Veteran's Day

I work on blocks in some form another everyday. It's become routine. Maybe it has for you as well. As Veteran's Day arrives, take a moment as you make those knots, or apply those beads, to honor and remember the men and women they represent.

Piles

My dad had a big stack of completed blocks for me when I stopped by last night. Thanks Dad!!
And, I recently got a couple of beautiful blocks from Judy, Thanks!

Here's a little corner of my home where I have organized some parts of the big project. Various stages of completion are shown. The plastic tote on the left is full fabric that is ready to be sewn into squares. There's cut batting in the chair. Below the chair is a box of blocks ready to have knots or beads applied. There are a couple piles of completed blocks on the shelf, and, on the floor is a pile of sections pinned together and ready to hang. I forgot the piles at the sewing machine. There's a couple more stages there.

I have been approached with potential space to display the project. It won't happen until after the first of the new year, so, you have plenty of time to complete and send me blocks!

I love adding blocks from different makers. We each add our own bit of personality to them. Seeing that variety makes one conscious of the fact that each block, and each knot represent an individual who had their own distinct personality.

Thanks so much to everyone who is helping with this project.

Seperation Anxiety

In addition to making lots and lots of french knots, I've been working on clearing out and finishing up old projects that have accumulated in my studio. I have been grooving on a coffee buzz, and have sewn miles and miles worth of seams this last week.

Things were flying along until about 4:30 this afternoon. It's amazing how a great coffee buzz can so quickly become an anxiety attack. As I was sewing some velcro onto a baby bib, my thread suddenly broke and snapped back into the take up tension. No amount of cajoling would let me free it.
Oh, No. Oh, Nooooo!
I won't be able to sew this evening. I might not be able to sew tomorrow.
Wait, it's only 4:43! I can still get it to the sewing machine emergency room by 5!

Apparently, my emergency isn't necessarily the repair technician's emergency. I explained what happened, and he told me that it shouldn't be a problem to repair, and would be done on Monday. As my face paled, and I stammered, and tried to form a complete sentence, another technician who'd been listening said, " I bet you'd rather have it by Friday wouldn't you?" "Yes, yes, oh, yes! Thank You!" I replied. At least someone understood that a sewing machine is actually a vital organ.

There is a chance that I might clean while my machine is getting fixed. Maybe. Wait, I don't need my machine to make french knots. I'm saved.

Friends In Fargo

Lysa and Tammi counting french knots. This was Tammi's first time making french knots and she completed an entire block!!
This is the big pot of chili I made to keep my Fargo friends sated as we worked on blocks for the project. It was such a fun evening! Friends coming and going, catching up with one another, meeting new people, and enjoying each other's company. Thanks to Tammi for cleaning her house ( it was immaculate!) and being such a flexible hostess!

It was terrific seeing everyone back in Fargo - I miss you all! Who knows? I might just move back.

All In The Family

I've been fortunate to get lots of help with this project from my family. My mom is busy making blocks, and my dad does a terrific french knot! For the last few months, every time I have sat down to draw with my nieces, the 4 year old has drawn some version or another of the block the rest of us have been working on. This is a picture she drew not long ago.

Cool Beans

I spent most of the morning in the studio cutting out fabric for the upcoming playshop/party in Fargo next week. I have enough cut right now to make another 250 blocks! Will cut some batting next. (Thanks Lucille!)

Then the phone rang.

It was a really nice woman from American Public Media. That's public radio man! We talked for 10 or 15 minutes. She will be passing her notes on to the producers of a program called, "The Story". I'll let you know if anything comes of it!

Exciting News

Have you checked out the Sept./Oct. edition of Fiber Arts magazine? There is a photo and a small article about the project there. Welcome to anyone who has found the project through the magazine! I have been getting responses from folks all over and welcome everyone's shared commitment and help. It was kind of surreal to see something that is usually sitting in a place of honor on my living room floor on the pages of a magazine.

More news:
I will be hosting a chili supper/and still counting workshop at my friend Tammi's house in Fargo at the end of the month. I will be back in Fargo for the Indian Summer Quilt Show and Conference, where I will be teaching a couple of classes, and hanging out with all of my Fargo friends. If you find yourself in the area, or have been looking for the perfect excuse to visit Fargo (it really is a great little city, and no, I don't work for the chamber of commerce) drop me a note and I'll send you the details.

Thanks for all your help!

C