I would love to blog more, but it's just not always at the top of my priority list, even if I didn't have two little fellas to keep up with everyday. I find that when I have the time, I'd rather be sewing! But it certainly doesn't keep me from checking in on some of my favorites, which you definitely are. So take a break if you need it - for as long as you need it. We'll still be here when you return. And anxious to see what lovelies you've been working on!

trash said...

Loving the Monet.

Am blog-hopping my way through Chookyblue's SSCS list to see who else is playing.

Enjoy your break and I hope inspiration finds you :-)

Alice Grace said...

I love the Monet quilt! It will be a gorgeous addition to your many projects! I totally understand the need to step away for awhile. I know you will still be around for us when you can or feel the desire.

Dallas said...

Hi - I finally got the quilt top done that I used your vintage sheets you shared with me in. It's neat looking back now at this quilt of yours and seeing where we have overlapping fabrics.