Monday, August 03, 2009

We've Got Rows

I'm getting really close to finishing Hope Strings Eternal. Almost all the rows are together and a few good hours of sewing will do it. This photo is from earlier in the day before I'd gotten that far:

I know this is a busy quilt and not to everyone's taste. This quilt is for me and I really like busy. Show me a beautifully decorated spare modern room and it does nothing for me, whereas the cluttered eclectic room full of world travel souvenirs and outsider art? Now that will make my heart sing. I like lots to look at. (Not to dust mind you, but to look at. Good thing quilts don't take that kind of maintenance.)

Big Habibi (pictured above) has been biting Pokey on the neck and making her squeal. I HATE that. How can he pick on this sweet baby girl?


These are from even earlier in the day. I knew some of you would want more Pokey photos.


I really overdid the Hope blocks - I have another thirteen of them to play with. Maybe this next one will be tamer. Won't guarantee it though.

Watching tv and sewing has pretty much been my life. It feels good to be in the sewing groove - I didn't want to piece for many months. Meanwhile I'm not so happy with my hand quilting project. I feel like Slither Eek Boo is fighting me. It doesn't want to be cluttered up with images but would instead wants freehand fans. That way the words are emphasized. I'm not going to unpick any of my stitches, but start doing fans and then compare.

23 comments:

Nat Palaskas said...

Hi Tonya, I love it, I love it and more! I am with you. I like lots of stuff, stuff from all around the world, cozy clusters stuff everywhere! How fun! This quilt is not busy, its inviting to look and read and see where all the blocks start and finishes. Love the cats too. Hugs Natima

craft-crazed said...

I LOVE this quilt!!!! Im with you, busy is better! I like something to look at!

shellysquilts said...

This quilt is fabulous! Cute kitties too!

Susan said...

I love all of your quilts, but I do have to say that this one is very special!

Cher said...

terrific progress Ton...I am taming the clutter to find things and be able to fit friends in for the FABS sewing at my home this coming weekend...my non sewing will certainly be cured then. We have started watching Firefly..liking it a lot so far.
I don't think this quilt is too busy either..!

comicbooklady said...

It's bright and full of hope! I love it! and Lily is the poster cat for hope!

comicbooklady said...

oops I meant Pokey!

Dena said...

There they go stealing the show again. LOL Great progress on the quilt.

Anina said...

Love it!
And that Pokey, of course.

Quiltdivajulie said...

1. Why not incorporate the remaining HOPE blocks into the back? I know you don't typically 'fuss' with your backing, but I could see a row of HOPE blocks pieced along a seam.

2. Maybe Habibi is picking on Pokey because he wants more of his photos on your blog? He's gorgeous!

Kristin L said...

I love your busy quilt! and I think it would look just as great on a sleek red couch in a minimalist living room as it will amongst your worldly souvenirs. Oh, and you've got me watching Burn Notice now.

Anonymous said...

Looking very nice! I have a question... why is it that cats must lie on the quilt, the knitting, the laundry, etc. Put it down, and they take ownership! Years ago I had a cat, but this was before I did much knitting and quilting. This need seems to be universal... read a quilting or knitting blog, and there you find the cat taking ownership of said item! --Annette

Marlene said...

Tonya it is brilliant. I'm with you I love to have things from my travels around the world all over the house-so many memories are tied up in them all. I love Habibi for a name and yes maybe he's just hoping to get in the photos more!!

Victoria Findlay Wolfe said...

oh Tonya it looks great, I particularly like how you did the border two rows...>> >> >> pointing in the same directions. looks good.
I thought of you the other day, and thought OH! I better email Tonya, then it escaped me, and hasn't found it's way back to my brain yet... darn brain ain't what it used to be.

Tazzie said...

Your Hope quilt is just lovely Tonya, it just has the most wonderful sentiment.
Pokey is just the cutest model ever.
*hugs*
Tazzie
:-)

Fiber Babble said...

I love the quilt! I don't know that I'd want to sleep under it, but I'd sure redecorate a room around it! VERY cool!

woolywoman said...

I like busy. A lot. Habi is just jealous that he doesn't get on the blog as much. Reassure him that he is a big old lover boy, and that he has a solid fan base. ( No pun intended.)

mary@marinandcolusa.blogspot.com said...

What a fun quilt. I agree with you.....I love a busy quilt also. I don't think you can ever have too many colors and too many prints. I love it!

Chris Daly said...

I love it! Quilts that are busy and use lots of different fabrics are my favorites. The very first thing that attracted me to quilting was sitting under great grandma's quilts and exploring all the different fabrics.

Millie said...

I love the busy quilt and I'm with you about the eclectic houses!

Diane said...

Tonya, this quilt is spectacular. It's not too busy. It's exuberant!

Joyce said...

Busy is good in quilts and in decorating. I am complete agreement with you on the dusting issue though.

Gypsy Quilter said...

Ohhhh, I love it! It's so wonderful and lively.