Here it is, Friday again, and you know what that means - it's time to get our whoop whoop on!! I hope you've had a productive summer, and have lots to show off today - but first I've got something I want to share with you...
I read a very thought-provoking post written by Rachel at Stitched in Color called Where Have All The Blogs Gone? I would encourage everyone to read this article, too (you can just click on the title above to be taken there) and join in the conversation. As a result of what I read, I'm going to challenge myself to find time to read more blogposts, and to comment on them too! I've been lax about that lately - checking out posts via email, but not taking the time to comment on them - and that's not the blogger I want to be. I think the blogging community is so important as a place to learn and share, and community only thrives if we are talking to each other! Will you join me in this challenge? One thing to remember - it seems like there are so many more "no-reply" commenters lately, probably due to changes in Blogger - if you leave a comment on a blog, you might want to leave your email address also so the blogger can respond to your comment!
OK, enough of that - let's move on to the important stuff - whooping it up!!
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This week I finished up another t-shirt quilt! It seems like I'm doing a lot of these lately, but they do pay the bills, so keep 'em coming!
The lady who commissioned this quilt wanted photographs of her mom added to the usual mix of t-shirts, and I grouped those around a center larger t-shirt.
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| Sorry for the blurry picture! |
She gave me a couple of shirts, too, and I added motifs from one to the left side and a cute pocket from the other to the right side. The pocket remains usable, so you could tuck a Kleenex, a book, or a little bag of chocolates in there! So handy!
The background fabric is Kona Banana, and the binding is a great blue and yellow stripe called Minion Stripe. It was the perfect combination for this quilt, because the back is Kona Blue Jay!
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You can see the quilting pretty well on the back - lots of straight line quilting and stitch-in-the-ditch to secure everything down. Simple and effective!
But wait - that's not all I did this week! Thursday my eldest granddaughter Lilli and I created a fairy garden in the stump of the old oak tree that fell down in my yard last year....
Isn't it cute? Lovely soft Irish moss for the ground cover, and some wooden disks for the ground in front of the little houses...
...a tiny little bench and some small plants to finish it off! I wanted some violas, but they aren't out in the stores right now. Maybe I can find some later!
And this is the view from my studio window now - I just love it! I've been looking at that stump for a while thinking it was the perfect place for a fairy garden - turns out I was right!
So - - - can I get a whoop whoop?
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And now it's your turn!
What's got you whooping it up this week?
What's making you dance the happy dance?
Share - we want to dance right along with you -
And it's always more fun to dance with friends!
The party will stay open until Sunday midnight -
Hope to see you there!
Hugs!
Sarah
Linking up with Myra's Finished or Not Friday at Busy Hands Quilts....
I am doing some secret sewing, but will post tomorrow the other blocks with embroidery on them. Way too cold to venture out much today, rain, almost sleet ( Yes, I know you in the north will call anything that is from about 5C to be warmish )!!!we dropped to about 4C, so some sewing, and to and fro from the machine to the other room with a larger cutting mat.What else did I do? Donned a fleece hat, a goretex coat, over a fleece jacket, a neck warmer, gumboots, tucked my hand inside the sleeves and ventured to get the mail. About 150-200 metres or so ..This was an achievement to be proud of for me in that cold air!!!Does it qualify for a whoop or two??
ReplyDeleteI love the fairy garden, what a great project for the two of you :). I read the post yesterday about what's happening in the blogging world and I've been thinking along those lines for a while, I'm really thankful that I was here for the earlier blogs where so much info was shared.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting article about blogging, and I am so with it, that I had just started blogging again. Some of my regular reads, I have stopped reading due to all the pop ups and ads that take so long to load. The fairy garden is great. thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on the pop ups. It makes me aggravated and I tend to skip over blogs that use them heavily.
DeleteI've learned a lot through blogs which a friend helped me to set up on the computer. It gets me through the frigid winters here. I'm an older, very active senior citizen and use a tracfone for my mobile phone, and haven't learned how to use all the bells and whistles on it, because I'm just not that computer literate. Is there a way to view Instagram on my desktop computer, which I can see better since my eyes aren't what they used to be, but I still do a lot of sewing. Fifteen small quilts on the way with the team from our church going to Haiti today.
ReplyDeletelove the little fairy garden - I got done with one of my quilts this week
ReplyDeletethanks for posting that link - I used to read her blog and lost track of it. I think a lot of people make blogger harder then it has to be. I just post what I am working on and write as they I am talking to another quilter in the room I guess. Keep it informal and just chat!
ReplyDeleteCute fairy garden! That's the perfect spot too!
ReplyDeleteI read the article that Rachel wrote too. Very interesting to me as I live where there are NO quilt shops. My inspiration comes from the Show and Tell that I see online. I resolved to leave more comments so those that pour out their hearts and share will at least know that someone is out there listening! Blogging seems to be so much more than the 'moments' on Instagram.
I read the article on where have all the blogs gone too. I've been quilting almost 1 year, so a newbie, but I have found so much information from bloggers, so I accept your challenge to read more and comment more!
ReplyDeleteI love the Fairy Garden....my granddaughter is only 4 but I'm filing this idea away for future use.
ReplyDeleteGuess I'm one of those who sit in the back of the class and do not converse a lot. I do enjoy reading a lot of blogs but some of them I may need to delete as it just takes forever for them to load because of all the adds. Didn't use to be like that. Also am not good at updating my own blog and need to do better. I LOVE that Fairy Garden. Take Care!
ReplyDeleteThe Fairy Garden must have been a fun project to plan and make. A great way to embellish a stump. Love it! ;^)
ReplyDeleteGreat t-shirt quilt and lovely fairy garden!! I plan to make a big gnome guy out of stump we have!!
ReplyDeleteHi, Sarah! Your fairy garden is such a cool idea. I would have loved that when I was a little girl! And your T-shirt quilt looks great, too. I'm curious -- how much do you get paid when you make a T-shirt quilt from start to finish? And how did you do the photos? I tried the printable fabric sheets from EQ once and was really, REALLY disappointed with how the colors faded away in the very first wash. Do you have a method for using photos on quilts that can last through the laundry?
ReplyDeleteOooooh! I love your fairy garden. My granddaughter likes to make them with me too! ;) And....your quilt is amazing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting the link to Rachel's post. I still prefer blog posts. I'm not on Instagram (yet) and I still like to read all the blogs I follow, not just look at the pictures. What I like best is the story behind the picture, the why and the how. I still blog, but the frequency depends on what I have to say and show, not on some predetermined marketing schedule.
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of a fairie garden before. What a cut idea for beautifying your tree stump and a clever project for your granddaughter.
Exactly!! There is a depth that the reader receives reading blog posts that isn't there on Instagram. :-)
DeleteHi Sarah:
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed Rachel's post on blogging. It was right in line with one that I wrote a few weeks back.
https://needleandfoot.com/2016/07/14/social-media-thoughts/
ALso - that fairy garden is adorable. What a fun summer project to work on with your grandchild. :-)
I read a lot of blogs but rarely comment, so when I read Rachel's post yesterday, I decided I should comment now and again.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is one I follow regularly, love your fairy garden.
My sentiments are pretty much the same as many of those above--I regularly read certain blogs that give me inspiration for my own quilting projects by temptation of a fun pattern, a worthy cause, a color challenge or like you, pushing me (ok--encouraging!) to use my scraps. In your blog, you provide links in your posts to other bloggers I might not know about, I get inspiration from those who link up (like on Whoop Whoop Fridays), plus links on the left side under "Inspiration" of fellow bloggers & their projects. This has helped widen my social awareness of so many people who love doing what I do & has given me buckets of ideas! I'll make more of an attempt on commenting, although my husband thinks I spend too much time online as it is and that I ignore him but he'll get over it as soon as I fix him some lunch! I also want to thank you for not bombarding me with pop-ups as I read, a big turn-off. You've given me so many ideas, I must search for fairy garden furniture now!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the blog article, I read a lot of blogs but don't take the time to comment. I get so much from the bloggers that I should show my appreciation and I will!
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to make a fairy garden or house with my granddaughters.....
I read Rachel's post yesterday and felt like she could have been talking directly to me. I have been VERY bad lately at being organized enough to be able to respond or even update my blog. Yes, I know I was busy, but so are other people. That's no excuse and I have to make a commitment to get myself in gear and set up an organization plan. Like you, I have challenged myself to be better at commenting on other peoples' blog, but I am also challenging myself to get back in the habit of regular and consistent posting.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, the t-shirt quilt looks great. You did a wonderful job and since I am looking for other t-shirt and memory quilt layout options, I'm going to bookmark this. Thanks for sharing it. The garden looks great too and I love that your granddaughter is the architect. :-)
I really love the depth that a blog post provides. So much work goes into creating anything, it's great to read about them. If someone leaves a comment on my post, I try to visit them as well and leave a comment. I have made a few friends that way :)
ReplyDeleteThe fairy garden is beautiful and so is Lilli's smile. You two had a fabulous time, I can tell :)
The fairy garden is perfect! And my goodness, how Lilli has grown - she is a beauty!
ReplyDeleteWe've had a fairy garden for years with lots of miniature plants. That's the first place the grandkids ran to when they were younger.
ReplyDeleteDon't be surprised if you look out into your garden one night and see a light on in one of those tiny houses. Great t-shirt quilt.
ReplyDeleteAwesome t-shirt quilt. I plan to make one with my Girl Guide t-shirts, but I've been too chicken to make a start. Love the fairy garden.
ReplyDeleteWhoop, whoop for you! Your t-shirt quilt is amazing, with the photos on the front and the pockets, too. Your fairy garden is precious, but the best of all is your adorable little granddaughter. Her beautiful smile would light up a dark room!
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting Can I get a Whoop Whoop?!
--Nancy. (ndmessier @ aol.com, joyforgrace.blogspot.com)
Whoop Whoop! Another awesome finish! I was just thinking I've been a slacker blogger lately. Not only am I down to blogging once a month, I haven't been doing much visiting either. I've gotta turn it around! I ADORE your fairy garden! What a delight! Thanks for the linkup!
ReplyDeleteI do love the fairy garden. Great idea. My stump does not show from my house so not an option for me.
ReplyDeleteI have finished quilting the quilt for a friend who was in a bad car wreck. She is in patient for rehab. I also found a box of quilts that were just there. One was all quilted and just needed binding. Did that. One was tiny so just finished it up. One is a baby quilt for #7 great grand son and he just had his first birthday so his quilt is quite late. I had two surgeries in the spring 5 weeks apart and could not sew so didn't get it finished. Had all the stitch in the ditch done in one direction. Finish it up. And the last one also was partly quilted and I have done more on it but not finished yet. Whoop whoop for me.
Your T-shirt quilt is great. I have bags of shirts from my 6 kids and keep thinking some day! It seems I blast through several blogs each day and never comment. Yes, the video ads are annoying and I think they mess up my computer somewhat. I learn so much from each blog even if it's just a little thing and I do so appreciate them. Some are favorites and some are just occasional visits but my day would be incomplete with out them. Thank your for your fun Whoop Whoop days and your quilt-a-longs and for just being here when we need you!
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting reading your post. I often did not comment on any blogs that I read because I thought these people don't know me. But then I realized they might want to hear how much I liked something they created. So I started commenting.i loved your little fairy garden and thought what a great way to do something with a bare spot or stump in the yard. Something cute to look at out the window. Bet it will be really nice to see in the bare winter months. I liked your tee shirt quilt too. Gave me some ideas about the quilting. I have several to make for my kids and I usually avoid quilting on the tees themselves. But yours seemed to work fine. Thanks for sharing,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the link to the Blog article. I have seen a decline in comments also. I try to reply to every comment but the "no-reply" comments seem to be more frequent.
ReplyDeleteI need to a: Write more frequent posts b:Comment more on blogs I read.
For anyone who reads the comments and doesn't comment often, to a blogger it is what keeps us writing. Just like nature, we abhor a vacuum.
When I first began following blogs, I poured over them, absorbed much, and commented frequently. Then I began following too many of them and quickly became overwhelmed with the process. My own blog has fallen to the wayside due to a busy Real Life schedule, but I have been thinking about taking it up again. Having been a writer and newspaper reported for more than 15 years, I know the time, effort and commitment it takes to write something that someone wants to read. And take pictures to go along with it. Time. For me, that's the key. How do I want to spend my precious time. It's all about finding the right balance. I've got some pondering to do, but will try to respond more to the blogs I follow. Have you had any fairies come for a visit yet?
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your blog, and I think the discussion on blogging is thought-provoking and helpful, particularly as a new blogger. Nice job on the t-shirt quilt, and the fairie garden is lovely! --Wendy (piecefulthoughts@gmail.com)
ReplyDeleteLove that little Fairy Garden!!! What a fun day that must have been :*) I read the article and commented. It is sad to think that blogs are on the decline - this community has meant so much to me, and to so many others I know. Count me in on the challenge. I've been remiss in reading as regularly as I'd like, but even worse in taking the time to comment. I'm going to do better at that - I agree that it's important!
ReplyDeleteCute Fairy garden!I, too, am making a lot of T-shirt quilts. Not my favorite, but they are for special people so that makes it easier for me. I do read a lot of blogs but rarely comment. I hope to get better at that.
ReplyDeleteYes, I too read Rachel's blog post. Blogs are a big part of my day and I enjoy them thoroughly. I have been a follower of your blog for quite some time, I admire your work tremendously, I am inspired by you, and I read every post you write. My apologies for being so poor with my comments, I will do better.
ReplyDeleteI read Rachel's post too and a good many of the comments. So much resonated. I am not on IG for (my lack of) technology reasons, but I know a lot of bloggers who have moved to that platform and I can see the appeal. I have enjoyed blogging, but it does takes time and energy that I have diverted to other things lately. I have hundreds of blogs in my Feedly reader and there is just no way I can keep up, so a couple times a week, I clear them all lest I get completely overwhelmed. But as a blogger who appreciates knowing there are readers, I can be better at commenting myself on the ones I do read. This is an interesting topic and I'm glad you blogged about it too, Sarah.
ReplyDelete