The Splendid Sampler Gallery, Excuses, and a Rescue

Another week has gone by and two new blocks have been added to Splendid Sampler quilt along. I thought I'd have to go it alone today, but at the last minute Dixie came to the rescue.

Twenty blocks have been posted, and I'm now 3 1/2 blocks behind. I may not get to next week's blocks for awhile either. I've started work on # 20, though. That's something, isn't it?

Block 20, "Nature's Walk". My embroidery is far from perfect, but the handwork is a relaxing break from other things.

My Excuses

So what have I been doing that I'm not making progress? I wish I could say I'd been buying plants and mulch and working in my garden. That isn't the case, though. I've mainly been sewing, writing, and reading 10 new books for the last of this year's fifth grade book talks. 

Only 2 1/2 books to go by Thursday.

I've designed a basket pattern and made two baskets. I've finished a purse, worked up accurate (I hope) measurements,  and taken hundreds of photos for the last of the summer purse tutorials. Oh, and I shortened two pair of jeans for myself.

The Splendid Sampler Gallery

Dixie's Blocks

Dixie's blocks 17, 18, & 19. "Family" Stars, "Lina's Gift", and "Measure Twice, Cut Once".

As always, Dixie's blocks are perfect, and once again, her own words say it best.

"Whew, it has been a busy week! I finished the Kaffe youth-sized "Unwind," and I got the borders on my two-fabric Bargello. We are having a beautiful garden installed in our backyard, and having people here with questions and needs has added excitement and taken away sewing time.  It will be wonderful, though, when it is done.
Just yesterday I sewed the bindings on all my mug rugs, while enjoying the company of my fellow quilters at our twice monthly meeting. The "rugs" have been waiting, patiently, to be completed. Now it's time to start some new ones!
I enjoyed the construction process of all three blocks shown. The top two were seamless from beginning to end. The five stars was a joy to build, but stitching the rows up did not yield the perfection I was seeking. My tape measure needs embroidering. I just cut it out and created the block a short while ago. I like it better than I thought I would.
I'm not sure what I expected when I began this splendid journey, but I know it has become an integral part of my week. I hope the year of blocks doesn't rush by too fast. Like a great book, when the last stitch is in, it will be sorely missed."

If I find an hour or two to get away this coming week, you'll find me outdoors or at the garden center. There is yard work to do!! Splendid Sampler blocks will just have to wait.  

 

Have a beautiful week!!