Monday, April 27, 2009

Sewing Therapy...Mini Quilt Monday

When you're sad, do what makes you happy, so sewing it was. It was also a concerted effort to stay indoors and protect the local community...to not traumatize children who might have had a chance encounter.

I've always wanted to be one of those women who cry "pretty." You know the type, they sob quietly, dab their eyes and glisten beautifully with the residue of gentle tears. Nope, that's not me...I'm a blubber gal...I sob with nose running and with each tear my face swells and my eyes and nose redden so I look pretty much like Chucky in that horror movie. Now there's an image to start your Monday.

So, I sewed and sewed...I tried my best to let my mind fill with ideas and keep myself occupied. In the spirit of Spring to Finish I worked small and told myself that I was going to finish everything I started. Serendipity...it's mini quilt Monday at A Stitch in Dye, Malka's blog. Malka dyes fabulous fabric and makes awesome quilts. I have some of her fabric. Haven't cut into it yet. I need to do that. If you don't know her or her blog, you should go. No lack of talent or inspiration on A Stitch in Dye!

So here is my series of "On the Line" quilts. I think they will make great little gifts for some quilty friends. I used all my thrifted linen. I love being thrifty.

I wanted to try and loosen up like Amber does with her thread painting. I'm not sure I was very 'loose.' I need to work on that. I was inspired by Kajsa's interactive quilt. I loved her quilt on the line....so...
#1 three sheets to the wind
#2 red, black and blue
#3 dotty
#4 hot stuff
#5 after a swim
Thursday ends the Spring to Finish challenge. A few more days to get some more items crossed off your list. I have the label left to do on the "wonderland garden' quilt. I should have it ready to post and the instructions for entering the raffle for Wednesday's post. See you then.

83 comments:

Lady Beekeeper said...

Hang in there, Sweetie. I may get a red nose in sympathy.

The quilts are darling.

Anonymous said...

Was just checking in to see how things were going...I'm one of those criers too.

I'm so sorry. I'm glad your staying busy with something you love.

Your minis are beautiful.

MichelleB said...

They are all fabulous. Wonderful therapy. Big hugs to you.

Marie' said...

You sure got a lot done. Cute quilts. I was picturing Fudge taking a nap under the clothes lines. It is a happy picture.

Abby and Stephanie said...

When the going gets tough, the tough get sewing. Thank goodness for sewing therapy. Darling little quilts.

~Michelle~ said...

Oh what fun little quilts! :)

Sara said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sara said...

Those minis are terrific! I love them.
I'm a really, really unattractive crier, too. In fact, I was blubbering when I read about Fudge. Odin sends love and mooshes.

Malka Dubrawsky said...

Jacquie- The mini quilts are all so terrific.
I'm with you on the sewing for therapy. There are two things I do to keep sadness at bay, swim and stitch.

Lisa said...

Quilting therapy- the best kind! These are very charming little clotheslines!

I am a "thrifty" quilter, too. In fact, I have been thinking about starting some sort of group or challenge where you would have to use only thrifted fabrics or possibly a set money amount- maybe like "Can you make a quilt for $20?" or something.

I do appreciate the designer fabrics, ok, I adore them, but there are a lot of other pretty fabrics out there available for the thrifting. This is something I am very interested in- the whole recycling aspect is becoming more important to me, too.

Lindsey said...

Absolutely adorable...these turned out great....well done.

Amber said...

As soon as I saw these on Flikr I was smiling - they are fantastic. And such great "therapy". They look wonderful - love the way they look like they are blowing in the breeze...you're in my thoughts :-)

Wendy said...

What a blessing sewing is to a sad heart! My thoughts and threads are with you today!

Exuberantcolor/Wanda S Hanson said...

You come up with the best titles. I love "Three sheets to the wind".

I'm like you, everyone knows I have been crying if I have. I blush easily and so my face reddens fast with crying and eyes swell embarassingly.

Marty Mason said...

Your minis are wonderful. What great ideas. Can't wait til next Monday...how about you?

ayumills said...

These are so lovely!! I love the idea of using small scraps to make teeny tiny quilts! Thanks for inspiration!

chermonblie said...

Thinking of you... Fudge reminds me so much of my Harleydog. (as the toddler refers to her)

Cute little laundry quilts!

dutchcomfort said...

I’m the sobbing red nose/eyes kind too!

Feeling sad often provides for the most wonderful creations. That surely counts for you! Love your mini’s!!

connie said...

These are just incredible. I love what you have done!!!

As I am here thinking about how you are missing Fudge I am looking a bit like Chucky.......

Thanks for sharing the laundry

Isa said...

Hi
Thank you for sharing.
Your mini quilts are lovely.
My thoughts go out out to you.

Suzi said...

Those are beautiful. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful talent with us. Hope you are feeling better.

Amanda Jean said...

i'm not a pretty crier, either. :)

i LOVE your clothesline quilts. the last one is so funny and cute. :)

syko kajsa said...

They are all so lovely, but I think I like the first one best! So glad to be of inspiration! I might have to go on with the interactive quilt tomorrow, I'm so excited to see how it will turn out finally!

So sorry to hear about your furry friend :(

Karen said...

Your are soooo creative...you take just any word (clothesline) and look what you do with it...CUTE CUTE CUTE!!! As for the 'pretty' criers...well, I'm not so sure they're feeling it, what ever it is. Hang in there, things will get easier;)

Cheryl said...

Glad you were able to get some quilt therapy in. I, too, am a puffy, red-faced, squinty-eyed crier.

ilovebabyquilts said...

I like After the Swim.

erica e said...

oh so cute! you are so creative! i love the old sheets and the swim one! just great.

Aimee said...

the quilts are beautiful. Sorry you're going through a rough time.

Anonymous said...

Keeping busy is the thing to do,
and your expressions are delightful!

Sherri said...

Such beautiful quilts! And I know comments were closed on your last post, but I just have to say that everything was so beautifully written...thank you.

shellysquilts said...

These are so cute! They are fast, cute, and cathartic. It's what make art awesome! I will be thinking kind thoughts your way. Take care.

Kristin L said...

So cute! I am absolutely smitten by your black "drawing" over fabric color blocks!

Lynn said...

Wonderful idea - right now - I don't know which I want to do more - sew or hang laundry on my clothesline - ok I do know - sewing wins.

Anita in Florida said...

Those quilts are too cute!

You know, sometimes you just NEED to sob...let it all out. I know the feeling, but you do need to get it out...my husband and I would sob and sob...but we kind of felt our little girl deserved our grief. She was with us for 18 years. So don't feel bad, the worst thing is holding it in and your chest hurts sooooo much.

One thing we did during our grief, we got out all the pictures we had and starting gluing them in a collage on a piece of foamboard...we laughed and cried while we did it...but it is sooo comforting to look at all those shots.

Take care and don't stop making those georgous quilts!!!

Malissa said...

How glad I am that you chose to sew during this time. Ugh. My heart feels for you.

Doris said...

I'm a blubber gal, too! We just went through this in September, having to say goodbye to Frances after 15 years of her sweet friendship. Take care and knopw we are all grieving a little bit for you and your sweet girl!

Your clothesline quilts are adorable...

Fulvia said...

I am sorry for your loss.

These quilts are utterly charming.

Red Pepper Quilts - Rita Hodge said...

These are supercute! What an inspiration you are. Thanks for sharing!

em's scrapbag said...

These are darling. I love them. I hope they are keeping your mind off the hurt. Hang in there.

Janet said...

These are really fun. They made me smile :) Minis look like fun. Right now I have lots on my plate but ... we'll see.

henny said...

wow...quilting therapy..sounds good for you. Look at those amazing mini quilts, awesome!!!
hope you're feeling better now, Jacquie :)

Philigry said...

oh, i just adore these. i may have to copy you! so cute.

Unknown said...

Hey there, I hope the quilting therapy worked its magic today? If it helps you to feel any better, I cry just like you, so it is not too pretty. But your little mini quilts are! I am really working hard to finish the binding on a quilt so I will make it to your deadline. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.....

Cami said...

Hang in there. We've all been there. I love all of these quilts. What an adorable idea. Super cute!

PS. I'm a train wreck when I cry. I wish I was a glistening tear type of woman but I'm just not.

A Spoonful Of Sugar said...

What a cute series of mini quilts Jacquie!! Love "after the swim" the best - very original and inspiring!

Lurline said...

Designing or starting a new project is good therapy - lovely minis! I hope you don't mind me telling you that I am shedding a little tear or two for you!
Hugs - Lurline♥

kat said...

Hey Jacquie - So sorry to hear about Fudge. We had to say goodbye to our beloved Henry last June and I still miss his sweet wet nose. I realize I don't know you "really" and I never had the pleasure of meeting Fudge, but from what I can tell, she lived a life full of love and happiness - she will surely be missed. Hang in there. Keep sewing.

(And, as usual - your mini quilts are great!)

Beth said...

Oh, I know *exactly* what you mean! If I even get teary eyed I get bright red and splotchy!

Dotty is my fave!

Unknown said...

OMGoodness! These are just about the cutest things I have ever seen! I love the day of swimming one, so adorable.

Terriaw said...

Oh wow, I love these mini quilts! I love your theme of "on the line." My favorite is #3, especially that sun. And I love the quilting in the backgrounds too. What a great idea to do mini quilt Monday! I might have to try this too. This must have been a nice way to lose yourself when your heart is heavy. What else can you do?!

Alissa said...

I love them all! So cute and the perfect place to focus your energy!

Shari said...

Love your little quilts. What a great idea. Thanks!

Jody said...

They are all so sweet. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about Fudge with us..you are so eloquent in your description. Thinking of you & Fudge! Many happy sweet memories...

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Oh my goodness, I just Love those, I could not pick a favorite, I just love each and every one.
BTW I cry just like you, not a pretty site xoxoxo

Allie said...

Love, love, love your quilts. I love the theme 3 sheets to the wind as well. You did an excellent job on all of them, I don't think I can pick a favorite! I'm glad you sewed today, it's the best therapy going.

I used to have a friend from Bermuda who couldn't get that phrase right to save her life - it was always 2 sheets blowing in the breeze, or something...how she made me laugh!

Kritta22 said...

I don't cry pretty either.

I cry ugly. WAY ugly!

I am 100% in love with your after swimming mini quilt!!

You are so talented. Seriously.

Bonus Mom said...

LOVE the title 3 sheets to the wind! So creative. Oh and I am a total blubbering, snorting crier!

Di~ said...

Jacquie! I noticed Fudge's pink collar! That was fun! Sorry about him...Your little quilts are smashing! how creative! I saw some really neat stands to display little quilts. I'm getting my finishes lined up! BUT I've been called into work too much these last 2 weeks! ugh

Melanie O said...

Your creativity never ceases to amaze me - these are incredible! By the way, I get a red mustache over my upper lip when I cry. Beat that for embarrassing!

Vicki said...

These are great! I don't cry pretty either.

I think I'm ready to bind quilts... later this week or possibly next week. Let me know when you're ready for me.

Rose said...

I also go into the ugly cry. Oh well, it was just not meant to be for me to cry pretty either, and it doesn't seem to matter what the reason is either, a movie or my cat or whatever...it will hopefully get better. It's nice to see you putting your energies to something so worthwhile, I don't know if I could do that after a loss. They are great, I really like 3, 4 and 5. My fave is after the swim :)

Jenny said...

I too am an ugly cryer! I am sorry about your pup. and i do love your minis. I too do best when my hands are busy.

sewtakeahike said...

Yep, me too Jacquie. I'm an uuuuuug.ly crier. Your mini quilts look like they were great therapy this weekend....

MightyMom said...

oh those little things are adorable! my favs are 3 sheets to the wind. which I find hilarious. and dotty!

strange insight. my husband is an alcoholic (20+ years sober) and my clown alter-ego is named Dotty!!!
so how odd is THAT??

here's a hug.

Tonya Ricucci said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, but glad you were able to find some peace in your sewing. wonderful pieces - you are so talented.

Jill said...

The best kind of therapy. They are beautiful! I have a little wash line of my own waiting to become a bag but maybe it would like to be a little quilt instead. xxxHugsxxx

Honoré said...

Inspired!

Anina said...

So cute! I love "after a swim". It makes me wish summer would get here already.

gardenymph said...

So sorry to hear of your loss, Jacquie. You have made some beautiful work here. Thinking of you.

Anonymous said...

What strength you have to transform sorrow into whimsy and delight. These minis are infused with love....and that shines for all of us. Thank you for your inspiration. May blessings flow to you....from all of us you have touched with your story.

Susan

Trisha said...

Adorable!

Anita said...

I love your On the Line quilts! Just yesterday I was talking to someone about how crafting is good therapy. May your heart be soothed as you say good-bye to your dear friend, Fudge.

Victoria said...

Darling little quilts, Jacquie... very good therapy, I am sure and I am glad to see your sadness turned into something so positive... it's as if you have channeled "hanging in there" into these hanging cloths line quilts. Thinking of you and continuing to send loving wishes your way. xo

Heather said...

Oh dear, I missed that you lost Fudge. We lost our Scoutie last Thanksgiving. Now she is on the mantel. It is hard. Doggies are such goodness. Your work is so full of fun an whimsy--impressive that those little quilties came out of your grief.

Leanne said...

Your little quilts are beautiful Sending hugs to you I know how I would be if it was me. I love my Molly & Bella.

audreypawdrey said...

These are wonderful little quilts! I love them. They really do brighten the day. I can just imagine a clothesline shimmering in the breeze and sun filled with such wonderful fabrics.

I am so sorry for your loss. I am a red eyed and red face person to. I sobbed uncontrollably when we lost the family dog of 21 years two years ago. They are special members of our family and it is sad when they are gone.

Rebekah said...

I am a total sobber and nasty crier too...so much so that I even get looks at funerals...it's no fun, but it is great to be able to cry anything out.

Love these new little quilts...you are totally rocking the applique

Sheree said...

So sorry to hear about your dog....sending hugs and well wishes.

Very nice job with the mini quilts. Sewing/creating is such great therapy....keep it up! :)

Hugs,
sheree

Unknown said...

Fun mini's I love you thread painting :)

Hugs to you

jackie said...

Hugs, from one unattractive sobber to another - nothing like snot dripping from one's nose. Hope your quilting therapy worked! I can only say your pieces turned out so delightful!

Nanette Merrill said...

Sometimes I wonder how we think the same ideas? I've had this clothesline thing in my head for years now. My original dress quilt was dresses hanging on the line. I was thinking of how cute little quilts would be hanging on a line using fabric with teeny tiny geometric designs. Sigh. Your creations are true works of art.

Jenny said...

Hello, just found your blog via one or two others. So sorry about your fudge, my doggie is very old too and not long for this world I fear. Love your work, will keep following your blog.

Lauri said...

Could these little quilts be any cuter?!? No. They couldn't.

So sorry about Fudge! I've been there, myself...