Time to Settle Down

The boys are in their beds and the lights are off with the little Mater night light glowing between them. I still hear Ivan crying now and then letting me know that he hasn’t given up…but I know he will soon. Owen has pretty much learned there is no use in fighting bedtime anymore. Well, at least not once he’s in his bed. Anyway, it’s been a surprisingly nice day. I had expected showers all day and dreary weather but we had some sun and pleasant temperatures. I was able to take a little trip to Joann to spend some Birthday money via a gift card from Kris’ parents (Thanks!) and I went all by myself, which is somewhat of a novelty and makes decision making a lot easier. I found a couple books that I think I’ll really enjoy pictured to the left and linked. I hadn’t planned on getting a quilting stitch book but was fascinated by the prospect of playing with some new quilting stitches. I have been very true to my roots in my quilting and have not ventured out far other than Ivan’s quilt because I like the very simple hand done quilt. So many quilting techniques today are machine oriented and I rather like doing it by hand. This book presents ideas that are not short cuts but rather embellishments that are very detailed and somewhat intricate. The author has included machine stitching as well, but I will be focusing on the pretty hand stitches.
Plus there is a lot to learn regarding setting up and finishing a quilt. I’ve done it before, but I realize how inefficient I am at times because I’m working with information carried from my childhood on equipment that is sentimental because of where it came from, but quite antiquated in terms of today’s smoother and more efficient frames. I’ve even had a few ideas of my own regarding a simpler method of framing my quilts but haven’t the resources to make it a reality. One day when I am more committed to my quilting and less occupied with holding babies I’ll make good on some of these brainstorms. In the meantime I very much enjoy my rickety old Reubdaudy frame and my simple understanding of what I’m doing. It’s peaceful and I’m usually not in a hurry. I just know that I’ll want to know more eventually. The embroidery book is what I was really after and am glad to have a good resource for stitches. I did some embroidery on Ivan’s quilt and it wasn’t nearly as tedious as I had thought it would be. I would like to use it on a quilt I’m putting together for a friends baby and then probably again for the new baby. I also have a ton of embroidery ideas for around the house. A tablecloth and a throw pillow are two things I’ve been toying with in my head and then there are some pretty things I could add to other items that are already part of the decor around here. However, that is all back burner stuff. I think one day I’ll be so glad that I wrote down some of my ideas, because as Kris’ mom said today, one day I’ll look up and realize my hands are empty. I can’t even imagine that right now, but I know it’s true and I’m hoping to keep these little sleeping boys gripped tightly for just a while yet.