Saturday, March 17, 2007

NEIGHBORHOOD PROGRESSION

Just thought I would post a little bit about the progress of my "neighborhood". I mentioned previously that after we had each made a couple blocks, my little group decided it would be a good idea to construct the houses, then proceed with the trimming. We thought, and I agree, that it would help us achieve some balance of color, etc. So here is how my blocks look at this point. Three blocks are completed, and all the houses are constructed. The small house needs windows sewn in place, (they are glued now). Except for the small house, all are sewn to a block base. The two center, lower blocks look odd right now because they have lots of trim to be added to fill all that space. But they are all progressing! Can you see that there are two alternating background fabrics? One is the Blackbird Designs Sampler fabric, which is adorable, but I am second guessing myself and wondering if I should have used the background from their "Nell's Flower Garden" line. Decisions, decisions. Too late now, so I will be happy with this. I am excited to see this quilt moving along (because I have so many others pushing and shoving their way to the front of the line!)

Did you see the meme on Yankee Quilter's blog? It also appears on Quilting Bebbs' blog and Clare's blog. (Dordogne Quilter). Probably others, but those are the ones I have seen. It is a list of 100 books. Go to one of those blogs to see it. I have read 38 books on the list. I am interested in the comments on those that I haven't read to see which ones I should pick up. There were a few I have not heard of. Some really good books on that list! Here are a few of my all time favorites that are not on the list: From Sea to Shining Sea, by James Alexander Thom (and everything else he has written!); These is My Words, by Nancy Turner (and also Sarah's Quilt, a follow-up); Katherine by Anya Seton (I should read that one again!). Also, if you are looking for something uplifting and faith promoting with Easter coming up, try The Robe and/or The Big Fisherman, by Lloyd C. Douglas. Two very old books, but well worth reading (try the library). There are so many good books out there! I get caught up in Vince Flynn, Harlan Coban, Jeffery Deaver, Preston-Childs, and I also love Belva Plain and Maeve Binchy. Talk about variety! Never enough time to do all the things we love. But I try, I really do!

16 comments:

sewprimitive karen said...

Hi, Marcie, your Home Sweet Home blocks are just wonderful!! Loved seeing your oldest and youngest grandchildren, too. Both so pretty.

The Calico Cat said...

neat, I am liking the different lawn applications & that background is divine...

Anonymous said...

Your quilt will be gorgeous ! I'm sewing my second block. To see yours is a big encouragement !

Kairle Oaks said...

I'd like to move into your neighborhood! LOL! Your houses are lovely!
Kairle

Libby said...

The houses are looking great - having a group to encourage each other must really be nice.
So many books, so little time. I used to love to read before sleep, but now that I wear reading glasses, I just can't get comfortable - that has cut into my reading significantly.

Sue said...

Your neighborhood is looking great! Can't wait to see this one finished (I'm not rushing you...just sayin').

CONNIE W said...

The houses in your neighborhood are full of interest. What a lovely place to visit :D
I once was an avid reader but with quilting and grandmothering my time is used up so my reading habits have suffered. I rarely buy a book anymore because I know it will rest on a shelf and possibly never be read. I have to confess that I do make time to read many blogs though. Does that count? :D

Quilts And Pieces said...

WOW! Your house quilt is wonderful! I lvoe it!

Leigh said...

I really do love this quilt! :-)

Mrs. Goodneedle said...

Your neighborhood is warm and inviting, the applique accents are charming. I love the alternating backgrounds, too.

KC Quilter said...

I am so loving your neighborhood blocks!!! Makes me want to get my Home Sweet Home book out and get started!!!

Judy said...

Everything looks so wonderful Marcie!! The houses are coming along wonderfully, and it's still on my list of quilts to make one day! I like the idea of the starch over the freezer paper and also doing the houses first, then doing the decorating!!

Linda C said...

Marcie, the house blocks are so sweet. Going to make a lovely quilt.

Fiona said...

I love the warm colours on your house blocks. And talking of books, remember when you asked if I had read 'Maisie Dobbs' by Jacqueline Winspear? Well, I saw it in a second hand bookshop on Saturday - bought it, read it, loved it! Thanks for the recommendation!

Helen in the UK said...

Love the colours on these blocks and the applique details :)

Anonymous said...

The neighbourhood quilt is coming along nicely - it's so pretty.