I’m sure nobody missed the fact that this past week was Independence Day for the US of A. For the first time in a number of years, we took my daughters down to the harbor to watch the fireworks. It was with a certain degree of trepidation, given that my youngest has some significant noise sensitivities. But, she loved it and we loved an evening with our neighbors in a great little town. I even got to bring along my tripod and camera and get some nice snaps of the show.
Coincidentally (or not?) we’re also coming up on my 1 year Anniversary for the blog, on July 13th. I’ve had rather a lot going on and haven’t gotten nearly as much sewing in as I’d like, though I’ll have my Quilt Bee quilt to share soon, I hope (preview on Instagram).
My little one has also started sessions with a new therapist (I have a point, here – stay with me), who prefers to work with her without my interference. So now I have an hour every other week to sit.
I hate sitting.
I need a new hand project. Both to feel like I’m being productive, and for the pure satisfaction of handwork. For the moment, I’m doing some bindings and finishing up a few bits and bobs. As soon as the new “Baltimore By The Sea” pattern comes out in September, it’ll be that. It was designed for the Manderley fabric line from Moda, so look for it if you have an interest.
There is an inherent joy to hand sewing. In a world of “two-hour skirts” and “super-fast, super-easy quilts,” there is space, too, for slow sewing.
Time to appreciate the hand-sewn vintage quilts our grandmothers made.
Time to recognize that faster isn’t always better. And modern isn’t always more.
So, since it’s my (blog) birthday, and I can do what I want (at least until my husband gets home), I’m going to have a little giveaway. Leave a comment, and tell me what type of slow sewing you want to explore: Applique, embroidery, or English Paper Piecing. On next Friday, 7/15/16, I’ll choose one commenter and send them a goodie pack tailored to their choice. Depending on what you pick, it might have some Aurifil thread, Cosmo floss, Tulip Hiroshima needles, Wonder Clips, and probably a homemade goodie or two (pin cushion, pouch, etc).
In the meantime, Happy Birthday, America:
And Happy Birthday, Lighthouse Lane Designs.
I’ve been wanting to try English paper piecing. I need a good project for car trips and I think this might be a good one.
I am very eager to try hand applique. I recently bought the Collection quilt pattern by Carolyn Friedlander and the Alison Glass book on Modern Applique and I can’t wait to start! Thanks for the lovely giveaway!
I am currently hand quilting a throw sized quilt as my “slow stitching” project. I work on it while on long road trips or if I just need some down time here at home. I have never tried EPP – It might be interesting to try. And, BTW Happy Blog Birthday!
Happy anniversary on your blog! Besides my hand quilting, I am most interested in EPP at this point, although I do have a hand appliqué idea brewing, as well!
Happy Blogoversary! I love doing English Paper Piecing. I’m working on La Passion currently (king size design with 1/2″ hexies) and my next project is La passacaglia, by Willyne Hammerstein.
You’ve done a stunning job of taking photos of the fireworks- just brilliant! I’m with you- Sitting around without a project to do just makes me fidgety. I like the look of EPP but have yet to try it.
Happy Blogeversary!
I just recently took on a fairly small EPP project with hexagons. I like it, but I’m not sure I want to have an EPP project going at all times. I like embroidery, but the prep sometimes gets to me. (I can’t draw, like my high school friends wouldn’t play Pictionary with me can’t draw, so getting designs on the fabric is a real challenge.) But when I have the patience to get started, that’s probably my favorite hand work after sewing bindings. I love hand sewing bindings! Some day I want to try needle turn applique, but I have not been brave enough yet.
Happy Blogiversary! I would really like to learn english paper piecing. It is on my list of goals this year.
I know I’m too late for the giveaway, but wanted to comment anyway. I’d like to continue to work with EPP, using less traditional shapes (non hexy).
Love you firework photos! What camera settings did you use?
Hi, Lisa! Thanks for stopping by!
I’m JUST starting to use some diamonds and a few other shapes. I might look for more templates tomorrow when I finally get a change to visit AQS grand Rapids.
The settings for the fireworks were ISO 100, with a shutter speed of 2 seconds. I think if I’d lengthened that a little more, I’d have gotten better trails.