Thursday, July 16, 2009

Playing Catch Up

While I was having fun making swap gifts over the past couple of months, many of my ongoing projects were relegated to the back burner.  Now that they’re all done and gone, I’ve been able to spend some time playing catch up.

I fell three months behind on my Tisket-A-Tasket BOM.  This past weekend, I was able to complete the wool versions of the May…

DSCN0750 June…

DSCN0752and July blocks. 

DSCN0753I still have to do the doo-dad embellishing but I’ll wait until the quilt is assembled before adding them.

I will probably start the traditional needle turn appliqué of the same three blocks in the next couple of days.

berrydividerxNot long after all my other swaps were put to bed, I joined the In The Good Ol’ Summertime Mini Quilt Swap…yeah, I know, I know…and as a result of some unseasonably cool and rainy weather over the last week, the last stitch was sewn last evening.

DSCN0756It measures about 18” x 18” and is worked in the traditional redwork style of embroidery and I hand quilted it.

DSCN0758This little guy will be going to it’s new home in France sometime between now and September 21st, the mailing deadline. 

berrydividerxComputer Problem Update:  About a week ago I downloaded an automatic Explorer 8 update prompt which caused many issues with my computer.  I performed a ‘system restore’ which clearly didn’t fix the problems I was having.  Yesterday morning I took it in to our local computer shop where the techie fixed it for me and it appears to be working like new again.  Evidently there have been a lot of problems with the Explorer update and Windows XP.  The only system it seems to be compatible with is Vista and he said even that’s not always the case.  So, exercise caution  if you happen to get this same update prompt.

The Moral of the Story: Computers are like men…you can’t live with them and you can’t live without them.  THE END

berrydividerxHappy stitching!

Kaaren ♥   

on

27 comments:

  1. LindseyJuly 16, 2009 at 7:55 AM

    What an absolute gem that mini quilt is. Wow that is one lucky French woman!

    ReplyDelete
  2. RumiJuly 16, 2009 at 8:03 AM

    Gorgeous! Love it to bits!

    ReplyDelete
  3. JulieJuly 16, 2009 at 8:25 AM

    oh kaaren...WOW! that mini quilt is simply stunning! perfect work indeed.
    hugs,
    julie xox

    ReplyDelete
  4. DoreyRJuly 16, 2009 at 8:28 AM

    Your redwork quilt is so lovely! The border and edging are a perfect compliment to the stitching. I really like this.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Abby and StephanieJuly 16, 2009 at 8:45 AM

    Wow it doesn't take you long to catch up does it? Love your wool BOMs...especially the yellow in the flower of June. Oh my goodness...your mini quilt is going to be loved by it's new French owner!!! WOW.

    ReplyDelete
  6. ranetteJuly 16, 2009 at 10:19 AM

    I wish I lived in France and was getting that red & white beauty!
    Cute bunny blocks.

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousJuly 16, 2009 at 10:24 AM

    The mini quilt that goes to France...reconsider and send to me! I will love it more...promise! Ok...I'm dreaming after a sleepless night.
    Also must comment on your wool blocks too. They are fantastic. I love that little blackbird one best!

    ReplyDelete
  8. free indeedJuly 16, 2009 at 10:28 AM

    Absolutely love the wool BOM you are doing. I've downloaded the patterns but haven't gotten around to making them. Wish I had access to wool around here....

    ReplyDelete
  9. JanetJuly 16, 2009 at 10:49 AM

    Happy results with your catch up. I love your statement about computers and men. Oh so too. I hate having to rely on either of them but to their credit, all 3 men are techies and will come to my rescue.

    ReplyDelete
  10. DarleneJuly 16, 2009 at 10:51 AM

    Oh, that mini redwork quilt is adorable - it will be loved, loved, loved!

    I've gotten behind with my Tisket blocks as well - the applique version but I am up to date on the redwork version. Need to follow your lead.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Carrie P.July 16, 2009 at 10:53 AM

    Your basket blocks are so cute.
    Love your mini quilt. I have stitched the same pattern but have not done anything with it yet. I do have plans for it.
    Glad you got your computer problems taken care of.

    ReplyDelete
  12. AnnetteJuly 16, 2009 at 11:09 AM

    Your mini quilt is stunning! Such beautiful intricate work. I am playing catch up on my baskets too. Almost done.

    ReplyDelete
  13. WendyJuly 16, 2009 at 12:46 PM

    Your redwork is just gorgeous, I love doing redwork. Way to go on playing catch up, you did well.

    ReplyDelete
  14. PatJuly 16, 2009 at 1:33 PM

    OMGosh you are too funny! Love your blocks. That wall hanging is to die for. Love it! You have been busy.

    ReplyDelete
  15. DoloresJuly 16, 2009 at 1:37 PM

    Too late. My computer is sick or dead.

    ReplyDelete
  16. CandaceJuly 16, 2009 at 3:19 PM

    Your wool blocks are adorable, Kaaren! Are you using blanket stitch on all pieces?
    And your mini quilt is gorgeous - such beautiful hand quilting!!
    I avoided Explorer 8 at all costs after loading it to my work computer - arghhhhh!! I'm even going to try re-loading Explorer 7 to see if that works!
    Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  17. dotti whiteJuly 16, 2009 at 6:43 PM

    Your work is beautiful, kaaren! Thank you so much for showing us!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Jane's Fabrics and QuiltsJuly 16, 2009 at 7:07 PM

    Oh you baskets are just darling! And you redwork is amazing, what a lucky gal who receives that beauty!!
    So my Vista Laptop, has one good thing at least!!

    ReplyDelete
  19. CathiJuly 16, 2009 at 7:13 PM

    Gorgeous fabulous redwork! That is truly beautiful!
    Sounds like that upgrade of Explorer is doing nothing but cause problems for many, many people.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Sew Useful DesignsJuly 16, 2009 at 8:23 PM

    Hi Kaaren!

    I love the wool fabrics you have chosen for your BOM... and your redwork stitchery quilt is divine, love the hand-quilting!

    I agree with you about computers... the bain of our lives that we love to bits! I'm so fortunate that my lovely man works in IT, although he's always fiddling around... so maybe it's not so fortunate?!!!

    Have a great day, Kaaren!
    Vikki xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  21. SherriJuly 17, 2009 at 2:03 AM

    Love your post title...it's the story of my life! But now that my giveaway is finished and my Christmas in July package sent...I'm breathing a little easier!

    ReplyDelete
  22. JanetJuly 17, 2009 at 4:41 AM

    Kaaren, you are going to be the queen of swaps, you put so much thought and skill into them. The redwork is just gorgeous. The wool blocks are looking very good. Love them.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Linda - Behind My Red DoorJuly 17, 2009 at 9:03 AM

    You have done quite well playing catch up! You are more disciplined than I - I spend too much time on here even when I try not too. I always enjoy seeing those BOM. And redowrk - would you believe I never heard of until I started blogging?

    LOL - yes comptuers are like men - and I don't want to live without either of mine! LOL

    Have a wonderful Friday!

    hugs, Linda

    ReplyDelete
  24. UnknownJuly 17, 2009 at 5:11 PM

    I just love your mini quilt! Great work, Kaaren.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Nanette MerrillJuly 21, 2009 at 4:53 PM

    Love those blocks of the month by Anne. Your versions are super.

    ReplyDelete
  26. DebJuly 25, 2009 at 10:51 AM

    Karen your block is just lovely that will be a wonderful treasure for the France swap partner... I have missed your posts but am catching up and don't want to miss a thing!!

    ReplyDelete
  27. BéaAugust 8, 2009 at 9:29 AM

    I am YOUR LUCKY FRENCH SWAP PARTNER ! I receive today your amazing quilt,so beautifully hand made with the little gifts you generously add.Thank you very very much, I am so happy !!!
    Big kiss from France

    ReplyDelete

I try to reply to all comments and would love to reply to yours, especially if you have a question. However, I can't unless you have your email address visible in your settings.